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Waste management of brewery by-products is economically and environmentally problematic. In the frame of bio-recycling, this study aims to investigate the bioconversion of brewery by-products by filamentous fungi. Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes were grown on different substrates based on brewer’s spent grains (fresh and dry). Afterwards, fatty acids and sterols were determined. Following the selection of the suitable substrate composition for fungal growth, results showed that fatty acids composition of fungal biomasses varied significantly as a function of substrate and fungal strain. Interestingly, fungal fat might be used for human nutrition due to low SFA/UFA ratios (~0.2–0.4) within the same range of vegetal oils. Sterols profile of fungi biomass revealed the predominance of ergosterol. Also, it was found that the fungi growing on by-products slightly reduced the cholesterol contents. As such, this approach focusing on the bioconversion of by-products using fungi can provide biomasses with a fat composition suitable for feed and human consumption. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Introduction: Brachytherapy (BT) and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are effective treatments for high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). However, the impact of these treatments on health-related quality of life (HRQL) remains unclear. In this study, we compared EBRT alone with EBRT plus a boost with high-dose rate (HDR)-BT to determine the impact on HRQL in patients with high-risk PCa. Material and methods: Prospective, multicenter study comparing patients with high-risk PCa treated with EBRT alone or EBRT + HDR-BT from 2004 to 2006. HRQL was assessed at baseline (pre-treatment) and periodically over the 5-year follow-up, using the SF-36 (v.2), EPIC, and FACT-G and FACT-P questionnaires. Results: A total of 129 patients were included in the study, of these, 41 received EBRT alone and 88 EBRT + HDR-BT. All patients received hormonotherapy. Baseline clinical characteristics were similar, except for a slightly higher mean number of comorbidities in the EBRT group. During follow-up, the only significant between-group difference was a greater worsening on EPIC hormonal domain in the EBRT alone group (p = 0.028). There were no significant differences in time and interaction of treatment in SF-36, and FACT-G and FACT-P questionnaires or EPIC urinary incontinence, urinary irritative-obstructive, and bowel and sexual domains over the 5-year follow-up. Oncological outcomes were similar in both groups. Conclusions: After five years of follow-up, EBRT alone or combined with HDR-BT boost had a similar impact on HRQL in patients with high-risk localized PCa. However, patients in the EBRT alone group experienced greater worsening of hormonal domain according to EPIC questionnaire.

Soil sampling is a critical step affecting perceived fungal diversity, however sampling optimization for high-throughput-DNA sequencing studies have never been tested in Mediterranean forest ecosystems. We identified the minimum number of pooled samples needed to obtain a reliable description of fungal communities in terms of diversity and composition in three different Mediterranean forests (pine, oak, and mixed-pine-oak). Twenty soil samples were randomly selected in each of the three plots per type. Samples were pooled to obtain mixtures of 3, 6, 10, 15, 20 samples, and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq of fungal ITS2 amplicons. Pooling three soil samples in Pinus and Quercus stands provided consistent richness estimations, while at least six samples were needed in mixed-stands. ß-diversity decreased with increasing sample pools in monospecific-stands, while there was no effect of sample pool size on mixed35 stands. Soil sample pooling had no effect over species composition. We estimate that three samples would be already optimal to describe fungal richness and composition in Mediterranean pure stands, while at least six samples would be needed in mixed stands. This work was partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, grants AGL2015-66001-C3, RTI2018-093907-B-C21 and RTI2018-099315-A-I00. I.A. was supported by a Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Cofund grant agreement No. 801596, J.G.A. was supported by Ramon y Cajal fellowship (RYC-2016-20528) and J.A.B. benefitted from a Serra-Húnter Fellowship provided by the Generalitat of Catalunya.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the existence of a bimodal survival pattern in metastatic uveal melanoma. Secondary aims were to identify the characteristics and prognostic factors associated with long-term survival and to develop a clinical decision tree. Materials and methods The medical records of 99 metastatic uveal melanoma patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were classified as either short (≤ 12 months) or long-term survivors (> 12 months) based on a graphical interpretation of the survival curve after diagnosis of the first metastatic lesion. Ophthalmic and oncological characteristicswere assessed in both groups. Results Of the 99 patients, 62 (62.6%) were classified as short-term survivors, and 37 (37.4%) as long-term survivors. The multivariate analysis identified the following predictors of long-term survival: age ≤ 65 years (p=0.012) and unaltered serum lactate dehydrogenase levels (p=0.018); additionally, the size (smaller vs. larger) of the largest liver metastasis showed a trend towards significance (p=0.063). Based on the variables significantly associated with long-term survival, we developed a decision tree to facilitate clinical decision-making. Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrate the existence of a bimodal survival pattern in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. The presence of certain clinical characteristics at diagnosis of distant disease is associated with long-term survival. A decision tree was developed to facilitate clinical decision-making and to counsel patients about the expected course of disease.

