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Effect of temperature and free ammonia on nitrification and nitrite accumulation in landfill leachate and analysis of its nitrifying bacterial community by FISH.

The cause of seasonal failure of a nitrifying municipal landfill leachate treatment plant utilizing a fixed biofilm was investigated by wastewater analyses and batch respirometric tests at every treatment stage. Nitrification of the leachate treatment plant was severely affected by the seasonal temperature variation. High free ammonia (NH3-N) inhibited not only nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) but also ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB). In addition, high pH also increased free ammonia concentration to inhibit nitrifying activity especially when the NH4-N level was high. The effects of temperature and free ammonia of landfill leachate on nitrification and nitrite accumulation were investigated with a semi-pilot scale biofilm airlift reactor. Nitrification rate of landfill leachate increased with temperature when free ammonia in the reactor was below the inhibition level for nitrifiers. Leachate was completely nitrified up to a load of 1.5 kg NH4-N m(-3)d(-1) at 28 degrees C. The activity of NOB was inhibited by NH3-N resulting in accumulation of nitrite. NOB activity decreased more than 50% at 0.7 mg NH3-N L(-1). Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was carried out to analyze the population of AOB and NOB in the nitrite accumulating nitrifying biofilm. NOB were located close to AOB by forming small clusters. A significant fraction of AOB identified by probe Nso1225 specifically also hybridized with the Nitrosomonas specific probe Nsm156. The main NOB were Nitrobacter and Nitrospira which were present in almost equal amounts in the biofilm as identified by simultaneous hybridization with Nitrobacter specific probe Nit3 and Nitrospira specific probe Ntspa662.

Ammonia↗

Compatibility of ammonia suppressants used in poultry litter with mushroom compost preparation and production.

Ammonia suppressants are applied to chicken litter to decrease ammonia levels. And mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) producers use poultry litter to increase the nitrogen in the compost. To determine the influence of ammonia suppressants used in poultry litter on compost preparation and mushroom production, four mushroom crops were cultivated from compost prepared using litter treated with PLT, Barn Fresh and Impact-P at 25.22 kg/100 m2, 40 kg/100 m2, and 0.49 kg/100 m2, respectively, during the poultry production process. In general, no significant differences (P>0.05) were noted between treatments for total nitrogen, ammonia, pH, EC, ash, and moisture when compost or the headspace air was sampled during compost preparation throughout all stages. Nor were mushroom yields or counts significantly affected (P>0.05) by the presence of ammonia suppressants in the poultry litter. Thus, the mushroom industry can confidently use poultry litter amended with PLT, Impact-P, and Barn Fresh when used at the recommended rates.

Agaricales↗

Sublethal ammonia and urea concentrations inhibit rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase.

In vitro and in vivo effects of sublethal ammonia and urea concentrations were assayed on glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) erythrocyte. G6PD was purified from erythrocytes with a specific activity of 16.7 EU (mmol NADP+/min)/mg protein and approximately 1600-fold in a yield of approximately 60% by ammonium sulphate precipitation and 2',5'-ADP Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography. The purity of the enzyme was confirmed using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Experiments with ammonia (2.2-5.5 microM) and urea (20-50 microM) showed the inhibitory effects on the enzyme, in vitro. Inhibition effects were determined in vitro by Lineweaver-Burk and regression graphs. The dissociation constant of the enzyme inhibitor complex (Ki) and 50% inhibitory values were 2.26+/-1.21 and 2.86+/-3.51 microM for ammonia and 18.69+/-6.75 and 23.77+/-4.58 microM for urea, respectively. In vivo studies in rainbow trout erythrocytes showed significant (p < 0.01) inhibition of G6PD by ammonia and urea. However, ammonia inhibited more than urea since there were significant differences between the final values of erythrocyte G6PD activities.

