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Objective: As many men diagnosed with prostate cancer (PC) are now living well beyond diagnosis and treatment, these survival gains necessitate improved understanding of long-term survivorship experiences. This is the first qualitative study that aimed to provide insights into PC survivors' adjustment to diagnosis and any persisting or emerging cancer/treatment-related issues over 15+ years., Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 37 men purposively sampled from the 15-year follow-up phase of a population-wide cohort study, the New South Wales Prostate Cancer Care and Outcomes Study (PCOS). Interview data were transcribed and thematically analysed applying a framework methodology., Results: The majority of participating men (88.6%) had been diagnosed with localised disease and were treated with radical prostatectomy as primary treatment (54.1%). Four main interconnecting themes relating to men's long-term survivorship experience with PC were identified: (1) Survivorship reflections, (2) interactions with the healthcare system, (3) personal and social relationships and (4) dominant coping strategies. Many men reported gaps along the continuum of care and a feeling of abandonment across their long-term survivorship, encompassed by a perceived lack of psychosocial and informational support for persisting treatment side-effects, especially sexual dysfunction. Receiving adequate survivorship care and trusting patient-clinician relationships appeared to be associated with greater resilience and positivity in the men's acceptance of cancer-related long-term challenges and personal limitations., Conclusions: Long-term PC survivors continue to experience lasting treatment impacts, with many men reporting unmet needs and a lack of continuity of multidisciplinary care. Implementation of coordinated and tailored survivorship care and shared care pathways with multidisciplinary practitioners will facilitate men's improved engagement and timely access to supportive care interventions, helping to avoid the 'survivorship abyss'., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is a rapidly emerging field, which mimics some of the physiological conditions of human tissues. In cancer biology, it is considered a useful tool in predicting in vivo chemotherapy responses, compared with conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture. We have developed a novel 3D cell culture model of osteosarcoma composed of aggregated proliferative tumour spheroids, which shows regions of tumour heterogeneity formed by aggregated spheroids of polyclonal tumour cells. Aggregated spheroids show local necrotic and apoptotic regions and have sizes suitable for the study of spatial distribution of metabolites by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). We have used this model to perform a proof-of-principle study showing a heterogeneous distribution of endogenous metabolites that colocalise with the necrotic core and apoptotic regions in this model. Cytotoxic chemotherapy (doxorubicin) responses were significantly attenuated in our 3D cell culture model compared with those of standard cell culture, as determined by resazurin assay, despite sufficient doxorubicin diffusion demonstrated by localisation throughout the 3D constructs. Finally, changes to the distribution of endogenous metabolites in response to doxorubicin were readily detected by MSI. Principal component analysis identified 50 metabolites which differed most in their abundance between treatment groups, and of these, 10 were identified by both in-software t test and mixed-effects analysis of variance (ANOVA). Subsequent independent MSIs of identified species were consistent with principle component analysis findings. This proof-of-principle study shows for the first time that chemotherapy-induced changes in metabolite abundance and distribution may be determined in 3D cell culture by MSI, highlighting this method as a potentially useful tool in the elucidation of chemotherapy responses as an alternative to in vivo testing., (© 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The purpose of this study was to provide in-depth insight into men's experiences of prostate cancer, specifically: perceived stigma and self-blame, social isolation, unmet need and help-seeking. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 20 men diagnosed with prostate cancer, and thematic analysis was undertaken. Some participants perceived a stigma associated with prostate cancer and cancer in general, which sometimes acted as a barrier to disclosure. Self-blame and internalisation of cause was not a prominent issue. Participants' descriptions of emotional distress, social isolation and anxiety demonstrated the impact of prostate cancer. Social isolation was most commonly reported as a physical consequence of treatment and/or side effects. Participants felt both support and ongoing care were limited at post-treatment. Most did not seek or receive help for emotional or psychosocial problems from a formal source due to anticipated awkwardness, autonomous coping, not burdening others, unwanted sympathy and retaining privacy. Prostate cancer can cause considerable emotional and social burden for some men, and many are unlikely to seek or receive help. Men, and their support networks, require active encouragement throughout diagnosis, treatment and follow-up to overcome barriers and access additional support, particularly for sexual, emotional and psychosocial issues., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The purpose of this study was to understand the extent, nature and variability of the current economic burden of prostate cancer among Australian men. An online cross-sectional survey was developed that combined pre-existing economic measures and new questions. With few exceptions, the online survey was viable and acceptable to participants. The main outcomes were self-reported out-of-pocket costs of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment, changes in employment status and household finances. Men were recruited from prostate cancer support groups throughout Australia. Descriptive statistical analyses were undertaken. A total of 289 men responded to the survey during April and June 2013. Our study found that men recently diagnosed (within 16 months of the survey) (n = 65) reported spending a median AU$8000 (interquartile range AU$14 000) for their cancer treatment while 75% of men spent up to AU$17 000 (2012). Twenty per cent of all men found the cost of treating their prostate cancer caused them 'a great deal' of distress. The findings suggest a large variability in medical costs for prostate cancer treatment with 5% of men spending $250 or less in out-of-pocket expenses and some men facing very high costs. On average, respondents in paid employment at diagnosis stated that they had retired 4-5 years earlier than planned., (© 2015 The Authors. European Journal of Cancer Care Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Despite increasing data on the impact of the microbiome on cancer, the dynamics and role of the microbiome in infection during therapy for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are unknown. Therefore, the authors sought to determine correlations between microbiome composition and infectious outcomes in patients with AML who were receiving induction chemotherapy (IC)., Methods: Buccal and fecal specimens (478 samples) were collected twice weekly from 34 patients with AML who were undergoing IC. Oral and stool microbiomes were characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA V4 sequencing using an Illumina MiSeq system. Microbial diversity and genera composition were associated with clinical outcomes., Results: Baseline stool α-diversity was significantly lower in patients who developed infections during IC compared with those who did not (P = .047). Significant decreases in both oral and stool microbial α-diversity were observed over the course of IC, with a linear correlation between α-diversity change at the 2 sites (P = .02). Loss of both oral and stool α-diversity was associated significantly with the receipt of a carbapenem P < 0.001. Domination events by the majority of genera were transient (median duration, 1 sample), whereas the number of domination events by pathogenic genera increased significantly over the course of IC (P = .002). Moreover, patients who lost microbial diversity over the course of IC were significantly more likely to contract a microbiologically documented infection within the 90 days after IC neutrophil recovery (P = .04)., Conclusions: The current data present the largest longitudinal analyses to date of oral and stool microbiomes in patients with AML and suggest that microbiome measurements could assist with the mitigation of infectious complications of AML therapy. Cancer 2016;122:2186-96. © 2016 American Cancer Society., (© 2016 American Cancer Society.)

