bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaping a Collective Identity through Self-Representation: Early Suffrage Autobiographies and the Militant Experience
Authors: Clément Chloé
Published: March 2024

This essay aims to demonstrate the interdependent relationship between self-representation and collective identity in the militant suffrage campaign by focusing on two early suffragette autobiographies, Emmeline Pankhurst’s My Own Story and Constance Lytton’s Prisons and Prisoners. Both published in 1914, these autobiographies establish a common militant experience in the suffrage campaign of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) through the personal accounts and testimonies of their authors. Transformed into political tools, these autobiographies blur the limits between private experience and public sharing. Constance Lytton and Emmeline Pankhurst indeed share how personal narratives fit with political objectives and manifest a collective purpose: that of promoting and legitimizing the militant suffrage campaign. Studying Lytton’s and Pankhurst’s militant experiences portrayed in their autobiographies, observing the reception of these personal writings, or identifying the way the militant spirit is built through reproductions of personal experiences will therefore demonstrate how self-representation shaped and supported the WSPU’s collective identity. The reproduction of imprisonments, hunger strikes or other militant actions assert defining characteristics of militant experience and contribute to emphasise a collective identity built upon self-sacrifice, devotion, and martyrdom. While these autobiographies demonstrate how the self-representation of individual experiences had a collective purpose and influence over a community, they also describe how notions of self-representation and collective identity are reciprocal. Lytton’s autobiography, for instance, represents her journey as a suffragette who sought to fit in by adapting her militancy to the movement’s collective identity. Therefore, My Own Story and Prisons and Prisoners not only act as platforms to share one’s story of the suffrage movement but also demonstrate the political power of personal experiences in creating a spirituality that included personal militant experiences into a greater collective environment. These early suffrage autobiographies thus become essential tools in questioning and understanding the relationship between personal and collective, private and public.
PAC 2023-2027 : applications et effets redistributifs de la surprime dans les États membres de l’UE
Authors: Lécole Pauline
Published: March 2024

Les plans stratégiques nationaux rassemblent les choix d’application des États membres pour la PAC 2023-2027. L’autrice analyse les choix redistributifs des États. À partir de ces derniers, elle propose une projection de la distribution des aides pour 2023 qu’elle compare à une distribution des aides sans les outils de redistribution prévus. L’autrice identifie ainsi les États les plus volontaires. Puis, des scénarios ambitieux de redistribution des aides sont simulés en se concentrant sur un outil spécifique : le paiement redistributif. Ce paiement est distribué pour les premiers hectares de toutes les exploitations et vise à redistribuer une partie des aides vers les petites et moyennes exploitations. Les scénarios mettent en évidence différents arbitrages politiques selon les modalités d’application du paiement redistributif.
Education aux et par les langues
Authors: Grivon Laura
Published: March 2024

La giornata studio è stata organizzata dal Centre d’études Abbé Trèves, a émarèse (Valle d’Aosta), il 2 dicembre 2017. L’associazione culturale è stata fondata in onore dell’Abbé Joseph-Marie Trèves (1874-1941), una figura importante per la storia e la cultura valdostane, che si distinse, in particolare, per la sua lotta in difesa della cultura francofona valdostana durante gli anni della dittatura fascista. L’associazione è pertanto sensibile ed attenta al tema delle politiche linguistiche e della didattica delle lingue, la cui padronanza, in una società sempre più multiculturale e multilingue, è più che mai fondamentale.
Un « sexisme banalisé » en cours de langue ?
Authors: Jouary Lucas
Published: March 2024

In quest’articolo l’autore si interessa più particolarmente al legame fra il genere e la partecipazione orale degli alunni di una lezione di francese. Alcuni autori hanno constatato che gli insegnanti, siano essi uomini o donne, tendono a privilegiare la partecipazione di alunni maschi. Per quanto il numero dei partecipanti all’esperienza fosse ridotto, si potrebbe parlare di una tendenza nelle scuole al “sessismo banalizzato”.
Hablar lenguas indígenas hoy : nuevos usos, nuevas formas de transmisión
Authors: Nussbaum Luci
Published: March 2024

La Costituzione della Repubblica argentina non definisce una lingua ufficiale per il suo territorio. Ma lo spagnolo – lingua della colonizzazione avvenuta all’inizio del XVI secolo – viene utilizzato dall’amministrazione statale e dalla scuola. Nelle province del Chaco e di Corrrientes le lingue aborigene vengono considérate dalla legge come co-ufficiali, il che conferma la dimensione ufficiale dello spagnolo. Il presente volume riguarda esperienze di ricerche sulle dinamiche del bilingüismo nelle province citate, oltre che nelle regione di Santiago del Estero, tutte nel nord dell’Argentina.
Exposer l’architecture vernaculaire
Authors: Labied Nadya Rouizem
Published: March 2024

