5-Aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) is an essential enzyme in most organisms, catalysing an inaugural step in the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway, the Knorr-type condensation reaction of two molecules of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) to form the monopyrrole porphobilinogen. ALADs can be conveniently separated into two main groups: those requiring Zn2+ for activity (typified here by the e...

Lead and zinc poisoning have been recorded in a variety of bird species, including migrating waterfowl such as Canada Geese (Branta canadensis), at sites contaminated with mine waste from lead and zinc mines in the Tri-State Mining District, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, USA. The adverse health impacts from mine waste on these birds may, however, be more extensive than is apparent from incide...

Influence of lysine and zinc administration on lead-sensitive biochemical parameters and the accumulation of lead during exposure to lead were investigated in rats. The lead exposure inhibited blood δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase (δ-ALAD) activity, increased blood zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP), urinary δ-aminolevulinic acid (δ-ALA), serum glutamic oxaloacetate transaminase (AST), serum pyruvic...

For determination of the activity of this enzyme (EC 4.2.1.24) in blood, pH dependency was evaluated by using whole blood and washed erythrocytes. The effects of assay methods, original and final pH, and use of sodium or potassium phosphate buffer were examined. The pattern of pH dependency differed for whole blood and washed erythrocytes, whether blood from normal or lead-exposed subjects was ...

The assessment of well-being can be an important parameter in monitoring the process of mourning. In this study we sought to assess the applicability of the W-BQ12 - Well-Being Questionnaire - in a sample consisting of 74 women between four and six weeks following their respective pregnancy losses, analyzing its measurement capabilities. As proposed by the author, the analysis of the scale's pr...

Photonic bandgap (PBG) antennas consist of printed elements on perforated (usually periodic) substrates and have shown improved performance over uniform substrates. More specifically, PBGs can increase gain and bandwidth and reduce loss. However, design approaches for these antennas have yet to be developed and furthermore there is great interest for a better understanding of bandgap structures...