Reconstruction of the quantum state of multimode light.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to H Kühn.
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Arachidonic acid and its 15-lipoxygenase metabolite (15S)-hydroxy-(5Z,8Z,11Z,13E)-eicosatetraenoic acid ((15S)-HETE) modulates the beta-adrenergic response of cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes as indicated by an increase in the beating rate following stimulation of the cells with suboptimal isoproterenol concentrations. The effect of 15-HETE was enantioselective for the S-isomer and could be detected at concentrations as low as 10(-12) M. (11S)-HETE and (5S,15S)-dihydroxy-(6E,8Z,11Z,13E)-eicosatetraen oic acid did also exhibit this effect, whereas other mono-, di-, and trihydroxyeicosanoids as well as the 15-lipoxygenase products of 11,14-eicosadienoic acid, of two eicosatrienoic acid isomers and of 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid were ineffective. Immunohistochemical studies indicated the expression of a 15-lipoxygenase in cardiomyocytes and in resident heart mast cells. Induction of the beta-adrenergic supersensitivity is paralleled by a selective incorporation of (15S)-HETE into the cellular phosphatidylinositol pool. In contrast, (12S)-HETE, which did not induce beta-adrenergic supersensitivity, was incorporated preferentially into phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Calphostin C, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, blocked both the induction of supersensitivity by (15S)-HETE and its incorporation into phosphatidylinositol. These data suggest that in cardiomyocytes 15-lipoxygenase metabolites specifically induces a signal transduction cascade leading to a supersensitivity of the cells toward beta-adrenergic agonists, which involves the phosphatidylinositol cycle and a protein kinase C.
The arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase which is expressed in atherosclerotic lesions is implicated in the oxidative modification of low density lipoproteins during atherogenesis. To obtain experimental in vivo evidence for this hypothesis, we analyzed the structure of oxygenated lipids isolated from the aorta of rabbits fed with a cholesterol-rich diet for different time periods and compared the pattern of oxygenation products with that isolated from low density lipoproteins treated in vitro with the pure rabbit 15-lipoxygenase and with oxygenated lipids isolated from advanced human atherosclerotic lesions. In early atherosclerotic lesions (12-wk cholesterol feeding), specific lipoxygenase products were detected whose structure was similar to those isolated from lipoxygenase-treated low density lipoproteins. The appearance of these products did coincide with the lipid deposition in the vessel wall. In later stages of atherogenesis (26-wk cholesterol feeding) the degree of oxidative modification of the tissue lipids did increase but the share of specific lipoxygenase products was significantly lower, suggesting an increasing overlay of the specific lipoxygenase products by nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation. In advanced human atherosclerotic lesions, large amounts of oxygenation products were detected whose structure suggests a nonenzymatic origin. These data suggest that the arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase is of pathophysiological importance during the early stages of atherogenesis. In later stages of plaque development nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation becomes more relevant.
OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to identify a subgroup of patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation with an increased risk for cardiogenic embolism by assessing left atrial appendage function. BACKGROUND: Patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation have an increased risk for thromboembolic complications. The left atrial appendage is the most likely source for thrombus formation. It is likely that the appendage function (contraction, filling dynamics) is related to the pathogenesis of thrombus formation. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation (group I) underwent biplane transesophageal echocardiography. The maximal and minimal areas during a cardiac cycle and the peak emptying and filling velocities of the appendage were measured in both scan planes. For comparison, two additional groups were also analyzed. Group II consisted of 12 patients with chronic atrial fibrillation due to significant mitral stenosis, and group III consisted of 30 patients who were in sinus rhythm. RESULTS: Patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation showed two distinct appendage flow patterns: either well defined peak filling and emptying waves (> or = 25 cm/s) with visible fibrillatory contractions of the appendage wall ("high flow profile") or irregular, very low, peak filling and emptying waves (< 25 cm/s) associated with almost no visible appendage contractions ("low flow profile"). The left atrial appendage function in the first subgroup resembles that seen in patients with sinus rhythm, whereas the appendage function in the latter subgroup resembles more the "static pouch" seen in patients with rheumatic atrial fibrillation. Events suggestive of cardiogenic embolism occurred in six patients from group I, five of whom were in the low flow profile subgroup (p < 0.05). The spontaneous echo contrast phenomenon was observed in 80% of the low flow profile subgroup but in only 5% in the high flow profile subgroup (p < 0.05). Three thrombi confined to the left atrial appendage were detected by transesophageal echocardiography in group I; all three of the patients were in the low flow profile subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of left atrial appendage function by transesophageal echocardiography may be helpful to identify subgroups of patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation with an increased risk of thrombus formation.
