bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Future of a Discipline: Considering the Ontological/Methodological Future of the Anthropology of Consciousness, Part IV: Ontological Relativism or Ontological Relevance: An Essay in Honor of Michael Harner
Authors: Glass‐Coffin Bonnie , Kiiskeentum  
Published: September 2012

AbstractFor more than 100 years, anthropologists have collected ethnographic research among communities who assert that the spirits, animal allies, and other entities of the unseen world are “really real,” yet we have historically contextualized this information under the umbrella of cultural relativism rather than taking the veracity of these claims seriously. In the last decade, some anthropologists claim that our discipline has finally undergone an ontological turn, which opens a door for anthropologists to finally take claims of nonhuman sentience seriously under the umbrella of ontological, rather than cultural, relativism. This paper takes issue with ontological relativism as just one more frame for explaining away the stories of other‐than‐human consciousness that ethnographers report and suggests that there is an urgent need to consider the relevance, rather than the relativism, of other‐than‐human consciousness. It looks to Michael Harner's work as a welcome alternative to ontological relativism and encourages opening our minds to a reconsideration of what is “really real.”
The heart in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: early detection of contractile performance alteration
Authors: Wagner Sören , Knipp Stephan , Weber Cornelia , Hein Selina , Schinkel Stefanie , Walther Andreas , Bekeredjian Raffi , Müller Oliver J , Friedrich Oliver 
Published: September 2012

AbstractProgressive cardiomyopathy is a major cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Coupling between Ca2+ handling and contractile properties in dystrophic hearts is poorly understood. It is also not clear whether developing cardiac failure is dominated by alterations in Ca2+ pathways or more related to the contractile apparatus. We simultaneously recorded force and Ca2+ transients in field‐stimulated papillary muscles from young (10–14 weeks) wild‐type (wt) and dystrophic mdx mice. Force amplitudes were fivefold reduced in mdx muscles despite only 30 % reduction in fura‐2 ratio amplitudes. This indicated mechanisms other than systolic Ca2+ to additionally account for force decrements in mdx muscles. pCa‐force relations revealed decreased mdx myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity. ‘In vitro’ motility assays, studied in mdx hearts here for the first time, showed significantly slower sliding velocities. mdx MLC/MHC isoforms were not grossly altered. Dystrophic hearts showed echocardiography signs of early ventricular wall hypertrophy with a significantly enlarged end‐diastolic diameter ‘in vivo’. However, fractional shortening was still comparable to wt mice. Changes in the contractile apparatus satisfactorily explained force drop in mdx hearts. We give first evidence of early hypertrophy in mdx mice and possible mechanisms for already functional impairment of cardiac muscle in DMD.
Phototolerance induced by narrow‐band UVB phototherapy in severe erythropoietic protoporphyria
Authors: García‐Martín Patricia , De Argila Diego , To‐Figueras Jordi , Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Fraga Javier , García‐Diez Amaro 
Published: September 2012

SummaryErythropoietic protoporphyria arises from an inherited disorder of porphyrin metabolism which leads to an accumulation of protoporphyrin IX in the erythropoietic system and other tissues. It is characterized by cutaneous photosensitivity, usually difficult to keep under control. Among the scant therapeutic options proposed to reduce photosensitivity in erythropoietic protoporphyria, narrow‐band UVB phototherapy has occasionally been used to induce sunlight tolerance. We report an adult case of erythropoietic protoporphyria with a severe photosensitivity treated with narrow‐band UVB that developed an appropriate sunlight phototolerance, without adverse events during phototherapy.
Successful treatment of generalized elastolytic giant cell granuloma with psoralen‐ultraviolet A
Authors: Pérez‐Pérez Lidia , García‐Gavín Juan , Allegue Francisco , Ortiz‐Rey José Antonio , Zulaica Ander 
Published: September 2012

