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Hossain R, Ruff J, Kaelber D, Tarabichi Y. 78 COVID-19 Pandemic Did Not Exacerbate Racial Disparity in Incidence of Emergency Department Visits For Asthma Exacerbations. Ann Emerg Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2021.07.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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2
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Le QK, Ruff J, Huss S, Lellé R, De Santis C, Metke F, Zdanyte K, Witteler R. Lymphangioma circumscriptum – Eine wichtige Differentialdiagnose zur Vulvaneoplasie. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2020. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Q-K Le
- Universitätsklinik Münster, Gynäkologie
| | - J Ruff
- Universitätsklinik Münster, Pathologie
| | - S Huss
- Universitätsklinik Münster, Pathologie
| | - R Lellé
- Universitätsklinik Münster, Gynäkologie
| | | | - F Metke
- Universitätsklinik Münster, Gynäkologie
| | - K Zdanyte
- Universitätsklinik Münster, Gynäkologie
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Naanyu V, Ruff J, Goodrich S, Spira T, Bateganya M, Toroitich-Ruto C, Otieno-Nyunya B, Siika AM, Wools-Kaloustian K. Qualitative exploration of perceived benefits of care and barriers influencing HIV care in trans Nzoia, Kenya. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:355. [PMID: 32334601 PMCID: PMC7183649 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05236-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Substantial efforts have been made to ensure people living with HIV (PLHIV) are linked to and retained in care but many challenges deter care utilization. We report perceived benefits of seeking HIV care and barriers to HIV care that were identified through a formative assessment conducted to advise the development of an alternative care model to deliver antiretroviral treatment therapy (ART) in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. Methods Data were collected in 2015 through key informant interviews (KIIs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study involved 55 participants of whom 53% were female. Ten KIIs provided community contextual information and viewpoints on the HIV epidemic in Trans Nzoia County while 20 PLHIV (10 male and 10 female) participated in IDIs. Twenty-five individuals living with HIV participated in four FGDs - two groups for men and two for women. Key informants were purposively selected, while every third patient above 18 years at the Kitale HIV Clinic was invited to share their HIV care experience through IDIs or FGDs. Trained research assistants moderated all sessions and audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Results Findings showed that PLHIV in Trans Nzoia County used both conventional and complementary alternative care for HIV; however, public health facilities were preferred. Popular perceived benefits of adopting care were relief from symptoms and the chance to live longer. Benefits of care uptake included weight gain, renewed energy, and positive behavior change. Individual-level barriers to HIV care included lack of money and food, use of alternative care, negative side effects of ART, denial, and disclosure difficulties. At the community level, stigma, limited social support for conventional HIV treatment, and poor means of transport were reported. The health system barriers were limited supplies and staff, long distance to conventional HIV care, and unprofessional providers. Conclusions Diverse individual, community and health system barriers continue to affect HIV care-seeking efforts in Kenya. Appreciation of context and lived experiences allows for development of realistic care models.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Naanyu
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, College of Health Science, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.
| | - J Ruff
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - S Goodrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - T Spira
- Division of Global HIV &TB, United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Bateganya
- Division of Global HIV &TB, United States Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - A M Siika
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - K Wools-Kaloustian
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Ruff J, Hassan N, Morales-Zavala F, Steitz J, Araya E, Kogan MJ, Simon U. CLPFFD-PEG functionalized NIR-absorbing hollow gold nanospheres and gold nanorods inhibit β-amyloid aggregation. J Mater Chem B 2018; 6:2432-2443. [PMID: 32254460 DOI: 10.1039/c8tb00655e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles with specific optical properties in combination with the CLPFFD peptide that exhibits selectivity for β-amyloid (Aβ) aggregates are promising photothermal absorbers for application in Alzheimer's disease therapy. We report on hollow gold nanospheres (HAuNS) and gold nanorods (AuNR), which exhibit strong plasmonic near infrared (NIR) absorbance in the optical window of biological tissue and which are functionalized with CLPFFD in two different ways. Therefore the peptide was either directly bound to the particle surface or indirectly to a particle-protecting polyethylene glycol (PEG) ligand shell, thereby reducing the CLPFFD density on the surfaces of both types of particles. Fully PEGylated particles were used for comparison. The effects on cell viability and the fundamental suitability of the HAuNS and AuNR conjugates as photothermal absorbers to inhibit Aβ-fibrillation are analysed in vitro. The positive influence of the use of PEG ligands on the reduced cytotoxicity of the conjugates and on the Aβ-disaggregation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ruff