Pour un architecte, exposer l’art de bâtir traditionnel au début des années 1980 est un acte militant. Quinze ans après l’exposition manifeste de l’architecte théoricien et voyageur autrichien Bernard Rudofsky (1905-1988), « Architecture without Architects » au MoMA en 1964, c’est l’architecte belge Jean Dethier (né en 1939) qui réinterroge la place de l’architecte en revalorisant les savoir-faire vernaculaires à travers « Des architectures de terre », qu’il organise en 1981 dans la galerie du CCI au Centre Pompidou. Cependant, tandis que Rudofsky exclut l’architecte de ces techniques et ces savoir-faire ingénieux, qu’il présente justement comme instructives pour la profession, Dethier intègre ses confrères en exposant aussi leurs propres compétences. À travers plusieurs parallèles avec « Architecture without Architects », cet article s’attache à montrer comment exposer le vernaculaire au sein d’institutions consacrées à la modernité parvient à faire un succès mondial de chacune de ces deux expositions, tout en réinterrogeant la place de l’architecte dans la réactualisation des pratiques traditionnelles.
Montrer l’architecture au musée du Grand Siècle
Authors: Gady Alexandre
Published: March 2024

Qu’elles soient monographiques, typologiques ou thématiques, les expositions d’architecture soulèvent des questions complexes de mise en scène, plus ardues peut-être pour les époques antérieures à 1800 que dans le cas de l’architecture contemporaine. Une longue expérience tirée de plusieurs commissariats a amené l’auteur à réfléchir à la mise en exposition de l’architecture, à destination d’un public le plus large possible, sans renoncer à une approche scientifique exigeante. Fondée sur la réunion d’une grande variété d’œuvres en deux et trois dimensions, sur leur juxtaposition au long du parcours et sur une scénographie qui cherche à être spectaculaire, cette « recette » empirique a ainsi permis de mettre en valeur de grands architectes, tels Jules Hardouin-Mansart (2009) ou Soufflot (2013), mais également des expositions thématiques, par exemple sur l’urbanisme des Lumières (2005), l’hôtel particulier parisien (2011) ou encore le métier d’architecte au XVIIe siècle (2017).Ces expériences et ces questionnements ont été essentiels dans la réflexion et la conception d’un nouveau musée, dédié au Grand Siècle, créé en 2019. L’architecture a pu y être intégrée dès l’origine, à différentes échelles : du site patrimonial au monument accueillant l’institution, des salles recréant des espaces du XVIIe siècle aux maquettes monumentales d’édifices-clefs, enfin au moyen des artefacts attendus (tableaux, dessins, livres, médailles, instruments, etc.).
Remarques sur l’utilisation récente des concepts juridiques de terrorisme et de crime de guerre par le discours politique
Authors: Deprez Guillaume
Published: March 2024

Constatant les mobilisations des concepts de terrorisme et de crime de guerre dans certains discours politiques contemporains, ce billet d’actualité propose un retour sur leurs significations juridiques avant d’interroger les conséquences de tels usages.
Fog Computing-Integrated ML-Based Framework and Solutions for Intelligent Systems
Authors: Pitchai R. , Guru K. Venkatesh , Gandhi J. Nirmala , Komala C. R. , Kumar J. R. Dinesh , Boopathi Sampath
Published: March 2024

The integration of fog computing and machine learning (ML) in digital healthcare has revolutionized patient care, operations, and personalized treatment. This chapter explores the potential of fog computing in telemedicine, remote monitoring, and personalized treatment. It highlights its role in addressing data processing challenges, enabling real-time data analytics, and ensuring secure transmission of medical information. Key case studies demonstrate how these integrated solutions are driving innovation in the healthcare industry. The combination of fog computing and ML offers a promising avenue for the future of digital healthcare, focusing on data-driven decision-making and precision medicine.
Honey Adulterant Detection System Using Fiber Optics Sensors
Authors: Pérez-Rosas Mayeli Anais , Alvarez-Villarreal Leonardo , Fuentes-Rubio Yadira Aracely , Dominguez-Cruz Rene Fernando , Garcia-Garza Luis A. , Baldovino-Pantaleón Oscar
Published: March 2024

Honey's valued for nutrition and antioxidants, but adulteration, mainly sugar addition, reduces quality and nutritional value. In this chapter, a detection system for honey adulterated with sucrose syrup is reported using a sensor built with fiber optics. The sensor consists of the union of a segment of non-core multimode fiber (NC-MMF) joined at its ends to two segments of single-mode fiber (SMF). The principle of operation is that, when propagating an optical field in the device, a transmission peak appears at its output due to its filter-like response, the position of which depends on the effective refractive index of the medium surrounding the NC-MMF. Therefore, when different mixtures of adulterated honey are coated on the NC-MMF section, the peak wavelength changes according to the refractive index of the mixture. In this way, adulterated honey can be detected from the shift in wavelength of the transmission peak. The device was tested on a compliant commercial honey brand, exhibiting a linear response with a sensitivity of -0.5417 nm/% in the 1%-5% adulteration range.
Understanding Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Practices by Smallholder Farmers to Cope With Risks in Tanzania
Authors: Mmasa Joel Johnson
Published: March 2024

