bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AKAP8 interacting with DDX5 to regulate R-loop balance involves in lung carcinoma cell growth
Authors: Wang Xu , Liu Liang
Published: November 2023

Triple-nucleotide chain of RNA:DNA hybrid structure R-loop is formed during transcription process which is closely associated with transcriptional regulation, transcriptional termination, epigenetic modifications, and structure of chromatin. Dysregulation of R-loop formation or resolution may disturb normal DNA replication or RNA transcription, leading to associated progress of disease. Herein, we found A-kinase-anchoring protein 8 (AKAP8) bind with R-loop structure in cell. Knock down of AKAP8 showed perturbation of balance of genomic R-loop formation and gene transcription. Evidences was shown that AKAP8 interacted with R-loop resolution protein ATP-dependent DEAD box RNA helicase DDX5 and increased chromatin associated DDX5 level. Finally, AKAP8 promoted UCP2 transcription and resolved R-loop level of its promoter region, and contributed to cell growth of adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cell line A549, which may provide clues for poor prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma in high AKAP8 expression patients.
Identifying the attributes of consumer experience in Michelin-starred restaurants: a text-mining analysis of online customer reviews
Authors: Barrera-Barrera Ramón
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The main goal of this paper is to identify the attributes of consumer experience in Michelin-starred restaurants and to estimate their effects on restaurant ratings.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 70,233 online reviews of 224 Spanish Michelin-starred restaurants were analysed with the latent Dirichlet allocation algorithm. A sentiment analysis and a logistic regression analysis were also employed to estimate the effect of attributes on restaurant ratings.

Findings

Customer attention, food quality, decor and ambience and value for money are frequently used to define restaurant experience. However, it is shown in this study that the experience in a Michelin-starred restaurant goes beyond the evaluation of those four attributes. Furthermore, the effect of the factors that were identified on customer satisfaction differed depending on the restaurant ratings.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are linked to the context of Spanish Michelin-starred restaurants. It is also assumed in this study that online reviews are based on truthful opinions.

Practical implications

Restaurant managers should primarily focus on customer attention and food quality to achieve customer satisfaction. In addition, those restaurants with an error-free service and a highly appreciated wine list among diners are more likely to achieve the culinary excellence that deserves a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Originality/value

The attributes of the restaurant experience are frequently identified in literature reviews. Research based on text-mining analyses of customer reviews to discover a posteriori the factors that define a restaurant experience is scarce, and particularly difficult to find in the context of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Evaluation of search engine results pages in various languages and contents: the changes in strategies and criteria
Authors: Sendurur Emine , Gabriel Sonja
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to discover how domain familiarity and language affect the cognitive load and the strategies applied for the evaluation of search engine results pages (SERP).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an experimental research design. The pattern of the experiment was based upon repeated measures design. Each student was given four SERPs varying in two dimensions: language and content. The criteria of students to decide on the three best links within the SERP, the reasoning behind their selection, and their perceived cognitive load of the given task were the repeated measures collected from each participant.

Findings

The evaluation criteria changed according to the language and task type. The cognitive load was reported higher when the content was presented in English or when the content was academic. Regarding the search strategies, a majority of students trusted familiar sources or relied on keywords they found in the short description of the links. A qualitative analysis showed that students can be grouped into different types according to the reasons they stated for their choices. Source seeker, keyword seeker and specific information seeker were the most common types observed.

Originality/value

This study has an international scope with regard to data collection. Moreover, the tasks and findings contribute to the literature on information literacy.
Preparedness for a low-carbon future – knowledge level of built environment students
Authors: Unuigbe Maria , Zulu Sambo Lyson
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The UK Government has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, being the first major nation to do so. While laudable, it raises the question, “are future built environment professionals (BEPs) equipped for this?” Although studies related to students’ perspectives exist, they broadly focus on sustainability-related pedagogical aspects, with limited studies conducted in the built environment (BE). This study makes the case that it is timely to investigate this from an emerging perspective using the term “low-carbon future” (LCF), given that it is germane to achieving net-zero emissions and is at the forefront of academic and practice discourse. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the knowledge level of UK BE students’ in higher education institutions (HEIs) specific to the term LCF.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a systematic scoping study review of published papers related to sustainability in BE curricula in the UK HEI context.

Findings

The findings reveal that LCF remains at a nascent stage, with no study specifically addressing it. It indicates a knowledge gap that could impact the grounding students require to address current and future sustainability challenges.

Research limitations/implications

The review focused on a specific term, which, while relevant, is very niche. A review of other emerging terms, considering LCF as a theme, and/or empirical data from diverse stakeholders in UK HEIs could enrich the results.