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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Ruff J, Hüwel S, Kogan MJ, Simon U, Galla HJ. The effects of gold nanoparticles functionalized with ß -amyloid specific peptides on an in vitro model of blood–brain barrier. Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine 2017; 13:1645-1652. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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6
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Ruff J, Steitz J, Buchkremer A, Noyong M, Hartmann H, Besmehn A, Simon U. Multivalency of PEG-thiol ligands affects the stability of NIR-absorbing hollow gold nanospheres and gold nanorods. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:2828-2841. [DOI: 10.1039/c6tb00674d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In this work the effect of multivalency on the stability of NIR-absorbing HAuNSs and AuNRs functionalized by mono-, bi- and tridentate polyethyleneglycol (PEG) thiol ligands is reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ruff
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- RWTH Aachen University
- Aachen
- Germany
| | - J. Steitz
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science
- University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen University
- Aachen
- Germany
| | - A. Buchkremer
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- RWTH Aachen University
- Aachen
- Germany
| | - M. Noyong
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- RWTH Aachen University
- Aachen
- Germany
| | - H. Hartmann
- Central Institute for Engineering
- Electronics and Analytics (ZEA-3)
- Jülich
- Germany
| | - A. Besmehn
- Central Institute for Engineering
- Electronics and Analytics (ZEA-3)
- Jülich
- Germany
| | - U. Simon
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
- RWTH Aachen University
- Aachen
- Germany
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Graessl A, Ruehle A, Renz W, Winter L, Pfeiffer H, Ruff J, Rieger J, Niendorf T. Sodium imaging of the heart at 7T: design, evaluation and application of a four-channel transmit/receive surface coil array. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2013. [PMCID: PMC3560029 DOI: 10.1186/1532-429x-15-s1-w14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Kenderes K, Aszalós R, Ruff J, Barton Z, Standovár T. Effects of topography and tree stand characteristics on susceptibility of forests to natural disturbances (ice and wind) in the Börzsöny Mountains (Hungary). COMMUNITY ECOL 2007. [DOI: 10.1556/comec.8.2007.2.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Krieg Robert W, Requardt M, Ruff J, Aravind A, Bulte Jeff W. MR based Detection of Microcapsules for Cell Therapies and Theranostics. J Stem Cells Regen Med 2007; 2:202. [PMID: 24693000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W Krieg Robert
- Siemens Medical Solutions AG , Allee Rothelheimpark 6, 91050 Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Requardt
- Siemens Medical Solutions AG , Allee Rothelheimpark 6, 91050 Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Ruff
- Siemens Medical Solutions AG , Allee Rothelheimpark 6, 91050 Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Aravind
- Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes , Blalock 644, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD21212, USA
| | - Wm Bulte Jeff
- Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes , Blalock 644, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD21212, USA
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Küker W, Ruff J, Gaertner S, Mehnert F, Mader I, Nägele T. Modern MRI tools for the characterization of acute demyelinating lesions: value of chemical shift and diffusion-weighted imaging. Neuroradiology 2004; 46:421-6. [PMID: 15114427 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-004-1203-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2004] [Accepted: 03/08/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Acute demyelinating lesions occur in various inflammatory disorders of the CNS. Apart from multiple sclerosis, most cases can be attributed to an overshooting immunological response to infectious agents called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). ADEM, which is mostly characterized by a monophasic course, has a multiphasic variant (MDEM). The early application of corticosteroids has been shown to be beneficial for the outcome; thus, an early diagnosis is highly desirable. Furthermore, the differential diagnosis ruling out neoplastic disorders may be difficult using conventional MRI alone. The potential diagnostic value of advanced MR techniques such as chemical shift imaging (CSI) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was investigated in a patient with MDEM, who had a new lesion in continuity with the initial disease manifestation. CSI was performed at 1.5 T with a long echo time of 135 ms for the evaluation of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA) and choline (Cho) and with short TE of 30 ms for macromolecules (mm) and myo-Inositol (mI). DWI was performed using a single-shot isotropic EPI sequence. Whereas acute and chronic areas of demyelination were neither distinguishable on T2- nor on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted images, CSI and DWI revealed different metabolite concentrations and diffusion characteristics within the composite lesion, clearly separating acute from chronic areas of demyelination. In conclusion, the addition of CSI and DWI may add to the diagnostic power of MRI in the setting of demyelinating disorders by identifying areas of acute and chronic demyelination, even in the absence of contrast enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Küker
