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Nowak A, Martin S, Höhne M, Heller W, Usichenko TI, Klemm E. Tracheal airway pressure in tracheostomy tube capping trials: an experimental study. BMC Pulm Med 2022; 22:484. [PMID: 36539764 PMCID: PMC9768925 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-022-02277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tracheostomy tube capping is a commonly used test to determine if the tracheostomy tube can be removed. The success of the capping trial depends on the patient's ability to maintain sufficient spontaneous breathing with an occluded tracheostomy tube. The impact of an occluded tracheotomy tube on airway resistance is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate tracheal pressure during capping or stoma button insertion and potential determinants concerning cuff. METHODS Eight cuffed and uncuffed tracheostomy tubes and three stoma buttons of various manufacturers and sizes were inserted into the trachea model. Cuffs were completely deflated or contained atmospheric pressure. The trachea was ventilated bidirectional with a respirator in volume-controlled mode and volume flows 15-60 L/min. Tracheal pressure drop during inspiration as a parameter of pressure required to move gas through the airway was measured. RESULTS Tracheal pressure drops occurred linearly or irregularly during capping trials to a maximum of 4.2 kPa at flow rates of 60 L/min for atmospheric pressure cuffs. In tracheostomy tubes with completely deflated cuffs, pressure drop in the trachea reaches a maximum of 3.4 kPa at a flow rate of 60 L/min. For tracheostomy tubes with cuff smaller inner or outer diameters do not regularly result in lower tracheal pressure drop. The pressure drop varies between different tracheostomy tubes depending on the manufacturer. In cuffed tracheostomy tubes, we observed three phenomena: sail-like positioning, folding over, and tightening of the cuff during flow. The maximum tracheal pressure drop during stoma button insertion reaches 0.014 kPa. CONCLUSIONS The cuff is a central element for the pressure drop in the airway and thus airway resistance during spontaneous translaryngeal breathing with a capped TT. Complete deflation reduces the pressure drop in the trachea. Due to deformation of the cuff, measured pressures are irregular as the volume flow is increased. Incomplete deflated cuffs and material characteristics of tracheostomy tubes and cuffs in addition to anatomical and clinical variables may cause unsuccessful capping trials due to increased airway resistance. All stoma buttons showed that pressure drop and thus airway resistance due to stoma buttons has no clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Nowak
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Pain Management, Dresden Friedrichstadt Hospital, Technical University Dresden Teaching Hospital, Friedrichstrasse 41, 01067 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sten Martin
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maik Höhne
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Winfried Heller
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Taras I. Usichenko
- grid.5603.0Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Pain Medicine, University Medicine of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Eckart Klemm
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Dresden Friedrichstadt Hospital, Technical University Dresden Teaching Hospital, Dresden, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Gallimore
- Abt. für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - W Heller
- Abt. für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - G Fuhrer
- Abt. für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - H Wendel
- Abt. für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - R Klaffschenkel
- Abt. für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - H-E Hoffmeister
- Abt. für Herz-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Gallimore
- Abt. für Herz, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - W Heller
- Abt. für Herz, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - G Fuhrer
- Abt. für Herz, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - H Wendel
- Abt. für Herz, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - R Klaffschenkel
- Abt. für Herz, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - H-E Hoffmeister
- Abt. für Herz, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Centnerszwer M, Heller W. Kimetik der Umwandlung der Metallionen in Neutralatome unter der Einwirkung des metallischen Zinks. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/zpch-1932-16111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
Abstract
Enzyme preparations from flowers of defined genotypes of Matthiola incana contain two dif ferent hydroxylases for hydroxylation of naringenin in the 3-and 3′-position, respectively. The 3-hydroxylase is a soluble enzyme and requires as cofactors 2-oxoglutarate, Fe2+ and ascorbate. Besides naringenin eriodictyol is a substrate for the 3-hydroxylase. The 3′-hydroxylase is localized in the microsomal fraction and requires NADPH as cofactor. Naringenin and dihydro-kaempferol but not 4-coumarate or 4-coumaroyl-CoA are substrates for this enzyme. 3′-Hydroxylase activity is present only in genetic lines of M. incana with the wild-type allele b+.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Forkmann
- Institut für Biologie II, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Universität Tübingen, A uf der Morgenstelle 28, D-7400 Tübingen
| | - W. Heller
- Biologisches Institut II, Lehrstuhl für Biochemie der Pflanzen, Universität Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-7800 Freiburg i. Br
| | - H. Grisebach
- Biologisches Institut II, Lehrstuhl für Biochemie der Pflanzen, Universität Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-7800 Freiburg i. Br
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Britsch L, Heller W, Grisebach H. Conversion of Flavanone to Flavone, Dihydroflavonol and Flavonol with an Enzyme System from Cell Cultures of Parsley. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1515/znc-1981-9-1009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Soluble enzyme preparations from irradiated cell suspension cultures of parsley (Petroselinum hortense Hoffm.) catalyse the conversion of flavanone to flavone, dihydroflavonol and flavonol. These reactions require 2-oxoglutarate, Fe2+ and ascorbate as cofactors. In the presence of these cofactors conversion of dihydroflavonol to flavonol was also observed. With this system in vitro biosynthesis of radioactive flavone, dihydroflavonol and flavonol from [2-14C]malonyl-CoA and 4-coumaroyl-CoA in good yield and with high specific activity is possible.
We postulate that synthesis of flavone and flavonol from flavanone proceeds via 2-hydroxy-and 2,3-dihydroxyflavanone, respectively, with subsequent dehydration.
The microsomal fraction of the parsley cells contains an NADPH-dependent flavanone 3'-hydroxylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Britsch
- Biologisches Institut II, Lehrstuhl für Biochemie der Pflanzen, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Schänzlestr. 1, D-7800 Freiburg i. Br., Bundesrepublik Deutschland
| | - W. Heller
- Biologisches Institut II, Lehrstuhl für Biochemie der Pflanzen, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Schänzlestr. 1, D-7800 Freiburg i. Br., Bundesrepublik Deutschland
| | - H. Grisebach
- Biologisches Institut II, Lehrstuhl für Biochemie der Pflanzen, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Schänzlestr. 1, D-7800 Freiburg i. Br., Bundesrepublik Deutschland
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Nowak A, Langebach R, Klemm E, Heller W. Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) and prevention of blood aspiration with superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation (SHFJV) using the tracheotomy-endoscope (TED): results of numerical and experimental simulations. BIOMED ENG-BIOMED TE 2012; 57:107-11. [PMID: 22505493 DOI: 10.1515/bmt-2011-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We describe an innovative computer-based method for the analysis of gas flow using a modified airway management technique to perform percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) with a rigid tracheotomy endoscope (TED). A test lung was connected via an artificial trachea with the tracheotomy endoscope and ventilated using superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation. Red packed cells were instilled during the puncture phase of a simulated percutaneous tracheotomy in a trachea model and migration of the red packed cells during breathing was continuously measured. Simultaneously, the calculation of the gas-flow within the endoscope was numerically simulated. In the experimental study, no backflow of blood occurred during the use of superimposed high-frequency jet ventilation (SHFJV) from the trachea into the endoscope nor did any transportation of blood into the lower respiratory tract occur. In parallel, the numerical simulations of the openings of TED show almost positive volume flows. Under the conditions investigated there is no risk of blood aspiration during PDT using the TED and simultaneous ventilation with SHFJV. In addition, no risk of impairment of endoscopic visibility exists through a backflow of blood into the TED. The method of numerical simulation offers excellent insight into the fluid flow even under highly transient conditions like jet ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Nowak
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Pain Management, Dresden Friedrichstadt Hospital, Dresden University Teaching Hospital, Dresden, Germany.