SummaryElastolytic giant cell granuloma (EGCG) is an infrequent granulomatous skin disorder with variable response to different therapeutic regimens. Information on the benefit of phototherapy is very scarce as this therapy has seldom been tried in the affected patients. We present the results achieved in two female patients after undergoing psoralen‐ultraviolet A (PUVA). Two 54‐year‐old otherwise healthy female patients received a course of PUVA after trying other alternatives. Complete clearance was achieved in the two patients with excellent tolerance and no adverse effects. We consider PUVA is a well‐tolerated, safe, and effective treatment for patients with EGCG.
Comparison of sunscreen availability in Chicago Hispanic and non‐Hispanic neighborhoods
Authors: Hernandez Claudia , Calero Diana , Robinson Gina , Mermelstein Robin , Robinson June K. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundPoorer survival rates from melanoma among Hispanics have been previously reported. There is little information regarding sunscreen acquisition behaviors or availability/access to products that may help reduce the risk of skin cancer in Hispanic communities. This study sought to understand perceptions regarding sun protection and skin cancer risk and whether the availability of over‐the‐counter sunscreen products differed in three Chicago neighborhoods with different ethnic compositions.MethodsWe drew on interviews with 65 adult Spanish speaking Hispanics (23–72 years) recruited from faith‐based institutions to better understand sunscreen use perceptions. Commercial establishments open to the general public were physically canvassed to determine whether there were any differences in sunscreen products availability.ResultsStores carrying sun protection products are nearly twice as common in non Hispanic White neighborhoods versus Hispanic. In addition, when sunscreens are available for sale, Hispanics have fewer sunscreens to choose from.DiscussionEmergent themes that were elicited during the interviews revealed that barriers to increased sunscreen use include economic and erroneous perceptions regarding skin cancer incidence and risk. Environmental factors that may reinforce these beliefs include lower availability and variety of sun protection products in Hispanic neighborhoods.ConclusionThese findings indicate that providing culturally appropriate public health information encouraging the use of sunscreen and improving its availability in Hispanic communities are potential points of intervention in attempts to improve morbidity from skin cancer.
Practical communication guide for paediatric procedures
Authors: Stock Amanda , Hill Amber , Babl Franz E 
Published: September 2012

AbstractChildren undergo many diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the ED. Although emergency staff can often intervene to reduce physical pain through topical anaesthesia, analgesia and sedation, much procedural distress can be addressed by better preparing patients and families for the procedures. A key to guiding children through procedures is the use of age‐appropriate and non‐threatening language by all clinicians involved. We present a practical language guide for procedures and equipment for use by clinicians in the ED before, during and after procedures. The language tables might be most usefully placed in the procedure rooms for easy reference or incorporated into clinical practice guidelines.
Intentionally Retained Pressure-Regulating Balloon in Artificial Urinary Sphincter Revision
Authors: Köhler Tobias S. , Benson Aaron , Ost Loren , Wilson Steven K. , Brant William O. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The traditional surgical approach for revision of a malfunctioning artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) includes removal and replacement of all device components, identical to that employed in the setting of an infected or eroded AUS.

Aims
To describe outcomes of our technique in which we intentionally leave behind the original pressure-regulating balloon (PRB) at time of AUS revision in a clinically non-infected setting.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed our combined institutional series of 35 patients who underwent 36 AUS revisions in which the original pressure-regulating balloon was left undisturbed. We removed and replaced the defective cuff and pump through a single peno-scrotal incision for most patients requiring revision of a non-infected AUS. The new PRB was then placed on the opposite side through this single incision.

Main Outcome Measures
Assessment of outcomes, complication, and infection rate of this surgical series.

Results
All of the patients had the original pressure-regulating balloon placed through an inguinal counter-incision. Mean follow-up time was 14 months (2−33 months). Overall complication rate for the revision series was 11%. No infections or complications occurred secondary to the retained PRB.

Conclusion
Follow-up of our series provides evidence that retention of the original PRB at the time of non-infected AUS revision is safe. Potential advantages include elimination of a counter incision and technically challenging exploration. By eliminating these aspects, the potentially resultant decreased operative time may help counter the theoretical yet unproven risk of infection from leaving the old PRB in place.
Common Pitfalls in Some of the Experimental Studies in Erectile Function and Dysfunction: A Consensus Article
Authors: Cellek Selim , Bivalacqua Trinity J. , Burnett Arthur L. , Chitaley Kanchan , Lin Ching-Shwun 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Experimental studies investigating physiology of erectile function and pathophysiology erectile dysfunction employ several in vitro and in vivo techniques. As the field of sexual medicine expanding, the proper conduct of such techniques is becoming an even more important necessity than before.

