The evolution of glutathione metabolism in phototrophic microorganisms

The low molecular weight thiol composition of a variety of phototropic microorganisms is examined in order to ascertain how evolution of glutathione (GSH) production is related to the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis. Cells were extracted in the presence of monobromobimane (mBBr) to convert thiols (RSH) to fluorescent derivatives (RSmB) which were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Significant levels of GSH were not found in green sulfur bacteria. Substantial levels were present in purple bacteria, cyanobacteria, and eukaryotic algae. Other thiols measured included cysteine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, thiosulfate, coenzyme A, and sulfide. Many of the organisms also exhibited a marked ability to reduce mBBr to syn-(methyl,methyl)bimane, an ability which was quenched by treatment with 2-pyridyl disulfide or 5,5 prime-bisdithio - (2-nitrobenzoic acid) prior to reaction with mBBr. These observations indicate the presence of a reducing system capable of electron transfer to mBBr and reduction of reactive disulfides. The distribution of GSH in phototropic eubacteria indicates that GSH synthesis evolved at or around the time that oxygenic photosynthesis evolved

A Descriptive, Multiyear Examination of Positive Behavior Support

A major goal of positive behavior support (PBS) is to produce broad-based, long-term improvements in adaptive behavior; however, the empirical base, at present, is mainly composed of relatively short-term studies carried out in circumscribed contexts. Therefore, a need exists for reliable data that can inform the field regarding the comprehensive lifestyle effects of PBS implementation in natural community contexts over extended periods of time. The current investigation was conducted to provide a descriptive analysis of PBS with diverse participants and broad measurement strategies over multiple years. Using extensive data portfolios for 21 participants, we employed rating scales to quantify changes in key variables from baseline through 2 years of intervention. The data revealed variable levels of intervention integrity, generalized reductions in problem behavior with occasional relapses, and encouraging enhancements across six domains of quality of life. This study represents an initial attempt to understand the processes and outcomes of behavioral support by documenting behavioral patterns across full days, entire years, and all environments. We discuss the need to consider new conceptual and methodological frameworks for further study of efficacious and sustainable behavior support

Pain in platin-induced neuropathies: A systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Platin-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a common cause of PN in cancer patients. The aim of this paper is to systematically review the current literature regarding PIPN, with a particular focus on epidemiological and clinical characteristics of painful PIPN, and to discuss relevant management strategies. METHODS: A systematic computer-based literature search was conducted on the PubMed database. RESULTS: This search strategy resulted in the identification of 353 articles. After the eligibility assessment, 282 articles were excluded. An additional 24 papers were identified by scanning the reference lists. In total, 95 papers met the inclusion criteria and were used for this review. The prevalence of neuropathic symptoms due to acute toxicity of oxaliplatin was estimated at 84.6%, whereas PN established after chemotherapy with platins was estimated at 74.9%. Specifically regarding pain, the reported prevalence of pain due to acute toxicity of oxaliplatin was estimated at 55.6%, whereas the reported prevalence of chronic peripheral neuropathic pain in PIPN was estimated at 49.2%. CONCLUSION: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complication in patients receiving platins and can be particularly painful. There is significant heterogeneity among studies regarding the method for diagnosing peripheral neuropathy. Nerve conduction studies are the gold standard and should be performed in patients receiving platins and complaining of neuropathic symptoms post-treatment

Carpal tunnel syndrome in the elderly: nerve conduction parameters Síndrome do túnel do carpo em idosos: parâmetros de condução nervosa

OBJECTIVE: To establish nerve conduction parameters for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) electrodiagnosis in the elderly. METHOD: Thirty healthy subjects (65-86 years), 9 male and 21 female, were studied. Routine median and ulnar sensory and motor nerve conduction studies, median mixed palmar latency, comparative latency techniques median to ulnar (sensory, mixed and motor lumbrical-interossei), median to radial (sensory), and combined sensory index (CSI) were performed in both hands. RESULTS: The upper limits of normality (97.5%) were: median sensory distal latency 3.80 ms (14 cm); median motor distal latency 4.30 ms (8 cm); median palmar latency 2.45 ms (8 cm); lumbrical-interossei latency difference 0.60 ms (8 cm); comparative median to radial 0.95 ms (10 cm); comparative median to ulnar 0.95 ms (14 cm); comparative palmar median to ulnar 0.50 ms (8 cm); and CSI 2.20 ms. Sensory and mixed latencies were measured at peak. CONCLUSION: Our results establish new nerve conduction parameters for mild CTS electrodiagnosis in the elderly and will be helpful to reduce the number of false positive cases in this age.<br>OBJETIVO: Estabelecer parâmetros de condução nervosa para o eletrodiagnóstico da síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) em idosos. MÉTODO: Foram estudadas 30 pessoas idosas (65-86 anos) saudáveis. Foi realizado estudo de condução nervosa sensitiva e motora rotineira dos nervos mediano e ulnar, latência palmar mista do mediano, técnicas de comparação de latências mediano-ulnar (sensitivo, misto e motor lumbrical-interósseo) e mediano-radial (sensitivo) e índice sensitivo combinado (ISC) em ambas as mãos. RESULTADOS: Os limites superiores de normalidade, 97,5% foram: latência distal sensitiva do mediano 3,80 ms (14 cm); latência distal motora do mediano 4,30 ms (8 cm), latência palmar do mediano 2,45 ms (8 cm), diferença de latência lumbrical-interósseo 0,60 ms (8 cm), comparação mediano-radial 0,95 ms (10 cm), comparação mediano-ulnar 0,95 ms (14 cm), comparação mediano-ulnar palmar 0,50 ms (8 cm) e ISC 2,20 ms. As latências sensitivas e mistas foram medidas no pico. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados estabelecem novos valores de condução nervosa para o eletrodiagnóstico da STC leve em idosos