Aim To evaluate the association between dose–volume histogram (DVH) values in organs at risk (OAR) and patient-reported HRQoL outcomes. Background Data on the association between DVHs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients are limited. Materials and methods Five-year follow-up study of 154 patients with organ-confined (stage T1/T2) PCa treated with EBRT between January 2003 and November 2005. HRQoL was evaluated with the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index (EPIC). DVH for OARs (penile bulb, rectum and bladder) were created for all patients for whom data were available (119/154; 77%). The functional data analysis (FDA) statistical method was used. HRQoL data was collected prospectively and data analysis was performed retrospectively. Results Worsening of urinary incontinence and obstructive symptoms correlated with higher DVH dose distributions at 24 months. Increased rectal bleeding at months 24 and 60 correlated with higher DVH dose distributions in the 40–70 Gy range. Patients with deterioration in rectal incontinence presented a higher DVH distribution range than patients without rectal incontinence. Penile bulb DVH values and erectile dysfunction were not significantly associated. Conclusions DVH parameters and post-radiotherapy HRQoL appear to be closely correlated, underscoring the importance of assessing DVH values prior to initiating EBRT to determine the risk of developing HRQoL related adverse effects. Advanced treatment modalities may be appropriate in high risk cases to minimize treatment-related toxicity and to improve treatment outcomes and HRQoL. Future studies are needed to better elucidate the association between pre-treatment DVH parameters in organs at risk and subsequent HRQoL.

In recent years, food ingredients rich in bioactive compounds have emerged as candidates to prevent excess adiposity and other metabolic complications characteristic of obesity, such as low-grade inflammation and oxidative status. Among them, fungi have gained popularity for their high polysaccharide content and other bioactive components with beneficial activities. Here, we use the C. elegans model to investigate the potential activities of a Grifola frondosa extract (GE), together with the underlying mechanisms of action. Our study revealed that GE represents an important source of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds with in vitro antioxidant activity. Treatment with our GE extract, which was found to be nongenotoxic through a SOS/umu test, significantly reduced the fat content of C. elegans, decreased the production of intracellular ROS and aging-lipofuscin pigment, and increased the lifespan of nematodes. Gene expression and mutant analyses demonstrated that the in vivo anti-obesity and antioxidant activities of GE were mediated through the daf-2/daf-16 and skn-1/nrf-2 signalling pathways, respectively. Taken together, our results suggest that our GE extract could be considered a potential functional ingredient for the prevention of obesity-related disturbances., This work was performed with the financial support of the CIEN project BIOPRO from “Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial” (CDTI), Ministry of Science and Innovation, Government of Spain. The authors thank ARGAL ALIMENTACIÓN S.A., ANECOOP, ELMUBAS IBÉRICA S.L.U., Bodega Matarromera S.L., Kimitec Group, Mahou San Miguel, UVESA, and Entomo AgroIndustrial for their support of this project. We also thank Bolet Ben Fet (TEB Verd SCCL., Barcelona). Finally, the authors thank LABORATORIOS CINFA, S.A. and VISCOFAN S.A for the financial support of the Center for Nutrition Research, and the CERCA Programme (Generalitat de Catalunya) for the financial support of IRTA.

Forest management aimed to maximize timber production might impact soil fungi, especially those symbiotically associated to tree roots. In this study, we analyse the temporal dynamics of soil fungi along five sampling years after tree removal in a managed Pinus sylvestris stand in northern Spain, where timber production is combined with regular mushroom harvesting. Two management methods were tested: total and partial clear-cutting leaving retention trees for seedling regeneration. Undisturbed, uncut plots were also included in the experiment as a control treatment. The whole fungal community (phylotypes and ecological guilds) were analysed by high-throughput Illumina MiSeq sequencing of fungal ITS1 amplicons. We hypothesized that (1) ectomycorrhizal fungal communities will decrease after both clear-cutting treatments with a concurrent increase in the abundance of saprotrophs, (2) the abundance and diversity of the ectomycorrhizal guild will be more preserved in partially clear-cut than in total clear-cut plots, and (3) the overall fungal diversity will decrease in the cut plots leading to major losses of ectomycorrhizal species. Our results show that soil fungal composition changed across the five years after clear-cutting by decreasing ectomycorrhizal fungi and increasing saprotrophs. However, these changes did not significantly affect fungal diversity and there were taxa-specific responses to tree harvest treatments. Boletus edulis, the most abundant ectomycorrhizal species fruiting in the study area and a valuable local non-forest resource, was negatively affected by either clear-cutting treatments. Soil fungal community composition in partially clear-cut areas was not different from that of total clear-cut areas. Our results indicate a strong effect of tree harvest on the relative abundance of ectomycorrhizal fungi along the first years after clear-cutting. However, levels of fungal diversity were comparable to the undisturbed forest, thus suggesting a potential further recovery of ectomycorrhizal fungi through the colonization of the regenerated seedlings. info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersion

