bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BURIAL AND THERMAL HISTORY MODELLING OF THE MANNAR BASIN, OFFSHORE SRI LANKA
Authors: Premarathne U. , Suzuki N. , Ratnayake N. , Kularathne C. 
Published: March 2016

The Mannar Basin is a Late Jurassic – Neogene rift basin located in the Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka which developed during the break‐up of Gondwana. Water depths in the Gulf of Mannar are up to about 3000 m. The stratigraphy is about 4 km thick in the north of the Mannar Basin and more than 6 km thick in the south. The occurrence of an active petroleum system in the basin was confirmed in 2011 by two natural gas discoveries following the drilling of the Dorado and Barracuda wells, located in the Sri Lankan part of the Gulf. However potential hydrocarbon source rocks have not been recorded by any of the wells so far drilled, and the petroleum system is poorly known. In this study, basin modelling techniques and measured vitrinite reflectance data were used to reconstruct the thermal and burial history of the northern part of the Mannar Basin along a 2D profile.Bottom‐hole temperature measurements indicate that the present‐day geothermal gradient in the northern Mannar Basin is around 24.4 oC/km. Optimised present‐day heat flows in the northern part of the Mannar Basin are 30–40 mW/m2. The heat flow histories at the Pearl‐1 and Dorado‐North well locations were modelled using SIGMA‐2D software, assuming similar patterns of heat flow history. Maximum heat flows at the end of rifting (Maastrichtian) were estimated to be about 68–71 mW/m2.Maturity modelling places the Jurassic and/or Lower Cretaceous interval in the oil and gas generation windows, and source rocks of this age therefore probably generated the thermogenic gas found at the Dorado and Barracuda wells. If the source rocks are organic‐rich and oil‐ and gas‐prone, they may have generated economic volumes of hydrocarbons.
Tannic acid activates the Kv7.4 and Kv7.3/7.5 K+ channels expressed in HEK293 cells and reduces tension in the rat mesenteric arteries
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Chu Xi , Liu Ling , Zhang Nan , Guo Hui , Yang Fan , Liu Zhenyi , Dong Yongsheng , Bao Yifan , Zhang Xuan , Zhang Jianping 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigated the effect of tannic acid (TA), a plant-derived hydrolyzable polyphenol, on Kv7.4 and Kv7.5 K+ channels and rat mesenteric artery.

Methods
Whole-cell patch clamp experiments were used to record the Kv7.4 and Kv7.3/7.5 K+ currents expressed in HEK293 cells; and the tension changes of mesenteric arteries isolated from rats were recorded using small vessel myography apparatus.

Key findings
Tannic acid increases the Kv7.4 and Kv7.3/7.5 K+ currents in a concentration-dependent manner (median effective concentration (EC50) = 27.3 ± 3.6 μm and EC50 = 23.1 ± 3.9 μm, respectively). In addition, 30 μm TA shifts the G–V curve of Kv7.4 and Kv7.3/7.5 K+ currents to the left by 14.18 and 25.24 mV, respectively, and prolongs the deactivation time constants by 184.44 and 154.77 ms, respectively. Moreover, TA relaxes the vascular tension of rat mesenteric arteries in a concentration-dependent manner (half inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 148.7 ± 13.4 μm).

Conclusion
These results confirms the vasodilatory effects of TA on rat mesenteric artery and the activating effects on the Kv7.4 and Kv7.3/7.5 K+ channels, which may be a mechanism to explain the vasodilatory effect and this mechanism can be used in the research of antihypertension.
