bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TD 2747 - O Making of de uma grande política pública : estratégia, planejamento e apoio à decisão na construção do Plano Marshall
Authors: Lassance Antonio
Published: November 2022

Este Texto para Discussão discute como o apoio à decisão pode contribuir para que a formulação de políticas públicas alcance maior grau de consistência e coerência. Espera-se que isso favoreça o desenho de programas governamentais mais eficientes, com menor fragmentação e sobreposição, e mais efetivos. Para investigar essas questões em detalhe, a análise reconstitui o making of do Plano Marshall, aquele que é considerado o plano de maior envergadura e complexidade desenvolvido desde o século XX. Combinando metodologias de estudo de caso em profundidade, de micro-história e de ciência da implementação, a análise traz evidências de que a presença ou ausência de formulação estratégica, apoio à decisão e planejamento da implementação faz parte do big bang de políticas e programas governamentais, e determina suas trajetórias. As conclusões sugerem o reforço ao papel estratégico das assessorias de apoio à decisão, com efeitos práticos e concretos na definição da teoria da mudança e do escopo da intervenção, e não dos detalhes de operacionalização de soluções. O estudo analisa o método de coordenação aberta, utilizado pelo New Deal e reproduzido no Programa de Recuperação Europeu (European Recovery Program – ERP), como prática de formulação de políticas com maior robustez estratégica e de desenho de programas com a devida autonomia gerencial. A análise adentra pelo terreno pantanoso da relação entre a construção de políticas públicas e a influência de grupos de interesse, algo inerente ao processo democrático e ao papel de intermediação do Estado, mas de uma maneira melhor equipada para enfrentar o risco de captura por interesses predatórios. Esse problema crucial segue mal resolvido pela literatura mais tradicional de políticas públicas que tem servido de livro de cabeceira de boa parte dos formuladores de políticas e programas governamentais. Ao final, são reproduzidos documentos que permaneceram secretos por cinquenta anos. Eles elucidam os bastidores do apoio à decisão do Plano Marshall e exemplificam, na prática, o papel mais estratégico que pode ser cumprido por assessores da alta administração do Estado.
TD 2748 - O Desenvolvimento da agricultura do Brasil e o papel da Embrapa
Authors: Vieira Filho José Eustáquio Ribeiro
Published: November 2022

Este texto discute a modernização da agricultura brasileira, apresenta a construção do sistema nacional de inovação do setor e o papel da Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Embrapa), bem como mostra a inserção competitiva do Brasil no mercado internacional de bens agropecuários. Entre a economia e o pragmatismo, a organização institucional dessa trajetória setorial bem-sucedida dependeu do esforço de muitas pessoas, mas a sua implementação baseou-se na liderança de um pesquisador visionário, Eliseu Alves. Ele é um homem à frente de seu tempo. Ousou sonhar e pensar o novo. Enfrentou resistências. Porém, por onde passou, deixou o seu legado. Transformou a pesquisa agrícola por meio de uma inovação institucional induzida. Contribuiu para a formação de uma geração de pesquisadores, assim como criou o moderno sistema de ciência e tecnologia do setor agropecuário brasileiro. Consequentemente, contribuiu para o desenvolvimento da agricultura tropical, que expandiu a oferta de bens agrícolas, diminuiu o preço dos alimentos e poupou o meio ambiente.
TD 2751 - Do Casa Verde e Amarela ao Banco Nacional da Habitação, passando pelo minha casa minha vida : uma avaliação da velha nova política de desenvolvimento urbano
Authors: Balbim Renato Nunes
Published: November 2022

Este texto para discussão busca contribuir com o debate acerca do desenvolvimento urbano brasileiro analisando a recente legislação que institui o programa Casa Verde Amarela (CVA). Trata-se da Lei no 14.118, de 12 de janeiro de 2021, oriunda da MP no 996, de 25 de agosto de 2020, que instituiu o CVA, bem como das normas e regulações vinculadas, anteriores e posteriores. Busca-se contribuir com sua operacionalização em consonância com direitos reconhecidos e princípios constitucionais, legais e vinculantes presentes em acordos internacionais em que o Brasil é signatário, notadamente a Agenda 2030, com seus Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ODS), e a Nova Agenda Urbana (NAU), ambos da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU). Essa análise parte de uma visão da gestão e operacionalização da política pública, considerando as estruturas do desenvolvimento urbano brasileiro, tanto normativas quanto político-sociais e urbanísticas. Ou seja, a avaliação realizada tem como foco a gestão do CVA, buscando os instrumentos legais e operacionais que, antes mesmo da formalização do programa, vinham se constituindo, além dos instrumentos e das regulamentações que estão sendo elaborados. Trata-se de uma avaliação prospectiva necessária à apresentação do CVA e de seus possíveis impactos aos gestores urbanos, públicos e privados.
TD 2757 - Avaliação de impacto da lei de informática utilizando os métodos propensity score matching e diferenças em diferenças
Authors: Queiroz Filho Antonio Sergio Malaquias de , Araújo Bruno César , Nogueira Mauro Oddo
Published: November 2022

