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H Fritz

Publications and source records attributed to H Fritz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Purification and primary structure determination of two Bowman-Birk type trypsin isoinhibitors from Cratylia mollis seeds.

Two Bowman-Birk type trypsin inhibitors (CmTI(1) and CmTI(2)) were purified from Cratylia mollis seeds by acetone precipitation, ion exchange, gel filtration and reverse-phase chromatography. CmTI(1) and CmTI(2), with 77 and 78 amino acid residues, respectively, were sequenced in their entirety and show a high structural similarity to Bowman-Birk inhibitors from other Leguminosae. The putative reactive sites of CmTI(1) are a lysine residue at position 22 and a tyrosine residue at position 49. Different reactive sites, as identified by their alignment with related inhibitors, were found for CmTI(2): lysine at position 22 and leucine at position 49. The dissociation constant K(i) of the complex with trypsin is 1.4 nM. The apparent molecular mass is 17 kDa without DDT and 11 kDa with reducing agent and heating.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Pretreatment with sufentanil reduces myoclonus after etomidate.

BACKGROUND: Myoclonic movements are a common problem during the induction of general anesthesia with etomidate. We investigated the influence of pretreatment with the opioid sufentanil on the incidence of etomidate-induced myoclonus. METHODS: Forty female patients (ASA physical status I-III) were randomly assigned to receive double-blinded either 0.3 micro g kg-1 of sufentanil or placebo 150 s before the induction of sleep with 0.3 mg kg-1 of etomidate. The patients were observed for any myoclonic movement. Grade of dizziness, breathing frequency, non-invasive blood pressure and heart rate were measured during the study period. RESULTS: None of the 20 patients receiving sufentanil had myoclonic movements after the administration of etomidate, whereas 16 patients in the placebo group (80%) experienced such movements (P<0.01). No cases of apnoea before induction of sleep were seen in the sufentanil group. CONCLUSION: Sufentanil 0.3 micro g kg-1 is an effective and safe drug to reduce myoclonus after etomidate without causing any harmful side-effect.

Adult↗

Comparison of transcutaneous and endtidal CO2-monitoring for rigid bronchoscopy during high-frequency jet ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare endtidal and transcutaneous respiratory monitoring of high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) in rigid bronchoscopy. Both techniques provide a noninvasive measurement of pCO2. METHODS: High-frequency jet ventilation was applied via a rigid bronchoscope. Driving pressure (DP) was initially adapted to ensure normal ventilation. It was then changed twice by +/- 30% from the initial value. Endtidal and transcutaneous data were compared with arterial blood gas monitoring (ABG). RESULTS: Results were analyzed separately for the time just after changing the driving pressure (10 min) and the remaining time until the next change of the driving pressure (4 min). The first part was called the dynamic phase, and the second part the steady-state phase. Correlation coefficient between endtidal capnography and ABG was 0.96 for the steady state and 0.94 for the dynamic phase, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias of -0.21 kPa with limits of agreement (LOA) 1.63 kPa for the steady state and -0.25 kPa, 2.08 kPa for the dynamic phase, respectively. Correlation coefficient between transcutaneous monitoring and ABG for the steady state phase was 0.83, and was 0.72 for the dynamic phase. Bland-Altman analysis resulted in a bias of -0.89 kPa with LOA - 3.84 kPa during steady state and 0.92 kPa, 4.06 kPa for the dynamic phase, respectively. CONCLUSION: Endtidal capnography offers accurate respiratory monitoring of HFJV. Transcutaneous monitoring showed a good correlation to ABG only during steady-state conditions. For the dynamic phase the accuracy was significantly lower. Thus, we cannot recommend transcutaneous respiratory monitoring for the specific indication of rigid bronchoscopy using HFJV.

Adult↗

[Is the combination of remifentanil and propopfol suitable for transsphenoid resection of the hypophysis?].