A Homozygous RAB3GAP1:c.743delC Mutation in Rottweilers with Neuronal Vacuolation and Spinocerebellar Degeneration
Authors: Mhlanga‐Mutangadura T. , Johnson G.S. , Ashwini A. , Shelton G.D. , Jablonski Wennogle Sara A. , Johnson G.C. , Kuroki K. , O'Brien D.P. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundA variety of presumed hereditary, neurologic diseases have been reported in young Rottweilers. Overlapping ages of onset and clinical signs have made antemortem diagnosis difficult. One of these diseases, neuronal vacuolation and spinocerebellar degeneration (NVSD) shares clinical and histological features with polyneuropathy with ocular abnormalities and neuronal vacuolation (POANV), a recently described hereditary disease in Black Russian Terriers (BRTs). Dogs with POANV harbor mutations in RAB3GAP1 which codes for a protein involved in membrane trafficking.HypothesisRottweilers with NVSD will be homozygous for the RAB3GAP1:c.743delC allele associated with POANV in BRTs.AnimalsEight Rottweilers with NVSD confirmed at necropsy, 128 Rottweilers without early onset neurologic signs, and 468 randomly selected dogs from 169 other breeds.MethodsRetrospective case–control study. Dogs were genotyped for the RAB3GAP1:c.743delC allele with an allelic discrimination assay.ResultsAll 8 NVSD‐affected dogs were homozygous for the RAB3GAP1:c.743delC allele while the 128 NVSD‐free Rottweilers were either homozygous for the reference allele (n = 105) or heterozygous (n = 23) and the 468 genotyped dogs from other breeds were all homozygous for the reference allele.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe RAB3GAP1:c.743delC mutation is associated with a similar phenotype in Rottweilers and BRTs. Identification of the mutation permits a DNA test that can aid in the diagnosis of NVSD and identify carriers of the trait so that breeders can avoid producing affected dogs. Disruption of membrane trafficking could explain the neuronal vacuolation seen in NVSD and other spongiform encephalopathies.
Effects of 0.5% Timolol Maleate Ophthalmic Solution on Heart Rate and Selected Echocardiographic Indices in Apparently Healthy Cats
Authors: Gunther‐Harrington C.T. , Ontiveros E.S. , Hodge T.E. , Visser L.C. , Stern J.A. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundEchocardiographic assessment of diastolic function is challenging in cats, partially because of transmitral flow pattern fusion associated with high heart rates. With heart rate (HR) reduction, transmitral flow waveforms separate, allowing identification of diastolic dysfunction. Timolol, an ophthalmic, nonselective beta‐blocker used in glaucoma is safe and transiently decreases HR in clinical trials.HypothesisAdministration of timolol ophthalmic solution decreases HR and facilitates echocardiographic assessment of diastolic function in cats without inducing clinically relevant adverse effects.AnimalsTwenty‐five apparently healthy cats.MethodsElectrocardiograms and echocardiograms including transmitral flow patterns were evaluated before and 20 minutes after ocular administration of 1 drop of timolol 0.5% solution. Twenty cats underwent treatment with timolol, and 5 different cats served as untreated controls to evaluate the effects of acclimation to the hospital environment on HR.ResultsAcclimation to the hospital had no effect on HR in control cats. After timolol administration, a significant median HR reduction of 25 bpm was observed (P< .0001). Timolol had no effect on E/A ratio in cats without E/A fusion (7/20,P= .44). Of the 13 cats with E and A waves that were fused before timolol application, separation of these waves was identified in 8 cats (62%) after timolol treatment. No bradyarrhythmias were noted after timolol administration, but 2 cats had first‐degree atrioventricular block. Timolol resulted in resolution of dynamic outflow tract obstruction in 6 of 6 cats.Conclusions and clinical importanceOcular administration of timolol safely decreases HR in cats and could facilitate assessment of diastolic function.
Characterization of equine cytochrome P450: role of CYP3A in the metabolism of diazepam
Authors: Nakayama S. M. M. , Ikenaka Y. , Hayami A. , Mizukawa H. , Darwish W. S. , Watanabe K. P. , Kawai Y. K. , Ishizuka M. 
Published: March 2016

Research on drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics in large animal species including the horse is scarce because of the challenges in conducting in vivo studies. The metabolic reactions catalyzed by cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are central to drug pharmacokinetics. This study elucidated the characteristics of equine CYPs using diazepam (DZP) as a model compound as this drug is widely used as an anesthetic and sedative in horses, and is principally metabolized by CYPs. Diazepam metabolic activities were measured in vitro using horse and rat liver microsomes to clarify the species differences in enzyme kinetic parameters of each metabolite (temazepam [TMZ], nordiazepam [NDZ], p‐hydroxydiazepam [p‐OH‐DZP], and oxazepam [OXZ]). In both species microsomes, TMZ was the major metabolite, but the formation rate of p‐OH‐DZP was significantly less in the horse. Inhibition assays with a CYP‐specific inhibitors and antibody suggested that CYP3A was the main enzyme responsible for DZP metabolism in horse. Four recombinant equine CYP3A isoforms expressed in Cos‐7 cells showed that CYP3A96, CYP3A94, and CYP3A89 were important for TMZ formation, whereas CYP3A97 exhibited more limited activity. Phylogenetic analysis suggested diversification of CYP3As in each mammalian order. Further study is needed to elucidate functional characteristics of each equine CYP3A isoform for effective use of diazepam in horses.
