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A novel kinetic model involving 123I-hippuran renography is a suitable method to determine variations in intrarenal blood flow distribution. Alterations in the intrarenal blood flow are initiated by the infusion of placebo, angiotensin I or atrial natriuretic factor. Although the infusion of placebo reduces the medullary blood flow, infusion of atrial natriuretic factor slightly increases the medullary blood flow. The absolute and percent variations in medullary blood flow are consistent with those measured by microspheres.

The kidney, an essential excretory organ of the body, performs a series of crucial physiological functions such as waste removal, maintenance of electrolyte and acid–base balance, and endocrine regulation. Due to its rich blood flow and high metabolic activity, the kidney is susceptible to damage. Currently, kidney injury is classified into acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), both of which are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality on a global scale. The current clinical diagnosis of renal injury relies on the assessment of renal filtration function using creatinine and urea nitrogen as "gold-standard" markers. However, the delayed response time, limited specificity, and reduced accuracy of creatinine and urea nitrogen in evaluating kidney injury have significantly hindered advancements in diagnostic methods for kidney injury. Urinary protein is widely utilized as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of kidney injury due to the selectivity of the glomerular filtration system determining whether proteins can pass through the filtration barrier based on their size and charge. Therefore, as a complex biological sample with varying charges and particle sizes, urinary protein is considered an ideal indicator for monitoring the progression of kidney disease. Exploring the relationship between urinary protein and the advancement of kidney injury based on differences in particle size and charge offers a new perspective for assessing and treating such injuries. Hence, we conducted a comprehensive review of 74 relevant studies to gain a thorough understanding of the physiological mechanism and significance of proteinuria production. The aim was to explore the challenges and opportunities in clinical urine protein detection, as well as to discuss strategies targeting glomerular filtration barriers in order to effectively reduce urine protein levels and treat kidney injury, which could provide a new perspective for identifying the progression of kidney injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The urine albumin (Alb)-to-creatinine (Crn) ratio (UACR) is a sensitive and early indicator of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiorenal syndrome. This study developed a portable and wireless electrochemical-sensing platform for the sensitive and accurate determination of UACR. The developed platform consists of a carbon nanotube (CNT)-2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS)-based modified UACR sensor, a miniaturised potentiostat, a cup holder embedded with a magnetic stirrer and a smartphone app. The UACR sensing electrode is composed of two screen-printed carbon working electrodes, one screen-printed carbon counter electrode and a screen-printed AgCl reference electrode. The miniaturised potentiostat, which is controlled by the developed app, performs cyclic voltammetry and amperometry to detect Alb and Crn, respectively. Clinical trials of the proposed system by using spot urine samples from 30 diabetic patients indicate that it can accurately classify all three CKD risk statuses within 30 min. The high accuracy of our proposed sensing system exhibits satisfactory agreement with the commercial biochemical analyser TBA-25FR (Y = 0.999X, R2 = 0.995). The proposed UACR sensing system offers a convenient, reliable and affordable solution for personal mobile health monitoring and point-of-care urinalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Effective identification and management in the early stages of sepsis are critical for achieving positive outcomes. In this context, neutrophil-reactive intensity (NEUT-RI) emerges as a promising and easily interpretable parameter. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of NEUT-RI in diagnosing sepsis and to evaluate its prognostic significance in distinguishing 28-day mortality outcomes. Materials: This study is a secondary, retrospective, observational analysis. Clinical data upon ICU admission were collected. We enrolled septic patients and a control group of critically ill patients without sepsis criteria. The patients were divided into subgroups based on renal function for biomarker evaluation with 28-day outcomes reported for septic and non-septic patients. Results: A total of 200 patients were included in this study. A significant difference between the "septic" and "non-septic" groups was detected in the NEUT-RI plasma concentration (53.80 [49.65–59.05] vs. 48.00 [46.00–49.90] FI, p < 0.001, respectively). NEUT-RI and procalcitonin (PCT) distinguished between not complicated sepsis and septic shock (PCT 1.71 [0.42–12.09] vs. 32.59 [8.83–100.00], <0.001 and NEUT-RI 51.50 [47.80–56.30] vs. 56.20 [52.30–61.92], p = 0.005). NEUT-RI, PCT, and CRP values were significantly different in patients with "renal failure". NEUT-RI and PCT at admission in the ICU in the septic group were higher in patients who died (58.80 [53.85–73.10] vs. 53.05 [48.90–57.22], p = 0.005 and 39.56 [17.39–83.72] vs. 3.22 [0.59–32.32], p = 0.002, respectively). Both NEUT-RI and PCT showed a high negative predictive value and low positive predictive value. Conclusions: The inflammatory biomarkers assessed in this study offer valuable support in the early diagnosis of sepsis and could have a possible role in anticipating the outcome. NEUT-RI elevation appears particularly promising for early sepsis detection and severity discrimination upon admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been relatively few studies revealing a decreased platelet count in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although this hematological abnormality is not as well documented as renal anemia, platelet functions are altered in the uremic environment and there is an increased risk of bleeding. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the administration of platelet concentrate in CKD based on how patient prognosis was influenced by platelet transfusion therapy. The study monitored 104 patients with CKD and thrombocytopenia who received platelet transfusion during their hospitalization in the period from 2015 to 2021. The complete blood cell count, serum urea and creatinine, and inflammatory status were tested upon admission. The number of transfused platelet units were considered for each patient. A Kruskal–Wallis H test showed that for one transfused platelet unit, the distribution of the number of platelets (×103/µL) was the same across the categories of associated diagnoses, which was seen as possible risk factors for thrombocytopenia, including liver cirrhosis and urosepsis. With a single exception, all patients exceeded the critical threshold of 20 × 103/µL and 14 patients remained under 50 × 103/µL. Even though our patients exceeded the critical threshold of platelet numbers, in patients with multiple comorbidities, severe, uncontrolled hemorrhages could not be prevented in 4.83% of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteinuria is associated with cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between changes in proteinuria status and hypertension remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between changes in proteinuria status and the risk of developing hypertension with the data from the Korean National Health Insurance Database. We included participants without prior hypertension history who underwent their first health examination in 2003–2004 and a second examination in 2005–2006. Based on their proteinuria status during these two examinations, participants were classified into four groups: the proteinuria-free, proteinuria-resolved, proteinuria-developed, and chronic proteinuria groups. The study outcome was the incidence of hypertension. The study included 935,723 participants followed for a median of 14.2 years (mean age: 40.96 ± 11.01, 62.5% male participants). During this period, 346,686 (37.1%) cases of hypertension were reported. The chronic proteinuria group had the highest hypertension risk, followed by the proteinuria-developed, proteinuria-resolved, and proteinuria-free groups (p < 0.001). Those who recovered from proteinuria had a lower risk of developing hypertension than those with chronic proteinuria (hazard ratio: 0.58; 95% confidence interval: 0.53–0.63, p < 0.001). In contrast, individuals who developed proteinuria had a higher risk of hypertension than proteinuria-free individuals (hazard ratio: 1.31; 95% confidence interval: 1.26–1.35, p < 0.001). Our findings suggest a significant association between proteinuria status changes and hypertension. Effective management of proteinuria may potentially decrease the risk of developing hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a modern epidemic worldwide. Introducing renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors (i.e., ACEi or ARB) not only as blood-pressure-lowering agents, but also as nephroprotective drugs with antiproteinuric potential was a milestone in the therapy of CKD. For decades, this treatment remained the only proven strategy to slow down CKD progression. This situation changed some years ago primarily due to the introduction of drugs designed to treat diabetes that turned into nephroprotective strategies not only in diabetic kidney disease, but also in CKD unrelated to diabetes. In addition, several drugs emerged that precisely target the pathogenetic mechanisms of particular kidney diseases. Finally, the role of metabolic acidosis in CKD progression (and not only the sequelae of CKD) came to light. In this review, we aim to comprehensively discuss all relevant therapies that slow down the progression of non-diabetic kidney disease, including the lowering of blood pressure, through the nephroprotective effects of ACEi/ARB and spironolactone independent from BP lowering, as well as the role of sodium–glucose co-transporter type 2 inhibitors, acidosis correction and disease-specific treatment strategies. We also briefly address the therapies that attempt to slow down the progression of CKD, which did not confirm this effect. We are convinced that our in-depth review with practical statements on multiple aspects of treatment offered to non-diabetic CKD fills the existing gap in the