bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When Status Epilepticus Does Not Respond to First Treatment
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Many seizures stop with treatment with benzodiazepines and fosphenytoin, but what if seizures return? Seizures become more resistant to antiepileptics over time, and prolonged status epilepticus can produce irreversible brain damage. What are then the available treatment choices? There is no shortage of treatment algorithms; this chapter presents the authors’ preferred approaches to treatment-refractory seizures. Generally, it is best to use a treatment protocol and to decisively progress from step to step. It is also important to make sure the right drugs and the right doses are being used. These are discussed in this chapter. Continuous electroencephalographic monitoring can be used to intubate the patient for continuous drug infusion. In the most recalcitrant cases, inhaled gases, such as isoflurane, and moderate hypothermia may be valuable therapeutic alternatives.
Urgent Options in Brain Metastasis
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Deterioration of patients with metastasis or malignant brain tumor in close proximity to the brainstem may be due to hemorrhage or brain edema. Precipitating causes (such as seizures, hypoventilation, and hyponatremia) need to be recognized and treated without delay. Options for stabilization and indications for urgent debulking are discussed in this chapter. Glucocorticosteroids are the best medical treatment for vasogenic edema. Surgical treatment (tumor removal or debulking) becomes urgent or emergent in rapidly deteriorating patients, with presence of a large hemorrhage, and in patients refractory to medical treatments. When offering surgery as a life-saving intervention, the future prognosis and wishes of the patient need to be discussed in detail.
Acute Fever and Shock After Ruptured Cerebral Aneurysm
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

The sudden appearance of fever and hypotension in any patient with an acute brain injury requires a quick evaluation and intervention. How to successfully approach this problem is illustrated in this chapter by a typical case scenario and discussed in broader terms. Although components of the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (e.g., persistent fever, tachycardia) can be attributed to the brain injury in acute neurological patients, their association with sudden hypotension should activate a septic shock protocol. It is important to obtain samples for pancultures immediately, including cerebral spinal fluid. The brain is at risk for additional injury from systemic complications, and swift initiation of fluid resuscitation, vasopressors and inotropes, broad coverage with antibiotics, blood transfusion, and glucose control are crucial first measures.
When Blood Pressure Needs Control After Stroke
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Blood pressure goals after acute ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are commonly established early on. The rationale for treatment but also the uncertainties of when to treat are discussed in detail in this chapter. Treatment of hypertension in acute stroke patients depends on the type of stroke and the time from symptom onset. Patients with an ischemic stroke receiving thrombolysis need strict and consistent control of hypertension to avoid hemorrhagic complications. Patients with an ischemic stroke who are not candidates for endovascular recanalization should have their hypertension managed more conservatively. In patients with an intracerebral hemorrhage, moderate reduction of blood pressure is safe and may reduce the chances of hematoma expansion. In patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, blood pressure should be reduced gradually during the first few hours.
A Common Cardiac Arrhythmia After Stroke
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

EKG changes are common and vary from simple S-T segment changes to new complex cardiac arrhythmias. New EKG changes in critically ill neurological patients could indicate acute myocardial ischemia or pulmonary emboli. Critically ill patients often have underlying cardiac disease and the most common problem is flaring up of atrial fibrillation, often with a rapid ventricular response. Sudden discontinuation of antiarrhythmic drugs can lead to this response. The pharmacological choices to initially treat the increased heart rate and options for long-term control are discussed in this chapter. Diltiazem infusion may control rapid ventricular response in atrial fibrillation or even convert atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm.
Surgical care models
Authors: Radford Mark
Published: May 2016

The delivery of surgical care in modern healthcare systems has undergone a significant change in recent years. Increasing patient demands, and technological and pharmacological advances have enabled more complex surgery to be undertaken on patients with greater co-morbidities. In addition, new techniques have seen the development of day and short-stay surgery, enabling patients to spend less time in hospitals. These advances have required significant adaptation of surgical nursing skills, and this chapter gives an outline context to new models of surgery and the implications for nursing.
Pre-operative assessments and preparation
Authors: Radford Mark
Published: May 2016

Advances in surgery have been combined with innovation in anaesthesia techniques. Chapter 3 highlights the increasingly flexible models of surgical care delivery and the role of the nurse in these care settings. Preparation prior to surgery is increasingly being delivered by nurses in the pre-operative phase of care. The knowledge requirements of the nurse in this field are complex, involving a greater understanding of applied physiology and pharmacology, pre-operative testing methods, and assessment modalities. This chapter guides the nurse in the assessment process, choice of diagnostic tests, and preparation of the patient physically and psychologically for surgery.
Nutrition and hydration
Authors: Holder Helen
Published: May 2016

