Prospective Research Research Articles

Epigenetic Regulation in Myocardial Fibroblasts and Its Impact on Cardiovascular Diseases

Myocardial fibroblasts play a crucial role in heart structure and function. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the epigenetic regulation of myocardial fibroblasts, which is essential for cardiac development, homeostasis, and disease progression. In healthy hearts, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) play a crucial role in synthesizing the extracellular matrix (ECM) when in a dormant state. However, under pathological and environmental stress, CFs transform into activated fibroblasts known as myofibroblasts. These myofibroblasts produce an excess of ECM, which promotes cardiac fibrosis. Although multiple molecular mechanisms are associated with CF activation and myocardial dysfunction, emerging evidence highlights the significant involvement of epigenetic regulation in this process. Epigenetics refers to the heritable changes in gene expression that occur without altering the DNA sequence. These mechanisms have emerged as key regulators of myocardial fibroblast function. This review focuses on recent advancements in the understanding of the role of epigenetic regulation and emphasizes the impact of epigenetic modifications on CF activation. Furthermore, we present perspectives and prospects for future research on epigenetic modifications and their implications for myocardial fibroblasts.

A Distributed Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring Method Using Karhunen–Loeve Feature Extraction and an Improved Deep Dictionary

In recent years, the non-invasive load monitoring (NILM) method based on sparse coding has shown promising research prospects. This type of method learns a sparse dictionary for each monitoring target device, and it expresses load decomposition as a problem of signal reconstruction using dictionaries and sparse vectors. The existing NILM methods based on sparse coding have problems such as inability to be applied to multi-state and time-varying devices, single-load characteristics, and poor recognition ability for similar devices in distributed manners. Using the analysis above, this paper focuses on devices with similar features in households and proposes a distributed non-invasive load monitoring method using Karhunen–Loeve (KL) feature extraction and an improved deep dictionary. Firstly, Karhunen–Loeve expansion (KLE) is used to perform subspace expansion on the power waveform of the target device, and a new load feature is extracted by combining singular value decomposition (SVD) dimensionality reduction. Afterwards, the states of all the target devices are modeled as super states, and an improved deep dictionary based on the distance separability measure function (DSM-DDL) is learned for each super state. Among them, the state transition probability matrix and observation probability matrix in the hidden Markov model (HMM) are introduced as the basis for selecting the dictionary order during load decomposition. The KL feature matrix of power observation values and improved depth dictionary are used to discriminate the current super state based on the minimum reconstruction error criterion. The test results based on the UK-DALE dataset show that the KL feature matrix can effectively reduce the load similarity of devices. Combined with DSM-DDL, KL has a certain information acquisition ability and acceptable computational complexity, which can effectively improve the load decomposition accuracy of similar devices, quickly and accurately estimating the working status and power demand of household appliances.

Combining Photodynamic Therapy and Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Enhancing Mitochondrial Toxicity for Improved Cancer Outcomes

Cancer treatment continues to be a substantial problem due to tumor complexities and persistence, demanding novel therapeutic techniques. This review investigates the synergistic potential of combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and tailored medication delivery technologies to increase mitochondrial toxicity and improve cancer outcomes. PDT induces selective cellular damage and death by activating photosensitizers (PS) with certain wavelengths of light. However, PDT’s efficacy can be hampered by issues such as poor light penetration and a lack of selectivity. To overcome these challenges, targeted drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising technique for precisely delivering therapeutic medicines to tumor cells while avoiding off-target effects. We investigate how these technologies can improve mitochondrial targeting and damage, which is critical for causing cancer cell death. The combination method seeks to capitalize on the advantages of both modalities: selective PDT activation and specific targeted drug delivery. We review current preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of this combination therapy, focusing on case studies and experimental models. This review also addresses issues such as safety, distribution efficiency, resistance mechanisms, and costs. The prospects of further research include advances in photodynamic agents and medication delivery technology, with a focus on personalized treatment. In conclusion, combining PDT with targeted drug delivery systems provides a promising frontier in cancer therapy, with the ability to overcome current treatment limits and open the way for more effective, personalized cancer treatments.