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Heller W. Zur Behandlung von Furunkeln und Follikulitiden am Amputationsstumpf. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2009. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1124213] [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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Heller W, Musil HE, Gaebel G, Hempel V, Krug W, Köhn HJ. Der Einfluß von L-Carnitin auf den Postaggressionsstoffwechsel operierter Patienten. Transfus Med Hemother 2009. [DOI: 10.1159/000222159] [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: 11/19/2022] Open
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Hempel V, Heller W, Graf H. Parenterale Ernährung bei Polytrauma – Vergleich zwischen einem fettfreien und einem fetthaltigen Ernährungsregime. Transfus Med Hemother 2009. [DOI: 10.1159/000221200] [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: 11/19/2022] Open
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Fuhrer G, Heller W, Hoffmeister HE, Sterzing T. Levels of trace elements during and after cardiopulmonary bypass operations. Acta Pharmacol Toxicol (Copenh) 2009; 59 Suppl 7:352-7. [PMID: 3776589 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0773.1986.tb02778.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Schulze
- a Akademie der Wissenschaften der DDR, Zentralinstitut für Isotopen- und Strahlenforschung , Permoserstr. 15, DDR-7050, Leipzig
- b Martin-Luther-Universität, Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Bereich Medizin , Hochvoltabteilung, Dryanderstr. 4–7, DDR-4020, Halle
| | - W. Heller
- a Akademie der Wissenschaften der DDR, Zentralinstitut für Isotopen- und Strahlenforschung , Permoserstr. 15, DDR-7050, Leipzig
- b Martin-Luther-Universität, Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Bereich Medizin , Hochvoltabteilung, Dryanderstr. 4–7, DDR-4020, Halle
| | - H. Kupsch
- a Akademie der Wissenschaften der DDR, Zentralinstitut für Isotopen- und Strahlenforschung , Permoserstr. 15, DDR-7050, Leipzig
- b Martin-Luther-Universität, Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Bereich Medizin , Hochvoltabteilung, Dryanderstr. 4–7, DDR-4020, Halle
| | - M. Eichhorn
- a Akademie der Wissenschaften der DDR, Zentralinstitut für Isotopen- und Strahlenforschung , Permoserstr. 15, DDR-7050, Leipzig
- b Martin-Luther-Universität, Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, Bereich Medizin , Hochvoltabteilung, Dryanderstr. 4–7, DDR-4020, Halle
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Schulze
- a Academy of Sciences of the GDR, Central Institute of Isotope and Radiation Research , Permoserstr. 15, DDR-7050, Leipzig
| | - W. Heller
- a Academy of Sciences of the GDR, Central Institute of Isotope and Radiation Research , Permoserstr. 15, DDR-7050, Leipzig
| | - H. Kupsch
- a Academy of Sciences of the GDR, Central Institute of Isotope and Radiation Research , Permoserstr. 15, DDR-7050, Leipzig
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Gayler S, Grams TEE, Heller W, Treutter D, Priesack E. A dynamical model of environmental effects on allocation to carbon-based secondary compounds in juvenile trees. Ann Bot 2008; 101:1089-98. [PMID: 17693454 PMCID: PMC2710266 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcm169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Patterns and variations in concentration of carbon-based secondary compounds in plant tissues have been explained by means of different complementary and, in some cases, contradictory plant defence hypotheses for more than 20 years. These hypotheses are conceptual models which consider environmental impacts on plant internal demands. In the present study, a mathematical model is presented, which converts and integrates the concepts of the 'Growth-Differentiation Balance' hypothesis and the 'Protein Competition' model into a dynamic plant growth model, that was tested with concentration data of polyphenols in leaves of juvenile apple, beech and spruce trees. The modelling approach is part of the plant growth model PLATHO that considers simultaneously different environmental impacts on the most important physiological processes of plants. METHODS The modelling approach for plant internal resource allocation is based on a priority scheme assuming that growth processes have priority over allocation to secondary compounds and that growth-related metabolism is more strongly affected by nitrogen deficiency than defence-related secondary metabolism. KEY RESULTS It is shown that the model can reproduce the effect of nitrogen fertilization on allocation patterns in apple trees and the effects of elevated CO(2) and competition in juvenile beech and spruce trees. The analysis of model behaviour reveals that large fluctuations in plant internal availability of carbon and nitrogen are possible within a single vegetation period. Furthermore, the model displays a non-linear allocation behaviour to carbon-based secondary compounds. CONCLUSIONS The simulation results corroborate the underlying assumptions of the presented modelling approach for resource partitioning between growth-related primary metabolism and defence-related secondary metabolism. Thus, the dynamical modelling approach, which considers variable source and sink strengths of plant internal resources within different phenological growth stages, presents a successful translation of existing concepts into a dynamic mathematical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gayler
- Institute of Soil Ecology, GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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Astolfi L, de Vico Fallani F, Cincotti F, Mattia D, Marciani MG, Bufalari S, Salinari S, Colosimo A, Ding L, Edgar JC, Heller W, Miller GA, He B, Babiloni F. Imaging functional brain connectivity patterns from high-resolution EEG and fMRI via graph theory. Psychophysiology 2007; 44:880-93. [PMID: 17617172 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2007.00556.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We describe a set of computational tools able to estimate cortical activity and connectivity from high-resolution EEG and fMRI recordings in humans. These methods comprise the estimation of cortical activity using realistic geometry head volume conductor models and distributed cortical source models, followed by the evaluation of cortical connectivity between regions of interest coincident with the Brodmann areas via the use of Partial Directed Coherence. Connectivity patterns estimated on the cortical surface in different frequency bands are then imaged and interpreted with measures based on graph theory. These computational tools were applied on a set of EEG and fMRI data from a Stroop task to demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach. The present findings suggest that the methodology is able to identify differences in functional connectivity patterns elicited by different experimental tasks or conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Astolfi
- Dipartimento Fisiologia Umana e Farmacologia, Universitá La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Wang J, Jain S, Heller W, Mackie D, Watson V, Dweck M, Coombes RC, Palmieri C. Fulvestrant in advanced breast cancer following following failure of tamoxifen and a third generation aromatase inhibitor. J Clin Oncol 2007. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2007.25.18_suppl.1073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
1073 Background: Endocrine therapy is a key modality in the management of estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer. Fulvestrant (ICI 182,780) is an estrogen receptor downregulator. It has previously been shown to be as effective as anastrozole in patients who had previously progressed on tamoxifen. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out of metastatic breast cancer patients treated at Charing Cross Hospital between 2002–2005 who had received fulvestrant following treatment failure with tamoxifen and a third generation aromatase inhibitor. All patients were postmenopausal and received fulvestrant 250mg IM every 28 days. Measurable disease was assessed by response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST). Results: A total of 45 patients were identified with a median age of 60 (range 36 to 90). The ER status was known in 95% (n=43) of patients and was positive in all cases, it was unknown in 2% (n=2). At the time of commencing fulvestrant, 96% (n=43) had metastatic disease and 4% (n=2) locally advanced disease. All patients had received at least 2 lines of prior endocrine therapy (including adjuvant therapy), at time of starting fulvestrant the median number of prior regimens was 3 (range 3–5). Fulvestrant was administered for a median of 4 months (range 1 to 20 months), with 4 patients currently still receiving therapy as of 1 November 2006. Of the 45 patients, 2.2% (n=1) achieved a partial response, while 31% (n=14) achieved stable disease for at least 6 months. Thus, 33.3% (n=15) obtained clinical benefit (defined as PR or SD for at least 6 months). The response rates based on line of therapy will be presented. Of the 45 patients, 41 were evaluable for survival data. The median survival of the remaining patients from the start of fulvestrant therapy was 9 months (range 1 to 48 months). Of the 44 patients, 14% (n=6) remain alive. The treatment was well tolerated and toxicity data will be presented. Conclusions: Fulvestrant is well tolerated and is efficacious as treatment for advanced breast cancer that has failed tamoxifen and a third generation aromatase inhibitors. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Wang
- Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - S. Jain
- Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - W. Heller
- Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - D. Mackie
- Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - V. Watson
- Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Dweck
- Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - C. Palmieri
- Charing Cross Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Heller W, Klevens HB, Oppenheimer H. REMARKS ON THE MECHANISM AND KINETICS OF EMULSION POLYMERIZATION I. FACTORS DETERMINING THE SIZE AND NUMBER OF THE POLYMER PARTICLES AND THE LOCI OF THE POLYMERIZATION REACTION∗. J DISPER SCI TECHNOL 2007. [DOI: 10.1080/01932698108943905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Heller W, Mazhar D, Ward R, Sinnett HD, Lowdell C, Phillips R, Shousha S, Fayaz A, Palmieri C, Coombes RC. Neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy followed by docetaxel in refractory patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Oncol Rep 2007; 17:253-9. [PMID: 17143506 DOI: 10.3892/or.17.1.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical response of locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) to neoadjuvant (NA) chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC) and to study the role of docetaxel in patients who fail to respond to first-line chemotherapy. Patients were enrolled who had primary tumours without distant metastasis that were too extensive for conservative surgery. All underwent NA chemotherapy for breast cancer and thereafter surgery and/or radical radiotherapy. NA chemotherapy with FEC was administered to 88 patients between February 1998 and June 2005. A median of 6 cycles of FEC (range 1-8) was given, followed in 21 cases by a median of 4 cycles (range 2-6) of docetaxel. Where clinically established, with FEC the clinical complete response (cCR) was 22/81 (27%), clinical partial response (cPR) 41/81 (51%), clinical stable disease (cSD) 18/81 (22%). In patients where the response to FEC was regarded as insufficient, docetaxel was given. Response rates were cCR 3/21 (14%); cPR 10/21 (48%), cSD 8/21 (38%). There were 11 cases of pathological complete response (pCR), 9 in the FEC-only group and 2 in the docetaxel group. Following chemotherapy 49 (56%) patients underwent mastectomy, 32 (36%) breast conserving surgery and 5 (6%) radical radiotherapy, giving a breast conservation rate of 42%. Two patients died before receiving surgery or radical radiotherapy. The results show that neoadjuvant FEC is a reasonable NA therapy in breast cancer and that docetaxel is effective in FEC refractory cases. Only 8 of 81 (10%) assessable patients did not respond to any chemotherapy, giving an overall clinical response rate of 90%, which is comparable to studies in which taxanes were given irrespective of response to preceding therapy with antracycline including regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Heller
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research UK Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W6 8RF, UK
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Mittelstrass K, Treutter D, Plessl M, Heller W, Elstner EF, Heiser I. Modification of primary and secondary metabolism of potato plants by nitrogen application differentially affects resistance to Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria solani. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2006; 8:653-61. [PMID: 16821190 DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-924085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Potato plants ( SOLANUM TUBEROSUM L. cv. Indira) were grown at two levels of N supply in the greenhouse. Plants supplied with 0.8 g N per plant (high N variant) showed significantly increased biomass as compared to plants without additional N fertilisation (low N variant). C/N ratio was lower and protein content was higher in leaves of the high N variant. The concentration of chlorogenic acids and flavonols was significantly lower in leaves from the high N variant. Whereas resistance to ALTERNARIA SOLANI increased when plants were supplied with additional nitrogen, these plants were more susceptible to PHYTOPHTHORA INFESTANS. After infection with both pathogens, we found a strong induction of p-coumaroylnoradrenaline and p-coumaroyloctopamine, which are identified for the first time in potato leaves and are discussed as resistance factors of other solanaceous plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Mittelstrass
- Institute of Phytopathology, Centre of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Am Hochanger 2, 85350 Freising, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
| | - W. Heller
- Chemisches Institut der Universität Marburg
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Affiliation(s)
| | - W. Heller
- Chemisches Institut der Universität Marburg
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Bahnweg G, Heller W, Stich S, Knappe C, Betz G, Heerdt C, Kehr RD, Ernst D, Langebartels C, Nunn AJ, Rothenburger J, Schubert R, Wallis P, Müller-Starck G, Werner H, Matyssek R, Sandermann H. Beech leaf colonization by the endophyte Apiognomonia errabunda dramatically depends on light exposure and climatic conditions. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2005; 7:659-69. [PMID: 16388469 DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Ozone and light effects on endophytic colonization by Apiognomonia errabunda of adult beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) and their putative mediation by internal defence compounds were studied at the Kranzberg Forest free-air ozone fumigation site. A. errabunda colonization was quantified by "real-time PCR" (QPCR). A. errabunda-specific primers allowed detection without interference by DNA from European beech and several species of common genera of plant pathogenic fungi, such as Mycosphaerella, Alternaria, Botrytis, and Fusarium. Colonization levels of sun and shade leaves of European beech trees exposed either to ambient or twice ambient ozone regimes were determined. Colonization was significantly higher in shade compared to sun leaves. Ozone exhibited a marginally inhibitory effect on fungal colonization only in young leaves in 2002. The hot and dry summer of 2003 reduced fungal colonization dramatically, being more pronounced than ozone treatment or sun exposure. Levels of soluble and cell wall-bound phenolic compounds were approximately twice as high in sun than in shade leaves. Acylated flavonol 3- O-glycosides with putatively high UV-B shielding effect were very low in shade canopy leaves. Ozone had only a minor influence on secondary metabolites in sun leaves. It slightly increased kaempferol 3- O-glucoside levels exclusively in shade leaves. The frequently prominent hydroxycinnamic acid derivative, chlorogenic acid, was tested for its growth inhibiting activity against Apiognomonia and showed an IC50 of approximately 8 mM. Appearance of Apiognomonia-related necroses strongly correlated with the occurrence of the stress metabolite, 3,3',4,4'-tetramethoxybiphenyl. Infection success of Apiognomonia was highly dependent on light exposure, presumably affected by the endogenous levels of constitutive phenolic compounds. Ozone exerted only minor modulating effects, whereas climatic factors, such as pronounced heat periods and drought, were dramatically overriding.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bahnweg
- GSF--National Research Centre for Environment and Health, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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Schloter M, Winkler JB, Aneja M, Koch N, Fleischmann F, Pritsch K, Heller W, Stich S, Grams TEE, Göttlein A, Matyssek R, Munch JC. Short term effects of ozone on the plant-rhizosphere-bulk soil system of young beech trees. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2005; 7:728-36. [PMID: 16388477 DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-872987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plant growth largely depends on microbial community structure and function in the rhizosphere. In turn, microbial communities in the rhizosphere rely on carbohydrates provided by the host plant. This paper presents the first study on ozone effects in the plant-rhizosphere-bulk soil system of 4-year-old beech trees using outdoor lysimeters as a research platform. The lysimeters were filled with homogenized soil from the corresponding horizons of a forest site, thus minimizing field heterogeneity. Four lysimeters were treated with ambient ozone (1 x O3) and four with double ambient ozone concentrations (2 x O3; restricted to 150 ppb). In contrast to senescence, which was almost unaffected by ozone treatment, both the photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (PSII) and leaf gas exchange were reduced (11 - 45 %) under the elevated O3 regime. However, due to large variation between the plants, no statistically significant O3 effect was found. Even though the amount of primary metabolites, such as sugar and starch, was not influenced by elevated O3 concentrations, the reduced photosynthetic performance was reflected in leaf biochemistry in the form of a reduction in soluble phenolic metabolites. The rhizosphere microbial community also responded to the O3 treatment. Both community structure and function were affected, with a tendency towards a lower diversity and a significant reduction in the potential nutrient turnover. In contrast, litter degradation was unaffected by the fumigation, indicating that in situ microbial functionality of the bulk soil did not change.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Schloter