In a multi-center trial, the feasibility of combining remifentanil (RF) and target-controlled infusion of propofol (P) for patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary gland was tested. After IRB approval, 74 patients (29 male/45 female) were included in the study. The concentration of RF and the target concentration of P were recorded as were heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP). For intubation the RF dosage was 0.26 +/- 0.06 microgram.kg-1.min-1 and the target concentration of P was 3.16 +/- 0.63 micrograms.ml-1. After induction, HR and MAP decreased significantly. The painful events of the operation were preparation of the nasal mucous membrane and penetration of the sella turcica. By adjusting the RF dose to 0.31 +/- 0.09 microgram.kg-1. min-1 and the target concentration of P to 3.48 +/- 1.49 micrograms.ml-1, an increase of HR and MAP above initial values was avoided at this time. Hypotension and bardycardia were treated in eight patients (10.8%) with a vasopressor, in four patients (5.4%) with atropine and in four more patients (5.4%) with a combination of these drugs. Two patients (2.7%) needed antihypertensive therapy. The average time interval between the end of P-TCI and spontaneous breathing was 6 +/- 3 min (median 6 min) and till patients opened their eyes 9 +/- 4 min (median 9 min). After 13 +/- 4 min (median 13 min) the patients became orientated. The average doses of analgetics were 19.5 +/- 19.9 mg piritramide and 1.8 +/- 1.0 g metamizol during the first 12 hours postoperatively. Eight patients (10.8%) did not need any analgetics. We suggest that the combination of RF and P as a "fast track concept" can supplement the repertoire of anaesthetic managements used for transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary gland.

Adenoma↗

Pentagonal dodecahedranes: polyfunctionalization and MS fragmentation.

With the use of four- to eight-fold functionalized dodecahedranes (1-3), opportunities to arrive at highly strained dodecahedranes with two to four pairs of vicinal, eclipsed bromine substituents through front-side substitution and addition reactions have been explored. In standard processes, the interception of beta-OCH(3) radical/cationic intermediates was not problematic (9-12, 37, 50). The interception of beta-CO(2)R radicals was possible for Cl(*) (18) but not for Br(*) (17). The interception of beta-chloro radicals was possible for Cl(*) (27) but not for Br(*) (26), and the interception of beta-Br cations ("bromonium ions") with Br(-) was modest (45) to highly inefficient (24, 26). Two X-ray structural analyses (dimethoxy dibromide 9 and tetramethoxy tetrabromide 53) indicated the structural consequences of the molecular strain introduced by the two (four) vicinal CH(3)O/Br pairs. A systematic analysis of the MS spectra confirms that, in virtually all cases studied, the elimination of the substituents occurs without significant carbon-cage disruption, leading ultimately to multiply unsaturated dodecahedral ions for dodecahedrahexa(C(20)H(8))enes, -hepta(C(20)H(6))enes, and -octa(C(20)H(4))enes.

Journal Article↗

[Urapidil for treatment of postanesthetic shivering following general anesthesia. A placebo controlled pilot study].

OBJECTIVE: Postanaesthetic shivering is common during recovery from general anaesthesia. Therefore we studied whether urapidil suppresses postanaesthetic shivering. METHODS: With written informed consent and approval of the local ethics committee, patients (ASA I-II) recovering from general anaesthesia were monitored for 1 h. Patients with continuous shivering for a period of 5 min were randomly treated either with 5 ml placebo (isotonic saline) or 25 mg urapidil in a double-blind trial. This treatment procedure was repeated if shivering did not stop. A complete suppression of shivering was appraised as a sufficient treatment. RESULTS: Shivering occurred in 20 of the patients studied and urapidil stopped shivering in 7 out of the 10 treated patients, whereas the placebo stopped shivering in only 2 out of 10 patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In a placebo controlled trial, it was demonstrated that postanaesthetic shivering can be successfully treated by urapidil in 70% of the patients.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

[Perforation of the superior vena cava due to unrecognized stenosis. Case report of a lethal complication of central venous catheterization].

