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Dysfunction of microRNAs (miRs) has been implicated in the development and progression of various human cancers. Our previous study demonstrated that miR-101 inhibited bladder cancer cell proliferation and invasion through inhibition of c-FOS expression. As an miR generally has many targets, other targets of miR-101 may also serve important roles in bladder cancer progression. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses were used to examine mRNA and protein expression, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell assays were conducted to study cell migration and invasion, respectively. The luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify one of the targets of miR-101. The data in the present study indicate that the expression of miR-101 is significantly reduced in bladder cancer tissues compared with that in adjacent non-tumour tissues. In addition, miR-101 expression is also downregulated in bladder cancer cell lines compared with that in normal bladder epithelial cells. Furthermore, low expression of miR-101 was significantly associated with tumour metastasis, advanced clinical stage, and poor prognosis in bladder cancer. Frizzled class receptor 4 (FZD4) was identified as a novel target of miR-101 in bladder cancer cells. The expression of FZD4 was significantly upregulated in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. Both miR-101 overexpression and FZD4 inhibition caused a significant reduction of the migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells, whereas overexpression of FZD4 reversed the suppressive effects of miR-101 on bladder cancer cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that miR-101 downregulation is associated with bladder cancer progression and that miR-101 can inhibit bladder cancer cell migration and invasion via directly targeting FZD4. The present study expands the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying bladder cancer progression.

Purpose This study aims to apply parasocial relationship theory to understand the hospitality brand-consumer relationship on social media. Aiming to examine brand-initiated mechanisms that drive relationship development, the study identified two sets of brand actions as antecedents, namely, content-related (utilitarian and hedonic benefits) and interaction-related factors (perceived interactivity and openness). This study also investigated the subsequent impacts of parasocial relationships on customer engagement behaviors and brand loyalty. As baby boomers are an important but understudied consumer cohort in social media marketing, this study empirically tested the proposed model for this specific group. Design/methodology/approach A survey was conducted electronically with baby boomer consumers from the USA. The partial least squares analysis was used to test the model validity for this consumer group. Findings The results of this study showed that content-related factors had significant effects on the parasocial relationship, which, in turn, significantly influenced customer engagement and brand loyalty. Research limitations/implications This study responds to the recent calls from scholars on developing and expanding a nomological network of parasocial relationships to understand consumer-brand relationships in social media. By focusing on baby boomers, this study adds unique insights on understanding online relationships and engagement, specifically for this cohort. Future studies should expand the study by examining other generations, platform differences or using longitudinal methods. Practical implications This study informs hospitality marketers in the development and implementation of a successful Facebook relationship building campaign targeting baby boomers. Originality/value According to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study known to have developed a coherent parasocial relationship model that combined content-related benefits, interaction-related factors, online engagement and brand loyalty. It also represents one of the few to examine how hospitality brands can build a parasocial relationship with baby boomers, an important but cohort, on social media and provide actionable insights to hospitality marketers for this generation.

Purpose This paper aims to explore how hospitable telemedicine services empowered patients during the COVID-19. Expanding from the technology aspect, this research integrated the philosophy of hospitality organizational culture by including factors related to human-human interaction as significant predictors for patients’ sense of empowerment (perceived competence and control) in coping with their emotional stress (anxiety and isolation). Design/methodology/approach Survey data were obtained from 409 general consumers who have used video-based virtual consultation since February 2020. Stepwise multiple regression and simple linear regression analyses were used for hypotheses testing. Findings The results reveal that the doctors’ reliability, responsiveness and empathy significantly predict patients’ perceived competence and control. Perceived usefulness and convenience of telemedicine technology enhance patients’ perceived competence and control. Patients’ sense of empowerment significantly reduces their anxiety and sense of isolation. Research limitations/implications To fully understand the role of hospitality in people’s telemedicine experiences, future studies are encouraged to not only examine the patients-clinicians interactions but also explore the patients-support staff interactions. Practical implications Health-care service providers’ “bed-side” manners empower patients in managing their emotional stress. Health-care service providers should be trained for their empathetic ability and communication skills. Strategies such as collaborating with hospitality schools and business schools can be implemented to help build medical student’s patient-centric attitudes and skills. Originality/value This paper provided empirical evidence for the value of hospitality in health care and offered useful suggestions for health care providers, especially by empowering vulnerable people during catastrophic events such as COVID-19.