available literature. We believe that it may help clinicians who take care of CKD patients in their practice. Finally, we propose the strategy that should be implemented in most non-diabetic CKD patients to prevent disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have been developed to help prevent the spread of the virus infections. The COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, have undergone rigorous testing and have demonstrated both safety and effectiveness. Extensive evidence supports their effectiveness in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and mortality associated with COVID-19 infection. The administration of COVID-19 vaccines can directly affect hematological and biochemical parameters, with reported cases showing an association with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. Therefore, it was hypothesized that COVID-19 vaccines may also influence hematological and biochemical markers in sickle cell patients. This study aimed to investigate the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines on sickle cell patients, providing a comprehensive evaluation of hematological and biochemical parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind conducted in Saudi Arabia. The study included the evaluation of Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines in sickle cell patients, measuring key parameters. Our findings revealed varying impacts of both vaccines on the ALT, AST, and CRP levels. Notably, CRP and ALT exhibited potential as indicators for renal disease, diabetes, and arthritis. However, further investigations are necessary to uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive these observed differences and comprehend their clinical implications for this vulnerable patient population. The unique nature of our study fills a crucial research gap and underscores the need for additional research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease with a variety of presentations. One of the known symptoms are altered vitamin D metabolism and hypercalcemia. In our study, we aimed to assess associations between disease activity, inflammatory parameters, and vitamin D and calcium status. The secondary aim was to find any dependencies between calcium and vitamin D metabolism and fatigue and quality of life in patients with sarcoidosis. We enrolled 58 patients with sarcoidosis (47 classified as active disease, 11 classified as non-active) and compared them with 25 healthy volunteers. Calcium concentration was significantly higher in the study group than in healthy controls. It correlated with some inflammatory markers but not with vitamin D status. Not calcium nor vitamin D, but phosphate concentration correlated with life quality was assessed with the use of the Sarcoidosis Health Questionnaire. An association between phosphate concentration and fatigue was also noted, but it did not reach statistical significance. Calcium concentration was higher in patients with sarcoidosis, but it was not an indicator of the disease activity, while phosphate concentration was significantly lower in patients with active sarcoidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a large corpus of myths and legends about sea creatures in the maritime world, a record that portrays incredible and wondrous feats, wrecks, calamities, and disasters. In this article, I present an account of the mythological cosmology of the Endenese, a group of fearless seafarers that scoured the Eastern Indonesian seas for over four centuries. By discussing the legend of Kota Djogo, an island that disappeared into the sea in time immemorial, I reconstruct Endenese explanations for luck and uncertainty in a world plagued by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons. Going beyond the legend's veracity, I build on the study of the narrative to show how symbolic accounts of environmental events can provide important clues to the understanding of ecological disasters. I argue that the indigenous rationalizations of uncertainty present in oral legends and myths can function as coping mechanisms that reconcile communities with the unpredictable and the ambiguous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteinuria is an important sign of kidney diseases. Different protein patterns in urine associated with glomerular, tubular and overload proteinuria may be differentiated using the immunochemical detection of indicator proteins or via urinary proteins electrophoresis. Our aim was to characterize sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) using commercially available 4–20% gradient gels as a method to detect and differentiate proteinuria. Our laboratory-based study used excess urine samples collected for routine diagnostic purposes from adult patients of a tertiary-care hospital, including patients with albumin/creatinine < 30 mg/g and patients with dipstick proteinuria. The limit of albumin detection was estimated to be 3 mg/L. In 93 samples with albumin/creatinine < 30 mg/g, an albumin fraction was detected in 87% of samples with a minimum albumin concentration of 2.11 mg/L. The separation of 300 urine samples of patients with proteinuria revealed distinct protein patterns differentiated using the molecular weights of the detected proteins: glomerular (albumin and higher molecular weights) and two types of tubular proteinuria ("upper" ≥20 kDa