Search Results (134)

This study focuses on the transfer of the celebrity effect to live-stream e-commerce. It examines how the effectiveness of persuasion and the underlying mechanisms change when celebrities shift from live human appearances to AI avatars. Integrating Uncanny Valley Theory and Source Credibility Theory, and conducting a PLS-SEM analysis on 391 valid questionnaires collected from October to November 2025, reveals that, compared to live streaming by real celebrities, virtual streamers using celebrity avatars trigger significantly higher levels of perceived eeriness among consumers. This perceived eeriness systematically weakens audience evaluations of the streamer’s credibility, attractiveness, and expertise, ultimately leading to a decline in purchase intention. The findings suggest that, when the celebrity effect relies on an AI avatar, the persuasive pathway is negatively moderated by technological mediation. Among the dimensions of source credibility, trustworthiness is most directly eroded, while expertise remains the core factor driving purchase decisions. From a human-versus-avatar perspective, this study reveals the key psychological mechanisms underlying the digital migration of the celebrity effect. The results have important theoretical implications for understanding the boundaries of source credibility in digital communication and offer practical insights into the development and optimisation of AI avatar endorsement strategies in live-stream e-commerce. Full article

Cancer therapies are increasingly reliant on immunotherapeutic interventions; however, the persistent emergence of primary, adaptive, and acquired resistance severely limits durable clinical efficacy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), distinguished by their extreme structural stability and covalently closed loops, have recently been established as potent orchestrators of this immune evasion. This review systematically synthesizes current advancements detailing how circRNAs undermine anti-tumor immunity across diverse malignancies. Specifically, we delineate their critical roles in post-transcriptionally upregulating immune checkpoint molecules (e.g., PD-L1), mediating intercellular immunosuppression via exosomal transfer, and metabolically reprogramming the tumor microenvironment to drive CD8+ T-cell exhaustion and macrophage polarization. Ultimately, we conclude that translating these molecular insights into clinical practice is paramount. Beyond serving as predictive biomarkers, engineering circRNA-targeted therapies and exploiting tumor-specific circRNAs to develop novel anti-tumor vaccines represent essential, paradigm-shifting strategies to definitively overcome immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance. Full article

Proper steroid hormone synthesis is essential for maintaining fertility in female animals. Tribbles pseudokinase 1 (Trib1), a member of the Tribbles pseudokinase family, exerts its functions mainly through interacting with other molecules. Numerous studies have shown that Trib1 plays a central role in regulating cell proliferation. In mammals, the proliferation of granulosa cells (GCs) is a hallmark event in follicular development, which is essential for follicular maturation and successful ovulation. However, whether Trib1 regulates ovarian steroid hormone synthesis remains largely unexplored. In this study, we found that Trib1 is predominantly expressed in ovarian GCs. Knockdown of Trib1 in GCs significantly reduced their capacity for steroid hormone synthesis. Furthermore, Trib1 KO female mice were completely infertile, exhibiting impaired transition from primary to antral follicles, increased follicle atresia, and defective steroid hormone secretion. Ovarian RNA-Seq analysis revealed that differential expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in cholesterol metabolism and steroid biosynthesis pathways following Trib1 deletion. Notably, FOSL2, a transcription factor that potentially bound to the promoters of the pivotal steroidogenic genes Star and Cyp11a1, was significantly down-regulated in Trib1 KO mice. Crucially, overexpression of FOSL2 in Trib1-deficient GCs restored Star and Cyp11a1 expression and significantly rescued the ability of steroid hormone synthesis in GCs. Our findings unveil a novel Trib1 gene governing steroidogenesis in GCs and is essential for fertility in female mice, providing profound insights into the female reproductive endocrinology and potential therapeutic targets. Full article

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the active metabolite of artemisinin derivatives, is a clinically established antimalarial agent that has recently gained significant attention for its anticancer properties. This review systematically examines the molecular mechanisms underlying DHA’s antitumor effects and explores innovative strategies to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. DHA demonstrates substantial potential in combination therapies with conventional clinical agents, with its broad anticancer applications being strongly supported by both preclinical and clinical evidence. Furthermore, this article outlines future research directions, discusses challenges in clinical translation, and summarizes current scientific approaches addressing these limitations. Collectively, this review highlights DHA’s promising role in cancer treatment and provides a foundation for developing improved therapeutic strategies. Full article