- Department of Neuroradiology, University of Tübingen Medical School, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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Nahrendorf M, Wiesmann F, Hiller KH, Hu K, Waller C, Ruff J, Lanz TE, Neubauer S, Haase A, Ertl G, Bauer WR. Serial cine-magnetic resonance imaging of left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats. J Magn Reson Imaging 2001; 14:547-55. [PMID: 11747006 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.1218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of the present study was the serial investigation of morphological and functional changes after left coronary artery ligation in the intact rat using cine-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI studies were performed 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after myocardial infarction (MI) with an echocardiogram (ECG)-triggered cine-fast low-angle shot (FLASH)-sequence in a 7-Tesla magnet. MI-size, left ventricular (LV) mass and volumes, cardiac index, ejection fraction (EF), and remote wall and scar thickness of 11 Wistar rats were compared to four sham-operated rats. Stress MRI with dobutamine (10 microl/kg x minute) was performed at 16 weeks. In MI groups (small MI < 30%, N = 5, large MI > 30%, N = 6), there was significant increase of LV mass (small MI + 47.8% increase, large MI + 74.1%) and wall thickness (large MI 1.21 +/- 0.03 to 1.84 +/- 0.07 mm). Scar thickness declined from four to 16 weeks (large MI 0.92 +/- 0.06 to 0.38 +/- 0.02 mm, P < 0.05). End-diastolic volume of both MI groups was significantly elevated but increased further only in animals with large MI from four to 16 weeks (657.1 +/- 38.6 to 869.7 +/- 60.7 microL, P < 0.05). Compared to sham, EF was significantly depressed in MI (large MI 31.5 +/- 2.0%). Wall thickening declined from four to 16 weeks post-MI (large MI 50.9 +/- 9.9 to 28.9 +/- 4.4%, P < 0.05). During stress, sham and MI rats increased wall thickening from 66.5 +/- 8.2 to 111.2 +/- 6.7% and from 30.8 +/- 4.3 to 47.5 +/- 5.8%, respectively (P < 0.05). Hypertrophy was found in all animals with MI throughout the entire period of observation, whereas dilatation after four weeks was only detected in animals with large MI. These morphologic changes were accompanied by an early decline of EF; myocardial function characterized by wall thickening deteriorated later.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nahrendorf
- Physikalisches Institut (EP5), Universität Würzburg, Germany
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12
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Nahrendorf M, Wiesmann F, Hiller KH, Han H, Hu K, Waller C, Ruff J, Haase A, Ertl G, Bauer WR. In vivo assessment of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction in rats by cine-magnetic resonance imaging. J Cardiovasc Magn Reson 2001; 2:171-80. [PMID: 11545114 DOI: 10.3109/10976640009146565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rat infarct model offers important parallels to the process of remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) in humans. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of cine fast low-angle shot (FLASH) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for assessment of the infarcted and noninfarcted rat heart and to compare the results with established methods. In group A, MRI was done 8-16 weeks after MI on a 7-T scanner using an electrocardiogram-triggered cine-FLASH sequence. We determined left ventricular (LV) volumes and mass, wall thickness, MI size, cardiac output, and ejection fraction. Afterward, MI size was histologically determined. In group B, after MRI eight controls and eight rats 16 weeks after MI underwent conventional hemodynamic measurements for determination of cardiac output, LV volumes, and ejection fraction by electromagnetic flowmeter and pressure-volume curves. LV wet weight was determined. In group A, MRI-acquired MI size (18.5 +/- 2%) was smaller than histology (22.8 +/- 2.5%, p < 0.05) with close correlation (r = 0.97). In group B, agreement in LV mass was found between MRI and wet weight (controls, 537.6 +/- 19.6 vs. 540.3 +/- 18.4 mg; MI, 865.1 +/- 39.2 vs. 865.1 +/- 41.3 mg; for the difference p = ns, r = 0.97, p < 0.05) and in the MRI and flowmeter measurements (cardiac output, controls 73.1 +/- 2.9 vs. 75.2 +/- 2.6 ml/min; MI 82.4 +/- 5.2 vs. 81.9 +/- 3.7 ml/min; for the difference p = ns, r = 0.80, p < 0.05). End-diastolic volume by MRI differed from pressure-volume curves with good correlation (controls, 343.9 +/- 8.4 vs. 262.7 +/- 12.8 microl; MI, 737.0 +/- 70.5 vs. 671.1 +/- 64.1 microl; p < 0.05 each, r = 0.96, p < 0.05). Cine-FLASH-MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool applicable to the rat model of MI. Being noninvasive and exact, it offers new insights in the remodeling process after MI because serial measurements are possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nahrendorf
- Department of Biophysics, (EP5), University of Würzburg, Germany
