bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting Female Entrepreneurial Growth Intention in Thailand’s Tourism Industry: Role of Education Driven Ability, Opportunities and Advisory
Authors: Chetthamrongchai Paitoon , Jermsittiparsert Kittisak
Published: December 2019

This research proposes to find out the aspects that impact the growth intention (GI) of female entrepreneurs in the sector of tourism of Thailand. The purpose of the current paper is to examine why female industrialists attain growth goals whereas others don’t. This research uses
quantitative approach and a self-administrated questionnaire was utilized with 200 female tourism entrepreneurs in Thailand. In this study, data analysis was performed through SPSS and regression analysis was run. This study results revealed that that all hypotheses of the study were accepted
and are also consistent with the findings of the past studies. This study also showed that female entrepreneurs in Thailand can increase their entrepreneurial capabilities though, the growth of their business is limited by the deficiency of fiscal resources. This study fills the research gap
in the domain of feminine tourism industrialists and their growth intention (GI) from the perception of an emerging nation like Thailand.
Role of Human Values in Relationship Between Entrepreneurial Education and Entrepreneurial Career Intentions: An Empirical Study in Thailand
Authors: Fongtanakit Ratchada , Toopgajank Sriparinya , Rungsawanpho Duangsamorn
Published: December 2019

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial career intentions. This study also provides the mediating role of human factors like openness and self enhancement in the relationship between entrepreneurship education
and entrepreneurial career intentions. Methodology: This study is based on quantitative methodology in which questionnaires were given to the students of different universities of Thailand studying business courses. Questionnaires were given to 309 students. Questionnaires have been
filled to self-administered technique and also through online way. The responses were then analyzed by using statistical tools such as SPSS and AMOS through CFA and SEM. Results: The results have shown that entrepreneurial education has the significant positive impact on entrepreneurial
career intentions directly and also through the mediating roles of human values like openness and self enhancement. Implications: It is an extension to literature related to the role of human factors and their impact on the entrepreneurial career intentions. It also helps the students
of Thailand of undergraduate and master level to enhance the ability in them to face and overcomes all the problems related to their business. Value: The value of this study is the relationship of the entrepreneurship education with the mediating role of human values like openness and
self enhancement and their impact on the entrepreneurial career intentions which was not discussed in the previous studies.
Influence of International Financial Reporting Standards on Earnings Management: Comparative Study of Pre-Post IFRS Era in Malaysia
Authors: Chancharoen Suramon , Vasuvanich Saroge , Laosillapacharoen Khomsan
Published: December 2019

Purpose—The motive of this study is to examine the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) and to investigate the influence of its introduction on earning management in the companies (registered as public listed companies) of Malaysia, as the idea of IFRS is
to make the statements of the companies more transparent and comparable. Design/Methodology/Approach—100 firms listed on Bursa Malaysia (Stock exchange) were taken for the sampling of data and were investigated to examine the quality of accounting information. In this study, the
motive was to evaluate and measure the Earning Management Score (EMS) with respect to the context of Malaysian listed companies. It is based upon cross-sectional study which was introduced by Kothari et al. (2005) and later modified by Jones. The discretionary accruals in this study are evaluated
on the basis of the historical estimations of the industry. Findings—The findings of this research suggests that IFRS influences the recognition of the losses in financial statements which depends upon the disclosure requirements and also the relevance of the financial data. Research
Limitations/Implications—Every research is bounded by certain limitations. Similarly, in this study there were also few limitations encountered. Firstly, this study covers only one aspect of IFRS which is observance of the intensity of Earning Management, Therefore the conclusion
is drawn towards that respective aspect only. Also, the EM (Earning management) is not only and always apprehended via the accrual models, so in future reference other models can be used as well. Finally, this study was based on cross-sectional approach which assumes that all the firms in
the industry tend to have same accruals. Whereas, in reality companies differ from each other in structure, characteristically and in all aspects.
The Effect of Service Quality on Customers’ Intention: A Case of Internet Service Provider in Malaysia
Authors: Burananuth Nopadol , Panthong Panyarat , Mephong Sumalee
Published: December 2019

Purpose—This study attempts to find the effect of service quality on internet service provider customers’ behavior. This study used primary data to examine the relationship between the service quality and the customers’ intention. Design/Methodology/Approach—The
data in this research was collected from general public of Malaysia through survey based questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the PLS-SEM. The chosen population for conducting this research is internet users with the sample size of 305 respondents.
Impact of Atmospheric Stimuli on Revisit Intention: Some Evidence on Stimulus-Organism-Response Model: A Case of International Five-Star Hotels in Indonesia
Authors: Saengchai Sakapas , Joemsittiprasert Watcharin , Jermsittiparsert Kittisak
Published: December 2019