To present survival and toxicity outcomes in patients with clinically localized, non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) treated with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) combined with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).Retrospective study of 849 PCa patients (pts) treated from 1996 to 2005. Until August 2000, all patients (281) were treated with conventional dose EBRT (76 Gy); subsequent pts received ≥76 Gy (565 pts). Median age was 70 years (range, 39-82). Most pts were intermediate (353; 42.8%) or high-risk (344; 41.7%). Mean PSA was 10.1 ng/ml. Median dose to the prostate was 75 Gy. Complete ADT was administered to 525 pts (61.8%).Median follow-up was 109.6 months (range, 68.3-193.4). Overall survival (OS) was 92.5% and 81.1% at 5 and 10 years; by risk group (low, intermediate, high), 5- and 10-year OS rates were 94.3% and 85.9%, 92.3% and 79.2%, and 91.9% and 80.2% (p = 0.728). Five- and 10-year BRFS was 94.1% and 80.6% (low risk), 86.4% and 70.9% (intermediate), and 85.2% and 71.4% (high) (p = 0.0666). Toxicity included rectitis: grade 1 (G1) (277 pts; 32.6%), G2 (108; 12.7%), and G3 (20; 2.6%) and urethritis: G1 (294; 34.6%); G2 (223; 26.2%), and G3 (11; 1.3%). By dose rate (76 Gy vs. ≥76 Gy), 5 and 10-year BRFS rates were 83.1% and 68.3% vs. 88.4% and 74.8% (p = 0.038).Our results are comparable to other published series in terms of disease control and toxicity. These findings confirm the need for dose escalation to achieve better biochemical control and the benefits of ADT in high-risk PCa patients.

AimsThe aim of this study was to compare transscleral resection technique performed without hypotensive anaesthesia (TSRWH) with iodine-125 brachytherapy (IBT) in the treatment of choroidal melanoma.Patients and methodsThis was a retrospective surgical cohort study. Nineteen eyes treated with TSRWH were matched with 53 eyes treated with IBT according to: tumour size, distance to fovea, distance to optic nerve, and follow-up time. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), local recurrence, secondary enucleation, metastasis, overall and specific survival, and complications were evaluated.ResultsPatients treated with TSRWH had significantly better BCVA than those treated with IBT. The local recurrence risk was significantly higher when ciliary body was involved (HR=11.4, 95% CI 2.24-49.7, P=0.04). Metastatic disease was observed in 14 of 53 patients (26.4%) in the IBT group vs 3 patients (15.8%) in the TSRWH group (P=0.531). Multivariate analysis showed that iris involvement (HR=16.0, 95% CI 4.2-170.2, P=0.033) and large tumour (HR=2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.8, P=0.04) increased the probability of metastasis. During follow-up, six patients (11.3%) in IBT group died vs two (10.5%) in the TSRWH group (P≥0.999). Nine patients required secondary enucleation: 5 (9.4%) in the IBT group vs 4 (21.1%) in the TSRWH group (P=0.231). The most common complications in IBT group were radiation-induced retinopathy (45.3%), neovascular glaucoma (28.3%), and macular oedema (24.5%), whereas rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (21.1%), ocular hypertension (21.1%), and submacular haemorrhage (15.8%) were the most frequent complications after TSRWH.ConclusionTSRWH is a technically challenging procedure. However, when performed successfully, this technique achieves better preservation of visual acuity than IBT and without the limitations inherent in hypotensive anaesthesia.

Seasonal dynamics of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) extraradical mycelium as well as the associated mycorrhizal community have been evaluated in a 16-year-old plantation with productive and non-productive trees. Mycelium biomass was seasonally quantified by real-time PCR over two consecutive years and the correlation with environmental variables explored. Extraradical mycelium biomass varied seasonally and between the two consecutive years, being correlated with the precipitation that occurred 1 month before sampling. In addition, productive trees had more mycelium in the brule area than non-productive trees did. The ectomycorrhizal community composition inside the burnt areas was seasonally evaluated during a year. Ten mycorrhizal morphotypes were detected; T. melanosporum was the most abundant in productive and non-productive trees. Black truffle mycorrhizas were more abundant (mycorrhizal tips per unit of soil volume) in productive trees, and no seasonal variation was observed. The occurrence of black truffle mycorrhizas was significantly and positively correlated with the biomass of extraradical mycelium. The mycorrhizal community within the brule areas was significantly different between productive and non-productive trees, and no variation was detected between seasons. The assessment of the fungal vegetative structures in a mature plantation is of paramount importance to develop trufficulture methods based on the knowledge of the biological cycle of the fungus and its relationships with the associated ectomycorrhizal communities.

Agriculture and forestry traditionally focus on improving plant growth traits based on an anthropocentric point of view. This paradigm has led to global problems associated to soil overexploitation such as soil losses, reductions of the C stock in soils, and the generalized use of fertilizers, which particularly increases the costs of production and pollution treatment. This view may also have limited our understanding of mutualistic symbioses of plants and microorganisms assuming that the main role of non-photosynthetic symbionts is to mobilize the nutrients that are necessary for plant growth and development, and being plants the dominant agents of the symbiotic relationship. In response to these issues, this chapter offers an alternative approach taking advantage of the “rhizo-centric” point of view, where non-photosynthetic partners are the main protagonists in play; and secondly, it builds a multidisciplinary body of knowledge that could be called “rhizoculture”, which includes techniques focussing on the intensification of the development and activity of roots, mycorrhizae, and other symbiotic and free living rhizosphere organisms. In short, rhizoculture may lead to decrease plant production dependence on fertilization and provides other benefits to agriculture, forestry, and the environment. Within this conceptual framework, the first objective of this book chapter is to explore whether there is a “paradox of calcium salts” (i.e., Ca2+ and its salts are simultaneously nutrients, promoters, and stressors for the host plants) that would explain a dominance of mycorrhizal fungi over plants based on inducing a Ca(pH)–mediated chlorosis to the host plants. If this paradigm shifting hypothesis were finally fully verified, it would provide conceptual bases to reconsider our current technologies in agriculture and forestry by introducing the “rhizocultural” approach, based on the management of roots (introducing alternative cultural practices), Ca2+ salts (using liming and other techniques), rock-eating mycorrhizae, organic matter, and the soil microbiome (increasing the presence of symbiotic microorganisms against saprophytes), N and P contents (by aquaculture and smart recycling of organic waste), and the physical properties of the soil (by the activity of soil symbiotic microorganisms and soil fauna, such as ants, termites and earthworms). The development of such new technological approaches in rhizoculture would significantly decrease the high cost and associated pollution of the application of fertilizers and phytochemicals; as well as it would increase soil C stocks, improve the resilience of agricultural and forest systems to environmental disturbances, such as climate change, and enhance food production and security.