This chapter used a systematic review to organize the data by a systematic review of existing literature. The chapter documented climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices that exist in the country to cope with various production risks. These included the adaption of better seed varieties, application of weather information, efficient fertilizer use, intercropping, and crop residue and canal irrigation. Food system issues, affecting food production, processing, distribution, and consumption, are among the main causes of food insecurity and hunger in Tanzania. Tanzanian rural households are particularly susceptible to environmental pressures.
Impact of Financial Inclusion on SME Growth
Authors: Mahmood Humera Tariq , Yoruk Deniz E. , Gilman Mark
Published: March 2024

Financial inclusion (FI) is perceived as an imperative tool for reducing poverty and stimulating economic growth. In particular, FI provides access to capital and financial services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enables them to manage their finances, mitigate risks, expand operations, facilitate innovation, and drive job creation. SMEs are considered the backbone of an economy regardless of the level of development of that economy. However, their potential is not fully tapped yet and is hindered due to several constraints. Among its constraints, the unavailability of financial resources is considered a major barrier to SME growth. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) evidenced that 40% of formal SMEs in emerging economies suffer from unmet yearly financial needs of USD 5.2 trillion. Despite all the advantages of FI, it is argued that FI is contingent upon various factors such as structural and policy-related factors and cannot be achieved in isolation. The effectiveness of FI requires collective effort. On the other hand, information and communication technology (ICT) is considered a key enabler of FI. The existing literature has been debated the relationship between FI and SME growth; nonetheless, a lack of consensus exists for the role of FI in SMEs' performance and/or growth. It is also evidenced that the level of FI varies among countries as well as within a country. Therefore, this chapter reviews the academic literature on FI in SMEs by employing bibliometric analysis methods. A total of 62 publications related to FI in SMEs between 2206 and 2024 were identified from a widely recognised Scopus online database. Using VOSviewer software, the analysis established how research has evolved in this area. The authors identified main current themes, emerging trends, and gaps for future research directions.
The Interplay Among Financial Inclusion, Corruption, and Phishing
Authors: Chishty Bilal Ahmed , Ayub Rafia , Hasan Syed Sarmad
Published: March 2024

The intersection of financial inclusion, corruption, and phishing poses issues in our digital age. This chapter explores their complex relationship, with a focus on technology and sustainability. Financial inclusion, which is essential for fair access, suffers from playing the dual roles of corrupting agent and enabler, undermining goals and destroying confidence. Fintech solutions, which leverage technology as a disruptor and enabler, improve accessibility while also posing cybersecurity and phishing dangers. In order to create resilient financial ecosystems, the chapter emphasizes the need for holistic approaches that strike a balance between the requirement for inclusivity and protections against corruption and cyberthreats. Scholars, policymakers, and practitioners must collaborate and consider a range of viewpoints in order to effectively handle difficulties and capitalize on possibilities in our globalized society.
Unleashing the Potential of Industry 4.0 for Financial Inclusion
Authors: Mousa Saeed
Published: March 2024

In an era marked by rapid technological advancement, the dynamic interplay between financial inclusion and Industry 4.0 holds immense potential to reshape economies and empower marginalized communities. This chapter explores how Industry 4.0 technologies, such as mobile devices, the internet, blockchain, and AI, can bridge the gap in financial inclusion. Industry 4.0, with its digital integration and automation across industries, goes beyond efficiency gains to address financial exclusion. Case studies, including M-Pesa's mobile money platform and Singapore's Project Ubin, illustrate how these technologies empower individuals, transform cross-border payments, and redefine currency in an increasingly digital world. This chapter provides an in-depth examination of the benefits, challenges, and ethical considerations associated with Industry 4.0's role in promoting financial inclusion. It argues that Industry 4.0 is not just a technological evolution but a catalyst for societal transformation, fostering a more inclusive and equitable global economy.
Exploring Web 3 Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Ahmad Munir , Ali Muhammad Awais , Arslan Muhammad
Published: March 2024

This chapter delved into the multifaceted benefits and challenges characterizing the Web 3 paradigm. Web 3, operating on decentralized networks, fortifies digital ecosystems against cyber threats and unauthorized access, exemplified by the resilience of Bitcoin's decentralized blockchain. Rooted in blockchain technology, web 3 introduces transparency to transactions, fostering trust and eliminating intermediaries. User empowerment takes center stage as Web 3 enables unprecedented control over digital assets through blockchain-based smart contracts. Tokenization stimulates collaboration, fostering a more inclusive digital economy, while interoperability connects diverse blockchain networks seamlessly. The metaverse's integration into Web 3 faces challenges due to a lack of industry standards, exposing users to potential financial security risks. Scalability, regulatory uncertainty, and environmental impact present hurdles, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions.
Role of Technology Business Incubator in Enhancing Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
Authors: Acharya Satya Ranjan , Chandra Yamini
Published: March 2024

