Ovarian Cancer Essays - Gynaecological Cancer, RTT, Tumor Markers

Ovarian Cancer Of all gynecologic malignancies, ovarian cancer continues to have the highest mortality and is the most difficult to diagnose. In the United States female population, ovarian cancer ranks fifth in absolute mortality among cancer related deaths (13,000/yr). In most reported cases, ovarian cancer, when first diagnosed is in stages III or IV in about 60 to 70% of patients which further complicates treatment of the disease (Barber, 3). Early detection in ovarian cancer is hampered by the lack of appropriate tumor markers and clinically, most patients fail to develop significant symptoms until they reach advanced stage disease. The characteristics of ovarian cancer have been studied in primary tumors and in established ovarian tumor cell lines which provide a reproducible source of tumor material. Among the major clinical problems of ovarian cancer, malignant progression, rapid emergence of drug resistance, and associated cross-resistance remain unresolved. Ovarian cancer has a high frequency of metastasis yet generally remains localized within the peritoneal cavity. Tumor development has been associated with aberrant, dysfunctional expression and/or mutation of various genes. This can include oncogene overexpression, amplification or mutation, aberrant tumor suppressor expression or mutation. Also, subversion of host antitumor immune responses may play a role in the pathogenesis of cancer (Sharp, 77). Ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma was first described by Peham in 1899 as "hypernephroma of the ovary" because of its resemblance to renal cell carcinoma. By 1939, Schiller noted a histologic similarity to mesonephric tubules and classified these tumors as "mesonephromas." In 1944, Saphir and Lackner described two cases of "hypernephroid carcinoma of the ovary" and proposed "clear cell" adenocarcinoma as an alternative term. Clear cell tumors of the ovary are now generally considered to be of mullerian and in the genital tract of mullerian origin. A number of examples of clear cell adenocarcinoma have been reported to arise from the epithelium of an endometriotic cyst (Yoonessi, 289). Occasionally, a renal cell carcinoma metastasizes to the ovary and may be confused with a primary clear cell adenocarcinoma. Ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma (OCCA) has been recognized as a distinct histologic entity in the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of ovarian tumors since 1973 and is the most lethal ovarian neoplasm with an overall five year survival of only 34% (Kennedy, 342). Clear cell adenocarcinoma, like most ovarian cancers, originates from the ovarian epithelium which is a single layer of cells found on the surface of the ovary. Patients with ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma are typically above the age of 30 with a median of 54 which is similar to that of ovarian epithelial cancer in general. OCCA represents approximately 6% of ovarian cancers and bilateral ovarian involvement occurs in less that 50% of patients even in advanced cases. The association of OCCA and endometriosis is well documented (De La Cuesta, 243). This was confirmed by Kennedy et al who encountered histologic or intraoperative evidence of endometriosis in 45% of their study patients. Transformation from endometriosis to clear cell adenocarcinoma has been previously demonstrated in sporadic cases but was not observed by Kennedy et al. Hypercalcemia occurs in a significant percentage of patients with OCCA. Patients with advanced disease are more typically affected than patients with nonmetastatic disease. Patients with OCCA are also more likely to have Stage I disease than are patients with ovarian epithelial cancer in general (Kennedy, 348). Histologic grade has been useful as an initial prognostic determinant in some studies of epithelial cancers of the ovary. The grading of ovarian clear cell adenocarcinoma has been problematic and is complicated by the multiplicity of histologic patterns found in the same tumor. Similar problems have been found in attempted grading of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the endometrium (Disaia, 176). Despite these problems, tumor grading has been attempted but has failed to demonstrate prognostic significance. However, collected data suggest that low mitotic activity and a predominance of clear cells may be favorable histologic features (Piver, 136). Risk factors for OCCA and ovarian cancer in general are much less clear than for other genital tumors with general agreement on two risk factors: nulliparity and family history. There is a higher frequency of carcinoma in unmarried women and in married women with low parity. Gonadal dysgenesis in children is associated with a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer while oral contraceptives are associated with a decreased risk. Genetic and candidate host genes may be altered in susceptible families. Among those currently under investigation is