Practical implications

This study provides significant insight into the status of sustainability inclusion in the BE curriculum. It would serve as a reference for stakeholders involved in equipping future BEPs with the requisite knowledge and skills to deal with sustainability challenges that will be consequential beyond the UK context. It would also inform future research.

Social implications

Sustainability-informed and equipped BEPs will be influential in shaping their immediate surroundings and how people engage with them, which will contribute to developing a more equitable and sustainable society.

Originality/value

Beyond contributing to the discourse on sustainability literacy in UK HEI from an emerging concept perspective, this study would be useful as possibly the first of its kind. Therefore, it fills the theoretical gap and proffers recommendations that would be beneficial for curriculum development.
Reconstructing legitimacy of internal auditing during ERP implementations: two contrasting cases
Authors: Elbardan Hany , Nordberg Donald , Sinha Vikash Kumar
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the legitimacy of internal auditing is reconstructed during enterprise resource planning (ERP)-driven technological change.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on the comparative analysis of internal auditing and its transformation due to ERP implementations at two case firms operating in the food sector in Egypt – one a major Egyptian multinational corporation (MNC) and the other a major domestic company (DC).

Findings

Internal auditors (IAs) at MNC saw ERP implementation as an opportunity to reconstruct the legitimacy of internal auditing work by engaging and partnering with actors involved with the ERP change. In doing so, the IAs acquired system certifications and provided line functions and external auditors with data-driven business insights. The “practical coping mechanism” adopted by the IAs led to the acceptance (and legitimacy) of their work. In contrast, IAs at DC adopted a purposeful strategy of disengaging, blaming and rejecting since they were skeptical of the top management team's (TMT's) sincerity. The “disinterestedness” led to the loss of legitimacy in the eyes of the stakeholders.

Originality/value

The article offers two contributions. First, it extends the literature by highlighting a spectrum of behavior displayed by IAs (coping with impending issues vs strategic purposefulness) during ERP-driven technological change. Second, the article contributes to the literature on legitimacy by highlighting four intertwined micro-processes – participating, socializing, learning and role-forging – that contribute to reconstructing the legitimacy of internal auditing.
Reinventing teaching pedagogy: the benefits of quiz-enhanced flipped classroom model on students' learning outcomes and engagement
Authors: Samaila Kamaludeen , Al-Samarraie Hosam
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The flipped classroom model is an emerging teaching pedagogy in universities, colleges and secondary schools. This model will likely be successful if students prepare and acquire basic knowledge before class hours. Pre-class video lectures are common for students to access knowledge before class hours. However, students often do not watch the pre-class videos or do so only immediately before class hours due to poor engagement and supporting strategies, which can have detrimental effects on their learning achievement. To address this issue, embedding quiz questions into pre-class recorded videos may increase the completion of pre-class activities, students' engagement and learning success. This study examines the effect of a quiz-based flipped classroom (QFC) model to improve students' learning achievement and engagement in a computer science course.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involved 173 participants divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group consisted of 78 students who used the QFC model, while the control group consisted of 73 students who used the conventional flipped classroom (CFC) model.

Findings

The 10-week experiment showed that the QFC model effectively improved students' learning achievement and engagement (both behavioral and agentic) compared to the CFC model.

Practical implications

Embedding quiz strategy into the pre-class video demonstrated the potential support to enhance the efficacy of the CFC model. Based on the results of this research, the authors recommended that flipped educators can use the quiz strategy to minimize pre-class issues (especially students' disengagement).

Originality/value

This research adds to the existing literature by evaluating the effect of the newly proposed model on students' learning outcomes and engagement. This study's results can guide colleges and universities intending to implement a blended learning or flipped learning model. The research also gives design, content and course implementation guidelines, which can help engage students to achieve their learning objectives.
Does CEO narcissism matter? An examination of the relationship between board structure and earnings management in Kenya
Authors: Tarus Daniel Kipkirong , Korir Fiona Jepkosgei
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper examines how board structure influences real earnings management and the interaction effect of CEO narcissism on board structure-real earnings management relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used panel data derived from secondary sources from publicly listed firms in Kenya during 2002–2017. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that board independence, board tenure and size have significant negative effect on real earnings management, while CEO duality positively affects real earnings management. Further, the interaction results show that CEO narcissism moderates the relationship between CEO duality and real earnings management.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that real earnings management reduces when boards are independent, large and comprising of long-tenured members. However, when the CEO plays dual role of a chairman, real earnings management increases. The authors also find that when CEOs are narcissists, the monitoring role of the board is compromised.

