Successful Establishment Research Articles

Peruvian origin and global invasions of five continents by the highly damaging agricultural pest Liriomyza huidobrensis (Diptera: Agromyzidae).

Identification of the geographic origin of invasive species can be critical to effective management and amelioration of negative impacts in the introduced range. Liriomyza huidobrensis is a polyphagous leafmining fly that is a devastating pest of many vegetable and floriculture crops around the world. Considered native to South and possibly Central America, L. huidobrensis became invasive in the 1980s and has since spread to at least 30 countries on five continents. We used phylogeographic analysis of over 2 kb of mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I and II sequence data from 403 field-collected specimens from both native and introduced populations to investigate the geographic origins of invasive L. huidobrensis worldwide. Within South America, there was substantial genetic variation, as well as the strong phylogeographic structure typical of a native range. In contrast, leafminers from the introduced range and Central America all contained little genetic variation and shared the same small set of haplotypes. These haplotypes trace to Peru as the ultimate geographic origin of invasive populations. Central America is rejected as part of the original geographic range of L. huidobrensis. Within Peru, the primary export region of Lima shared an extremely similar pattern of reduced haplotype variation to the invasive populations. An additional 18 specimens collected at US ports of entry did not share the same haplotype profile as contemporary invasive populations, raising perplexing questions on global pathways and establishment success in this species.

The ecology of giant kelp colonization and its implications for kelp forest restoration.

The success and cost-effectiveness of kelp forest restoration hinges on understanding the colonization ecology of kelps, particularly with respect to dispersal potential, recruitment success, and subsequent establishment. To gain needed insight into these processes we examined spatial patterns and temporal trajectories of the colonization of a large artificial reef by the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera. The 151 ha artificial reef complex was constructed in three phases over 21 years, enabling dispersal, recruitment, and subsequent establishment to be examined for a wide range of environmental conditions, dispersal distances, and source population sizes. Natural colonization of all phases of the artificial reef by giant kelp was rapid (within 1 year) and extended across the entire 7-km-long reef complex. Colonization density declined with distance from the nearest source population, but only during the first phase when the distance from the nearest source population was ≤3.5 km. Despite this decline, recruitment on artificial reef modules farthest from the source population was sufficient to produce dense stands of kelp within a couple of years. Experimental outplanting of the artificial reef with laboratory-reared kelp embryos was largely successful but proved unnecessary, as the standing biomass of kelp resulting from natural recruitment exceeded that observed on nearby natural reefs within 2-3 years of artificial reef construction for all three phases. Such high potential for natural colonization following disturbance has important implications for kelp forest restoration efforts that employ costly and logistically difficult methods to mimic this process by active seeding and transplanting.

Recent trends in metabolic engineering for microbial production of value-added natural products

Microbe-mediated chemical production is a sustainable approach for production of natural products that are important for our society. Traditional fermentation production of natural products viz. drugs, nutraceuticals, pigments, aromatic compounds, and biofuels has limitations such as low yield, high cost and time- consuming process. Significant success in the economical production of these natural products has been established by altering the metabolic pathways of microorganisms through metabolic engineering. Recent advancements in new tools and strategies have led to a significant reduction in the turnaround time in the classic approach i.e. design-build-test-learn (DBTL) cycle in metabolic engineering. Here, we summarize various tools and strategies developed in the area of metabolic engineering with a focus on value-added natural products Also, this review lists bioprospecting of microorganisms through metabolic engineering in last five years for production of natural products. At the end, outlook, challenges and opportunities for the successful establishment of robust engineered microbial cell factories have been reported.

Inter- and Intraspecific Competition in Invasive Lactuca serriola and Co-Occurring Weedy Plant Species.

