Virtual idol marketing: Benefits, risks, and an integrated framework of the emerging marketing field

The marketing practice involved with virtual idols became popular, leading to the emergence of virtual idol marketing. However, there is a lack of scientific understanding of this emerging marketing field. To promote a fundamental understanding of virtual idol marketing, this study clarifies the conceptual boundary of virtual idols and provides meaningful insights into the definitions, benefits, and risks of virtual idol marketing. On this basis, this study further proposes an integrated framework established on the existing theories and research to explain the potential working mechanism of virtual idol marketing. This study can increase the accumulation of knowledge in the emerging field of virtual idol marketing, provide inspiration and decision-making assistance for brands to build connections with young consumers, especially Generation Z, and provide an avenue for future research in the field of virtual idol marketing.

Phenformin and lactic acidosis: a case report and review

Phenformin was removed from the U.S. market 20 years ago because of a high incidence of lactic acidosis. Unfortunately, this medication is still available from foreign sources. Another biguanide, metformin, was reintroduced to the United States market for the treatment of diabetes. Biguanide-induced lactic acidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of elevated anion gap metabolic acidosis. We present a case of phenformin-induced lactic acidosis in which we were consulted at the local poison control center. We also review its pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment. A review of the actions of phenformin illustrates the mechanism of pathology that may also occur with metformin. Risk factors for the development of lactic acidosis include renal deficiency, hepatic disease, cardiac disease, and drug interaction such as cimetidine.

On-line assessment of metabolic activities based on culture redox potential and dissolved oxygen profiles during aerobic fermentation

We report here on the utility of on-line culture redox potential and dissolved oxygen measurements to identify metabolic changes in fermentation by Corynebacterium glutamicum under aerobic conditions. Metabolic changes were identified by observing discrepancies in the profile of culture redox potential and dissolved oxygen. On the basis of these measurements, we can identify the end of the lag phase, threonine exhaustion, and glucose exhaustion during fermentation.

On-Line Detection of Substrate Exhaustion by Using NAD(P)H Fluorescence

In this study we examined the utility of NAD(P)H fluorescence for monitoring aerobic fermentations of the threonine auxotroph Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 14296. Instead of attempting complicated mathematical corrections for inner-filter effects, we found that it is possible to use the information contained in the on-line NAD(P)H fluorescence signal to assess culture metabolic activities during fermentation. The first derivative of the filtered fluorescence signal, which approximates the turnover rate of the NAD(P)H pool, can be used to precisely identify the temporal points of threonine and glucose exhaustion.