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Plant acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases (TEs) terminate the acyl-acyl carrier protein track of fatty acid biosynthesis and play an essential role in determining the amount and composition of fatty acids entering the storage lipid pool. A combination of bioinformatics tools was used to predict a three-dimensional model for Arabidopsis FatB (AtFatB), which comprises a fold similar to that of Escherichia coli TEII, an enzyme that is functionally similar to plant TEs but lacks significant sequence similarity and displays different inhibitor sensitivity. The catalytic residues in AtFatB, Cys-264 and His229, localize to the same region of the model as catalytic residues found in other enzymes with helix/multistranded sheet motifs (hot dog folds). Based on the model, we identified Asn-227 as a possible third member of the proposed papain-like catalytic triad. The conversion of Asn-227 to Ala resulted in a loss of detectable activity (>200-fold reduction), similar to the result seen for the equivalent mutation in papain. Mapping of plant TE specificity-affecting mutations onto the structural model showed that these mutations all cluster around the catalytic triad. Also, superposition of the crystallographically determined structures of the complexes of 4-hydroxybenzoyl-CoA TE with substrate and β-hydroxydecanoyl thiol ester dehydrase with inhibitor onto the AtFatB model showed that the substrate and inhibitor localize to the same region as the AtFatB catalytic triad in their respective structures. Together these data corroborate the structural model and show that the hot dog fold is common to enzymes from both prokaryotes and eukaryotes and that this fold supports at least three different catalytic mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify and assess states with best practices in peer provider workforce development and employment. A growing body of research demonstrates that peer providers with lived experience contribute positively to the treatment and recovery of individuals with behavioral health needs. Increased employment opportunities have led to policy concerns about training, certification, roles, and reimbursement for peer provider services.Methods: A case study approach included a national panel of subject matter experts who suggested best practice states. Researchers conducted 3- to 5-day site visits in four states: Arizona, Georgia, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Data collection included document review and interviews with state policymakers, directors of training and certification bodies, peer providers, and other staff in mental health and substance use treatment and recovery organizations. Data collection and analysis were performed in 2015.Results: Peer providers work in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, clinics, jails and prisons, and supportive housing. A favorable policy environment along with individual champions and consumer advocacy organizations were positively associated with robust programs. Medicaid billing for peer services was an essential source of revenue in both Medicaid expansion and non-expansion states. States' peer provider training and certification requirements varied. Issues of stigma remain. Peer providers are low-wage workers with limited opportunity for career growth and may require workplace accommodations to maintain their recovery.Conclusions: Peer providers are a rapidly growing workforce with considerable promise to help alleviate behavioral health workforce shortages by supporting consumers in attaining and maintaining long-term recovery.Supplement Information: This article is part of a supplement entitled The Behavioral Health Workforce: Planning, Practice, and Preparation, which is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The purpose of this study was to identify and assess states with best practices in peer provider workforce development and employment. A growing body of research demonstrates that peer providers with lived experience contribute positively to the treatment and recovery of individuals with behavioral health needs. Increased employment opportunities have led to policy concerns about training, certification, roles, and reimbursement for peer provider services. Methods A case study approach included a national panel of subject matter experts who suggested best practice states. Researchers conducted 3- to 5-day site visits in four states: Arizona, Georgia, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Data collection included document review and interviews with state policymakers, directors of training and certification bodies, peer providers, and other staff in mental health and substance use treatment and recovery organizations. Data collection and analysis were performed in 2015. Results Peer providers work in a variety of settings, including psychiatric hospitals, clinics, jails and prisons, and supportive housing. A favorable policy environment along with individual champions and consumer advocacy organizations were positively associated with robust programs. Medicaid billing for peer services was an essential source of revenue in both Medicaid expansion and non-expansion states. States’ peer provider training and certification requirements varied. Issues of stigma remain. Peer providers are low-wage workers with limited opportunity for career growth and may require workplace accommodations to maintain their recovery. Conclusions Peer providers are a rapidly growing workforce with considerable promise to help alleviate behavioral health workforce shortages by supporting consumers in attaining and maintaining long-term recovery. Supplement information This article is part of a supplement entitled The Behavioral Health Workforce: Planning, Practice, and Preparation, which is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]