Ammonia↗

Treadmill exercise produces larger perfusion defects than dipyridamole stress N-13 ammonia positron emission tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare treadmill exercise (TEX) and dipyridamole stress on the uptake and retention of N-13 ammonia. BACKGROUND: Size and severity of stress-induced myocardial perfusion defects are clinically important. Because ammonia uptake and retention seems to be related to perfusion, viability, and metabolism, exercise stress might induce larger perfusion defects than dipyridamole stress. METHODS: Twenty-six patients underwent TEX and dipyridamole stress N-13 ammonia positron emission tomography (PET). Images were assessed with a 17-segment model and a five-point score. Summed stress score (SSS), summed rest score (SRS), and summed difference score (SDS) were calculated. Left ventricular (LV) defect sizes were measured quantitatively with a 70% threshold for abnormal perfusion. RESULTS: Compared with dipyridamole stress, TEX yielded larger SSS (9.1 +/- 5.7 vs. 6.9 +/- 5.9; p < 0.01), SDS (5.8 +/- 4.7 vs. 3.7 +/- 4.6; p < 0.02), and percentage of LV stress defect (19.3 +/- 11.5% vs. 13.8 +/- 13.6%; p < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In patients achieving adequate exercise, TEX N-13 ammonia PET myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) yields larger stress perfusion defects than dipyridamole stress and might reflect the true myocardial ischemic burden. Treadmill exercise might be the preferred method of stress for routine N-13 ammonia PET MPI.

Aged↗

Ammonia at pathophysiologically relevant concentrations activates kynurenic acid synthesis in cultured astrocytes and neurons.

The synthesis of the NMDA receptor glycine site antagonist kynurenic acid (KYNA) from exogenously added kynurenine was measured in cultured cerebral cortical neurons, cortical astrocytes and an oligodendroglial cell line OLN-93, incubated for 2 h in the presence or absence of ammonium acetate ("ammonia") at 0.1-10 mM concentration. In neurons ammonia stimulated KYNA synthesis to approximately 160-170% of control at 0.1-1.0mM, did not produce any effect at 2.5 and 5 mM, and inhibited the synthesis to approximately 80% of control at 10mM concentration. In astrocytes, a stimulation to approximately 200% of control occurred in the whole ammonia concentration range. No effect of ammonia was noted in OLN-93 cells. Increased KYNA synthesis may represent a cytoprotective response of astrocytes and neurons against the NMDA receptor-mediated cytotoxic activity of ammonia.

Ammonia↗

Chronic exposure to ammonia alters the modulation of phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein 2 by metabotropic glutamate receptors 1 and 5 in cerebellar neurons in culture.

Hyperammonemia impairs signal transduction associated to glutamate receptors and phosphorylation of some neuronal proteins including microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2). The aim of this work was to analyze the effects of hyperammonemia on modulation of MAP-2 phosphorylation by metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in rat cerebellar neurons in culture. Hyperammonemia increased basal phosphorylation of MAP-2 (180%). Activation of mGluRs 1 and 5 with (S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) increased MAP-2 phosphorylation (170%) in control neurons but not in neurons exposed to ammonia. Activation of mGluRs 2 and 3 with (2S,3S,4S)-CCG/(2S, 1'S,2'S)-2-(carboxycyclopropyl)glycine increased slightly (25%) MAP-2 phosphorylation in neurons exposed to ammonia or not. Activation of mGluR5 with (+/-)-trans-azetidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid increased MAP-2 phosphorylation (24%) in control neurons but decreased it by 56% in neurons exposed to ammonia. Activation of mGluR1 using 2-methyl-6-(phenylethynyl)pyridine and DHPG increased MAP-2 phosphorylation 183% in control neurons but only 89% in neurons exposed to ammonia. In control neurons mGluR1 activation greatly increases phosphorylation of MAP-2, while activation of mGluRs 5, 2 or 3 increased it slightly. Taken together, hyperammonemia reduces the increase in MAP-2 phosphorylation induced by mGluR1activation. Moreover, in neurons exposed to ammonia activation of mGluR5 reduces MAP-2 phosphorylation. These effects reflect significant alterations in signal transduction associated to mGluR1 and mGluR5 in hyperammonemia that may contribute to altered glutamatergic neurotransmission and to the neurological alterations in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy.