Evaluation of a fibrate, specific stimulant of PPARα, as a therapeutic alternative to the treatment of clinical ovine pregnancy toxaemia
Authors: Da Silva S. , Cal‐Pereyra L. G. , Benech A. , Acosta‐Dibarrat J. , Martin M. J. , Abreu M. C. , Perini S. , González‐Montaña J. R. 
Published: March 2016

Ovine pregnancy toxaemia is a metabolic disorder affecting sheep in their last 6 weeks of pregnancy as a result of their inability to maintain adequate energy homoeostasis. Different alternative treatments are available with variable results. The aim of this research was to evaluate a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) stimulant as an alternative to treat clinical pregnancy toxaemia. Thirty‐three adult sheep, with known gestation date and carrying a single foetus, were fasted from day 130 of gestation until animals showed clinical disease. From that moment onwards, sheep were treated during 6 days with three different therapeutic alternatives: 10 mg/kg of 2‐methyl‐2‐phenoxy‐propionic acid; 10 mg/kg of 2‐methyl‐2‐phenoxy‐propionic acid + 100 mL of propylene glycol oral; or 100 mL of propylene glycol oral. Glycaemia and serum β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHOB) were determined daily. Liver biopsies were taken at day 130 of gestation, at the beginning and end of treatments and at 5 days postpartum, evaluating the extent and degree of the steatosis lesion. Even though in sheep treated with 2‐methyl‐2‐phenoxy‐propionic acid, serum concentrations of glucose and BHOB recovered more slowly, we conclude that 2‐methyl‐2‐phenoxy‐propionic acid alone or combined with propylene glycol can be used as an alternative to effectively treat fatty liver, and therefore pregnancy toxaemia.
Socio‐genetic structure of short‐beaked common dolphins in southern Australia
Authors: Zanardo N. , Bilgmann K. , Parra G. J. , Möller L. M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDelphinids show a wide range of social structures. However, studies investigating the influence of genetic relatedness and maternal kinship on school associations are limited to a small number of relatively well‐studied delphinid species. This study investigated biparental genetic relatedness and potential maternal kinship structure in schools of short‐beaked common dolphinsDelphinus delphisfrom southern Australian waters. A total of 128 biopsy samples were obtained from free‐ranging individuals within 62 schools of common dolphins. Each sample was genotyped at 13 nuclear microsatellite markers, sequenced at 438 bp of the mitochondrialDNAcontrol region, and used for genetic sexing. Pairwise analyses within and between schools showed that the average genetic relatedness between males was greater within schools than between schools. Pairs of individuals within schools were also more likely to share mtDNAhaplotypes, for both pairs of males and of females. The results suggest that both biparental relatedness and potentially maternal kinship have an impact on school associations of short‐beaked common dolphins in southern Australia, similar to social traits reported of other dolphin species inhabiting shallow coastal environments. The information provided by this study contributes to our understanding of social evolution in delphinids. It also suggests that dolphin bycatch and deaths in fisheries from this region could lead to a reduction in the genetic diversity of this population, particularly if related individuals are simultaneously killed in the nets.
Significance of mate selection and adult sex ratio in tiger reintroduction/reinforcement programs
Authors: Anuradha Reddy P. , Ramesh K. , Shekhar Sarkar M. , Srivastava A. , Bhavanishankar M. , Shivaji S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTranslocations of large carnivores like tiger to restore extirpated populations are increasingly becoming important conservation tools in the face of persistent anthropogenic pressures and relentless habitat loss. Reintroduction success in Panna Tiger Reserve, India was variously attributed to high genetic diversity, less anthropogenic disturbance and stress, efficient execution and technological integrations. Here, we establish parentage relationships and explore the potential of mate choice and appropriate adult sex ratio to explain the successful reintroduction in Panna. We used a combination of radio‐telemetry and genetic analyses to understand mating interactions of translocated tigers and their outcomes. Surprisingly, relatedness and parentage analyses of nine cubs born in 2010–2012 suggested that five cubs (55.5%) were not sired by the single translocated male tiger, emphasizing the difficulty of assessing the persistence of tiger presence over a large geographic area. Genotype data of tigers originally from Panna prior to the present reintroduced population revealed that four cubs were sired by an original Panna tiger which possibly ranged transiently within the released tigers’ home ranges. Presence of additional male for mate choice can be a strong factor for successful reintroduction of tigers in Panna. Although number of females released is a good indicator of reintroduction success, the number of males released is also a very important factor for success. We hypothesize that while tigers live in female‐dominated population structure within male territories, mate selection strategies operate strongly between sexes. Translocation programs should therefore deliberate on this aspect of mate selection and accordingly consider founder compositions to achieve desirable results. This also reinforces the need for post‐release monitoring and thorough investigations into intraspecific interactions and behavior which will facilitate proper management and revival of tiger populations.