The Patient-Oriented Prostate Utility Scale (PORPUS) is a combined profile and utility-based quality of life measure for prostate cancer patients. Our objectives were to adapt the PORPUS into Spanish and to assess its acceptability, reliability, and validity. The PORPUS was adapted into Spanish using forward and back translations and cognitive debriefing. PORPUS was administered jointly with the SF-36 and the Expanded Prostate Index Composite (EPIC) to 480 Spanish prostate cancer patients treated with radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy. The Spanish PORPUS scores’ distribution and reliability were examined and compared with the original instrument. To evaluate construct validity, relationships were assessed between PORPUS and other instruments (testing hypotheses of the original PORPUS study), and among known groups defined by side effect severity. Reliability coefficient was 0.76 (similar to the original PORPUS’ 0.81). Spanish PORPUS items presented correlations ranging 0.57–0.88 with the corresponding EPIC domains, as in the original PORPUS study (0.60–0.83). Both PORPUS-P and PORPUS-U showed significant differences and large effect sizes (0.94–1.90) when comparing severe versus no problem groups on urinary, bowel, sexual and hormonal side effects defined by EPIC. A conceptually equivalent Spanish version was obtained, with high reliability and good construct validity, similar to the original Canadian PORPUS version. It can therefore be used to measure health-related quality of life and utilities in Spanish prostate cancer patients.

Drying soil samples before DNA extraction is commonly used for specific fungal DNA quantification and metabarcoding studies, but the impact of different drying procedures on both the specific fungal DNA quantity and the fungal community composition has not been analyzed. We tested three different drying procedures (freeze-drying, oven-drying, and room temperature) on 12 different soil samples to determine (a) the soil mycelium biomass of the ectomycorrhizal species Lactarius vinosus using qPCR with a specifically designed TaqMan® probe and (b) the fungal community composition and diversity using the PacBio® RS II sequencing platform. Mycelium biomass of L. vinosus was significantly greater in the freeze-dried soil samples than in samples dried at oven and room temperature. However, drying procedures had no effect on fungal community composition or on fungal diversity. In addition, there were no significant differences in the proportions of fungi according to their functional roles (moulds vs. mycorrhizal species) in response to drying procedures. Only six out of 1139 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) had increased their relative proportions after soil drying at room temperature, with five of these OTUs classified as mould or yeast species. However, the magnitude of these changes was small, with an overall increase in relative abundance of these OTUs of approximately 2 %. These results suggest that DNA degradation may occur especially after drying soil samples at room temperature, but affecting equally nearly all fungi and therefore causing no significant differences in diversity and community composition. Despite the minimal effects caused by the drying procedures at the fungal community composition, freeze-drying resulted in higher concentrations of L. vinosus DNA and prevented potential colonization from opportunistic species. This work was supported by a STSM Grant from COST Action FP1203 and by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity (MINECO) through the project AGL 2012-40035-C03. Carles Castaño received support from the Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca del Departament d’Economia i Coneixement de la Generalitat de Catalunya through the program of Doctorats Industrials, funded by the European Union and the European Social Fund. Josu G. Alday was supported by Juan de la Cierva fellowships (IJCI-2014-21393).

International audience; Different methodological tools have been developed to trace truffles in soil, from fruiting body collections and mycorrhiza morphotyping to recent high-sensitive, molecular techniques able to detect specific truffle DNA markers in the soil. Recent findings in disclosing the biological cycle of truffles based on molecular research have represented a significant step forward toward a rational cultivation. On the other hand, the relationships among the different phases of the symbiosis, mycorrhizas, extraradical mycelium, and fruiting body formation, remain unsolved. The detection and quantification of truffle mycelium in the soil along the truffle development might be the key to understand the processes leading to fertilization and fruiting body formation. Also, the knowledge of soil mycelium dynamics, at temporal and spatial scales, is necessary to evaluate the fungal responses to environmental changes and to develop appropriate management techniques to ensure fungal persistence and regular fruiting body production.

Quantification of extraradical mycelium of black truffle (Tuber melanosporum) has been carried out in a natural truffle ground and in seven truffle orchards (around 20 years old) established in Tierra Estella and Valdorba sites, within the natural distribution area of the black truffles in Navarre (northern Spain). Specific primers and a Taqman® probe were designed to perform real-time PCR with DNA extracted from soil samples. Amplification of T. melanosporum DNA was obtained from 131 out of the 160 soil samples. The detection limit of the technique was 1.48 μg mycelium/g of soil. The extraradical mycelium biomass detected in the soil from the natural truffle ground was significantly greater (up to ten times higher) than the mycelium biomass detected in any of the orchards. Soil from productive, nonirrigated orchards in the Tierra Estella site contained significantly more extraradical mycelium than the rest of orchards irrigated, productive of T. brumale, or nonproductive. The comparison of soil mycelium biomass in nonirrigated evergreen oak orchards in both sites showed significantly more mycelium biomass in the Tierra Estella site. This study is the first attempt to quantify extraradical mycelium of T. melanosporum in the soil using Taqman® probes. The obtained quantitative results are of special interest to evaluate the fungal response to cultural treatments and to monitor the dynamics of the extraradical mycelium of T. melanosporum in the soil.