Amino Acids, Dicarboxylic↗

Chronic exposure to ammonia alters basal and NMDA-induced phosphorylation of NMDA receptor-subunit NR1.

Hyperammonemia is responsible for many of the neurological alterations in patients with hepatic encephalopathy by mechanisms that remain unclear. Hyperammonemia alters phosphorylation of brain protein kinase C substrates and impairs N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-associated signal transduction. The aim of this work was to analyze, in rat cerebellar neurons in culture, the effects of ammonia exposure on NMDA receptor phosphorylation, MK801 binding and surface expression. Ammonia reduces MK801 binding to NMDA receptors and the surface expression of the NR1 and NR2A subunits. As phosphorylation of serines in the NR1 C1 cassette has been implied in receptor trafficking, we assessed whether hyperammonemia alters phosphorylation of these serines. Basal phosphorylation of serines 890, 896 and 897 was increased in neurons exposed to ammonia, while NMDA-induced phosphorylation of S896 and S897 was reduced. Exposure to ammonia also increased basal phosphorylation of Akt but reduced NMDA and BDNF stimulation of Akt phosphorylation. These results suggest that alterations in receptor surface expression and possibly the phosphorylation state of the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptors may contribute to the impairment by ammonia of signal transduction pathways modulated by NMDA receptors.

Ammonia↗

Impact of H2O2 and (bi)carbonate alkalinity on ammonia's inhibition of bromate formation.

Ammonia can be used to minimize bromate concentrations by blocking two of three potential bromate formation pathways. It was theorized that (bi)carbonate alkalinity in the presence of ammonia would inhibit bromate formation since the pathway that ammonia does not block requires hydroxyl radicals (OH()), and (bi)carbonate alkalinity is an OH() scavenger. Experiments where (bi)carbonate alkalinity was increased from 50 to 119 mg/L (as CaCO(3)) in the presence of excess ammonia resulted in up to 50% reduction in bromate formation, providing evidence in support of the theory. While OH() is scavenged by (bi)carbonate alkalinity, it is promoted by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). When ozone reacts with natural organic matter the H(2)O(2) that is formed may therefore render ammonia less effective. Experiments conducted in this study demonstrated this principle.

Ammonia↗

Hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia syndrome: insights into the regulatory role of glutamate dehydrogenase in ammonia metabolism.

The second most common form of congenital hyperinsulinism, the hyperinsulinism/hyperammonemia syndrome (HI/HA), is associated with dominantly expressed missense mutations of the mitochondrial matrix enzyme, glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH). GDH catalyzes the oxidative deamination of glutamate to alpha-ketoglutarate plus ammonia, using NAD or NADP as co-factor. HI/HA mutations impair GDH sensitivity to its allosteric inhibitor, GTP, resulting in a gain of enzyme function and increased sensitivity to its allosteric activator, leucine. The phenotype is dominated by hypoglycemia with post-prandial hypoglycemia following protein meals, as well as fasting hypoglycemia. Plasma ammonia levels are increased 3-5 times normal due to expression of mutant GDH in liver, probably reflecting increased ammonia release from glutamate as well as impaired synthesis of NAG, due to reduction of hepatic glutamate pools. Ammonia levels are unaffected by feeding or fasting and appear to cause no symptoms, perhaps due to a protective effect of increased GDH activity in brain. The clinical consequences of the HI/HA mutations imply that GDH plays a central role in overall control of amino acid catabolism and ammonia metabolism integrating responses to changes in intracellular energy potential and amino acid levels.

Adolescent↗

Removal of ammonia toxicity in marine sediment TIEs: a comparison of Ulva lactuca, zeolite and aeration methods.

