Early Eye Symptoms in a Case of Myasthenia Gravis.

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5-Aminolevulinic acid: A matter of life and caveats

Our mini-review concerns the potential adverse pro-oxidant role of 5-aminolevulinic (ALA), the first protoporphyrin IX (PP-IX)/heme precursor widely used in commercial formulations for endogenous photodynamic therapy (PDT). Our account collates the two sides of (i) ALA aerobic oxidation as a source of H2O2 and radicals when accumulated in acute intermittent porphyria (AIP), hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1), and lead poisoning, thereby triggering similar biochemical damage and symptoms and (ii) the central role of PP-IX as the immediate precursor of the heme prosthetic group of key proteins and enzymes (hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes, catalase, and others). Conversely, PP-IX induces skin photodamage when accumulated in sun-exposed erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients. Furthermore, we highlight the harnessing of such antithetical ALA and PP-IX properties to design efficient PDT and insecticidal strategies. Research on ALA-based PDT photosensitizers calls for more attention on the deleterious action of excess ALA, whose main target is the mitochondrion

Luminescent Mycena: new and noteworthy species

Seven species or Mycena are reported as luminescent, representing specimens collected in Belize, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, japan (Bonin Islands), Malaysia (Borneo) and Puerto Rico. Four of them represent new species (Mycena luxaeterna, M. luxarboricola, M. luxperpetua, M. silvaelucens) and three represent new reports of luminescence in previously described species (M. aff. abieticola, M. aspratilis, M. margarita). Mycena subepipterygia is synonymized with M. margarita, and M. chlorinosma is proposed as a possible synonym. Comprehensive descriptions, illustrations, photographs and comparisons with phenetically similar species are provided. A redescription of M. chlorophos, based on analyses of type specimens and recently collected topotypical material, is provided. The addition of these seven new or new, reported luminescent species of Mycena brings the total to 71 known bioluminescent species of fungi.National Science Foundation (NSF) [DEB-0542445]Lodge and T. J. Baroni[DEB-9525902]Lodge and T. J. Baroni[DEB-0103621]Lodge among others[DEB-0218039]National Geographic Society[8240-07]Maya Mountains in BelizeFAPESP[06/53628-3