The prime objective of the current study is to investigate the impact of the atmospheric stimuli on revisit intention. In addition to that, the study has examined the mediating role of perceived image in the relationship between atmospheric stimuli and revisit intention. Finally, the
moderating role word of mouth in the relationship between perceived image and revisit intention has been examined. The study has broached the issues related to sensory marketing. Sensory marketing is a new concept which is evolved more in the last two decades. It is part of experientialmarketing.
Sensory marketing is considered as revolutionary area in the field of marketing in which emotions and perceptions are evoked by the marketers by targeting five senses of human. The expectations can be exceeded by the organization for the customers by targeting more than one sense. When external
factors are used to stimulate the human senses, a memorable experience is created, which help in building a positive image in the mind of customers, which later on has an impact on the retention of customers as well. However, the current study has filled this gap. However, this study is among
the pioneering studies on this issue Employing the survey-based methodology; the SEM-PLS technique is used to test the hypothesized relationships. So,the current study has used SEM-PLS as a statistical tool to answer the research questions raised in this study and research objectives envisaged
in the current stud, and the data is collected from the tourist in Indonesia. The findings of the study have provided support to the theoretical foundation and proposed hypothesis of the current study. The current study will be helpful for policymakers and practitioners in understanding the
issues atmospheric stimuli on revisit intention. In author knowledge, this is among very few pioneering studies on this issue.
The Effect of Shopping Mall Image on Consumer Behavior in Indonesia
Authors: Jermsittiparsert Kittisak , Thaiprayoon Khajornsak , Prianto Andi Luhur , Kurniasih Dewi
Published: December 2019

This study investigates the effect of shopping mall image on customer behavior in Indonesia. We hypothesized that shopping mall image strongly effect consumer behavior, to be specific, the probability of buying, coming back to the shopping mall and spreading positive word of mouth WOM.
Be that as it may, congruity-reflected by ‘self-image congruity’ and ‘social-image congruity’— had no impact on. We ascribe this unforeseen finding to Indonesians scoring low on Hofstede’s components of Individualism and Indulgence. The survey conducted
showed that there was high self-image congruity among consumers just as congruity with different customers, however most of them were reluctant to let it be known influences their shopping conduct-seemingly, that would act as self-indulgent and show an absence of restriction with deference
to controlling their wants.
Entrepreneurial Intentions of Graduation Students in Thailand: Moderating Role of Characteristics of Entrepreneurship Education Programmes
Authors: Koolrojanapat Siravit , Mephong Sumalee , Chindachot Piyawadee
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the entrepreneurial intentions of master students in Thailand and also examined the moderating role of Entrepreneurship Education Programmes (EEP). Data were collected from the final year students of master in business administration (MBA). Top ten universities
of Bangkok were selected on the basis of convenient sampling for the data collection on the basis of ranking given by the ministry of education in Thailand. PLS-SEM was used to analysis the data of the study. Results discovered that entrepreneurial behavior, subjective norms, and perceived
control behavior (PCB) have a positive role regarding entrepreneurial intentions. Results also revealed that the characteristics of EEP also moderate the relationships in a positive way. This study suggested to the policy makers that they should developed such characteristics in the students
that they convert their attention towards the entrepreneurship.
Employee Turnover Intentions: The Role of the Supervisor’s Support and Job Autonomy with Job Satisfaction Acting as a Mediator: A Case of Paramedical Staff in Thai Government Hospital
Authors: Saengchai Sakapas , Thaiprayoon Khajornsak , Jermsittiparsert Kittisak
Published: December 2019

The prime objective of the current study is to explain the relationship between employee turnover intentions, supervisors support, job autonomy and job satisfaction. Furthermore, the mediating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between job autonomy, employee turnover intentions
and supervisors support are examined. We have used the SEM-PLS as a statistical tool to achieve the objectives of the current study. The data is collected with the aid of an adapted questionnaire. The operation managers and finance managers of Indonesian manufacturing firms are chosen as the
final sample of the current study. The current study focused on job satisfaction, and it is argued that job autonomy is a key determinant of job satisfaction, as greater autonomy will lead to more satisfaction and lower the turnover. Meanwhile, the findings of the study have revealed the fact
that supervisor support is also a key factor. The results of the study are providing support to the proposition of agency theory and resource-based theory. Overall the findings of the current study are in line with the proposed findings. The paramedical staff of Thai government hospital is
chosen as the sample of the study.
Energy Balance Analysis—An Impact of Temperature Variation in Unified Hydrogen Based Opto-Source
Authors: Ramya K. , Yuvaraja T. , Lorate Shiny M. , Saanjanna Y.
Published: December 2019

The present analysis is towards carbon-free energy transition in power-generating station. In the evolution towards sustainable energy-system, green-source with hydrogen-energy plays a vivacious role as a clean and safe energy carrier in the production of electricity. A unified hydrogen
based opto-source (UHOS) with riven bias inverter (RBI) is projected in this manuscript. The planned context integrates the technical and economic feasibility for better energy balancing system (EBS). The impact of Temperature variation is also analyzed along with energy managing scheme (EMS).
Multilevel Secure Digital Image Steganography Framework Using Random Function and Advanced Encryption Standard
Authors: Srayyih Almaliki Mohsin N.
Published: December 2019