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Denger K, Ruff J, Rein U, Cook AM. Sulphoacetaldehyde sulpho-lyase (EC 4.4.1.12) from Desulfonispora thiosulfatigenes: purification, properties and primary sequence. Biochem J 2001; 357:581-6. [PMID: 11439112 PMCID: PMC1221989 DOI: 10.1042/0264-6021:3570581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The strictly anaerobic bacterium Desulfonispora thiosulfatigenes ferments taurine via sulphoacetaldehyde, which is hydrolysed to acetate and sulphite by sulphoacetaldehyde sulpho-lyase (EC 4.4.1.12). The lyase was expressed at high levels and a two-step, 4.5-fold purification yielded an apparently homogeneous soluble protein, which was presumably a homodimer in its native form; the molecular mass of the subunit was about 61 kDa (by SDS/PAGE). The mass was determined to be 63.8 kDa by matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) MS. The purified enzyme converted 1 mol of sulphoacetaldehyde to 1 mol each of sulphite and acetate, but no requirement for thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) was detected. The N-terminal and two internal amino acid sequences were determined, which allowed us to generate PCR primers. The gene was amplified and sequenced. The DNA sequence had no significant homologue in the databases searched, whereas the derived amino acid sequence indicated an oxo-acid lyase, revealed a TPP-binding site and gave a derived molecular mass of 63.8 kDa.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Denger
- Department of Biology, The University, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
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Tralau T, Cook AM, Ruff J. Map of the IncP1beta plasmid pTSA encoding the widespread genes (tsa) for p-toluenesulfonate degradation in Comamonas testosteroni T-2. Appl Environ Microbiol 2001; 67:1508-16. [PMID: 11282598 PMCID: PMC92762 DOI: 10.1128/aem.67.4.1508-1516.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The catabolic IncP1beta plasmid pTSA from Comamonas testosteroni T-2 was mapped by subtractive analysis of restriction digests, by sequencing outwards from the tsa operon (toluenesulfonate degradation), and by generating overlapping, long-distance-PCR amplification products. The plasmid was estimated to comprise 72 +/- 4 kb. The tsa region was found to be a composite transposon flanked by two IS1071 elements. A cryptic tsa operon was also present in the tsa transposon. Those backbone genes and regions which we sequenced were in the same order as the corresponding genes in resistance plasmid R751, and identities of about 99% were observed. Enrichment cultures with samples from four continents were done to obtain organisms able to utilize p-toluenesulfonate as the sole source of carbon and energy for aerobic growth. Most (15) of the 16 cultures (13 of them isolates) were obtained from contaminated sites and were attributed to three metabolic groups, depending on their metabolism of p-toluenesulfonate. The largest group contained the tsa transposon, usually (six of seven isolates) with negligible differences in sequence from strain T-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Tralau
- Department of Biology, The University of Konstanz, Universitätstrasse 10, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
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Wiesmann F, Ruff J, Engelhardt S, Hein L, Dienesch C, Leupold A, Illinger R, Frydrychowicz A, Hiller KH, Rommel E, Haase A, Lohse MJ, Neubauer S. Dobutamine-stress magnetic resonance microimaging in mice : acute changes of cardiac geometry and function in normal and failing murine hearts. Circ Res 2001; 88:563-9. [PMID: 11282889 DOI: 10.1161/01.res.88.6.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the capability of MRI to characterize systolic and diastolic function in normal and chronically failing mouse hearts in vivo at rest and during inotropic stimulation. Applying an ECG-gated FLASH-cine sequence, MRI at 7 T was performed at rest and after administration of 1.5 microgram/g IP dobutamine. There was a significant increase of heart rate, cardiac output, and ejection fraction and significant decrease of end-diastolic and end-systolic left ventricular (LV) volumes (P<0.01 each) in normal mice during inotropic stimulation. In mice with heart failure due to chronic myocardial infarction (MI), MRI at rest revealed gross LV dilatation. There was a significant decrease of LV ejection fraction in infarcted mice (29%) versus sham mice (58%). Mice with MI showed a significantly reduced maximum LV ejection rate (P<0.001) and LV filling rate (P<0.01) and no increase of LV dynamics during dobutamine action, indicating loss of contractile and relaxation reserve. In 4-month-old transgenic mice with cardiospecific overexpression of the beta(1)-adrenergic receptor, which at this early stage do not show abnormalities of resting cardiac function, LV filling rate failed to increase after dobutamine stress (transgenic, 0.19+/-0.03 microL/ms; wild type, 0.36+/-0.01 microL/ms; P<0.01). Thus, MRI unmasked diastolic dysfunction during dobutamine stress. Dobutamine-stress MRI allows noninvasive assessment of systolic and diastolic components of heart failure. This study shows that MRI can demonstrate loss of inotropic and lusitropic response in mice with MI and can unmask diastolic dysfunction as an early sign of cardiac dysfunction in a transgenic mouse model of heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Wiesmann
- Medizinische Universitätsklinik Würzburg, Germany.