This chapter examines the role of technology business incubators (TBIs) in improving the effectiveness, viability, and overall development of startups. The chapter attempts to establish a connection between the support offered by these TBIs and its effects on the overall operational effectiveness of these startups by referring to various available relevant literature. Further, the chapter investigates the assistance offered by these TBIs as well as the challenges encountered throughout the process from the ideation and commercialization of funded ideas. Through the empirical analysis of Gujarat's entrepreneurial ecosystem, a comprehensive framework is given that can be used to improve the existing support system.
Introduction to Operation and Supply Chain Management for Entrepreneurship
Authors: Jaboob Ali Said , Awain Ali Mohsin Ba , Ali Khairul Anuar Mohd , Mohammed Al Montaser
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores the main objectives of supply chain management and operations management, highlighting their importance for the success and endurance of entrepreneurial ventures. It delves into how good management of these areas may increase competitiveness, achieve efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and guarantee customer satisfaction. The importance of operations and supply chain management in fostering business growth and sustainability is emphasized. Addedly, the chapter highlights upcoming trends and changing problems, pushing entrepreneurs to adopt best practices and methods to manage their supply chains and operations for long-term success.
Design Thinking and Creativity in Entrepreneurial Innovation
Authors: Kayyali Mustafa
Published: March 2024

This study explores the pivotal role of design thinking and creativity in the realm of entrepreneurial innovation. The need for innovative ways to problem-solving and idea production is becoming more and more obvious as the entrepreneurial landscape changes. Iterative and human-centered design thinking provides entrepreneurs with a special framework for navigating the challenges of innovation. This study explores the interplay between design thinking and creativity, illuminating how these ideas merge to promote entrepreneurial success. Through a comprehensive analysis of case studies and empirical evidence, this study demonstrates the multifaceted impact of design thinking and creativity on fostering innovation in entrepreneurial ventures. The findings underscore the significance of cultivating a creative mindset and embracing design thinking principles as catalysts for entrepreneurial innovation in today's dynamic business environment.
ICT and the Quest for Sustainable Development in Africa
Authors: Mumin Mubarik Abdul , Yakubu Ibrahim Nandom , Adam Ibrahim Osman
Published: March 2024

This study examines the link between information and communication technology (ICT) and sustainable development goals (SDGs), exploring how corruption control moderates this nexus. The authors use data from 45 African countries over the period 2015 to 2020 and apply the fixed effects estimation technique. The results reveal that ICT has a significant negative impact on SDGs. However, corruption control positively moderates the impact of ICT on sustainable development, suggesting that corruption control acts as a catalyst, transforming the overall impact of ICT from potentially negative to positive in the context of sustainable development. The findings refute the technological determinism presumption and lend credence to the institutional theory. Policy-wise, the results emphasize the importance of implementing robust corruption control measures alongside technology adoption initiatives to harness the positive potential of ICT for sustainable development in African countries.
An Empirical Investigation on Institutional Quality, Growth, and Poverty Alleviation in Nigeria
Authors: Idowu Omowumi Omodunni , Idowu Olusegun Oladele
Published: March 2024

The paradox of institutional quality, growth and poverty in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Over the years Nigeria has witnessed the implementation of various poverty alleviation programmes reflecting the evolving strategies and approaches to tackle the menace in Nigeria. However, the bane of the problem is associated with governance failure. This study hence interrogated the interrelationship among institutional quality, growth, and poverty, and the effects of institutional quality on poverty and growth in Nigeria. The study used auto-regressive distributive lags to investigate the effects of institutional quality on poverty and growth. Findings from the study revealed that there is a bi-causal relationship between poverty and growth in Nigeria for the period under study. While there was no long run relationship between institutional quality and poverty in Nigeria, there was a significant positive impact on both poverty and growth in the short run. Hence, poverty alleviation programmes and growth induced policies should be implemented within the framework of good governance.
Endemic Corruption in the Post-Apartheid South African Public Sector
Authors: Tshishonga Ndwakhulu Stephen
Published: March 2024

Corruption continues to bedevil both the public and private sector worldwide. In both developed and developing nations, public sector corruption is endemic with complex and devastating effects on development, economic growth, and service delivery. Corruption does not only divert public resources meant for developmental service delivery, but also undermines nations' integrity, legitimacy, and reputation. The chapter argues that corruption in South Africa does not only exacerbate poverty, unemployment, poor service delivery and inequality, but further undermines South Africa as a developmental state and render anti-corruption policies and programmes dysfunctional. The chapter made use of selected case studies of corruption at national, provincial, and local government levels, including their implications for a capable and ethical state. Data for this chapter was obtained through secondary sources in the form of books, accredited journals, book chapters, and government documents.
Corruption Syndrome and the SDGs
Authors: Akpabio Edidiong Samuel , Dike Chinonye Kamsi , Okoro Efehi Raymond , Oluwakemi Ogunbadeniyi Adeola
Published: March 2024

