bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Capital, Cognition, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities: A Theoretical Framework
Authors: De Carolis Donna Marie , Saparito Patrick 
Published: January 2006

Entrepreneurship—the recognition and exploitation of opportunities—is valuable within organizations as well as in the establishment of new ventures. Some studies have addressed the issue why some individuals take advantage of opportunities and some do not. While some studies find that psychological variables, personality traits and demographic factors may distinguish entrepreneurial activity, these findings are equivocal. Other research has looked to the importance of social capital and network ties to new venture creation. Yet, there is little discussion regarding the possibility that social capital and personal factors interact and influence entrepreneurial behavior.  Drawing from social cognitive theory (Augoustinos & Walker, 1995; Fiske & Taylor, 1984; Bandura, 1986; Wood & Bandura, 1989) this paper advances a model suggesting that entrepreneurial behavior is a result of the interplay of environments (i.e., social networks) and certain cognitive biases in entrepreneurs. We propose that both individual cognition and social capital are important in understanding entrepreneurial behavior. If the domain of entrepreneurship is “…the nexus of two phenomena: the presence of lucrative opportunities and the presence of enterprising individuals” (Shane & Venkataraman, 2000) then our model suggests an explanation of this nexus through exploring how both external (i.e., social capital) and internal factors (i.e., cognition) affect why some people and not others exploit opportunities.
Avoidance of Palpable Corporal Fibrosis Due to Priapism with Upregulators of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Rajfer Jacob , Gore John L. , Kaufman Jeffrey , Gonzalez-Cadavid Nestor 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recent evidence suggests that blocking inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase in the penis may exacerbate fibrotic processes and that application of medications known to increase NO in tissues may prevent fibrosis.

Aim
To report the use of an antifibrotic regimen consisting of medications known to upregulate NO production in two patients with refractory priapism.

Methods
Two patients presented with priapism of greater than 48-hour duration. After corporal aspiration/irrigation and shunting procedures failed, both were prescribed a daily antifibrotic regimen comprising the phosphodiesterase inhibitors pentoxifylline and sildenafil, and the NO precursor, l-arginine.

Results
At 1 year, both patients were found to have supple corpora without evidence of corporal fibrosis.

Conclusions
An antifibrotic regimen consisting of upregulators of NO production may ameliorate the corporal fibrosis associated with recalcitrant priapism.
A New Evaluation Concept and its Measurement: “Male Sexual Anticipating Cognitions”
Authors: Bonierbale Mireille , Clement Audrey , Loundou Anderson , Simeoni Marie-Christine , Barrau Karine , Hamidi Karim , Apter Michael J. , Lançon Christophe , Auquier Pascal 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Context
The development of sex-active drugs justifies the use of scales for evaluating changes induced by such forms of therapy. Among the tools available for evaluating erectile dysfunction (ED), the International Index of Erectile Function is the most widely used. Analysis of the scientific literature shows that these instruments remain primarily focused on functional aspects of ED. The vulnerability factors involved in ED are mainly based upon organic characteristics, e.g., age, cardiovascular diseases, or diabetes, but the psychological factors involved in the occurrence and maintenance of ED are less studied.

Objective
This conclusion led us to develop a French self-administered instrument, based on patients’ subjective sexual experiences, to evaluate “male sexual anticipating cognitions,” using Apter's reversal theory as a framework.

Design, Setting, and Patients
We present here the first stages of the development of this new instrument. We carried out semistructured, one-to-one interviews with patients with psychogenic ED and patients with mixed ED. Eighteen one-to-one interviews were held in several urologic/andrologic and psychiatric sexologist services. Interviews were continued until the required information was obtained. Analyses of the content were performed to generate items for the new instrument.