Toxicity Identification Evaluations (TIEs) can be used to determine the specific toxicant(s), including ammonia, causing toxicity observed in marine sediments. Two primary TIE manipulations are available for characterizing and identifying ammonia in marine sediments: Ulva lactuca addition and zeolite addition. In this study, we compared the efficacy of these methods to (1) remove NH(x) and NH(3) from overlying and interstitial waters and (2) reduce toxicity to the amphipod Ampelisca abdita and mysid Americamysis bahia using both spiked and environmentally contaminated sediments. The utility of aeration for removing NH(x) and NH(3) during a marine sediment TIE was also evaluated preliminarily. In general, the U. lactuca and zeolite addition methods performed similarly well at removing spiked NH(x) and NH(3) from overlying and interstitial waters compared to an unmanipulated sediment. Toxicity to the amphipod was reduced approximately the same by both methods. However, toxicity to the mysid was most effectively reduced by the U. lactuca addition indicating this method functions best with epibenthic species exposed to ammonia in the water column. Aeration removed NH(x) and NH(3) from seawater when the pH was adjusted to 10; however, very little ammonia was removed at ambient pHs ( approximately 8.0). This comparison demonstrates both U. lactuca and zeolite addition methods are effective TIE tools for reducing the concentrations and toxicity of ammonia in whole sediment toxicity tests.

Ammonia↗

An estimation of the spatial distribution of agricultural ammonia emissions in the Greater Athens Area.

An assessment of the magnitude and the spatial distribution of ammonia emissions originating from agricultural practices in the Greater Athens Area (GAA) is performed due to the primary role of ammonia in aerosol formation. As no emission factors are available for the area of interest, the emissions were estimated using typical emission factors for the emissions from animals, fertilized and unfertilized cultures, as well as the 1996 primary statistical data of the agricultural census for the GAA. Our analysis estimated the annual ammonia emissions from agricultural sources to be approximately 13,250+/-40% t of ammonia per year. This detailed ammonia emission record can and will be used for the study, via modeling, of the serious aerosol problem in the GAA.

Aerosols↗

Antithrombotic and fibrinolytic system of human endothelial cells seeded on PTFE: the effects of surface modification of PTFE by ammonia plasma treatment and ECM protein coatings.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ECM protein coatings and surface modification of PTFE on the ability of seeded human endothelial cells (EC) to secrete prostacyclin (PGI2), plasminogen inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). PTFE surfaces were modified by a novel surface modification technique based on ammonia plasma. Fibronectin, collagen type-1 and gelatin-coated ammonia plasma modified PTFE and unmodified PTFE surfaces were employed and compared in this study. All ammonia plasma modified surfaces showed similar secretions of PGI2 compared to non-modified PTFE surfaces. With the exception of gelatin-coated modified PTFE, seeded EC seeded on all modified PTFE showed lower levels of PAI-1 secretion compared to those seeded on unmodified PTFE. The specific activity of t-PA secreted by EC seeded on ammonia plasma modified and fibronectin coated modified PTFE showed increases of 100 and 30%, respectively, when compared to their unmodified counterparts. Our studies show that EC seeded on modified PTFE have ability to secrete PGI2 that modulates the early phase of thrombus formation. Furthermore, superior t-PA profile, along with lower levels of PAl-1 suggest that ammonia plasma modification and use of appropriate ECM proteins can modulate antithrombotic and fibrinolytic properties of in vitro endothelialized vascular prostheses. Accordingly, these surfaces may be suitable to further develop protocols and other strategies for arterial and venous reconstruction.

Ammonia↗

Developmental and subcellular effects of chronic exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of ammonia, PAH and PCP mixtures in brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario L.) early life stages.

Brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario L.) early life stages were studied for physiological effects caused by chronic exposure to sub-acute levels of unionised ammonia, a mixture of PCP and PAHs, and a combination of ammonia and the mixture of organics during the entire embryonic development. Nominal concentrations of tested compounds were based on field data. Accumulation data for PAHs and PCP in trout tissue reflected respective water concentrations of PCP and PAHs. Physiological responses were studied by early life stage tests (ELST) and by the analysis of the 70 kDa stress protein (hsp70). Endpoint responses in the ELST were: accelerated development, pre-hatching, and increased heart rates. For these endpoints, response levels were highest in the ammonia treatment, followed by the exposure to the PCP/PAH mixture. Weight was reduced in embryos treated with the PCP/PAH mixture, but not in the group treated with this mixture combined with ammonia. Induction of hsp70 by the test agents was found to be stage-specific with increased response levels at advanced developmental stages. In both the ELST and hsp70 analysis, response levels were lower in the combined ammonia/PCP/PAH treatment than in groups treated with either ammonia or the PCP/PAH mixture alone.

Ammonia↗

High level benzodiazepine and ammonia clearance by flat membrane bioreactors with porcine liver cells.

The onset of hepatic encephalopathy is a multifactorial process in which endogenous benzodiazepines and hyperammonemia play a pivotal role. The treatment of comatose states in liver failure is one of the major functions of a bioartificial liver. A controlled study demonstrating the capacity of a large scale bioartificial liver to detoxify benzodiazepines could be a crucial prerequisite to break this circle of events leading to coma. The aim of this study was therefore to expose the bioreactor to high levels of benzodiazepines and ammonia for evaluation of its detoxifying capacity. We have developed a novel and unique device reconstructing the plate architecture of the liver. Porcine hepatocytes were co-cultured with non-parenchymal cells. We investigated benzodiazepine metabolism using diazepam as model drug. The bioreactor was also loaded with high levels of ammonia and ammonia clearance as well as urea secretion with ammonia challenge were investigated. Albumin secretion was analysed in parallel as a control viability and tissue specific secretory parameter. The results clearly show that the velocity of diazepam turnover increases between day 1 and 2 and stabilises at high levels. Typical diazepam metabolites including temazepam, N-desmethyl-diazepam and oxazepam were generated. Cell specific functions, including albumin secretion, were comparable to an in vivo liver. We conclude that the flat membrane bioreactor used as bioartificial liver has the potential to detoxify diazepam and ammonia at significant amounts. Maintenance of monoxygenase activities in vitro is one of the strongholds of the bioreactor concept presented in this study.

Albumins↗

Effects of ammonia and hepatic failure on the net efflux of endogenous glutamate, aspartate and taurine from rat cerebrocortical slices: modulation by elevated K+ concentrations.

Cerebrocortical minislices derived from control rats ("control slices") and from rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic failure showing moderate hyperammonemia and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) ("HE slices"), were incubated with physiological saline in the absence or presence of 5 mM ammonium acetate ("ammonia"), at potassium ion (K+) concentrations ranging from 5 to 15 mM. The efflux of endogenous aspartate (Asp), glutamate (Glu) and taurine (Tau) to the incubation medium was assayed by HPLC. At 5 mM K+, perfusion of control slices with ammonia did not affect Glu and slightly depressed Asp efflux. Raising K+ concentrations in the incubation medium to 7.5 led to inhibition of Glu and Asp efflux by ammonia and the inhibitory effect was further potentiated at 10 mM K+. The inhibition was also significant at 15 mM K+. This suggests that, depression of excitatory neurotransmission associated with acute hyperammonemia is more pronounced under conditions of intense neuronal activity than in the resting state. HE moderately increased the efflux of Glu and Asp, and the stimulatory effect of HE on Glu and Asp efflux showed virtually no variation upon changing K+ concentration up to 15 mM. Ammonia strongly, and HE moderately, increased Tau efflux at 5 mM K+. However, both the ammonia- and HE-dependent Tau efflux decreased with increasing K+ concentration in the medium and was no longer significant at 10 mM concentration, indicating that intense neuronal activity obliterates the neuroprotective functions of this amino acid triggered by hyperammonemia.