While invasive success of alien plant species is often attributed to their superior competitive abilities, it is also suggested that competitive ability depends on the target species of competition and resource availability. In addition, it remains unclear whether invaders and co-occurring plants in the introduced area exhibit distinctive inter- and intraspecific competitive intensities. This study aimed to evaluate the competitive ability of a successful invader, Lactuca serriola, through a combination of field surveys and a growth chamber experiment. First, we assessed biodiversity and the biomass of co-occurring plants in both L. serriola-invaded and uninvaded plots across nine sites in South Korea. Subsequently, a pairwise competition experiment was conducted between L. serriola and three weedy plant species commonly found in the invaded plots, Chenopodium album, Erigeron canadensis, and Oenothera biennis, under differential nutrient levels. Diversity indices of plant communities and the biomass of most co-occurring plants showed no significant difference between invaded and uninvaded plots. L. serriola and testing weedy plants exhibited mutually negative effects on biomass when grown together in the same pot, with the intensity of interspecific competition being comparable across nutrient treatments. Notably, intraspecific competition of L. serriola was weaker than testing weedy plants, particularly manifest in the high-nutrient treatment. The results of both field and growth-chamber studies demonstrated that L. serriola was not a particularly strong competitor compared to its neighboring weedy plants. Its successful invasion can be partially attributed to its weak intraspecific competition intensity, which potentially facilitate successful establishment with high density.

A Novel and Simplified Anion Exchange Flow-Through Polishing Approach for the Separation of Full From Empty Adeno-Associated Virus Capsids.

Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are widely used viral vectors for in vivo gene therapy. The purification of AAV, particularly the separation of genome-containing from empty AAV capsids, is usually time-consuming and requires expensive equipment. In this study, we present a novel laboratory scale anion exchange flow-through polishing method designed to separate full and empty AAV. Once the appropriate conditions are defined, this method eliminates the need for a chromatography system. Determination of optimal polishing conditions using a chromatography system revealed that the divalent salt MgCl2 resulted in better separation of full and empty AAV than the monovalent salt NaCl. The efficacy of the method was demonstrated for three distinct AAV serotypes (AAV8, AAV5, and AAV2) on two different stationary phases: a membrane adsorber and a monolith, resulting in a 4- to 7.5-fold enrichment of full AAV particles. Moreover, the method was shown to preserve the AAV capsids' functional potency and structural integrity. Following the successful establishment of the flow-through polishing approach, it was adapted to a manual syringe-based system. Manual flow-through polishing using the monolith or membrane adsorber achieved 3.6- and 5.4-fold enrichment of full AAV, respectively. This study demonstrates the feasibility of separating full and empty AAV without complex linear or step gradient elution and the necessity of specialized equipment. Flow-through polishing provides a rapid and easy-to-perform platform for polishing multiple vector preparations, addressing a critical aspect in the research and development of novel gene therapies.

Influence of genetic and environmental factors on the success of endosymbiont transfers in pest aphids.

There is increasing interest in exploring how endosymbionts could be useful in pest control, including in aphids, which can carry a diversity of endosymbionts. Endosymbionts often have a large impact on host traits, and their presence can be self-sustaining. Identifying useful host-endosymbiont combinations for pest control is facilitated by the transfer of specific endosymbionts into target species, particularly if the species lacks the endosymbiont. Here, we complete a comprehensive literature review, which included 56 relevant papers on endosymbiont transfer experiments in aphids, to uncover factors that might influence transfer success. We then report on our own microinjection attempts of diverse facultative endosymbionts from a range of donor species into three agriculturally important aphid species as recipients: the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), and Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia). Combining this information, we consider reasons that impact the successful establishment of lines carrying transferred endosymbionts. These include a lack of stability in donors, deleterious effects on host fitness, the absence of plant-based (versus vertical) transmission, high genetic variation in the endosymbiont, and susceptibility of an infection to environmental factors. Taking these factors into account should help in increasing success rates in future introductions.

From Waste to Plant Production: Cattle Dung Compost as an Alternative Nursery Substrate to Commercial Peat for Producing Lettuce Plants