- Institute of Soil Ecology, GSF--National Research Center for Environment and Health, Ingolstädter Landstrasse 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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26
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Plessl M, Heller W, Payer HD, Elstner EF, Habermeyer J, Heiser I. Growth parameters and resistance against Drechslera teres of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Scarlett) grown at elevated ozone and carbon dioxide concentrations. Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2005; 7:694-705. [PMID: 16388473 DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-873002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Spring barley ( Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Scarlett) was grown at two CO2 levels (400 vs. 700 ppm) combined with two ozone regimes (ambient vs. double ambient) in climate chambers for four weeks, beginning at seedling emergence. Elevated CO2 concentration significantly increased aboveground biomass, root biomass, and tiller number, whereas double ambient ozone significantly decreased these parameters. These ozone-induced reductions in growth parameters were strongly overridden by 700 ppm CO2. The elevated CO2 level increased C : N ratio of the leaf tissue and leaf starch content but decreased leaf protein levels. Exposure to double ambient ozone did not affect protein content and C : N ratio but dramatically increased leaf starch levels at 700 ppm CO2. Resistance against Drechslera teres (Sacc.) Shoemaker was increased in leaves grown at double ambient ozone but was less obvious at 700 ppm than at 400 ppm CO2. Constitutive activities of beta-1,3-glucanase and chitinase were significantly higher in leaves grown at double ambient ozone compared to ambient ozone levels. The sum of methanol-soluble and alkali-released cell wall-bound aromatic metabolites (i.e., C-glycosylflavones and several structurally unidentified metabolites) and lignin contents did not show any treatment-dependent differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Plessl
- Institute of Phytopathology, Life Science Center Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Am Hochanger 2, 85350 Freising, Germany
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Abstract
Individual differences in perceptual asymmetry have been associated with individual differences in cognitive abilities, personality characteristics, and psychiatric symptoms, for which between-person variation appears to be genetically influenced. Perceptual asymmetry scores are also associated with direction of handedness, for which between-person variation does not appear to be genetically influenced. To assess whether between-person variation of perceptual asymmetry scores is genetically influenced, we examined asymmetry on a freevision task of face processing, the Chimeric Faces Task (CFT), in a sample of 31 monozygotic (MZ) and 20 same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs. MZ and DZ within twin-pair resemblances were compared to assess genetic and familial influences on asymmetric hemispheric function. We found that twins within a pair were no more likely to resemble each other than were unrelated individuals. The results suggest that the between-person variation in CFT perceptual asymmetry is not influenced by genes or shared environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Valera
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign 61820, USA
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Walter T, Helber U, Bail D, Heller W, Hoffmeister HM. Influence of ACE inhibition on myocardial damage, the Kallikrein-Kinin system and hemostasis during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002; 50:150-4. [PMID: 12077687 DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ACE inhibitors may have a cardioprotective effect by enhancing bradykinin levels during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, ACE inhibition could lead to unwelcome effects on the kallikrein contact phase during CPB (since reduction of kallikrein activity by aprotinin has been shown to be beneficial) and may alter the hemostasis. We examined the effects of ACE inhibitors on intraoperative myocardial damage, kallikrein contact phase and hemostasis in patients undergoing CPB. METHODS 47 patients randomly received either 20 mg/d enalapril or placebo. Creatine kinase (CK and CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin T (TnT), thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), fibrinogen and kallikrein-like activity were measured before surgery, during and immediately after CPB, at the end of surgery and 1, 3 and 5 days after surgery. RESULTS No significant differences between enalapril- and placebo- treated patients concerning CK (318 +/- 38.6 U/l vs. 316 +/- 16.8 U/l), CK-MB, LDH, TnT (1.81 +/- 0.45 ng/ml vs. 1.52 +/- 0.34 ng/ml), TAT, fibrinogen and kallikrein-like-activity could be found during study period. CONCLUSIONS Reduction of ischemic injury during CPB is not achieved with ACE inhibitors. However, treatment of patients with ACE inhibitors before and during CPB is fully feasible without side effects affecting the kallikrein contact phase or significant influence on hemostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Walter
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University of Tübingen, Germany.
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Doppke H, Heller W. Experimental investigations on light scattering. 9. Light scattering of flow oriented nonspherical particles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/j100476a008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Leventhal BL, Cook EH, Morford M, Ravitz AJ, Heller W, Freedman DX. Clinical and neurochemical effects of fenfluramine in children with autism. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2001; 5:307-15. [PMID: 8369641 DOI: 10.1176/jnp.5.3.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Fifteen children with autism were treated with 60 mg d,l-fenfluramine (FEN) or placebo in a double-blind A-B-A protocol followed immediately by double-blind placebo-controlled crossover administration of FEN (total duration 62 weeks). Both biochemical and clinical outcomes were examined. Biochemically, FEN led to an increase in dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and decreases in whole-blood serotonin (5-HT), plasma norepinephrine (NE), and plasma 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG). The decrease in whole-blood 5-HT was seen only during treatment with FEN. However, NE levels did not return to baseline as long as 8 weeks after the first FEN treatment period. Increases in DOPAC were greater during the second FEN treatment period than the first. Persistent changes in catecholamine regulation may be related to previously reported long-term effects on central nervous system 5-HT after FEN. Clinically, FEN led to a modest decrease in parent, but not teacher, ratings of hyperactivity and to a small reduction in sensorimotor abnormalities. Abnormal social and affectual responses also decreased, but this was not directly related to FEN treatment. Effects on cognition were equivocal. Hyperserotonemic subjects did not differ from normoserotonemic subjects in clinical response. Overall, no significant advantage for the use of FEN could be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Leventhal
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, IL 60637
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Cook EH, Leventhal BL, Heller W, Metz J, Wainwright M, Freedman DX. Autistic children and their first-degree relatives: relationships between serotonin and norepinephrine levels and intelligence. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2001; 2:268-74. [PMID: 2136085 DOI: 10.1176/jnp.2.3.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Whole-blood serotonin (5-HT) and plasma norepinephrine (NE) were studied in 16 autistic children, 21 siblings of autistic children, and 53 parents of autistic children. Both plasma NE and whole-blood 5-HT were negatively correlated with vocabulary performance. Whole-blood 5-HT and plasma NE did not differ between autistic children with or without histories of self-injurious behavior or decreased pain sensitivity. Eighteen subjects were hyperserotonemic (whole-blood 5-HT greater than 270 ng/ml). For these subjects, plasma NE was significantly higher than for subjects without hyperserotonemia. Seven of 10 families with one hyperserotonemic member had two or more hyperserotonemic members. Observations of familiarity of whole-blood 5-HT suggest that larger-scale and more focused study of whole-blood 5-HT as a possible genetic marker may be productive.