It is worrisome to observe that corruption has surged to unprecedented levels in the continent and sub-continent. This unfortunate state of affairs apart from significantly contributing to the impoverishment of the West African region has in no mean measure exacerbated inequality in the sub-continent by widening the gap between the elite and the general populace. Adopting a qualitative methodology, the authors leveraged secondary data sources to critically evaluate the issues embedded in the discourse. Key among the findings of this research is the fact that though West Africa's development is inhibited by a multiplicity of factors, the corruption syndrome plays a very significant role in the developmental quagmire she experiences, and can truncate her attainment of the SDG's. The authors recommend that the various states in the sub-region form a common front adopting the platform of the ECOWAS to unitedly combat this scourge headlong.
Strategies for Combating Corruption in Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Harish Jayalakshmi , Kachhi Zidan
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores the intricate link between corruption and poverty, detailing their impact on economic development, governance, and marginalized communities in developing nations. Corruption hampers economic growth, distorts resource allocation, and undermines public trust. Its effects worsen inequalities, impede access to vital services, and disrupt poverty alleviation programs. Analyzing corruption across various levels, including within supply chains and through corrupt policies, underscores the need for systemic reforms, transparency, and robust governance. Proposed strategies involve leveraging technology, expanding financial aid, and reforming tax systems. Empowering marginalized groups, improving governance, and fostering stakeholder collaboration are pivotal in countering corruption's adverse effects on poverty. The paper advocates for comprehensive reforms, emphasizing transparency, ethics, and inclusive chapter for equitable societies and sustainable development.
AI-Powered Hospital Accounting
Authors: Pramanik Sabyasachi
Published: March 2024

Healthcare organizations have unique challenges in preserving their financial stability. Due to the rising cost of healthcare, changing payment models, and the need to provide patients with high-quality treatment, hospitals are under continual pressure to optimize their financial operations. Conventional hospital accounting methods may not be enough in this rapidly evolving environment. The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform hospital accounting and provide a means of enhancing financial stability is explored in this chapter. Automation, data analytics, and advanced machine learning algorithms are used in AI-driven hospital accounting to improve accuracy, speed up financial processes, and support well-informed decision-making.
Dietary risk factors for colorectal cancer
Authors: Zargar Tasneef , Kumar Dinesh , Sahni Bhavna , Shoket Nadeem , Bala Kiran , Angurana Shabab
Published: March 2024

Background:

Establishing a link between diet and cancer is an epidemiological challenge, and such relationships have not been thoroughly investigated.

Objectives:

We aimed to explore the presence of a possible relationship between diet and colorectal cancer.

Material and Methods:

This case–control study was conducted at the Government Medical College, Jammu, a regional cancer center in Jammu and Kashmir in North India. We collected the dietary information from 1 year prior to the date of diagnosis for a total of 100 patients with colorectal cancer, 100 hospital controls, and 100 healthy controls. Data were collected by administering the food frequency questionnaire as a part of a personal interview. Data were analyzed using the Chi-squared test, and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

The risk of colorectal cancer among men who consumed alcohol was greater than that among the healthy controls (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.27–5.31). Similarly, risk was greater among those who consumed hot tea (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 0.99–3.31). The odds of developing colorectal cancer were 4–19 times higher with the consumption of red meat, while of consumption of fruits, vegetables, wheat and pulses with rice once a day conferred significant protection to participants in both the control groups. Consumption of dairy products and ghee also seemed to confer protection against colorectal cancer, ranging from 39% to 95% and 77% to 85%, respectively. The odds of consumption of pickled foods were significantly higher among those with colorectal cancer as compared to the healthy controls (OR: 2.0–3.63).

Conclusions:

The consumption of certain foods and beverages such as alcohol, hot tea, red meat, and pickles is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Thus, our results suggest that the risk of developing colorectal cancer is associated with dietary habits and that effective prevention is possible.
Clinicopathological features and outcomes of choriocarcinoma
Authors: Ghosh Joydeep , Dey Sayantika , Mandal Debapriya , Ganguly Sandip , Biswas Bivas , Dabkara Deepak , Ghosh Anik , Chakraborty Basumita , Roy Arunava , Rai Shweta , Mathai Sonia , Bhaumik Jaydip
Published: March 2024

Background:

Choriocarcinoma is the most common form of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia seen by medical oncologists. It is a rare condition and data related to its long-term outcomes from the Indian subcontinent are sparse.

Objectives:

The primary objective of this study was to assess the clinicopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes of patients with of choriocarcinoma; the secondary objective was to assess the correlation of outcomes with risk stratification.

Materials and Methods:

This single-center retrospective study was conducted at the Tata Medical Center, a tertiary cancer center in West Bengal, India. We identified all the cases of choriocarcinoma treated at our hospital from the electronic medical records and noted their baseline characteristics, treatment details, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline characteristics, and the Kaplan–Meier method was used for the survival analysis.

