bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Function in Migraine With Aura – A Systematic Review
Authors: Butt Jawad H. , Franzmann Ulriche , Kruuse Christina 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundAn increased risk of ischemic stroke is repeatedly reported in young subjects with migraine with aura (MA). Such may be caused by changes in endothelial function. The present review evaluates current evidence on endothelial function in MA patients.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane library) was performed, and a search in associated reference lists of identified studies was done.ResultsIn total, 27 studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Six studies assessed endothelial function by flow‐mediated dilation; four reported no differences compared with healthy subjects, one study reported an increase and one study a decrease in migraineurs. Peripheral arterial tonometry was applied in one study where no changes were detected between groups. Likewise, applying venous occlusion plethysmography elicited comparable responses. Arterial function was investigated in six studies; increased augmentation index and decreased arterial distensibility were reported in migraineurs, whereas findings regarding pulse wave velocity were dissimilar. However, when investigating levels of endothelial progenitor cells, two studies reported reduced levels in migraineurs, and several studies on endothelial markers in the areas of inflammation, oxidative stress, and coagulation found increased endothelial activation in migraineurs, particularly in MA. One study, assessing cerebral endothelial function using transcranial Doppler sonography, reported lower cerebrovascular reactivity to L‐arginine in the posterior cerebral arteries in migraineurs.ConclusionEndothelial dysfunction appears not to be of importance in MA patients. However, the studies were few with a wide variety of techniques applied in small groups of patients. Endothelial biomarkers were increased in patients indicating a possible subtle change in the endothelium. Further investigations on larger groups of patients combining testing of endothelial dysfunction as well as biomarkers are warranted to identify whether or not endothelial changes may play a role in the increased risk of stroke in young MA patients.
The Rise of Indigenous Military History
Authors: Riseman Noah 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article examines the historiography of 20th century Indigenous military service in the Anglo‐settler societies Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. It traces the emergence of ‘positive’ national narratives of Indigenous military service in the 1980s and 1990s, through to the diversification of Indigenous histories and the current shifts towards transnational and comparative analyses. The historiographic shifts have aligned with political changes within the respective nations, as well as changes in academic practice relating to Indigenous histories.
The Social and Religious Meanings of Charity in Medieval Europe
Authors: Davis Adam J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere is considerable evidence that during the 12th and 13th centuries, Latin Christendom experienced a charitable revolution. This period witnessed the foundation of large numbers of leprosaria and hospitals for the sick and poor, as well as the creation of confraternities and religious orders engaged in intensive charitable work. Some historians have argued that this charitable outpouring was principally spurred by economic and material forces, as well as a burgeoning urban culture. However, others have suggested that developments in spirituality and devotional culture are central to understanding what medieval charity meant to its practitioners. For still other scholars, medieval charity was primarily a way to elevate one's social status and affirm existing hierarchies of power. This essay surveys different historical interpretations of the social and religious meaning of charity during the Middle Ages, including how historians of medieval and early modern Europe have periodized charitable practices and how they have used charity as a window into the interactions between the rich and poor, powerful and powerless.
East Asian Odyssey towards One Region: The Problem of East Asia as a Historiographical Category
Authors: Park Hye Jeong 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAlong with an explosive interest in East Asian regionalism, the problem of East Asia as a historiographical category draws intense attention worldwide. The questions of interest are the following: How can we define the concept of East Asia? What kind of geographical and conceptual border line could be drawn in mapping East Asia? Above all, why does East Asia as a historiographical category matter? Instead of searching for direct answers to these questions, this paper sought to disclose the paradox between these questions and the East Asian history itself. If we survey East Asia's historical archives as a whole in comparison with Europe's and turn to the real historical process in this region, following the route of the tributary trade system, Imperialism, and the Cold War as the crucial moments of regionalization, there is no clear evidence that this region has been formed as a congruent single unit with a solid core. What stands out as more salient features of the regionalization in East Asia are its extensive, encompassing and highly hybridizing interactions. What is crucial in East Asian historiography is not defining East Asia as a historiographical category by certain criteria in advance, but exploring the extremely entangled history of this region with the non‐East‐Asian players, for which East Asia has the best archives.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase promoter polymorphism: a molecular susceptibility marker for vitiligo in Egyptians
