Yoga in the workplace and health outcomes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Health promotion in the workplace is intended to enhance employee health and well-being. Yoga programmes are easy to implement and have been effective in the management of various health conditions. AIMS: To assess the evidence regarding the effectiveness of yoga programmes at work. METHODS: A search of electronic databases of published studies up until the 1st of April 2017. Inclusion criteria for the systematic review were randomized controlled trials of adult employees and yoga in the workplace. Quality appraisal was carried out using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials. RESULTS: Of 1343 papers identified, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Nine out of 13 trials were classified as having an unclear risk of bias. The overall effects of yoga on mental health outcomes were beneficial, mainly on stress. Most of the cardiovascular endpoints showed no differences between yoga and controls. Other outcomes reported positive effects of yoga or no change. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that yoga has a positive effect on health in the workplace, particularly in reducing stress, and no negative effects were reported in any of the randomized controlled trials. Further larger studies are required to confirm this.

Hepatic transcript profiling in early-lactation dairy cows fed rumen-protected niacin during the transition from late pregnancy to lactation.

In dairy cows, administration of high dosages of niacin (nicotinic acid, NA) was found to cause antilipolytic effects, which are mediated by the NA receptor hydroxyl-carboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCAR2) in white adipose tissue (WAT), and thereby an altered hepatic lipid metabolism. However, almost no attention has been paid to possible direct effects of NA in cattle liver, despite evidence that HCAR2 is also expressed in the liver and is even more abundant than in WAT. Because of this, we hypothesized that feeding a high dosage of rumen-protected NA to dairy cows influences critical metabolic or signaling pathways in the liver by inducing changes in the hepatic transcriptome. To identify these pathways, we applied genome-wide transcript profiling in liver biopsies obtained at d 7 postpartum (p.p.) from dairy cows used in our recent study; cows received either no NA (control group, n = 9) or 79 mg of rumen-protected NA/kg of body weight daily (NA group, n = 9) from 21 d before calving until 3 wk p.p. Hepatic transcript profiling revealed that 487 transcripts were differentially expressed (filter criteria: fold change >1.2 or <-1.2 and P < 0.05) in the liver at d 7 p.p. between cows fed NA and control cows. Substantially more transcripts were downregulated (n = 338), whereas only 149 transcripts were upregulated by NA in the liver of cows. Gene set enrichment analysis for the upregulated transcripts revealed that the most-enriched gene ontology biological process terms were exclusively related to immune processes, such as leukocyte differentiation, immune system process, activation of immune response, and acute inflammatory response. Gene set enrichment analysis of the downregulated transcripts showed that the most-enriched biological process terms were related to metabolic processes, such as cellular metabolic process, small molecule metabolic process, lipid catabolic process, organic cyclic compound metabolic process, small molecule biosynthetic process, and cellular lipid catabolic process. In conclusion, hepatic transcriptome analysis showed that rumen-protected NA induces genes that are involved mainly in immune processes, including acute phase response and stress response, in dairy cows at d 7 p.p. Thus, supplementation of a high dosage of rumen-protected NA to dairy cows in the periparturient period may induce or amplify the systemic inflammation-like condition that is typically observed in the liver of high-yielding dairy cows in the p.p. period.

Effects of supplementing rumen-protected niacin on fiber composition and metabolism of skeletal muscle in dairy cows during early lactation.