Results
Dimensions isolated were those of (a) sexual beliefs; (b) metamotivational modes; and (c) dysfunctional coping. Pools of items are currently being analyzed by 108 experts (psychologists, sexologists, andrologists, urologists) to determine if additional items are required. The acceptability and the comprehensiveness of this preliminary questionnaire will be tested by 320 patients in a multicentric study, to produce a shorter questionnaire featuring the most relevant items. Once validated, this multidimensional instrument could be used to assess treatment efficacy of the mixed and psychogenic components of ED.
Paraffinoma and Ulcer of the External Genitalia After Self-Injection of Vaseline
Authors: Akkus Emre , Iscimen Aydin , Tasli Levent , Hattat Halim 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT
We present a 42-year-old circumcised man with a 10-cm firm, irregular penile mass associated with multiple penile ulcers, voiding difficulty, and erectile dysfunction. He reluctantly admitted that 8 months previously, he had multiple mineral-oil (vaseline) self-injections to the penis, for penile enlargement purposes. Histopathological examination revealed the condition was consistent with mineral-oil granuloma (paraffinoma). The patient did not accept surgical intervention; therefore, we performed local therapy (intralesional triamcinolone) and hot-water baths. Paraffinoma results from mineral-oil injections. Such injections are rare; however, they are still being performed in some countries in Eastern Europe and the Far East such as Korea. Increased physician and public awareness are needed for prevention and treatment of complications of this physically and psychologically debilitating and destructive problem.
Penile Girth Augmentation Using Flaps “Shaeer's Augmentation Phalloplasty”: A Case Report
Authors: Shaeer Osama , Shaeer Kamal 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Current girth augmentation techniques rely either on liposuction/injection or on the use of dermal fat grafts. These procedures have serious disadvantages, including regression in gained size, deformities, irregular contour, and asymmetry. Ideally, the augmentation technique should ensure durability and symmetry. This case report describes the first application of a flap (superficial circumflex iliac artery island flap) in penile girth augmentation.

Materials and Methods
The superficial circumflex iliac vessels were identified and the groin flap was elevated from lateral to medial, rotated toward the penis, and tunneled into a penopubic incision. It was wrapped around the penis short of the corpus spongiosum and insinuated under the glans.

Results
Six months after surgery, the patient had an erect girth of 19.5 cm and a flaccid girth of 16.5 cm, compared with 11 cm and 7 cm, respectively, before surgery, thus maintaining the intraoperative girth gain. The outer surface felt smooth with no lobulation. The size of the glans was proportionate to the shaft's girth.

Conclusion
This case report shows that the application of flaps in penile girth augmentation may provide a reliable alternative to the currently applied techniques. Glans flaring promotes the aesthetic results and is applicable with other techniques of penile girth augmentation.
Current difficulties in the diagnosis and management of spinal tuberculosis
Authors: Cormican L , Hammal R , Messenger J , Milburn H J 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
The diagnosis of spinal tuberculosis (ST) is difficult and it commonly presents at an advanced stage. The management and follow up is complicated by a lack of guidance on the appropriate use and interpretation of spinal magnetic resonance studies (MR).

Aims
A retrospective study was performed at a UK centre to identify the demographic and presenting features of a spinal TB population, their response to treatment, and the value of follow up MR studies.

Patients and Results
Twenty one patients were identified with mean symptom duration of 11 (1.5–36) months having been assessed by a health practitioner on 3.2 (0–10) occasions before referral for investigation for ST. Twenty were born outside the UK. Their mean duration of residence in the UK was 6.67 (0.75–20) years, and six (32%) were resident for more than 10 years. Most (85.7%) did not have a medical history and one was HIV positive. Back pain, neurological, and constitutional symptoms were found in 100%, 29%, and 38% respectively. Musculoskeletal and neurological signs were found in 29% and 19% respectively. Spinal MR performed between 6 and 12 months suggests that six months of chemotherapy (for a fully sensitive organism) may not be sufficient to achieve disease resolution.

Conclusions
Awareness of the demographic, clinical, and laboratory features of an ST population may facilitate earlier diagnosis. Guidance is required on the appropriate use and interpretation of MRI in the follow up of these patients.
Does endoscopy diagnose early gastrointestinal cancer in patients with uncomplicated dyspepsia?
Authors: Sundar N , Muraleedharan V , Pandit J , Green J T , Crimmins R , Swift G L 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
Recent guidelines from NICE have proposed that open access gastroscopy is largely limited to patients with “alarm” symptoms.