Research Progress on Electrical Properties of Self-sensing Concrete

In order to effectively avoid the different degrees of impact and damage to the existing buildings and structures, it is particularly important to strengthen the health detection of such structures and facilities, which is also an important research field in the development of green building discipline. Smart concrete is both structural and functional, and has the potential of self-monitoring of concrete structures. This paper reviews the basic concepts of self-sensing concrete, including the research progress of self-sensing concrete materials, and summarizes the classification of different conductive phase materials and their conductive properties. Secondly, the basic mechanical properties and electrical properties of self-sensing concrete are discussed. The factors affecting the perceptual performance of self-sensing concrete considered by different scholars are summarized. It is concluded that few scholars have studied the mechano-electric interaction evaluation mechanism that takes the electrical parameters into account the stress, strain, crack or damage of concrete, and evaluates mechanical properties and crack propagation length through the change of electrical signals. Finally, the importance of self-sensing performance of intelligent concrete is emphasized, and the prospect of future research is put forward.

Progress in Seismic Isolation Technology Research in Soft Soil Sites: A Review

Soft soil sites can amplify the peak acceleration by a factor of 1.5 to 3.5 and exhibit the filtering effect on seismic waves. This effect results in the attenuation of high frequencies, amplification of low frequencies, and extension of the predominant period of ground motion. Consequently, soft soil sites have a more pronounced impact on isolation buildings constructed on them. The seismic isolation structure design typically involves assuming rigid foundation for calculations. However, the soil properties can significantly impact the dynamic response of the structure, affecting factors such as input ground motion, changes in vibration characteristics, radiation energy dissipation, and material damping energy dissipation. Therefore, neglecting these influences and relying solely on the rigid foundation assumption for calculations can lead to significant errors in the final seismic response analysis of the structure. Currently, there are numerous LNG storage tanks, museums, and other isolation buildings constructed on soft soil sites. Therefore, research on seismic isolation measures for soft soil sites holds significant practical importance. In light of this, this paper, firstly, provides a systematic summary of seismic isolation strategies and engineering applications for soft soil sites. Secondly, it further discusses advancements in research on the dynamic interactions of soil–isolated structures, covering analytical methods, numerical investigations, and experimental studies on soft soil sites. Lastly, the paper concludes with insights on current research progress and prospects for further studies.

Current research status and prospects for clinical application of robotics in spinal surgery

With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the increasing integration of medical engineering, robot-assisted (RA) technology in spinal surgery has made significant strides, with its clinical application range continuously expanding. This article provides a comprehensive review of relevant literature on spinal surgery robots over the past decade, summarizing recent advancements in screw placement techniques such as cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pedicle screws; cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screws; cervical lateral mass screws; and S2 sacroiliac (S2AI) screws. It also discusses RA-guided targeted puncture and endoscope placement through intervertebral foramen as well as decompressive laminectomy procedures. Furthermore, this article systematically analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of RA technology while elucidating its accuracy, safety, and practicality. We believe that this article will help clinicians to gain a deeper understanding of the current clinical application status of spinal surgery robots while promoting further enhancements and wider adoption of RA technology to ultimately benefit more patients.

Numerical Simulation on Lubrication and Experiment Study on Tribology Improvement of Slipper Pair at Low Speeds

A mixed lubrication model for the slipper pair of an electric piston pump is proposed to solve problems such as inadequate lubrication, extreme friction, and wear at near-zero and low speeds. The lubrication characteristics of the slipper pair were numerically calculated and simulated, and the frictional characteristics in the low-speed range were analyzed. A self-lubricating and antiwear slipper pair was developed to mitigate severe friction and wear at near-zero and low speeds. To improve the tribological properties of slippers, various concentrations of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) powder mixed with epoxy resin (EP) were used as self-lubricating materials. The content of MoS2 ranged from 1 and 20 wt%. The optimal content of MoS2 was obtained by conducting frictional tests on the slipper pair samples as well as material examination and analysis of the slipper sample surfaces before and after the surface characterization tests. The lubrication mechanisms of the self-lubricating and antiwear slippers were determined. The EP/MoS2 composite lubricating materials exhibited excellent self-lubricating and antiwear properties, providing a new direction for the optimized design of slipper pairs and other important friction pairs in piston pumps and promising research prospects.

Potential Role of Benzoic Acid and its Synthetic Derivatives to Alleviate Cancer: An Up-to-Date Review.