Nicotinic acid (NA) has been shown to induce muscle fiber switching toward oxidative type I fibers and a muscle metabolic phenotype that favors fatty acid (FA) utilization in growing rats, pigs, and lambs. The hypothesis of the present study was that supplementation of NA in cows during the periparturient phase also induces muscle fiber switching from type II to type I fibers in skeletal muscle and increases the capacity of the muscle to use free FA, which may help to reduce nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) flow to the liver, liver triglyceride (TG) accumulation, and ketogenesis. Thirty multiparous Holstein dairy cows were allocated to 2 groups and fed a total mixed ration without (control group) or with ∼55 g of rumen-protected NA per cow per day (NA group) from 21 d before expected calving until 3 wk postpartum (p.p.). Blood samples were collected on d -21, -14, -7, 7, 14, 21, 35, and 63 relative to parturition for analysis of TG, NEFA, and ß-hydroxybutyrate. Muscle and liver biopsies were collected on d 7 and 21 for gene expression analysis and to determine muscle fiber composition in the musculus semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and longissimus lumborum by immunohistochemistry, and liver TG concentrations. Supplementation of NA did not affect the proportions of type I (oxidative) or the type II:type I ratio in the 3 muscles considered. A slight shift from glycolytic IIx fibers toward oxidative-glycolytic fast-twitch IIa fibers was found in the semitendinosus, and a tendency in the longissimus lumborum, but not in the semimembranosus. The transcript levels of the genes encoding the muscle fiber type isoforms and involved in FA uptake and oxidation, carnitine transport, tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and glucose utilization were largely unaffected by NA supplementation in all 3 muscles. Supplementation of NA had no effect on plasma TG and NEFA concentrations, liver TG concentrations, and hepatic expression of genes involved in hepatic FA utilization and lipogenesis. However, it reduced plasma ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in wk 2 and 3 p.p. by 18 and 26% and reduced hepatic gene expression of fibroblast growth factor 21, a stress hormone involved in the regulation of ketogenesis, by 74 and 56%. In conclusion, a high dosage of rumen-protected NA reduced plasma ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in cows during early lactation, but failed to cause an alteration in muscle fiber composition and muscle metabolic phenotype.

[Adherence to Phase III Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: A Prospective, Randomized Comparison between a Conventionally Conducted Program and a Tai Chi-Based Program]. / Adhärenz in Herzgruppen: Ein prospektiver, randomisierter Vergleich einer konventionell durchgeführten Herzgruppe zu einer Tai-Chi-Herzgruppe.

INTRODUCTION: In patients with cardiac diseases, lifestyle changes such as an increase in physical activity are recommended to prevent further cardiac events. In Germany this is possible by attending outpatient heart groups. A problem inherent in these programs is the lack of adherence since more than two thirds of patients stop attending cardiac rehabilitation programs after six months. An alternative to the conventional implementation of heart groups is Tai Chi, which was found to improve adherence to cardiac rehabilitation programs in international studies. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to a conventional heart group or a heart group with Tai Chi exercises. At the beginning of the study, a medical history was taken and physical and instrumental tests were carried out, including an assessment of anxiety/depression (HADS questionnaire) and physical well-being (SD-12). Follow-up tests were performed every three months. RESULTS: Patients were 62.6 ±â€Š8.5 years old, the mean BMI was 28.6 ±â€Š62 kg/m(2), and the proportion of women was 29.8 %. The groups were different in terms of age (conventional heart group: 65.0 ±â€Š7.5; Tai Chi group: 59.9 ±â€Š8.9 years). Therefore, age-adjusted analyses were performed in addition to the planned analyses. Regarding the primary endpoint of the study, there was no difference between the groups. After twelve months, 50 % of subjects were active in the Tai Chi group and 48 % in the conventional heart group (odds ratio 0.92, p = 0.891). After adjustment for age by logistic regression, the odds ratio was 0.47 (p = 0.285). Furthermore, both the participation period in weeks (Tai Chi group: 43.3 ±â€Š26.0; conventional group: 45.5 ±â€Š24.2, p = 0.766) and the participation rate (Tai Chi group: 66.8 ±â€Š19.2 % Tai Chi, conventional group: 76.3 ±â€Š16.5 %, p = 0.074) did not differ between the two groups. A further analysis showed a non-significant trend for improvement of anxiety, depression and physical well-being in the Tai Chi group compared with the conventional group. CONCLUSION: The insight gained in international studies regarding a better adherence to Tai Chi-guided prevention programs was not transferable to heart group participants from Germany. However, there was a trend regarding a better mental condition in the Tai Chi group.