Microbial communities are the fundamental determinants of Nongxiang Daqu quality. In this study, we systematically investigated the assembly and succession mechanisms of microbial communities during Nongxiang Daqu fermentation. Our findings reveal that this ecological succession is primarily driven by deterministic processes, encompassing dynamic environmental variables and interspecific microbial interactions. Significant stage-specific temporal variations in the community structure were observed, and biomarkers identified via a random forest model further corroborated these dynamic successional patterns. Both the neutral community model and Modified Stochasticity Ratio (MST) tests demonstrated that community assembly is dominated by deterministic processes, the influence of which intensifies as fermentation progresses. Notably, the fungal community exhibited a more pronounced response to these deterministic environmental selections than the bacterial community. Furthermore, co-occurrence network analysis, Mantel tests, and redundancy analysis (RDA) collectively illustrated that microbial interactions and environmental factors—specifically temperature, humidity, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acidity—synergistically regulate this succession. Crucially, the rates of change in these environmental parameters directly dictated the pace of microbial turnover. Among these, oxygen and acidity had the greatest influence: oxygen accounted for 17.32% and 29.05% of the effects on fungi and bacteria, respectively, while acidity accounted for 16.77% and 25.23%, respectively. Time-series forecasting indicated that community structural assembly and stabilization predominantly conclude within the initial 30 days of fermentation. Ultimately, this study uncovers the ecological driving forces shaping the Nongxiang Daqu microbiome, providing a vital theoretical foundation for the targeted regulation of Daqu microecology and the enhancement of product quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ulcerative colitis (UC) involves inflammatory response, oxidative stress, changes in metabolites, and the gut microbiota. Jingangteng capsule (JGTC) has been utilized clinically for the treatment of inflammatory diseases for many years. However, the efficacy of JGTC in ameliorating UC remains unclear, and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. This study aims to investigate the effect and mechanism of JGTC on UC. Methods: The chemical compositions of JGTC were examined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-fight mass spectrometry. The anti-UC effect of JGTC was evaluated by assessing the disease activity index (DAI), colon length, intestinal barrier recovery, and inflammatory factors in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model. Mechanisms were investigated through fecal 16S rDNA sequencing, metabolomics analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, and network pharmacology analysis. Results: JGTC significantly reduced the DAI scores in UC mice, increased their body weight and colon length (p < 0.001), repairing damaged intestinal tissue. It decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and LPS (p < 0.01, p < 0.001), alleviating intestinal inflammation. It also raised the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1, Claudin-1, and Occludin (p < 0.05, p < 0.001), thereby enhancing intestinal barrier function. Fecal metabolomic analysis revealed that the favorable alterations in amino acid and lipid metabolites were more pronounced. Heat maps showed strong correlations between pharmacological indicators and gut microbiota, as well as between the main differential metabolites and gut microbial communities. UPLC-QTOF-MS detection yielded 33 components of JGTC, and network pharmacology analysis based on these components predicted pathways of action of JGTC in UC. Functional pathways closely associated with significantly differential metabolites and metabolic pathways were also investigated. The PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway was one of them, which is consistent with the conclusions drawn from network pharmacology. JGTC significantly modulated key factors in this pathway, inhibiting the expression of PI3K, Akt, PDK1, and mTOR, while augmenting the expression of PTEN (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001). It also mitigated the levels of related oxidative stress factors MDA, MPO, and D-LA, and raised SOD levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Conclusions: JGTC improved the excessive inflammatory response in UC by regulating intestinal flora and metabolic disorders, affecting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, restoring intestinal tissue damage and intestinal barrier, and inhibiting inflammatory and oxidative stress factors. Full article

Adopting a parent-firm perspective, this study investigates how digital transformation and its synergy with the specific advantages of emerging market multinational enterprises affect the performance of overseas subsidiaries. Using panel data from 448 Chinese listed manufacturing multinationals and their 1179 overseas subsidiaries over the period 2011–2021, regression analyses reveal that parent-firm digital transformation significantly enhances overseas subsidiary performance. Moreover, this positive effect is more pronounced when the parent firm exhibits a stronger Institutional void coping capability. The moderating analysis further indicates that the firm’s internal business group network strengthens this relationship, whereas parent-firm host-country experience does not show a significant moderating role. By examining how market multinational enterprises integrate home-country-specific advantages with digital capabilities, and by analyzing the contingent roles of organizational capabilities and host-country experience, this research extends the theoretical framework of multinational enterprises’ competitive advantage in the digital era. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for emerging market firms to enhance overseas operational efficiency and strengthen sustainable global competitiveness through digital transformation. Full article

