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PubMedDate not supplied

Enhanced biological phosphorus removal from wastewater by biomass with different phosphorus contents, Part II: Anaerobic adenosine triphosphate utilization and acetate uptake rates.

Data from laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors operated in an anaerobic-aerobic cycle showed that a low influent phosphorus/chemical oxygen demand (COD) ratio feed favored a glycogen-accumulating metabolism (GAM)-dominated culture and that a high influent phosphorus/COD ratio feed favored a polyphosphate-accumulating metabolism (PAM)-dominated culture. The PAM-dominated culture anaerobically took up acetate approximately 7 times faster than the GAM-dominated culture. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) balances were performed assuming eight different metabolic scenarios that included the Entner-Doudoroff or the Embden-Myerhof glycolytic pathway, acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthase or the acetate kinase-phospho-transacetylase (AK-PTA) system for acetyl-CoA synthesis, and ATP synthesis or no ATP synthesis during fumarate reduction. The ATP available for transport of acetate into the cell (2) was calculated using these balances. The assumed quantity of ATP produced during fumarate reduction had a relatively small effect on alpha, particularly when PAM was dominant. When GAM was dominant, little or no ATP was available for acetate transport depending on the assumed scenario, and the Embden-Myerhof pathway was more feasible. The value of alpha increased with increasing PAM dominance for all eight metabolic pathways. The maximum calculated alpha value of 0.5 mol ATP/C-mol acetate uptake occurred at maximum PAM dominance and when the Embden-Myerhof pathway was active, when ATP was produced during fumarate reduction, and when the AK-PTA system was active. This value of alpha was higher than previously calculated values with the same metabolic assumptions. An acetate uptake mechanism was suggested that included acetyl-CoA synthetase and direct regeneration of the proton motive force by a proton-translocating pyrophosphatase. Polyphosphate-accumulating metabolism may have a competitive advantage over GAM through a higher anaerobic acetate uptake rate made possible by a greater use of energy for acetate uptake, by use of a different acetate uptake mechanism, or both.

Acetate-CoA Ligase↗

PubMed1988

Characterization of bronchoalveolar lavage cells and macrophage-derived chemoattractant activity in pancreatic elastase-induced emphysema in hamsters.

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed 30 days after endotracheal saline (C) or pancreatic elastase (E) administration to hamsters. E animals had twice as many cells as C animals (7.04 +/- 0.07 vs. 6.69 +/- 0.05 log10 cells, p less than 0.0001, paired t-test) and greater numbers of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) (6.61 +/- 0.05 vs. 5.27 +/- 0.04 log10 cells/animal, p less than 0.0001, t-test). On flow cytometric analysis and cell sorting, BAL cells from C animals showed a homogeneous population of cells with high light scatter and laser-excited intrinsic autofluorescence that were predominantly (greater than 99%) pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM). BAL cells from E animals had 80% PAM with characteristics similar to those of C animals; the remaining 20% of cells were smaller with lower forward and 90 degrees light scatter and four- to fivefold lower autofluorescence. These were found to be predominantly PMN on cytological examination of a sorted fraction. Fc receptors were expressed by greater than 95% of BAL cells from both C and E animals. To explain the altered cell population in E animals, PAM from both E and C animals were cultured in vitro, and the supernatants were assayed for neutrophil chemoattractant activity (NCA). In vitro PAM from E animals produced greater NCA than control PAM after 48 h in culture when stimulated with aggregated immunoglobulin or serum activates zymosan (p less than or equal to 0.003, ANOVA). Analyses of BAL supernatants 24 h after elastase administration indicated the presence of a heat-stable chemoattractant for PMN; such chemotactic activity, however, was not detectable 1 week or 4 weeks after the administration of elastase.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Melphalan and other anticancer modalities up-regulate B7-1 gene expression in tumor cells.