The limited availability of peat-based substrates, a nonrenewable resource, and the negative environmental impacts associated with their extraction require the conservation of this resource. We assessed the use of cattle dung compost as a stand-alone nursery substrate, replacing peat substrate for the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings. A completely randomized design was employed, using cattle dung compost (C) and commercial peat (P, control treatment) in various combinations (100% P; 25% C/75% P; 50% C/50% P; 75% C/25% P; 100% C) to assess their effects on different growth parameters of lettuce. Twenty-eight parameters (e.g., seed germination, seedling survival, diameter, height, biomass growth) were assessed, corresponding to the time when the seedlings are transplanted. All treatments achieved 100% seed germination and seedling survival; indicating the successful establishment of lettuce seedlings across all tested substrates. However, seedling growth was found to be significantly influenced by substrate type. Seedling diameter was significantly increased by 10.8% in the 50% C/50% P substrate, while seedling height was significantly increased by 7.7, 6.8, and nearly 10%, respectively, within the 25% C/75% P, 50% C/50% P and 100% C substrates, relative to the control. Other substrate treatments were not significant. Similar or significantly higher values than the control were also observed for biomass growth under the tested substrates, indicating the beneficial effect of cattle dung on the initial growth of plants during the nursery phase. Cattle dung compost, used as a growing substrate, demonstrated similar or superior results to commercial peat, suggesting its potential as a viable alternative potting medium for sustainable horticulture.

Unirrigated Extensive Green Roofs in Humid Subtropics – Plant Selection and Substrate Design for Low Maintenance and Climate Resilience

Low-maintenance extensive green roofs hold the potential for adapting to climate change, but there is a limited understanding of their effective design in humid subtropical regions. In this study, we aimed to investigate low-maintenance green roof ecosystems capable of thriving under heat stress. Plant growth performance was evaluated in the second year of an experimental green roof in southwest China. This green roof was unirrigated and involved two plant communities (forbs and grasses) cultivated in four substrate types. Metrics of growth performance, including plant survival, green coverage, visual appearance, leaf stomatal conductance, and substrate volumetric water content were used to analyze the impact of substrate on plant growth. ESP substrate, comprising 30%v (percent of volume) expanded shale, 25%v perlite, 25%v vermiculite, and 20%v compost, featured the highest porosity and optimal growth of forbs, achieving an average green coverage of 66.76% and average visual appearance value of 3.56 throughout the monitoring period. The high total porosity of this substrate could be critical in facilitating root development and drainage. Moreover, during the summer’s heat and drought, while substrate water content is not a limiting factor for the survival of some established forbs, it remains crucial for the growth of grasses. Additionally, the same substrate impacts different plant communities variably. Four particularly well-performing forb species, namely Lycoris chinensis, Tradescantia pallida, Liriope muscari, and Salvia farinacea, demonstrated survival rates closed to 100% and an average visual appearance value exceeding 3 was noted, and thus, they are recommended as plant candidates for unirrigated green roofs. The distinguished performance of these species is attributable to their adaptation to heat and drought through specific physiological traits. Our findings provide insights into vegetation selection and substrate optimization for the successful establishment of extensive green roofs that can be feasibly developed without irrigation in the humid subtropical regions.

Vδ1 T Cells Integrated in Full-Thickness Skin Equivalents: A Model for the Role of Human Skin–Resident γδT Cells

Vδ1 T cells are a subpopulation of γδT cells found in human dermis. In contrast to murine skin-resident γδT cells, much less is known regarding their role and function in skin health and disease. Here we report the successful integration of Vδ1 T cells into long-term fibroblast-derived matrix skin equivalents (SE). We isolated Vδ1 T cells from human blood, where they are rare, and established conditions for the integration and maintenance of the freshly isolated Vδ1 T cells in the SEs. Plated on top of the dermal equivalents (DEs), almost all Vδ1 T cells migrated into the dermal matrix where they exerted their influence on both the DE and the epithelium. Vδ1 T cells contributed to epidermal differentiation as indicated by histology, expression of epidermal differentiation markers and RNAseq expression profile. When complemented with the carcinoma-derived SCC13 cells instead of HaCaT, our data suggest a role for Vδ1 T cells in slowing growth of the tumor cells, as indicated by reduced stratification and changes in gene expression profiles. Together, we demonstrate the successful establishment of human Vδ1 T cell-competent skin and skin carcinoma equivalents (SE, SCE) and provide evidence for molecular and functional consequences of the Vδ1 T cells on their respective environment.