God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy essays

God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy essays "?The God of Small Things", by Arundhati Roy, is a multi-layered novel structured in an intricate manner. Roy has covertly weaved and connected her ideas therefore requiring more than surface level analysis from her readers. As a result is the unusual yet successful narrative that garnered praise from most literary critics. The novel recounts the story of the Ipe family that lives in Aymenem, Kerala in post-colonial India. During the course of the story, the various members of the household each contribute to the unraveling of the series of events and the aftermath of Sophie Mols death is soon revealed. The novel is rich with literary devices such as symbolism and certain themes like the caste system. Roy creates vivid imagery through the use of colors that aim to evoke specific emotions in the readers as well as convey intertwining themes such as colonialism and oppression. The three main colors that are preset in novel are blue, red and yellow. However, the most dominant color throughout the novel is the color blue. Blue simply symbolizes imperialism and the superiority of the British. Pappachi, Baby Kochamma and Margaret Kochamma are the main representatives of the old social order that is under the threat of losing its grip on the local community" (Sadaf). These characters, in specific Pappachi and Baby Kochamma, attempt to hold onto and spread Anglophilia in their post-colonial society. It is ironic that these characters promote Anglophilia rather than search through history to try and salvage whatever is left of their soon to be non existent Indian culture and heritage. Therefore, Roy might be attempting to portray these characters dangerous loyalty to the British culture by constantly associating them with the color blue. As a result, these characters along with the color blue aid in spreading Roys warnings about the negative effect of coloniali sm on a countrys people. The main symbol of Bri...

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of diversity to a Coursework

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of diversity to a multinational organisation, in a rapidly changing global market. Illustrate your answer with examples from business practice - Coursework Example research paper titled, â€Å"The Effects of Diversity on Business Performance: Report of the Diversity Research Network,† appears in the spring 2003 issue of Human Resource Management. After examining four Fortune 500 companies in depth, the researchers find that â€Å"a variety of contextual variables, including an organization’s culture, strategy and human resource practices, help to determine whether diversity boosts performance or drags it down.† (Kwak & Gwynne, 2003, p.1). Diversity in multinational organizations is a sensitive issue and thus needs to be handled efficiently through proper training of the workforce. Before adapting diversity in its system, every organization should understand the advantages and disadvantages of the same. Diversity in organization mainly occurs when people from different countries work together for that entity. Individuals have their own race and custom habits. Diversity can only be promoted in an organization if there are no clashing interests among different groups in the organization. When people from different culture work together then the organizations exists between different classes of society and thus assumes a global outlook. The organization can attain a global perspective when people from diverse regions and backgrounds work together. The organization becomes globally known when it adopts a diverse attitude. IBM is a very good example of a company which practices diversity in its organization. Because of its diverse operations the company is known world wide and has become a household name in all those countries. This gives the company a positive image. The talent pool that IBM has created over the years through its diverse venture is a proof of development due to diversi ty. The adoption of diversity in IBM has led to the minimizing racial and cultural differences and also in enhancing the company’s global image. Diversity in an organization increases its performance because the workforce being combination of