In vitro comparisons of casting retention on implant abutments among commercially available and experimental castor oil-containing dental luting agents.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although cement-retained implant prostheses are widely used, the quantification of optimal retention remains controversial, and new dental luting agents should be evaluated. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare, in vitro, the casting retention on implant abutments after cementation with 3 commercially available luting agents and an experimental luting agent (castor oil polyurethane, COP) with variable weight percentages (wt%) of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two palladium-silver cast copings were fabricated and divided into 6 groups: Temp Bond interim cement (TB); zinc phosphate cement (ZP); Rely X ARC resin cement (RX); pure COP (COP); COP + 10% wt% CaCO3 filler (COP 10); and COP + 50% wt% CaCO3 filler (COP 50). After cementation, the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours and subjected to removal force tests in a universal testing machine (5 kN; 0.5 mm/min). Statistical analyses were performed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Student-Newman-Keuls tests (α=.05). RESULTS: The median values of casting retention (N) were as follows: TB=57.20 ±10.4; ZP=343.56 ±50.3; RX=40.07 ±9.7; COP=258.98 ±41.4; COP 10=466.57 ±79.3; and COP 50=209.63 ±31.4. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences among the groups (P<.01). TB and RX had the lowest mean retention values; COP, COP 10, and COP 50 were equal to ZP, and COP 10 had the highest retention. CONCLUSIONS: The casting retention on implant-abutments provided by COP was similar to that of copings cemented with zinc phosphate and may be influenced by the addition of calcium carbonate.

Aspects of reproductive ecology of Clusia valerioi Standl. and Clusia peninsulae Hammel (sp. nov.), two Central American species of Clusiaceae with resin flowers.

Clusia valerioi Standl. and C. peninsulae Hammel, sp. nov. (formally established in the Appendix), two Central American species of Clusiaceae offering resin as a floral reward, were studied in the Piedras Blancas National Park, SW Costa Rica. Basic data on phenology, flower structure, course of anthesis, flower visitors, flower visitation and pollination processes, fruit development and seed dispersal are communicated. Resin collection and pollen release are reported and documented in greater detail. The significance of stingless bees for pollination is confirmed, but honeybees were also observed to visit the flowers and to collect resin. The seeds of C. valerioi, exhibiting a clearly ornithochorous character syndrome, were observed to be eaten and dispersed by four species of the tanager family (Thraupidae) and one species of finch (Fringillidae). Ants were also observed to carry away the seeds.

The effect of dietary hempseed on atherogenesis and contractile function in aortae from hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

UNLABELLED: Hempseed contains a unique combination of both omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. In other studies, supplementation of the diet with selected polyunsaturated fatty acids has induced significant, beneficial cardiovascular effects. The purpose of the present study is to determine if hempseed ingestion over an 8-week period may provide protection to rabbits against the deleterious effects associated with dietary cholesterol supplementation. METHODS: Male albino New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into one of six groups: the control diet (RG), the control diet then supplemented with (wt/wt) 5% coconut oil (CO), or 10% hempseed (HP), or 0.5% cholesterol (OL), or with both 10% hempseed and 0.5% cholesterol (OLHP) or with 10% hempseed that was partially delipidated (SC). Each day the rabbits were fed 125 grams of the appropriate diet over an 8-week period. Fatty acid analysis of tissue and diets was determined using gas chromatography. Vascular function testing of aortic rings was done in order to assess the response of the tissue to both contraction and relaxation stimuli. Aortic atherosclerotic plaque was quantified. RESULTS: Cholesterol supplementation to the diet induced significant aortic plaque development. Dietary hempseed did not generate protection. The aorta obtained from rabbits fed the cholesterol-supplemented chow also exhibited defects in their contractile responses to KCl and norepinephrine and in relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP).The addition of hempseed to this diet did not generate any improvement in contractile responses but had a modest protective effect on the cholesterol-induced defects in SNP-induced relaxation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that dietary hempseed provides mildly beneficial effects against contractile dysfunction associated with atherosclerotic vessels in the cholesterol-fed rabbit.

