Arabidopsis nicotianamine synthases comprise a common core-NAS domain fused to a variable autoinhibitory C terminus.

Nicotianamine synthase (NAS) catalyzes the biosynthesis of the low-molecular-mass metal chelator nicotianamine (NA) from the 2-aminobutyrate moieties of three SAM molecules. NA has central roles in metal nutrition and metal homeostasis of flowering plants. The enzymatic function of NAS remains poorly understood.

Identification of determinants for weight reduction in overweight and obese children and adolescents.

We conducted a pilot trial of electronic technology integrated into the treatment of children and adolescents who are overweight or obese. A total of 30 patients (mean age 14 years, mean BMI 32.7 kg/m(2)) were admitted to our hospital to participate in a structured treatment and teaching programme (STTP).

[Contribution to the aetiology of "reversible hepatic dysfunction" (Stauffer's syndrome) associated with renal tumours].

Biochemical changes, especially isolated rise in alkaline phosphatase and increased thromboplastin time, which have been described as "reversible hepatic dysfunction" (Stauffer's syndrome) were found in a 47-year-old patient with hypernephroma and hepatomegaly without liver metastases at post-mortem examination. The alkaline phosphatase could not be distinguished from the placental isoenzyme (Regan's enzyme). Increased thromboplastin time was due to circulating fibrinogen degradation products.