In this study, we show that administration of low-dose melphalan (l -PAM, l -phenylalanine mustard) to mice bearing a large MOPC-315 plasmacytoma led to a rapid up-regulation of B7-1 (CD80), but not B7-2 (CD86), expression on the surface of MOPC-315 tumor cells. This l -PAM-induced preferential up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression was due, at least in part, to a direct effect of l -PAM on the tumor cells, as in vitro exposure of MOPC-315 tumor cells to l -PAM led to the preferential up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression. Moreover, in vitro exposure of MOPC-315 tumor cells to two other anticancer modalities, gamma-irradiation and mitomycin C, resulted in the preferential up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression. This effect was not restricted to MOPC-315 tumor cells, as preferential up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression was observed also following in vitro exposure of the P815 mastocytoma (that is negative for both B7-1 and B7-2 surface expression) to any of the three anticancer modalities. The up-regulation of B7-1 surface expression following in vitro exposure of tumor cells to l -PAM, gamma-irradiation, or mitomycin C required de novo protein and RNA synthesis, and was associated with the accumulation of mRNA for B7-1 within 4-8 h, indicating that the regulation of B7-1 expression is at the RNA transcriptional level. These results have important implications for an additional immune-potentiating mechanism of these anticancer modalities in clinical setting.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Plasma antibodies from malaria-exposed pregnant women recognize variant surface antigens on Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes in a parity-dependent manner and block parasite adhesion to chondroitin sulfate A.

In areas of intense Plasmodium falciparum transmission, clinical immunity is acquired during childhood, and adults enjoy substantial protection against malaria. An exception to this rule is pregnant women, in whom malaria is both more prevalent and severe than in nonpregnant women. Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) in endemic areas is concentrated in the first few pregnancies, indicating that protective immunity to PAM is a function of parity. The placenta is often heavily infected in PAM, and placental parasites show a striking preference for chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) as an adhesion receptor. Plasma Abs from malaria-exposed multiparous women are able to interfere with binding of P. falciparum parasites to CSA in vitro, and acquisition of Abs interfering with CSA-specific parasite sequestration thus appears to be a critical element in acquired protection against PAM. Here we show that adults from an area of hyperendemic P. falciparum transmission generally possessed low levels of Abs specifically recognizing surface Ags expressed by a CSA-adhering parasite isolate, while unselected isolates were well recognized. In marked contrast, most third-trimester pregnant women from that area had very high plasma levels of such Abs. Plasma levels of Abs specifically recognizing the CSA-adhering isolate strongly depended on parity, whereas recognition of CSA-nonadhering isolates did not. Finally, we demonstrate a clear correlation between plasma levels of Abs recognizing the CSA-specific isolate and the ability to interfere with its sequestration to CSA in vitro. Our study supports the hypothesis that Abs inhibiting CSA-specific parasite sequestration are important in acquisition of protection against PAM.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Cross-linking of the mannose receptor on monocyte-derived dendritic cells activates an anti-inflammatory immunosuppressive program.

Immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) strongly express the endocytic mannose receptor (MR). Addition of a specific anti-MR mAb (clone PAM-1) for 24 h to cultures of immature DC induced phenotypical and functional maturation of the cells, assessed as up-regulation of costimulatory molecules and CD83, and chemotactic response to CCL19. A different isotype-matched anti-MR mAb (clone 19.2) had no significant effect. Engagement of MR with mAb PAM-1 induced the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-1R antagonist, and of the nonsignaling IL-1R type II. In contrast IL-1beta, TNF, and IL-12 were not produced. PAM-1-treated DC were unable to polarize Th1 effector cells and did not secrete the chemokines CXCL10 and CCL19; in turn, they produced large amounts of CCL22 and CCL17, thus favoring the amplification of Th2 circuits. T cells cocultured with PAM-1-matured DC initially proliferated but later became anergic and behaved as suppressor/regulatory cells. Natural ligands binding to MR had differential effects. MUC III (a partially purified mucin), biglycan (a purified complex proteoglycan), and mannosylated lipoarabinomannan from Mycobacterium tuberculosis affected cytokine production with high IL-10, IL-1R antagonist, IL-1R type II, and inhibition of IL-12. In contrast, mannan, dextran, and thyroglobulin had no significant effect. In conclusion, the appropriate engagement of the MR by mAb PAM-1 and selected natural ligands elicit a secretory program in mono-derived DC characterized by a distinct profile of cytokines/chemokines with the ability to dampen inflammation and to inhibit the generation of Th1-polarized immune responses.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

PubMed2005

Protein aggregate myopathies.