One of the crucial aspects of processes and methodologies in the information and communication technology era is the security of information. The security of information should be a key priority in the secret exchange of information between two parties. In order to ensure the security
of information, there are some strategies which are used, and they include steganography and cryptography. With cryptography, the secret message is converted into unintelligible text, but the existence of the secret message is noticed, nonetheless, steganography involves hiding the secret
message in a way that its presence cannot be noticed. In this paper, a new secure image steganography framework which is known as an adaptive stego key LSB (ASK-LSB) framework is proposed. The construction of the proposed framework was carried out in four phases with the aim of improving the
data-hiding algorithm in cover images by using capacity, image quality, and security. To achieve this, the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) of the steganography framework was maintained. The four phases began with the image preparation phase, followed by the secret message preparation phase,
embedding phase and finally extraction phase. The secure image steganography framework that is proposed in this study is based on a new adaptive of least significant bit substitution method, combination random function, and encryption method. In the proposed work, the secret bits are inserted
directly or inversely, thereby enhancing the imperceptibility and complexity of the process of embedding. Results from the experiment reveal that the algorithm has better image quality index, peak signal-to-noise ratio, and payload used in the evaluation of the stego image.
Preparation and Analytic of Intelligence Big Data for Smart Systems
Authors: Annajjar Wessam , Alnasrallah Ahmed Muqdad , Alrikabi Hanan Ali
Published: December 2019

It is already true that smart system involving big data has drawn massive attention from researchers in analytic, decision makers, intelligence in smart city or system. As the speed of Information Technology (IT) and internet developing, become necessary to come up smart system meets
all requirements of modern life. Smart system make the life of human beings more comfortable and easy. However people can get so much interest and highly useful benefits from using big data in smart system. A proposed new scientific paradigm is born in this study to get the advantage and avoid
the disadvantage of existing smart systems. Some Important structure illustrated in this study including triad main issues that control any smart system such as big data that responsible to make avenues to success smart system. Valuable insight comes from big data should analytic and control
under process before manipulate in intelligence phase to get right decision in regimes. There is no doubt that competition in the future in field of big data will open the horizon to evolve the smart system. This paper is aimed to illustrate a close up view about using the modern technologies
that currently evolve with amazing acceleration like intelligence and big data utilities. Challenging of these three issues big data, intelligence and analytic are adopted to find the opportunities of integrate smart system that dealing with hazardous government data clouding in such system.
State-of-the-art discussed in this paper and useful recommendation been put up within conclusion to overcome the problems regarding designing smart system.
An Adaptive Noise Removal Framework for Medical Images
Authors: Anusha A. , Vijayasaradhi T.
Published: December 2019

Improvements of restorative imaging frameworks for acknowledgments and desire for the illnesses have shown gigantic outcomes all through the latest couple of decades. The pervasive imaging helpful imaging methodologies, for instance, MRI or other alluring separating procedures can recognize
the regions with irregularities in any bits of the human body. MR imaging frameworks, being the most common system open and can be associated for various disorder disclosures, are extensively gotten. It is entirely expected to understand that the commotion types can be various on account of
the methodology of catch or limit of the past patient records and various bits of the MR pictures can be impacted by various noise types. Moreover, tremendous quantities of the parallel consequences of this investigation region are scolded for loss of information as loss of information in
therapeutic data or picture dealing with is deadly. Thusly an adaptable technique for recognizable proof and removal of all commotion types is the enthusiasm of the bleeding edge helpful science. This work presents a novel procedure for perceiving and removing the commotions from MR pictures
without the information disaster. The after effect of this framework centres towards making the remedial picture dealing with better for better human life in future.
Natural Radioactivity Levels and Heavy Metal Contents in Selected Domestic Food Products in Qassim Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alashrah Saleh Abdullah
Published: December 2019