Originality/value

The study adds value to the understanding of how board structure and CEO narcissism influence the monitoring role of the board among firms listed at Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Improvements in pincer nail deformity occur earlier and last longer when acetylcysteine gel is added to an overcurvature‐correcting device: Results of a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, vehicle‐controlled, investigator‐blinded study
Authors: Saito Masataka , Ikoma Akihiko , Fujikawa Akira , Tanaka Kazuaki
Published: November 2023

Acetylcysteine (AC) destabilizes keratin and softens nails, reducing the time needed to correct pincer nail deformity with an overcurvature‐correcting device. The objective of this phase 3, multicenter, randomized, investigator‐blinded study was to evaluate the early and sustained therapeutic effectiveness and safety of 10% AC gel plus an overcurvature‐correcting device to treat pincer nails. Patients aged 12 years and older with hallux pincer nail were fitted with an overcurvature‐correcting device for 7 days, with a 24‐h application of AC gel (n = 40) or vehicle (n = 39) on day 1. The primary end point (achievement of a distal narrowed nail width ratio ≥70% on day 8) was met by 47.5% in the 10% AC group and 25.6% in the vehicle group (difference 21.9%;p = 0.0439). Secondary end points showed a greater tendency towards improvement with 10% AC. The nail correction effect was maintained for at least 12 weeks in the majority of AC‐treated patients, although the study duration was insufficient to assess the long‐term probability of recurrence. No AC‐related adverse events were reported. In conclusion, a single application of 10% AC gel combined with short‐term device use facilitated earlier correction of pincer nails compared with the device alone, with improvements maintained after device removal.
Ultra‐resolution surface‐consistent full waveform inversion
Authors: Colombo Daniele , Sandoval‐Curiel Ernesto , Turkoglu Ersan , Rovetta Diego , Kontakis Apostolos
Published: November 2023

Full waveform inversion for land seismic data requires the development of specific strategies for modelling the complex response associated to the near surface. Seismic wave propagation is distorted by several effects, such as topographic relief, wavefield scattering, attenuation (often frequency‐dependent) and anisotropy. The modelling of such shallow complexities is often unmanageable by parametric inversions such that data preconditioning and surface‐related corrections are required before tackling the full waveform inversion velocity modelling problem. We developed a unified framework addressing both surface‐consistent corrections and full waveform inversion by using the transmitted portion of the wavefield. The problem of surface‐consistent decomposition is recast in terms of the transmitted wavefield leading to kinematic and dynamic corrections to account for sub‐resolution wave propagation distortions occurring in the near surface weathering layer. Seismic data are deconvolved from the effects of the near surface to better represent the deeper subsurface wavefield propagation. Signal‐to‐noise enhancement is obtained after the surface‐consistent transmission preconditioning by the generation of virtual super gathers reconstructed in the midpoint‐offset sorting domain. An original scheme of 1.5D Laplace–Fourier full waveform inversion, involving 3D radiation and 1D velocity inversion, is then applied for the velocity reconstruction where the amplitude information of the seismic data is fully preserved and utilized. The unified approach of surface‐consistent transmission preconditioning and velocity modelling is demonstrated on the Society of Exploration Geophysicists Advanced Modelling arid model dataset as well as on two complex field datasets containing near surface complexities typical of arid regions. The approach provides the solution of the near surface distortions by performing data preconditioning and velocity inversions in a unified scheme. The surface‐consistent full waveform inversion approach has been utilized for large land seismic projects and represents a robust tool for supporting land seismic imaging.
A comparison of the carbon footprint of alternative sampling approaches for cervical screening in the UK: A descriptive study
Authors: Whittaker Maya , Davies Jennifer C. , Sargent Alexandra , Sawyer Matt , Crosbie Emma J.
Published: November 2023

Objective

To understand whether self‐sampling can reduce carbon emissions (CO2e) from the NHS cervical screening programme (NHSCSP) by comparing the carbon footprint of three sampling strategies: routine cervical sampling, vaginal self‐sampling and first‐void (FV) urine collection.

Design

Descriptive study.

Setting

National Health Service (NHS), United Kingdom (UK).

Population or Sample

Patients aged 25–64 years eligible for cervical screening in the UK.

Methods

A carbon footprint analysis was undertaken for three cervical screening sampling approaches, from point of invitation to screening through to preparation for transport to the laboratory for HPV testing. A combination of primary and secondary data were used, with a bottom‐up approach applied to collection of primary data.

Main Outcome Measures

We report CO2e per sampling approach, which is the unit used to express carbon footprint and harmonise the contributions of greenhouse gases with different global warming potentials.

Results

The total carbon footprint of routine cervical sampling is 3670 g CO2e. By comparison, vaginal self‐sampling had a total carbon footprint of 423 g CO2e, and FV urine sampling 570 g CO2e. The largest share of emissions for routine sampling was attributable to the carbon footprint associated with an appointment in a primary care setting, which totalled 2768 g CO2e.