The overuse of chemical insecticides highlights the urgent need for novel vector control strategies. Insect-specific viruses (ISVs), such as the cell-fusing agent virus (CFAV), have shown potential to block arbovirus transmission by inhibiting viral replication in mosquitoes. However, the effects of CFAV beyond its natural host, Aedes aegypti, remain largely unexplored. In this study, we established a CFAV infection model in Aedes albopictus, a major vector for Zika virus (ZIKV), via intrathoracic injection. Stable infection was achieved, with viral loads reaching up to 10⁷ copies per mosquito by day 10 post-injection. Nevertheless, high post-injection mortality (median survival: 3 days) was observed, which we attribute primarily to mechanical injury. No evidence of vertical transmission of CFAV was detected in Ae. albopictus. Co-injection of CFAV and ZIKV did not significantly affect ZIKV replication in this species. In contrast, in Ae. aegypti pre-infected with CFAV followed by oral ZIKV challenge, CFAV significantly reduced ZIKV infection rates in the ovaries at day 4 and viral loads in salivary glands at day 10. These findings demonstrate that while CFAV can productively infect Ae. albopictus, it does not undergo vertical transmission in this species, and has no inhibitory effect on ZIKV under the co-infection conditions tested. This study underscores challenges associated with using single ISVs such as CFAV for arbovirus control and highlights the complex, bidirectional role of multiple ISV co-infections. While exploring multi-ISV combinations may offer a potential strategy to enhance antiviral efficacy, their net effect—whether suppression or enhancement of arboviruses—warrants careful investigation. Full article

Large DNA fragment deletion (LDFD) provides a powerful means to reconfigure plant genomes at the kilobase to megabase scale, enabling the dissection of genome function, elucidation of non-coding regulatory elements, modulation of gene dosage, reorganization of chromosomal architecture, and implementation of synthetic biology designs. In this review, we systematically compare the mechanisms, efficiencies, advantages, and limitations of the major LDFD technologies that have been applied in plants, including ZFNs, TALENs, CRISPR/Cas systems (Cas9, Cas12a, Cas3), site-specific recombinases, transposon-based systems, and prime editing-derived strategies. We highlight how plant-specific features of chromatin organization and DNA repair constrain large deletions, and discuss the current bottlenecks in achieving efficient, precise, and predictable LDFD across diverse crop genomes. Finally, we outline future directions for plant LDFD, emphasizing AI-assisted design of nucleases and recombinases, protein-directed evolution, and improved DNA- and RNP-based delivery systems. Together, these advances are expected to transform LDFD from a specialized tool into a broadly accessible platform for functional genomics, trait engineering and rational genome design in plants. Full article

The spatial heterogeneity of leaf traits within canopies is an important source of uncertainty in leaf parameter estimation from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery, especially in structurally complex orchards. In this study, we combined three-dimensional (3D) radiative transfer simulations with field measurements from litchi orchards to quantify bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) uncertainty under four leaf trait distribution patterns within the canopy. Whole-canopy leaf traits were represented using: (1) a homogeneous canopy (HC), (2) vertically divided canopy (VDC), (3) horizontally divided canopy (HDC), and (4) a canopy divided into nine sections (CD9s). Among the simplified schemes, HDC produced BRF values most consistent with the CD9s configuration, while the largest deviation between CD9s and HC was observed at 570 nm with a maximum BRF normalized difference of 65.29%. Relative contribution rate analysis based on the symmetric relative difference (SRD, %) showed that leaf trait distribution pattern dominated the variability of several VIs, including NDVI, NDRE, CCI, SIPI, LICI, and PVI. Meanwhile, other VIs (e.g., NIRv, SAVI, OSAVI and EVI) were more strongly influenced by illumination–viewing geometry. Using multiangle UAV multispectral data improved the estimation of proxy leaf chlorophyll content (LCC, max R²cv = 0.52), while nadir-only data yielded the best results for leaf nitrogen mass-based content (LNC, max R²cv = 0.41). These results emphasize that reliable UAV-based leaf trait retrieval is closely related to leaf trait distribution pattern within the canopy and its interaction with other factors (e.g., illumination–viewing geometry). Full article

Selenium (Se) is a trace element that is essential for the human body and has dual significant biological effects. The boundary between its ‘beneficial dosage’ and ‘toxic level’ is extremely narrow. Se is prone to accumulate in the body. Even if the concentration in drinking water is very low but consistently exceeds the limit, it may cause long-term health problems and pose risks and hazards to humans. Therefore, the detection of selenium is of great importance. The distribution and pollution of Se in water, the impact of Se on health and the limit requirements for Se in drinking water are introduced. The development of Se detection techniques is presented, including atomic spectrometry, spectrofluorometry, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, voltammetry, among others. Different analytical methods for selenium have their own characteristics and different applicability. It is necessary to establish a safety monitoring mechanism that primarily relies on laboratory-based instrumental analysis, supplemented by on-site rapid screening methods, to provide effective technical support for environmental Se analysis. Full article