Premise of Study: In the mixed evergreen forests in the western United States, Arbutus menziesii is able to quickly resprout following disturbance and, as such, act as a nurse tree during forest regeneration. The mechanism for this nurse tree effect has frequently been ascribed to mycorrhizal fungi, but no detailed molecular-based studies of the mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with A. menziesii roots have yet been conducted. •, Methods: We examined the structure of the mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with A. menziesii in varying forest types and seasons and assessed the potential for common mycelial networks between A. menziesii and Pinaceae hosts, particularly Pseudotsuga menziesii. Study sites were located in the Klamath-Siskyou region in southern Oregon, United States. Molecular approaches were used to identify the mycorrhizal fungi (ITS rDNA) and plant hosts (trnL cDNA). •, Key Results: Arbutus menziesii hosts a highly diverse mycorrhizal fungal community with similar composition to communities found on other angiosperm and Pinaceae hosts. Phylogenetic analyses of the mycorrhizal genus Piloderma revealed that host species and geographic location had little effect on fungal taxon relatedness. Multihost fungal taxa were significantly more frequent and abundant than single-host fungal taxa, and there was high potential for the formation of common mycelial networks with P. menziesii. •, Conclusions: Our results suggest A. menziesii is a major hub of mycorrhizal fungal diversity and connectivity in mixed evergreen forests and plays an important role in forest regeneration by enhancing belowground resilience to disturbance.

The redox control bioreactor (RCB) is a new hollow fiber membrane bioreactor (HFMBR) design in which oxygen and hydrogen gases are provided simultaneously through separate arrays of juxtaposed hollow fiber (HF) membranes. This study applied the RCB for completely autotrophic conversion of ammonia to N(2) through nitrification with O(2) and denitrification using hydrogen as an electron donor (i.e., autohydrogentrophic denitrification). The hypothesis of this research was that efficient biofilm utilization of O(2) and H(2) at respective HFs would limit transport of these gases to bulk fluid, thereby enabling completely autotrophic ammonia conversion to N(2) through the co-occurrence of ammonia oxidation (O(2)-HF biofilms) and autohydrogenotrophic denitrification (H(2)-HF biofilms). A prototype RCB was fabricated and operated for 215 days on a synthetic, organic-free feedstream containing 217 mg L(-1) NH(4)(+)-N. When O(2) and H(2) were simultaneously supplied, the RCB achieved a steady NH(4)(+)-N removal flux of 5.8 g m(-2) day(-1) normalized to O(2)-HF surface area with a concomitant removal flux of 4.4 g m(-2) day(-1) (NO(3)(-))+NO(2)(-))-N based on H(2)-HF surface area. The significance of H(2) supply was confirmed by an increase in effluent NO(3)(-)-N when H(2) supply was discontinued and a decline in NO(3)(-)-N when H(2) supply was restarted. Increases in H(2) pressure caused decreased ammonia utilization, suggesting that excess H(2) interfered with nitrification. Microprobe profiling across radial transects revealed significant gradients in dissolved O(2) on spatial scales of 1 mm or less. Physiological and molecular analysis of biofilms confirmed that structurally and functionally distinct biofilms developed on adjacent, juxtaposed fibers., (Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The lymphatic network functions to return fluid, cells and macromolecules to the circulation. Recent characterization of growth factors that control the growth and development of the lymphatics, and markers which specify lymphatic endothelial cells have enhanced our understanding of this system. Members of the VEGF family of factors are key regulators of these vessels with VEGF-C/VEGF-D and VEGFR-3 being the best validated signalling pathways in lymphangiogenesis. The study of these molecules in various pathologies has shown that they are important in the processes of cancer metastasis and in the formation of lymphoedema. Knowledge of these molecular pathways allows for the generation of modulators of these pathways which could form the basis of novel therapeutic approaches.