Authors: Zayed Amira A. , Khorshied Mervat M. , Hussein Marwa F. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundVitiligo is a depigmentary disease characterized by loss of melanocytes from the skin and mucous membranes. The pathomechanism of vitiligo is still obscure. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces very large amounts of nitric oxide (NO). Promotor polymorphisms within iNOS gene have been reported to be associated with overproduction of NO, which may induce melanocyte destruction.AimThe current study aimed at investigating the possible association between iNOS gene polymorphism (−954 G/C and Ex 16+14 C/T) and susceptibility to non‐segmental vitiligo in a cohort of Egyptians.MethodsThe study was conducted on 200 participants: 100 patients with vitiligo and 100 aged matched healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction using restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR‐RFLP) was used to identify the genotypes.ResultsOur results showed that iNOS −954 G/C heteromutant genotype (GC) was associated with increased risk of vitiligo (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.77–6.33), and the risk increased when confined to females (OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 2.80–19.40). iNOS Ex 16 + 14 C/T heteromutant genotype (CT) conferred two folds increased risk of vitiligo (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.39–4.37). Furthermore, the risk of vitiligo increased when the heteromutant genotype of iNOS −954 G/C (GC) was co‐inherited with the wild genotype of iNOS Ex16+14 C/T (CC) (OR = 23.2, 95% CI = 3.04–177.21).ConclusionsInducible nitric oxide synthase −954 G/C and Ex 16+14 C/T might be considered as genetic susceptibility markers for non‐segmental vitiligo among Egyptians.
Seasonal variability in the biophysical properties of forehead skin in women in Guangzhou City, China
Authors: Wan Miao‐Jian , Su Xiang‐Yang , Zheng Yue , Gong Zi‐Jian , Yi Jin‐Ling , Zhao Yue , Guan Xiao‐Min , Lai Wei 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundSkin appearance is influenced by biophysical parameters. Seasonal changes affect the condition of normal skin and may trigger cutaneous disorders.ObjectivesThis study was undertaken to measure the effects of seasonal changes on biophysical parameters in the skin of female subjects living in Guangzhou City in southern China.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in 178 healthy, adult Chinese women in whom forehead skin was examined in all four seasons between March 2007 and February 2008. Commercially available, non‐invasive devices were used to measure skin hydration, sebum content, pH, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in a closed environment under controlled and constant conditions of temperature and humidity. Correlations between skin parameters and climate conditions were investigated.ResultsThere were significant seasonal changes in TEWL and pH (autumn and winter > spring and summer), skin hydration (spring and summer > autumn and winter), and sebum content (spring and summer > autumn and winter). Skin hydration was correlated with average temperature and humidity. Skin TEWL and skin pH were correlated with average temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels. Skin sebum content was correlated with average humidity.ConclusionsFacial skin physiology showed seasonal variations in China. The reasons for the changes may refer to seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and UV radiation.
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani infection in an Indian man
Authors: Daulatabad Deepashree , Singal Archana , Dhawan Amit , Pandhi Deepika , Sharma Sonal 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundLeishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of Leishmania. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) involves the skin and mucosa. India is endemic for species such as Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major, which are responsible for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively. Although MCL has been reported from India previously, the implicated pathogen was identified as L. donovani in only one case.Case reportA 55‐year‐old man presented with a nasal ulcer of four years' duration. He had been treated for borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy 25 years earlier. Differential diagnoses of MCL, lupus vulgaris, and subcutaneous mycosis were considered. Leishman–Donovan bodies were seen on tissue imprints, and histopathology showed epidermal thinning with loss of appendages and dense pandermal infiltrate. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for L. donovani‐specific DNA amplification. A diagnosis of MCL with treated BL leprosy was made. The patient was treated with sodium stibogluconate and achieved complete healing of the ulcer.ConclusionsThe coexistence of manifestations of disease from opposite ends of the spectrum (a hyperergic form of leishmaniasis with an anergic form of leprosy) is difficult to explain. However, the development of MCL after the cure of BL leprosy may reflect the loss of the inhibitory effect of Mycobacterium leprae antigen on interferon‐γ production, and delayed persistence and the gradual clearance of the antigen from the body may account for the 20‐year time lag. Further research centered on the immunological interactions between leishmaniasis and leprosy is warranted, particularly with respect to different Leishmania species.