Protein aggregate myopathies (PAM) are an emerging group of muscle diseases characterized by structural abnormalities. Protein aggregate myopathies are marked by the aggregation of intrinsic proteins within muscle fibers and fall into four major groups or conditions: (1) desmin-related myopathies (DRM) that include desminopathies, a-B crystallinopathies, selenoproteinopathies caused by mutations in the, a-B crystallin and selenoprotein N1 genes, (2) hereditary inclusion body myopathies, several of which have been linked to different chromosomal gene loci, but with as yet unidentified protein product, (3) actinopathies marked by mutations in the sarcomeric ACTA1 gene, and (4) myosinopathy marked by a mutation in the MYH-7 gene. While PAM forms 1 and 2 are probably based on impaired extralysosomal protein degradation, resulting in the accumulation of numerous and diverse proteins (in familial types in addition to respective mutant proteins), PAM forms 3 and 4 may represent anabolic or developmental defects because of preservation of sarcomeres outside of the actin and myosin aggregates and dearth or absence of other proteins in these actin or myosin aggregates, respectively. The pathogenetic principles governing protein aggregation within muscle fibers and subsequent structural sarcomeres are still largely unknown in both the putative catabolic and anabolic forms of PAM. Presence of inclusions and their protein composition in other congenital myopathies such as reducing bodies, cylindrical spirals, tubular aggregates and others await clarification. The hitherto described PAMs were first identified by immunohistochemistry of proteins and subsequently by molecular analysis of their genes.

Actins↗

PubMed1999

The host environment promotes the constitutive activation of nuclear factor-kappaB and proinflammatory cytokine expression during metastatic tumor progression of murine squamous cell carcinoma.

We reported previously that tumor cells isolated from metastases of the in vitro transformed squamous cell carcinoma line Pam 212 exhibit an elevation in constitutive production of proinflmmatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1alpha, IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and KC (the murine homologue of chemokine Gro-alpha). The basis for constitutive expression of these cytokines after tumor progression in vivo is unknown. Regulation of the expression of these proinflammatory cytokines involves transcription factor nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), which can be activated by cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. In this study, we compared the constitutive and TNF-alpha-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines in parental Pam 212 and metastatic LY-2 and LY-8 cell lines and determined the relationship of cytokine expression to activation of NF-kappaB. We found that the metastatic cell lines exhibited an increase in constitutive and TNF-alpha-inducible expression of proinflammatory cytokines when compared with parental Pam 212 cells. The increased cytokine expression was associated with an increase in constitutive and TNF-alpha-inducible activation of NF-kappaB as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and luciferase-reporter gene assay. Constitutive nuclear localization of NF-kappaB p65 was observed in LY-2 and LY-8 cells in culture and in tumor specimens but rarely in Pam 212 cells, consistent with the constitutive activation of NF-kappaB in tumor cels after selection in vivo. Induction of NF-kappaB by TNF-alpha was inhibited by the addition of protease inhibitors calpain inhibitor I and N-tosyl-phechloromethyl ketone and antioxidant 1-pyrrolidinecarbodithioic acid, whereas constitutive activation of NF-kappaB and cytokine KC mRNA expression was inhibited by N-tosyl-phechloromethyl ketone alone. Overexpression of a human Ikappa(B)alpha dominant suppresser in Pam 212 cells inhibited TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB binding activity and KC expression. These data indicate that activation of NF-kappaB contributes to increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines during metastatic tumor progression of squamous cell carcinoma, and that distinct mechanisms may be involved in the regulation of constitutive and TNF-alpha-induced activation of NF-kappaB in squamous cell carcinoma.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Differences in the ways sympathetic neurons and endocrine cells process, store, and secrete exogenous neuropeptides and peptide-processing enzymes.

Most neurons store peptides in large dense core vesicles (LDCVs) and release the neuropeptides in a regulated manner. Although LDCVs have been studied in endocrine cells, less is known about these storage organelles in neurons. In this study we use the endogenous peptide NPY (neuropeptide Y) and the endogenous peptide-processing enzyme PAM (peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase) as tools to study the peptidergic system in cultured neurons from the superior cervical ganglion (SCG). Once mature, SCG neurons devote as much of their biosynthetic capabilities to neurotransmitter production as endocrine cells devote to hormone production. Unlike pituitary and atrium, SCG neurons cleave almost all of the bifunctional PAM protein they produce into soluble monofunctional enzymes. Very little PAM or NPY is secreted under basal conditions, and the addition of secretagogue dramatically stimulates the secretion of PAM and NPY to a similar extent. Although endocrine cells typically package "foreign" secretory products together with endogenous products, pro-opiomelanocortin- and PAM-derived products encoded by adenovirus in large part were excluded from the LDCVs of SCG neurons. When expressed in corticotrope tumor cells and primary anterior pituitary cultures, the same virally encoded products were metabolized normally. The differences that were observed could reflect differences in the properties of neuronal and endocrine peptidergic systems or differences in the ability of neurons and endocrine cells to express viral transcripts.