Unregulated cell division is one of the main causes of cancer. These cancerous cells negatively impact nearby healthy cells. Cancer can occur anywhere in the body. Normal cell division occurs when cells grow, reproduce, and divide as the body needs. As a normal cascade of cell growth and division, when the cells get damaged, they undergo death, and normal cells develop. However, sometimes, this process is not followed, and abnormal or damaged cells start to grow and multiply several times more than normal. This particular process may form the basis of cancer. There is a research gap in terms of identifying personalized synthetic anticancer therapy, which may be based on individual patient characteristics with an aim to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize adverse effects. While searching for new bioactive compounds, it has been observed that organic molecules with benzoic acid (BA) moiety possess significant anticancer potential. Several works of literature reported the use of BA from natural or synthetic sources to synthesize bioactive chemicals. It has been observed that several natural products also contain BA moiety, and the presence of this moiety is considered responsible for several important biological activities. Therefore, in order to chemically synthesize a wide variety of potent biologically active compounds, benzoic acid as a basic moiety in the form of a scaffold can be employed. Other synthetic compounds with BA scaffolds include furosemide, tetracaine, and bumetanide. The current article aims to focus on past and present work done on BA derivatives and to emphasize the molecular pathways involved in cancer treatment. The future prospects for research in this area are encouraging as researchers are striving to advance synthetic BA derivatives. This could possibly contribute to more efficient treatments and better results for cancer patients.

Modern ideas about the predictions of postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage is currently a pressing problem. Its increasing incidence over time is observed not only in developing countries but also in countries with high levels of income and resources that significantly contribute to the development and functioning of the health system, which is the cause of scientific debate worldwide. The risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage include low hemoglobin level before birth, older maternal age, first birth, prolonged duration of the first and second stages of labor, high birth weight of the newborn, abnormal placentation, surgical vaginal birth, cesarean section, episiotomy, and placental defects. This review outlines the main risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage, displays new data on the relationship between types of assisted reproductive technologies and postpartum hemorrhage, and discusses prospects for research regarding the problem. A link between assisted reproductive technologies and postpartum hemorrhage elucidates the increase in the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage in developed countries. It is crucial to further research on obstetric risks following the use of assisted reproductive technologies and identify additional risk categories for complications to provide quality medical care and reduce maternal and perinatal losses.

Advances in Metabolic Engineering for the Accumulation of Astaxanthin Biosynthesis.

Astaxanthin, a lipophilic carotenoid renowned for itsstrong antioxidant activity, holds significant commercial value across industries such as feed, food, and cosmetics. Although astaxanthin can be synthesized through chemical methods, it may contain toxic by-products in the synthesized astaxanthin, limiting its application inmedicine or functional food. Natural astaxanthin can be extracted from algae, however, the cultivation cycle of algae is relatively longercompared to microorganisms. With the advancement of synthetic biology and metabolic engineering, the method of microbial fermentation has emerged asa promising strategy for the large-scale production of astaxanthin. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the research progress in astaxanthin biosynthesis, highlighting the use ofthe natural host Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, andthe heterologous hosts Yarrowia lipolytica and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Additionally, future research prospects are also discussed.

Method of Maximizing F-Synergistic Value in IT Development Projects for Self-Managed Organizations

The article is devoted to the formulation of the method of maximizing the F-synergistic value of IT development projects of a project-oriented organization, which was developed within the syncretic methodology of project management. The application of the proposed method is considered in the field of IT development projects of organizations involved in infrastructure restoration projects of Ukraine. The directions of scientific research in the field of value-oriented project management are analyzed. The previously unsolved part of the scientific problem is highlighted. Objects of value analysis in a project-oriented organization carrying out IT development were identified, among which stellarator projects were highlighted. A model for determining the value of a separate component of the system is presented. The concept of F-synergistic value is defined. Such a value is proposed to be calculated through the aggregate value of three clusters that create synergistic effects both within themselves (first-order value) and among themselves (second-order value). The clusters included: "IT + people" cluster, "projects + operational activity" cluster, "methodology + environment" cluster. Models for determining the value of a separate cluster and the aggregate F-synergistic value are proposed. Variations in the selection of weighting factors for evaluating value criteria are considered. Within the syncretic methodology, a method of maximizing the F-synergistic value of IT development of a project-oriented company is proposed. The model of 27 scenarios of the dynamics of the change of the multipliers of synergy of three clusters is presented. In the corresponding tables for each scenario, a hypothesis is put forward regarding the reasons for such dynamics for each scenario, as well as a model of further IT development of a project-oriented company in response to such reasons. According to the results of the development of the method of maximizing the F-synergistic value of IT development projects of a project-oriented organization guided by syncretic methodology, directions for improving the activities of such organizations were determined. An extended SWOT analysis of the proposed method was conducted. Conclusions based on the research are formulated, prospects for further research in the chosen direction are outlined.