The effect of seed packaging materials, storage period and conditions on the physiological sorghum seedlings

Seed quality is fundamental to agricultural productivity and sustainability. Sorghum, as a versatile crop with a wide range of applications, requires high-quality seeds for optimal production. Understanding the seed storage condition, storage period and packaging materials on seed physiological quality is a basis of field crop establishment. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of packaging materials, storage conditions, and storage periods on the physiological quality of sorghum seedlings. One hundred grams of sorghum seed from 5.4 kg of cleaned sorghum seeds were packed in polyethylene bags, polypropylene bags, and aluminium foil. The seeds in packaging materials were stored at 3 different temperatures for 2, 4, and 6 months and the sample of ten grams was taken every 2 months of storage time for germination test. The data on normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings lengths, and seedling dry weight were recorded. The results showed that polyethylene bags at 10°C and 2 months of storage preserved seedling physiological quality more than aluminium foil and polypropylene bags. This may be attributed to the impervious properties of polyethylene hence preventing oxidative reactions and seed deterioration. To guarantee the successful field establishment and strong plant stand of sorghum crops, findings advise seed producers and farmers regarding appropriate seed storage procedures.

Successful establishment of a coral nursery for active reef restoration in Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep archipelago

Successful establishment of a coral nursery for active reef restoration in Kavaratti Island, Lakshadweep archipelago

Phase Preparation of Xiao-chai-hu Decoction and its Pharmacodynamics of Acute Liver Injury.

Self-emulsifying nano-phase of traditional Chinese medicine are a research hotspot. Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction is a commonly used compound decoction in clinical practice, which is of great research significance. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize the self-emulsifying nano-phase and other phases of Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction, and to study the effects of each phase on acute liver injury. The liquid medicine was prepared employing centrifugation followed by dialysis. Single- factor investigation methodology was utilized to optimize the preparation parameters for both phases. Characterization of the formulated phase involved analyses such as surface morphology assessment, measurement of nanoparticle size and Zeta potential using an analyzer, observation of the Tyndall effect, conducting diffusion and dilution tests, examination under a microscope, and structural visualization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, an acute liver injury model was established in rats through intraperitoneal injection of D-Galactosamine (D-Gal- N). To assess hepatic function and oxidative stress status, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in liver tissue were quantified. The liver coefficients for each group were calculated as an additional parameter. For histopathological evaluation, liver tissue sections from the experimental group were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and examined microscopically under light conditions. These revisions aim to enhance clarity, correct minor grammatical errors (such as capitalization of "HE" to "H&E"), and ensure a smoother flow of information without altering the scientific content of your original text. Successful establishment and separation of four distinct phases were achieved, including the self-emulsifying nano-phase, precipitation phase, suspension phase, and true solution phase. The self-emulsifying nano-phase was characterized as spherical particles with an average diameter of approximately 100 nm. Pharmacodynamic assessments revealed that both Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction and its self-emulsifying nano-phase significantly reduced liver coefficients and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels compared to controls (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed in regards to aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, or superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity between the treatment groups and control (P>0.05). These findings indicate that both Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction and its self-emulsifying nano-formulation ameliorated D-GalN-induced acute liver injury, albeit without statistically distinguishable efficacy between them (P>0.05). The presence of a self-emulsifying nano-phase within Xiao-Chai-Hu decoction is confirmed, and this nano-phase emerges as a therapeutically efficacious component in mitigating acute liver injury.

Performance assessment of sentinel-3/6 altimeter data for marine gravity recovery