The current study is considered as the first baseline data for the natural radioactivity concentrations in vegetables, fruits and grain products from the Qassim region. Furthermore, the measurements of the heavy metals concentrations in the selected domestic food products were performed.
In order to measure the radionuclides concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in vegetables, fruits, and grain products samples, γ-ray spectrometer NaI(Tl) was used. Before measurements, the samples required preparations. ARL Quant’X energy
dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was also used for measurement of heavy metals concentrations in the domestic food products samples. In the present study, the average and range values of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in vegetables samples were 2.18 (0.32–5.68)
Bq/Kg, 2.22 (0.47–8.16) Bq/Kg and 751.83 (258.0–1269.1) Bq/Kg. The radionuclides concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in fruits were 3.71 (0.18–8.05) Bq/Kg, 2.94 (0.84–7.83) Bq/Kg and 426.25 (156.4–905.9) Bq/Kg. Furthermore,
the average and range of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in grain products samples were 1.57 (0.90–2.87) Bq/Kg, 1.53 (0.27–2.93) Bq/Kg and 730.0 (264.7–1172.8) Bq/Kg. Hence, the average annual effective doses resulting from intake of vegetables, fruits
and grain products samples were 20.2 μSv·y−1, 31.6 μSv·y−1 and 152.1 μSv·y−1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K respectively. The average and range values of Fe were
higher than tolerance value determined by FAO/WHO but its average value was within the range of other published studies. Regarding to annual ingestion dose, the present study shows that no risk to public health resulting from domestic products. Furthermore, heavy metals such as Ag, Cd, Cr,
Cu, Zn, As and Pb were measured and their values were not reported in the all samples.
The returns of life: ‘Making’ kinship in life and death
Authors: Roy Arpan
Published: December 2019

This article revisits Marshall Sahlins’s theory of kinship as a ‘mutuality of being’, in which two possible kinship orders are proposed: those that are ‘inherited’ at birth, and others that are ‘made’ in life. Sahlins’s theory is not exactly a reformulation of the classical consanguinity/affinity divide in kinship theory, but instead allows a place for consanguineous ‘blood’ kinship in the first of the two orders alongside a myriad of affinal situations. What then does it mean to ‘make’ kinship in life? Taking kinship and community as related problematics in anthropology and philosophy, respectively, I suggest in this article that the conditions for ‘making’ kinship in life can be established by borrowing from Jean-Luc Nancy’s philosophy of community, in which community is the sharing of being. But being, as Nancy points out, is finite, meaning that it is curtailed by the experience of death. Joining the two discursive paradigms of Sahlins and Nancy, my argument is that if kinship can be ‘made’ in life, and life is delineated by finitude, then it is life and death (here conceptualised as biological forces) that act as frontiers for both inheriting and ‘making’ kinship.
Demystifying simultaneous triliteracy development: One child’s emergent writing practices across three scripts focusing on letter recognition, directionality and name writing
Authors: Choi Jayoung
Published: December 2019

It has long been acknowledged that immigrant children who are originally exposed to home languages become rapidly socialized into using only English. Although many children ultimately develop receptive skills in their home language, they often become English dominant and rarely have the opportunity for literacy development. There is also a common misperception that allowing children to acquire three languages and scripts simultaneously is either too difficult or too confusing, or both. That children do not realize their full multilingual, multiliterate potential is not only a loss to their cognitive, emotional and academic development but also a violation of their language rights. As a way to help demystify simultaneous triliteracy development, I study my own child as a motherscholar. He is growing up in the United States as a simultaneous trilingual and triliterate in three alphabetical languages using two non-Roman scripts, Korean and Farsi, as well as a Roman script, English. I examine the ways in which he makes sense of and communicates in his literate world from age three to six by focusing on his emergent writing practices, particularly letter recognition, directionality and name writing in three distinctively different scripts. Social semiotic and translanguaging theories have guided my analysis of video and audio data as well as artefacts pertinent to his writing. Qualitative analysis rooted in an ethnographic case study approach demonstrated that he recognized different orthographic symbols across scripts but made linkages between them, applied correct directionality in scripts but with flexibility, and stamped a trilingual identity and met audiences' needs through name writing. The findings show the trilingual child engaging in a more flexible and creative process of letter designing as well as name writing in three scripts in more sophisticated and nuanced ways. The study provides insights into educational practices for multilingual children at preschools and schools.
Initial eye gaze to faces and its functional consequence on face identification abilities in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Schauder Kimberly B. , Park Woon Ju , Tsank Yuliy , Eckstein Miguel P. , Tadin Duje , Bennetto Loisa
Published: December 2019

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined and diagnosed by core deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors. Research on face processing suggests deficits in this domain in ASD but includes many mixed findings regarding the nature and extent of these differences. The first eye movement to a face has been shown to be highly informative and sufficient to achieve high performance in face identification in neurotypical adults. The current study focused on this critical moment shown to be essential in the process of face identification.

Methods

We applied an established eye-tracking and face identification paradigm to comprehensively characterize the initial eye movement to a face and test its functional consequence on face identification performance in adolescents with and without ASD (n = 21 per group), and in neurotypical adults. Specifically, we presented a series of faces and measured the landing location of the first saccade to each face, while simultaneously measuring their face identification abilities. Then, individuals were guided to look at specific locations on the face, and we measured how face identification performance varied as a function of that location. Adolescent participants also completed a more traditional measure of face identification which allowed us to more fully characterize face identification abilities in ASD.

Results

Our results indicate that the location of the initial look to faces and face identification performance for briefly presented faces are intact in ASD, ruling out the possibility that deficits in face perception, at least in adolescents with ASD, begin with the initial eye movement to the face. However, individuals with ASD showed impairments on the more traditional measure of face identification.