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Laue H, Friedrich M, Ruff J, Cook AM. Dissimilatory sulfite reductase (desulfoviridin) of the taurine-degrading, non-sulfate-reducing bacterium Bilophila wadsworthia RZATAU contains a fused DsrB-DsrD subunit. J Bacteriol 2001; 183:1727-33. [PMID: 11160104 PMCID: PMC95058 DOI: 10.1128/jb.183.5.1727-1733.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2000] [Accepted: 12/06/2000] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A dissimilatory sulfite reductase (DSR) was purified from the anaerobic, taurine-degrading bacterium Bilophila wadsworthia RZATAU to apparent homogeneity. The enzyme is involved in energy conservation by reducing sulfite, which is formed during the degradation of taurine as an electron acceptor, to sulfide. According to its UV-visible absorption spectrum with maxima at 392, 410, 583, and 630 nm, the enzyme belongs to the desulfoviridin type of DSRs. The sulfite reductase was isolated as an alpha2beta)gamma(n) (n > or = 2) multimer with a native size of 285 kDa as determined by gel filtration. We have sequenced the genes encoding the alpha and beta subunits (dsrA and dsrB, respectively), which probably constitute one operon. dsrA and dsrB encode polypeptides of 49 (alpha) and 54 kDa (beta) which show significant similarities to the homologous subunits of other DSRs. The dsrB gene product of B. wadsworthia is apparently a fusion protein of dsrB and dsrD. This indicates a possible functional role of DsrD in DSR function because of its presence as a fusion protein as an integral part of the DSR holoenzyme in B. wadsworthia. A phylogenetic analysis using the available Dsr sequences revealed that B. wadsworthia grouped with its closest 16S rDNA relative Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Essex 6.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Laue
- Fachbereich Biologie, Universität Konstanz, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany.
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Wiesmann F, Ruff J, Dienesch C, Leupold A, Rommel E, Haase A, Neubauer S. Cardiovascular phenotype characterization in mice by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging. MAGMA 2000; 11:10-5. [PMID: 11186973 DOI: 10.1007/bf02678482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- F Wiesmann
- Medizinische Universitätsklinik Würzburg, Germany.