High-precision sea surface height is crucial for determining the marine gravity field. The Sentinel-3/6 altimetry missions, equipped with SRAL and Poseidon-4 altimeters, provide this essential data. However, there is a lack of comprehensive assessment of the Sentinel-3/6 altimeters for inverting marine gravity anomalies (MGA). In this study, we employ the inverse Venning-Meinsz method to derive nine sets of 1’×1’ MGAs in the South China Sea (SCS) and the Ross Sea (RS). Specifically, MGAs from Sentinel-3A, Sentinel-3B, Sentinel-6 SARM, Sentinel-6 LRM, HY-2A, ICESat-2, and CryoSat-2 are denoted as S3A, S3B, S6S, S6L, H2A, IS2, and CS2, respectively. MGA from the combined HY-2A, ICESat-2, and CryoSat-2 is referred to as HIC, while 3SHIC denotes the MGA from the combination of Sentinel-3/6 SARM, HY2A, ICESat-2, and CryoSat-2. We assess the performance of these MGAs using the EGM08, DTU17, SIO V32.1, and SDUST2021 gravity field models, as well as shipboard gravity across different ocean regions. Among the Sentinel-3/6 MGAs, S3B exhibits the highest accuracy in the SCS, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.277 mGal, followed closely by S3A. Conversely, S3A demonstrates the highest accuracy with an RMSE of 4.635 mGal, followed by S3B in the RS. The inversion accuracy of MGAs from S6S and S6L are comparable, though S6S outperforms S6L in the open sea. The performance of MGAs from Sentinel-3/6 matches or surpasses that of other altimetry missions during the same period. In the SCS, the best-performing MGA is 3SHIC, with an RMSE of 4.585 mGal, closely matching DTU17. However, 3SHIC exhibits superior performance in the RS with an RMSE of 4.263 mGal compared to DTU17 and SDUST 2021. Furthermore, the performance of 3SHIC, which integrates Sentinel-3/6 data, improves that of HIC by 0.74% and 3.37% in the SCS and RS, respectively. These results underscore the contribution of Sentinel-3/6 altimeters to the MGA, particularly in coastal and high-latitude regions. Integration of Sentinel-3/6 data with other altimetry satellites is expected to enhance the spatial resolution and accuracy of the global marine gravity field, especially with the successful establishment of the network of Sentinel-6 in the future.

Effect of operating variables on isopropanol absorbed by triethylene glycol solution and discussions on the mass transfer coefficient predicted by artificial neural network

The mass transfer performance of isopropanol (IPA) absorption by triethylene glycol (TEG) aqueous solution in a spray-bed absorber was investigated, and the mass transfer coefficients predicted by an artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology were compared in this study. The operating variables affecting the mass transfer performance of a spray-bed absorber include the gas and TEG fluxes, concentration of IPA, concentration of TEG aqueous solution, and operating temperature. The experimental results demonstrated that the mass transfer coefficient of a spray-bed absorber increased with increases in gas and liquid fluxes and decreased with increases in concentration of IPA. The Back-Propagation algorithm in the ANN model was selected to predict the mass transfer coefficients of the spray–bed absorption system. Hidden layers with 2, 4 and 6 neurons respectively were set to analyze the effect of the number of neurons on the target value, and then different transfer functions were used to compare the accuracy in predicting mass transfer coefficient. Finally, the influences of the number of hidden layers and different learning rules on the prediction of mass transfer coefficients were examined. The simulated results showed that the average error of the ANN using the TanhAxon transfer function, the Conjugate Gradient learning rule, two hidden layers, and 6 neurons in each hidden layer was within 1%. The results not only verified the successful establishment of the experimental device but also proved the accurate prediction of mass transfer coefficients by the ANN model.

Understanding the Significance of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides in Seed Physiology

Seed vigour and longevity are pivotal agronomic traits with profound implications for crop yield, food security, and the global economy. Seed longevity, often defined by the duration of seed viability, is crucial for effective gene bank management, influencing seed regeneration cycles and ensuring the long-term conservation of plant genetic resources. The inevitable process of seed deterioration, driven by a complex network of biochemical reactions, leads to altered metabolism and damage to critical cellular components such as membranes, DNA, mitochondria, proteins, and the antioxidative defence system. In recent research, Raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) have emerged as key contributors to enhancing seed vigour and longevity. These sugars perform multiple functions in plants, including tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, regulation of seed germination, and maintenance of desiccation tolerance, all of which are essential for overall seed health. Studies suggest that RFOs significantly bolster seed vigour and longevity through mechanisms such as cytoplasmic vitrification, water replacement, and osmoprotection in dried seeds. These oligosaccharides are particularly abundant in the seeds of leguminous crops and are also found in roots and specialized storage organs. The glassy state formed by RFOs is vital for protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhancing the stability of enzymes, and preventing deleterious conformational changes in proteins. Furthermore, delaying the degradation of RFOs has been shown to inhibit premature germination, underscoring their critical role in early seedling development and successful crop establishment.