Uveal melanoma metastases develop in 6.5-35% of patients, most commonly to the liver. Metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) survival is poor, with 5-7 months of median survival. We reviewed retrospectively all patients with MUM diagnosed between January 1990 and December 2008 at our institution. We analyzed a total of 58 patients with a median age of 61 years (31-84 years). Median time for metastases development was 25.63 months (0.17-102.43 months). Fifty-six patients had hepatic involvement, 63.8% bilobar and 51.7% had more than or equal to five hepatic metastatic lesions. Sixteen patients (27.6%) had two or more organs involved. Six patients (10.71%) were treated with surgery, 25 patients (44.67%) received systemic chemotherapy, and 23 (41.07%) had best supportive care (BSC). The median overall survival (OS) for all the patients was 10.83 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 6.92-14.74]. Patients who had undergone chemotherapy presented 10.83 months (95% CI: 5.35-16.308) of median OS whereas the patients who did not undergo this treatment had an OS of 8.033 months (95% CI: 2.46-13.61). There were more patients with poor survival characteristics such as worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status in the BSC group. OS was poor in treated and BSC patients. Differences in survival are more likely to be related to patient characteristics rather than to a chemotherapy effect. Patients with MUM should be included in clinical trials evaluating other options with newer agents.

Purpose The objective of this study was to report initial outcomes in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer (CaP) who underwent external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) treatment combined with high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) as a boost. Methods and Materials From 2002 to 2007, 114 CaP patients underwent EBRT followed by 192 I HDR-BT. The patients were classified into intermediate- (Group 1) or high- (Group 2) risk groups. The mean total EBRT dose was 60.0 Gy (95% confidence interval [CI]: 59.9–60.1) at 2 Gy per fraction. After a mean of 20.6 days (95% CI: 18.4–22.8), all the patients received a single-fraction 9-Gy dose of HDR-BT boost. Of the 114 patients in the study, 103 (90.4%) underwent up to 3 years of complete androgen deprivation therapy after diagnosis. Results The mean followup for the entire group was 32.1 months (95% CI: 29.9–34.4). The 4-year biochemical failure-free survival rate was 97.4% and treatment was well-tolerated. Conclusions Preliminary biochemical control rates after EBRT plus one fraction of 9-Gy HDR-BT are encouraging. This atypical fractionation schedule is cost-effective and reduces patient discomfort and treatment-related risks. More followup is required to confirm these findings.

Purpose: Lip cancer can be treated by surgery, external radiotherapy, and/or brachytherapy (BT). In recent years, BT has become increasingly favored for this type of cancer. The aim of the present study was to analyze local control and survival of patients treated at our institution between July 1989 and June 2008. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective study of 121 patients (109 males and 12 females) who under- went lip cancer brachytherapy from July 1989 to June 2008. Median age was 67 years and median follow-up was 31.8 months (range 20-188 months). Out of 121 patients, 100 (82.6%) were treated with low dose rate (LDR) BT while the remaining 21 patients (17.4%) received high dose rate (HDR) BT. Results: The most common cell type was squamous cell carcinoma (115 cases; 95%) and most tumors were located on the lower lip (107 patients; 88.4%). Most cases were either stage T1 (62 patients; 51.2%), or T2 (44 cases; 36.4%). After 15 years of follow-up, overall survival was 89.5%, cause-specific survival 97.8%, and disease-free survival 86.6%. Local, regional, and distant control at 15 years were 90%, 92%, and 98.8%, respectively. Grade 3 mucosal toxicity was observed in 23% of patients treated with LDR compared to 33% of HDR patients, and grade 4 mucosal toxicity in 9% versus 0% in the HDR group. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that brachytherapy is an effective treatment for lip cancer. The results from our series are in line with those published elsewhere. Based on our limited data, HDR appears to be equally as good as LDR, although this needs to be confirmed by further studies. J Contemp Brachyther 2010; 2, 1: 9-13

The objective was to compare the short- and long-term impact of 3 different treatment modalities on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients treated for localised prostate cancer at a single centre in Catalonia, Spain.This was a longitudinal, prospective study of 304 patients from a single centre in Catalonia, Spain. Patients underwent 1 of 3 treatment procedures: radical prostatectomy (114 patients), external beam radiation (134) or interstitial brachytherapy (56). HRQOL was assessed by both general and specific questionnaires, including the SF-36 health survey and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC). Interviews were administered prior to treatment and at months 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24. One-way analysis of variance and generalised estimating equations models were constructed to assess between group differences in HRQOL.After initial deterioration, HRQOL scores partially recovered, although significant differences between treatment groups persisted at two years. Worsening of urinary incontinence was especially marked for the radical prostatectomy group (11.45, p=0.005), while deterioration in the urinary irritative/obstructive domain was worse following brachytherapy treatment (4.76, p=0.025). Decline in sexual function was significantly greater for the radical prostatectomy group than for the brachytherapy group (18.74, p0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed in bowel domain scores.Quality of life 2 years after treatment for prostate cancer shows wide variability. Radical prostatectomy had the largest negative impact on the sexual and urinary incontinence domains. Differences between external radiation and brachytherapy were relatively small. Brachytherapy led to a moderate increase in urinary irritation compared to the other 2 groups.