A new liquid, intravenous immunoglobulin product (IGIV 10%) highly purified by a state-of-the-art process.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The ultimate goal was to generate an industrial-scale process suitable to produce a high-yield, safe and stable immunoglobulin G (IgG) preparation for intravenous administration, which is ready to use for customer convenience. This new liquid 10% IgG preparation (IGIV 10%) was compared to Gammagard SD, a licenced lyophilized immunoglobulin in biochemical and preclinical testing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new process, which includes three dedicated virus clearance steps, is a streamlined combination of the currently applied and well-established manufacturing procedures. The biochemical characterization is done by standard methods focusing on purity, integrity and functionality of the preparation. Efficacy is demonstrated in vivo by mouse protection testing and in vitro by opsonization and protein A affinity chromatography. Pharmacokinetics in rats is evaluated after a single intravenous dose. The anaphylactoid potential is determined in rats and in guinea pigs, while thrombogenicity is assessed in a rabbit model. The influence of the products on vital functions is tested on dogs, while acute toxicity studies are carried out on mice and rats. RESULTS: The biochemical characterization data demonstrate the high purity of monomeric IgG in the product. The mouse protection test showed that the protective activity against systemic bacterial infections of IGIV 10% is at least as good as the reference Gammagard SD. This result is supported by the broad spectrum of antibodies in high titres against bacteria and viruses and the high functional integrity of the IgG molecule (> or = 90% functionally intact IgG) in IGIV 10%. The opsonic activity of all IGIV 10% lots is similar to the one of the reference Gammagard SD. In safety and thrombogenicity studies, no adverse effects of IGIV 10% were observed. Pharmacokinetic studies showed no statistically significant differences between the two products. In the acute toxicity animal studies, IGIV 10% compared favourably to the reference Gammagard SD. CONCLUSIONS: The new manufacturing process enables the production of a highly purified IgG preparation for intravenous administration. The product has an IgG subclass distribution similar to plasma and contains a broad spectrum of functionally intact antibodies. Preclinical studies demonstrate that the liquid IGIV 10% combines excellent qualities of efficacy, safety and tolerability.

Effects of dietary flaxseed on vascular contractile function and atherosclerosis during prolonged hypercholesterolemia in rabbits.

Dietary flaxseed has significant anti-atherogenic effects. However, the limits of this action and its effects on vascular contractile function are not known. We evaluated the effects of flaxseed supplementation on atherosclerosis and vascular function under prolonged hypercholesterolemic conditions in New Zealand White rabbits assigned to one of four groups for 6, 8, or 16 wk of feeding: regular diet (RG), 10% flaxseed-supplemented diet (FX), 0.5% cholesterol-supplemented diet (CH), and 0.5% cholesterol- and 10% flaxseed-supplemented diet (CF). Cholesterol feeding resulted in elevated plasma cholesterol levels and the development of atherosclerosis. The CF group had significantly less atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and carotid arteries after 6 and 8 wk than the CH animals. However, the anti-atherogenic effect of flaxseed supplementation was completely attenuated by 16 wk. Maximal tension induced in aortic rings either by KCl or norepinephrine was not impaired by dietary cholesterol until 16 wk. This functional impairment was not prevented by including flaxseed in the high-cholesterol diet. Aortic rings from the cholesterol-fed rabbits exhibited an impaired relaxation response to acetylcholine at all time points examined. Including flaxseed in the high-cholesterol diet completely normalized the relaxation response at 6 and 8 wk and partially restored it at 16 wk. No significant changes in the relaxation response induced by sodium nitroprusside were observed in any of the groups. In summary, dietary flaxseed is a valuable strategy to limit cholesterol-induced atherogenesis as well as abnormalities in endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation. However, these beneficial effects were attenuated during prolonged hypercholesterolemic conditions.