Aim
This review article aims to guide scientists, particularly young researchers and new comers in the field, toward employment of these techniques in an appropriate, timely, and competent fashion.

Methods
The authors reviewed the existing available published articles on the following topics: intracavernosal pressure measurements, cavernous nerve injury models, nitric oxide–cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway, hypertension- and smoking-induced erectile dysfunction models, and stem cells.

Results
The authors present a consensus on how to best perform these models and techniques and also highlight the pitfalls.

Conclusions
The authors hope that this article will assist and encourage young scientists in the field and that similar articles covering other important models will be also available to them soon.
Adherence to Phosphate Binder Therapy Is the Primary Determinant of Hyperphosphatemia Incidence in Patients Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Hung Kai‐Yin , Liao Shang‐Chih , Chen Tzu‐Hsiu , Chao Mei‐Chen , Chen Jin‐Bor 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe investigated the major determinant of hyperphosphatemia incidence among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis. Seventy‐six patients aged 25–55 years who had received peritoneal dialysis for more than 3 months were recruited. The patients were divided into three groups according to their serum phosphorus levels (Group 1, ≥6 mg/dL; Group 2, 5.9–4.8 mg/dL; and Group 3, <4.8 mg/dL). Renal dietitians interviewed the patients to determine their phosphate intake and adherence to phosphate binder therapy. No statistical differences in demographics or phosphate intake were identified among the groups. However, adherence to phosphate binders was greater in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2 (96.3% vs. 21.4% and 52.4%, respectively; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that adherence to phosphate binder therapy was the only significant contributor to serum phosphorus levels (P= 0.0001). Adherence to diet was better than adherence to phosphate binder therapy among patients receiving peritoneal dialysis, and the latter determined the incidence of hyperphosphatemia.
High Prevalence of Anti‐Apolipoprotein/A‐1 Autoantibodies in Maintenance Hemodialysis and Association With Dialysis Vintage
Authors: Pruijm Menno , Schmidtko Jan , Aho Anthony , Pagano Sabrina , Roux‐Lombard Pascale , Teta Daniel , Burnier Michel , Vuilleumier Nicolas 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAutoantibodies to apolipoprotein/A‐1 (anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG) have pro‐atherogenic properties in patients at high cardiovascular risk, but its prevalence in patients with end‐stage kidney disease is unknown. The aims of this single‐center, cross‐sectional study were to assess the prevalence of anti‐ApoA‐1 antibodies in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), and to examine its correlation with inflammatory biomarkers related to atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability and dialysis vintage. To this purpose, anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG levels and the concentrations of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), tumor necrosis factor‐α, and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were assessed in the sera of 66 MHD patients (mean age: 68 ± 14 years, 36% women, 32% diabetics). Anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG positivity (defined as a blood value ≥ 97.5th percentile of the normal distribution as assessed in healthy blood donors) was 20%. Circulating levels of anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG correlated positively with dialysis vintage, but not with cardiovascular risk factors or previous cardiovascular events; no significant correlations were found between the anti‐ApoA1 IgG levels and circulating levels of IL‐6, IL‐8, MCP‐1, MMP‐9, CRP, or low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. In multivariable linear regression, adjusted for age and sex, only dialysis vintage remained positively and independently associated with anti‐ApoA‐1 titers (β = 0.05, 95% CI: 0.006; 0.28, P = 0.049). In conclusion, the prevalence of anti‐ApoA‐1 IgG is raised in the MHD‐population, and positively associated with dialysis vintage, a major determinant of cardiovascular outcome. Whether antiApoA‐1 antibodies play a role in the pathophysiology of accelerated atherosclerosis in the MHD‐population merits further study.
Risk of Cardiovascular Events and Death in the Life after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Nieuwkamp Dennis J. , Vaartjes Ilonca , Algra Ale , Rinkel Gabriel J. E. , Bots Michiel L. 
Published: September 2012