Results:

A total of 24 patients were included in the study. The median age of the patients was 29 years (interquartile range, 25.9–39.5). The median time interval from the last pregnancy was 5 months (range, 0 months to 11 years). The World Health Organization risk score was low in 8 (33.3%) and high in 16 (66.7%) patients. There were 6 (25%) patients who received single-agent chemotherapy, 14 (66.7%) received the EMA-CO (etoposide, methotrexate, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine) regimen, and 1 (4.7%) received the VIP (etoposide, ifosfamide, and cisplatin) regimen, with the latter 2 being given only to high-risk patients. The median follow-up was 10.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.2–28.5). The median progression-free survival was not reached (NR) (95% CI, 7.2–NR). Similarly, the median overall survival was NR (95% CI, 10.56–NR).

Conclusion:

Our study provides real-world data for this rare malignancy and reinforces the fact that choriocarcinoma is a highly curable disease. Despite the clinicopathological variations in the different parts of the country, the long-term outcomes are favorable.
Biomarker series
Authors: Batra Ullas , Nathany Shrinidhi
Published: March 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has emerged as the poster child of molecular medicine. Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS)-mutated NSCLC is a common yet heterogeneous entity with distinct clinical and prognostic characteristics. Therapeutically, targeting the KRAS mutation in NSCLC has been the most difficult challenge faced by scientists and drug developers and after decades of efforts, a final breakthrough in the form of KRAS G12C inhibitors has emerged. In this edition of the biomarker series, we review KRAS, its biology, clinical features, and the therapeutic options in KRAS-mutant NSCLC. We performed a thorough search in PubMed, Embase, and Scopus and finally included 59 articles to write this review.
Oncologists’ perceptions of the need for assessing individual domains in the geriatric assessment and worthwhile outcomes in treating older patients with cancer
Authors: Noronha Vanita , Kalra Devanshi , Ramaswamy Anant , Gattani Shreya C , Menon Nandini , Patil Vijay M , Prabhash Kumar
Published: March 2024

Background:

Although the multidimensional geriatric assessment (GA) is considered the standard of care, it is not uniformly practiced. In older patients with cancer, shared decision-making requires a clear understanding of the goals of therapy.

Objectives:

We aimed to understand the perceptions of health-care professionals of the need to assess the various domains in the GA and what would constitute worthwhile outcomes in older patients with cancer.

Materials and Methods:

An online questionnaire survey was conducted by the geriatric oncology group of the Department of Medical Oncology at the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India. Participants in the survey included various health professionals with an interest in the care of older patients with cancer. Data were collected in Microsoft Excel and basic descriptive statistics were performed.

Results:

Between July and August 2020, 234 health-care professionals responded to the survey. The respondents included predominantly medical oncologists (146, 70.9%), practicing in academic centers (148, 65.6%) from India (168, 87%). According to 46% of the respondents, over 30% of the patients in their practices were in the geriatric age group; yet, 144 (73.8%) respondents reported that they referred <10% of their older patients with cancer for a GA. Almost all the respondents agreed that it was important to check for the presence of polypharmacy, inappropriate medications, comorbidities, drug interactions, falls, function, psychological status, cognition, nutrition, social support, and quality of life in the older patients with cancer. Over 95% of the respondents thought that formal training in the GA should be part of the oncology training programs. According to 139 respondents (63%), an improvement in the quality of life or a decrease in toxicity were more important goals of cancer-directed therapy in older patients with cancer, compared to prolongation of overall survival.

Conclusion:

There is a recognition of the importance of performing a multidimensional GA in older patients with cancer; however, this has not translated into a widespread performance of the GA in actual practice. It would be important to address the barriers to implementing the GA in the clinic, to help optimize the care of older patients with cancer. The goals of cancer-directed therapy should be clearly discussed with the patients in order for true shared decision-making to occur.
Clinical outcome of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation with two different nomograms in keratoconus patients
Authors: Mounir Amr , Saghir Ahmed H. , Radwan Gamal , Aldghaimy Ahmad H.
Published: March 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effects of Keraring implantation in patients with keratoconus (KC) using a newly created nomogram (NN) based on cone location and Q value compared with the manufacturer’s standard nomogram (SN).

Patients and methods

This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial that included 100 keratoconic eyes of 100 patients. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups: group NN and group SN. Group NN underwent Keraring implantation based on the newly developed nomogram, while group SN followed the manufacturer’s standard nomogram. The primary outcome measures included visual acuity, different refractive measurements, keratometry values, and Q values, while the secondary outcome measure was Belin ABCD KC grading. All outcome measures were evaluated at 12 months postoperatively.

Results

The mean age of group NN was 22.96±7.45 years and that of group SN was 24.12±7.00 years, with no statistically significant difference (P=0.46). At 3 months postoperatively, group NN demonstrated substantial improvements compared with group SN. Group NN exhibited a greater improvement in uncorrected distance visual acuity [mean difference (MD) in LogMAR visual acuity=−0.61 compared with −0.31 in group SN, P<0.0001] and corrected distance visual acuity (MD: −0.34 LogMAR compared with −0.05 LogMAR in group SN, P<0.0001). Significant reductions were noted in sphere (MD: 4.22 D in group NN compared with 2.33 D in group SN, P<0.0001), refractive cylinder (MD: 2.87 D in group NN compared with 1.74 D in group SN, P=0.003), and spherical equivalent (MD: 5.56 D in group NN compared with 3.12 D in group SN, P<0.0001). Keratometric values and Belin ABCD grading system (particularly A and D categories) also showed more pronounced improvements in group NN than in group SN (P<0.0001).