Conclusion

Together, the observed dissociation between initial, rapid face perception processes, and other measures of face perception offers new insights and hypotheses related to the timing and perceptual complexity of face processing and how these specific aspects of face identification may be disrupted in ASD.
Proteomics analysis of colon cancer progression
Authors: Saleem Saira , Tariq Sahrish , Aleem Iffat , Sadr-ul Shaheed  , Tahseen Muhammad , Atiq Aribah , Hassan Sadia , Abu Bakar Muhammad , Khattak Shahid , Syed Aamir Ali , Ahmad Asad Hayat , Hussain Mudassar , Yusuf Muhammed Aasim , Sutton Chris
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this pilot study was to identify proteins associated with advancement of colon cancer (CC).

Methods

A quantitative proteomics approach was used to determine the global changes in the proteome of primary colon cancer from patients with non-cancer normal colon (NC), non-adenomatous colon polyp (NAP), non-metastatic tumor (CC NM) and metastatic tumor (CC M) tissues, to identify up- and down-regulated proteins. Total protein was extracted from each biopsy, trypsin-digested, iTRAQ-labeled and the resulting peptides separated using strong cation exchange (SCX) and reverse-phase (RP) chromatography on-line to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).

Results

Database searching of the MS/MS data resulted in the identification of 2777 proteins which were clustered into groups associated with disease progression. Proteins which were changed in all disease stages including benign, and hence indicative of the earliest molecular perturbations, were strongly associated with spliceosomal activity, cell cycle division, and stromal and cytoskeleton disruption reflecting increased proliferation and expansion into the surrounding healthy tissue. Those proteins changed in cancer stages but not in benign, were linked to inflammation/immune response, loss of cell adhesion, mitochondrial function and autophagy, demonstrating early evidence of cells within the nutrient-poor solid mass either undergoing cell death or adjusting for survival. Caveolin-1, which decreased and Matrix metalloproteinase-9, which increased through the three disease stages compared to normal tissue, was selected to validate the proteomics results, but significant patient-to-patient variation obfuscated interpretation so corroborated the contradictory observations made by others.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, the study has provided significant insights into CC stage progression for further investigation.
The Bdnf and Npas4 genes are targets of HDAC3-mediated transcriptional repression
Authors: Louis Sam Titus Anto Sam Crosslee , Sharma Dharmendra , Kim Min Soo , D’Mello Santosh R.
Published: December 2019

Background

Histone deacetylase-3 (HDAC3) promotes neurodegeneration in various cell culture and in vivo models of neurodegeneration but the mechanism by which HDAC3 exerts neurotoxicity is not known. HDAC3 is known to be a transcriptional co-repressor. The goal of this study was to identify transcriptional targets of HDAC3 in an attempt to understand how it promotes neurodegeneration.

Results

We used chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis coupled with deep sequencing (ChIP-Seq) to identify potential targets of HDAC3 in cerebellar granule neurons. One of the genes identified was the activity-dependent and neuroprotective transcription factor, Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 4 (Npas4). We confirmed using ChIP that in healthy neurons HDAC3 associates weakly with the Npas4 promoter, however, this association is robustly increased in neurons primed to die. We find that HDAC3 also associates differentially with the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) gene promoter, with higher association in dying neurons. In contrast, association of HDAC3 with the promoters of other neuroprotective genes, including those encoding c-Fos, FoxP1 and Stat3, was barely detectable in both healthy and dying neurons. Overexpression of HDAC3 leads to a suppression of Npas4 and Bdnf expression in cortical neurons and treatment with RGFP966, a chemical inhibitor of HDAC3, resulted in upregulation of their expression. Expression of HDAC3 also repressed Npas4 and Bdnf promoter activity.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that Bdnf and Npas4 are transcriptional targets of Hdac3-mediated repression. HDAC3 inhibitors have been shown to protect against behavioral deficits and neuronal loss in mouse models of neurodegeneration and it is possible that these inhibitors work by upregulating neuroprotective genes like Bdnf and Npas4.
What are emergency ambulance services doing to meet the needs of people who call frequently? A national survey of current practice in the United Kingdom
Authors: Snooks Helen A. , Khanom Ashrafunnesa , Cole Robert , Edwards Adrian , Edwards Bethan Mair , Evans Bridie A. , Foster Theresa , Fothergill Rachael T. , Gripper Carol P. , Hampton Chelsey , John Ann , Petterson Robin , Porter Alison , Rosser Andy , Scott Jason
Published: December 2019

Background

Emergency ambulance services are integral to providing a service for those with unplanned urgent and life-threatening health conditions. However, high use of the service by a small minority of patients is a concern. Our objectives were to describe: service-wide and local policies or pathways for people classified as Frequent Caller; call volume; and results of any audit or evaluation.