On admission, patients should have nutritional screening and assessment, in order to plan effective peri-operative nutritional care and prevent surgical complications associated with a poor nutritional status. The malnourished patient may require enteral nutrition in the form of oral nutritional supplements or enteral tube feeding. The surgical patient is at risk of peri-operative and/or electrolyte disturbances which can lead to dehydration, fluid overload, and cardiac arrhythmias. Accurate fluid balance monitoring will enable the nurse to identify fluid disturbances, assess the effectiveness of interventions, and prevent complications associated with fluid and electrolyte disturbances. This chapter covers nutritional screening and assessment, fluid balance, intravenous fluid regimes, nutritional goals, and enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Transfusion of blood products
Authors: Smith Alison
Published: May 2016

The transfusion of blood products may be required in the pre- and post-operative periods. However, there are inherent risks associated with blood transfusion, and there is not an unlimited supply of blood donations available. When a patient is anaemic, red blood cells should be transfused to maintain the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood. Blood products, such as platelets and fresh frozen plasma, are transfused to correct a coagulopathy and during major haemorrhage. This chapter reviews the physiology of blood, including ABO compatibility and rhesus status, the main blood products available for transfusion, and transfusion policy, including the treatment of major haemorrhage and the refusal of blood products.
Skin assessment
Authors: Davies Patricia
Published: May 2016

As soon as a patient is admitted, they should undergo a full top-to-toe skin assessment, in order to identify the condition of their skin and any existing pressure damage. All patients should be assessed for pressure ulcer risk, and their care should be planned, based on these findings. This chapter covers performing a skin assessment and pressure ulcer assessment; it also discusses pressure ulcer prevention, grading, and treatment.
Urology and renal surgery
Authors: Shreeve Debbie , Wharton Iain , O’Neill Eilish
Published: May 2016

This chapter focuses on the two key surgical specialties urology and renal surgery. Urology surgery focuses on the anatomy of the genitourinary tract, and its associated systems and conditions. This includes assessment methods and history taking for male and female patients, and common clinical conditions of the bladder, urinary tract, and genitalia. Renal surgery highlights the care required for patients with renal cancers and benign disease, with further sections on the care of patients during transplantation.
Burns and plastic surgery
Authors: Leaver Jane
Published: May 2016

A burn is a thermal insult to the skin and underlying tissue. A good understanding of the physiology of burns is essential to effectively manage the burn patient’s care, in order to optimize recovery from a potentially life-threatening injury. An ABCDE approach is used to assess the patient, along with gaining a comprehensive history, including mechanisms of injury, the time elapsed since the burn, and any treatment already initiated. Plastic surgery is concerned with correcting or restoring form and function. It can involve reconstructive surgery, the treatment of burns, the removal of lesions, and cosmetic surgical procedures.
Breast surgery
Authors: Smyth Dion
Published: May 2016

Breast surgery is usually the principal and primary treatment of malignant diseases of the breast. It may now sometimes follow neo-adjuvant therapies, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but, for most patients with breast cancer, their disease pathway will include some form of surgery for either diagnostic evaluation, local control of the disease, prophylactic or risk-reducing reasons, or reconstructive rehabilitation. Nevertheless, this treatment modality, whilst contributing to increasing survival and other improved outcomes, is not without some physical and psychosocial morbidity. This chapter presents an overview of breast surgery, related primarily to cancer, and describes the clinical context of this modality in modern cancer care and some of the key considerations of caring for patients requiring and receiving this form of treatment.
The contribution of chemical abundances in nova ejecta to the interstellar medium
Authors: Li Fanger , Zhu Chunhua , Lü Guoliang , Wang Zhaojun
Published: May 2016

According to the nova model from Yaron et al. (2005, ApJ, 418, 794) and José and Hernanz (1998, ApJ, 494, 680), and using a Monte Carlo simulation method, we investigate the contribution of chemical abundances in nova ejecta to the interstellar medium (ISM) of the Galaxy. We find that the mass ejected from classical novae is about 2.7 × 10−3 M⊙ yr−1. In the nova ejecta, the isotopic ratios of C, N, and O, that is, 13C/12C, 15N/14N, and 17O/16O, are higher by about one order of magnitude than those in red giants. We estimate that about 10%, 5%, and 20% of 13C, 15N, and 17O in the ISM of the Galaxy come from nova ejecta, respectively. However, the chemical abundances of C, N, and O calculated by our model cannot cover all observational values. This means that there is still a long way to go to understand novae.
Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparison of Tumors With or Without Horn Presentation Based on Age, Sex, Anatomic Site, Tumor Diameter, Depth of Invasion, and Grade of Differentiation in 1,666 Cases
Authors: Pyne John H. , Myint Esther , Barr Elizabeth , Clark Simon P. , Na Renhua
Published: May 2016

INTRODUCTION

Invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may present clinically with or without a horn.