Aims and methods
This study reviewed the outcome of all our patients with verified oesophageal or gastric carcinoma who presented with uncomplicated dyspepsia to see if endoscopic investigation is warranted in this group. All patients with histologically verified upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers who presented over a period from 1998 to 2002 were identified. Their presenting symptoms, treatment, and outcome were analysed.

Results
228 upper GI cancers (119 oesophageal, 109 gastric; mean age 72 years (29–99 years); 130 male, 82 female) were identified in 11 145 endoscopies performed. Only 14 patients (6.2%) presented without alarm symptoms; three patients were under 55 years of age and all had gastric carcinoma—one of these had chronic diarrhoea only. Eleven had dyspepsia or reflux symptoms only, and two were under surveillance for Barrett's oesophagus. Only five patients had a curative surgical resection and are still alive two—six years from diagnosis. A sixth patient had a curative operation but died of a cerebrovascular accident one year later. The remaining eight patients unfortunately had either metastatic disease or comorbidity, which precluded surgery. All of these died within two years of diagnosis, mean survival 10 months.

Conclusion
Only five patients with dyspepsia and no alarm symptoms had resectable upper GI malignancies over a four year period. Limiting open access gastroscopy to those with alarm features only would “miss” a small number of patients who have curable upper GI malignancy.
Conflict management: a primer for doctors in training
Authors: Saltman D C , O'Dea N A , Kidd M R 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Conflict in the health arena is a growing concern and is well recognised for doctors in training. Its most extreme expression, workplace violence is on the increase. There is evidence that many conflicts remain unsatisfactorily resolved or unresolved, and result in ongoing issues for staff morale. This paper describes the nature of conflict in the health care system and identifies the difference between conflict and disagreement. Using a conflict resolution model, strategies for dealing with conflict as it arises are explored and tips are provided on how to effectively manage conflict to a satisfactory resolution for all parties.
Role of cognitive function in assessing informed consent for endoscopy
Authors: Yeoman A D , Dew M J , Das L , Rajapaksa S 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Background
Patient understanding of the consent process is often suboptimal and the reasons for this are poorly understood. In particular the role of cognitive function in assessing the level of understanding of consent has not been evaluated.

Aims
This study aims to assess the level of patient understanding of the informed consent process and the role of cognitive function in those with low levels of understanding.

Methods
The study was prospective, interviewing patients immediately after they had given consent but before undergoing their procedure. Understanding of the reason for the procedure, the risks attendant upon it, details of the procedure itself and post procedure care was scored with the total representing overall level of understanding. A mini mental state examination (MMSE) was then performed with the score recorded.

Results
100 patients were interviewed. A low level of understanding was shown in 36%. Ninety two patients had a MMSE score greater than 24. All patients with a high level of understanding had MMSE scores greater then 24 compared with 78% of those with a low level of understanding. All patients (n = 8) who displayed a MMSE score less than 24 had a low level of understanding. Men displayed poorer levels of understanding than women. A subnormal MMSE only identified 22% of those with low levels of understanding.

Conclusions
Understanding of the consent process is suboptimal. Adequate cognitive function does not predict a high level of understanding of the informed consent process while cognitive impairment precludes it. It is evident, however that factors other than cognitive dysfunction are at play when attempting to explain low levels of understanding.
Growth hormone and its disorders
Authors: Ayuk J , Sheppard M C 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) is synthesised and secreted by the somatotroph cells of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Its actions involve multiple organs and systems, affecting postnatal longitudinal growth as well as protein, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. GH hypersecretion results in gigantism or acromegaly, a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality, while GH deficiency results in growth retardation in children and the GH deficiency syndrome in adults. This article, aimed at non-paediatric physicians, examines the clinical features, diagnosis, and current concepts in the management of these conditions.
Clinical and diagnostic findings of an echovirus meningitis outbreak in the north west of England
Authors: Carrol E D , Beadsworth M B J , Jenkins N , Ratcliffe L , Ashton I , Crowley B , Nye F J , Beeching N J 
Published: January 2006

Abstract

Introduction
An outbreak of echovirus meningitis occurred in the north west of England in 2001. This paper reviewed the clinical features and the role of different diagnostic methods.

