Recommendations for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation to Impro ve Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Related Sarcopenia: A Literature Review.

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is currently the most prevalent autoimmune disorder worldwide. A previous study reported the frequency of sarcopenia in patients with chronic inflammation and found a higher rate of sarcopenia in patients with SLE than in control. A preview study found that exercises management given to SLE patients can reduce fatigue and increase vitality.

Sustained, multimodal outpatient group therapy for chronic psychotic patients.

Twelve predominantly psychotic patients who were at high risk for relapse and rehospitalization participated in a treatment regime that combined medication and supportive and insight-oriented group therapy. The group was studied over a 44-month period during which the same psychiatrist was present. None of the 12 group members required rehospitalization during the study period, and the quality of life and level of functioning significantly improved for most of them.

Perfect pitch.

Thirty-five subjects with perfect pitch, representing 19 families, were studied with a Perfect Pitch Questionnaire, which provided information on note-recognition capacity and musical exposure and training, as well as demographic characteristics. Perfect pitch was found to predominate in females and was detected at a very early age. The significant family incidence of the trait suggests the operation of genetic mechanisms concerning which speculations are presented.

L-tryptophan as a hypnotic in special patients.

The authors briefly review prevalence and current treatment trends of sleep disorders in the elderly, underlining the need for the development of a more suitable hypnotic for this population. The use of L-tryptophan (LT) as a physiologic hypnotic in aged responders is considered and the hypnotic effect of 1- to 4-g bedtime doses on ten male inpatients and outpatients aged 30 to 72 years is evaluated. Results suggest a dramatic and sustained relief of insomnia for 3 weeks in 30 per cent of the patients and the absence of side effects in 90 per cent of those who took the agent.

Resolution of the effects of sulfhydryl-blocking reagents on hormone- and DNA-binding activities of the chick oviduct progesterone receptor.

The differential effects of sulfhydryl (SH)-blocking agents on hormone and DNA binding by the chick oviduct progesterone receptor were investigated. Previous studies have demonstrated inhibition of steroid-receptor interaction by SH-blocking agents and protection against inhibition by bound hormone. The present results indicate that the SH group required for steroid binding is within or near the hormone-binding site itself, and that a second SH group (or groups) is involved in the binding of receptor to DNA.