Conclusion

The personalized approach of the new nomogram (NN) based on cone location and Q value resulted in superior visual, refractive, and corneal topographic outcomes compared with the standard nomogram (SN) during the implantation of Keraring in KC patients. The individualized nomogram allowed for more precise corneal reshaping and restoration of corneal asphericity.
Bicanalicular silicone intubation versus probing for the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in children older than 2 years
Authors: Bayoumy Ahmed S. , Elmohamdy Mohamed N. , Abousaif Walid S. , Abdin Emad M.
Published: March 2024

Background

One of the most common conditions presenting to the oculoplastic clinic is congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO), with an incidence of up to 20% in young children. Early probing as early as 18 months of age is usually associated with very good results. Conversely, the results of probing in older children and the need for intubation, either primary or secondary, are debatable in different studies.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of probing versus primary intubation in children older than 2 years having CNLDO.

Patients and methods

This prospective cohort comparative study was carried out on 40 eyes of 36 children, aged 2–7 years of both sexes, with epiphora due to CNLDO. The eyes were divided into two groups: group A that included 20 eyes that underwent probing, and group B that included 20 eyes that underwent intubation in whom the tube was removed after 3 months. The enrolled children were subjected to local ophthalmological examination, eye lid examination, puncti evaluation, regurge test, nasal evaluation, lacrimal pathway evaluation, and computed tomography dacryocystography before the procedure and 3 months after the procedure.

Results

The intubation group (group B) was found to have a higher success rate (90%) compared to the probing group (group A) (80%), although the difference was statistically insignificant (P=0.661). On univariate regression analysis, age, contrast volume, and most dilated portion of the lacrimal sac before the procedure were significant predictors for the success rate (P<0.001). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the success rate and age, most dilated portion, and contrast volume after the procedure (P<0.001).

Conclusion

There was a high success rate for both probing and intubation in older children above 2 years suffering from CNLDO. Although intubation was found to have a higher success rate, the difference was statistically insignificant.
Prevalence of punctal stenosis as a cause of obstructive epiphora
Authors: El-Wakil Farah R. , Elwan Sheriff , Zaki Rania G. , Elkitkat Rania S.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of punctal stenosis in the patients presenting with eye watering due to obstructive epiphora.

Patients and methods

This descriptive, cross-sectional, prospective study included 75 eyes of 51 patients. The enrolled patients were classified into two groups; group 1 that included patients with punctal stenosis and group 2 that enrolled patients with obstructive epiphora due to other causes. Age subgrouping was performed to determine the prevalence of punctal stenosis among various age groups.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 52.32±16.19 years. Punctal stenosis was the most encountered cause of obstructive epiphora (32 patients=62.75%) in the study population. Punctal stenosis was also the most prevalent cause of obstructive epiphora (56.3%) in the oldest age subgroup (>60 years).

Conclusion

Punctal stenosis is the most common cause of obstructive epiphora in patients presenting with eye watering. Increasing age is the most important determinant of punctal stenosis.
Superior versus inferior conjunctival rotational flap in primary pterygium surgery
Authors: Mohammed Sahar I. , Gouda Ahmed T.
Published: March 2024

Background

Conjunctival rotational flap is one of the surgical treatment options for pterygium with variable recurrence rates. Taking a conjunctival flap from the superior bulbar area is sometimes unfeasible due to scarring, ocular surface disease, or previous trabeculectomy.

Aim

This study aimed to compare the superior versus the inferior conjunctival rotational flap results following primary pterygium excision.

Patients and methods

This is a retrospective, interventional, comparative study that enrolled 120 patients having primary pterygium. The patients were recruited from the Ophthalmology Department, Beni Suef University Hospital, Beni Suef, Egypt during the period from June 2020 to June 2022. The patients were classified into two groups: group I that included 73 (60.8%) patients who underwent the superior conjunctival flap technique, and group II that included 47 (39.2%) patients who underwent the inferior flap technique. Slit-lamp findings were reported during the scheduled appointments, with a focus on pterygium recurrence and other complications. Postoperative follow-up was performed for 6–18 months.

Results

The recurrence rate among the inferior conjunctival flap group (12.8%) was higher than in the superior conjunctival flap group (9.6%), with no statistically significant difference (P=0.585). No additional postoperative complications, such as flap separation, dullen formation, or granulomas occurred in either group.