A lipoxygenase was purified 300-fold from a homogenate supernatant of ripe tomato fruits by fractionated ammonium sulfate precipitation and anion exchange fast protein liquid chromatography. The specific linoleate oxygenase activity of the final enzyme preparation was 1300 nkat per mg protein at pH 6.8 and 25 degrees C in the absence of any detergent. The enzyme oxygenated linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid at comparable rates, whereas gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, 11,14-eicosadienoic acid and 11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid were poor substrates. Linoleic acid was converted to 9(S)-hydroperoxy-10E,12Z-octadecadienoic acid, whereas 5(S)-HpETE, 11(S)-HpETE and 8(S)-HpETE were identified as major oxygenation products from arachidonic acid. The tomato lipoxygenase did not react with either dilinoleyl phosphatidylcholine or the lipid extract from beef heart mitochondria. The possible biological importance of the reaction of tomato lipoxygenase with arachidonic acid is discussed.
104 KCN-resistant Salmonella strains were detected among 1391 strains typed (7.4%) during the first 7 months in 1993. In particular Salmonella enterica strains of subspecies I isolated from humans and foods exhibited this character. Those KCN-resistant Salmonella strains did not belong to a special antigen formula. The second flagellar phase could not be detected in most of these strains. KCN resistance does not seem to be plasmid-encoded.
Salmonella strains belonging to subspecies I to VI were investigated for colony color when grown on Rambach agar. Most strains of Salmonella subspecies I, II, IV, and VI behaved as described. All strains of Salmonella subspecies IIIa, IIIb, and V produced beta-D-galactosidase and blue-green colonies which could not be distinguished in color from Escherichia coli and other lactose-fermenting members of the family Enterobacteriaceae.
Cellular lipoxygenases have been implicated in foam cell formation during the early stages of atherogenesis. We studied the interaction of lipoxygenases of different positional specificities with human lipoproteins and found that the arachidonate 15-lipoxygenases of rabbit and humans and the arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase of porcine leukocytes oxygenate lipoproteins as indicated by the formation of oxygenated lipids and changes in electrophoretic mobility of low density lipoprotein. The arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase of human platelets, the recombinant arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase of human leukocyte, and the soybean lipoxygenase I were less effective in oxidizing human LDL. As a major oxygenation product, esterified 13S-hydro(pero)xy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid was identified for both the rabbit reticulocyte 15- and the porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase. In addition, esterified 15S-hydro(pero)xy-5,8,11,13(Z,Z,Z,E)-eicosatetraenoic acid (for the rabbit 15-lipoxygenase) and 12S-hydro(pero)xy-5,8,10,14(Z,Z,E,Z)-eicosatetraenoic acid (for the porcine 12-lipoxygenase) as well as small amounts of racemic 9-hydro(pero)xy-10,12-octadecadienoic acid isomers were detected. More than 90% of the oxygenated polyenoic fatty acids were found in the ester lipid fraction, particularly in the cholesteryl esters and in various phospholipid classes (phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine). The possible biological significance of lipoxygenase-induced oxidative modification of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is discussed.
Infections caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi B have special epidemiological significance. However, the enteritis caused by Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium dominates. A complex typing of these serovars is the prerequisite for both, an effective surveillance of salmonellosis and the detection of occurring replacements and variations of the pathogens. The increasing occurrence of Salmonella in spices since 1993 is epidemiologically remarkable. In this connection, serotypes such as Salmonella javiana, S. rubislaw, and monophasic, KCN-positive serovars dominate. The transmission route man-man is of no special epidemiological importance at present in Germany.