OBJECTIVE

To compare invasive SCC with or without horn presentation by anatomic site, tumor diameter, depth, and grade of differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The above characteristics of invasive SCC with or without horns were compared using a logistic regression model adjusted for potential confounders.

RESULTS

There were 7.0% horns (n = 116) and 93.0% nonhorns (n = 1,550) in 1,666 cases. The median tumor diameter was 6 mm for horns, and 8 mm for nonhorn cases, p < .001. The median depth of invasion was 0.8 mm for horn cases and 1.3 mm for nonhorns, p < .001. Most cases were well-differentiated SCC for both horns (n = 102, 87.9%) and nonhorns (n = 1,265, 81.6%) p = .07. Horn cases had a borderline significant shift to well differentiation with moderate differentiation in 11.2% of cases (n = 13) and poor differentiation in 0.9% (n = 1).

CONCLUSION

Horns presented on invasive SCC with reduced tumor diameters and reduced invasion depths compared to nonhorns. Horns presenting on invasive SCC were usually well differentiated. However, moderate and even poor differentiation can occur within a horn base.
Free Flap Elevation Times in Head and Neck Reconstruction Using the Harmonic Scalpel Shears
Authors: DeSerres Joshua J. , Barber Brittany R. , Seikaly Hadi , Harris Jeffrey R. , O’Connell Daniel A.
Published: May 2016

Free tissue transfer has become the mainstay of head and neck cancer (HNC) reconstructive surgery. The objective of the study is to examine the efficacy of the Harmonic Scalpel (HS) Shears on free flap elevation time and complication rates after HNC reconstruction compared with traditional electrocautery. A retrospective review of 215 HNC patients undergoing surgical ablation and free flap reconstruction from January 2010 to April 2013 at the University of Alberta Hospital was undertaken. All patients requiring free flap reconstruction with radial forearm free flap or fibula free flap were included. Overall, there was no significant difference demonstrated between the HS and electrocautery groups for free flap elevation time for RFFFs (P = 0.563) or FFFs (P = 0.087). No differences were observed in donor-site complications. The HS is a reliable, safe, and alternative method of free flap elevation in HNC reconstructive surgery.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain is effective, but for whom?
Authors: Broderick Joan E. , Keefe Francis J. , Schneider Stefan , Junghaenel Doerte U. , Bruckenthal Patricia , Schwartz Joseph E. , Kaell Alan T. , Caldwell David S. , McKee Daphne , Gould Elaine
Published: May 2016

Moderator analyses are reported for posttreatment outcomes in a large, randomized, controlled effectiveness trial for chronic pain for hip and knee osteoarthritis (N = 256). Pain Coping Skills Training, a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, was compared to usual care. Treatment was delivered by nurse practitioners in patients' community doctors' offices. Consistent with meta-analyses of pain cognitive behavioral therapy efficacy, treatment effects in this trial were significant for several primary and secondary outcomes, but tended to be small. This study was designed to examine differential response to treatment for patient subgroups to guide clinical decision-making for treatment. Based on existing literature, demographic (age, sex, race/ethnicity, and education) and clinical variables (disease severity, body mass index, patient treatment expectations, depression, and patient pain coping style) were specified a priori as potential moderators. Trial outcome variables (N = 15) included pain, fatigue, self-efficacy, quality of life, catastrophizing, and use of pain medication. Results yielded 5 significant moderators for outcomes at posttreatment: pain coping style, patient expectation for treatment response, radiographically assessed disease severity, age, and education. Thus, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and depression at baseline were not associated with level of treatment response. In contrast, patients with interpersonal problems associated with pain coping did not benefit much from the treatment. Although most patients projected positive expectations for the treatment prior to randomization, only those with moderate to high expectations benefited. Patients with moderate to high osteoarthritis disease severity showed stronger treatment effects. Finally, the oldest and most educated patients showed strong treatment effects, while younger and less educated did not.
An Open Source 3D-Printed Transitional Hand Prosthesis for Children
Authors: Zuniga Jorge M. , Peck Jean , Srivastava Rakesh , Katsavelis Dimitrios , Carson Adam
Published: May 2016

Introduction

Advancements in computer-aided design programs, additive manufacturing, and open-source image editing software offer the possibility of designing, printing, and fitting transitional prosthetic hands and other prosthetic devices at very low cost. The development and use of 3D-printed transitional prosthetic devices to increase range of motion (ROM), strength, and other relevant variables would have a significant clinical impact for children with upper-limb deficiencies. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify anthropometric, active ROM, and strength changes after 6 months of using a wrist-driven 3D-printed transitional prosthetic hand for children with upper-limb deficiencies.