Este Texto para Discussão avalia o impacto da Lei de Informática sobre os esforços tecnológicos das firmas, mensurados pela contratação de pessoal ocupado em ocupações técnico-científicas (PoTec). A partir da aplicação, entre 2006 e 2017, do algoritmo de propensity score matching (PSM), aliado à técnica de diferenças em diferenças, não podemos concluir cabalmente que o esforço tecnológico das firmas beneficiárias da Lei de Informática seja significativamente superior ao grupo de controle. Secundariamente, a Lei de Informática apresentou efeito positivo sobre o market share de massa salarial dentro do setor das beneficiárias. Estes resultados estão em linha com outros estudos que aplicam técnicas contrafactuais, com impactos insignificantes sobre o desenvolvimento tecnológico e algum impacto sobre a produção, ainda que direcionada às atividades de montagem de menor intensidade tecnológica.
La globalisation du genre
Authors: Falquet Jules
Published: November 2022

À partir de l’histoire du groupe Actoras de Cambio au Guatemala, l’article analyse vingt ans de combat de différentes femmes, féministes et lesbiennes, pour la visibilisation des violences sexuelles commises durant la guerre des années 1980. On y analyse également l’impact plus large de cette lutte : récente condamnation de certains des responsables-clés, mais aussi lutte contre la montée des féminicides depuis la fin de la guerre et contre les nouvelles violences liées à l’extractivisme minier néolibéral actuel. En soulignant la confluence des logiques individuelles et nationales des féministes du Guatemala avec celles d’autres protagonistes locaux, régionaux et internationaux, l’article montre comment l’organisation collective des femmes ayant souffert directement ces violences, leur a permis d’agir sur l’ensemble de la société, témoignant de pratiques qui participent de la globalisation du genre, tout en la débordant depuis un ancrage local, de base – dans une perspective résolument politique et profondément décoloniale.
La globalisation du genre
Authors: Guérin Isabelle
Published: November 2022

Ce texte analyse la manière dont les politiques dites de développement transforment les femmes en sujets financiers. Une première partie décrit le contenu de ces politiques à la lumière des expériences passées. Comme dans les décennies antérieures, les femmes sont appréhendées comme des travailleuses, main-d’œuvre flexible et bon marché indispensable à la bonne marche du capitalisme, mais aussi désormais comme consommatrices et emprunteuses, supposées s’émanciper par leurs actes d’achats et de bonne gestion financière. Une seconde partie étudie la mise en œuvre concrète de ces politiques à partir d’un exemple indien. On observe que la femme comme sujet financier n’est ni la gestionnaire rationnelle et économe du budget familial annoncée par les développementalistes, ni la consommatrice et emprunteuse insatiable des capitalistes. Elle poursuit des voies et des cheminements qui lui sont propres. Saisir l’expérience vécue de la financiarisation implique l’analyse des mécanismes structurels de l’oppression des femmes. Mais cela suppose aussi de tenir compte de leurs aspirations multiples en matière de dignité, de reconnaissance et d’émancipation.
La liberté d’expression est-elle un droit absolu ?
Authors: Girard Charles
Published: November 2022

La liberté d’expression est reconnue par les régimes démocratiques et les conventions internationales des droits de l’homme comme un droit fondamental. Est-elle pour autant absolue, comme l’affirment certains philosophes qui refusent qu’elle soit mise en balance avec d’autres droits ou principes ? Cet article considère la signification de la thèse absolutiste et examine deux de ses principales défenses philosophiques, proposées par Alexander Meiklejohn et Thomas Scanlon. Il montre que ces théories échouent à établir la liberté d’expression comme un droit absolu : elles ne parviennent ni à justifier la priorité stricte qu’elles lui accordent par rapport à tout autre droit ou principe, ni à le spécifier et à le délimiter de manière à rendre une telle priorité praticable.
Déprise et vulnérabilité financière : les pratiques bancaires aux prises avec l’avancée en âge
Authors: Deville Clara , Lazarus Jeanne
Published: November 2022

Cet article analyse avec les outils de la sociologie la commercialisation des produits bancaires auprès des personnes âgées. Fondé sur une enquête ethnographique réalisée dans une banque privée, ainsi que sur 86 entretiens, il montre le désajustement entre, d’une part, l’organisation routinière des banques, qui met au cœur de l’activité la mesure des résultats commerciaux ; d’autre part, les besoins des clients, en particulier lorsque leurs capacités physiques, psychologiques ou intellectuelles déclinent avec l’âge. Introduire la question de l’âge dans l’analyse des relations entre les banques et leurs clients fait apparaître les exigences d’autonomie qui reposent sur ces derniers ; cela révèle un espace de vulnérabilité et de potentielle exclusion financière, qui s’abat y compris sur des personnes ayant des ressources économiques. Les clients âgés, notamment s’ils sont en situation de déprise, ébranlent l’organisation de la commercialisation des produits financiers dans les banques, du point de vue juridique comme organisationnel.
L’Habitat inhabitable : le sous‑terrain comme lieu de vie
Authors: Trossat Marie
Published: November 2022