Method

We conducted a national survey of current practice in ambulance services in relation to the management of people who call the emergency ambulance service frequently using a structured questionnaire for completion by email and telephone interview. We analysed responses using a descriptive and thematic approach.

Results

Twelve of 13 UK ambulance services responded. Most services used nationally agreed definitions for ‘Frequent Caller’, with 600–900 people meeting this classification each month. Service-wide policies were in place, with local variations. Models of care varied from within-service care where calls are flagged in the call centre; contact made with callers; and their General Practitioner (GP) with an aim of discouraging further calls, to case management through cross-service, multi-disciplinary team meetings aiming to resolve callers’ needs. Although data were available related to volume of calls and number of callers meeting the threshold for definition as Frequent Caller, no formal audits or evaluations were reported.

Conclusions

Ambulance services are under pressure to meet challenging response times for high acuity patients. Tensions are apparent in the provision of care to patients who have complex needs and call frequently. Multi-disciplinary case management approaches may help to provide appropriate care, and reduce demand on emergency services. However, there is currently inadequate evidence to inform commissioning, policy or practice development.
Reporting guideline for priority setting of health research (REPRISE)
Authors: Tong Allison , Synnot Anneliese , Crowe Sally , Hill Sophie , Matus Andrea , Scholes-Robertson Nicole , Oliver Sandy , Cowan Katherine , Nasser Mona , Bhaumik Soumyadeep , Gutman Talia , Baumgart Amanda , Craig Jonathan C.
Published: December 2019

Background

Research priority setting with stakeholders can help direct the limited resources for health research toward priority areas of need. Ensuring transparency of the priority setting process can strengthen legitimacy and credibility for influencing the research agenda. This study aims to develop a reporting guideline for priority setting of health research.

Methods

We searched electronic databases and relevant websites for sources (frameworks, guidelines, or models for conducting, appraising, reporting or evaluating health research priority setting, and reviews (including systematic reviews)), and primary studies of research priority setting to July 2019. We inductively developed a list of reporting items and piloted the preliminary guideline with a diverse range of 30 priority setting studies from the records retrieved.

Results

From 21,556 records, we included 26 sources for the candidate REPRISE framework and 455 primary research studies. The REporting guideline for PRIority SEtting of health research (REPRISE) has 31 reporting items that cover 10 domains: context and scope, governance and team, framework for priority setting, stakeholders/participants, identification and collection of priorities, prioritization of research topics, output, evaluation and feedback, translation and implementation, and funding and conflict of interest. Each reporting item includes a descriptor and examples.

Conclusions

The REPRISE guideline can facilitate comprehensive reporting of studies of research priority setting. Improved transparency in research priority setting may strengthen the acceptability and implementation of the research priorities identified, so that efforts and funding are invested in generating evidence that is of importance to all stakeholders.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Bag-1 stimulates Bad phosphorylation through activation of Akt and Raf kinases to mediate cell survival in breast cancer
Authors: Kizilboga Tugba , Baskale Emine Arzu , Yildiz Jale , Akcay Izzet Mehmet , Zemheri Ebru , Can Nisan Denizce , Ozden Can , Demir Salih , Ezberci Fikret , Dinler-Doganay Gizem
Published: December 2019

Background

Bag-1 (Bcl-2-associated athanogene) is a multifunctional anti-apoptotic protein frequently overexpressed in cancer. Bag-1 interacts with a variety of cellular targets including Hsp70/Hsc70 chaperones, Bcl-2, nuclear hormone receptors, Akt and Raf kinases. In this study, we investigated in detail the effects of Bag-1 on major cell survival pathways associated with breast cancer.

Methods

Using immunoblot analysis, we examined Bag-1 expression profiles in tumor and normal tissues of breast cancer patients with different receptor status. We investigated the effects of Bag-1 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, Akt and Raf kinase pathways, and Bad phosphorylation by implementing ectopic expression or knockdown of Bag-1 in MCF-7, BT-474, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-10A breast cell lines. We also tested these in tumor and normal tissues from breast cancer patients. We investigated the interactions between Bag-1, Akt and Raf kinases in cell lines and tumor tissues by co-immunoprecipitation, and their subcellular localization by immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry.

Results

We observed that Bag-1 is overexpressed in breast tumors in all molecular subtypes, i.e., regardless of their ER, PR and Her2 expression profile. Ectopic expression of Bag-1 in breast cancer cell lines results in the activation of B-Raf, C-Raf and Akt kinases, which are also upregulated in breast tumors. Bag-1 forms complexes with B-Raf, C-Raf and Akt in breast cancer cells, enhancing their phosphorylation and activation, and ultimately leading to phosphorylation of the pro-apoptotic Bad protein at Ser112 and Ser136. This causes Bad’s re-localization to the nucleus, and inhibits apoptosis in favor of cell survival.