Transformation of Methods of Art Objects Using in Interior Design

The aim of the article is to identify and systematise the methods of using art objects in interior design, to analyse their transformation (from traditional to modern methods) with a focus on various aspects of the relationship between the spatial environment and fine art objects. Results. The research has shown that the transformation of the methods of using art objects (from traditional to modern innovative ones) provides endless opportunities for new methods and technologies of interior design with the use of art objects, which creates a harmonious object-spatial environment taking into account modern design trends. The analysis of art objects and the object-spatial environment revealed their interconnection in the following aspects: functional purpose, location conditions, types of fine art, spatial perception, reflection of the interior theme, integration with technology, and compliance with the principles and goals of sustainable development. The scientific novelty lies in the study, systematisation and analysis of the transformation of methods (from traditional to modern) of using art objects in interior design. Conclusions. The use of art objects in the interior is a complex multifunctional process that reflects a modern approach to the use of art works in the object-spatial environment to achieve a high artistic level in interior design. It has been found that art objects in the interior perform various functions, have certain visual forms of embodiment and create a harmonious aesthetic and meaningful space for living and working. In view of the development of the scientific and technological revolution, we see the prospects for further research in the analysis, systematisation and identification of modern methods transformation, including the identification of new aspects of the relationship between art objects and the subject-spatial environment based on the transformation of methods of using art works.

Research Status and Prospect of Rheology of Waxy Crude Oil

Research Status and Prospect of Rheology of Waxy Crude Oil

Robust Natural Light-Absorbable and -Degradable AIE Photosensitizers for Fluorescence Labeling and Efficient Photodynamic Eradication of Algal Pollutants.

Current water pollution caused by the excessive proliferation of harmful algae urges green methods that can efficiently utilize natural light to treat algal pollution. Herein, a series of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizers that can efficiently harness sunshine were synthesized for the environmentally friendly and biocompatible treatment of algal pollution. By tuning the number of thiophene units and the electron conjugation degree, the photosensitizers' absorptions were broadened to cover the whole visible light range. The positive charges guided photosensitizers to aggregate on algal cell surfaces, resulting in a turn-on fluorescence signal and robust reactive oxygen species generation under sunshine, thereby achieving fluorescence labeling and photodynamic eradication of algae. The eradication outcomes demonstrated that the AIE photosensitizers significantly outperformed the commercial algaecide ALG. At 20 ppm photosensitizers, 90.4% and 94.2% killing rates were achieved for C. reinhardtii and C. vulgaris, respectively, 2.8- and 3.6-fold higher than those from the same concentration of ALG. Excellent performances in inhibiting algae growth were also verified with efficiency superior to that of ALG. Importantly, the photosensitizers can self-degrade into biocompatible fragments under irradiation to avoid secondary pollution. The developed photosensitizers that possess sunshine convertibility and degradability provide an efficient tool for algal treatment, showing broad research and application prospects.

Temporality and delayed models as dynamic characteristics of happiness

The subject of the study is the dynamic characteristics of happiness. The theoretical aspects of highlighting the context of temporality in happiness research are highlighted. The importance of time perspective for understanding happiness as a sociocultural phenomenon, as well as subjective well-being, is considered. The characteristics of delayed models of happiness are highlighted, influencing the perception of current life as an approach to a happier future. The empirical basis of the study is the results of a sociological study of Russian residents aged 18-60 years (n=1170) using an online survey conducted in September 2024 in capital cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg), the regional center (Ekaterinburg) and cities of the Sverdlovsk region. The novelty of the study lies in the identification and comparison of subjective assessments of happiness in a time perspective, past – present – future, which made it possible to identify an inclined trajectory of assessment of subjective well-being. The assessment of life satisfaction as a whole is shown to shift to lower levels in comparison with the assessment of current happiness. A contradiction has been revealed between the expectation of a better future and the uncertainty in its implementation. The use of a generational approach made it possible to fix temporality in the context of the influence of age and life experience on the perception of happiness, generational inequality of happiness and the convergence of assessments of chronic and current happiness with increasing age. Prospects for research on the topic are identified related to the insufficiency of quantitative measurement of the dynamic characteristics of happiness and the possibilities of identifying narratives in describing the temporality of the life experience of happiness, including its deferred models.

