Pulsatile spinal cord surrogate for intradural neuromodulation studies

We have designed, built and tested a novel spinal cord surrogate that mimics the low-amplitude cardiac-driven pulsations of the human spinal cord, for use in developing intradural implants to be used in a novel form of neuromodulation for the treatment of intractable pain and motor system dysfunction. The silicone surrogate has an oval cross section, 10?mm major axis?×?6?mm minor axis, and incorporates a 3?mm diameter?×?3?cm long angioplasty balloon that serves as the pulsation actuator. When pneumatically driven at 1 Hz and 1.5 atmospheres (? 1140?mm Hg), the surrogate’s diametric pulsation is ? 100 ?m, which corresponds well to in vivo observations. The applications for this surrogate are presented and discussed.<br/

The impact of husbands&apos; prostate cancer diagnosis and participation in a behavioral lifestyle intervention on spouses&apos; lives and relationships with their partners

Background: A prostate cancer diagnosis affects the patient and his spouse. Partners of cancer patients are often the first to respond to the demands related to their husband&apos;s illness and thus are likely to be the most supportive individuals available to the patients. It is therefore important to examine how spouses react and handle their husband&apos;s prostate cancer diagnosis. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore how the prostate cancer diagnosis and the participation in their partners&apos; behavioral lifestyle intervention program influenced the spouses&apos; life, their relationship with their partner, and how they handle the situation. Methods: Interviews were recorded with 8 spouses of potential low-risk prostate cancer patients on active surveillance as part of a clinical self-management lifestyle trial. Results: We identified 3 phases that the spouses went through: feeling insecure about their situation, coping strategies to deal with these insecurities, and feeling reassured. Conclusions: The framework of a clinical trial should include mobilizing spousal empowerment so that they can take on an active and meaningful role in relation to their husband&apos;s disease. The observations here substantiate that the framework of active surveillance in combination with a lifestyle intervention in 1 specific prostate cancer clinical trial can mobilize spousal empowerment. Implications for Practice: Creating well-designed clinical patient programs that actively involve the spouse appears to promote empowerment (meaningfulness, self-efficacy, positive impact, and self-determination) in spouses. Spousal participation in clinical patient programs can give spouses relief from anxieties while recognizing them as a vital support for their husband. Copyright © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved

Comparative genomics reveals high biological diversity and specific adaptations in the industrially and medically important fungal genus Aspergillus

Background: The fungal genus Aspergillus is of critical importance to humankind. Species include those with industrial applications, important pathogens of humans, animals and crops, a source of potent carcinogenic contaminants of food, and an important genetic model. The genome sequences of eight aspergilli have already been explored to investigate aspects of fungal biology, raising questions about evolution and specialization within this genus. Results: We have generated genome sequences for ten novel, highly diverse Aspergillus species and compared these in detail to sister and more distant genera. Comparative studies of key aspects of fungal biology, including primary and secondary metabolism, stress response, biomass degradation, and signal transduction, revealed both conservation and diversity among the species. Observed genomic differences were validated with experimental studies. This revealed several highlights, such as the potential for sex in asexual species, organic acid production genes being a key feature of black aspergilli, alternative approaches for degrading plant biomass, and indications for the genetic basis of stress response. A genome-wide phylogenetic analysis demonstrated in detail the relationship of the newly genome sequenced species with other aspergilli. Conclusions: Many aspects of biological differences between fungal species cannot be explained by current knowledge obtained from genome sequences. The comparative genomics and experimental study, presented here, allows for the first time a genus-wide view of the biological diversity of the aspergilli and in many, but not all, cases linked genome differences to phenotype. Insights gained could be exploited for biotechnological and medical applications of fungi. © 2017 The Author(s)