Conclusions

Routine cervical sampling is up to 8.7‐fold more carbon‐intensive than self‐sampling approaches with equivalent effectiveness. We found negligible differences in the carbon footprint of alternative self‐sampling methods, supporting the need for an informed choice of screening options for participants, which includes sharing information on their environmental impacts.
Why do young adults coreside with their parents?
Authors: Acolin Arthur , Lin Desen , Wachter Susan M.
Published: November 2023

Nearly one in every two adults aged 18–29 currently lives with their parents, compared to slightly more than one in four in 1960. The literature focuses on changing labor market conditions and marriage–childbearing delays to account for this shift. Using a Blinder–Oaxaca procedure, we identify a role for housing affordability, measured by market‐level median housing rent or price to median household income ratios, as an additional factor in the increase in coresidency since but not before 2000. We endogenize the marriage–childbearing decision with a Heckman selection model and attribute up to a quarter of the observed 9‐percentage‐point increase in the coresidence share between 2000 and 2021 to a decrease in housing affordability. We find a nonlinear relationship between affordability and coresidence with the relationship strongest in the least affordable metros where affordability constraints might be more binding. Overall, these results show changes in market‐level housing affordability are associated with the increase in young adult coresidence over the first two decades of the 21st century.
Analysis of risk factors associated with distant metastasis detected at laparotomy in patients with radiologically resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Burasakarn Pipit , Yochum Kwanchanok , Hongjinda Sermsak , Thienhiran Anuparp , Fuengfoo Pusit
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the preoperative risk factors in patients with radiologically resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs), deemed to be unresectable intraoperatively.

Methods

Data on patients radiologically diagnosed with resectable PDACs and subsequently underwent pancreatectomy between January 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively collected. Preoperative risk factors were also analysed.

Results

Fifty‐three patients with resectable PDAC who underwent laparotomy for curative intent were divided into the no‐metastases (n = 32) and distant metastases (n = 21) groups. Univariate analysis identified factors associated with distant metastases found intraoperatively, such as significant weight loss (odds ratio [OR] 5.29, P = .02), tumour size >35 mm (OR 4.15, P = .017), tumours located at the body and tail of the pancreas (OR 6, P = .041), superior mesenteric vein (SMV) abutment from the tumour (OR 7.5, P = .02), serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 > 385 IU/mL (OR 3.58, P = .031) and serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels >9 IU/mL. However, multivariate analysis showed that only significant weight loss (adjusted OR 27.19, P = .011), SMV abutment from the tumour (adjusted OR 52.64, P = .01) and serum CEA levels >9 IU/mL were associated with distant metastases found intraoperatively.

Conclusion

Significant weight loss, SMV abutment and serum CEA levels of >9 IU/mL were intraoperatively associated with distant metastases. Staging laparoscopy and positron emission tomography–computed tomography may reduce unnecessary laparotomies and change clinical management in these patients.
Ultrasound‐assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction of bioactive compounds from persimmon calyx
Authors: Kutlu Naciye , Kamiloğlu Aybike , Abca Tuğba Elbir , Yilmaz Özlem
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to investigate the ultrasound‐assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from persimmon (Diospyros kaki) calyx by deep eutectic solvents (DES) with different molar ratios. For this reason, the prepared DES extracts’ total phenolic–flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrilhydrazyl radical scavenging activity [DPPH•], Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]) were investigated as a result of the experimental design and optimization study conducted for this purpose. A sonication time of 20 min was determined as the optimal condition. Under these conditions, a molar ratio of 1.9:1 (lactic acid:choline chloride) and a water ratio of 70% provided the highest phenolic/flavonoid compounds and antioxidative activity. Correlations among water ratio, molar ratio, and sonication time were determined using principal component analysis (PCA). In conditions where total flavonoid compound, FRAP, and DPPH• are high due to PCA, it can be concluded that the sonication time is at high level; on the contrary, the water and molar ratios are at low level. In conclusion, ultrasound‐assisted extraction using DES proved effective in persimmon calyx. Therefore, it can be recommended to use these environmentally friendly green solvents as an alternative to organic solvents in preparing extracts in various fields.

Practical Application

This study shows the effectiveness of the ultrasound‐assisted green extraction method using persimmon calyx specified as waste. These findings are compelling in the food industry in terms of consumers being now aware of green technology and the discovery that calyx is a good source of bioactive compounds.
A novel target‐enriched multilocus assay for sponges (Porifera): Red Sea Haplosclerida (Demospongiae) as a test case
Authors: van der Sprong Joëlle , de Voogd Nicole Joy , McCormack Grace Patricia , Sandoval Kenneth , Schätzle Simone , Voigt Oliver , Erpenbeck Dirk , Wörheide Gert , Vargas Sergio
Published: November 2023