Conclusions

Overall, Bad inhibition by Bag-1 through activation of Raf and Akt kinases is an effective survival and growth strategy exploited by breast cancer cells. Therefore, targeting the molecular interactions between Bag-1 and these kinases might prove an effective anticancer therapy.
Effectiveness of physical therapy treatment in addition to usual podiatry management of plantar heel pain: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: McClinton Shane M. , Heiderscheit Bryan C. , McPoil Thomas G. , Flynn Timothy W.
Published: December 2019

Background

Many patients will seek care from a podiatrist for plantar heel pain (PHP), while few of these patients will also be seen by a physical therapist. Physical therapists can provide treatment that is not a part of routine podiatric care for PHP and may provide additional improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of interdisciplinary care for PHP that incorporated physical therapy treatment after initiating podiatric treatment.

Methods

Eligible individuals with PHP that presented to a podiatrist were randomized to receive usual podiatric care (uPOD) or usual podiatric care plus physical therapy treatment (uPOD+PT). The primary outcome was change in foot and ankle ability measure (FAAM) at 6-months. Secondary outcomes included change in numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), patient-reported success, and 6-week and 1-year endpoints. Patient-reported success was defined as the top two global rating of change scale rankings. Primary analysis was intention-to-treat (ITT) using analysis by covariance adjusted to baseline scores, and a secondary per-protocol (PP) analysis was performed analyzing only those who completed treatment.

Results

Ninety-five individuals participated and were included in the ITT analysis, and 79 were included in the PP analysis. For the primary outcome of FAAM change from baseline to 6-months, both groups improved significantly (uPOD+PT: 26.8 [95% CI 21.6, 31.9]; uPOD: (20 [15.6, 24.4]), but there was no between-group difference (4.3 [− 1, 9.6]). For secondary outcomes, the uPOD+PT group demonstrated greater improvement in NPRS at 6 weeks (0.9 [0.3, 1.4]) and 1 year (1.5 [0.6, 2.5]) in the ITT analysis. In the PP analysis, the uPOD+PT group demonstrated greater improvement in FAAM at 6 months (7.7 [2.1, 13.3]) and 1 year (5.5 [0.1, 10.8]), NPRS at 6 weeks (0.9 [0.2, 1.6]), 6 months (1.3 [0.6, 2.1]) and 1 year (1.3 [0.6, 2.1]), and in patient-reported success (relative risk [95% CI]) at 6 weeks (2.8 [1.1, 7.1]), 6 months (1.5 [1.1, 2.1]), and 1 year (1.5 [1.1, 1.9]).

Conclusions

There was no significant benefit of uPOD+PT in the primary outcome of FAAM change at 6 months. Secondary outcomes and PP analysis indicated additional benefit of uPOD+PT, mostly observed in individuals who completed treatment.

Trial registration

Prospectively registered May 24, 2013 at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01865734).
Optimising clinical effectiveness and quality along the atrial fibrillation anticoagulation pathway: an economic analysis
Authors: Moloney Eoin , Craig Dawn , Holdsworth Nikki , Smithson Joanne
Published: December 2019

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. A service evaluation was carried out at an anticoagulation clinic in Newcastle upon-Tyne to explore the efficacy of introducing self-testing of anticoagulation status for AF patients on warfarin. The analysis presented aims to assess the potential cost savings and clinical outcomes associated with introducing self-testing at a clinic in the Northeast of England, and to determine the cost-effectiveness of a redesigned treatment pathway including genetic testing and self-testing components.

Methods

Questionnaires were administered to individuals participating in the service evaluation to understand the patient costs associated with clinical monitoring (139 patients), and quality-of-life before and after the introduction of self-testing (varying numbers). Additionally, data on time in therapeutic range (TTR) were captured at multiple time points to identify any change in outcome. Finally, an economic model was developed to assess the cost-effectiveness of introducing a redesigned treatment pathway, including genetic testing and self-testing, for AF patients.

Results

The average cost per patient of attending the anticoagulation clinic was £16.24 per visit (including carer costs). Costs were higher amongst patients tested at the hospital clinic than those tested at the community clinic. Improvements in quality-of-life across all psychological topics, and improved TTR, were seen following the introduction of self-testing. Results of the cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the redesigned treatment pathway was less costly and more effective than current practice.

Conclusions

Allowing AF patients on warfarin to self-test, rather than attend clinic to have their anticoagulation status assessed, has the potential to reduce patient costs. Additionally, self-testing may result in improved quality-of-life and TTR. Introducing genetic testing to guide patient treatment based on sensitivity to warfarin, and applying this in combination with self-testing, may also result in improved patient outcomes and reduced costs to the health service in the long-term.
Oleic acid influences the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells via DNA Methylation and may predispose to obesity and obesity-related disorders
Authors: Malodobra-Mazur Malgorzata , Cierzniak Aneta , Dobosz Tadeusz
Published: December 2019

Background

Adipogenesis is the process of adipocytes formation from unspecialized progenitor cells called mesenchymal stromal cells. Numerous mechanisms including epigenetic regulation modulate the correct progress of this process. Dietary exposures occurring over a specific period of time might cause long-lasting and even permanent changes in gene expression regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. For that reason, we investigated the adipogenesis of 3 T3-L1 cells with the excess of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and their influence on global and site-specific DNA methylation in these cells.