Adenoviridae↗

PubMed2000

Organization of the human paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus.

The cyto- and chemoarchitecture of the human paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (Pa) was studied with the aid of three-dimensional computer reconstruction. The adult human Pa is a vertically elongated structure that abuts the wall of the third ventricle (3V) medially and is indented dorsolaterally by the descending fornix. Chemoarchitecture revealed the following five subnuclei in the human Pa. The most prominent of these is the magnocellular subnucleus (PaM) occupying the ventrolateral quadrant of the Pa and comprised of a concentration of large arginin-vasopressin (AVP)- and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-positive cells, and small calbindin (Cb)-positive neurons. Rostrally, the PaM is succeeded by the small anterior parvicellular subnucleus (PaAP), which contains small AChE-, AVP- and tyrosin hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells. Dorsal to the PaM is found the dorsal subnucleus (PaD), containing large spindle-shaped TH-, oxytocin (OXY)-, and AChE-positive cells, as well as a population of small Cb-positive neurons. Abutting the wall of the 3V and medial to PaM and PaD is the parvicellular subnucleus (PaP). The PaP contains small cells immunoreactive for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), neuromedin K receptor (NK3), and nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein (SMI32). The posterior subnucleus (PaPo) is situated posterior to the descending column of the fornix; it replaces all above-mentioned subdivisions caudally, and is a chemoarchitectonic amalgam that includes dispersed large AChE-, OXY-, AVP- and TH-positive cells, as well as small NK3-, CRF-, SMI32- and Cb-immunoreactive neurons. The present findings suggest that the human PaM and PaD are homologues to the magnocellular subnuclei of the rat Pa, whereas the human PaP and PaPo correspond to the rat medial parvicellular and posterior subnuclei, respectively.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed2000

Kinetic and stereochemical studies on novel inactivators of C-terminal amidation.

C-terminal amidation, a required post-translational modification for the bioactivation of many neuropeptides, entails sequential enzymic action by peptidylglycine alpha-mono-oxygenase (PAM, EC 1.14.17.3) and peptidylamidoglycolate lyase (PGL, EC 4.3.2.5). Here we introduce novel compounds in which an olefinic functionality is incorporated into peptide analogues as the most potent turnover-dependent inactivators of PAM. Kinetic parameters for PAM inactivation by 4-oxo-5-acetamido-6-phenyl-hex-2-enoic acid and 4-oxo-5-acetamido-6-(2-thienyl)-hex-2-enoic acid were obtained by using both the conventional dilution assay method and the more complex progress curve method. The results obtained from the progress curve method establish that these compounds exhibit the kinetic characteristics of pure competitive inactivators (i.e. no ESI complex forms during inactivation). On the basis of k(inact)/K(i) values, 4-oxo-5-acetamido-6-(2-thienyl)-hex-2-enoic acid is almost two orders of magnitude more potent than benzoylacrylate, a chemically analogous olefinic inactivator that lacks the peptide moiety. Stereochemical studies established that PAM inactivation by 4-oxo-5-acetamido-6-(2-thienyl)-hex-2-enoic acid is stereospecific with respect to the moiety at the P(2) position, which is consistent with previous results with substrates and reversible inhibitors. In contrast, 2, 4-dioxo-5-acetamido-6-phenylhexanoic acid, which is a competitive inhibitor with respect to ascorbate, exhibits a low degree of stereospecificity in binding to the ascorbate sites of both PAM and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase.

Acetamides↗

PubMed2001

Cholinesterase inhibition by aluminium phosphide poisoning in rats and effects of atropine and pralidoxime chloride.

AIM: To investigate the cholinesterase inhibition and effect of atropine and pralidoxime (PAM) treatment on the survival time in the rat model of aluminium phosphide (AlP) poisoning. METHODS: The rats were treated with AlP (10 mg/kg; 5.55 x LD50; ig) and the survival time was noted. The effect of atropine (1 mg/kg, ip) and PAM (5 mg/kg, ip) was noted on the above. Atropine and PAM were administered 5 min after AlP. Plasma cholinesterase levels were measured spectrophotometrically in the control and AlP treated rats 30 min after administration. RESULTS: Treatment with atropine and PAM increased the survival time by 2.5 fold (1.4 h+/-0.3 h vs 3.4 h+/-2.5 h, P < 0.01) in 9 out of 15 animals and resulted in total survival of the 6 remaining animals. Plasma cholinesterase levels were inhibited by 47 %, (438+/-74) U/L in AlP treated rats as compared to control (840+/-90) U/L (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This preliminary study concludes that AlP poisoning causes cholinesterase inhibition and responds to treatment with atropine and PAM.