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Ruff J, Wiesmann F, Lanz T, Haase A. Magnetic resonance imaging of coronary arteries and heart valves in a living mouse: techniques and preliminary results. J Magn Reson 2000; 146:290-296. [PMID: 11001845 DOI: 10.1006/jmre.2000.2147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
New investigations in MRI of a mouse heart showed high-contrast cardiac images and thereby the possibility of doing functional cardiac studies of in vivo mice. But is MRI, in addition, capable of visualizing microstructures such as the coronary arteries and the heart valves of a living mouse? To answer this question, 2D and 3D gradient echo sequences with and without flow compensation were used to image the coronary arteries. To increase signal-to-noise ratio, a birdcage resonator was optimized for mouse heart imaging. Contrast between blood and myocardium was achieved through the inflow effect. A segmented three-dimensional FLASH sequence acquired with a multiple overlap thin slab technique showed the best results. With this technique an isotropic resolution of 100 microm was achieved. The left coronary artery could be visualized up to the apex of the heart. This is demonstrated with short axis views and 3D surface reconstructions of the mouse heart. The four cardiac valves were also visible with the 3D method.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ruff
- Physikalisches Institut, EP 5, Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, D-97074, Germany
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Wiesmann F, Ruff J, Hiller KH, Rommel E, Haase A, Neubauer S. Developmental changes of cardiac function and mass assessed with MRI in neonatal, juvenile, and adult mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2000; 278:H652-7. [PMID: 10666098 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.2000.278.2.h652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular transgenic mouse models with an early phenotype or even premature death require noninvasive imaging methods that allow for accurate visualization of cardiac morphology and function. Thus the purpose of our study was to assess the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to characterize cardiac function and mass in newborn, juvenile, and adult mice. Forty-five C57bl/6 mice from seven age groups (3 days to 4 mo after birth) were studied by MRI under isoflurane anesthesia. Electrocardiogram-gated cine MRI was performed with an in-plane resolution of (78-117 microm)(2). Temporal resolution per cine frame was 8.6 ms. MRI revealed cardiac anatomy in mice from all age groups with high temporal and spatial resolution. There was close correlation between MRI- and autopsy-determined left ventricular (LV) mass (r = 0.95, SE of estimate = 9.5 mg). The increase of LV mass (range 9.6-101.3 mg), cardiac output (range 1.1-14.3 ml/min), and stroke volume (range 3. 2-40.2 microl) with age could be quantified by MRI measurements. Ejection fraction and cardiac index did not change with aging. However, LV mass index decreased with increasing age (P < 0.01). High-resolution MRI allows for accurate in vivo assessment of cardiac function in neonatal, juvenile, and adult mice. This method should be useful when applied in transgenic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Wiesmann
- Department of Cardiology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Highly substituted arenesulfonates are chemically stable compounds with a range of industrial applications, and they are widely regarded as being poorly degradable. We did enrichment cultures for bacteria able to utilise the sulfonate moiety of 14 compounds, and we obtained mixed cultures that were able to desulfonate each compound. The products formed were usually identified as the corresponding phenol, but because we could not obtain pure cultures, we followed up these findings with quantitative work in pure cultures of, e.g., Pseudomonas putida S-313, which generated the same phenols from the compounds studied. Many of these phenols are known to be biodegradable, or to be subject to binding to soil components. We thus presume that the capacity to degrade aromatic sulfonates extensively is widespread in the environment, even though the degradative capacity is spread over several organisms and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ruff
- Swiss Federal Institute for Materials Testing and Research, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Affiliation(s)
- F Wiesmann
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Wuerzburg, Germany
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Ruff J, Wiesmann F, Hiller KH, Voll S, von Kienlin M, Bauer WR, Rommel E, Neubauer S, Haase A. Magnetic resonance microimaging for noninvasive quantification of myocardial function and mass in the mouse. Magn Reson Med 1998; 40:43-8. [PMID: 9660551 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.1910400106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to develop high-resolution cardiac magnetic resonance imaging techniques for the in vivo mouse model for quantification of myocardial function and mass. Eight male mice were investigated on a 7-Tesla MRI scanner. High-quality images in multiple short axis slices (in-plane resolution 117 microm2, slice thickness 1 mm) were acquired with an ECG-gated cine sequence. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and mass were calculated from segmented slice volumes. There was precise agreement of left ventricular mass determined ex vivo and by MRI. Intraobserver (5%) and interobserver (5%) variability of in vivo MR measurements were low.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ruff
- Physikalisches Institut (EP5), Universität Würzburg, Germany
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Ruff J. The globalization of a food processor. Food Drug Law J 1996; 51:727-734. [PMID: 11797738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Ruff
- Kraft Foods International, USA