Background and aim The increased mortality rates of survivors of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage have been attributed to an increased risk of cardiovascular events in a registry study in Sweden. Swedish registries have however not been validated for subarachnoid haemorrhage and Scandinavian incidences of cardiovascular disease differ from that in Western European countries. We assessed risks of vascular disease and death in subarachnoid haemorrhage survivors in the Netherlands. Methods From the Dutch hospital discharge register, we identified all patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage admission between 1997 and 2008. We determined the accuracy of coding of the diagnosis subarachnoid haemorrhage for patients admitted to our centre. Conditional on survival of three-months after the subarachnoid haemorrhage, we calculated standardized incidence and mortality ratios for fatal or nonfatal vascular diseases, vascular death, and all-cause death. Cumulative risks were estimated with survival analysis. Results The diagnosis of nontraumatic subarachnoid haemorrhage was correct in 95·4% of 1472 patients. Of 11 263 admitted subarachnoid haemorrhage patients, 6999 survived more than three-months. During follow-up (mean 5·1 years), 874 (12·5%) died. The risks of death were 3·3% within one-year, 11·3% within five-years, and 21·5% within 10 years. The standardized mortality ratio was 3·4 (95% confidence interval: 3·1 to 3·7) for vascular death and 2·2 (95% confidence interval: 2·1 to 2·3) for all-cause death. The standardized incidence ratio for fatal or nonfatal vascular diseases was 2·7 (95% confidence interval: 2·6 to 2·8). Conclusions Dutch hospital discharge and cause of death registries are a valid source of data for subarachnoid haemorrhage, and show that the increased mortality rate in subarachnoid haemorrhage survivors is explained by increased risks for vascular diseases and death.
Potential vessel collisions with Southern Hemisphere humpback whales wintering off Pacific Panama
Authors: Guzman Hector M. , Gomez Catalina G. , Guevara Carlos A. , Kleivane Lars 
Published: September 2012