Aluminum Compounds↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A method for the measurement of L-phenylalanine mustard in the mouse and dog by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

The distribution of L-phenylalanine mustard (L-PAM) was studied in dogs and mice by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Separation of L-PAM from its products of hydrolysis was accomplished with a mu-Bondapak C18 column, a solvent system composed of 2-methoxyethanol/0.1% acetic acid, and solvent programming with a step gradient. Complete separation was effected in less than 15 min. The half-life for disappearance of L-PAM from mouse blood was 41 min, whereas that from dog blood was 29 min. The monohydroxy derivative of L-PAM, L-MOH, disappeared from dog serum with a half-life of 32 min. L-MOH was not detectable in mouse tissue other than blood at times greater than 15 min after injection. In the dog at 4 hr after injection, the tissue/serum concentration ratios were greater than 1 for liver, spleen, intestine, skeletal muscle, urinary bladder and gallbladder. The concentration of L-PAM in the bile was approximately 500 times higher than that in serum.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Lizard cholinesterases as biomarkers of pesticide exposure: enzymological characterization.

Here we report the results of a study conducted to elucidate the enzymological characteristics of lizard cholinesterases (ChEs) in order to use them as potential biomarkers for pesticide exposure. Serum and brain tissue of the lizard Gallotia galloti were used as ChE sources and in vitro assays were performed to identify acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activities. The pH, substrate concentration, and specificity for ChE assays as well as the response of serum BChE to the reactivating agent pyridine-2-aldoxime methochloride (2-PAM) were also investigated in order to assess the possibilities of this methodology in biomonitoring programs. By the use of selective substrates and the inhibitor tetraisopropyl pyrophosphoramide, AChE and BChE activities were identified in lizard serum, while brain contained solely AChE. Likewise, butyrylthiocholine iodide was the optimum substrate for determining BChE activity and acetylthiocholine iodide for assaying both serum and brain AChE activities. The optimal ranges of pH and substrate concentrations were 7.5 to 8.0 and 5 to 10 mM, respectively. Serum was incubated with different doses of the organophosphorus (OP) compounds dichlorvos and paraoxon and subsequently incubated in the presence of two concentrations of 2-PAM (2 x 10(-2) or 2 x 10(-4) M). Reactivation rate of phosphorylated BChE was related to the degree of inhibition of BChE and the dose of 2-PAM. It was found that a 90-min incubation time with 2 x 10(-4) M of 2-PAM satisfactorily increased the OP-inhibited BChE activity. The enzymological properties of serum BChE activity and its in vitro reactivation in the presence of 2-PAM represent the initial justification for its use in monitoring OP contamination in the field.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

PubMed1956

An analysis of the results of the treatment of yaws with a single injection of procaine penicillin with 2% aluminium monostearate.

An extensive yaws eradication campaign has been in operation in Haiti since 1950; this paper deals with material from a special clinic set up at Bainet to evaluate the results of single injections of procaine penicillin with 2% aluminium monostearate (PAM) in various dosages. Treatment results in 862 patients with darkfield-positive secondary yaws and given 600 000 units of PAM are analysed according to age and sex; according to whether the patients lapsed from observation for relatively long periods during the first post-treatment year; and, since an unsatisfactory PAM preparation was used early in the campaign, according to the preparation received. Analyses are also made of results in patients with primary yaws receiving 600 000 units of PAM and in patients with secondary yaws receiving 300 000 units or 150 000 units.It is concluded that a schedule of 600 000 units in a single injection is the treatment method of choice for mass campaigns against yaws, being highly satisfactory in both the primary and secondary stages of disease, provided the PAM preparation conforms to certain minimum standards. The authors also point out that the criteria for the re-treatment of yaws patients after penicillin therapy must be different from those ordinarily adopted with syphilis patients.

Haiti↗

PubMed1992

[Chemoprevention of genotoxic damage in lung cells of rats exposed to cigarette smoke].