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Affiliation(s)
- E H Cook
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Chicago, IL 60637
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Chiron H, Drouet A, Claudot AC, Eckerskorn C, Trost M, Heller W, Ernst D, Sandermann H. Molecular cloning and functional expression of a stress-induced multifunctional O-methyltransferase with pinosylvin methyltransferase activity from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Plant Mol Biol 2000; 44:733-745. [PMID: 11202436 DOI: 10.1023/a:1026507707186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Formation of pinosylvin (PS) and pinosylvin 3-O-monomethyl ether (PSM), as well as the activities of stilbene synthase (STS) and S-adenosyl-1-methionine (SAM):pinosylvin O-methyltransferase (PMT), were induced strongly in needles of Scots pine seedlings upon ozone treatment, as well as in cell suspension cultures of Scots pine upon fungal elicitation. A SAM-dependent PMT protein was purified and partially characterised. A cDNA encoding PMT was isolated from an ozone-induced Scots pine cDNA library. Southern blot analysis of the genomic DNA suggested the presence of a gene family. The deduced protein sequence showed the typical highly conserved regions of O-methyltransferases (OMTs), and average identities of 20-56% to known OMTs. PMT expressed in Escherichia coli corresponded to that of purified PMT (40 kDa) from pine cell cultures. The recombinant enzyme catalysed the methylation of PS, caffeic acid, caffeoyl-CoA and quercetin. Several other substances, such as astringenin, resveratrol, 5-OH-ferulic acid, catechol and luteolin, were also methylated. Recombinant PMT thus had a relatively broad substrate specificity. Treatment of 7-year old Scots pine trees with ozone markedly increased the PMT mRNA level. Our results show that PMT represents a new SAM-dependent OMT for the methylation of stress-induced pinosylvin in Scots pine needles.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Cloning, Molecular
- Cycadopsida/cytology
- Cycadopsida/enzymology
- Cycadopsida/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- DNA, Complementary/isolation & purification
- DNA, Plant/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
- Gene Expression Regulation, Plant
- Kinetics
- Methyltransferases/metabolism
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Ozone/pharmacology
- Pinus sylvestris
- Plant Proteins
- Plants/drug effects
- Plants/metabolism
- Protein O-Methyltransferase/chemistry
- Protein O-Methyltransferase/genetics
- Protein O-Methyltransferase/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/drug effects
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Analysis, Protein
- Stilbenes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- H Chiron
- GSF-National Research Center for Environment and Health, Institute of Biochemical Plant Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany
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35
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Hoffmeister HM, Kastner C, Szabo S, Beyer ME, Helber U, Kazmaier S, Baumbach A, Wendel HP, Heller W. Fibrin specificity and procoagulant effect related to the kallikrein-contact phase system and to plasmin generation with double-bolus reteplase and front-loaded alteplase thrombolysis in acute myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol 2000; 86:263-8. [PMID: 10922430 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9149(00)00911-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study was undertaken to compare the effects of reteplase and alteplase regimens on hemostasis and fibrinolysis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Thrombolytic treatment in patients with AMI is hampered by paradoxical procoagulant effects that favor early reocclusion. In vivo data comparing this effect and the fibrin specificity of double-bolus reteplase and front-loaded alteplase regimens are not available. In a prospective, randomized study, 50 patients with AMI were either treated with double bolus (10 + 10 U) reteplase or with front-loaded alteplase (up to 100 mg) within 6 hours of symptom onset. Thirty apparently healthy persons served as controls. Molecular markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis were serially examined for up to 5 days. Paradoxical thrombin activation at 3 hours after initiation of therapy was comparable between reteplase and alteplase. Reteplase (65 +/- 5 U/L) and alteplase (72 +/- 8 U/L) caused significantly elevated kallikrein activity at 3 hours after adminstration (p <0.01 vs controls 30 +/- 1 U/L). Fibrin specificity was less for reteplase (p <0.05) with a decrease in fibrinogen at 3 hours to 122 +/- 27 mg/dl versus 224 +/- 28 mg/dl for alteplase (p <0.01 and p <0.05 vs controls). D-Dimer levels at 3 hours were higher (p <0.05) after reteplase (5,459 +/- 611 ng/ml) versus alteplase (3,445 +/- 679 ng/ml) (both p <0.01 vs controls 243 +/- 17 ng/ml). Plasmin generation (plasmin-antiplasmin complexes) was significantly (p <0.01) increased at 3 hours with both regimens to 27,079 +/- 3,964 microg/L (reteplase) and 19,522 +/- 2,381 microg/L (alteplase). The data from 3 hours after start of thrombolytic therapy proved less marked fibrin specificity of the reteplase regimen (in vivo) compared with front-loaded alteplase. Both regimens have a moderate procoagulant effect without differences in activation of the kallikrein system.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Hoffmeister
- Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Abteilung Innere Medizin III, Eberhard-Karls Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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36
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Abstract
Long-term depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer contributes to an increase in terrestrial solar ultraviolet-B radiation. This has deleterious effects on living organisms, such as DNA damage. When exposed to elevated ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B; 280-315 nm), plants display a wide variety of physiological and morphological responses characterized as acclimation and adaptation. Here we show, using special sun simulators, that elevated solar UV-B doses increase the frequency of somatic homologous DNA rearrangements in Arabidopsis and tobacco plants. Increases in recombination are accompanied by a strong induction of photolyase and Rad51 gene expression. These genes are putatively involved in major DNA repair pathways, photoreactivation and recombination repair. In mutant Arabidopsis plants that are deficient in photoreactivating ultraviolet-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, recombination under elevated UV-B regimes greatly exceeds wild-type levels. Our results show that homologous recombination repair pathways might be involved in eliminating UV-B-induced DNA lesions in plants. Thus, increases in terrestrial solar UV-B radiation as forecasted for the early 21st century may affect genome stability in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ries
- Friedrich Miescher-Institut, Basel, Switzerland.