With declining biodiversity worldwide, a better understanding of species diversity and their relationships is imperative for conservation and management efforts. Marine sponges are species‐rich ecological key players on coral reefs, but their species diversity is still poorly understood. This is particularly true for the demosponge order Haplosclerida, whose systematic relationships are contentious due to the incongruencies between morphological and molecular phylogenetic hypotheses. The single gene markers applied in previous studies did not resolve these discrepancies. Hence, there is a high need for a genome‐wide approach to derive a phylogenetically robust classification and understand this group's evolutionary relationships. To this end, we developed a target enrichment‐based multilocus probe assay for the order Haplosclerida using transcriptomic data. This probe assay consists of 20,000 enrichment probes targeting 2956 ultraconserved elements in coding (i.e. exon) regions across the genome and was tested on 26 haplosclerid specimens from the Red Sea. Our target‐enrichment approach correctly placed our samples in a well‐supported phylogeny, in agreement with previous haplosclerid molecular phylogenies. Our results demonstrate the applicability of high‐resolution genomic methods in a systematically complex marine invertebrate group and provide a promising approach for robust phylogenies of Haplosclerida. Subsequently, this will lead to biologically unambiguous taxonomic revisions, better interpretations of biological and ecological observations and new avenues for applied research, conservation and managing declining marine diversity.
The sonographic protocol for the emergent evaluation of aortic dissections (SPEED protocol): A multicenter, prospective, observational study
Authors: Gibbons Ryan C. , Smith Dylan , Feig Rivka , Mulflur Molly , Costantino Thomas G.
Published: November 2023

Objectives

An aortic dissection (AoD) is a potentially life‐threatening emergency with mortality rates exceeding 50%. While computed tomography angiography remains the diagnostic standard, patients may be too unstable to leave the emergency department. Investigators developed a point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) protocol combining transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and the abdominal aorta. The study objective was to determine the test characteristics of this protocol.

Methods

This was an institutional review board–approved, multicenter, prospective, observational, cohort study of a convenience sample of adult patients. Patients suspected of having an AoD received a TTE and abdominal aorta POCUS. Three sonographic signs suggested AoD: a pericardial effusion, an intimal flap, or an aortic outflow track diameter measuring more than 35 mm. Investigators present continuous and categorical data as medians with interquartile ranges or proportions with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and utilized standard 2 × 2 tables on MedCalc (Version 19.1.6) to calculate test characteristics with 95% CI.

Results

Investigators performed 1314 POCUS examinations, diagnosing 21 Stanford type A and 23 Stanford type B AoD. Forty‐one of the 44 cases had at least one of the aforementioned sonographic findings. The protocol has a sensitivity of 93.2% (95% CI 81.3–98.6), specificity of 90.9 (95% CI 89.2–92.5), positive and negative predictive values of 26.3% (95% CI 19.6–33.9) and 99.7% (95% CI 99.2–100), respectively, and an accuracy of 91% (95% CI 89.3–92.5).

Conclusions

The SPEED protocol has an overall sensitivity of 93.2% for AoD.
Factors influencing older adults' participation in telehealth interventions for primary prevention and health promotion: A rapid review
Authors: Turcotte Samuel , Bouchard Camille , Rousseau Jacqueline , DeBroux Leduc Roxane , Bier Nathalie , Kairy Dahlia , Dang‐Vu Thien Thanh , Sarimanukoglu Kami , Dubé François , Bourgeois Racine Chanaelle , Rioux Camille , Shea Carolann , Filiatrault Johanne
Published: November 2023

Objective

To identify facilitators and barriers to older adults' participation in telehealth interventions for primary prevention and health promotion.

Methods

Relevant articles were searched using keywords in Embase and MEDLINE. Study characteristics, type of telehealth interventions and technology involved, as well as facilitators and barriers to their use, were extracted from selected articles. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model was used to organise data.

Results

A total of 24 articles (pertaining to 20 studies) were included. Nine facilitators and 11 barriers influencing the participation in telehealth interventions for primary prevention and health promotion among older adults were identified. The most recurrent facilitators were related to the individual's performance expectancy and effort expectancy, as well as the presence of a social dimension associated with the intervention (i.e. having a good relationship with the other participants in the program). The two most prevalent barriers were also related to effort expectancy and performance expectancy, followed by barriers related to the inherent characteristics of the technology and older adults' health condition. Experience, age and gender were also found to moderate technology use and acceptance.