In the period from 2-10 August 1991 an outbreak caused by S. paratyphi B occurred in five rural areas of the district of Leipzig. Eleven patients and one excreter were involved, and mild forms of disease were observed in most cases. In three of the patients a mixed infection with S. litchfield was diagnosed. Moreover at the same time 21 cases of enteritis caused by S. litchfield and three excreters associated with this serovar were registered in these five rural areas. Both infections with S. paratyphi B and S. litchfield occurred 1-3 days after consumption of smoked halibut. The fish smoked in a smokehouse in the Grimma rural area was delivered to the shops every day. The inspection of the smokehouse and the dispatch department provided no signs of contaminations. In the smoked fish samples investigated subsequently, Salmonella were no longer detectable. The results of typing confirm the identity of all S. paratyphi B strains isolated. The possibilities of contamination of the smoked halibut are discussed. This study emphasises the possible transmission of salmonella by way of the food fish. On that occasion also a non-frequent serovar such as S. paratyphi B can be isolated and a light course of disease as e.g. febrile gastroenteritis can be observed and may attain epidemiological significance.
When arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase purified from porcine leukocytes was incubated aerobically with 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, the phospholipid reacted at up to 30% of the rate of a free fatty acid substrate; the esterified arachidonic acid was oxygenated predominantly to the (12S)-12-hydroperoxy product. The porcine leukocyte enzyme was also capable of metabolizing phosphatidylcholine containing esterified (15S)-15-hydroperoxy-5,8,11,13-eicosatetraenoic acid; oxygenation occurred predominantly at the 14R position. Reaction with mitochondrial and endoplasmic membranes of rat liver produced esterified (12S)-12-hydroperoxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic acid and (13S)-13-hydroperoxy-9,11-octadecadienoic acid as major oxygenation products. Thus, porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase is capable of oxygenating not only free polyenoic fatty acids but also more complex substrates such as phospholipids and biomembranes. In contrast, the human platelet 12-lipoxygenase is almost inactive with these esterified polyenoic fatty acids. In regard to the function of these enzymes, the leukocyte-type of 12-lipoxygenase has similar catalytic activities to the mammalian 15-lipoxygenase and its physiological function may include the structural modification of membrane lipids.
Human 15-lipoxygenase was expressed to high levels (approx. 20% of cellular protein) in a baculovirus/insect cell expression system. Catalytically active enzyme was readily purified (90-95% pure) from cytosolic fractions by anion-exchange chromatography on a Mono Q column with approx. 95% recovery of enzymatic activity. Routinely, a yield of 25-50 mg of pure enzyme per L of culture and a specific activity of 7.1-21 mumol 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE)/mg.min (turnover rate of 8.4-25 s-1) were obtained. Both the specific activity and the enzyme's iron content was significantly increased by the addition of ferrous ions to either the purified enzyme or to the insect cell culture medium during production. An isoelectric point of 5.85 was determined and the N-terminal amino acid sequence was found to be identical to that predicted from the cDNA. The purified recombinant enzyme exhibits a dual positional specificity with arachidonic acid (formation of 15S- and 12S-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12S-HETE) in a ratio of 12:1). Double oxygenation products 14R,15S- and various 8,15-DiHETE isomers were also identified. With linoleic acid as substrate, a pH-optimum of 7.0 and a KM of 3 microM were determined. The enzyme undergoes suicidal inactivation during fatty acid oxygenation, is sensitive to standard lipoxygenase inhibitors, and oxygenates phospholipids, cholesterol esters, biomembranes and human low-density lipoprotein. Contrary to prior studies on the rabbit enzyme, no glycosylation was detected.
The recombinant rabbit reticulocyte 15-lipoxygenase has been expressed in E. coli with a yield of about 50-70 micrograms pure lipoxygenase protein per 1 of liquid culture. The enzyme has been purified to apparent homogeneity from the bacteria lysis supernatant by ammonium sulfate precipitation, and two consecutive steps of anion exchange chromatography on a Mono Q column. As the native enzyme the recombinant lipoxygenase has a molecular mass of 75 kDa, an isoelectric point of 5.5 and oxygenates both linoleic acid (formation of 13S-hydroperoxy-9Z,13E-octadecadienoic acid) and arachidonic acid. With the latter substrate it exhibits a dual positional specificity (formation of 15S-hydroperoxy-5Z,8Z,11Z,13E-eicosatetranoic acid and 12S-hydroperoxy-5Z,8Z,10E,14Z-eicosatetraenoic acid in a ratio of 12:1). Furthermore, the enzyme is capable of oxygenating biomembranes, as indicated by HPLC analysis of esterified oxygenated polyenoic fatty acids.