Materials and Methods

Anthropometric, active ROM, and strength measurements were assessed before and after 6 months of using a 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis. Five children (two girls and three boys, 3–10 years of age) with absent digits (one traumatic and four congenital) participated in this study and were fitted with a 3D-printed transitional hand prosthesis.

Results

There were significant hand × time interactions for the forearm circumference (p = 0.02), active ROM for flexion (p = 0.02), and extension values (p = 0.04). There were no significant hand × time interactions, however, for wrist flexion strength (p = 0.29), wrist extension strength (p = 0.84), active ROM for ulnar deviation (p = 0.5), active ROM for radial deviation (p = 0.25), and forearm skinfold values (p = 0.11).

Conclusion

Although durability, environment, and lack of printing standards for the manufacturing of 3D-printed prostheses are factors to consider when using these types of devices, the practicality and cost-effectiveness represent a promising new option for clinicians and those patients with upper-limb deficiencies living in developing countries. Thus, the Cyborg Beast transitional prosthetic hand represents a low-cost prosthetic solution for those in need of a transitional device to increase ROM and forearm circumference.
The Revolving Door Phenomenon in an Italian Acute Psychiatric Ward
Authors: Di Lorenzo Rosaria , Sagona Marco , Landi Giulia , Martire Lisa , Piemonte Chiara , Del Giovane Cinzia
Published: May 2016

To highlight the revolving door (RD) phenomenon in an acute psychiatric ward, we retrospectively identified the patients hospitalized three or more times in a calendar year from 1/1/2009 to 31/12/2013 as RD patients (RDP). We collected sociodemographic and clinical variables of RDP and statistically analyzed the potential RD risk factors. We divided RDP into “high” and “extremely high” utilizers and evaluated the variables related to more frequent readmissions. RDP represented 5.68% of all patients and their hospitalizations (RDH) 25% of all admissions. The statistically significant risk factors for all RDH were “disability pension,” “substance abuse/dependence,” “mild/severe aggressiveness,” and “psychiatric and social rehabilitative programs”. The comparison between “high” and “extremely high” utilizers showed that “manic episodes” and “personality disorders,” among the diagnoses, “familial relational conflicts” and “violence/suicidality”, among the hospitalization reasons, were statistically significant risk factors for more frequent readmissions. RD phenomenon was greatly affected by severe clinical conditions with social disability.
Acute Hemorrhagic Edema of Infancy
Authors: Ceci Maria , Conrieri Margherita , Raffaldi Irene , Pagliardini Veronica , Urbino Antonio Francesco
Published: May 2016

We report a case of acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy (AHEI) occurred in an 11-month-old male infant after upper respiratory tract infection. The onset was dramatic with petechiae, ecchymosis, and annular, nummular, or targetoid purpuric plaques on the extremities, face, and ears. Acute hemorrhagic edema of infancy is a benign form of leukocytoclastic vasculitis that typically affects children between 4 and 24 months of age. The etiology remains still unknown. The potential triggers of AHEI include preceding bacterial or viral infections, immunizations, and drugs. Although the clinical picture is fearful, in the majority of cases, it involves only cutaneous small vessels. Recognizing this as a distinct clinical entity allows to establish an appropriate prognosis for this rare benign disease in children.

This report could be a helpful reminder, especially for emergency physicians, to discriminate AHEI from other more severe diseases, such as meningococcal sepsis.
Common genetic variation drives molecular heterogeneity in human IPSCs
Authors: Kilpinen Helena , Goncalves Angela , Leha Andreas , Afzal Vackar , Ashford Sofie , Bala Sendu , Bensaddek Dalila , Casale Francesco Paolo , Culley Oliver , Danacek Petr , Faulconbridge Adam , Harrison Peter , McCarthy Davis , McCarthy Shane A , Meleckyte Ruta , Memari Yasin , Moens Nathalie , Soares Filipa , Streeter Ian , Agu Chukwuma A , Alderton Alex , Nelson Rachel , Harper Sarah , Patel Minal , Clarke Laura , Halai Reena , Kirton Christopher M , Kolb-Kokocinski Anja , Beales Philip , Birney Ewan , Danovi Davide , Lamond Angus I , Ouwehand Willem H , Vallier Ludovic , Watt Fiona M , Durbin Richard , Stegle Oliver , Gaffney Daniel J
Published: May 2016