Posterior labat vs. lateral popliteal sciatic block: posterior sciatic block has quicker onset and shorter duration of anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND: During foot and ankle surgery, a combination of a sciatic and femoral nerve block is a well-recognized technique for providing anaesthesia and post-operative analgesia. Our hypothesis is that the posterior gluteal sciatic block (PSB) is more efficient than the lateral popliteal sciatic block (LPSB), and this study compared the anaesthetic characteristics between these two techniques performed for elective ankle and foot surgery. METHODS: This retrospective database analysis reviewed the onset, duration of action, success rate and complications among 287 patients who were operated upon using sciatic block. PSB was performed in 149 patients and LPSB in 138 patients, all with the use of 30 ml of 5 mg/ml ropivacaine (150 mg). RESULTS: In the PSB group, the time to perform the block was shorter than in the LPSB group (2.5 +/- 1 vs. 4.5 +/- 4 min, P < 0.001), as was the time to complete sensory block (13 +/- 13 vs. 23 +/- 26 min, respectively; P < 0.001). However, the duration of sensory block was longer in the LPSB group (1130 +/- 470 vs. 960 +/- 310 min, respectively; P < 0.006). CONCLUSION: PSB is easier to perform, and has a quicker onset of sensory blockade whereas LPSB has a longer duration of analgesia.

Bioflocculent algal-bacterial biomass improves low-cost wastewater treatment.

An innovative technology for the biological treatment of wastewater in regions with sufficient solar radiation based on the simultaneous growth and degradation processes of algal and bacterial biomass is presented. The aim of the work is the improvement of pond technology through the formation of stable algae-bacteria aggregates, which a) permit a simple separation of the algal biomass by gravity sedimentation, b) enable a high removal efficiency for organic carbon and nutrients, and c) are independent in terms of oxygen provision through algal photosynthesis. Algae-bacteria aggregates could be developed with a suitable algal species (Chlorella vulgaris, Strain Hamburg) as a 'model organism' in a wastewater environment. The morphology of algal-bacterial flocs is similar to activated sludge flocs. They are stable and settle quickly. Floc size ranged between 400 and 800 microm. Results of our experiments with an artificially irradiated lab-scale system, operated in continuous flow mode, revealed that even at a relatively short hydraulic detention time of two days, a high elimination capacity of 9.96 g N m(-2) d(-1) and 0.87g Pm(-2) d(-1) can be achieved. Recent investigations confirmed that floc formation of unicellular algae and wastewater bacteria also could be developed and maintained in a pilot-scale system with a water depth of 0.5 m.

Elevated extrahepatic expression and secretion of mammary-associated serum amyloid A 3 (M-SAA3) into colostrum.

Mammary-associated serum amyloid A 3 (M-SAA3) was secreted at highly elevated levels in bovine, equine and ovine colostrum and found at lower levels in milk 4 days postparturition. N-terminal sequencing of the mature M-SAA3 protein from all the three species revealed a conserved four amino acid motif (TFLK) within the first eight residues. This motif has not been reported to be present in any of the hepatically-produced acute phase SAA (A-SAA) isoforms. Cloning of the bovine M-Saa3 cDNA from mammary gland epithelial cells revealed an open reading frame that encoded a precursor protein of 131 amino acids which included an 18 amino acid signal peptide. The predicted 113 residue mature M-SAA3 protein had a theoretical molecular mass of 12,826Da that corresponded with the observed 12.8kDa molecular mass obtained for M-SAA3 in immunoblot analysis. The high abundance of this extrahepatically produced SAA3 isoform in the colostrum of healthy animals suggests that M-SAA3 may play an important functional role associated with newborn adaptation to extrauterine life and possibly mammary tissue remodeling.

CUP (carcinoma of unknown primary) syndrome in head and neck: clinic, diagnostic, and therapy.

BACKGROUND: Up to 10% of all cervical lymph node metastases present without a known primary site. Between 70 and 80% of the found primary tumors are located in the head and neck region, because cervical lymph nodes represent the lymph drainage of the head and neck. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We demonstrate the clinic, diagnostic management and therapy of carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) in this retrospective study of 75 patients who primarily presented cervical metastases with unknown primary tumor at the Otorhinolaryngological Department of the University of Leipzig, Germany. RESULTS: A primary tumor was found in 44% of the patients, and 76% of the primary tumors were localized in the head and neck region. The overall 5-year survival rate was 13.3%. The 34 patients with pretherapeutically detected primary tumors showed a tendency towards better survival, with a 5-year survival rate of 21% compared to 10% in patients with undetected primary. CONCLUSIONS: Following a thorough physical examination, radiologic imaging, i.e., computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging, of the head and neck region as well a chest X ray, panendoscopy with biopsy of the most probable tumor sites, and diagnostic tonsillectomy should be performed. Further diagnostic procedures as gastroenterologic, urogenital and gynecological examinations should be performed, depending on histology and location of the node and under consideration of cost-benefit analysis. Curative treatment should at least include ipsilateral neck dissection and adjuvant irradiation of the complete cervical lymph drainage. In the literature, radiation of the laryngopharyngeal mucosa is still discussed controversially: some authors recommend the irradation of the pharyngeal mucosa extending from the nasopharynx to the upper esophagus, whereas others regard the resulting side effects as too high compared to the expected benefit.