Oxidative modification converts low-density lipoprotein (LDL) into its atherogenic form and appears to be a necessary precondition for LDL uptake by macrophages during foam cell formation. Cellular lipoxygenases have been implicated in this process. We studied the interaction of purified mammalian lipoxygenases with human LDL in vitro and found that the arachidonate 15-lipoxygenases of rabbit and man are capable of oxygenating lipoproteins as indicated by oxygen uptake and by the formation of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances. Furthermore, oxygenated polyenoic fatty acids, such as 13-hydro(pero)xy-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid and 15-hydro(pero)xy-5,8,11,13(Z,Z,Z,E)-eicosatetraenoic acid were detected in the lipid compartment of various lipoproteins classes after lipoxygenase treatment. More than 90% of the oxygenated polyenoic fatty acids were found in the ester-lipid fraction, particularly in the cholesterol esters, whereas only small amounts of free hydro(pero)xy polyenoic fatty acids were detected. Lipoxygenase-catalyzed oxygenation of LDL is not restricted to the lipid compartment but also leads to a cooxidative modification of the apoproteins as indicated by changes in the electrophoretic mobility and by the formation of carbonyl derivatives of amino acid side chains. The possible biological significance of lipoxygenase-induced oxidative modification of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is discussed.
Sensitivity of transthoracic echocardiography in the detection of left atrial thrombi, in particular thrombi confined to the left atrial appendage, is surprisingly low (33%-72%). Concerning the detection of left atrial thrombi, transthoracic echocardiography appears as an inadequate technique in patients with suspected cardiogenic embolism with a success rate of only 0.8% in earlier, and about 3% in recent studies. Imaging from the esophagus substantially increases the detection rate for left atrial thrombi, and is the only clinically relevant semiinvasive technique to diagnose thrombi confined to the left atrial appendage. Transesophageal echocardiography has markedly increased the diagnostic power of cardiovascular ultrasound in patients with suspected cardiogenic embolism and/or atrial fibrillation. Meta-analysis of pooled studies using the transesophageal approach in these patients revealed thrombi within the left atrial cavity in about 7% and within the atrial appendage in about 12% of cases.
597 strains of Salmonella typhimurium found in samples from cattle in Eastern Thuringia from 1974 to 1991 were investigated to their phage types and biochemotypes. 21 different combined types were found out among which the phage types n.c. 1/72/n. c.(204), 2 b/23 (92) and 1 a/9 (49) dominated at certain times. With the help of two examples it is shown that cases of Salmonellosis with Salmonella typhimurium within one farm occurring one after another can be different infections that are independent from each other. The complex typings are capable to clear up epidemiological connections and therewith support the control of infections and the protection of people's health consequently.
This paper describes results of the epidemiological analysis of the occurrence of Enteritis-Salmonellae in Germany. The incidence rate 1980-1992 of both parts of Germany is compared with the rates 1988-1992 in the several counties. The described percent distribution in the age groups and the age specific incidence allow important epidemiological advice. On the strength of longtime-surveillance of Salmonella infections it is possible to recognize the epidemiological significance of specified Salmonella serovars, e.g. S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis. Dominating serovars need a complex typing by means of biochemotyping, phage typing and molecular biological methods. From the epidemiological point of view it is remarkable that only approximately 10% of the Salmonella infections appear in salmonella outbreaks.
In summer 1991 an outbreak of a Salmonella enteritidis epidemic involving about 600 cases of gastroenteritis occurred at one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in southwestern Germany. The main source was a cold fruit soup, in addition Salmonella were isolated from meat strips and a curd cheese which were used for a salad dressing. A total of 2300 contaminated food portions were served resulting in an attack rate of about 25%. The possible origin could have been an asymptomatic Salmonella-positive member of the kitchen personnel who was the only one who was involved with the preparation of all the incriminated foods. A further spread of the epidemic and especially the possible contamination of pharmaceuticals was avoided by the timely and adequate reaction of the company's occupational medical service. This case exemplifies how classical crisis management, "increased initiative on one's own for prevention of infections in all areas of food processing" (Steuer) and finally the cooperation of the company with different institutions of the public health authorities contribute to the control of such a catastrophic scenario.