Resumen Fundamento y objetivo el EPIC (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite) es un cuestionario especifico para la evaluacion del impacto de los tratamientos en la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cancer de prostata. Contiene 50 items divididos en 4 sumarios: urinario, intestinal, sexual y hormonal. El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido adaptar el cuestionario EPIC al espanol y evaluar sus caracteristicas metricas. Metodo para la adaptacion se siguio el metodo de traduccion directa-inversa. Las caracteristicas metricas se evaluaron en 50 pacientes de cada tratamiento —prostatectomia, braquiterapia y radioterapia externa—, a quienes se administraron el EPIC, SF-36 y FACT (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy) antes y despues de la intervencion. Con el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach se evaluo la fiabilidad. La validez de constructo se estudio mediante correlaciones entre subescalas del EPIC y entre cuestionarios, y comparando a los pacientes con y sin hormonoterapia (prueba de la t de Student). Para valorar la sensibilidad al cambio se calculo el tamano del efecto estandarizado tras la intervencion. Resultados el alfa de Chronbach de los sumarios del EPIC fue elevado (0,66–0,89). Las correlaciones entre el EPIC y el FACT fueron cercanas o superiores a 0,4. Se encontraron diferencias en los sumarios hormonal y sexual entre los pacientes con y sin hormonoterapia (p 0,8) en los sumarios urinario (3 grupos) y sexual (grupo de prostatectomia), y moderado en el sumario intestinal (0,6 y 0,7) para los 2 grupos de radioterapia. Conclusiones la version en castellano del EPIC es fiable y valida, y presenta una sensibilidad al cambio excelente, por lo que resulta una herramienta util para comparar el impacto en la calidad de vida de los 3 tratamientos.

Ectomycorrhizas of Boletus aereus, Boletus edulis, and Boletus reticulatus were synthesized with Cistus sp. under laboratory conditions using synthesis tubes filled with a mixture of sterilized peat-vermiculite and nutrient solution. The fungal strains isolated from sporocarps were identified by molecular techniques. The inoculated seedlings were grown for 4-5 months. The ectomycorrhizas formed were described based on standard morphological and anatomical characters. The three ectomycorrhizas described were very similar, with white monopodial-pinnate morphology, a three-layered plectenchymatous mantle on plan view and boletoid rhizomorphs.

Summary Botryosphaeria canker of cork oak (Quercus suber L.), caused by Botryosphaeria corticola, is a well-known factor contributing to the decline of this forest species and is a serious disease in the main cork-producing countries of the Western Mediterranean basin. In this work, fungicides with the potential for controlling the disease were selected using a combination of in vitro tests and field trials. Fourteen fungicides in different chemical families were tested in vitro to evaluate their effect on inhibition of mycelial growth. The most effective fungicides were benomyl, carbendazim, cyprodinil + fludioxonil, thiabendazol and thiophanate-methyl; these compounds were then further tested under field conditions. In the field trials, carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl were the most effective fungicides, as shown by efficacy indices, in reducing debarked trunk surface affected by cankers (76% and 50–65%, respectively). These results suggest that the occurrence of Botryosphaeria canker on cork oak can be reduced effectively with the application of selected fungicides after cork removal from the trees.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the field persistence of the edible ectomycorrhizal fungus Lactarius deliciosus in competition with two ubiquitous soil fungi. Couples of plants inoculated with either L. deliciosus, Rhizopogon roseolus, or R. luteolus were transplanted, 10 cm apart, in two different sites at the following combinations: L. deliciosus–R. roseolus, L. deliciosus–R. luteolus, L. deliciosus–control (non-inoculated), control–R. roseolus, control–R. luteolus, and control–control. Eight months after transplantation, root colonization and extraradical soil mycelium for each fungal species were quantified. For mycelium quantification, soil cores equidistant to the two plants in each couple were taken, and total deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed using specific primers and TaqMan® Minor groove binding (MGB) probes designed in the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region of each fungal species. Field site significantly influenced persistence of both mycorrhizas and extraradical mycelium of L. deliciosus. Extraradical mycelium quantity was positively correlated with the final percentage of ectomycorrhizas for the three fungal species. Different competitive pressure between the two Rhizopogon species on L. deliciosus persistence was observed, with R. luteolus having no effect on L. deliciosus survival. Negative correlation between the final percentage of mycorrhizas of L. deliciosus and R. roseolus was observed. However, no relationship was determined between extraradical mycelia of both fungal species. The results obtained suggest that competition between L. deliciosus and R. roseolus takes place in the root system, for ectomycorrhiza formation in available roots, rather than in the extraradical phase.