Conclusion

There was no statistically significant difference in the outcome of the superior and inferior conjunctival rotational flaps in primary pterygium excision. We propose that inferior conjunctival flap preference can result in favorable outcomes in circumstances where the superior bulbar conjunctiva is required for protection or cannot be used.
Comparative study between topical insulin, autologous serum, and honey-based eye drops as adjunctive treatment in resistant corneal ulcer
Authors: Mehrez Sarah M. , Ghoraba Mohammed E. , Hasby Hesham A. , Khater Mohammad M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Resistant keratitis is a difficult situation faced every day in ophthalmology clinics. Resistance to healing may be attributed to many factors. Many adjunctive agents are widely used in a trial to accelerate healing and to prevent resistance to eliminate the chance of development of disabling complications.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of topical insulin, autologous serum, and honey-based eye drops as adjunctive therapies in resistant corneal ulcers.

Patients and methods

This prospective study investigated 45 eyes of infected keratitis not responding to culture-based medical treatment for 2 weeks. The eyes were divided into three groups each of 15 eyes. The insulin group was treated with topical insulin drops, the serum group with autologous serum drops, and the honey group with honey-based drops. Culture-based medical treatment was also continued in the three groups till complete healing was achieved. The results of the three groups were compared regarding the time needed for healing and best-corrected visual acuity outcome.

Results

Best-corrected visual acuity improved by one or more lines in 11 (73.33%) cases in the insulin group, in 10 (66.67%) cases in the serum group, and in nine (60%) cases in the honey group, with no statistically significant difference (χ
2=1.525, P=0.822). Healing occurred in 14–28 days in 12 (80%) cases in the insulin group, in 13 (86.67%) cases in the serum group, and in 10 (66.67%) cases in the honey group, with no statistically significant difference (χ
2=1.8, P=0.407). The remaining cases in each group required amniotic membrane transplantation due to thinning.

Conclusion

The effects of topical insulin, autologous serum, and honey-based eye drops, when used as adjunctive methods added to the culture-based medical therapy in the management of resistant corneal ulcers, were comparable. Autologous serum gave slightly higher effect than topical insulin and honey-based eye drops but the difference was statistically insignificant.
Combined use of XP-Endo Finisher and different chelating agents on the smear layer
Authors: Saju Meenu Elizabeth , Raghu Ramya , Shetty Ashish , Santhosh Lekha , Rajasekhara Subhashini , Yadav Priya C.
Published: March 2024

Aims:

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of XP-Endo Finisher (XPF) in conjunction with three different chelating agents, namely, 0.2% chitosan nanoparticles (CNP), 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and 7% maleic acid (MA) on residual debris and smear layer on the root canal walls of the mandibular premolars.

Materials and Methods:

Eighty extracted human mandibular premolars were used in the study. Canals were prepared using an XP-Endo Shaper, and the final finishing was done with an XPF file. Teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups based on chelating agents, Group I (XPF + 0.2% CNP), Group II (XPF + 17% EDTA), Group III (XPF + MA), and Group IV XPF + 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (control group). Teeth were longitudinally split and prepared for scanning electron microscopy analysis. For comparing the smear layer and debris score between groups, the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA was used, followed by the post hoc Bonferroni test. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Group I (XPF + 0.2% CNP) gave the best results (P = 0.001) in all the thirds of root canal, followed by Group II (XPF + 17% EDTA) with P = 0.001. Group III (XPF + MA) showed results similar to that of the control group (XPF + NaOCl) with P = 0.001. There was a significant difference in the scores between Group I (XPF + CNP) and the other three groups.

Conclusion:

In all three-thirds of a root canal, the use of XPF + 0.2% CNP performed best at removing the smear layer. This was followed by XPF + 17% EDTA and XPF + 7% MA. For all groups, smear layer removal was less efficient in the apical third.
Independent Impact of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor on Cardiovascular Prognosis in Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pan Yewei , Zhang Zishan , Tan Xuerui , Zhu Jinxiu
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a biomarker of depressive symptoms manifests a novel role in the cardiovascular system. This study aims to indicate the association of BDNF levels between depressive symptoms and the cardiovascular prognosis in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.

Methods:

Participants were recruited from hospitalized CHD patients between November 18, 2020 and November 26, 2021, in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. Serum BDNF levels were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Depressive symptom was evaluated using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The cardiovascular events were the endpoint outcomes across the 12-month follow-up. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate the relationship of serum BDNF levels between depressive symptom and prognosis.

Results:

A total of 102 CHD patients (60.6 ± 10.4 year, 76% male) were enrolled. Based on the median serum BDNF levels, the participants were grouped into those “low BDNF (≤0.65 ng/mL)” versus “high BDNF (≥0.65 ng/mL).” CHD patients with low BDNF levels had a higher prevalence of depressive symptoms (PHQ–9 ≥10) compared with high BDNF levels. Within a median 540 days of follow-up, low serum BDNF increased the risk of cardiovascular events (adjusted hazard ratio = 3.26; 95% confidence interval = 1.18–9.02, P = 0.02) after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusions:

CHD patients with low serum BDNF levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, independently of depressive symptoms.