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Romig H, Ruff J, Fackelmayer FO, Patil MS, Richter A. Characterisation of two intronic nuclear-matrix-attachment regions in the human DNA topoisomerase I gene. Eur J Biochem 1994; 221:411-9. [PMID: 8168528 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1994.tb18753.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We identify two high-affinity matrix-attachment regions (MAR elements) located in two introns of the human DNA topoisomerase I gene (TOP1). These intronic MAR elements, designated MI and MII, are specifically bound by the nuclear matrix and partition with scaffolds in vitro. One of these MAR elements, MII, is part of a genomic region which is hypersensitive for endogenous nucleases. We have sequenced both DNA elements and have characterized their mode of binding to the nuclear matrix. Experiments with the minor-groove-binding ligands distamycin and chromomycin indicate that the A+T-rich regions, most likely homopolymeric A tracts, are responsible for binding of these DNA elements to the nuclear matrix. MII contains an alu-like element and a segment of curved DNA. Analysis of subfragments of MII show that the curved DNA region itself shows only weak nuclear-matrix binding, and that the high-affinity binding sites are located on subfragments on the 5' side of the curved DNA. In addition, we found that the alu-like sequence does not contribute significantly to the binding of MII and of subfragments of MII to nuclear-matrix proteins. Comparing the distribution of repetitive sequences in the cloned parts of human DNA topoisomerase I gene with the location of high-affinity matrix-binding sites we find no evidence that repetitive DNA may be located close to MAR elements as has been previously suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Romig
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
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Brown JR, Dukes JC, Beidler EJ, Chew V, Ruff J. A comparison of Teflon slides and the Army Insecticide Measuring System for sampling aerosol clouds. J Am Mosq Control Assoc 1993; 9:32-35. [PMID: 8468572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The effects of method of droplet analysis, reader of Teflon slides and distance on mass median diameter of a Cythion aerosol cloud were examined in the calibration of an Army Insecticide Measuring System (AIMS). There were no significant differences in results among readers and between the AIMS and readers. There were slight but statistically significant differences between readers of Teflon slides and between the methods of analysis. Data supports the manufacturer's recommendation that, for the AIMS, the distance at which an aerosol generator air blast is between 3 and 7 m3 s-1 must be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Brown
- U.S. Navy Disease Vector Ecology and Control Center, Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, FL 32212-0043
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Abstract
The intracellular substrate for eukaryotic DNA topoisomerases is chromatin rather than protein-free DNA. Yet, little is known about the action of topoisomerases on chromatin-associated DNA. We have analyzed to what extent the organization of DNA in chromatin influences the accessibility of DNA molecules for topoisomerase I cleavage in vitro. Using potassium dodecyl sulfate precipitation (Trask et al., 1984), we found that DNA in chromatin is cleaved by the enzyme with somewhat reduced efficiency compared to protein-free DNA. Furthermore, using native SV40 chromatin and mononucleosomes assembled in vitro, we show that DNA bound to histone octamer complexes is cleaved by topoisomerase I and that the cleavage sites as well as their overall distribution are identical in histone-bound and in protein-free DNA molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Richter
- Division of Biology, University of Konstanz, FRG
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Kpakiwa R, Torrance E, Hill U, Busby A, Ruff J. Janette: a special mother. Nurs Times 1987; 83:41-3. [PMID: 3432075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Raffe MR, Crimi AJ, Ruff J. Effect of diazepam pretreatment on succinylcholine-induced muscle fasciculation in the dog. Am J Vet Res 1982; 43:510-2. [PMID: 7073067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of diazepam in attenuation of succinylcholine-induced muscle fasciculations was studied in the dog. Dosage levels of 0.11, 0.22, 0.55, or 1.1 mg of diazepam/kg of body weight were studied in 4 groups of 5 dogs each; another group of 5 dogs served as a control. There was no difference in the occurrence or severity of succinylcholine-induced muscle fasciculations between dogs given diazepam and nontreated controls. Using serum potassium as a quantitative index of physiologic effects of muscle depolarization, differences could not be detected between treated and nontreated dogs.
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McGrath CJ, Feeney D, Crimi AJ, Ruff J. Upper airway of the California sea lion: an anesthetist's perspective. Vet Med Small Anim Clin 1981; 76:548-9. [PMID: 6908776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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McGrath CJ, Rempel WE, Jessen CR, Addis PB, Crimi AJ, Ruff J. Protection from halothane-induced porcine malignant hyperthermia syndrome by droperidol. Lab Anim Sci 1980; 30:992-5. [PMID: 7464035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A group of 43 pigs from eight litters of purebred Pietrains were identified as malignant hyperthermia susceptible by halothane testing, and their reaction time (measured in seconds from the onset of halothane administration of the onset of skeletal muscle rigidity) was recorded. One week later, these pigs were treated with 0.02, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg of droperidol 1 hour prior to a second halothane test. Pigs with a post-droperidol reaction time of greater than 100.4 seconds (mean + 2.021 SD of initial reaction time) were considered to be protected from malignant hyperthermia. Droperidol afforded some degree of protection at all doses tested. The effective dose50 was determined to be 0.055 with 95% confidence limits of 0.017 to 0.183 mg/kg.
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