[Interdisciplinary management of chronic tinnitus (II)]. / Interdisziplinäres Management des chronischen Tinnitus (II).

Tinnitus is defined as the perception of sound in the absence of any appropriate external stimulation. It is a common, bothersome and hard-to-evaluate symptom and in most cases it cannot be objectified. Its incidence in Germany and the western world is about 10%. About 1-2% of the population are severely disturbed by tinnitus and it may disrupt everyday activities and sleep. Recent theoretical developments favour a neurophysiological approach as an explanation for tinnitus in addition to a psychoacoustic model based on peripheral lesion in the cochlea or auditory nerve. In the neurophysiological model, the processing of the tinnitus signal plays a dominant role in its detection, perception and evaluation. Therefore, attention and other psychological factors become important in the understanding and treatment of tinnitus. Many treatments of chronic tinnitus have been proposed and implemented. Today, cognitive-behavioural treatment is regarded as an important part of an integrative therapy which may be compiled of counselling, relaxation therapy, instrumental (hearing aid, tinnitus masker, tinnitus instrument, tinnitus noiser) and pharmacological tools (lidocaine, neurotransmitters). In well-controlled studies the empirical support for other therapeutical approaches such as acupuncture is weak. This work gives a review of the current knowledge of the etiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology, the interdisciplinary diagnostic approach and treatment of tinnitus and especially focuses on insurance and medico-legal aspects.

Suppression of arthritis and protection from bone destruction by treatment with TNP-470/AGM-1470 in a transgenic mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the clinical and histologic features of angiogenesis inhibition in a transgenic mouse model of arthritis that closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in humans. METHODS: KRN/NOD mice, which spontaneously develop arthritis, were treated with TNP-470, an angiogenesis inhibitor. Disease was monitored by use of clinical indices and histologic examinations; circulating blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In the preventive protocol, with TNP-470 administration at a dosage of 60 mg/kg of body weight, the onset of arthritis was delayed and its clinical intensity was rather mild; 100% of placebo-treated transgenic mice developed arthritis that led to severe articular destruction. At a dosage of 90 mg/kg of TNP-470, the appearance of clinical signs was delayed for a longer period of time and disease was almost abolished. The therapeutic regimen alleviated clinical signs only when given during the very early stage of disease. Reductions in cartilage and bone destruction by TNP-470 treatment were observed histologically, a feature that was still evident at 30 and 80 days after injections were withdrawn. CONCLUSION: Our demonstration that in vivo administration of an angiogenesis inhibitor suppresses arthritis and protects from bone destruction provides new insight into the pathogenesis of the disease and opens new possibilities in the treatment of RA in humans.

Spinach hexokinase I is located in the outer envelope membrane of plastids.

The subcellular localization of hexokinase activities in plant cells has been a matter of debate for a long time. We have isolated a hexokinase cDNA fragment from glucose-fed spinach leaves using a differential display reverse transcription-PCR approach. The corresponding cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli and an antiserum, raised against the recombinant protein, was used in subcellular localization studies. The spinach hexokinase could be localized primarily to the outer envelope membrane of chloroplasts where it is inserted via its N-terminal membrane anchor. We suggest that the chloroplast envelope hexokinase is involved in the energization of glucose export from plastids rather than in the sugar-sensing pathway of the plant cell.