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Compton RJ, Heller W, Banich MT, Palmieri PA, Miller GA. Responding to threat: hemispheric asymmetries and interhemispheric division of input. Neuropsychology 2000. [PMID: 10791865 DOI: 10.1037//0894-4105.14.2.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
This investigation examined how hemispheric asymmetry and interhemispheric processing contribute to attentional biases toward emotional information. Participants (n = 88) named the color of lateralized squares presented concurrently with neutral, positive, or threatening words. A left-hemisphere advantage in color naming was reduced when distractors were emotional, suggesting right-hemisphere priming by emotional stimuli. Furthermore, the advantage of dividing the word and color across visual fields was increased for emotion words when they were frequently presented, indicating a strategic use of interhemispheric division of labor to reduce the distracting effect of emotional words. Finally, participants with high levels of anxious apprehension were most likely to make use of this interhemispheric processing strategy, supporting a processing efficiency theory of cognitive function in anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Compton
- Department of Psychology and The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
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38
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Abstract
This investigation examined how hemispheric asymmetry and interhemispheric processing contribute to attentional biases toward emotional information. Participants (n = 88) named the color of lateralized squares presented concurrently with neutral, positive, or threatening words. A left-hemisphere advantage in color naming was reduced when distractors were emotional, suggesting right-hemisphere priming by emotional stimuli. Furthermore, the advantage of dividing the word and color across visual fields was increased for emotion words when they were frequently presented, indicating a strategic use of interhemispheric division of labor to reduce the distracting effect of emotional words. Finally, participants with high levels of anxious apprehension were most likely to make use of this interhemispheric processing strategy, supporting a processing efficiency theory of cognitive function in anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Compton
- Department of Psychology and The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA.
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Keller J, Nitschke JB, Bhargava T, Deldin PJ, Gergen JA, Miller GA, Heller W. Neuropsychological differentiation of depression and anxiety. J Abnorm Psychol 2000; 109:3-10. [PMID: 10740930] [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] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The high comorbidity of depression and anxiety is well established empirically but not well understood conceptually, in terms of either psychological or biological mechanisms. A neuropsychological model of regional brain activity in emotion provides contrasting hypotheses for depression and anxiety, with depression associated with a relative decrease and anxiety with a relative increase in right-posterior activity. These hypotheses received support in a comparison of individuals diagnosed with depression and community controls, and also in a separate study of nonpatients administered a measure of perceptual asymmetry. Hierarchical regressions revealed that depression and anxiety were uniquely and jointly associated with perceptual asymmetry. In light of consistent empirical support for the model, implications for conceptualizations of the comorbidity of depression and anxiety are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Keller
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 61820, USA
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40
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Nitschke JB, Heller W, Palmieri PA, Miller GA. Contrasting patterns of brain activity in anxious apprehension and anxious arousal. Psychophysiology 1999; 36:628-37. [PMID: 10442031] [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] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that a distinction between anxious apprehension (worry) and anxious arousal (somatic anxiety) might account for some discrepancies in the literature examining brain activity in anxiety. In the current study, we compared the regional brain activity of groups of anxious apprehension and anxious arousal participants, selected on the basis of self-report measures previously shown to be psychometrically distinct from each other and from a specific measure of depression. Patterns of hemispheric asymmetry in electroencephalogram alpha distinguished the two types of anxiety, with the anxious arousal group showing more right than left activity. No significant asymmetry was found for the anxious apprehension group. The results provide further support for contrasting patterns of brain activity in distinct types of anxiety. Research is needed to specify further the topography and functional significance of this distinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Nitschke
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
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41
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Schulze HJ, Wendel HP, Kleinhans M, Oehmichen S, Heller W, Elert O. Effects of the propofol combination anesthesia on the intrinsic blood-clotting system. Immunopharmacology 1999; 43:141-4. [PMID: 10596845 DOI: 10.1016/s0162-3109(99)00071-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Fat emulsions can cause changes in blood-clotting and fibrinolysis. The aim of this study was to examine the relation between the use of the short-acting hypnotic propofol and alteration of the blood clotting system. In a double-blind randomized study, 36 patients with an aortocoronary bypass operation were given either midazolam/fentanyl or propofol/alfentanil. Eleven blood samples were taken at fixed times pre-, intra- and postoperatively to determine changes caused by the anesthetic agents on the hemostaseologic parameters during the whole operation. Perioperative blood pressures of both groups were measured at seven fixed points. From the beginning of the extracorporeal circulation (ECC) to the end of the operation, the measured values of the factor XIIa- and kallikrein-like activity in the propofol group were significantly higher than those of the midazolam group. Also the values of the kallikrein inhibition capacity and the indicators of fibrinolysis (t-PA and D-dimers) suggest a stronger activation of the contact phase at the start of the recirculation and as a result of it a stronger fibrinolysis within the propofol group. Besides, the hypotensive side-effect in the propofol group was evident in contrast to the midazolam group. With this investigation, a correlation between the application of propofol/alfentanil, contact phase activation with activation of the kallikrein-kinin-bradykinin system and the observed hypotension can be set up.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Schulze
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Würzburg, Germany
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42
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Hoffmeister HM, Heller W, Seipel L. Activation markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis: alterations and predictive value in acute coronary syndromes. Thromb Haemost 1999; 82 Suppl 1:76-9. [PMID: 10695492] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Several alterations of the coagulation, of the fibrinolysis and of inflammation are known in patients with acute coronary syndromes. To extent current knowledge of the pathophysiology and to optimize therapeutical strategies, the new molecular markers can be used in clinical studies. Furthermore, several studies were undertaken to assess the prognostic value of activation markers of these systems for patients with unstable angina pectoris and acute myocardial infarction with or without thrombolytic therapy. The majority of studies focussed on markers of thrombin activation, fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products and t-PA and its main inhibitor PAI-1. While there are stimulating results from larger studies, the value for prognosis for the individual patient still is limited by the overlap of patients with good versus a poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Hoffmeister
- Medizinische Klinik, Abt. III, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany
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Turunen M, Heller W, Stich S, Sandermann H, Sutinen ML, Norokorpi Y. The effects of UV exclusion on the soluble phenolics of young Scots pine seedlings in the subarctic. Environ Pollut 1999; 106:219-228. [PMID: 15093049 DOI: 10.1016/s0269-7491(99)00070-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/1998] [Accepted: 03/04/1999] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The characteristics of UV-absorbing compounds, particularly soluble phenolics, were studied in needles of 63-day-old seed-grown Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings of two provenances in a UV exclusion field experiment at Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park in Finnish Lapland (68 degrees N, 270 m a.s.l.). The experiment used the following plastic filters in exclosure treatments to manipulate the spectral balance of natural irradiance: (1) 'control' (a polyethene plastic filter); (2) 'UV-B exclusion' (a clear polyester filter); and (3) 'UV-B/UV-A exclusion' (a clear acryl plate). Polyethene transmitted 89% of the ambient levels of total UV (280-400 nm), polyester transmitted 75% of the total UV, but only 0.6% of the UV-B (280-315 nm) component, while acryl plate transmitted 0.2% of UV (280-360 nm). The research also included (4) 'Ambient' plants that were not subjected to any treatment exclosures. After the 58 day UV exclusion, significant (p<0.0001) differences due to treatments were determined for a kaempferol derivative, kaempferol 3-glucoside, and a quercetin derivative, the quantities of which ranged from 0.23 to 0.45, 0.42 to 1.34 and 0.39 to 0.75 micromol g FW(-1), respectively, depending on treatment and provenance. Overall, Scots pine seedlings grown at ambient UV radiation (PAS300, Caldwell's generalized Plant Action Spectrum (PAS) normalized at 300 nm, 72 mW m(-2)) or under a control had significantly (p<0.05) higher quantities of soluble phenolics than seedlings grown under UV-B or UV-B/UV-A exclusion treatments. There were no significant differences in the quantity of soluble phenolics between the two exclosure treatments or between the two Scots pine provenances. The sums of diacylated flavonol glucosides ranging from 3.75 to 4.55 micromol g FW(-1) depending on treatment and provenance, were already present at very low UV-levels under the UV-B/UV-A exclusion treatment. The present study indicated that soluble phenolics, particularly the diacylated flavonol glucosides, may provide an effective preformed protection for young Scots pine seedlings against UV-B and UV-A radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Turunen
- Arctic Centre, University of Lapland, PO Box 122, FIN-96101, Rovaniemi, Finland.