Methods
This was a prospective study of adults admitted to a regional infectious disease unit with a probable diagnosis of meningitis, March to August 2001.

Results
Half the 40 cases were male; median age was 28 (range 16–51) years. Fifteen of 38 (39.5%) were smokers, and 20 of 24 (83.3%) had close contact with children. Median (range) duration of symptoms was 1.1 (0.25–7) days. Symptoms included headache (100%), photophobia (87.5%), and nausea (67.5%), and severity ranged from minimal signs to those consistent with a meningoencephalitis. The diagnosis was confirmed virologically in 29 of 40 (72%); echovirus 30 was isolated from six. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) enterovirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive in 26 of 32 (81%), and CSF virus culture in 3 of 16 (19%). Thirty one per cent of CSF samples had a neutrophil predominance, and 3 of 29 (10%) virologically confirmed cases had normal CSF microscopy and biochemistry.

Conclusion
CSF microscopy may be normal or suggest bacterial meningitis in a substantial minority of cases of echovirus meningitis. CSF PCR for enterovirus seems to be more sensitive than virus culture of CSF, although PCR does not yield information on circulating virus type. Early and accurate diagnosis could reduce both use of parenteral antibiotics and length of hospital stay with both morbidity and cost implications. Close contact with children may be a risk factor, particularly if good hygiene measures are not practised.
Rhabdomyosarcoma Lysis by T Cells Expressing a Human Autoantibody-Based Chimeric Receptor Targeting the Fetal Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Gattenlöhner Stefan , Marx Alexander , Markfort Birgit , Pscherer Sibylle , Landmeier Silke , Juergens Heribert , Müller-Hermelink Hans-Konrad , Matthews Ian , Beeson David , Vincent Angela , Rossig Claudia 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcomas are the most frequent malignant soft tissue tumors of childhood; however, because current multimodality treatments fail to improve the poor survival rate of children with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma, new treatments are required. We previously identified the γ-subunit of the fetal acetylcholine receptor (fAChR) as a specific cell surface target in rhabdomyosarcoma. Here, we engineered human T lymphocytes to express chimeric receptors composed of the antigen-binding domain of a human anti-fAChR antibody joined to the signaling domain of the human T-cell receptor ζ-chain. The interaction of fAChRζ-transduced T cells with fAChR-positive rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines, but not with fAChR-negative control cells, induced T-cell activation characterized by strong secretion of IFN-γ and delayed lysis of tumor cells. Importantly, we found that in six of six rhabdomyosarcoma patients, chemotherapy increased fAChR expression on residual tumor cells in vivo. Our observations suggest that these fully human chimeric fAChRζ-transduced T cells, which should be well tolerated by the patient, have potential use in vivo both as a primary treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma and as a complementary approach to eradicate residual tumor cells after chemotherapy. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(1): 24-28)
Subversion of Protein Kinase Cα Signaling in Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells Results in the Generation of a B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia–Like Population In vivo
Authors: Nakagawa Rinako , Soh Jae Won , Michie Alison M. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of long-lived mature B cells with the distinctive phenotype CD19hi CD5+ CD23+ IgMlo, which are refractory to apoptosis. An increased level of apoptosis has been observed on treatment of human B-CLL cells with protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, suggesting that this family of protein kinases mediate survival signals within B-CLL cells. Therefore, to investigate the ability of individual PKC isoforms to transform developing B cells, we stably expressed plasmids encoding PKC mutants in fetal liver–derived hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) from wild-type mice and then cultured them in B-cell generation systems in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, we noted that expression of a plasmid-encoding dominant-negative PKCα (PKCα-KR) in HPCs and subsequent culture both in vitro and in vivo resulted in the generation of a population of cells that displayed an enhanced proliferative capacity over untransfected cells and phenotypically resemble human B-CLL cells. In the absence of growth factors and stroma, these B-CLL-like cells undergo cell cycle arrest and, consistent with their ability to escape growth factor withdrawal-induced apoptosis, exhibited elevated levels of Bcl-2 expression. These studies therefore identify a unique oncogenic trigger for the development of a B-CLL-like disease resulting from the subversion of PKCα signaling. Our findings uncover novel avenues not only for the study of the induction of leukemic B cells but also for the development of therapeutic drugs to combat PKCα-regulated transformation events. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(1): 527-34)
