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B Reiter

Publications and source records attributed to B Reiter.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

TRP channels activated by extracellular hypo-osmoticity in epithelia.

TRP (transient receptor potential) channels comprise a superfamily of non-selective cation channels with at least seven subfamilies. The variety of subfamilies corresponds to the differences in the activation mechanisms and functions. TRPM3 (TRP melastatin 3) and TRPV4 (TRP vanilloid 3) have been characterized as cation channels activated by extracellular hypo-osmoticity. In addition, TRPV4 is activated by metabolites of arachidonic acid as well as alpha-isomers of phorbol esters known to be ineffective in stimulating proteins of the protein kinase C family. TRPM3 is responsive to sphingosine derivatives. The detection of splice variants with probably different activation mechanisms supports the idea that TRPM3 may have diverse cellular functions depending on the expression of a particular variant. The expression of TRPV4 in many epithelial cell types raised the question of the role of TRPV4 in epithelial physiology. Single-cell experiments as well as approaches using epithelial layers show that multiple cellular responses are triggered by TRPV4 activation and subsequent elevation of intracellular calcium. The TRPV4-induced responses increasing transcellular ion flux as well as paracellular permeability may allow the cells to adjust to changes in extracellular osmolarity. In summary, TRPV4 plays a central role in epithelial homoeostasis by modulating epithelial barrier function.

Alternative Splicing↗

Burkholderia phytofirmans sp. nov., a novel plant-associated bacterium with plant-beneficial properties.

A Gram-negative, non-sporulating, rod-shaped, motile bacterium, with a single polar flagellum, designated strain PsJN(T), was isolated from surface-sterilized onion roots. This isolate proved to be a highly effective plant-beneficial bacterium, and was able to establish rhizosphere and endophytic populations associated with various plants. Seven related strains were recovered from Dutch soils. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence data, strain PsJN(T) and the Dutch strains were identified as representing a member of the genus Burkholderia, as they were closely related to Burkholderia fungorum (98.7 %) and Burkholderia phenazinium (98.5 %). Analysis of whole-cell protein profiles and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments confirmed that all eight strains belonged to a single species. Strain PsJN(T) had a DNA G+C content of 61.0 mol%. Only low levels of DNA-DNA hybridization to closely related species were found. Qualitative and quantitative differences in fatty acid composition between strain PsJN(T) and closely related species were identified. The predominant fatty acids in strain PsJN(T) were 16 : 0, 18 : 1omega7c and summed feature 3 (comprising 16 : 1omega7c and/or iso-15 : 0 2-OH). Isolate PsJN(T) showed high 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase activity and is therefore able to lower the ethylene level in a developing or stressed plant. Production of the quorum-sensing signal compound 3-hydroxy-C8-homoserine lactone was detected. Based on the results of this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain PsJN(T) and the seven Dutch isolates are considered to represent a single, novel species, for which the name Burkholderia phytofirmans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain PsJN(T) (=LMG 22146(T) = CCUG 49060(T)).

4-Butyrolactone↗

Avian exocrine secretions. I. Chemical characterization of the volatile fraction of the uropygial secretion of the green woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus.

Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in conjunction with auxiliary techniques such as solid phase microextraction and determination of double bond positions by means of dimethyl disulfide derivatization, 45 constituents of the uropygial secretion of the green woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus, have been identified. The majority of these constituents are long-chain branched and unbranched alkanes, and (Z)-alkenes such as (Z)-9-tricosene, and a number of unidentified wax esters. The more volatile fraction of the secretion contained short-chain fatty acids, aldehydes, aliphatic and heterocyclic aromatic amines, ketones, and dimethyl sulfides. This group of volatile compounds is responsible for the obnoxious odor of the secretion and also for its defensive action against predators.

Aldehydes↗

Mammalian exocrine secretions. XVIII: Chemical characterization of interdigital secretion of red hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus caama.

Gas chromatography, coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (electron impact mode and chemical ionization with methane as reactant gas), gas chromatography-infrared spectroscopy, and derivatization techniques were used to identity 53 compounds in the interdigital secretion of the red hartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus caama. These compounds included alkanes, isoalkanes, alcohols, ketones, carboxylic acids, oxiranes, furanoid linalool oxides, and a large number of branched and unbranched saturated and unsaturated aldehydes. The secretion probably plays a role in demarcation of territories by dominant bulls.

Animal Communication↗

Cloning and characterization of EstC from Burkholderia gladioli, a novel-type esterase related to plant enzymes.

By screening a genomic library of Burkholderia gladioli (formerly Pseudomonas marginata) for clones exhibiting esterolytic activity, the gene for a novel-type esterase (EstC) showing significant homology to plant enzymes could be isolated. High homology was found to two hydroxynitrile lyases originating from Hevea brasiliensis (tropical rubber tree) and Manihot esculenta (cassava), and to two proteins from Oryza sativa (rice) that are specifically induced upon infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. The sequenced ORF encodes for a protein of 298 amino acids. The enzyme was efficiently overexpressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized with respect to enzymatic capabilities. The enzyme was able to hydrolyze a variety of esterase substrates of low to medium carbonic acid chain length, but no triglycerides were hydrolyzed. Despite the high sequence homology, no hydroxynitrile lyase activity could be recognized.