Cluster analysis on the bulk elemental compositions of Antarctic stony meteorites
Authors: Miyamoto Hideaki , Niihara Takafumi , Kuritani Takeshi , Hong Peng K. , Dohm James M. , Sugita Seiji 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRemote sensing observations by recent successful missions to small bodies have revealed the difficulty in classifying the materials which cover their surfaces into a conventional classification of meteorites. Although reflectance spectroscopy is a powerful tool for this purpose, it is influenced by many factors, such as space weathering, lighting conditions, and surface physical conditions (e.g., particle size and style of mixing). Thus, complementary information, such as elemental compositions, which can be obtained by X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and gamma‐ray spectrometers (GRS), have been considered very important. However, classifying planetary materials solely based on elemental compositions has not been investigated extensively. In this study, we perform principal component and cluster analyses on 12 major and minor elements of the bulk compositions of 500 meteorites reported in the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR), Japan database. Our unique approach, which includes using hierarchical cluster analysis, indicates that meteorites can be classified into about 10 groups purely by their bulk elemental compositions. We suggest that Si, Fe, Mg, Ca, and Na are the optimal set of elements, as this set has been used successfully to classify meteorites of the NIPR database with more than 94% accuracy. Principal components analysis indicates that elemental compositions of meteorites form eight clusters in the three‐dimensional space of the components. The three major principal components (PC1, PC2, and PC3) are interpreted as (1) degree of differentiations of the source body (i.e., primitive versus differentiated), (2) degree of thermal effects, and (3) degree of chemical fractionation, respectively.
Wealth Inequality and Economic Power: A Sequential Bargaining Analysis
Authors: Skillman Gilbert L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper adapts a matching and bargaining model due to Rubinstein and Wolinsky () to analyze the connection between wealth inequality and economic power, understood as the ability to command a positive share of the net gains from given production relations. The analysis indicates that the translation of superior wealth in productive assets into economic power depends on an inverse relationship between wealth and bargaining costs at the level of individual transactions when significant exchange frictions exist and persistent capital scarcity at the level of market equilibrium as exchange frictions become small. Different interpretations of this scarcity condition are discussed.
Cryptococcal osteomyelitis: a report of 5 cases and a review of the recent literature
Authors: Medaris Leigh Ann , Ponce Brent , Hyde Zane , Delgado Dennis , Ennis David , Lapidus William , Larrison Matthew , Pappas Peter G. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryCryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen associated with advanced HIV disease and other disorders associated with immune dysfunction. The pulmonary and the central nervous system are the most common manifestations of the disease. Localised osteomyelitis as the sole manifestation of extrapulmonary disease is rare. Herein, we present five cases of Cryptococcus osteomyelitis as the only manifestation of extrapulmonary disease. We also identified 84 additional cases of isolated cryptococcal osteomyelitis in the literature. Using these data, we have made some general recommendations regarding an approach to treatment of this uncommon clinical entity.