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has enormous potential to provide improved cellular models of human disease. However, variable genetic and phenotypic characterisation of many existing iPSC lines limits their potential use for research and therapy. Here, we describe the systematic generation, genotyping and phenotyping of 522 open access human iPSCs derived from 189 healthy male and female individuals as part of the Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Initiative (HipSci:http://www.hipsci.org). Our study provides a comprehensive picture of the major sources of genetic and phenotypic variation in iPSCs and establishes their suitability for use in genetic studies of complex human traits and cancer. Using a combination of genomewide analyses we find that 5-25% of the variation in different iPSC phenotypes, including differentiation capacity and cellular morphology, arises from differences betweenindividuals. We also assess the phenotypic effects of rare, genomic copy number mutations that are recurrently seen following iPSC reprogramming and present an initial map of common regulatory variants affecting the transcriptome of pluripotent cells in humans.
Specialization of a polyphenism switch gene following serial duplications inPristionchusnematodes
Authors: Ragsdale Erik J. , Ivers Nicholas A.
Published: May 2016

Polyphenism is an extreme manifestation of developmental plasticity, requiring distinct developmental programs and the addition of a switch mechanism. Because the genetic basis of polyphenism switches has only begun to be understood, how their mechanisms arise is unclear. In the nematodePristionchus pacificus, which has a mouthpart polyphenism specialized for alternative diets, a gene (eud-1) executing the polyphenism switch was recently identified as the product of lineage-specific duplications. Here we infer the role of gene duplications in producing a switch gene. Using reverse genetics and population genetic analyses, we examine evidence for competing scenarios of degeneration and complementation, neutral evolution, and functional specialization. Of the daughter genes,eud-1alone has assumed switch-like regulation of the mouth polyphenism. Measurements of life-history traits in single, double, and triple sulfatase mutants did not, given modest sample sizes and a benign environment, identify alternative or complementary roles foreud-1paralogs. Although possible roles are still unknown, selection analyses of the sister species and 104 natural isolates ofP. pacificusdetected purifying selection on the genes, suggesting their functionality by their fixation and evolutionary maintenance. Our approach shows the tractability of reverse genetics in a non-traditional model system to study evolution by gene duplication.
Examining the relationships among the brand equity dimensions
Authors: Su Jin
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the nature of the inter-relationships among brand equity dimensions in the fast fashion context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the empirical data collected from 419 fast fashion consumers in the USA, the study investigated the inter-relationships among the various brand equity dimensions by structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The findings reveal that brand awareness has a significant and positive direct impact on brand personality and perceived value; brand personality has a significant and positive direct effect on perceived quality and perceived value; and brand awareness, perceived quality and perceived value have a significant and positive direct effect on brand loyalty, respectively.

Originality/value

– Applying the brand equity model in the fast fashion industry and surveying actual consumers, the research provides in-depth empirical evidence of the interactions among the brand equity dimensions. Since fast fashion has become a key feature of the global fashion industry over the last decade, understanding the elements of brand equity and the inter-relationships among them provides important insights to marketing practitioners to develop strategies which encourage the growth of brand equity.
The effects of service quality on internet service provider customers’ behaviour
Authors: Quach Thu Nguyen , Jebarajakirthy Charles , Thaichon Park
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to identify the dimensions for evaluating the service quality of internet service providers (ISPs); second, to investigate the relationship between service quality and customers’ behavioural intentions; and third, to investigate the influence of ISP customers’ usage patterns on their perceptions of ISP’s service quality dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employs a sequential exploratory mixed method design incorporating quantitative and qualitative elements. Data in Study 1 was obtained from 2,059 internet users using an online survey. The relationships between the constructs of the proposed conceptual model were tested using structural equation modelling and the bias corrected bootstrapping technique. Also, the moderating effect of internet usage was examined. Study 2 featured 30 in-depth interviews with internet users.

Findings

– The findings reveal that dominant service quality dimensions for ISPs were network quality, customer service, information quality and privacy. The contribution of these factors to overall service quality was moderated by the internet usage. Results of Study 2 indicate that most respondents with heavy usage found network quality indifferent among ISPs and demonstrated hesitation in direct contact with customer service, making information support the most significant dimension. Additionally, service quality directly influenced customers’ complaining and switching intention. It was clarified in Study 2 that intention to continue the contract also depended on factors such as switching barriers, value and promotional offers.