Real-Time PCR has been applied to quantify extraradical soil mycelium of the edible ectomycorrhizal fungus Lactarius deliciosus in an interspecific competition experiment under greenhouse conditions. Couples of Pinus pinea seedlings inoculated with either L. deliciosus, Rhizopogon roseolus, or non-inoculated (control) were transplanted into pots filled with two types of soil in all the possible combinations. Total DNA was extracted from soil samples at 3 and 6 months after transplantation to perform real-time PCR analysis. DNA extractions from soil mixed with known amounts of mycelium of L. deliciosus were used as standards. Six months after transplantation, the percentage of mycorrhizas of L. deliciosus and seedling growth were significantly affected by the soil type. Extraradical soil mycelium of L. deliciosus was positively correlated with the final percentage of mycorrhizas and significantly affected by the sampling time and soil depth. The competition effect of R. roseolus was not significant for any of the measured parameters, probably due to the sharp decrease of the mycorrhizal colonization by this fungus. We conclude that real-time PCR is a powerful technique for extraradical mycelium quantification in studies aimed at evaluating the persistence of introduced strains of L. deliciosus in field plantations.

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare inverse planning–simulated annealing (IPSA) with geometric optimization (GO) in high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy, to assess variations in dosimetric indices associated to catheter displacement. Methods and Materials We retrospectively studied the dosimetric effect of catheter displacement in 20 patients treated with HDR prostate brachytherapy with salvage intention. The catheter loadings, with optimized dwell positions, from the first fraction were transferred to the catheter positions in the second fraction. Results Median catheter displacement was 8.7 ± 3.3 mm (range, 2.7 ± 1.1 mm–14.7 ± 1.7 mm). D 90% median variations for IPSA and GO were −10% with a maximum of −59%, and −29% with a maximum of −63%, respectively. V 100% median variation was −11% with a maximum of −37% for IPSA, and −20% with a maximum of −37% for GO. V 150 / V 100 implant median variations were 15% and 9% for IPSA and GO with maximum values of 65% and 47%, respectively ( p V 200 / V 100 indices, nor were any significant differences found for organs at risk. Correlation between mean catheter displacement and dosimetric indices was found only in the planning target volume D 90% and V 100% ; linear regression slopes were −2.0% per mm and −2.6% per mm for IPSA vs. −2.4% per mm and −3.5% per mm for GO. Conclusions IPSA does not present any additional risk compared with GO in HDR prostate brachytherapy when catheter uncertainties are taken into account. Moreover, IPSA optimization preserves planning target volume coverage better than GO, suggesting that it may be superior when catheter displacement is considered.

Purpose To demonstrate the utility of a boost with interstitial brachytherapy (BT) in breast-conserving therapy (BCT) by doing a thorough review of the literature and describing in detail our technique for delivering this boost. Material and methods Our department has been delivering the boost with interstitial BT since 1989, in most cases with rigid needles and a theoretical dosimetry. In the early years, we used low-dose-rate (LDR) with iridium-192 wires. The dose administered was 15 Gy if there were no risk factors for local relapse or 20-25 Gy in the presence of risk factors. The risk factors considered were the presence of a close margin (less than 10 mm) and an extensive intraductal component (more than 25%). After 2002, we switched to high-dose-rate (HDR); using the linear quadratic model we changed the low dose to 3 fractions of 4.5 Gy in the case of no risk factors for local relapse or to 3 fractions of 5 Gy in the presence of risk factors. Results In 79 consecutive boost patients treated in our department between 2010 and 2011, with a median follow-up of 46 months, the local control rate was 97.47%. With respect to cosmesis, fibrosis occurred in 17 cases (21.5%) and hyperpigmentation in 26 cases (32.9%). Our hospital's results are comparable in terms of local control and cosmesis to those of other authors. Conclusions This educational article describes our department's boost technique with rigid needles and comments briefly on our results using this technique in a group of consecutively treated patients in our department. A review of the literature and the published results on local control and cosmesis is also described.

Specific rDNA ITS amplifications, microsatellite-primed PCR and ITS-SSCP analysis were applied to identify and characterize pre-selected isolates of the edible ectomycorrhizal fungus Lactarius deliciosus in different stages of the life cycle. Sampling was performed from pure cultures, mycorrhizas and soil from experimental plots established with nursery-inoculated pine seedlings. A newly-designed reverse primer (LDITS2R) combined with the universal forward ITS1 allowed to perform specific amplifications of L. deliciosus from all the samples. Microsatellite-primed PCR using the (GTG)5 oligonucleotide as a primer showed clear polymorphisms among the different L. deliciosus isolates. The patterns of mycorrhiza samples showed additional bands corresponding to the plant DNA. Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of the specific rDNA ITS fragment amplified from 18 L. deliciosus isolates showed nine clearly different patterns. Mycorrhiza and soil samples showed coincident patterns with their respective fungal isolates. Specific rDNA ITS amplifications had not been previously used for SSCP analysis of ectomycorrhizas and extraradical mycelium. This relatively simple and inexpensive technique allows tracking L. deliciosus isolates in different stages of the fungus development. Specific ITS-SSCP analysis is promising in studies of the persistence of inoculated L. deliciosus isolates and their competitiveness with native ectomycorrhizal fungi, especially at the extraradical mycelium stage.