Bluebird Office Products LTD Case Analysis Essay

Bluebird Office Products LTD Case Analysis - Essay Example Speed delivery is at the core in this case. The three branded products had a sales figure of in 6,000,000 Euro 2011. The company’s operating costs stands at 5,500,000 Euro. This figure is projected to increase in the either option advocated for. The level of quality stands at 10% of the operational costs i.e. 550,000 Euro. The Company has a lead time of 12 weeks which it meets 80% in a year. The lead time could be modified to meet delivery speed for the customer. The advocated strategies from the marketing team are outlined below: Option 1 – FINBAR Ltd The customer has a colour that is expected to remain consistent although it will be placing orders according to customer specification. An increase in sales of 1,000,000 euro is projected from the sale of 2000 chairs at 500 euro. This sale is expected at one in every three months. Therefore the projected annual sales will increase by 1,000,000 euros. The impact of adopting the quality need specifications will generate an addition operating expenses. This stands at 825,000 euro. The level of quality maintenance cost is 82,500 euros. Earnings Before Investment and Tax of the company is expected to increase by 175,000 euros. Option 2 – Classy Ltd Classy Ltd will be ordering 500 chairs at 1500 euro generating sales of 750,000 euro. The projected operating expenses will increase by 550,000 euros and the level of quality will cost an extra 55,000 euros. An extra investment in this is needed for 50,000 euros. A total cost increase of 600,000 euros is projected. An increase in earnings before investment and tax is expected to be 150,000 euros. Current performance of the company stands at annual sales of 6,000,000 in 2011 and operating expenses of 5,500,000. The level of quality is maintained at a cost of 10% of the operating costs i.e. 550,000. The present earnings before investment and tax are 500,000 euro. An increase of 35% in earnings before investment and tax is projected if option one is adopte d i.e. the Finbar Ltd customer specified products. On the other hand, an increase of 30% in earnings before investment and tax is projected in the coming year if the Classy Ltd strategy of delivery in terms of speed and quality of the products. The company is faced with the situation where it will introduced innovative ideas as well as theme changes in product manufacture process. The time-based delivery aspect for strategy 2 i.e. Classy Ltd will call upon adjusting the lead time of the company to meet the speed at which the customer gets his products. Option 2 has an increase of 55,000 euros in maintaining quality while that of option 1 stands at 82,500 euros. Bluebird is faced with new product development as their case is change in theme but the original product. On the contrary, Classy aims for innovative ideas hence results to new product introduction by the Company. Finbar Ltd might bring a challenge of increasing the product line to meet the increased 2000 chairs production. W ith the consideration that the supervisor and wages expenses are not increased, this implies that the quality may be compromised in either case if care is not observed. Classy Ltd stands to bring an increment of 30% of the company’s EBIT which is less than 5% that of Finbar Ltd. This option however calls for a fewer number of products. The level of quality maintenance is lower by 27,500 euros. To meet the customers’