Skin diseases in Nigeria: the Calabar experience
Authors: Henshaw Eshan B. , Olasode Olayinka A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis paper reports on a 6‐year study (April 2006 to April 2012) and a follow‐up of a 9‐month baseline survey of the pattern of dermatoses in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State in southern Nigeria. Prior to the time of this study, this region had not benefited from the services of a resident dermatologist for over a century.MethodsData on the age, gender, and diagnoses of 1307 consecutive new patients attending the relatively new dermatology clinic at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital during the study period were obtained and analyzed. Most diagnoses were based on clinical findings but were supported by relevant laboratory investigations and histopathologic examinations when necessary.ResultsThe male : female ratio of patients was 1 : 1.5. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 27.7 ± 17.2 years (range: 4 weeks to 84 years). A total of 1459 diagnoses were recorded; 143 patients had more than one dermatosis. Diagnoses were broadly divided into 10 groups. Allergic/hypersensitivity diseases represented the most common group (30.4%), followed by infections/infestations (28.9%). A comparison of this study with others from various geopolitical zones of Nigeria revealed some similarities. Dermatophytosis and acne were consistent reasons for visits to dermatologists in all zones.ConclusionsDespite the wide spectrum of dermatoses observed, a small number of diseases account for a sizeable percentage of diagnoses. The pattern of dermatoses in Calabar is similar to that in other parts of the country. Climate and socioeconomic factors are synergistic in causing dermatoses that remain a major cause of morbidity in all age groups and both genders across Nigeria.
Erythema nodosum leprosum on glans penis: unusual manifestation of common disease
Authors: Kothiwala Sunil Kumar , Khandpur Sujay , Singh Manoj Kumar , Durgapal Prashant 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundErythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) classically presents as tender evanescent skin nodules involving extremities, trunk, and face but may appear at any site. Mucosal involvement in ENL is uncommon, and its occurrence over glans is extremely rare.MethodWe describe two interesting cases of ENL involving the glans penis and prepuce with different presentations.ResultThe first case had lepromatous leprosy with ENL with involvement of the glans penis in the form of a painful ulcer with necrotic slough. The second case had borderline lepromatous leprosy with ENL with involvement of glans in the form of a single painful nodule. Histopathology showed features of ENL, and Ziehl‐Neelsen staining showed numerous acid fast bacilli.ConclusionWe should be aware of genital involvement of ENL, which is a rare presentation and needs to be differentiated from other conditions requiring a different management approach.
The experiences of HIV‐serodiscordant couples in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Mavhandu‐Mudzusi A.H. , Sandy P.T. 
Published: December 2014

IntroductionThe study was carried out in a single township in South Africa with a sample size of seven human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐serodiscordant couples.BackgroundSouth Africa has the highest number of HIV cases in the world, with an estimated 6.4 million of its inhabitants living with this infection. Most people in stable relationships are unaware of the HIV serostatuses of their partners. Many people with an HIV partner are also generally unaware of their own HIV serostatuses. There is a high risk of acquisition of the HIV among couples in HIV‐serodiscordant relationships. Yet, there is a dearth of research on HIV‐serodiscordant couples.AimTo explore the experiences and knowledge of HIV‐serodiscordant couples on HIV serodiscordance.MethodsA qualitative design of interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. Data were collected from seven HIV‐serodiscordant couples using a semi‐structured interview format. Data were analysed thematically using the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsThree superordinate themes emerged from data analysis: experiences of stress, effects of HIV serodiscordance on couples and knowledge of HIV serodiscordance. The study outcomes were based on retrospective accounts of couples’ experiences of HIV serodiscordance. Such accounts are subject to memory bias.ConclusionHIV‐serodiscordant relationships are riddled with stress. Couples and nurses’ knowledge and understanding of the concept of HIV serodiscordance is limited. Such limitation may negatively influence the quality of care and support offered to couples in these relationships.Implications for nursing and health policyHIV‐serodiscordant couples need to be educated on this phenomenon. Nurses also need to be offered training on how to support and care for couples in these relationships. Such training should be shaped by couples’ health‐seeking behaviours and cultural norms. Specific guidelines and policy on HIV serodiscordance should be developed to ensure consistency in care provision and enhance uptake of support services.
Motivational needs on team performance of Korean nursing students
Authors: Yi Y.J. , Park K.H. 