Manifestation of tranexamic acid toxicity in chronic kidney disease and kidney transplant patients: A report of four cases and review of literature
Authors: Ma Terry King‐Wing , Chow Kai Ming , Kwan Bonnie Ching‐Ha , Leung Chi Bon , Szeto Cheuk Chun , Li Philip Kam‐Tao 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimTranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic anti‐fibrinolytic agent commonly used for the prevention and treatment of bleeding disorders. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical manifestation of TXA toxicity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2014, we encountered four CKD patients who experienced severe complications related to TXA. Clinical manifestations and outcome of these patients were recorded. We then performed a qualitative literature review of published cases of TXA toxicity in CKD patients in the PubMed database from 1 January 1972 to 31 December 2015.ResultsIn our centre, two peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients developed neurotoxicity after intravenous TXA use for surgical bleeding and one PD patient developed neurotoxicity after oral TXA use for post‐polypectomy colonic bleeding. One kidney transplant recipient developed acute obstructive uropathy due to retention of blood clot at the pelvi‐ureteric junction of graft kidney after taking oral TXA for menorrhagia. Dosage of TXA was not adjusted according to renal function in all cases. All of them recovered without permanent disability after TXA was stopped. From our literature search, we identified two cases of neurotoxicity (one PD, one stage 4 CKD patient), one case of retinal toxicity in a haemolysis (HD) patient, one case of ligneous conjunctivitis in a CKD patient, and one case of toxic epidermal necrolysis in a CKD patient.ConclusionNeurotoxicity is a very common clinical manifestation of TXA toxicity in CKD patients. Thrombotic complication is rare. Dosage adjustment of TXA is essential in CKD patients.
Successful treatment with foscarnet for ganciclovir‐resistant cytomegalovirus infection in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report
Authors: Iwami Daiki , Ogawa Yayoi , Fujita Hiromi , Morita Ken , Sasaki Hajime , Oishi Yuichiro , Higuchi Haruka , Hatanaka Kanako , Shinohara Nobuo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common infectious complication following solid organ transplantation. Ganciclovir (GCV)‐resistant CMV infection may be fatal, and is difficult to treat while avoiding allograft rejection. A 31‐year‐old woman received a second ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant, from her father. Induction therapy consisted of basiliximab and rituximab followed by maintenance immunosuppression with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and methylprednisolone. Her CMV serostatus was D+/R‐ at second transplant and she received prophylactic low‐dose valganciclovir (VGCV). BK polyoma virus nephropathy (BKVN) developed 7 months after transplant concurrent with CMV hepatitis and retinitis. VGCV was increased to a therapeutic dose combined with reduced immunosuppression with minimal methylprednisolone (2 mg/day) and everolimus (0.5 mg/day). However, pp65 antigenaemia continued to increase for 6 weeks. Her CMV was defined as ganciclovir (GCV)‐resistant. Foscarnet was therefore administered and her CMV disease resolved within 2 weeks. Kidney allograft dysfunction developed 9 months after transplant, and graft biopsy showed tubulointerstitial injury with crystal deposition suggesting foscarnet nephrotoxicity, with no findings of BKVN or rejection. Kidney function recovered after cessation of foscarnet and the patient had good graft function 18 months after transplant. This case demonstrates the successful use of foscarnet to treat GCV‐resistant CMV infection after ABO‐incompatible kidney transplant complicated with BKVN, without acute allograft rejection. This case further highlights the need to establish appropriate management for CMV D+/R‐ patients to avoid the acquisition of GCV‐resistant gene mutations.
Two cases of kidney transplantation‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy successfully treated with eculizumab
Authors: Ikeda Takashi , Okumi Masayoshi , Unagami Kohei , Kanzawa Taichi , Sawada Anri , Kawanishi Kunio , Omoto Kazuya , Ishida Hideki , Tanabe Kazunari 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTransplantation‐associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA‐TMA) is relatively rare and requires immediate intervention to avoid irreversible organ damage or death; however, consensus regarding the treatment approach is lacking. Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare disease caused by dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway resulting in TMA. aHUS is histologically similar to TA‐TMA; approximately 60% of TA‐TMA patients have complement dysregulation. Eculizumab, a humanized anti‐C5 monoclonal antibody, inhibits terminal membrane‐attack complex formation and TMA progression. Eculizumab has been successfully used to treat aHUS post‐transplant. We present two cases of kidney TA‐TMA due to unknown causes, suspected antibody‐mediated rejection, or calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)‐related toxicity that developed on day 1 or 2 post‐kidney transplantation. Low platelet count and haemoglobin level with red cell fragments were detected. Despite steroid pulse, plasma exchange (PE), and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, TA‐TMA did not improve; therefore, eculizumab was administered despite no genetic testing. Laboratory data, including renal function, improved immediately. TA‐TMA treatment primarily involves PE initiation or CNI discontinuation; eculizumab can be used to safely treat TA‐TMA and then be ceased in the short term. Therefore, eculizumab administration might be beneficial for kidney TA‐TMA as early as the diagnosis of refractory to PE.