Aldehyde-Lyases↗

Determination of tocopherols and sterols in vegetable oils by solid-phase extraction and subsequent capillary gas chromatographic analysis.

In general, analyses of tocopherols and sterols are performed separately in vegetable oils. By applying solid-phase extraction (SPE) prior to capillary gas chromatography, a simple and reliable procedure for the quantification of both tocopherols and sterols in a single analytical run has been developed. SPE was used as sample clean up procedure for the separation of these minor components from the triacylglycerol matrix, replacing time consuming saponification or on-line LC-GC. The analysis of tocopherols and free sterols in five different vegetable oils illustrates robustness and reliability of this method outlined. Quantification of the analytes was performed by external calibration with reference substances and internal standardization. The recovery of the procedure as well as the repeatability of the quantitative results have been evaluated.

Calibration↗

Popliteal vein compression due to popliteal artery aneurysm: effects of aneurysm size.

Unlike the venous compression associated with larger popliteal artery aneurysms, which frequently is associated with deep vein thrombosis, the venous compression caused by the moderate sized (greater than 2 cm and less than 3 cm) aneurysms in the reported cases is not associated with thrombosis. The extrinsic compressive effect of these moderate sized popliteal artery aneurysms on the adjacent vein is shown to vary with the patient's leg position. Three of the four patients with unilateral leg swelling discussed here had bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms. In these cases, the contralateral leg had a small popliteal aneurysm (less than 2 cm) and no leg swelling was present. The cases suggest that popliteal artery aneurysm size is an important factor in determining the type of venous obstruction that results from the extrinsic compression of the ipsilateral popliteal vein. The described phenomenon of a popliteal artery aneurysm having the effect of restricting flow in the ipsilateral popliteal vein must be included as a differential diagnosis among the causes of unilateral leg swelling in the absence of deep vein thrombosis.

Aged↗

A phosphatase activity present in peripheral blood myeloid cells of chronic myelogenous leukemia patients but not normal individuals alters nuclear protein binding to transcriptional enhancers of interferon-inducible genes.

Cytoplasmic protein from peripheral blood myeloid cells of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients altered the electrophoretic mobility of complexes formed between nuclear proteins and interferon-inducible transcriptional enhancers. Immature myeloid marrow cells (blasts and promyelocytes) have a higher level of this activity than do mature myeloid marrow cells (bands and polys). This activity, which is not detectable in the peripheral blood cells of normal individuals, is at least 50-fold higher in CML marrow blasts and promyelocytes than that found in marrow blasts and promyelocytes of normal individuals. This activity was inhibited by in vivo incubation of immature myeloid cells with the phosphatase inhibitor, sodium orthovanadate (0.2 mM), and by adding orthovanadate (20 mM) directly to cytoplasmic proteins of myeloid cells. Interferon-alpha (1,000 U/ml) reduced the effects of the CML myeloid cell cytoplasmic protein on the electrophoretic mobility of nuclear protein-DNA complexes. These data suggest that a unique phosphatase may be involved in the abnormalities in CML which are modulated by interferon-alpha.

Acid Phosphatase↗

[Proton spin tomography in childhood. Experience with 407 studies in 275 children and adolescents].

Over a period of three years magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mostly neuroradiological, was performed 407 times in 275 children. It was found that MRI largely replaced previously applied imaging methods for solving oncological and neurological problems. The sensitivity of the method is poor for demonstrating small calcifications (computed tomography is better), for diffuse meningeal lesions (lumbar puncture is better), and diffuse spinal-canal metastases (myelography is better). The great advantage of the method lies in its low x-ray exposure because of the low field strength, and it can therefore be safely used repeatedly.

Adolescent↗

[Treatment of von Willebrand-Jürgens syndrome with "hepatitis-free" factor VIII concentrates].

In five patients with von Willebrand's disease the haemostatic effect of heat-treated factor VIII concentrates was examined. For comparison, small-pool cryoprecipitate was used. All three preparations (Factor VIII-HT Hyland, Factor VIII HS Behringwerke, Kryobulin SP) were shown to improve abnormal laboratory findings, especially bleeding time, and at times even normalize them. It was possible to prevent bleedings during operative procedures, and effectively treat spontaneous bleedings. Factor VIII-HT and Factor VIII HS could be used in dosages comparable to cryoprecipitate (20-40 U/kg); in patients undergoing surgery a dose interval of eight hours is recommended. Two of four patients suffering of chronic liver disease had raised transaminase activities after receiving Factor VIII-HT. Although the risk of hepatitis cannot be conclusively assessed, the preparations used provide, owing to their good blood-clotting effect, an advance in the treatment and prevention of serious complications in patients with von Willebrand's disease.