Protease-Activated Receptor-2 Is Essential for Factor VIIa and Xa–Induced Signaling, Migration, and Invasion of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Morris Dionne R. , Ding Yu , Ricks Tiffany K. , Gullapalli Anuradha , Wolfe Breann L. , Trejo JoAnn 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Protease-activated receptors (PAR) are G protein–coupled receptors that function as cell-surface sensors for coagulant proteases, as well as other proteases associated with the tumor microenvironment. PAR1 is activated by thrombin whereas the upstream coagulant protease VIIa bound to tissue factor and Xa can activate both PAR1 and PAR2. PAR1 has been implicated in tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion whereas the function of PAR2 in these processes is largely unknown. Towards defining the functional importance of PAR2 in cancer cells, we used small interfering RNAs to deplete highly invasive breast cancer cells of endogenous PAR proteins. Our findings strongly suggest that PAR2 is critical for MDA-MB-231 and BT549 breast cancer cell migration and invasion towards NIH 3T3 fibroblast conditioned medium. To define the relative importance of PAR1 versus PAR2 in mediating factor VIIa and Xa responses, we assessed signaling in cancer cells lacking either endogenous PAR1 or PAR2 proteins. Strikingly, in MDA-MB-231 cells depleted of PAR2, we observed a marked inhibition of VIIa and Xa signaling to phosphoinositide hydrolysis and extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 activation whereas signaling by VIIa and Xa remained intact in PAR1-deficient cells. Factor VIIa and Xa–induced cellular migration was also impaired in MDA-MB-231 cells deficient in PAR2 but not in cells lacking PAR1. Together, these studies reveal the novel findings that PAR2, a second protease-activated G protein–coupled receptor, has a critical role in breast cancer cell migration and invasion and functions as the endogenous receptor for coagulant proteases VIIa and Xa in these cells. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(1): 307-14)
Influence of Insulin-like Growth Factors on the Strength of the Relation of Vitamin D and Calcium Intakes to Mammographic Breast Density
Authors: Diorio Caroline , Bérubé Sylvie , Byrne Celia , Mâsse Benoît , Hébert-Croteau Nicole , Yaffe Martin , Coté Gary , Pollak Michael , Brisson Jacques 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Diets with higher vitamin D and calcium contents were found associated with lower mammographic breast density and breast cancer risk in premenopausal women. Because laboratory studies suggest that the actions of vitamin D, calcium, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) on human breast cancer cells are interrelated, we examined whether IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels could affect the strength of the association of vitamin D and calcium intakes with breast density. Among 771 premenopausal women, breast density was measured by a computer-assisted method, vitamin D and calcium intakes by a food frequency questionnaire, and levels of plasma IGF-I and IGFBP-3 by ELISA methods. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the associations and the interactions. The negative associations of vitamin D or calcium intakes with breast density were stronger among women with IGF-I levels above the median (β = −2.8, P = 0.002 and β = −2.5, P = 0.002, respectively) compared with those with IGF-I levels below or equal to the median (β = −0.8, P = 0.38 and β = −1.1, P = 0.21; Pinteraction = 0.09 and 0.16, respectively). Similar results were observed within levels of IGFBP-3 (Pinteraction = 0.06 and 0.03, respectively). This is the first study to report that the negative relation of vitamin D and calcium intakes with breast density may be seen primarily among women with high IGF-I or high IGFBP-3 levels. Our findings suggest that the IGF axis should be taken into account when the effects of vitamin D and calcium on breast density (and perhaps breast cancer risk) are examined at least among premenopausal women. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(1): 588-97)