Do Global Excellence Initiatives Lead to an Increase in Research Productivity: The Case of Kazakhstan’s World-Class University

Global excellence initiatives have been widely implemented across various regions to elevate the quality and standing of higher education institutions. The establishment of world-class universities have been one of the most frequent approaches within the global excellence initiatives. A notable example of the successful establishment of a novel world-class university is Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, which is expected to transform Kazakhstani society by training high-qualified cadre, stimulating research and innovative activity in the country, and serving the larger society in terms of intellectual leadership and global citizenship initiatives. Despite the great promise, the university has been greatly scrutinized for the financial burden associated with its creation and maintenance. The public attention, however, has not resulted in a sufficient number of studies evaluating the various impacts of the university on Kazakhstani society and the Central Asian region at large. This study attempts to fill the gap by analyzing bibliometric data from the Web of Science to estimate the effect of the creation of Nazarbayev University on research productivity measures in Kazakhstan. More specifically, interrupted time series is applied to the data panel from 2000 to 2010 to determine whether trends in research productivity measured in terms of the number of publications, number of citations, and the size of the scholarly community (as a proxy for research capacity strengthening effect) have been affected by the establishment of the world-class university in the country. The study fills the existing gap in prior research on global academic excellence initiatives and world-class universities by suggesting quantitative insights on the research productivity effects of the initiatives.

Acupuncture at the Zusanli acupoint can reduce the inflammatory response in AIA mice by regulating the arachidonic acid and pentose phosphate pathways

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis, which can lead to joint deformity. Acupuncture treatment stimulates specific acupoints to adjust qi and blood function, relieving joint inflammation and pain. MethodsUltra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) was utilized for non-targeted metabolomics analysis of plasma samples from the blank group, Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis (AIA) model mice model mice group, and acupuncture group. Metabolite hierarchical clustering analysis, multivariate statistical analysis, standardized processing, principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and other methods were employed to identify targeted metabolites affected by acupuncture treatment in AIA mice. The related metabolic pathways were analyzed using KEGG pathway. ResultsHistopathological results demonstrated that acupuncture at Zusanli point (ST 36) significantly improved the inflammatory response in AIA mice. The PCA score plot indicated relatively close sample clustering within each group with significant differences observed between the four groups, confirming successful establishment of the AIA animal model with metabolic disorders occurring. Acupuncture treatment effectively corrected these metabolic disorders. Plasma metabolomics identified a total of 10 differential metabolites primarily associated with arachidonic acid and pentose phosphate metabolic pathways. ConclusionsAcupuncture at ST36 can significantly improve the inflammatory response in AIA mice through modulation of arachidonic acid and pentose phosphate metabolic pathways.

Wenjing decoction: Mechanism in the treatment of dysmenorrhea with blood stasis syndrome through network pharmacology and experimental verification

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula Wenjing Decoction (WJD) longstanding efficacy in enhancing blood circulation, resolving blood stasis, and mitigating dysmenorrhea symptoms. Despite its prevalent application, the specific mechanism underlying effect of WJD remains elusive. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine the material basis of Wenjing Decoction and explore the effect of WJD on rat models of dysmenorrhea with blood stasis syndrome and elucidate its mechanism. MethodsIn this study, we initially identified the chemical constituents of WJD using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Subsequently, we employed network pharmacology to predict the mechanism of WJD in treating acute blood stasis dysmenorrhea. To further investigate the role of WJD, we established a rat model of acute blood stasis. We monitored changes in blood coagulation indexes, IL-6, TNF-α, NO, and COX-2 in rats before and after administration to confirm the successful establishment of the rat model and evaluate the therapeutic effect of WJD on dysmenorrhea and acute blood stasis. Finally, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) and Western blot (WB) were utilized to investigate its mechanism. ResultsThrough LC-MS analysis, 69 chemical substances were identified in WJD. Network pharmacology study revealed that the mechanism of WJD in treating BSS may be associated with the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. Following administration, the WJD group showed gradual recovery of physical signs and coagulation index to a healthy level. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and COX-2 decreased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas NO levels increased. Results from QPCR and WB detection indicated increased expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT, Bcl-2, and eNOS, and decreased expression levels of Bax, NFκBp65, ICAM1, and VCAM1. ConclusionThe results show that WJD significantly improves the characterization, dysmenorrhea index, and coagulation-related factors in BSS rats. Through network pharmacological prediction, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and Western blot analysis, it is postulated that the beneficial effects of WJD on dysmenorrhea may be linked to the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the advancement and utilization of WJD.