À partir d’une enquête sur l’habitabilité de l’espace souterrain, l’article inaugure une discussion autour du concept de l’« habitat inhabitable ». Si nous argumentons que l’espace souterrain est fondamentalement inhabitable et ne peut être programmé comme habitat même dans des formes dites temporaires, notre but sera d’interroger sur quoi reposent les seuils d’acceptabilité. À partir de la description de trois espaces souterrains habités — les abris de la Protection civile à Genève en 1999 et de 2004 à 2018, l’espace zéro de la Gare du Nord à Bruxelles de 2016 à 2019 et les tunnels de chauffage à Bucarest de 1990 jusqu’en 2015 —, l’article propose de mettre en lumière les conditions de vie de ces espaces vis-à-vis du statut de leurs occupant.e.s, la généalogie de leurs occupations, leurs modalités de gestion et les ambiances qui en résultent. Le caractère inhabitable de l’espace souterrain repose sur les ambiances et les symboliques qui lui sont propres : il sollicite des thèmes tels que l’atrophie, la maladie, la prison, l’(in)visibilité, la dissuasion, la violence ou la mort. En ce sens, le caractère irrespirable de l’espace souterrain ne se qualifie pas nécessairement dans sa matérialité, mais dans les injonctions qui le guident et dans la place qu’il donne ou prive. Enfin, le concept d’habitat inhabitable cherche à favoriser une pensée sur des espaces extraordinairement communs autant qu’à établir des leviers d’action vis-à-vis des situations d’indésirabilité qu’ils impliquent.
The politics of subterranean atmospheres in China: a study of contemporary chinese mining art
Authors: Nieuwenhuis Marijn
Published: November 2022

Every five seconds someone dies prematurely from air pollution (UN, 2019). Environmental degradation, however, is not limited to the air above alone, but also affects the conditions of life underneath the surface. Black lung disease (pneumoconiosis), a respiratory condition, is by far the most common occupational illness in China today. Official reports suggest that over half a million people, almost exclusively rural migrants, live with the incurable disease. The real number could be 10 times as high (SCMP, 2021). The respiratory condition is a powerful reminder of the shared geological intimacy that exists between the bodies of miners and the materiality that constitutes the enveloping atmospheres of the underworld.Inspired by Hawkins’ (2020b, p. 4) idea of the “underground’s imaginative force” and the so-called “geologic turn” (Ellsworth & Kruse, 2013), this paper explores the politics of subterranean atmospheres in China by problematising the relationship between the ground above and the ground below. I analyse this “geologic politics” (Clark, 2013) through the artwork of filmmaker Zhao Liang and the painter Yang Shaobin, both contemporary artists working on subterranean lives, bodies, emotions and atmospheres. Through their art of the subterranean, its environment, lived experience, embodiment and the specificity and intimacy of its materiality, I capture a politics that challenges false binaries of a separate above and below.
Improving Virtual Machine Migration Effects in Cloud Computing Environments Using Depth First Inspired Opportunity Exploration
Authors: Kumar Kamal , Thaman Jyoti
Published: November 2022

The cloud platform has established itself as the de-facto standard in IT outsourcing. This is resulting in large-scale migration of infrastructure and development platforms from in-house to cloud service providers. Many recent proposals on cloud platforms have addressed several issues that appeared on the cloud horizon. VM placement (VMP) has been a serious concern when it comes to placement of VMs after migration or VM reallocation. Most of the recent works have lacked multiple VM placement (MVMP) problem instances. A recently researched idea of MVMP through depth first opportunistic exploration (DFOE) is proposed in this paper. The performance of MVMP is compared with existing single VM placement benchmark algorithm. Improvement in terms of number of VM migrations, energy consumption, and VM reallocation is reported through simulation of real-time load scenario. Cloud environments can benefit from MVMP and improve operating margins in terms of power saving and load balancing.
Measuring Sustainable Entrepreneurship in the Food Sector
Authors: Tarnanidis Theodore
Published: November 2022

The current study aims to investigate the concept of sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) in the Greek domain for the food sector. The study is based upon the decomposition of the triple bottom line framework (TBL) that characterises entrepreneurs' behavioural goals and values (internal-external, social, environmental, and economic). Data were collected from 150 Greek food companies where managers were asked to rank the importance of 36 attributes that originated from the qualitative interviews and from the literature review findings. The authors found that the first three ranked variables in the ISE domain are the safety and hygiene issues, the continuous training, and job creation opportunities. Next, in the evaluation of the ESE part, entrepreneurs give great importance to the promotion of the local economy and to the betterment of humanity-life through promoting social change paradigms. In the ENE domain, food entrepreneurs produce products that have low-environmental impact, protect human rights, and use energy savings mechanisms.
Book Review: Badrinarayan Shankar Pawar, Theory Building for Hypothesis Specification in Organizational Studies. London: SAGE, 2009, xii+133 pp., SLR 1680, ISBN: 978-81-321-0244-1
Authors: Jayakody J. A. S. K.
Published: November 2022

No abstract available
Kenneth Abeywickrama, Adventures in Management: A Saga of Managing in a Developing Country, SAGE Publications, 2007, Pages: 224, Price: LKR 1110, ISBN: 07619-3550-9
Authors: Amaratunga N. U.
Published: November 2022

No abstract available
An Exploratory Study on Managing Fixed Customers: Cases of Australian B-to-B Business
Authors: Hosoda Masahiro , Suzuki Kenichi
Published: November 2022