Materials and methods

3T3-L1 cells were cultured in vitro to obtain 100% of confluence, then the adipogenesis was induced by a differentiation cocktail with the addition of the excess of 0.25 mM and 0.5 mM of palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0) and oleic (18:1n-9) acids. DNA and RNA were extracted at five-time points to assess the adipogenesis process. The phenotype of mature adipocytes (insulin sensitivity, adipokines secretion, fat content) was estimated in fully mature adipocytes. DNA methylation was investigated both during adipogenesis and in mature adipocytes.

Results

Oleic acids stimulated expression of C/ebpα and Pparγ, which was correlated with lower methylation levels at promoters sites. Furthermore, cells cultured with an excess of oleic acid were characterized by higher lipid accumulation rate, higher leptin, and lower adiponectin secretion. Moreover, in all experimental cells, insulin signaling and glucose utilization were impaired.

Conclusion

Oleic acid affected the methylation of Pparγ and C/ebpα promoters, what correlated with higher expression. Furthermore, examined free fatty acids influenced the phenotype of mature adipocytes, especially insulin signaling pathway and adipokine secretion.
Evaluation of eight formulas for LDL-C estimation in Iranian subjects with different metabolic health statuses
Authors: Karkhaneh Azam , Bagherieh Molood , Sadeghi Solmaz , Kheirollahi Asma
Published: December 2019

Background

Considering the crucial role of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration in determining cardiovascular risk, the accuracy of LDL-C estimation is essential. To date, various types of formulae have been introduced, albeit their accuracy has not been assessed in varied populations. In this study, the accuracy of eight formulae for LDL-C estimation was evaluated in an Iranian population.

Methods

A data set of 2752 individuals was included in the study and all samples were analyzed in term of lipid profiles using direct homogeneous assay. The population was divided into various subgroups based on the triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein- cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), fasting blood sugar (FBS) and age values and estimated LDL-C values by Friedewald, Chen, de Cordova, Vujovic, Anandaraja, Hattori, Ahmadi, and Puavillai equations were compared to the directly measured LDL-C in each subgroup.

Results

Estimated LDL-C values by Puavillai formulae showed an insignificant difference compared to the directly measured LDL-C in subjects with high level of TG. However, for TG range < 3.38 mmol/L and high levels of HDL-C, the difference between the means of estimated LDL-C by Hattori and de Cordova formulas, and directly measured LDL-C was relatively lower than other equations. In addition, estimated LDL-C by Hattori and de Cordova formulae had insignificant differences as compared to the direct LDL-C at some levels of cholesterol, the normal level of FBS and some age ranges.

Conclusions

Therefore, it seems that Hattori and de Cordova formulas can be considered as the best alternatives for LDL-C direct measurement in the Iranian population, especially for healthy subjects.
A novel mutation of ABHD5 gene in a Chanarin Dorfman patient with unusual dermatological findings
Authors: Eskiocak Ali Haydar , Missaglia Sara , Moro Laura , Durdu Murat , Tavian Daniela
Published: December 2019

Background

Chanarin Dorfman Syndrome (CDS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the multisytemic accumulation of neutral lipids inside the cytoplasmic lipid droplets. This condition is caused by mutations in the abhydrolase domain containing 5 gene (ABHD5). In CDS the skin involvement is the prevalent and always observed clinical feature, consisting of a non-bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (NCIE). Moreover, a variable involvement of the liver and neuromuscular system can be also observed. In this report, we aimed to perform the clinical and genetic characterization of a patient affected by CDS with atypical dermatological findings, considering this rare inborn error of neutral lipid metabolism.

Methods

Genomic DNA samples obtained from patient and his parents were used to perform the sequencing of the ABHD5 exons and their intron/exon boundaries. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to investigate the possible effect of the identified mutation on protein structure.

Results

Here we present the case of a 29-year-old male patient with CDS, who, for long time, has been misdiagnosed as pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). He has a history of increasing hyperlipidemia; hepatomegaly associated with hepatosteatosis was also detected. ABHD5 molecular analysis revealed a novel missense mutation, the c.811G > A (p.G271R). Bioinformatic investigations showed that the variant has a deleterious effect on ABHD5 function, probably causing an incorrect folding of the mutant protein.

Conclusions

These results highlihts the importance of genetic testing for ABHD5 in unresolved cases of patients presenting unusual skin lesions, that resemble PRP, associated with a history of hyperlipidemia and nonalcoholic fatty liver.