Adult↗

The subcutaneous administration of the vasopressin analogue 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin in patients with von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia.

Twenty-one patients suffering from mild von Willebrand's disease (vWd) and patients suffering from mild or moderate hemophilia A received 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) (Minirin, Ferring AG) s.c. at a dose of 0.4 microgram/kg body weight. Additionally, two hemophiliacs and 22 patients with vWd received DDAVP i.v. Within the observation period of 3 h Factor (F) VIII:C levels increased 2.4 X baseline levels in hemophiliacs, and the maximal effect was observed 3 h post DDAVP s.c. In patients with vWd post DDAVP s.c. (i.v.) a 2.7 (3.4), 2.1 (1.9) and 2.2 (2.8) fold increase for F VIII: C, F VIIIR:Ag and F VIII:Rcof was observed. In eight patients suffering from vWd with additional F XII deficiency a small and transitory but significant increase of F XII levels was detected post DDAVP s.c. No local or systemic side effects were observed. In five patients with vWd tooth extractions were performed without bleeding complications under DDAVP s.c. treatment. Two patients practiced self-treatment by injecting the drug s.c. at home. We thus conclude that s.c. DDAVP is an effective, reliable, and cost-reducing form of treatment that does not bring with it the risk of transmitting infectious diseases in patients with vWd and hemophilia and that can be administered at home.

Arginine Vasopressin↗

[Significance of disordered antithrombin III function in disseminated intravascular coagulation and deep venous thrombosis for anticoagulant therapy].

In patients with acute deep vein thrombosis of the pelvis and limbs and in patients with decompensating course of DICFS considerable defects in AT III function are regularly demonstrated by laboratory tests, while in groups including patients with old or less pronounced venous thrombosis or in patients with compensated or overcompensated consumption coagulopathy normal AT III values might frequently be expected. This seems to be of interest for the interpretation of laboratory data on AT III. However, from these findings AT III replacement cannot be deduced and they cannot be used as a criterion to assess the prognostic value of AT III deficiency for the course of the underlying disease. In acquired AT III defects the anticoagulant activity of heparin is not necessarily decreased. After continuous infusion of doses below 500 USP in patients with DICFS and after administration of heparin doses of 750 USP/h/70 kg in patients undergoing fibrinolytic therapy the AT III content rather increases continuously. After extremely high heparin doses during extracorporeal circulation in the heart-lung machine transitorily decreased AT III values return to normal. In certain risk situations, however, such as after bolus injection of comparatively high heparin doses in patients with greatly reduced AT III values, a lowered anticoagulant effect of high heparin doses must be expected. In these cases AT III replacement is indicated. However, when enhanced heparin resistance is suspected or diagnosed, treatment with AT III concentrates is justified only when the diagnosis is based on laboratory findings. Cortisone and protamine chloride were found to exert direct effects on AT III function and concentration independent of the AT III defects mentioned.

Antithrombin III↗

Production of H2O2 by bovine blood and milk polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

The ability of bovine polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) to release H2O2 was investigated. Resting PMN suspended in buffer released only small amounts of H2O2 which was appreciably increased during phagocytosis of heat killed coliforms. However, in the presence of bovine serum (BS), foetal calf serum (FCS) and milk whey (MW) no increase of H2O2 could be detected unless sodium azide (NaN2) was added. It appears that the enzyme content of these fluids (catalase and lactoperoxidase) consumed the released H2O2 and NaN2, which inactivates these enzymes, abolished this interference. Live organisms required BS or MW both for phagocytosis and for H2O2 production. Bovine IgG2 and, to a lesser extent, IgG1 but not SIgA or IgM stimulated the release of H2O2 independently of phagocytosis; this indicates the presence of receptors specific for IgG2 and IgG1 on the cell surface. Ingestion of casein micelles triggered the greatest burst of H2O2 production by cells suspended in buffer. In general, PMN isolated from blood were more active than cells isolated from milk. Since the extracellular release of H2O2 reflects the intracellular level of H2O2, the lower metabolic activity of milk PMN may contribute to the lesser intracellular bactericidal activity of milk leucocytes. The possibility that the release of H2O2 may activate extracellularly the lactoperoxidase system, known to be bactericidal in milk, is discussed.

Animals↗

Comparison of the antibacterial activity of the hypothiocyanite anion towards Streptococcus lactis and Escherichia coli.

It has been suggested that the antibacterial activity of the lactoperoxidase/thiocyanate/hydrogen peroxide system is due to the hypothiocyanite anion. Relatively pure solutions of hypothiocyanite can be prepared using an immobilized enzyme. These preparations have been used to examine the effect of the anion on the growth and on the membranes of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus lactis. Escherichia coli is killed in the presence of the anion whereas the effect on Streptococcus lactis is only bacteriostatic. As similar effects have been noted with the lactoperoxidase/thiocyanate/hydrogen peroxide system the hypothesis that the action of the two systems is similar is supported.

Amino Acids↗