Published: December 2014

AimThe purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an individual's motivational needs on team performance, centering on the needs for affiliation, power and achievement, following the McClelland's Achievement Motivation Theory.BackgroundMost previous studies related to McClelland's Achievement Motivation Theory have focused on achievement motivation as a predictor of team performance. In contrast, affiliation and power motivations were relatively little known in connection with team performance.MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study using data from 181 junior nursing students in Korea. Data were collected from a questionnaire when the subjects’ teamwork task was completed in November 2013. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the influence of motivational needs on team performance.FindingEach group having high levels of the need for affiliation, or the need for power and/or the need for achievement showed a significantly high level of teamwork skills and team effectiveness. The factors influencing teamwork skills were the need for affiliation and the need for achievement. Additionally, the factors influencing team effectiveness were also the need for affiliation and the need for achievement.ConclusionThe study reconfirmed the positive influence of the need for achievement, which was the focus of most previous research, in regard to personal and organizational growth. Furthermore, it identified that the need for affiliation, another type of internal motive, positively affected team performance as well.Implications for nursing and health policyNursing schools and nursing organizations should pay attention to their members’ affiliation and achievement needs to enhance organizational efficiencies. Through efforts such as developing diverse continuing education programmes for need training, they could enhance their members’ needs for affiliation or achievement and consequently increase nursing team performance.
Are We Heading towards a Corporate Tax System Fit for the 21stCentury?
Authors: Devereux Michael P. , Vella John 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe most significant problems with the existing system for taxing the profit of multinational companies stem from two related sources. First, the underlying ‘1920s compromise’ for allocating the rights to tax profit between countries is both inappropriate and increasingly hard to implement in a modern economic setting. Second, because the system is based on taxing mobile activities, it invites countries to compete with each other to attract economic activity and to favour ‘domestic’ companies. The OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative essentially seeks to close loopholes rather than to re‐examine these fundamental problems. As a consequence, it is unlikely to generate a stable long‐run tax system. We briefly outline some more fundamental alternative reforms.
Corporate Tax in Developing Countries: Current Trends and Design Issues
Authors: Abramovsky Laura , Klemm Alexander , Phillips David 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper looks at corporate income taxes in developing countries from both an empirical and a theoretical perspective. Many economic principles about corporate income taxes apply equally in advanced and developing economies, but some characteristics of developing economies lead to different trade‐offs. These include fewer locational rents and generally lower administrative capacity. Empirically, corporate income tax developments broadly resemble those in advanced economies, but there are important differences too, such as a greater reliance on tax incentives, reflected in a gradual narrowing – rather than broadening – of tax bases in combination with tax cuts. Detailed analysis using effective tax rates reveals various distortions including a preference for certain assets, and strong tax advantages of debt finance over equity finance, particularly in high‐inflation environments. An empirical analysis of correlations between country‐specific features and the likelihood of using tax incentives shows that countries offering low tax rates also tend to offer tax incentives, but that they cut their standard rates by substantially less than other countries between 1996 and 2007.
Rethinking the Political Economy of Import Substitution Industrialization in Brazil: A Clientelist Model of Development Policymaking
Authors: Lyne Mona 
Published: December 2014

AbstractImport substitution industrialization was the postwar development policy of choice in Latin America, and the diagnosis of its weaknesses heavily influenced subsequent policy recommendations. Yet few attempts have been made to test the predominant sectorally based explanation of ISI's failings against alternatives. This article develops a model of direct (clientelistic) linkages between politicians and their supporters and tests it against the standard sectoral model based on indirect linkages. Examining three features of process (economic sector influence, legislative voting, and exchange rate policy) and analyzing the distributional implications of the overall policy in Brazil, this article demonstrates that a clientelist model provides a more complete and coherent account of the empirical record. By demonstrating that variation in linkage type alters the political constraints on policy choice, the analysis also provides new insight into enduring puzzles, including the better performance in East Asia.
Political Clientelism in Mexico: Bridging the Gap between Citizens and the State
Authors: Hagene Turid 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article explores practices of political clientelism in a native village in Mexico City during recent elections (2006, 2012), aiming to create more conceptual clarity and to demonstrate the usefulness of ethnographic approaches. Seen from the clients' and the brokers' perspective, political clientelism and vote buying are two different practices, carried out in different ways, with different degrees of legitimacy. The problem-solving network studied here bridges the gap between the citizen and the state, while the political operators hope to be rewarded with public employment. In this case, one candidate-patron changed parties a few months before the 2012 elections, and the electoral statistics provide indications of the numerical effectiveness of his clientelist network. Multiparty competition, instead of undermining clientelist practices, appears to “democratize” them.