Changing Ethical Perspectives-McDonald’s Essay Example for Free

Changing Ethical Perspectives-McDonald’s Essay When Dick and Mac McDonald opened their first barbecue restaurant in 1940, it is doubtful they realized the impact their company name would have upon the world of business and food service. A few years after they opened their restaurant, they closed to renovate, rethink their business strategy, and presented a simple drive-in restaurant with a small menu to allow the brothers to focus not on providing diversity and choices, but quality within their service and products (â€Å"Our History-1940†, n.d.). It may have been the simplicity of the operation, or the high level of dedication to service that attracted the attention of restaurant equipment salesman Ray Croc. In 1954, Ray Croc visited their only establishment in San Bernadino, California and learned they had an interest in building a franchise around their existing business configuration. Ray Croc and the McDonald’s brothers agree on their first franchise plan and set out to build more locations. Kroc opens his first franchise location in Des Plaines, Ill. on April 15, 1955. By 1965, there would be more than 700 McDonald’s restaurants throughout the United States (â€Å"Our History-1955†, n.d.). As McDonald’s expanded outward, their community responsibilities inherently would increase. Through the period of the fifties and sixties, community and social responsibilities were simple; keep a clean restaurant, set reasonable prices (hamburgers were 15 cents), and concentrate on service. At the outset, it would appear the ethical perspective would be one close to utilitarianism (what will the most people like), with little emphasis on deontology or virtue theory. As McDonald’s moved into the seventies leading them on a voyage around the world, these responsibilities and perspectives would have to adapt and change rapidly to accommodate cultural changes and needs. Changes in Ethical Perspective as a Result of Globalization In 1967, the first McDonald’s restaurants opened in Canada and Puerto Rico. During this time of expansion, the McDonald’s line was fully developed into a restaurant that can be recognized with its signature golden arches and bright red and white colorations of the building. The menu also presented an unwavering selection of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, soda pop, and French fries. As McDonald’s expanded globally, it did so carrying the same rigid elements of marketing and selection that was originally offered at the start. Global expansion was going well, but cultural adaptation and ethical considerations are still several years away. The first sign from McDonald’s regarding ethics or a reaction to corporate social responsibility did not happen from their global expansion. In 1973, McDonald’s opened the first Ronald McDonald House in response to aid ailing children from Leukemia. From here, social responsibility for McDonald’s become apparent, but at a very slow pace (â€Å"Our History-1973†, n.d.). Cultural Issues within the Global Organization Amidst the seventies and moving into the eighties, environmental and ethical perspectives became more important. McDonald’s however, did not become a leader in globalization as well as ethical considerations. Because of the rigidity of their plant operation and offerings, they slowly were becoming an icon for unchanging American standards and unhealthy diet standards. In a weak attempt to stay strong and fresh, McDonald’s began increasing their menu from the simple hamburger and cheeseburger to include also specialty breakfast items and a larger dinner menu. They still failed however to change their image from canned and greasy fast food. The ethical rigidity of McDonald’s failing to change their menu items would continue well into 1987 before the first fresh salad entrees would finally allow them to slowly break their crusty perspective of ‘factory-made’ food (â€Å"Our History-1987†, n.d.). McDonald’s and the World-An Ethical Perspective Through the nineties and into the 21st century, a new form of consumer was emerging. This new creed of shopping known as ‘ethical consumerism’ focuses in on supporting companies that have a proven track record of healthy and environmentally supportive business practices. Even with menu enhancements and slight menu changes within the different cultural areas McDonald’s had entered, this is an area they had not yet championed (York, 2006). In order to survive, corporate leadership knew they had a very steep challenge to face. In small steps, McDonald’s slowly turned their behemoth juggernaut of food service into becoming more environmentally conscious and ‘green’. They took on challenges from large organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to change their beef and chicken production (Beef magazine, 2005). As the critics emerged, McDonald’s faced charges of unhealthy menu’s and unsound environmental practices. McDonald’s had to make a decision-keep with their out of date business plan and face ruin in the age of environmentally conscious companies, or find ways to introduce the needed changes into their organization. The process was slow, but over time, McDonald’s found by making necessary changes to their organization, they were able to slowly gain back a market share of followers who recognizing their ethical and environmental changes, were once again willing to support their cause. The result was a healthier menu, diet and nutritional guides, and even environmentally sound coffee and cups could be found within the walls of a typical McDonald’s restaurant around the world (York, 2006). According to Reynolds (2011), McDonald’s even prominently publicized their new image efforts through a new and fresh series of television advertising â€Å"†¦to focus on McDonald’s community and environmental initiatives†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Modern Cross-Cultural Perspective for McDonald’s McDonald’s has risen from one small drive-in restaurant with a menu consisting of 15 cent hamburgers, fries, and soda to a multinational company consisting of 33,500 local restaurants serving 68 million people in 119 different countries. Their current cultural perspective at the present time contains variety that Ray Croc could never have imagined in the middle of the 20th century. A mixture of utilitarianism (what would please most customers) and deontology (what is our CSR) seems to drive the corporate think tank and operational culture. McDonald’s is an excellent example of how a company that was started with very simple goals expanded, faced legal, ethical, and moral pressures and challenges, and is still capable of making it to the top of biggest and healthiest fast food restaurant franchises (Minkin, 2012). One of the greatest obstacles to McDonald’s was a rigid and unwillingness to change both image and perspective. Through the decades however, McDonald’s leadership has met their community responsibilities and currently carries an accepted ethical and moral perspective. References Author Unknown, (2005, February). McDonalds eyes change in Poultry Harvest Method. Beef, 1. Minkin, T. (2012). Americas Top Ten Healthiest Fast Food Restaurants. Retrieved from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20435301,00.html Our History. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/our_story/our_history.html Reynolds, J. (2011, June). McDonalds Activity to Promote Ethical Focus. Marketing Magazine, (3), 1. York, M. (2006, November). With the planet dying of. New Internationalist, (), 5.