Molecular characterization of a carbon transporter in plastids from heterotrophic tissues: the glucose 6-phosphate/phosphate antiporter.

Plastids of nongreen tissues import carbon as a source of biosynthetic pathways and energy. Within plastids, carbon can be used in the biosynthesis of starch or as a substrate for the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, for example. We have used maize endosperm to purify a plastidic glucose 6-phosphate/phosphate translocator (GPT). The corresponding cDNA was isolated from maize endosperm as well as from tissues of pea roots and potato tubers. Analysis of the primary sequences of the cDNAs revealed that the GPT proteins have a high degree of identity with each other but share only approximately 38% identical amino acids with members of both the triose phosphate/phosphate translocator (TPT) and the phosphoenolpyruvate/phosphate translocator (PPT) families. Thus, the GPTs represent a third group of plastidic phosphate antiporters. All three classes of phosphate translocator genes show differential patterns of expression. Whereas the TPT gene is predominantly present in tissues that perform photosynthetic carbon metabolism and the PPT gene appears to be ubiquitously expressed, the expression of the GPT gene is mainly restricted to heterotrophic tissues. Expression of the coding region of the GPT in transformed yeast cells and subsequent transport experiments with the purified protein demonstrated that the GPT protein mediates a 1:1 exchange of glucose 6-phosphate mainly with inorganic phosphate and triose phosphates. Glucose 6-phosphate imported via the GPT can thus be used either for starch biosynthesis, during which process inorganic phosphate is released, or as a substrate for the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, yielding triose phosphates.

Hyponatremia due to sodium valproate.

We describe a 50-year-old male patient with hyponatremia (serum sodium level, 128 mEq/L) discovered during routine follow-up for Henoch-Schönlein nephritis. The patient was known to have a generalized idiopathic epilepsy and was on 2,000 mg/day of sodium valproate. After exclusion of other causes such as hypothyroidism and adrenal insufficiency, we considered sodium valproate as the cause of the hyponatremia. Repeated water loading tests performed at different dosages of this drug confirmed that the ability to excrete water was reduced in a dose dependent manner. We conclude that sodium valproate can cause an SIADH-like syndrome with hyponatremia and that serum sodium levels have to be monitored during treatment with high dosages of this drug.

[Scopolica carniolica Jacq. tea]. / Hexentee.

We report a case of plant-poisoning of a young man following the consumption of a self-brewed infusion made of a solanaceous plant, to which he was seduced by his friends. He developed anticholinergic symptoms such as optical hallucinations, confusion, mydriasis and tachycardia. 14 hours after admission the patient was discharged from hospital in good health. With regard to this case we portray the mentioned plant (Scopolica carniolica Jacq.) and discuss the symptoms of belladonna-alkaloid-poisoning and its therapy. Further on, in a short literature survey, we depict the meaning of collective drug experiences with plants containing atropine-like substances in ancient and modern times.

A new class of plastidic phosphate translocators: a putative link between primary and secondary metabolism by the phosphoenolpyruvate/phosphate antiporter.

We have purified a plastidic phosphate transport protein from maize endosperm membranes and cloned and sequenced the corresponding cDNAs from maize endosperm, maize roots, cauliflower buds, tobacco leaves, and Arabidopsis leaves. All of these cDNAs exhibit high homology to each other but only approximately 30% identity to the known chloroplast triose phosphate/phosphate translocators. The corresponding genes are expressed in both photosynthetically active tissues and in nongreen tissues, although transcripts were more abundant in nongreen tissues. Expression of the coding region in transformed yeast cells and subsequent transport measurements of the purified recombinant translocator showed that the protein mediates transport of inorganic phosphate in exchange with C3 compounds phosphorylated at C-atom 2, particularly phosphoenolpyruvate, which is required inside the plastids for the synthesis of, for example, aromatic amino acids. This plastidic phosphate transporter is thus different in structure and function from the known triose phosphate/phosphate translocator. We propose that plastids contain various phosphate translocators with overlapping substrate specificities to ensure an efficient supply of plastids with a single substrate, even in the presence of other phosphorylated metabolites.