AbstractVessel collision is a threat to many whale species, and the risk has increased with expanding maritime traffic. This compromises international conservation efforts and requires urgent attention from the world's maritime industry. Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) are at the top of the death toll, and although Central America is a wintering area for populations from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, existing efforts to reduce ship‐whale collisions are meager. Herein, we evaluated the potential collisions between vessels and humpback whales wintering off Pacific Panama by following the movements of 15 whales tagged with satellite transmitters and comparing these data with tracks plotted using AIS real‐time latitude‐longitude points from nearly 1,000 commercial vessels. Movements of whales (adults and calves) in the Gulf of Panama coincide with major commercial maritime routes. AIS vessel data analyzed for individual whale satellite tracks showed that 53% (8 whales) of whales had 98 encounters within 200 m with 81 different vessels in just 11 d. We suggest implementing a 65 nmi Traffic Separation Scheme and a 10 kn maximum speed for vessel routing into the Gulf of Panama during the wintering season. In so doing, the area for potential whale‐vessel collisions could be reduced by 93%.
Photosynthetic Electron Transport in an Anoxygenic Photosynthetic Bacterium Afifella (Rhodopseudomonas) marina Measured Using PAM Fluorometry
Authors: Ritchie Raymond J. , Runcie John W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBlue diode‐based pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) technology can be used to measure the photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) in a purple nonsulfur anoxygenic photobacterium, Afifella (Rhodopseudomonas) marina. Rhodopseudomonads have a reaction center light harvesting antenna complex containing an RC‐2 type bacteriochlorophyll a protein (BChl a RC‐2‐LH1) which has a blue absorption peak and variable fluorescence similar to PSII. Absorptance of cells filtered onto glass fiber disks was measured using a blue–diode‐based absorptance meter (Blue‐RAT) so that absolute ETR could be calculated from PAM experiments. Maximum quantum yield (Y) was ≈0.6, decreasing exponentially as irradiance increased. ETR vs irradiance (P vs E) curves fitted the waiting‐in‐line model (ETR = (ETRmax × E/Eopt) × exp(1 − E/Eopt)). Maximum ETR (ETRmax) was ≈1000–2000 μmol e− mg−1 BChl a h−1. Fe2+, bisulfite and thiosulfate act as photosynthetic electron donors. Optimum irradiance was ≈100 μmol m−2 s−1 PPFD even in Afifella grown in sunlight. Quantum efficiencies (α) were ≈0.3–0.4 mol e− mol hλ−1; or ≈11.8 ± 2.9 mol e− mol hλ−1 m2 μg−1 BChl a). An underlying layer of Afifella in a constructed algal/photosynthetic bacterial mat has little effect on the measured ETR of the overlying oxyphotoautotroph (Chlorella).
Neuroprotective effect of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate against N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐induced excitotoxicity in the adult rat retina
Authors: Chen Fei , Jiang Libin , Shen Ceying , Wan Hongfei , Xu Liang , Wang Ningli , Jonas Jost B. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol of green tea, has been suggested to reduce glutamate excitotoxicity. We therefore investigated the potentially protective effects of EGCG against N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced excitotoxicity in the retina.Methods:  Female Wistar rats (n = 171) were divided into a normal control group (n = 9); saline control group with intravitreal saline injections (n = 54); NMDA control group with an intravitreal NMDA injection and intraperitoneal saline injections (n = 54); and NMDA study group (n = 54) receiving an intravitreal NMDA injection plus intraperitoneal EGCG (25 mg/kg) injections. Starting at 2 days prior to the intravitreal NMDA injection, the intraperitoneal injections were performed daily for the whole study period. At 12 hr, 1, 2, 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks after the intravitreal NMDA injection, the animals were killed. We counted the neurons in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) on histological sections, measured the thickness of Thy‐1 immunoreactivity and assessed the expression of Thy‐1 mRNA by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.Results:  At all time‐points, GCL cell density, thickness of Thy‐1 immunoreactivity and expression of Thy‐1 mRNA were significantly (all p < 0.05) lower in the NMDA control group than in the NMDA study group, in which the parameters were significantly (all p < 0.05) lower than in the saline control group and the normal control group. In both groups with an intravitreal NMDA injection, GCL cell density, thickness of Thy‐1 immunoreactivity and expression of Thy‐1 mRNA decreased significantly with increasing follow‐up time.Conclusions:  Intraperitoneal application of EGCG resulted in a significantly less marked NMDA‐associated loss of retinal ganglion cells.
Primary localized amyloidosis of the ureter presenting as a ureteral stone
Authors: Jang Se Min , Han Hulin , Jun Young Jin , Sim Jongmin , Ahn Hye In , Lee Tchun Yong , Jang Ki‐Seok , Paik Seung Sam 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTPrimary localized amyloidosis of the urinary tract is a rare disease, usually mimicking a malignancy or inflammation in its clinical presentation and in diagnostic imaging studies. We present a case of localized amyloidosis arising in the left upper ureter in a 77‐year‐old man. The patient visited the hospital complaining of painless gross hematuria and dysuria for 1 month. Laboratory examination revealed hematuria only. Urine cytology was unremarkable. Abdominal computed tomography revealed an obstructing mass with calcification in the ureter. The clinical impression was of a ureteral stone or malignancy. A nephroureterectomy was performed. The ureter showed segmental fibrotic thickening with luminal obstruction. Microscopic examination revealed deposition of pale‐eosinophilic amorphous material with calcification and ossification. Congo‐red staining showed amyloid deposits with positive polarizing microscopic findings. Although its incidence is rare, localized amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ureteral tumorous lesions to avoid unnecessary surgery.
Bacterial assemblages shifts from healthy to yellow band disease states in the dominant reef coral Montastraea faveolata
Authors: Cróquer Aldo , Bastidas Carolina , Elliott Amy , Sweet Michael 
Published: September 2012

SummaryDescriptions of microbial diversity in healthy and diseased corals are necessary first steps before further investigating the mechanisms that lead to coral pathology. This is the first study that characterizes the microbial associates from healthy corals to yellow band disease (YBD) lesions using two complementary screening techniques of bacterial 16S rRNA genes [amplified 16S ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) of clone libraries and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)]. Both these techniques showed similar trends, namely a significant difference in the bacterial community and an increase in diversity from healthy to YBD diseased lesions. There was an increase in the number of sequences retrieved of potentially pathogenic bacteria in diseased tissues compared with healthy samples, most notably from the genus Vibrio. Furthermore, we also detected a number of known pathogenic bacteria within the natural healthy microbiota such as Vibrio carchariae and Vibrio harveyi, a result supporting previous studies, showing healthy corals have the ability to harbour these species.