A cohort of 339 Black (n = 210), Hispanic (n = 118), and other (n = 11) adolescent mothers in Dallas, Texas, were followed from the start of their pregnancy through the school year of the delivery to assess differences in numbers of prenatal care visits, postpartum care, repeat deliveries, and school continuation rates. Approximately one-half the teens received reproductive services at a comprehensive, school-based clinic and one-half at a categorical (Title XX) family planning and prenatal care clinic. Adolescents attending the school-based clinic were more likely to be in school at conception and averaged more prenatal visits than those served by the categorical provider. However, during the pregnancy and following the delivery, school dropout rates for the two sets of teens converged. School continuation rates were higher among a subset of adolescents attending the Dallas Independent School District school for pregnant teens than among other teens. Hispanic teens were two times more likely than their Black counterparts to drop out of school. No differences were found in repeat birth rates, by ethnicity, clinic site, or school attended.

Energetic and reaction-rate interactions between hydrogenic (hydrogen-producing) and hydrogenotrophic (hydrogen-consuming) bacteria were investigated in five perturbation experiments performed on steady-state, mixed-culture methanogenic CSTRs receiving ethanol, propionate, or both hydrogenic substrates. When a large quantity of propionate was suddenly added to a propionatefed CSTR, P(H(2) ) increased to 10(-4) atm and propionate oxidation remained energetically favorable. When ethanol was added to a CSTR receiving ethanol, P(H(2) ) rose to 6.3 x 10(-3) atm within 5 h. In both perturbations, P(H(2) ) remained at levels such that oxidation of the hydrogenic substrate remained energetically favorable throughout the transient. Sudden increase in ethanol concentration in the ethanol- and propionate-fed CSTR resulted in an increase in P(H(2) ) such that propionate oxidation became energetically unfavorable and was blocked. Propionate utilization resumed when the added ethanol was depleted and P(H(2) ) returned to its previous steady-state levels. Ethanol perturbation of ethanol- and propionate-fed CSTRs led to the formation of reduced products, including n-propanol and four-through seven-carbon n-carboxylic acids, when P(H(2) ) was elevated; these products disappeared after P(H(2) ) returned to previous, steady-state levels. The transformations were consistent with reaction energetics. Reduced product formation may have been a sink for reducing equivalents, as an alternative to oxidation for propionate utilization, as indicated by an electron equivalents balance over the time course of experiments.

Energetic analysis was applied to reduced product formation following perturbation of ethanol- and propionate-fed methanogenic continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). Formation and dissipation of longer-chained n-carboxylic acids corresponded with the variation in Gibbs free energy change associated with beta-oxidation reactions. Formation appeared to occur from acetate and propionate by reductive back-reactions, made energetically favorable by elevated hydrogen partial pressure (P(H(2))), and possibly mediated by biosynthetic enzymes. The formed longer-chained acids dissipated when the P(H(2)) fell and equilibrium shifted to favor beta-oxidations. n-Propanol was found to be produced from propionate in a coupled ethanol oxidation/propionate reduction reaction, mediated by ethanol-oxidizing organisms during high rates of ethanol utilization and elevated P(H(2)). When P(H(2)) declined, n-propanol was oxidized back to its precursor propionate. Both reaction energetics and intracellular diffusion of the electron carrier may effect transient mediation of this coupled reaction.

The medical and demographic literature contain two popular formulae for the construction of cause-deleted life table lx values, one developed for applications in follow-up studies and the other for cross-sectional studies. It turns out that for both types of applications one of the two formulae is virtually always of better quality than the other. A formula developed by Keyfitz and Frauenthal is usually better than either.

The rise in ischemic heart disease in the U.S. after 1920 has been described in the literature both as a 20th century epidemic and as an artifact of the decline of competing causes of death, particularly the infectious, parasitic and diarrheal diseases. Shifting medical terminology and occasional major revisions in cause of death codes have aggravated efforts to resolve the debate. Through regression analysis and ordinary and cause-deleted life tables we trace the course of the disease. The accumulated evidence points to a major epidemic but one largely confined to males. Reversals in patterns are now beginning.