Conclusions

This rapid review highlights the importance of adopting a holistic perspective when designing telehealth interventions aimed at preventive and health promotion purposes among older adults.
Nurse escorts' perceptions of nurse‐led inter‐hospital ambulance transfer in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia: A descriptive survey study
Authors: Mndebele Sinqobizitha (Sinq) , Russell Kylie P. , Coventry Tracey H.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The Western Australia (WA) Country Health Service (WACHS) requires the ward or emergency department (ED) registered nurse (RN) to assume the responsibility of conducting nurse‐led interhospital patient road ambulance transfers, in the absence of an available registered paramedic (RP). The generalist nurse escort with no specialised training is allocated to the patient transport from their rostered shifts when the need arises, and, in some instances, this nurse may not have been in an ambulance before. Patients requiring transfer are usually prioritised over hospital patient care because of the life‐threatening nature of these situations and the urgency to get them to tertiary care facilities. This study explored nurses’ perceptions about caring for a patient during road ambulance transfer, with an aim of supporting future policy formulation and decision‐making to guide nurses’ training, induction and ongoing education on interhospital transfers.

Objective

To examine the perceptions of hospital‐employed registered nurses caring for a patient during road ambulance transfer from rural Western Australia.

Design

A descriptive survey design included 23 questions to clarify the level of experience and training, the prevalence of clinical deterioration and the confidence to manage patient care.

Findings

Findings from the surveys indicated that nurses often felt overwhelmed by the responsibility of the patient transfer, unclear guidelines, limited preparation and handover, lack of orientation to the ambulance environment, difficulty escalating care during transfer and no insight into the return to base process.

Discussion

To explore how the RN who normally works within a well‐organised and accessible multidisciplinary team manages caring for a patient in an unfamiliar mobile environment, the study was conducted within WACHS in the Wheatbelt Region of WA involving 27 health care sites. Participating nurses were asked several broad questions to explore their perceptions on how well‐equipped they are in managing clinical care and deterioration during transfer; what are the challenges that they face while doing so and how confident they are about their knowledge, skill level and scope of clinical practice in supporting patients during interhospital transfer?

Conclusion

Wheatbelt nurse escorts were capable, generalist nurses with a demonstrated skill set in managing patient care during transfer when needed. The ‘back of the ambulance’ was a challenging environment for nurses to engage in the type of care usually provided in the hospital setting, which come with a high level of uncertainty and anxiety for both patient outcome and own well‐being.
The effect of patient symptom awareness on the visual outcome in retinal detachment
Authors: Govers B. M. , Keijser S. , El Kandoussi M. , van Overdam K. A. , Klevering B. J. , Crama N.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To explore whether a patient's prior knowledge of the symptoms associated with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) relates to the visual outcome after treatment.

Methods

We performed a prospective survey study on 126 patients receiving treatment for primary RRD between March and July 2021.

Results

Thirty‐seven per cent (n = 47) of patients responded that they were aware of the RRD symptoms prior to the detachment. A history of RRD in the fellow eye or knowledge of family members treated for RRD was frequently reported as a reason for the patient's awareness of RRD symptoms. Patients aware of RRD symptoms presented significantly more often with an attached macula (χ2, p = 0.002) and a better visual outcome following surgery (Mann–Whitney U, p = 0.028) compared to patients who were not aware of RRD‐related symptoms. Among 76 patients with a myopic refractive error, only 15% (n = 11) indicated that they had been warned about the increased RRD risk related to myopia, suggesting that three‐quarters of patients were not actively informed by their eye care professionals.

Conclusion

RRD symptom awareness is significantly related to a higher rate of macula‐on RRDs and better visual outcomes after treatment. There is limited awareness of increased RRD risk in myopic RRD patients. These findings suggest that counselling individuals at high risk of RRD about related symptoms is inadequate and better counselling may improve visual outcomes following RRD treatment.
Is contact among social class groups associated with legitimation of inequality? An examination across 28 countries
Authors: Vargas Salfate Salvador , Stern Chadly
Published: November 2023

Is class‐based contact associated with legitimation of inequality? Drawing from the idea that people adopt beliefs predominant in groups with whom they interact, we hypothesized that upper‐class contact would correspond to greater legitimation of inequality, whereas lower‐class contact would correspond to lesser legitimation of inequality among lower‐ and upper‐class individuals. We also hypothesized that middle‐class individuals might possess a more precarious identity, leading lower‐class contact to correspond to higher legitimation of inequality. We tested hypotheses using a nationally representative sample from Chile (N = 4446; Study 1), and nationally representative samples from 28 countries (N = 43,811; Study 2). Support for hypotheses was mixed. Upper‐class contact was often associated with greater legitimation of inequality, whereas lower‐class contact was frequently related to lower legitimation of inequality. Patterns emerged among most social class groups, but there was also variation across groups. We discuss potential explanations for results along with theoretical implications for class‐based contact.
Dressing up social psychology: Empirically investigating the psychological functions of clothing using the example of symbolic protection
Authors: Gruber Robert , Häfner Michael , Kachel Sven
Published: November 2023