Julius Caesar - Mark Antony Essay -- essays research papers

Mark Antony, in the play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, was a brave, intelligent, pleasure-loving, and cunning man. He was loyal to his friend, Caesar, whom he considered a true friend. He looked at life as a game in which he had a signified part to play, and played that part with excellent refinement and skill. Antony was devoted and preferred to be dependent upon Julius Caesar since he rather have enjoyed life than to claim the highest position in the government. He wanted the crown to be given to Caesar so that all conflicts could be avoided. However, this additional power contributed to the conspirator's motive to assassinate him. Antony was distraught with Caesar's death and sought revenge first by speaking to the crowd in his speech. He showed how clever and cunning he could be when he convinced the crowd at Caesar's funeral ceremony to side with him and not with the murderers. The people became excited and rowdy when he teased them about the will, waving it in the air and pretending as if he was not going to read it. Reverse psychology is used when he first pretends to respect the conspirators calling them honorable men, and then slowly proving that they are not. He speaks out against them because he wanted power for himself, and unlike Brutus, he is politically ambitious and so belie ves that if he can take control while the state is in turmoil, he will remain in power. He was alone in making this oration, yet he was confidant in himself and courageous. Rome began...

Brazil Culture

Comparison between marriage customs in America and Nigeria Research design It is often said that marriages are made in Heaven, and therefore, a suitable partner is very much of a necessity so as to lead a very happy and satisfied life. We often witness two types of Marriages, mainly, love marriages and arranged marriages. In love marriage, two adults decide to involve themselves in the holy bond of matrimony and in the other the families of the groom and the bride, or the third parties, a very active role in determining the match. In earlier days arranged marriages were the norm; this research provides a comparative analysis of the different practices and beliefs in  marriage  in the American and Nigerian contexts. The research contends that in effect,  marriage  rituals are characterized as dynamically developing to include or allow social changes that happen in terms of looking for a potential domestic partner . Marriage is the most important event in a persons life and the ceremony and tradition involve dare an integral of the day. Marriage customs and ceremony are based on the religion and the country the person is in. There are lots of difference in the marriage customs between Nigeria and America, like in country â€Å"Nigeria†, marriage procedures follows step by step which depends on where the man comes from, either from the eastern part (called the Ibos), western (called the Yoruba’s) and the northern part of Nigeria (called the Hausas), in this research I would be talking about marriages only in the western region. Marriage in the western region of Nigeria involves various stages before the couple can be declared as husband and wife. Before a man can marry a woman he ought to go through some traditional rituals and process which involves quality time and money. This involves three different stages, firstly is the â€Å"momimo† meaning â€Å"introduction† in Yoruba language, then the â€Å"idanaadehun igbeyawo† meaning â€Å"engagement† and lastly the main event called â€Å"ayeye igbeyawo† meaning wedding, after this last process then the couple can now called regarded as husband and wife. The first stage: â€Å"THE INTRODUCTION† is the part of the occasion whereby the man and his family goes to the woman’s family to ask of approval of their daughter’s hand in marriage. The procedure involves the groom and his family, and a person called â€Å"olopa iduro† meaning standing policeman. The standing policeman is the one who speaks on behalf of the groom’s family, he might be a family member or hired for the occasion. This same procedure also applies to the bride’s family but in this case the appointed speaker is called â€Å"olopa ijoko† meaning sitting policeman in Yoruba language. The whole procedure takes place in the bride’s family house where everybody will gather around waiting for the groom’s arrival, meanwhile preparations like food and other things would be made down by the bride’s family. The bride’s family is supposed to be dressed in the native attire which implies respect for the culture. The groom and his family are expected to come on the time appointed but there is a concept called â€Å"African Time† where no one is expected to arrive at the actual time appointed for the occasion, nevertheless if the groom and family arrive too late and keep them the bride and family waiting for short while, they might be asked to leave or probably allowed to appeal to the family by paying a traditional fine to the bride’s family before they could be accepted. hen the groom and his family gets to the brides place, as soon as the enter the house the men prostrate to the brides parents while the bride kneel down to the groom family, this is a respectful way of exchanging greetings according to Yoruba culture. After all the