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Wendel HP, Scholpp J, Schulze HJ, Heller W, Schwenzer N. Evaluation of markers of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing surgery for maxillofacial malignancies. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 1999; 27:266-70. [PMID: 10626261 DOI: 10.1016/s1010-5182(99)80039-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During and following significant surgical intervention, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis by application of anticoagulants is routinely used. However, patients with malignant disorders are subject to an especially high risk of deep venous thrombosis progressing in severe cases to subsequent pulmonary embolism. The present study focuses on appraising modern markers of deep vein thrombosis in 34 patients undergoing major maxillofacial surgery, with some malignant disorders. No significant differences between the two patient groups were noted using the markers of the kallikrein-kinin-system. From the first postoperative day plasma levels of the coagulation indicator thrombin-antithrombin-III complexes were significantly higher in the group of tumour patients. Markers of fibrinolysis indicated corresponding results: on the first postoperative day tissue-plasminogen activator values rose to 18.9 +/- 3.2 micrograms/l in the group of malignant patients, but only to 7.4 +/- 1.1 micrograms/l (P < 0.05) in the control group. Also postoperative D-dimer concentrations in the malignancy group were significantly above those of the control group. In the present study it could be demonstrated that patients with malignant neoplasia undergoing major maxillofacial surgery are exposed postoperatively to a particularly high risk of developing thromboembolic complications. All in all, the status of anti-thrombotic therapy requires reappraisal with respect to the current treatment approach adopted in tumour patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- H P Wendel
- Department of Thoracic, Cardiac and Vascular Surgery, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tuebingen, Germany.
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Wendel HP, Schulze HJ, Heller W, Hoffmeister HM. Platelet protection in coronary artery surgery: benefits of heparin-coated circuits and high-dose aprotinin therapy. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 1999; 13:388-92. [PMID: 10468249 DOI: 10.1016/s1053-0770(99)90208-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the extent of platelet activation during extracorporeal circulation by using the combination of heparin-coated oxygenation systems and high-dose aprotinin therapy, and to examine the affinity and thereby the protective capacity of aprotinin to the glycoprotein (GP) receptors of the platelet membrane. DESIGN Experimental in vitro study. SETTING Research laboratory of a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-two volunteers (blood donors). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Thirty-two oxygenation circuits of the same construction series (16 heparin-coated and 16 noncoated) were investigated in a closed system of a heart-lung machine model with fresh human whole blood. In each of these two groups, eight circuits with and eight without a high-dose aprotinin application (250 kallikrein inhibitory units [KIU]/mL) were investigated. In all four groups, the number of platelets declined continuously during the 90-minute recirculation period. Group I (no heparin coating, no aprotinin) showed the greatest reduction; group IV (heparin coating, aprotinin) had a significantly smaller decrease in platelet number (p < 0.01). Platelet factor 4 (PF-4) levels, released from the alpha-granule, were in inverse proportion to the platelet loss. After 90 minutes of recirculation, the PF-4 values increased to 615.8% +/- 559.5% and 237.2% +/- 179.0% of the initial value for groups I and IV, respectively (p < 0.01). Affinity chromatography and immunoblotting techniques were used to evaluate the affinity of aprotinin for the GP receptors of the platelet membrane. The affinity appeared in the following order: GPIIb < GPIIIa < GPIb. CONCLUSION Heparin-coated oxygenation systems and additional aprotinin caused significantly less platelet damage in an in vitro cardiopulmonary bypass model. Chromatographic and immunologic methods could prove aprotinin's affinity for the platelet receptor proteins GPIb and GPIIb-IIIa and therefore its probable role in diminishing the triggering of the platelet activation cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- H P Wendel
- Department of Surgery, University of Tuebingen, Germany
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Abstract
Thrombus formation at the site of atherosclerotic lesions, especially on a ruptured plaque, plays a central role in the "atherothrombosis" hypothesis. An activation of the hemostasis and a disturbed fibrinolysis are known. These alterations are especially marked in patients with acute coronary syndromes. In stable coronary artery disease, fibrinogen is elevated. Furthermore, minor alterations of the contact phase factor VII and consecutively of the thrombin system are detectable depending on the study population. Thrombin generation and activation become marked in patients with unstable angina pectoris or acute myocardial infarction. Possible reasons for this activation are an activation of the contact phase factor XII system and the release of tissue factor both from the ruptured plaque and from stimulated monocytes. The fibrinolytic system is markedly altered already in patients with stable coronary heart disease. Increased levels of tissue-type plasminogen activator and of urokinase-type plasminogen activator/receptor are measurable in atheromas. Tissue-type plasminogen activator mass concentration is systemically elevated already at early stages of atherosclerosis. Especially in patients with increased risk for acute coronary syndromes, the plasminogen activator inhibitor activity is significantly increased. Furthermore, a hypercoagulative state with increased d-dimer levels and plasmin-antiplasmin complexes can be measured. The alterations of hemostasis and especially of fibrinolysis are detectable for prolonged time period and persist much longer than the clinical symptoms of the patients. The increased plasminogen activator inhibitor activity is associated with the metabolic syndrome and constitutes an (in part genetically determined) disturbance in patients with stable or unstable coronary heart disease. However, the large intra- und interobserver as well as diurnal variability of this marker limits its use as a routine measure for risk stratification in patients. Alterations of the hemostasis and disturbances of fibrinolysis are detectable during the chronic as well as the acute phase of atherosclerosis. These changes are best documented for coronary heart disease, whereas less data are available for other manifestations of atherosclerosis. The use of newly developed molecular markers for single reaction steps of pathways instead of global functional tests and of new molecular biological methods did considerably improve the detailed knowledge on the pathomechanisms of the development of atherosclerosis, making the development of targeted therapies, e.g., against receptors possible. Future studies will investigate the quantitative impact of the various activated pathways (cause or reaction) and the effects of interventions on these pathomechanisms in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Studies will have to focus especially on the meaning of polymorphisms, early changes in the development of atherosclerosis and interactions with inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Hoffmeister
- Medizinische Universitätsklinik Abteilung Innere Medizin III, Tübingen