Clothing behaviour remains an understudied research area within social psychology. Through the present research, we aim to anchor attire as an empirical research subject by investigating the psychological properties of one of its functionalities, namely, to provide protection. We argue that attire's undisputed role in shielding humans from environmental hazards may extend to the psychological level and protect them from the incorporeal consequences of existential threats symbolically. In this Registered Report, a mixed‐methods approach links an ecologically valid field study of self‐presentation in social media posts during Russia's war on Ukraine (Study 1; N = 248) with supraliminal priming of mortality salience in an online experiment (Study 2; N = 248). Across both studies, we expect that mortality concerns let people accentuate the physically protective attributes of clothing (e.g. more layers of clothing) and resort to more in‐group prototypical dress styles (i.e. more gender‐stereotypical). Findings show that people adjust their clothing preferences in response to existential threats, favouring in‐group prototypical clothing (more gender‐typical for both women and men in Study 1) and physically protective attire (higher in women and lower in men in Study 2) during high (vs. low) levels of existential threat. By positioning clothing as a research area within social psychology, our goal is to stimulate a wave of research on its profound role for humankind. Furthermore, we provide a dynamic and robust methodological approach to researching terror management theory.
Challenges and contexts in mandated organizational change: Consolidation in Alberta's health care system
Authors: Greenwald Howard P.
Published: November 2023

The research reported here is a case study of mandated consolidation in the organization of Alberta's health care system. Informed by the concept of organizational context, this study illustrates the complexity of factors affecting outcomes of mandated change and draws implications for theory and practice. Consolidation of separate agencies was initiated in 2008. Data were obtained through 2020 via interviews of key informants, reviews of official documents, and searches of news media. Ultimately, the mandate appears to have succeeded, but at substantial and potentially avoidable cost. An understanding of multiple dimensions of context can contribute to successful strategies for change.
Bruceine A inhibited breast cancer proliferation and metastasis by inducing autophagy via targeting PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Gao Zhen , Zhang Yan , Shen Weixing , Liu Xinyu , Wei Yunfang , Li Linxia , Cui Hengguan
Published: November 2023

Although there have been significant advances in cancer treatment, the urgent need to inhibit breast cancer metastasis remained unmet. Bruceine A (BA) is a natural compound extracted from Bruceae Fructus and has long been recognized to have antitumor effects with high safety and biocompatibility. However, the mechanisms and/or targets of BA for metastatic breast cancer treatment are still not fully elucidated. In this study, we systematically investigated the effects of BA on inhibition of breast cancer metastasis and its underlying mechanisms. We found that, in addition to its cytotoxic effects, BA significantly inhibited the invasion and migration capabilities of two types of breast cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7) while concurrently promoting apoptosis in these cells. Further mechanistic studies revealed that, by targeting the canonical PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway, BA initiated autophagy of both types of breast cancer cell lines in vitro. In vivo results further confirmed the in vitro findings, manifested by shrinkage of size and weight of breast tumor as well as initiation of autophagy (indicated by upregulation of LC3I/II) through targeting PI3K‐AKT pathway on mice model. These data collectively demonstrated the potential of BA in antimetastasis of breast cancer cells, suggesting its future clinical transformation in metastatic breast cancer therapy.
Dihydropyrimidine derivatives as MDM2 inhibitors
Authors: Mehri Ali , Mahnam Karim , Sirous Hajar , Aghaei Mahmoud , Rafiei Leila , Rostami Mahboubeh
Published: November 2023

One of the chief pathways to regulate p53 levels is MDM2 protein, which negatively controls p53 by direct inhibition. Many cancers overproduce MDM2 protein to interrupt p53 functions. Therefore, impeding MDM2's binding to p53 can reactivate p53 in tumor cells may suggest an effective approach for tumor therapy. Here, some Monastrol derivatives were designed in silico as MDM2 inhibitors, and their initial cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro on MFC‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. A small library of Monastrol derivatives was created, and virtual screening (VS) was performed on them. The first‐ranked compound, which was extracted from VS, and the other six compounds 5a‐5f were selected to carry out the single‐docking and docking with explicit waters. The compound with the best average results was then subjected to molecular dynamic (MD) simulation. Compounds 5a‐5f were chemically synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their initial cytotoxicity on MFC‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells by MTT assay. The best compound was compound 5d with ΔGave = −10.35 kcal/mol. MD simulation revealed a median potency in comparison with Nutlin‐3a. The MTT assay confirmed the docking and MD experiments. 5d has an IC50 of 60.09 μM on MCF‐7 cells. We attempted to use Monastrol scaffold as a potent inhibitor of MDM2 rather than an Eg5 inhibitor using in silico modification. The results obtained from the in silico and in vitro evaluations were noteworthy and warranted much more effort in the future.
Role of epithelial barrier function in inducing type 2 immunity following early‐life viral infection
Authors: Tian Kunyuan , Dangarh Prakrati , Zhang Haina , Hines Christian L. , Bush Andrew , Pybus Hannah J. , Harker James A. , Lloyd Clare M. , Tanaka Reiko J. , Saglani Sejal
Published: November 2023

Background

Preschool wheeze attacks triggered by recurrent viral infections, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are associated with an increased risk of childhood asthma. However, mechanisms that lead to asthma following early‐life viral wheezing remain uncertain.