We report on a case of fatal perforation of the superior vena cava. The perforation occurred after catheterization of the left internal jugular vein with a hemodialysis catheter, due to an unrecognised stenosis of the superior vena cava. Vascular trauma induced by a previous, also left-sided, subclavian vein-hemodialysis catheter (in place for 14 days), seemed to be the most likely pathomechanism of the stenotic lesion. It should be emphasised that this is a frequent complication especially of left-sided dialysis catheters. In the case described a stenosis was complicated by a misdirected second hemodialysis catheter. Although being repositioned under fluoroscopic control via a guide wire, an extravasal placement occurred but was unrecognised. In order to rule out catheter misplacement, the position of every central venous catheter has to be controlled. Standard methods are either chest X-ray or right atrial electrocardiography. Additionally, confirmation of correct intravenous placement requires a combination of free venous backflow of all lumen and/or blood gas analysis or venous pressure monitoring. Only a combination of tests gives ample certainty as each test for itself has its pitfalls. After placement of hemodialysis catheters, in particular left-sided catheters, we demand chest X-ray in order to verify that the catheter runs parallel with the long axis of the superior vena cava. In doubtful cases the threshold for contrast-enhanced angiographic control of the catheter should be low. If a perforation by the catheter is suspected it should be ruled out by computed tomographic scanning or transesophageal echocardiography.

Aged↗

Immunomorphological sequelae of severe brain injury induced by fluid-percussion in juvenile pigs--effects of mild hypothermia.

Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) often leads to a bad outcome with considerable neurological deficits. Secondary brain injuries due to a rise of intracranial pressure (ICP) and global hypoxia-ischemia are critical and may be reduced in extent by mild hypothermia. A porcine animal model was used to study the effect of severe TBI, induced by fluid percussion (FP; 3.5+/-0.3 atm) in combination with a secondary insult, i.e., temporary blood loss with hypovolemic hypotension. Six-week-old juvenile pigs were subjected to this kind of severe TBI; one group was then submitted to moderate hypothermia at 32 degrees C for 6 h, starting 1 h after brain injury. Animals were killed after 24 h. TBI and hypothermia-associated alterations in the brains were investigated by immunohistochemistry with antibodies against microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP). In addition, DNA fragmentation was investigated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. Seven of the 13 normothermic TBI animals developed a secondary increase in ICP (TBI-NT-ICP) after an interval of several hours. None of the animals in the hypothermic trauma (TBI-HT) group exhibited a secondary ICP increase, indicating a protective effect of the treatment. TBI-HT animals showed significantly higher levels of MAP-2 immunoreactivity, lower levels of betaAPP immunoreactivity and less DNA fragmentation than the TBI-NT-ICP animals. Differences between the TBI-HT group and normothermic animals without an ICP increase (TBI-NT) were less marked. A considerable decrease in MAP-2 outside the site of TBI-FP administration was seen only in the TBI-NT-ICP animals. MAP-2 immunohistochemistry was thus a reliable marker of diffuse brain damage. Axonal injury was present in all TBI groups, indicating its special significance in neurotrauma. Thus, severe TBI caused by FP, combined with temporary blood loss, consistently produced traumatic axonal injury and focal brain damage. Mild hypothermia was able to prevent a secondary increase in ICP and its sequelae of diffuse hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. However, hypothermia did not afford protection from traumatic axonal injury.

Age Factors↗

Kinins 1925-2000.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

History, 20th Century↗

Cystatins as calpain inhibitors: engineered chicken cystatin- and stefin B-kininogen domain 2 hybrids support a cystatin-like mode of interaction with the catalytic subunit of mu-calpain.