This study explores whether three Australian companies enhance customer relationships using information provided by Fixed Revenue Accounting (FRA). Employed over a long period in Japan’s service culture, FRA uses accounting information to identify customer segments, assess the financial importance of fixed customers in particular, and set customer service strategies to maximize firm performance. A case study was conducted to explore whether FRA could be transferred to a non-Japanese business context. Data was collected through interviews guided by a structured questionnaire and analyzed by applying the KJ (Kawakita Jiro) method to categorize how interview respondents define fixed customers and assess their financial significance. For FRA to be successfully adopted, firms must share its underlying principles, follow its analytical procedures, and commit themselves to long-term customer relationships. We found this to be the case among the three Australian business-to-business enterprises. We conclude that FRA could be employed in Australia to establish favorable long-term customer relationships.
The Impact of Organizational Culture on Service Innovation: An Empirical Study of Sri Lankan Business Service Organizations
Authors: Kariyapperuma K. A. S. K.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this research article is to examine the impact of organisational culture on service innovation. A conceptual framework was proposed from the related literature and empirically tested using primary data collected from managers of service centric business organisations in Sri Lanka. The study employs a cross-sectional, survey-based methodology. Data was analysed via Smart PLS program. The result reveals that adhocracy culture is positively related to service innovations. Further, it provides evidence that, first, in order to increase service innovations companies should foster cultures with external and flexibility orientations. Moreover, the paper suggests that values, beliefs and assumptions that are coherent with adhocracy culture are key drivers for developing new services. Hence, the result provides evidence regarding the implications of organisational culture as well as enabling factors behind innovations of service firms.
Geographical aspects of weather and climate at Eureka, Northwest Territories
Authors: Sim V W
Published: November 2022

L'article traite du temps et du climat d'Eureka en rapport avec les occupations humaines à la station météorologique qui y est établie depuis 1947. L'auteur a basé son étude sur des renseignements qui ont été publiés
ainsi que sur des observations faites sur le terrain de mai à septembre, 1955. Il discute de la température et des précipitations, indiquant les effets qu'elles ont sur l'activité en plein air, l'utilisation de la piste d'atterrissage et l'accessibilité des na vires de ravi
taille ment s'y rendant chaque été. De même pour les vents, les nuages et la visibilité qui sont des facteurs importants en navigation aérienne. En général, Eureka jouit de conditions de visibilité meilleures que plusieurs autres stations des îles
Reine-Elisabeth et les vents ne présentent ordinairement pas d'obstacles à la navigation aérienne. Les raffales de neige, toutefois, entravent souvent les arrivés et départs d'avions. Les vents dominants sont de l'est en hiver et de l'ouest en été; pour cette
raison, il a fallu reconstruire la piste d'atterrissage dans une direction est-ouest, de nord-sud qu'elle était.
The valley of the Lower Anderson River, Northwest Territories
Authors: Mackay J R
Published: November 2022

L'auteur présente dans cet article une partie des observations faites dans le bassin hydrographique de la rivière Anderson (T.N.-O.) au cours de travaux sur le terrain en 1951 et 1955. Un exposé complet des travaux exécutés fait l'objet
d'un rapport publié par la Direction de la géographie dans sa série des Mémoires; la région étudiée ici est un prolongement de la vallée principale. On y traite en détails des phénomènes d'ordre physiographiques et glaciologiques rencontrés
le long du cours inférieur de la rivière Anderson, y compris la péninsule de Nicholson. Le rapport compte un abrégé des conditions climatiques, de nombreuses observations sur la végétation, ainsi qu'un court relevé des problèmes de la navigation
rencontrés dans les basses eaux de la rivière Anderson. Les explorations de Richardson en 1826, suivies de celles de MacFarlane sur la rivière Anderson en 1857, amenèrent, en 1861, l'érection de Fort Anderson par la Compagnie de la Baie d'Hudson. L'abandon de ce poste en
1866 fut un indice des tendances démographiques de l'Ouest arctique où déjà prévalait la dépopulation par les migrations et les épidémies. Récemment la population de la vallée Anderson était réduite à quelques trappeurs blancs
seulement et, en 1955, un seul d'entre eux y demeurait encore.
Revue des études canadiennes de périglaciaire
Authors: Cook F A
Published: November 2022

L'étude des phénomènes périglaciaires au Canada n'en est qua ses débuts et l'on connaît encore très peu de choses au sujet de la répartition de ces phénomènes. Avant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la plus grande
partie de la région où régnait un climat périglaciaire était pour ainsi dire inaccessible et, en conséquence, les ouvrages canadiens antérieurs à 1940 ne font que rarement allusion aux phénomènes périglaciaires. Les régions nordiques
étant désormais accessibles, les géographes et les géologues canadiens peuvent s 'intéresser davantage aux formes périglaciaires actives. principalement les sols à figures géométriques et le pergélisol. La présente étude réunit des
références de choix et examine l'état actuel de l'étude des processus et phénomènes périglaciaires au Canada.
Glaciation and deglaciation of the Helluva Lake area, central Labrador-Ungava
Authors: Ives J D
Published: November 2022