and "lower" with lower molecular weights). These patterns were associated with different values of the glomerular filtration rate (median 66, 71 and 31 mL/min/1.72 m2, respectively, p = 0.004) and different proportions of multiple myeloma and nephrological diagnoses. As confirmed using tandem mass spectrometry and western blot, the SDS-PAGE protein fractions contained indicator proteins including immunoglobulin G, transferrin (glomerular proteinuria), α1-microglobulin, retinol-binding protein, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, cystatin C, and β2-microglobulin (tubular), immunoglobulin light chain, myoglobin, and lysozyme (overflow). SDS-PAGE separation of urine proteins on commercially available 4–20% gradient gels is a reliable technique to diagnose proteinuria and differentiate between its main clinically relevant types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) worldwide. A significant number of drugs have been clinically investigated for the treatment of DKD. However, a large proportion of patients still develop end-stage kidney disease unstoppably. As a result, new effective therapies are urgently needed to slow down the progression of DKD. Recently, there is increasing evidence that targeted drug delivery strategies such as large molecule carriers, small molecule prodrugs, and nanoparticles can improve drug efficacy and reduce adverse side effects. There is no doubt that targeted drug delivery strategies have epoch-making significance and great application prospects for the treatment of DKD. In addition, the proximal tubule plays a very critical role in the progression of DKD. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to summarize the current understanding of proximal tubule cell-targeted therapy, screen for optimal targeting strategies, and find new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adipokines are a superfamily of cell signaling proteins produced by the adipose tissue. This study's purpose was to reveal the association of adipokines (leptin, adiponectin), hs-CRP, and IL-6 with well-known cardiovascular risk factors (lipid profile, diabetes control, obesity, physical activity) in children and adolescents with T1D. This cross-sectional study included 80 participants (36 boys) with T1D, aged (mean ± SD) 14.8 ± 3.4 years. Body Mass Index (BMI), metabolic profile, and level of physical activity were assessed (using pedometers) for evaluation of their effect on serum leptin, adiponectin, IL-6, and hs-CRP. Leptin levels were associated with BMI (beta = 0.184, p < 0.001), waist to hip ratio (beta = −2.017, p = 0.022), Low Density Lipoprotein-C (LDL-C) (beta = 0.021, p = 0.005), and fat mass (beta = 14.07, p < 0.001). Adiponectin was correlated with waist to height ratio (beta = 0.048, p = 0.006), ΒΜΙ (beta = −0.056, p = 0.005), and muscle mass (beta = −0.013, p = 0.020). Interestingly, hs-CRP was associated with weight (beta = 0.035, p < 0.001), ΒΜI (beta = 0.186, p < 0.001), fat mass (beta = 5.2859, p = 0.004), and muscle mass (beta = 0.027, p = 0.008). Multiple regression analysis of muscle mass unveiled associations with log hs-CRP (beta = −1.237, p = 0.014) and inverse IL−6 (beta = 18.57, p = 0.01). Finally, multiple regression models of fat mass unveiled associations with physical activity (7-day-total-step-count) (beta = −3.90 × 10−7, p = 0.027), Inverse IL-6 (beta = −0.1572, p = 0.009), and squared leptin (beta = 0.0077, p = 0.03). This study reports a positive association of leptin with LDL-C, BMI, fat mass, and hip circumference and a negative association of adiponectin with BMI and muscle mass. Finally, hs-CRP was associated with HbA1c, fat mass, and BMI. We propose that leptin, adiponectin, and hs-CRP could be used as prognostic indicators of cardiovascular risk in children with T1D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The atherosclerotic vascular disease is a cardiovascular continuum in which the main role is attributed to atherosclerosis, from its appearance to its associated complications. The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, population ageing, and burden on both the economy and the healthcare system have led to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in the field. The better understanding or discovery of new pathophysiological mechanisms and molecules modulating various signaling pathways involved in atherosclerosis have led to the development of potential new biomarkers, with key role in early, subclinical diagnosis. The evolution of technological processes in medicine has shifted the attention of researchers from the profiling of classical risk factors to the identification of new biomarkers such as midregional pro-adrenomedullin, midkine, stromelysin-2, pentraxin 3, inflammasomes, or endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles. These molecules are seen as future therapeutic targets associated with decreased morbidity and mortality through early diagnosis of atherosclerotic lesions and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The district (kabupaten) of Kerinci lies on the western border of Jambi, neighbouring West Sumatra, and is now part of the province of Jambi. Previously it was incorporated into the Dutch colonial government's province of Sumatra's West Coast. Not knowing quite where to place Kerinci reflects an uncertainty as to which of its neighbours