Within the cystatin superfamily, only kininogen domain 2 (KD2) is able to inhibit mu- and m-calpain. In an attempt to elucidate the structural requirements of cystatins for calpain inhibition, we constructed recombinant hybrids of human stefin B (an intracellular family 1 cystatin) with KD2 and deltaL110 deletion mutants of chicken cystatin-KD2 hybrids. Substitution of the N-terminal contact region of stefin B by the corresponding KD2 sequence resulted in a calpain inhibitor of Ki = 188 nM. Deletion of L110, which forms a beta-bulge in family 1 and 2 cystatins but is lacking in KD2, improved inhibition of mu-calpain 4- to 8-fold. All engineered cystatins were temporary inhibitors of calpain due to slow substrate-like cleavage of a single peptide bond corresponding to Gly9-Ala10 in chicken cystatin. Biomolecular interaction analysis revealed that, unlike calpastatin, the cystatin-type inhibitors do not bind to the calmodulin-like domain of the small subunit of calpain, and their interaction with the mu-calpain heterodimer is completely prevented by a synthetic peptide comprising subdomain B of calpastatin domain 1. Based on these results we propose that (i) cystatin-type calpain inhibitors interact with the active site of the catalytic domain of calpain in a similar cystatin-like mode as with papain and (ii) the potential for calpain inhibition is due to specific subsites within the papain-binding regions of the general cystatin fold.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Foraging methods can affect patch choice: an experimental study in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos).

Animals can adapt to changes in feeding conditions by switching between foraging methods. Dabbling ducks use different foraging methods, including dabbling in deep water with the head and neck submerged, and grubbing in the mud (or shallow water) where the eyes are above the surface, so the bird can visually monitor its environment while foraging. Deep foraging is considered to provide lower intake rates and to have high associated costs, such as predation risk, compared to shallow foraging. Ducks should thus prefer shallow foraging and switch to deeper methods when feeding conditions deteriorate. We conducted a set of experiments with Mallard to assess the importance of intake rate as a cue to choose between patches associated with different foraging methods, and evaluate the influence of food depletion on the decision to switch between methods. When 50 g of wheat were presented in two patches, one at a depth of 5 cm and one at 35 cm, most of the foraging was in the shallow area. Reducing food abundance to 10 g in the shallow area led to an increase in deep foraging, although the birds still preferred the shallow area at the beginning of the tests despite the fact that it did not provide a higher intake rate. This area was used until complete depletion, and birds did not turn to deep foraging before ensuring that the shallow patch was empty. These results show that food depletion affects the choice between feeding patches hence foraging method. However the value of intake rate is not the main cue for decision, rather the birds appear to choose between patches with different methods on account of their respective costs.

Journal Article↗

The human mast cell tryptase tetramer: a fascinating riddle solved by structure.

Tryptases, the predominant proteins of human mast cells, have been implicated as pathogenetic mediators of allergic and inflammatory conditions, most notably asthma. Until recently, the fascinating properties that distinguish tryptases among the serine proteinases, particularly their activity as a heparin-stabilized tetramer, resistance to most proteinaceous inhibitors, and preference for peptidergic over macromolecular substrates presented a riddle. This review solves this riddle with the help of the crystal structure of the human beta(2)-tryptase tetramer, but also indicates controversies between the unique quaternary architecture and some experimental data.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Comparison of cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block at the masseter and adductor pollicis muscle.

Adequate relaxation of the masseter muscle is important during endotracheal intubation and for the patency of a patient's airway during recovery from anaesthesia. We evaluated onset and recovery from cisatracurium-induced neuromuscular block at the masseter and adductor pollicis muscles. Thirty patients were randomly allocated to receive either 0.1 or 0.15 mg kg(-1) cisatracurium. The evoked response was measured at both muscles using acceleromyography. Onset time was significantly shorter at the masseter muscle than at the adductor pollicis (0.1 mg kg(-1) cisatracurium: 155+/-52 vs. 229+/-44 s; 0.15 mg kg(-1) cisatracurium: 105+/-24 vs. 174+/-35 s). Following 0.1 mg kg(-1) cisatracurium, recovery to a TOF-ratio of 0.7 was faster at the masseter compared to the adductor pollicis (P < 0.05). In the 0.15 mg kg(-1) cisatracurium group recovery of T1 to 75% of control and to a TOF-ratio of 0.7 occurred sooner at the masseter (P < 0.05). We conclude that onset and recovery from cisatracurium neuromuscular block occurs more rapidly at the masseter than at the adductor pollicis. It appears unlikely that residual paralysis is present at the masseter once neuromuscular function at the adductor pollicis has completely recovered.