The process of disintegration of the last ice-sheet north of the final 'ice-divide' in central Labrador-Ungava is presented, based on field investigation and airphoto interpretation. It is estimated that prior to deglaciation an over-all regional slope of 1: 140
existed toward the north with fairly rugged sub-glacial relief. Progressive melting first exposed the highest summits in the northern part of the area. Further thinning then exposed the flanks of the higher hills and ridges, and glacial channels were formed, principally in sub-lateral and
sub-glacial positions. Outwash deposits and dead-ice topography resulted from additional thinning and from the recession of the broken and irregular ice-front. ln the final phase the north was ice-free, although a number of detached pieces remained in the south as higher land emerged in the
neighborhood of the ice-divide. The relative scarcity of ablation moraines throughout the area implies that the ice was relatively clean. The final direction of ice movement was toward the north, and it is suggested that the position of the ice-divide at the time of the formation of the drainage
channels coincided approximately with a final centre of ice dispersal at an earlier date.
Simple transverse nivation hallows at Resolute, N.W.T.
Authors: Cook F A , Raiche V G
Published: November 2022

Simple transverse nivation hollows are being formed on slopes to the northeast of Resolute Bay, N.W.T. ln this area snow banks persist until late summer and in some cases are semi-permanent to permanent features. This paper presents quantitative data on angles
and dimensions of 8 hollows. I t was found that regardless of over-all dimensions, the slope of the backwall is generally between 20 and 23 degrees, and that of the floor between 5 and 7 degrees. The angle formed by both planes is approximately 165 degrees. The hollows appear to be developing
according to a physical law.
The geomorphology of the Medicine Hat area
Authors: Common R
Published: November 2022

I t is considered that a preglacial plains landscape in S. E. Alberta has been modified by glacial deposition and drainage arrangement. Most of the minor landforms, however, are the result of distinctive processes which occurred during deglaciation of the area.
Of these processes, those associated with stagnating ice and glacial melt-water were especially important, for the variety of features they produced. Sufficient variation occurs within the landforms to have influenced both the general development of soils and vegetation, as well as the present
pattern of land utilization in the area.
Cross-valley moraines of the Rimrock and lsortoq river valleys, Baffin Island, N.W.T. - a descriptive analysis
Authors: Andrews J T
Published: November 2022

Cross-valley moraines of north-central Baffin Island, N.W.T., particularly those of the Rimrock and lsortoq river valleys, are described in detail. The relation of the moraines to former glacial lake shorelines is discussed, and five possible hypotheses for their
formation are proposed.
Land utilization in the Whitemouth River valley, Manitoba
Authors: Lovering J H
Published: November 2022

The Whitemouth River valley, 30 miles east of the Red River plain, is an outlier of agricultural development in southeastern Manitoba. This paper describes land use in the area, and shows the relationship between it and the physical and economic conditions which
restrict the cultivation of land to a narrow ribbon along the lower Whitemouth River system. Elsewhere in the valley, non-farm work is significant in the economy. Land use problems and current trends are discussed.
High-mobility group AT-hook 2 expression in serous and endometrioid endometrial carcinomas
Authors: Ibrahim Fatma MKh , Heabah Nehal Abd El-Ghaffar
Published: November 2022

Background

Subtyping of endometrial carcinoma, mainly high-grade cases, is a major pathological dilemma. Several biomarkers have been evaluated for differentiation between serous endometrial carcinoma (SEC) and endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC), with variable sensitivity and specificity.

Aim

To evaluate the diagnostic role of high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA-2) in differentiation between SEC and EEC, compared with p16 and progesterone receptor (PR), and to evaluate HMGA-2 expression in endometrial carcinoma in relation to clinicopathological parameters.

Materials and methods

This study included 62 endometrial carcinoma specimens, classified as 20 biopsies of serous carcinoma and 42 endometrioid carcinomas. All specimens were subjected to immunohistochemistry using HMGA-2, p16, and PR antibodies.

Results

HMGA-2, p16, and PR showed significantly different expression between serous and endometrioid carcinomas. P16 showed more sensitivity and specificity (85 and 80.9%, respectively) than HMGA-2 (75 and 71.4%, respectively) in diagnosis of SEC. PR showed sensitivity and specificity of 88.1 and 90%, respectively, in diagnosis of EEC. Moreover, high HMGA-2 expression was significantly related to high tumor grade, advanced tumor stage, and presence of lymphovascular invasion.

Conclusions

HMGA-2 can be used as an adjunct biomarker in diagnosis of SEC, combined with p16 and PR. Moreover, HMGA-2 can be considered as a marker of aggressive tumor behavior in endometrial carcinoma.
Expression of adhesion molecules CD44 and epithelial cadherin in epithelial ovarian cancer and relation to clinicopathological parameters
Authors: Abo Safia Hend S. , Ibrahim Fatma MKh
Published: November 2022

Background

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. Most cases are diagnosed in advanced metastatic stage. Alteration of cellular-adhesion molecules is involved in invasion and metastasis of ovarian cancer.

Patients and methods

In 56 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, CD44 and E-cadherin expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in relation to clinicopathological characteristics.

Results

CD44 expression was significantly related to high tumor grade (P=0.003), advanced tumor stage (P=0.011), and the presence of omental metastasis (P=0.004). Epithelial cadherin expression was inversely related to tumor grade (P=0.044) and omental metastasis (P=0.020). Among CD44/E-cadherin expression groups, the CD44high/E-cadherinlow group was significantly related to high tumor grade, advanced stage, omental metastasis, capsular invasion, and vascular invasion.