Kerinci, geographically isolated as it is, has the closest cultural and historical affinities. Among other puzzles thrown up by such a consideration is how to assess the structure and significance of lineages in Kerinci. Each Kerinci village has its own specific set of lineages. In north Kerinci, the area bordering West Sumatra, the lineages are matrilineal in terms of recruitment and seem to resemble their West Sumatran counterparts. However, the situation is complex. In order to provide a full ethnographic picture of the situation this article gives a detailed description of the lineage structure of one village, Pondok Tinggi, in central Kerinci. This description discusses the function and recruitment of office-holders within each lineage and their continuing significance in the political structuring of the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The legend of Hang Tuah plays a prominent role in the official Malay-centric history of Malaysia. Hang Tuah, a warrior of the 15th-century Malaccan royal court, represents the perfect Malay subject and, to this day, continues to be an icon for Malay nationalism. In the cybersphere, there are heated discussions of an alleged government conspiracy to conceal the 'true' identity of this Malay folk hero. According to a myth circulating in the cybersphere, DNA analysis of ancient graves revealed that Hang Tuah was actually Chinese. This article examines the significance of this cybermyth, situating the phenomenon within the current context and political discourse. I explore how the myth of the Chinese Hang Tuah has created an entry point and space for discussions on issues such as rights, belonging and entitlement that are otherwise not available in the public sphere. I suggest in circulating and debating this myth, the public is reinterpreting a multicultural Hang Tuah and participating in an act of history making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For over three centuries, Malay seals engraved in Arabic script have functioned as symbols of the authority of the sultan and his court. In all parts of maritime Southeast Asia, there is extraordinary uniformity in the inscriptions of these Islamic seals, which generally identify the sealholder by his name and official title, as well as giving his pedigree and place of origin. Over half of all Malay seals recorded are dated, making them important primary sources for the study of Malay history and biography. Strangely enough, seals from Minangkabau in west Sumatra are at odds with the general picture on two counts. Firstly, royal Minangkabau seals do not usually designate an identifiable individual ruler but rather signify the institution of kingship itself. Secondly, there exists an entire genre of seals which can be entitled ‘Minangkabau seals of patronage’, whose inscriptions do not conform to the template for Malay seals described above. In this article both these categories of seals will be explored, in the process shedding new light on how Minangkabau authority was disseminated in therantau, or areas of traditional Minangkabau migration in Malay borderlands, with particular reference to Negeri Sembilan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raja Rum whether understood as a Greek, Persian or Turkish ruler is a popular figure in traditional Malay literature. A great array of kings of Rum occurs in many Malay literary genres in which his protean image emerges as king-sage, just king, or tyrant. However fantastical adventure tales and historical or quasi-historical chronicles are his favourite ‘habitats’. In the former genre, Raja Rum appears in the fanciful world of heavenly and demonic creatures that populate various never-never lands in some of which allusions to the Ottoman empire can be discerned. A different, although no less imaginary, Raja Rum appears in works of the latter genre. This is Iskandar Zulkarnain (Alexander the Great), first a Persian and later a Turkish king, the greatest ever monarch of East and West and the preacher of the primordial Islam of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham). Represented as the progenitor of local dynasties, this ‘stranger-king’ dominates the world of political mythology in chronicles of many peoples of the Malay Archipelago. He and his descendents create the ‘dynastic space’ in which Malay dynasties are linked to each other and with lineages of the great powers of the external world. On the basis ofSejarah Melayu(Malay Annals) andTambo Minangkabau(Minangkabau traditions) the article examines this mandala-like dynastic space which,inter alia, shows an interaction between the political mythologies of these two works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare self-reported (SR) medication use and pharmacy data for major psychoactive medications and three classes of medications used for different indications, and to determine the socio-economic factors associated with the congruence. Methods: Postal questionnaire data collected in 1997 were compared with the register of the Social Insurance Institution of Finland on the reimbursed prescriptions purchased during 1997. Altogether 7625 subjects were included in this study. Drugs were categorized according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system. Results: Kappa values were 0.77, 0.68, 0.84, 0.92 and 0.55 for antipsychotics, antidepressants, antiepileptics, antidiabetics