Adult↗

Effect of mild hypothermia on cerebral oxygen uptake during gradual cerebral perfusion pressure decrease in piglets.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of mild hypothermia on cerebral oxygen metabolism and brain function in piglets during reduced cerebral blood flow because of gradual reduction of the effective cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). DESIGN: Comparison of two randomized treatment groups: normothermic group (NT; n = 7) and hypothermic group (HT; n = 7). SETTING: Work was conducted in the research laboratory of the Institute for Pathophysiology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany. SUBJECTS: Fourteen piglets (14 days old) of mixed German domestic breed. INTERVENTION: Animals were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. An epidural balloon was gradually inflated to increase intracranial pressure to 25 mm Hg, 35 mm Hg, and 45 mm Hg every 30 mins at adjusted mean arterial blood pressures. After determination of baseline CPP (NT, 79+/-14 mm Hg; HT, 84+/-9 mm Hg), CPP was reduced to approximately 70%, 50%, and 30% of baseline (NT, 38.1+/-0.5 degrees C; HT, 31.7+/-0.5 degrees C). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Every 25 mins after the gradual CPP reductions. Mild hypothermia induced a reduction of the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) to 50%+/-15% of baseline values (baseline values, 352+/-99 micromol x 100 g(-1) x min(-1)) (p < .05). Moreover, the electrocorticogram was altered to a pattern of reduced delta activity (p < .05) but unchanged higher frequency activity. The cerebral oxygen balance in HT animals remained improved until CPP reduction to 50%, indicated by a reduced cerebral arteriovenous difference of oxygen but elevated brain tissue Po2 (p < .05). Further CPP reduction gave rise to a strong CMRO2 reduction (NT, 19+/-21%; HT, 15+/-15%; p < .05). However, the high-frequency band of electrocorticogram was less reduced in hypothermic animals (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Mild whole body hypothermia improves cerebral oxygen balance by reduction of brain energy demand in juvenile piglets. The improvement of brain oxygen availability continues during a mild to moderate CPP decrease. A loss of the difference in CMRO2 between the hypothermic and normothermic piglets together with the fact that brain electrical activity was less suppressed under hypothermia during severe cerebral blood flow reduction indicates that hypothermic protection may involve some other mechanisms than reduction of brain oxidative metabolism.

Analysis of Variance↗

Coupling of cerebral blood flow and oxygen metabolism in infant pigs during selective brain hypothermia.

Studies documenting the cerebral hemodynamic consequences of selective brain hypothermia (SBH) have yielded conflicting data. Therefore, the authors have studied the effect of SBH on the relation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and CMRO2 in the forebrain of pigs. Selective brain hypothermia was induced in seven juvenile pigs by bicarotid perfusion of the head with extracorporally cooled blood. Cooling and stepwise rewarming of the brain to a Tbrain of 38 degrees C, 25 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 38 degrees C at normothermic Ttrunk (38 degrees C) decreased CBF from 71 + 12 mL 100 g(-1) min(-1) at normothermia to 26+/-3 mL 100 g(-1) min(-1) and 40+/-12 mL 100 g(-1) min(-1) at a Tbrain of 25 degrees C and 30 degrees C, respectively. The decrease of CMRO2 during cooling of the brain to a Tbrain of 25 degrees C resulted in a mean Q10 of 2.8. The ratio between CBF and CMRO2 was increased at a Tbrain of 25 degrees C indicating a change in coupling of flow and metabolism. Despite this change, regional perfusion remained coupled to regional temperatures during deep cerebral hypothermia. The data demonstrate that SBH decreases CBF and oxygen metabolism to a degree comparable with the cerebrovascular and metabolic effects of systemic hypothermia. The authors conclude that, irrespective of a change in coupling of blood flow and metabolism during deep cerebral hypothermia, cerebral metabolism is a main determinant of CBF during SBH.

Animals↗