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The article presents the study that explores on the use of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) in the treatment of Fanconi anemia (FA) patients in Canada and the U.S. The topics discussed include the attributes of FA, the factors that influenced the decision making of FA patients and family members on SCT, and the benefits and probable risks of SCT.

Background Socioeconomically deprived women are at greater risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Research tends to focus on access of services. Yet access may not equate with the equity of services for women from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Objectives To determine whether pregnant women's perceptions of antenatal provision differed in relation to their socioeconomic deprivation ranking (determined by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2006). Design A longitudinal, qualitative study with comparative antenatal case studies between January 2007 and April 2009. Setting/Participants Cases were primigravida women from 'least deprived' ( n = 9) and 'most deprived' ( n = 12) geographical areas within one local authority in Scotland. Analysis Data were analysed using case study replication analysis. Results There was little difference in access to antenatal services between the 'least' and 'most' deprived groups. Perception of care differed in relation to the level of 'engagement' (defined using constructs of: language and personalization of care; power and relationships; and health literacy). Engagement was evidenced in most of the 'least deprived' cases and almost none of the 'most deprived' cases. Specifically, socioeconomically deprived women described less evidence of personal connection to their own care, effective communication and the opportunity for shared decision making. Conclusion In women from socioeconomically deprived areas, access may be a less useful indicator than engagement when assessing antenatal service quality. As engagement levels may be one method by which to predict and improve health outcomes, a more equitable antenatal service may need to be developed through the early identification of those women at risk of non-engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buyer–supplier relationship typologies are useful analytical tools for purchasing managers in managing exchange relationships with suppliers and monitoring their purchasing portfolios. Existing buyer–supplier relationship typologies are mainly focused on either relational contents or power-dependence and have limited empirical support for their performance implications. In this study, we developed an alternative buyer–supplier relationship typology that integrates both relational content and power-dependence dimensions, resulting in four generic relationship types: market, power, autonomous-link, and constrained-link relationships. We then performed a longitudinal exploratory investigation of eight leading firms in the U.S. computer industry to explore the performance implications of the typology, using a combinatorial qualitative approach that leverages the strengths of case study research, content analysis, and quasi-experimental design. The results suggest three theoretical propositions. First, the association between the type of buyer–supplier relationships and buyer firm performance varies such that constrained-link relationships are superior in terms of operational efficiency while autonomous-link relationships are superior in terms of product innovation. Second, the positive association between buyer–supplier relational contents (i.e., relationalism) and buyer firm operational efficiency is strengthened as the suppliers' dependence on the buyer firm increases. And finally, the positive association between buyer–supplier relationalism and buyer firm product innovation is weakened as the suppliers' dependence on the buyer firm increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis tests are routinely misinterpreted in scientific research. Specifically, the failure to reject a null hypothesis is often interpreted as support for the null hypothesis while the rejection of a null hypothesis is often interpreted as evidence of an important finding. Many of the most frequently used hypothesis tests are “non-informative” because the null hypothesis is known to be false prior to hypothesis testing. We discuss the limitations of non-informative hypothesis tests and explain why confidence intervals should be used in their place. Several examples illustrate the use and interpretation of confidence intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multiple segment factorial vignette design (MSFV) combines elements of experimental designs and probability sampling with the inductive, exploratory approach of qualitative research. MSFVs allow researchers to investigate topics that may be hard to study because of ethical or logistical concerns. Participants are presented with short stories about hypothetical characters. These stories comprise 2 – 5 segments in which randomly assigned dimensions are introduced sequentially. Researchers control the occurrence and timing of when dimensions are presented. Respondents are asked questions after each segment. MSFVs may include written, oral, and visual stimuli. These efficient designs elicit quantitative data about causal relations and qualitative data within complex, multidimensional contexts. We discuss how to develop MSFV and suggest ways to avoid problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring pregnancy weight can reduce excess gestational weight gain (GWG), and is recommended in clinical practice guidelines as part of routine care. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of routine weight monitoring using a pregnancy weight gain chart (PWGC), and assess health care professionals (HCPs) and pregnant women's attitudes and practices around its use. A semiquantitative survey was conducted with a consecutive sample of antenatal women at 16 and 36 weeks gestation. Women were weighed, and a PWGC audit done at 36 weeks gestation to assess adherence to chart use and GWG. A cross‐sectional survey of antenatal HCPs at the Australian facility assessed staff attitudes and practices relating to weight monitoring and PWGC use. Of the 291 women surveyed, 68% reported being given a PWGC. Of the audited PWGCs (n = 258), 54% had less than three weights recorded, 36% had errors, and 3% were unused. All HCPs surveyed (n = 42) were aware of the PWGC, 63% reported using it to track GWG regularly and 26% believed it to be only the woman's responsibility (i.e., not the midwife's role) to complete it. Seventy‐six percent reported they needed more training in counselling pregnant women, and insufficient time was a main barrier to weighing and conversing with women. It is feasible to implement a PWGC into routine antenatal care. Clarity over women's and HCPs responsibility for monitoring GWG and completion of the PWGC is needed. Training on correct PWGC use and counselling and workforce engagement are required to overcome barriers and support healthy GWG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]