Conclusion

Since the CD44high/E-cadherinlow group was related to the features of aggressive tumor behavior, we speculate that assessment of the adhesion molecules CD44 and epithelial cadherin in epithelial ovarian cancer may be of considerable prognostic value and such markers can be promising therapeutic targets.
Evaluation of prolyl-4-hydroxylase subunit beta and special AT-rich region-binding protein-1 immunoexpression in bladder transitional-cell carcinoma
Authors: Soliman Amira E. , Abd Allah Marwa S.
Published: November 2022

Background

Prolyl-4-hydroxylase subunit beta (P4HB) and special AT-rich region-binding protein-1 (SATB1) have been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression in many cancers, but their significance in bladder urothelial carcinoma remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the correlation and prognostic value of P4HB and SATB1 expression along with clinicopathological features in bladder transitional-cell carcinoma.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective, selected, controlled study carried on 50 cases of bladder urothelial carcinoma to detect the expression of P4HB and SATB1 immunohistochemistry and statistical correlation with various clinicopathological parameters, including molecular subtypes.

Results

Prolyl-4-hydroxylase subunit beta (P4HP) is highly expressed in 48% of the study cases. P4HP expression was significantly associated with size of the tumor (P=0.002), muscle invasion (P=0.000), the grade of tumor (P=0.000), and the depth of invasion of the primary tumor (T) (P=0.000). High SATB1 expression was detected in 46% of the study cases. A significant association was detected between SATB1 expression and molecular subtypes (P=0.001), size of the tumor (P=0.004), histopathological type (P=0.024), muscle invasion (P=0.000), the grade of tumor (P=0.000), and the depth of invasion of the primary tumor (T) (P=0.000). Receiver operating characteristic curve was carried on for P4HP and SATB1 in relation to molecular classification and showed that SATB-1 has the highest sensitivity (75%) and specificity (70%) in discrimination between luminal versus nonluminal subtypes with significant relation (P=0.01). There was significant association between P4HP and SATB1 expression in bladder urothelial transitional-cell carcinoma (P=0.000).

Conclusion

This study highlighted important information about the link between P4HB and SATB1 pathways during the progression of urinary bladder transitional-cell carcinoma. P4HB and SATB1 could be used as a prognostic marker in cases in urinary bladder transitional-cell carcinoma.
Evaluation of RUNX2 and HMGB1 expression as markers of tumor aggressiveness in urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Ibrahim Doaa A. , Abdelrahman Doaa I.
Published: November 2022

Aim

To investigate the expression and the clinical significance of runt-related transcription factor (RUNX2) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. The correlation between RUNX2 and HMGB1 expression and the clinicopathological features was analyzed.

Patients and methods

RUNX2 and HMGB1 expression was examined by immunohistochemistry in 62 urothelial carcinoma and 20 nonneoplastic bladder tissues as control group.

Results

High RUNX2 and HMGB1 protein expression was observed in 67.7 and 56.5% of cases of urothelial carcinoma, respectively, and showed predominantly nuclear expression. The expression of RUNX2 and HMGB1 in urothelial carcinoma was significantly higher than that in nonneoplastic urothelial tissues (P<0.001 for each). Moreover, high RUNX2 expression was significantly associated with high tumor grade (P=0.003), advanced tumor stage (P=0.011), lymph-node metastasis (P=0.045), and the presence of concomitant carcinoma in situ (P=0.01). HMGB1 showed higher expression with high-grade tumors (P=0.007), advanced tumor stage (P=0.002), and the presence of necrosis (P<0.001). A significant direct relationship was detected between RUNX2 and HMGB1 expression (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that RUNX2 and HMGB1 overexpression may contribute to urothelial carcinoma tumorigenesis and was associated with aggressive clinicopathologic features. RUNX2 and HMGB1 could be promising potential biomarkers for urothelial carcinoma.
Exceptional behavior of breast cancer-associated type 1 gene in breast invasive carcinoma
Authors: Abbas Zafar , Nouroz Faisal , Ejaz Samina
Published: November 2022

Background:

Cellular expression level of Breast Cancer-Associated Type 1 (BRCA1) encoded protein is the sign of genome integrity, stability, and surveillance. BRCA1 after sensing DNA damage activates repairing system and if mutated leaves genomic lesions unrepaired and triggers transformation of normal breast cells into cancerous ones.

Aims of study:

We conducted in silico study to have a holistic view of BRCA1's correlation with multiple variables of breast invasive carcinoma.

Materials and Methods:

We used user-friendly online GeneCardsSuite pathway-level enrichment analysis, UALCAN portal differential expression analysis, cBioPortal cancer genome platform for mutatome map construction, and cancer cell lines encyclopedia genomics of drug sensitivity toolkit to understand correlation of BRCA1 expression with the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs.

Results:

Contrary to general behavior of a tumor suppressor gene our study revealed BRCA1 overexpression under all circumstances. This novel finding needs to be explored further to understand functional impact of BRCA1 overexpression on the expression of many genes which are transcriptionally regulated by BRCA1 and promotion of tumriogenesis.

Conclusion:

Our study highlights the potential role of BRCA1-regulated genes in oncogenesis and recommends use of BRCA1-linked genes as future therapeutic targets for effective disease management.
Evaluation of clinically significant prostate cancer using biparametric magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mahajan Manik , Gupta Vikrant , Gupta Puneet , Sharma Poonam , Abrol Deepak
Published: November 2022

Background:

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp-MRI) of prostate involves a combination of T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) scans. However, controversy exists in the literature regarding the true value of DCE in the detection of clinically significant (CS) prostate cancer (PCa).