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Hoffmeister HM, Jur M, Helber U, Fischer M, Heller W, Seipel L. Correlation between coronary morphology and molecular markers of fibrinolysis in unstable angina pectoris. Atherosclerosis 1999; 144:151-7. [PMID: 10381288 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9150(99)00049-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In acute coronary syndromes, marked alterations of coagulation and fibrinolysis have been observed, but no data are available concerning a possible relation to coronary stenosis morphology. METHODS Thirty one patients with unstable angina pectoris were included. Culprit stenosis morphology judged from coronary angiography was graded using the modified ACC/AHA classification. Molecular and functional markers of hemostasis and fibrinolysis were determined from venous plasma samples obtained at admission. RESULTS Patients with unstable angina pectoris had a moderate procoagulant state, especially a contact phase activation compared with age-matched controls (factor XII 93.9 +/- 5.6 vs 112.8 +/- 5.4%; P < 0.05; high molecular weight kininogen 55.3 +/- 5.4 vs 86.1 +/- 6.5%; P < 0.01). Thrombin-antithrombin (TAT) was not significantly elevated (7.6 +/- 1.9 vs 4.0 +/- 0.5 microg/l). Elevated plasminogen activator mass concentration (16.6 +/- 2.1 vs 5.4 +/- 0.6 ng/ml; P < 0.01) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI) activity (9.9 +/- 3.0 vs 5.6 +/- 3.0 AU/ml; P < 0.05) indicated an alteration of the fibrinolysis. Complexity of coronary stenosis was positively correlated with tissue-type plasminogen activator (TPA) mass concentration (P < 0.01) and PAI activity (P < 0.05). No association was found to markers of a hypercoagulative state. CONCLUSION These findings indicate a relation between alterations of the fibrinolytic system and coronary morphology, whereas the acute changes of coagulation occur independently of culprit stenosis complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Hoffmeister
- Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Abteilung Innere Medizin III, Eberhard-Karls-Universität, Tübingen, Germany
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Hoffmeister HM, Fischer M, Kazmaier S, Heller W, Seipel L. Action of aprotinin in myocardial ischemia - an investigation using a plasma-free model. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999; 47:88-93. [PMID: 10363607 DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1013117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [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: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protease inhibitor aprotinin has been reported to have an anti-ischemic effect on left-ventricular myocardium in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass operation. To examine the anti-ischemic properties beside its antifibrinolytic and inhibitory action on the kallikrein-bradykinin system, we investigated this substance in buffer-perfused rat hearts. METHODS 24 isolated isovolumically contracting rat hearts received a 10-minute infusion of either 10000 units aprotinin or pure saline followed by 30 minutes of no-flow global ischemia and 45 minutes of reperfusion. Hemodynamics, high-energy phosphates, and troponin T as molecular marker of cardiac injury were studied. RESULTS During 15 minutes of reperfusion steady state function was identical in both groups, with a recovery of the developed left-ventricular pressure to 81.9+/-1.5% after protease inhibition and 83.0+/-2.6% in the controls. Coronary flow, myocardial oxygen consumption, and contractile reserve after maximum Ca++ stimulation were also identical. High-energy phosphates were comparably reduced in both groups (adenine nucleotides: 3.1+/-0.3 micromol/g ww after aprotinin vs. controls 2.7+/-0.4 micromol/g ww and creatine phosphate: 6.5+/-0.9 micromol/g ww vs. controls 4.7+/-1.1 micromol/g ww). However, release of the cardiac specific marker troponin T was lower after ischemia at several measurements (p<0.05). The total release of troponin T was 44+/-10 ng in the aprotinin treated hearts vs. 90+/-17 ng in the postischemic control hearts (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The findings demonstrate that aprotinin in a moderate dose is effective in reducing postischemic troponin release in a non-blood perfused system. Measurement of myocardial high-energy phosphates after aprotinin use was performed for the first time and indicates that not a reduction in severity of direct myocardial ischemic intensity but a beneficial action on processes causing release of troponin is the mode of action of this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Hoffmeister
- Department of Cardiology, Center for Internal Medicine, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
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Mock HP, Heller W, Molina A, Neubohn B, Sandermann H, Grimm B. Expression of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase or coproporphyrinogen oxidase antisense RNA in tobacco induces pathogen defense responses conferring increased resistance to tobacco mosaic virus. J Biol Chem 1999; 274:4231-8. [PMID: 9933622 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.274.7.4231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic tobacco plants with reduced activity of either uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase or coproporphyrinogen oxidase, two enzymes of the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway, are characterized by the accumulation of photosensitizing tetrapyrrole intermediates, antioxidative responses, and necrotic leaf lesions. In this study we report on cellular responses in uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and coproporphyrinogen oxidase antisense plants, normally associated with pathogen defense. These plants accumulate the highly fluorescent coumarin scopolin in their leaves. They also display increased pathogenesis-related protein expression and higher levels of free and conjugated salicylic acid. Upon tobacco mosaic virus inoculation, the plants with leaf lesions and high levels of PR-1 mRNA expression show reduced accumulation of virus RNA relative to wild-type controls. This result is indicative of an increased resistance to tobacco mosaic virus. We conclude that porphyrinogenesis as a result of deregulated tetrapyrrole synthesis induces a set of defense responses that resemble the hypersensitive reaction observed after pathogen attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- H P Mock
- Institut für Pflanzengenetik und Kulturpflanzenforschung, Corrensstrasse 3, D-06466 Gatersleben, Germany.
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Hoffmeister HM, Szabo S, Kastner C, Beyer ME, Helber U, Kazmaier S, Wendel HP, Heller W, Seipel L. Thrombolytic therapy in acute myocardial infarction: comparison of procoagulant effects of streptokinase and alteplase regimens with focus on the kallikrein system and plasmin. Circulation 1998; 98:2527-33. [PMID: 9843458 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.98.23.2527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is hampered by procoagulant effects. In vitro studies have indicated that plasmin stimulation activates the kallikrein-contact-phase system, resulting in thrombin activation. This prospective comparative study was designed to examine the procoagulant effects of streptokinase or alteplase in AMI. METHODS AND RESULTS Sixty-one patients with AMI received 1.5 million U of streptokinase or front-loaded alteplase (up to 100 mg) and systemic heparin. Twenty-four patients with AMI and no thrombolytic therapy and 30 control subjects were examined for comparison. Molecular markers of thrombin, plasmin activation, and coagulation activities were determined before therapy and serially for up to 10 days. Moderate thrombin (initial thrombin-antithrombin [TAT] complex 18+/-5 versus 4+/-0.3 microg/L, P<0.05) and kallikrein (up to 45+/-4 versus 30+/-1 U/L at 3 hours, P<0.01) activation occurs in patients with AMI. D-Dimers are increased (P<0.01), and plasmin is stimulated (P<0.01). Streptokinase and alteplase increase TAT to 50+/-17 and 51+/-18 microg/L at 3 hours and to 50+/-17 and 33+/-14 microg/L at 6 hours, respectively (P<0.01). Kallikrein activity is elevated (P<0. 01) to 76+/-5 and 71+/-7 U/L at 3 hours and 64+/-6 and 47+/-5 U/L by streptokinase and alteplase, respectively, at 6 hours. Reductions in fibrinogen and increases in D-dimers and plasmin-antiplasmin complexes are more marked (P<0.05 and 0.01) after streptokinase versus alteplase. Correlations were found among TAT, kallikrein activity, and plasmin activation (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The data indicate a more marked procoagulant action of the streptokinase regimen compared with front-loaded alteplase, thus supporting the hypothesis of a plasmin-mediated kallikrein activation with consecutive procoagulant action in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- H M Hoffmeister
- Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Abt Innere Medizin III, Tübingen, Germany
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