cultural greetings they take their seats whereby both families sits on opposites sides of the room with the bride and groom in the center while the olopa ijoko and olopa iduro take the seats in the middle so as to be get a close attention of everybody closely. The â€Å"olopa iduro† (the standing policeman) starts by introducing the groom and his family to the bride and her family then he brings out a proposal letter from the groom’s family and gives it to the brides family through â€Å"olopa ijoko† (the sitting policeman). The proposal is then read out orally to the bride’s family, since it is already comprehended that the couples are going to be married, the proposal is not usually rejected at this point. The groom also ays an amount of money called â€Å"owo ori iyawo† meaning bride price and this goes directly to the bride. When various introductions have been made, the proposal is accepted on the spot then they make arrangements for the second process of the marriage which is the ENGAGEMENT. THE ENGAGMENT is the part of the occasion whereby the bride and groom are tied together traditionally based on the Yoruba culture, this also takes place at the bride’s house and again they are responsible for the refreshments and other necessary preparations for the occasion. This part of the occasion, both families are meant to wear Yoruba traditional attire called â€Å"aso oke† which are more elegant and expensive, later on some prayers are said and some symbolic items of food are passed around by the â€Å"olopas† (The two policemen) and it’s then passed around to the guest, which is then used to bless the bride and groom in a prayer said in Yoruba language. The first item is â€Å"obi† (kola nut) then elder says â€Å"won ma gbo† meaning they will ripen Won ma to  meaning they will eat and not go hungry Won ma d'agba meaning they will grow old. The second item is â€Å"Ata ire: this consists of many seeds, and it is opened up, and the superstition is that the number of seeds that fall out is the number of children the couple will bear. The third item is Oyin (honey), sugar, ireke (sugar cane): these all symbolize that the union will be sweet. The grooms family also bring lots of other thing like yam, drinks, wine, palm oil, during all these before she shows up, she usually waits in her indoors until she’s called for, she comes out wearing a veil made of plaited hair which represents reserve and accompanied by one of her friends and taken to her parents then kneels down before so they can give her their blessings, she then sits near the groom, this is when she becomes unveiled. The couple jumps over a brush covered with flowers which symbolizes the stating of a domestic life, the groom then kisses her then everybody begins to eat and rejoice till the end of the occasion. The third and final stage of the marriage is the main wedding which is held in a church or mosque depending on the religion. This is the part of the occasion where they are joined by God and exchange vows. They can now be called husband and wife and go on a honeymoon if they could afford it but not really necessary, start living together and raise a family. On the other side American marriage are held upon high standards and based upon strong values that are shared between the two parties being wed, these two are brought together to form their sacred bondage of love and life with each other. Weddings in America are known to be the most flexible and varied in the entire world due to the variation of race and ethnic backgrounds that the American culture embodies. In America, a man and a woman meet in the most casual and social way like a bar, restaurant, events and other lots of places, they don’t need to do too much introduction to get married as long as they love one another. There is only one procedure in getting married in the United States which is mainly in the church. Friends and family assemble, soft slow romantic and the vows add to the charm of the marriage customs. In America, before the marriage the bride have a little get together called bridal night where only her and her female friends have a last night of all alone fun before her matrimonial life begins and also the groom also have his own party called bachelors party is going out with his male friends to have fun before his marriage. In an American marriage, the bride wears a pure white gown and the groom wears a black tuxedo. Since the weeding takes place in church, it is usually conducted by a priest who ask the people in the church if they have any problem with the joining of the man and woman as husband and wife or keep silent forever, then if nobody talks, the priest then ask the couple to kiss as a symbol of the union, sealed with love from God. It’s the custom for the newly wed to on a honeymoon and have a period of intimate time alone, like a vacation. It’s clearly seen that both marriage customs between the two counties are totally different, which has been the standard in as long time. Refrences and bibilographic source Marriage Customs in Many Lands (Hardcover – Jan 2005) by  H. Hutchinson Marriage Customs of the World: From Henna to Honeymoons (Hardcover – 2004/11/30 Knot Tied: Marriage Ceremonies of All Nations By  William Tegg African Ceremonies  by  Carol Beckwith Culture and Customs of Nigeria (Series – Culture and Customs of Africa) By toyin falola