Current status and prospects of research on main diseases of rubber trees

Current status and prospects of research on main diseases of rubber trees

Pharmacological Action and Research Progress of Taraxasterol.

Primarily sourced from Asteraceae family herbs such as the Dandelion, Taraxasterol is a pentacyclic triterpenoid lauded for its extensive biological functionalities. Its therapeutic potency is demonstrated in various disease models, encompassing enteritis, arthritis, acute hepatic injury, and pneumonia. Scientific literature underscores its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antineoplastic attributes. The primary aim of this study is to thoroughly explore the diseasemodulating mechanisms and effects of taraxasterol. We endeavor to provide an exhaustive review of the experimental subjects, intervention components, distinct action modalities, contributing factors, and protein pathway expressions associated with taraxasterol, systematically represented via diagrams and tables. Such a schematic representation encourages a continued academic dialogue concerning taraxasterol's pharmacological characteristics. This review is envisioned as a practical guide for the selection of experimental subjects and methodologies in prospective research. It is intended to further illuminate taraxasterol's pharmacodynamics, thereby offering theoretical and empirical justification for its clinical application.

Functions and mechanisms of non-histone protein acetylation in plants.

Lysine acetylation, an evolutionarily conserved post-translational protein modification, is reversibly catalyzed by lysine acetyltransferases and lysine deacetylases. Lysine acetylation, which was first discovered on histones, mainly functions to configure the structure of chromatin and regulate gene transcriptional activity. Over the past decade, with advances in high-resolution mass spectrometry, a vast and growing number of non-histone proteins modified by acetylation in various plant species have been identified. Lysine acetylation of non-histone proteins is widely involved in regulating biological processes in plants such as photosynthesis, energy metabolism, hormone signal transduction and stress responses. Moreover, in plants, lysine acetylation plays crucial roles in regulating enzyme activity, protein stability, protein interaction and subcellular localization. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of the biological functions and mechanisms of non-histone protein acetylation in plants. Research prospects in this field are also noted.

The analysis of credit governance in the digital economy development under artificial neural networks

This paper aims to provide new avenues for innovation in credit governance in the digital economy to provide more reliable credit evaluation solutions for financial, commercial, and social interactions. This paper integrates the potential value of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in credit governance and proposes a credit governance method that utilizes IoT data and an improved Long Short-Term Memory model. The proposed model introduces an adaptive mechanism to monitor changes in data in real-time and automatically adjust network parameters to improve the model performance. Experimental validation is conducted on the University of California Irvine dataset. It is found that the proposed model performs well in terms of accuracy, F1 value, and Area Under the Curve value, with values of 0.9, 0.91, and 0.94, respectively. This indicates that the proposed model has higher classification accuracy and performance in classification tasks while maintaining efficient training time. This indicates that the presented method has potential application prospects in credit governance research.

Improvement of the system for creating intellectual property objects

The aim of this article is to identify the institutional and economic-psychological factors that affect the effectiveness of protecting intellectual property rights, with the goal of improving the efficiency of innovation in priority areas of scientific and technological development. In this study, we used methods of analysis, systematization, and classification to extract relevant information related to the efficiency of innovative activity from regulatory and academic sources. We also analyzed patent data for five years to track the dynamics of application filings and patent reviews. Additionally, we applied methods of functional analysis to labor functions in training future patent and economic engineers. Finally, we employed the methodology of expert evaluation to assess the rating of indicators for innovative performance. Based on a comprehensive analysis of normative and scientific approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of innovative activities, the main directions and ways to improve it have been identified, and prospects for future research have been outlined. The paper also discusses the activities of faculty and researchers, as well as the potential for further research in this area