Validating a Promoter Library for Application in Plasmid-Based Diatom Genetic Engineering.

While diatoms are promising synthetic biology platforms, there currently exists a limited number of validated genetic regulatory parts available for genetic engineering. The standard method for diatom transformation, nonspecific introduction of DNA into chromosomes via biolistic particle bombardment, is low throughput and suffers from clonal variability and epigenetic effects. Recent developments in diatom engineering have demonstrated that autonomously replicating episomal plasmids serve as stable expression platforms for diverse gene expression technologies. These plasmids are delivered via bacterial conjugation and, when combined with modular DNA assembly technologies, provide a flexibility and speed not possible with biolistic-mediated strain generation. In order to expand the current toolbox for plasmid-based engineering in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a conjugation-based forward genetics screen for promoter discovery was developed, and application to a diatom genomic DNA library defined 252 P. tricornutum promoter elements. From this library, 40 promoter/terminator pairs were delivered via conjugation on episomal plasmids, characterized in vivo, and ranked across 4 orders of magnitude difference in reporter gene expression levels.

Examining long-term motivational and behavioral outcomes of two physical activity interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To examine possible impacts of two theory-based interventions - "Enhancing quality of life through exercise: A tele-rehabilitation approach (TEQ) and Active Living Lifestyles for individuals with SCI who use Wheelchair (ALLWheel)" - 12-18 months post-intervention on the satisfaction of psychological needs and motivation for leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), LTPA participation, and participation experience. DESIGN: A mixed-methods follow-up study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen TEQ and six ALLWheel participants completed questionnaires and a semi-structured interview, 12-18 months after completing the interventions. INTERVENTION: TEQ intervention participants received a weekly LTPA counseling session with a trained kinesiologist through videoconferencing for 8 weeks. ALLWheel participants interacted with a peer mentor who provided LTPA counseling using smartphones for 10 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES: The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise, and the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire were used as primary outcome measures. The LTPA barrier self-efficacy scale, the Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation, and the 7-day LTPA Questionnaire for Adults with SCI were used as secondary outcome measures. A coding framework was created and deductive thematic analyses were used to analyze the qualitative data. RESULTS: Medium to large effects were found for autonomous motivation (TEQ), competence (TEQ and ALLWheel), and barrier self-efficacy (TEQ and ALLWheel). LTPA remained higher for the TEQ intervention group compared to the control group at follow-up, while an increase in moderate-to-vigorous LTPA was found in ALLWheel participants. CONCLUSION: Community-based tele-rehabilitation and virtual rehabilitation approaches, informed by theory, may assist adults with SCI in implementing LTPA over the long term.

The role of physical activity in cancer survivors' quality of life.

PURPOSE: As a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many cancer survivors experience persistent physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that affect their quality of life. Physical activity has been identified as an intervention that may help to manage the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on overall quality of life in adult cancer survivors. METHODS: One-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone with 13 adult (≥18 yrs) cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment. RESULTS: These cancer survivors described their physical activity as improving their physical functioning and mental health, as a means of positive social engagement, and adding positivity to their daily life. CONCLUSION: Even though the cancer survivors in this study experienced diverse types of cancer and for different lengths of time as well as varying methods of treatment(s), these results support the role of physical activity in enhancing cancer survivors' quality of life. Further research is warranted to (a) expand this research with a larger sample and quantitative methods, (b) examine healthcare providers' knowledge and application of exercise guidelines to cancer survivors in cancer care, and (c) explore implementation strategies for greater advocacy for healthcare providers to share the exercise recommendations with cancer survivors.

Case report: off-pump total myocardial revascularization for dextrocardia and situs inversus.

A 42-year-old man with dextrocardia and situs inversus underwent successful off-pump total myocardial revascularization using the technique popularized by Tector [Tector 1994, Tector 1996]. The free left internal mammary artery (LIMA) was anastomosed to the in-situ right internal mammary artery (RIMA) at the level of the right-sided left atrial appendage, then anastomosed sequentially to the first diagonal branch (D1) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD), and to the LAD. The in-situ RIMA was sequentially anastomosed to the first and the second obtuse marginal branches (OM1 and OM2) of the circumflex coronary artery. A saphenous vein was then anastomosed to a diffusely diseased posterior descending branch (PDA) of the right coronary artery (RCA). The patient was asymptomatic and in excellent condition three months after surgery. In economically depressed regions of the world, such as the Gaza Strip, off-pump complete revascularization is an excellent alternative to cardiopulmonary bypass.

Subcutaneous mucormycosis caused by Mucor hiemalis Wehmer f. luteus (Linnemann) Schipper 1973.

The authors report a case of subcutaneous mucormycosis in a diabetic patient with verrucous lesions in the fourth finger of the right hand. Initially diagnosed as a fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis case, success was obtained with the use of potassium iodide with healing of the lesion in a period of nearly 5 months. At present the patient remains under clinical observation with no treatment or relapse.

[Incidence pityriasis rosea of Gibert in the Dermatology Service of the Hospital do Servidor Público in the state of São Paulo]. / Incidência da Pitiriase Rósea de Gibert no Servico de Dermatologia do Hospital do Servidor Público do Estado de São Paulo.

The authors present a retrospective study on the incidence of Pitiriase Rosea in the Dermatology Department of the Hospital do Servidor Público do Estado de São Paulo, covering a 17 years span. Figures concerning race, sex, age, mensal and anual incidence as well the distribution in the seasons of the year are analysed.

Incidencia da sifilis no Servico de Dermatologia do Hospital do Servidor Publico do Estado de Sao Paulo. / Incidence of syphilis in the Dermatology Service of the Hospital do Servidor Publico do Estado de Sao Paulo

E apresentado estudo retrospectivo quanto a incidencia da sifilis no ambulatorio de Dermatologia do Hospital do Servidor Publico do Estado de Sao Paulo, no periodo de 15 anos. Sao analisados dados referentes a raca, sexo, estado civil, faixa etaria e formas clinicas

[Erythema cinitiensis perstans]. / Erythema cinitiensis perstans.

The authors report a case of Erythema Cinitiensis Perstans, in a thirty-one years old white man. This dermatosis, reported in the literature also es Ashy Dermatitis and Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans, is here in Brazil exceptional. Clinically this dermatosis is characterized by the presence of gray patches in a sometimes surrounded by an erythematous active border. The lesions may occur on any area of the integument, sparing the hair scalp, palms, soles and nails. The therapy has been ineffective in all the cases, but one reported by Stevenson and Miura and in our case, where the patients have improved after Dithiazanine iodide treatment due to intestinal parasitoses by the Tricocephalus trichiurus.