Originality/value

– This study is original in that it is among the first studies to attempt to investigate the dimensions of an ISP’s service quality, and its influence on ISP customers’ behaviours. An additional contribution of the study stems from the incorporation of a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach.
Effect of family environment on adolescent compulsive buying: mediating role of self-esteem
Authors: Singh Rashmi , Nayak Jogendra Kumar
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between parent-adolescent relationship and adolescent compulsive buying behaviour. Using a sample of 300 adolescents (15-18 years) in India and the structural equation modelling technique, the findings reveal that self-esteem mediates the relationship between parent-adolescent relationship and adolescent compulsive buying behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– The present study is the first to experimentally manipulate important parent-adolescent relationship and measures its impact on compulsive buying among a sample of 15-18-year old adolescents. Next, the authors investigate the mediating role of self-esteem for the above relationship. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling have been used in the study.

Findings

– The study also establishes that familial conflict and cohesion acts as major sources of adolescent compulsivity. The authors have also examined the mediating role of self-esteem on the above relationships and found that adolescents’ compulsivity varies with the level of self-esteem (i.e. higher level of self-esteem leads to lower levels of adolescents’ compulsivity). The practical and theoretical implications are discussed within the context of adolescents’ compulsivity.

Originality/value

– The study makes some inimitable and significant contributions to the literature. It portrays one of few studies to investigate compulsive buying during adolescence period – a hard to reach population. Here authors experimentally manipulate parent-adolescent relationship to investigate its impact on compulsive buying. The study’s findings in regard to mediating effect of self-esteem on the parent-adolescent relationship and adolescents’ compulsive buying behaviour suggest that compulsive buying begins during adolescence period and is a common coping strategy for both boys and girls.
Means-end chain approach for exploring the motivation of ready-to-drink tea consumers
Authors: Wang Edward Shih-Tse , Yu Jia-Rong
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Ready-to-drink (RTD) tea beverages are widely consumed worldwide and play a prominent role in people’s daily lives, yet few studies have investigated the motivation of RTD tea beverage consumers as well as their underlying attitudes and desires. The purpose of this paper is to explore why these attributes are motivational factors by focussing on the attributes of RTD tea beverage products that motivate consumers to purchase RTD tea.

Design/methodology/approach

– The attribute-consequence-value model of the means-end chain approach was employed to investigate consumer motivations for purchasing RTD tea beverages. Data were collected through a qualitative face-to-face survey of 153 RTD tea beverage consumers in Taiwan.

Findings

– The results indicate that consumers purchase RTD tea beverages because the taste, flavor, packaging, and ingredients (attributes) satisfy their desire to drink RTD tea and fulfill the benefits of being delicious to drink, possessing thirst-quenching properties, and possessing health-promoting properties (perceived consequences), thereby fulfilling their ideal goal of experiencing enjoyment (perceived product value).

Originality/value

– The findings may serve as a reference for producers of RTD tea beverages regarding product development and marketing.
Public expenditure, economic growth and poverty alleviation
Authors: Sasmal Ritwik , Sasmal Joydeb
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of public expenditure on economic growth and poverty alleviation in developing countries like India. If poverty and inequality are high, the government may resort to distributive policies at the cost of long-term growth. The distributive policies and poverty alleviation measures fail to achieve success due to lack of good governance, lack of proper targeting and problems in the implementation of such schemes. On the other hand, if the nature of public expenditure is such that it enhances per capita income, it will help reduce poverty.

Design/methodology/approach

– After analytical digression and construction of hypotheses panel regression has been done using state-level data in the Indian context to empirically verify the above propositions. Both Fixed effects and Random effects models have been used for this purpose.

Findings

– The results show that in states where ratio of public expenditure on the development of infrastructure such as road, irrigation, power, transport and communication is higher, per capita income is also higher and incidence of poverty is lower indicating that economic growth is important for poverty alleviation and development of infrastructure is necessary for growth.

Originality/value

– This study demonstrates how public policy and public finance can be used as instruments for removal of poverty.
Diversification, family involvement and firm performance
Authors: Delbufalo Emanuela , Poggesi Sara , Borra Simone
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of product and geographic diversification on the performance of Italian manufacturing firms and evaluate the moderating role of family involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The hypotheses have been tested by using a fixed-effects panel data regression model.