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to cigarette smoke (CS) according to a complex protocol which lasted 40 days. Some of the groups were pre-treated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) by gavage (1 g/kg b.w.) 5 h before each exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in each animal at the end of each exposure period in order to recover pulmonary alveolar macrophages (PAM). Cells were identified and counted under the microscope, and the number of micronucleated (MN) and binucleated (BN) PAM was registered. The results showed an increase in the number of MN PAM, which was already evident after 8 days of CS exposure; this increase remained constant after 28 and 40 days of exposure. A significant decrease in the number of MN PAM was observed in the animals pre-treated with NAC. BN PAM were significantly increased after 28 and 40 days of exposure; again, a slight yet not significant decrease was detected in NAC-pre-treated animals. On the whole, this study demonstrates that CS is clearly clastogenic to alveolar macrophages and that NAC can efficiently prevent this cytogenetic damage.

Acetylcysteine↗

PubMed1992

[Comparison of exercise capacity evaluated by cardiopulmonary exercise test and hemodynamic parameters in patients with atrial septal defect].

We evaluated the maximal exercise tolerance using cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and investigated the relation of the hemodynamic parameters such as mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAm) and pulmonic-to-systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs) to exercise tolerance in 18 adult patients consecutively. All the patients had atrial septal defect (ASD). Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) averaged only 21.6 +/- 5.6 ml/min/kg and 63.5 +/- 16.2% of the predicted values (VO2max). And anaerobic threshold averaged 12.5 +/- 2.3 ml/min/kg and 56.7 +/- 12.4% of the predicted values. There were 2 patients who had marked pulmonary hypertension (PH, PAm more than 44 mmHg). Maximal exercise tolerance of these patients was severely impaired, and %VO2max was only 45.9% and 46.2% respectively. In patients without PH (PAm less than 20 mmHg), however %VO2 max ranged widely from 100.3 to 44.7% and PAm correlated with %VO2max weakly (r = -0.53, p less than 0.05). But there was a significant inverse relationship between Qp/Qs and %VO2max(r = -0.85, p less than 0.01). In 16 patients without PH, maximal O2-pulse during exercise was also inversely correlated with Qp/Qs (r = -0.76, p less than 0.01). The relation between PAm and %VO2max suggests that afterload on the right ventricle may be an important determinant of exercise capacity in patients with PH. And the relation between Qp/Qs and %VO2max or Qp/Qs and % maximal O2-pulse suggests that Qp/Qs may also be a very important determinant factor of exercise capacity in patients without PH.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[Study on biodegradation of polyacrylamide].

Phanerochaete chrysosporium was introduced into biodegradation of polyacrylamide(PAM), and effects of glucose amount, pH, N concentration, Mn2+ concentration and biodegradation time on biodegradation of PAM were studied. Results show that Phanerochaete chrysosporium has special abilities of enzyme catalysis biodegradation of PAM. And the removal rate of PAM is 50%. Nitrogen limitation (NH4+ = 0.2 g/L) and Mn2+ concentration (Mn2+ = 0.017 5 g/L) are optima of producing PAM biodegradation enzyme.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Prior authorisation to visit the neurologist from primary care may not be necessary: the findings of a prospective, controlled study].

INTRODUCTION: The system by which approval must be given by the primary care physician before a patient can visit a specialist is known as gatekeeping and is aimed at preventing the mistaken or simple referral of patients to the next stage of health care services. We present a study that compares the final diagnoses of 400 patients who used a direct access model of referral (DAM) with those of 400 patients referred by a primary care physician in a prior authorisation model (PAM). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis of two cohorts of patients who visited the same neurologist in a PAM system versus a DAM system. The 800 patients were evaluated following similar diagnostic criteria. The primary objective of the study was to compare the patients who were referred with a final diagnosis of 'non-neurological pathology' in the PAM and the DAM systems. Secondary aims consisted in conducting an analysis of the diagnoses by different pathologies between the two models. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the referrals that were considered to be non-neurological in the PAM and the DAM systems (27.0% versus 26.3%; p = 0.48). A logistic regression model was performed with 'non-neurological pathology' as the dependent variable and age, sex and type of model (PAM or DAM) as the independent variables, similar results being obtained in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the role played by the primary care physician is not effective when it comes to preventing mistaken referrals to the neurologist in our area. A populational study would be needed to evaluate the rate at which resources are used and the spending on health care in the two models.

Female↗