Aim:

The aim of this study is to compare the role of biparametric MRI (bp-MRI) and mp-MRI in the detection of CS PCa.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-six patients with raised serum prostate-specific antigen levels were included. Bp-MRI was performed in all patients, whereas mp-MRI was performed in 30 cases only. The findings were characterized on the basis of prostate imaging reporting and data system (PI-RADS) v2 grading. PI-RADS v2 score of 3 or more was considered CS PCa. All patients underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy. Gleason score >6 was considered CS. Statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software and results interpreted.

Results:

CS PCa was observed in 31 cases on histopathology. On bp-MRI, CS PCa was seen in 31 patients. Five cases of PI-RADS v2 score 3 were seen on bp-MRI and 3 of them were upgraded to PI-RADS 4 on DCE images. One case of PI-RADS 3 had low Gleason score on biopsy, whereas 1 case of PI-RADS 2 had CS PCa on biopsy. No significant difference was observed between bp-MRI and mp-MRI in the detection of CS PCa.

Conclusions:

Both bp-MRI and mp-MRI have high sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy and were nearly identical in the detection of CS PCa with no significant advantage of DCE images.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors as neoadjuvant therapy in early triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Mittal Niti , Singh Surjit , Mittal Rakesh , Kaushal Jyoti , Kaushal Vivek
Published: November 2022

Context:

Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy are being evaluated in neoadjuvant settings in early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Aim:

To evaluate efficacy and safety of checkpoint inhibitors in early TNBC.

Methods:

Electronic search was done using PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and clinicaltrials.gov to identify relevant articles till October 31, 2020. Clinical trials evaluating checkpoint inhibitors as neoadjuvant therapy in early-stage TNBC were included. Outcomes assessed included pathologic complete response (pCR), event-free survival (EFS), and safety.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Meta-analysis was conducted using Cochrane review manager (RevMan) version 5.4. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were assessed for quality using Cochrane Collaboration risk of the bias assessment tool, version 2.0 (ROB-2). GRADE analysis was done to assess the overall quality of evidence for all outcomes.

Results:

Out of 116 studies screened, 5 RCTs were included in meta-analysis. Compared to control group, programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PDL-1) inhibitor group was associated with significant increase in rate of pCR (odd ratio [OR] =1.71 [1.38–2.11]; P < 0.00001) and EFS (1.77 [1.21–2.60]; P = 0.003). There was a significant increase in risk of serious adverse events (risk ratio [RR] =1.53 [1.28-1.83]; P < 0.00001), adverse events of special interest (AESI) of any grade (RR: 1.5 [1.34–1.69], P < 0.00001) and grade 3 or higher AESI (RR: 2.8 [1.87–4.19], P < 0.00001) with PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitors compared to control.

Conclusions:

PD-1/PDL-1 inhibitors in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for early TNBC show significant improvement in pCR irrespective of PDL-1 status and cancer stage.
Isolated trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Madabhavi Irappa , Sarkar Malay , Sandeep K. S. , Modi Mitul
Published: November 2022

We report an interesting case of a 52-year-old postmenopausal female who presented with a 2-month history of headache, tingling sensation, and sharp shooting pain over the left face, followed by left facial paresthesia with pain over the maxillary region. Magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed presence of enplaque altered signal intensity soft-tissue lesion along the left 5th nerve from its origin at pons, and positron emission tomography with concurrent computed tomography showed a 2.9 cm × 2.6 cm intensely 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-avid breast mass, in the upper outer quadrant of the right breast. Core-needle biopsy revealed infiltrating ductal carcinoma. Her estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and Her2-neu analysis suggested triple-negative breast cancer. She was managed with cranial radiotherapy and palliative chemotherapy. The patient responded very well to radiotherapy and chemotherapy with complete improvement in her neurological symptoms and now she is under regular follow-up for chemotherapy for 8 months without any subjective or objective progression of the disease. Isolated cranial neuropathy may be an early harbinger of metastatic breast cancer, so we should search for the primary malignancy. TNBC is associated with early central nervous system metastasis because of heterogeneity in the biology of the disease. Whole-brain radiotherapy and palliative chemotherapy are the best available treatment modalities.
Role of Echocardiography in Guiding Transcatheter Aortic and Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: Bansal Manish , Kasliwal Ravi R.
Published: November 2022

The recent technical advances have revolutionized the field of percutaneous structural heart disease interventions. Multimodality imaging is pivotal to the success of these procedures and echocardiography is an integral part of this imaging. Echocardiography is essential for preprocedural evaluation as well as postprocedure assessment and follow-up of all such patients. In addition, for mitral valve interventions, echocardiography is also indispensable for intra-procedural guidance, although its role in guiding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has diminished lately. A thorough understanding of echocardiography, especially for valvular assessment, and a high level of expertise in intraprocedural imaging are necessary for facilitating these procedures. This review describes the role of echocardiography in guiding TAVR and transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve replacement- the two most commonly performed percutaneous valve replacement procedures at present.
Impact of Health Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Hand-Hygiene amongst School Children aged 10-12 Years in Pune: An Interventional Study
Authors: Kothari Akshay , Phutane Vivek S , Bajaj Swati , Mukherjee Reema , Tawar Shabeena
Published: November 2022

Background:

Hand hygiene in school children is a widely recognized low-cost effective intervention for the prevention and control of many infectious diseases. Health and hygiene education in schools is now a part of the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” and is being implemented across most schools in India.