Findings

– Results show a linear relationship between product diversification and firm performance and an inverted U-shaped relationship between geographic diversification and firm performance. Moreover, when considering the status of the family firm, family ties have a negative moderating role on the performance of companies that are product and internationally diversified.

Originality/value

– By providing theoretical explanations and empirical evidence, the study extends the diversification-performance research by testing this relationship in an unexplored context (i.e. Italy), and by identifying a still not well explored contingency factor (i.e. family involvement). In doing so, diversification and family involvement literatures are brought together and the results show the importance of the type of owner regarding the impact of product and international diversification on firm performance.
Leadership Team Tool for better meaning making
Authors: Hedman Eerika
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a Leadership Team Tool for developing reflexivity in the context of leadership teams.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Leadership Team Tool is based on the theoretical premises of seeing communication as meaning making, and therefore placing discourse and conversation in the center of developing leadership teams.

Findings

– The paper illustrates how reflexivity can be facilitated through a structured process of using the Leadership Team Tool. An empirical investigation of using the tool in an authentic leadership team setting is warranted to further develop the Leadership Team Tool.

Originality/value

– The paper makes a practical contribution to several fields of studies, such as team communication and reflexivity, leadership team research and dialogic organization development. The paper addresses the need to develop solutions to enhance reflexivity, as prior research has not established the best ways to foster reflexivity.
Multidisciplinary team meetings in community mental health: a systematic review of their functions
Authors: Nic a Bháird Caoimhe , Xanthopoulou Penny , Black Georgia , Michie Susan , Pashayan Nora , Raine Rosalind
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Previous research has identified a need for greater clarity regarding the functions of multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings in UK community mental health services. The purpose of this paper is to identify the functions of these meetings by systematically reviewing both primary research and academic discussion papers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Papers relating to adult community mental health teams (CMHTs) in the UK and published between September 1999 and February 2014 were reviewed and appraised using NICE quality checklists. The search was broad in scope to include both general CMHTs and specialist CMHTs such as early intervention psychosis services and forensic mental health teams. A thematic synthesis of the findings was performed to develop an overarching thematic framework of the reported functions of MDT meetings.

Findings

– None of the 4,046 studies identified directly investigated the functions of MDT meetings. However, 49 mentioned functions in passing. These functions were categorised into four thematic domains: discussing the care of individual patients, teamwork, team management and learning and development. Several papers reported a lack of clarity about the purpose of MDT meetings and the roles of different team members which hindered effective collaboration.

Practical implications

– Without clearly agreed objectives for MDT meetings, monitoring their effectiveness is problematic. Unwarranted variation in their functioning may undermine the quality of care.

Originality/value

– This is the first systematic review to investigate the functions of CMHT MDT meetings in the UK. The findings highlight a need for empirical research to establish how MDT meetings are being used so that their effectiveness can be understood, monitored and evaluated.
Can two-sided messages increase the helpfulness of online reviews?
Authors: Chen Ming-Yi
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Online reviews are increasingly available for a wide range of products and services. Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of the presence of customer reviews to an online retailer, but the issue of what makes online reviews helpful to a consumer in the process of making a purchase decision remains uninvestigated. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– Given the strategic potential of online reviews, this study drew on past research to develop a conceptual understanding of the components of helpfulness and to further empirically test the model using actual online review data from iPeen.com in Taiwan. A content analysis of 989 reviews across four products identified the interplay effects of review sidedness, reviewer’s expertise, and product type on the helpfulness of an online review.

Findings

– For search goods, consumers consider two-sided reviews to be more helpful than one-sided reviews when the reviewers are experts in writing such articles, whereas they consider two-sided reviews to be equally helpful as one-sided reviews when the reviewers are novices. Conversely, for experience goods, consumers consider one-sided reviews to be more helpful than two-sided reviews when the reviewers are experts in writing review articles, but they consider one-sided reviews to be equally helpful as two-sided reviews when the reviewers are novices.

Practical implications

– With an understanding of how review sidedness affects online review helpfulness, online retailers could establish the policy for promoting the helpfulness of reviews more effectively.