Methods

To investigate a causal relationship between early‐life RSV infections and onset of type 2 immunity, we developed a neonatal murine model of recurrent RSV infection, in vivo and in silico, and evaluated the dynamical changes of altered airway barrier function and downstream immune responses, including eosinophilia, mucus secretion and type 2 immunity.

Results

RSV infection of neonatal BALB/c mice at 5 and 15 days of age induced robust airway eosinophilia, increased pulmonary CD4+IL‐13+ and CD4+IL‐5+ cells, elevated levels of IL‐13 and IL‐5 and increased airway mucus at 20 days of age. Increased bronchoalveolar lavage albumin levels, suggesting epithelial barrier damage, were present and persisted following the second RSV infection. Computational in silico simulations demonstrated that recurrent RSV infection resulted in severe damage of the airway barrier (epithelium), triggering the onset of type 2 immunity. The in silico results also demonstrated that recurrent infection is not always necessary for the development of type 2 immunity, which could also be triggered with single infection of high viral load or when the epithelial barrier repair is compromised.

Conclusions

The neonatal murine model demonstrated that recurrent RSV infection in early life alters airway barrier function and promotes type 2 immunity. A causal relationship between airway barrier function and type 2 immunity was suggested using in silico model simulations.
ERBB3 deficiency causes a multisystemic syndrome in human patient and zebrafish
Authors: Liu Keqiang , Chen Ru , Zhang Minzhong , Gong Yiming , Wang Yong , Cai Wei
Published: November 2023

The Erb‐B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (ERBB3) gene was first identified as a cause of lethal congenital contracture syndrome (OMIM 607598), while a recent study reported six additional patients carrying ERBB3 variants which exhibited distinct clinical features with evident intestinal dysmotility (OMIM 243180). The potential connection between these phenotypes remains unknown, and the ERBB3‐related phenotype spectrum needs to be better characterized. Here, we described a patient presenting with a multisystemic syndrome including skip segment Hirschsprung disease, bilateral clubfoot deformity, and cardiac defect. Trio‐whole exome sequencing revealed a novel compound heterozygous variant (c.1914‐7C>G; c.2942_2945del) in the patient's ERBB3 gene. RT‐PCR and in vitro minigene analysis demonstrated that variant c.1914‐7C>G caused aberrant mRNA splicing. Both variants resulted in premature termination codon and complete loss of ERBB3 function. erbb3b knockdown in zebrafish simultaneously caused a reduction in enteric neurons in the distal intestine, craniofacial cartilage defects, and micrognathia, which phenotypically mimics ERBB3‐related intestinal dysmotility and some features of lethal congenital contracture syndrome in human patients. These findings provide further patient and animal evidence supporting that ERBB3 deficiency causes a complex syndrome involving multiple systems with phenotypic variability among distinct individuals.
Assessing type I collagen expression and quality in cellular models of osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Udupa Prajna , Shrikondawar Akshaykumar Nanaji , Ranjan Akash , Ghosh Debasish Kumar
Published: November 2023

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of genetic disorders of bone formation characterized by soft and shorter brittle bones in affected individuals. OI is generally considered a collagenopathy resulting from abnormal expression of type I collagen. As assay system to detect the cellular level and quality of type I collagen would help in rapid and correct detection of OI from the diagnostic perspectives. Here, we report an immunofluorescence assay for detection of type I collagen in fibroblast models of OI and represented them into two broad categories based on the expression level and aggregation characteristics of pro‐α1(I). Cell phenotypic assays of pro‐α1(I) in OI‐related gene knocked down fibroblasts revealed aggregates of pro‐α1(I) in conditions with knockdown of SERPINF1, CRTAP, P3H1, PPIB, SERPINH1, FKBP10, TMEM38B, MESD, and KDELR2, whereas pro‐α1(I) expression was very low in fibroblasts which had knockdown of IFITM5, SP7, BMP1, WNT1, CREB3L1, MBTPS2, and CCDC134. The expression of pro‐α1(I) showed abundant and non‐aggregated distribution in the fibroblasts with knockdown of non‐OI skeletal disorder‐related genes (RAB33B and IFT52). The in vitro assay accurately detected abnormally expressed pro‐α1(I) levels in cellular models of various types of OI. Thus, this procedure represents a promising point‐of‐detection assay for potential diagnosis and therapeutic decisions in OI.