Ammonia↗

Excitotoxic mechanism of cell swelling in rat cerebral cortical slices treated acutely with ammonia.

Swelling of CNS cells due to endogenous ammonia is a major cause of cerebral oedema in hyperammonaemic encephalopathies. In the present study, incubation in the presence of 5mM ammonium acetate ("ammonia") decreased steady-state distribution of [14C]inulin within incubated rat cerebrocortical minislices, indicating cell swelling. NMDA receptor antagonists, MK-801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo [a,d]cycloheptene-5,10-imine maleate,10 microM) and DL-AP-5 (DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, 250 microM), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-nitroarginine (L-NNA, 500 microM), and an antioxidant, taurine (Tau, 10 mM), markedly attenuated the cell volume-increasing effect of ammonia. The effect of Tau (10mM) was abolished by the GABA(A) receptor antagonist bicuculline (100 microM), but was unaffected by the Tau transport inhibitor guanidynoethyl-sulfonate (GES, 500 microM). Ammonia increased the slice content of Gln, an amino acid whose excess accumulation has been implicated in hyperammonemic oedema. However, treatments that reduced the cell volume did not affect Gln content. These results indicate that ammonia-induced cell swelling is in a large degree mediated by overactivation of NMDA receptors and the ensuing generation of NO and free radicals.

2-Amino-5-phosphonovalerate↗

Characterization of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits involved in acute ammonia toxicity.

Rapid administration of large doses of ammonia leads to death of animals, which is largely prevented by pretreatment with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists. The present study focuses on a subunit(s) of NMDA receptor involved in ammonia-induced death by use of NMDA receptor GluRepsilon subunit-deficient (GluRepsilon(-/-)) mice and the selective GluRepsilon2 antagonist CP-101,606. Acute ammonia intoxication was induced in mice (eight per group) by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of ammonium chloride. Appearance of neurological deteriorations depended on the doses of ammonium chloride injected. While wild-type, GluRepsilon1(-/-), GluRepsilon4(-/-), and GluRepsilon1(-/-)/epsilon4(-/-) mice all died by ammonium chloride at 12 mmol/kg during the first tonic convulsions, two of eight GluRepsilon3(-/-) mice survived. Pretreatment of wild-type mice with CP-101,606 prevented two mice from ammonia-induced death. Pretreatment of GluRepsilon3(-/-) mice with CP-101,606 prevented the death of three mice and prolonged the time of death of non-survivors. Similarly, the neuronal form of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (7-NI) as well as the nonselective NOS inhibitor L-NMMA, but not the inducible NOS inhibitor 1400W, partially prevented the death of mice and prolonged the period of death. Furthermore, ammonium chloride prolonged the increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and subsequent NO production induced by NMDA in the cerebellum. These results suggest that activation of NMDA receptor containing GluRepsilon2 and GluRepsilon3 subunits and following activation of neuronal NOS are involved in acute ammonia intoxication which leads to death of animals.

Ammonia↗

Effect of ammonia on GABA uptake and release in cultured astrocytes.

While the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is unclear, there is evidence of enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission in this condition. Ammonia is believed to play a major pathogenetic role in HE. To determine whether ammonia might contribute to abnormalities in GABAergic neurotransmission, its effects on GABA uptake and release were studied in cultured astrocytes, cells that appear to be targets of ammonia neurotoxicity. Acutely, ammonium chloride (5 mM) inhibited GABA uptake by 30%, and by 50-60% after 4-day treatment. GABA uptake inhibition was associated with a predominant decrease in Vmax; the Km was also decreased. Ammonia also enhanced GABA release after 4-day treatment, although such release was initially inhibited. These effects of ammonia (inhibition of GABA uptake and enhanced GABA release) may elevate extracellular levels of GABA and contribute to a dysfunction of GABAergic neurotransmission in HE and other hyperammonemic states.

Ammonia↗