Objectives:

This study was carried out to assess the impact of intervention in the form of a health education package on change in knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding hand hygiene among school children.

Methodology:

A prepost interventional study was carried out in a school located in an urban area of Pune, Maharashtra, to evaluate the effectiveness of health education intervention on KAP regarding hand hygiene among school children. A total of 115 children in the age group 10–12 years were included in the study. The baseline KAP was measured using a pretested validated questionnaire followed by intervention in the form of health education through health talks, interactive sessions, videos, and demonstrations. Postintervention assessment of KAP was done using the same questionnaire.

Results:

The mean age (± Standard Deviation) of the study participants was 11.2 (±-0.712) years. Boys comprised 65.2% of the study population and the remaining 34.8% were girls. The baseline survey showed that only 3.5% of school children were aware of the correct method of handwashing which improved significantly to 91% postintervention. None of the children knew the names of the diseases prevented by handwashing preintervention. This changed postintervention, where 27.8% said it prevents diarrheal diseases, 20.0% said it prevents common cold, and 52.2% said it prevents both. The practices regarding handwashing before eating meals at home, after using toilet facility, after coughing/sneezing, and after playing outside improved significantly postintervention.

Conclusion:

Health education is an effective intervention to improve hand-washing practices among school children and bring about behavioral change for disease prevention.
Perceived usefulness of COVID-19 tools for contact tracing among contact tracers in Korea
Authors: Gong Seonyeong , Moon Jong Youn , Jung Jaehun
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVES: In Korea, contact tracing for coronavirus disease 2019 is conducted using information from credit card records, handwritten visitor logs, KI-Pass (QR code), and the Safe Call system after an interview. We investigated the usefulness of these tools for contact tracing.METHODS: An anonymous survey was conducted for 2 months (July to September 2021) among contact tracers throughout Korea. The questionnaire consisted of 4 parts: (1) demographic characteristics; (2) the usefulness of each tool for contact tracing; (3) the order in which information was checked during contact tracing; and (4) the match rate between tools for contact tracing, screening test rate, response rate, and helpfulness (rated on a Likert scale).RESULTS: In total, 190 individuals completed the survey. When asked to rate the usefulness of each tool for contact tracing on a Likert scale, most respondents (86.3%) provided positive responses for credit card records, while the most common responses for handwritten visitor logs were negative. The highest percentage of positive responses for helpfulness was found for KI-Pass (91.1%), followed in descending order by credit card records (82.6%), Safe Call (78.2%), and handwritten visitor logs (22.1%).CONCLUSIONS: Over 80% of participants provided positive responses for credit card records, KI-Pass, and Safe Call data, while approximately 50% provided negative responses regarding the usefulness of handwritten visitor logs. Our findings highlight the need to unify systems for post-interview contact tracing to increase their convenience for contact tracers, as well as the need to improve tools utilizing handwritten visitor logs for digitally vulnerable groups.
The status quo of systematic reviews published in high-impact journals in Korea: a study focused on protocol registration and GRADE use
Authors: Han Mi Ah , Kim Seong Jung , Hwang Eu Chang , Jung Jae Hung
Published: November 2022

OBJECTIVES:This study investigated the status quo of systematic reviews published in major journals in Korea from the perspective of protocol registration and adopting the grading of recommendation, assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) system.METHODS: We examined systematic reviews published in Korea’s top 15 medical journals from 2018 to 2021. Teams of 2 reviewers assessed the studies’ eligibility criteria and extracted data independently and in duplicate. We collected information on study characteristics, protocol registration, and GRADE use of the included reviews, and reviewed the “Instructions for Authors” of the selected journals to assess any guidance related to systematic reviews.RESULTS: Out of the 126 identified reviews, 18 (14.3%) reported that they registered or published their protocol. Only 5 (4.0%) rated the certainty of evidence; and all 5 used the GRADE system. Only 6 of 15 journals mentioned systematic reviews in their “Instructions for Authors.” Six journals endorsed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework for systematic review reporting (2 mandatory, 3 recommended, and 1 unclear). None of the journals included mentioned protocol registration or certainty of evidence in their authors’ guidelines.CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the proportion of systematic reviews that had prior protocol registration or used the GRADE approach to rate the certainty of evidence was very low. Our study highlights the need for adherence to systematic review standards in medical journals in Korea, including prior protocol registration and certainty of evidence assessment. Our review will help improve the quality of systematic reviews in Korea.
Unusual Violet Coloured Pigment Produced by Burkholderia cepacia Complex – A Report of Five Cases from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mumbai
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India,, De Anuradha , Shastri Jayanthi S , Malak Nazneen I , Kedia Manali , Sisodia Harshita
Published: November 2022

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) represent a group of opportunistic organisms that cause a wide variety of infections including the nosocomial. The organism is found to cause sepsis and is also reported to cause blood stream infections in malignancy. Here, we present a case series of five patients with sepsis in which an unsual violet pigment producing BCC was isolated. Keywords: Violet pigment, Burkholderia, Sepsis, Malignancy