and beta-blocking agents, respectively. Prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa values were almost perfect (0.98–1.00). Reliability of antipsychotics use was better for married subjects than for those who were not married; and of antidepressants use for highly educated and married subjects than for those who were less educated and were not married. Altogether 414 (5.4%) responders and 285 (7.1%) non-responders had used at least one of the selected medications. Conclusion: Agreement between the SR and pharmacy data was moderate for psychoactive medication use. Even though data collected by postal questionnaire may underestimate the prevalence of medication use due to non-participation it can be assumed accurate enough for study purposes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery disease is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease. The concomitant renal disease often poses a major challenge in decision making as symptoms, cardiac biomarkers and noninvasive studies for evaluation of myocardial ischemia have different sensitivity and specificity thresholds in this specific population. Moreover, the effectiveness and safety of intervention and medical treatment in those patients is of great doubt as most clinical studies exclude patients with advance CKD. In the present paper, we discuss and review the literature in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CAD in the acute and chronic setting, in patients with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent thinking sees the earliest Khoekhoe as a kind of San with livestock. Eighteenth- century travellers sometimes seem to have seen San as a kind of Khoekhoe without livestock. Classic ethnographic sources saw Khoekhoe and San as related peoples, one with livestock and one without. Some in recent years have suggested that Khoekhoe and San are unstable ethnicities, shifting back and forth with the acquisition and loss of livestock. Is there a correct view? This paper attempts to answer that question. One theme of the paper is the idea that the acquisition of livestock by twentieth-century Khoe-speaking hunter-gatherers might serve as an analogy for deciphering similar processes among early Khoekhoe. The shifting lifestyles from hunter to herder and back again in the Cape are now well documented in the historical and archaeological records. Similar processes have been observed by ethnographers in the Kalahari since the 1970s. Another theme is the more theoretical concern of Khoekhoe and San social structure and social ideology. Hunter-gatherers and pastoralists do see things like accumulation and sharing differently, but comparative ethnography shows us that specific exchange practices like hxaro are not as unambiguously 'hunter-gatherer' as we might think, nor customs such as bridewealth payment as unambiguously 'pastoralist'. Comparative examination of Khoisan ethnography, coupled with the use of recent theoretical insights, can help us to build a picture of early Khoekhoe society and ideological shifts that must have accompanied the adoption of herding by the inhabitants of the Cape in past centuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the relationship between stranger-kingship and contractual authority in the history of the island of Sulawesi (Indonesia). In most parts of Sulawesi, social and political stratification were always pronounced. At the same time the power of kings and chiefs was restricted by more or less explicit social contracts defining their rights and duties with respect to the political community as a whole, typically consisting of an oligarchy of local nobles. These contracts, spelled out during inauguration ceremonies and on other ritual occasions, were backed up by realistic threats of violence against the ruler, as well as by supernatural sanctions. Besides its contractual character, another characteristic feature of Sulawesi kingship was that rulers were perceived as outsiders to the community - typically by virtue of foreign and/or divine origin, sometimes perhaps also as a result of sickness or physical abnormality. Stranger-kingship enhanced the effectiveness of the social contract by making the ruler easier for his people to discipline or depose if necessary, and harder for them to envy or hate, as well as more objective and impartial in his own dealings with them. These points are illustrated using historical and anthropological data from various parts of Sulawesi, particularly the Bugis kingdoms of the southwest peninsula, the island sultanates of Buton and Banggai off the east coast, and the chiefdoms of Gorontalo and Buol in the north. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines ten narratives of the 'outsider' who is received and installed inside, thus reordering precedence among an autochthonous population that has received him into their midst. Based on an opposition between the categories of 'inside' and 'outside', these diverse narratives are drawn from across the Austronesian-speaking world from Sumatra through Timor to Fiji. They illustrate one, among several, distinctive Austronesian epistemologies of origin - one often relied upon to distinguish a ruler from those who are ruled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An author index for the 2007 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" is presented.