Originality/value

– This research yields at least three important contributions: first, it contributes to the message sidedness literature by showing which arguments (one- or two-sided) are deemed to be helpful; second, it contributes to the online peer review literature by demonstrating the importance of considering product type and heuristic cues (i.e. the reviewer’s expertise) when explaining helpfulness; and third, the results in this research demonstrate that people are drawn to dual-processing; that is, the judgment of online review helpfulness is determined by heuristic cues (e.g. the status of the reviewer) and systematic processing (e.g. review content).
Being self in later life: maintaining continuity in the face of change
Authors: O'Rourke Gareth
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to build upon existing knowledge of personalisation through an improved understanding of how the use of personalised social care services can support older people’s sense of self. It contains perspectives that are helpful to the development of personalisation policy and practice and to the future commissioning of social care services.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research involved a qualitative study with eight participants in two local authority areas in England. A series of three in-depth interviews conducted with each participant over a four to six week period explored their experience of using (in one case refusing) a direct payment to meet their social care needs. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the start of fieldwork via the research ethics committee of the author’s home university.

Findings

– Two inter-related themes emerge as findings of the research. First, that the locus of personalisation resides within the interpersonal dynamics of helping relationships; participants experienced personalisation when carers helped to meet needs in ways that validated their narrative of self. Second, whilst the experience of personalisation is not strongly related to consumer choice, it is important that older people are able to exercise control over and within helping relationships.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a small scale qualitative study conducted with only eight participants. Whilst it offers valid insights into what constitutes personalisation and the processes by which it was achieved for the participants, caution is required in applying the findings more generally. With the exception of one case, the study is focused exclusively on first person accounts of older people. Future studies might usefully be designed to incorporate the accounts of other involved parties such as family members and paid carers.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an alternative way of approaching personalisation of social care services for older people by exploring it in terms of its impact on self. It identifies the development of accommodations of “special requirements of Self” in helping relationships as a key mechanism of personalisation. This offers a balance to the current focus on consumer choice and control through the development of market like mechanisms.
Exploring the Care Act’s potential for anti-discriminatory practice with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans older people
Authors: Crossland John
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The planning and provision of care for older people in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities is an increasing challenge to traditional welfare systems. The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of the newly implemented Care Act 2014 in England for developing an anti-discriminatory approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– The review draws on existing research and conceptual literature to identify how key provisions of the new act can be interpreted in light of current knowledge.

Findings

– Overall the provisions of the Care Act lend themselves well to positive interpretation in relation to the needs of older LGBT people and their support networks. A potential tension, however, arises in the locality focus of the legislation that could constrain good practice with geographically dispersed communities. There is also a need to challenge both heteronormative and ageist assumptions that lead to older LGBT people remaining unrecognised.

Practical implications

– Applied with imagination and commitment, the provisions of the new act could enable new forms of person-centred care to emerge to support older LGBT people.

Social implications

– Social workers are in a key position to influence how the Care Act is interpreted and applied in practice and can act as change agents for a societal move towards older LGBT people having greater choice and control over their well-being.

Originality/value

– This review presents examples of how the provisions of the legislation can be utilised to support positive change for older LGBT people.
The performance of risk prediction models for pre‐eclampsia using routinely collected maternal characteristics and comparison with models that include specialised tests and with clinical guideline decision rules: a systematic review
Authors: Al‐Rubaie ZTA , Askie LM , Ray JG , Hudson HM , Lord SJ
Published: May 2016

Background

Risk prediction models may be valuable to identify women at risk of pre‐eclampsia to guide aspirin prophylaxis in early pregnancy.

Objective

To assess the performance of ‘simple’ risk models for pre‐eclampsia that use routinely collected maternal characteristics; compare with ‘specialised’ models that include specialised tests; and to guideline recommended decision rules.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Embase and PubMed were searched to June 2014.

Selection criteria

We included studies that developed or validated pre‐eclampsia risk models using maternal characteristics with or without specialised tests and reported model performance.

Data collection and analysis

We extracted data on study characteristics; model predictors, validation and performance including area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity.

Main results

We identified 29 studies that developed 70 models including 22 simple models. Studies included 151–9149 women with a pre‐eclampsia prevalence of 1.2–9.5%. No single predictor was included in all models. Four simple models were externally validated, with a model using parity, pre‐eclampsia history, race, chronic hypertension and conception method to predict early‐onset pre‐eclampsia achieving the highestAUC(0.76, 95%CI0.74–0.77). Nine studies comparing simple versus specialized models in the same population reportedAUCfavouring specialised models. A simple model achieved fewer false positives than a guideline recommended risk factor list, but sensitivity to classify risk for aspirin prophylaxis was not assessed.

Conclusion

Validated simple pre‐eclampsia risk models demonstrate good risk discrimination that can be improved with specialised tests. Further research is needed to determine their clinical value to guide aspirin prophylaxis compared with decision rules.

Tweetable abstract

Pre‐eclampsia risk models using maternal factors show good risk discrimination to guide aspirin prophylaxis.