In addition to ion-pumping ATPases, most plasma membranes of animal cells contain a Mg2+ATPase activity, the function of which is unknown. This enzyme, of apparent molecular mass 110 kDa, was purified from human erythrocyte membranes by a series of column chromatographic procedures after solubilization in Triton X-100. When reincorporated into artificial bilayers formed from phosphatidylcholine, it was able to transport a spin-labeled phosphatidylserine analogue from the inner to the outer membrane leaflet provided Mg2+ATP was present in the incubation mixture. The ATP-dependent transport of the phosphatidylethanlamine analogue required the presence of an anionic phospholipid (e.g., phosphatidylinositol) in the outer membrane leaflet. In contrast the transmembrane distribution of spin-labeled phosphatidyicholine was unaffected in the same experimental conditions. This transmembrane movement of aminophospholipid analogues was inhibited by treatment of the proteoliposomes with a sulfhydryl reagent. We conclude that the Mg2+ATPase is sufficient for the biochemical expression of the aminophospholipid translocase activity, which is responsible for the inward transport of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine within the erythrocyte membrane. The presence of this transport activity in many animal cell plasma membranes provides a function for the Mg2+ATPase borne by these membranes.The rapid passage of aminophospholipids, phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), from the outer to the inner leaflet of the human erythrocyte membrane is an ATP-dependent process that involves the activity of a

ObjectiveTo determine the pattern of use of antidepressant drugs in the Australian community, 1990–1998, and to compare this with those of other developed countries. DesignRetrospective analyses of prescription and sales data, together with information about patient encounters for depression (from an ongoing survey of service provision by general practitioners) and population‐based prevalence estimates for affective disorders (from community health surveys). Main outcome measuresNational and international consumption of antidepressants, expressed in defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1000 population per day. Changes in both the frequency of general practice patient encounters for depression and population‐based prevalence estimates for affective disorders. ResultsDispensing of antidepressant prescriptions through community pharmacies in Australia increased from an estimated 12.4 DDDs/1000 population per day in 1990 (5.1 million prescriptions) to 35.7 DDDs/1000 population/day in 1998 (8.2 million prescriptions). There has been a rapid market uptake of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), accompanied by a decrease of only 25% in the use of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). In 1998, the level of antidepressant use in Australia was similar to that of the United States, while the rate of increase in use between 1993 and 1998 was second only to that of Sweden. In Australia, depression has risen from the tenth most common problem managed in general practice in 1990‐91 to the fourth in 1998‐99, and the number of people reporting depression in the National Health Surveys (1995 v 1989–90) has almost doubled. Of the prescriptions dispensed in 1998 for antidepressant drugs subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, 85% were written by general practitioners, and 11.2% by psychiatrists. ConclusionsAs in most developed countries, antidepressant use increased between 1990 and 1998. The rapid market uptake of the new antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, is likely to have been driven by increased awareness of depression, together with availability and promotion of new therapies.

Scalp psoriasis is difficult to treat. Many different topical preparations can be used but several factors such as greasiness, irritation, time needed to apply, and lack of efficacy often result in reduced adherence to treatment regimens. Where cosmetic properties are important for patient acceptability and compliance is a major issue contributing to treatment failure, the once-daily TCF gel offers patients with scalp psoriasis an attractive, cost-saving treatment option.

Use of the TCF in patients with plaque psoriasis represents excellent value for money by delivering savings to the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland. Similar findings are predicted for the management of psoriasis patients elsewhere in the UK.

The present study psoriasis disease model could facilitate collaboration between healthcare professionals to optimise healthcare in the UK. Psoriasis management strategies in primary care can be compared in a variety of realistic clinical settings, allowing the identification of optimal treatment regimens. This model is adaptable to tailor inputs to reflect local situations, providing an attractive tool to GP commissioners. Country-specific adaptations are being researched in other European countries.