Background: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is prevalent in individuals with liver disease; however, it lacks effective therapeutic approaches. Smilax china L., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, possesses excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. This research aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of Smilax china L. extract (SCE) on MAFLD and to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms. Methods: A rat model of MAFLD was induced through a high-fat diet (HFD), and the model rats subsequently received SCE as a therapeutic intervention for six weeks. The analysis involved 16S rDNA sequencing, untargeted fecal metabolomics, and targeted bile acid metabolomics to investigate the effects of SCE on the gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism. Results: Hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation were significantly alleviated by the SCE treatment. SCE treatment modulated the gut microbiota disorder, by enhancing the relative abundance of the beneficial gut microbiota, including Clostridium, Oscillospira, and Romboutsia. Untargeted fecal metabolomics revealed a significant enrichment of the metabolites in secondary bile acid biosynthesis. Targeted bile acid metabolomics revealed that SCE reversed the abnormal fecal bile acid metabolic profile, such as HDCA, LCA, and T-β-MCA. These changes activated FXR and PPARα receptors to improve the lipid metabolism by regulating bile acid synthesis. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that SCE alleviates MAFLD through regulation of the gut microbiota, bile acid metabolism, and activation of the FXR/PPARα pathway, illustrating the mechanism of action of SCE in MAFLD from a novel perspective, and further highlights its therapeutic potential. Full article

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. The herbal composition SLC contains Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Dan shen), Ligusticum wallichii Franch. (Chuan xiong), and Carthamus tinctorius L. (Hong hua), three herbs that have demonstrated antitumor properties. This study aims to investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanisms of SLC against HER2-positive breast cancer. UPLC-Q/TOF-MS identified 113 compounds in SLC. SLC inhibited the proliferation, migration, and mitochondrial function of HER2-positive cells by reducing glucose uptake, ATP production, and oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Furthermore, SLC downregulated the levels of p-HER2/HER2, p-AKT/AKT, and p-ERK/ERK by Western blot, thereby inhibiting the HER2 signaling pathway. Mechanistically, SLC decreased the protein expression of PDK1 and inhibited the phosphorylation of PDHA1 (Ser293), and also inhibited mitochondrial-related proteins in SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM signaling axes. Additionally, through the overexpression of PDK1, SLC repressed PDK1, downregulated PDHA1, and induced apoptosis. In vivo xenograft model studies demonstrated that SLC inhibited tumor growth. Molecular docking highlighted Monomethyl lithospermate as a key active component. Overall, SLC influences oxidative phosphorylation via the PDK1/PDHA1 and SIRT1/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM signaling pathways and downregulates the HER2 pathway, thereby ultimately inhibiting HER2-positive breast cancer progression. Full article

Currently, fifth-generation (5G) communication has emerged as the most promising candidate for next-generation railway-dedicated communication systems. Condition monitoring of 5G networks is critical for ensuring the continuity and reliability of train–ground communications. In this paper, a real-time monitoring technology is proposed, which is based on generalized channel characteristics extracted from received Demodulation Reference Signals (DM-RSs). Furthermore, a corresponding monitoring system has been developed based on the Radio Frequency System on Chip (RFSoC). Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed condition monitoring system exhibits excellent performance: it can accurately measure key network metrics (including field strength, multipath components, and frequency offset) and enable real-time monitoring of the operational condition of 5G radio access networks (RAN) and on-board terminals. Future work will focus on integrating the monitoring system into on-board terminals. Full article

Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida), a zoonotic bacterium, is one of the most common respiratory pathogens in animal husbandry and causes many public health problems. Infection by P. multocida can cause hemorrhagic pneumonia and induce pulmonary and even vascular inflammatory injury. Baicalin has protective and/or therapeutic effects in a variety of lung diseases. However, whether it also protects against vascular inflammatory injury caused by P. multocida infection in vivo remains to be investigated. The present study used mice infected with P. multocida as a model to explore the alleviation of pulmonary and vascular inflammatory injury by baicalin. Baicalin significantly reduced weight loss, improved the pathological changes of lung and blood vessels, and reduced the expression of the inflammation-related proteins NLRP3, COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-18 in lung and blood vessel tissues. The signal inhibition of NLRP3 and COX-2 may be a key therapeutic pathway to treat P. multocida-induced pulmonary and vascular inflammatory injury. These findings suggest that baicalin inhibits the activation of inflammation to protect pulmonary and vascular injury in vivo. Hence, baicalin exhibits therapeutic potential in the treatment of pulmonary and vascular injury. Full article