Purchase intention toward E-pharmacy: the consumption value perspective

Purpose This study aims to examine consumer purchase behavior towards E-pharmacy from a consumption value perspective. For this purpose, the influence of consumption values on consumer purchase intention is evaluated. Further, the role of consumer involvement in online purchase setup in the context of E-pharmacy is observed using moderation analysis. Design/methodology/approach The study used a cross-sectional survey design, wherein the respondents in the Delhi-National Capital Region of India were approached using a purposive sampling method. Responses received through the structured questionnaire were subjected to analysis using Smart PLS Version 4.0.9.6. Findings Results indicate a significant influence of functional (partial), emotional, social and conditional values on consumers’ purchase intention. Moreover, the moderation effect of consumer online involvement is seen in functional value (partial) and emotional value–purchase intention relationships. Research limitations/implications This study reinforces the use of the consumption value perspective to explain consumer purchase behavior toward information system (IS)-based platforms such as E-pharmacy. Some of the results, in this context, that did not establish significant relationships between a given form of consumption values and purchase intention, open up the possibilities of retesting the said relationships in the future. The researchers would realize the benefit of such examinations, as the E-pharmacy sector further evolves and matures in the future. Further, the successful establishment of a significant moderating role of consumer online involvement in certain consumption value-purchase intention relationships such as safety, perceived convenience and comfort value paves the way for future researchers to explore consumer online involvement for a similar role in IS research. Practical implications This study provides cues for E-pharmacy marketers to focus on enhancing product safety, usage comfort, users’ social image and awareness toward health consciousness that will help build purchase intention and assist in overcoming the challenges in the long run. It further suggests that marketers should have a strong re-look at forming price value perceptions and they must enhance the interactive features of the company’s mobile apps/websites with the help of the emerging artificial intelligence tools to re-orient the epistemic value and perceived convenience value toward E-pharmacy services. Furthermore, this study recommends following digital marketing practices to increase consumer online involvement, which would help strengthen perceived convenience formation that would otherwise be difficult to attain for E-pharmacy consumers. Originality/value This study provides novel insight into consumer purchase intention evaluation through the consumption value perspective in an emerging E-pharmacy market. The consumption value frame of reference helps to understand consumers’ buying rationale that affects their buying behavior beyond the initial adoption. Further, the moderation analysis of consumer online involvement provides an additional dimension to understanding consumer buying behavior concerning E-pharmacy.

An exploratory study of cervical disc degeneration model and mechanism of acupuncture therapy in rabbits

Acupuncture is an important therapy method in traditional Chinese medicine for treating intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), offering a wide range of applications. It is based on the theory of Chinese veterinary medicine and combines the stage of the disease course and individual differences for syndrome differentiation and treatment. However, there are few studies on the acupuncture treatment of cervical disc degeneration (CDD) in rabbits. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation is the basic principle of Chinese veterinary treatment. The selection of acupoints for external treatment should be based on individual etiology and pathogenesis. Nevertheless, most current studies do not follow this guideline. In this study, we established the CDD model and explored the mechanism of acupuncture treatment in alleviating CDD in rabbits by selecting a group of main acupoints including cervical Jiaji, Fengchi, Tianzhu, Naohu, Dazhui, and Houxi acupoints, combined with Western medicine's understanding of the pathogenesis of cervical spondylosis, from the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and tissue-repairing perspectives. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the successful establishment of the rabbit CDD model. Acupuncture stimulation reduced the increase of average and maximum neck temperature due to CDD in rabbits. The acupuncture treatment relieved the spinal disc damage in the neck of the rabbit, which also decreased the expression level of pro-apoptotic factor Bax and increased the expression level of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. In addition, it can alleviate the abnormal apoptosis of rabbit intervertebral disc, decrease the expression level of inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, and PGE2α, and alleviate the intense inflammation and pain response caused by CDD in rabbits. In conclusion, Acupuncture treatment can slow down the CDD of rabbits by regulating the inflammatory response and abnormal apoptosis of intervertebral disc tissue.