Existe una controversia desde hace decadas sobre el papel de la sobredosis despues de la radioterapia externa en el tratamiento conservador de cancer de mama inicial. En el caso de comparar la supervivencia y el control local de un tratamiento conservador frente a la mastectomia, existen en la literatura 5 estudios randomizados1–5 y un metaanalisis6 que demuestran que la radioterapia externa con una dosis de 50 Gy despues de la cirugia conservadora disminuye la tasa de recidiva de un 35% a un 10%. Recientemente, ha sido publicado el primer estudio randomizado y coordinado por la EORTC sobre el papel de la sobredosis con 16 Gy despues de la cirugia conservadora y la radioterapia externa con 50 Gy. La conclusion de este estudio es clara; la utilizacion de la sobredosis reduce el riesgo de recidiva local, especialmente en pacientes con edad menor de 50 anos7. Otro estudio randomizado realizado en Lyon8 demuestra asimismo que unboost de 10 Gy disminuye la tasa de recidivas locales (4,5% de recidivas locales sinboost frente al 5,6% de recidivas locales conboost, p=0,044). Por tanto, estos estudios randomizados confirman la utilidad de la sobredosis. En cambio persisten las dudas sobre como hay que administrar esteboost y en particular cuando hay que hacer la braquiterapia. La actualidad de este tema nos motivo para organizar esta reunion de consenso en Espana.

Monthly inoculations of both intact plants and excised shoots of Quercus suber with the pathogenic species Botryosphaeria stevensii and Phytophthora cinnamomi were performed to investigate seasonal changes in susceptibility of this forest tree species in relation to environmental parameters and plant water status. Infection symptoms were mainly detected on seedlings inoculated from spring to autumn (April through October) with either pathogen. Mean canker sizes also showed a seasonal pattern, the higher values being recorded in the same period as above. Lesion lengths were significantly (P

Purpose Few large European studies have evaluated long-term outcomes for permanent prostate brachytherapy (PPB) as monotherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer. The objective of the present study was to evaluate long-term survival in this patient profile. Methods and Materials Retrospective study of 700 patients who underwent transperineal ultrasound-guided iodine-125 PPB (145 Gy) between January 2000 and July 2012. Median age was 64.8 years (range, 35–79). Most patients (638 of 700; 91%) had low-risk disease (D'Amico criteria). Eighty-five patients (12%) received hormonal treatment. Overall survival, cause-specific survival, and biochemical relapse–free survival were calculated and estimated using actuarial and Kaplan–Meier methods. Differences between groups were assessed using the log-rank test. Results Median followup was 63 months (range, 6–164). At 5- and 10-year followup, respectively, overall survival was 94% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92–96) and 84% (95% CI, 78–90); cause-specific survival was 100% and 97% (95% CI, 95–99); and biochemical relapse–free survival was 95% (95% CI, 93–97) and 85% (95% CI, 79–91). Conclusions The long-term results presented in this report confirm previous studies and provide additional support for the use of PPB in patients with favorable-risk prostate cancer. Seed brachytherapy provides excellent long-term results in this patient profile.

Se ha realizado el analisis retrospectivo de la supervivencia y factores pronosticos de los pacientes tratados de neoplasias de labio con braquiterapia en el Instituto Catalan de Oncologia (ICO).

Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) sensors were used to detect continuous diameter growth responses of Pinus pinea (stone pine) seedlings inoculated with the ectomycorrhizal fungus Rhizopogon roseolus. Colonised and non-colonised seedlings provided with sensors were submitted to different water regimes in two consecutive experiments established in a controlled-temperature greenhouse module (cycle 1), and in an adjacent module without temperature control (cycle 2). Under regular irrigation, colonised seedlings showed significantly higher growth than non-colonised seedlings. Water-stressed seedlings showed no benefit from inoculation in terms of growth. Also, seedlings with a high colonisation level recovered more slowly from water stress than control seedlings. A significant positive relationship between maximum daily shrinkage (amplitude of the daily stem contraction) and global radiation was observed only in the first water-stress period in cycle 1 and in regularly irrigated seedlings in both cycles. However, no differential responses due to inoculation were observed. The mycorrhizal colonisation of the seedlings at the end of the experiment was related with the initial colonisation level. Mycorrhizal colonisation by R. roseolus in old roots was maintained at significantly higher levels in seedlings which had an initial colonisation level50% than in seedlings with50% initial colonisation. Also, more newly formed roots became colonised in seedlings which had an initial colonisation level50% than in seedlings with an initial colonisation50%, which had almost no new root colonisation. From the results obtained, it can be concluded that LVDT sensors can be used to detect a differential response of plants according to water supply, mycorrhizal status and, in some cases, to their colonisation level. The results are discussed in relation to the predictive possibilities of the method for the selection of efficient mycorrhizal fungi for the promotion of plant growth.

Summary Thirty-four fungal species isolated from cork oak (Quercus suber) in Catalonia (NE Spain) during 1992–95 were tested for pathogenicity either in stem, leaf or root inoculations. Eleven species were found to be pathogenic on stem: Biscogniauxia mediterranea, Botryosphaeria stevensii, Diatrype cf. stigma, Endothia gyrosa, Fusarium solani, Graphium sp., Ophiostoma quercus, Phomopsis sp., Phytophthora cinnamomi, Sporendocladia bactrospora and an unidentified Coelomycete. Three fungi showed pathogenic effects on leaves: Dendrophoma myriadea, Lembosia quercina and Phomopsis quercella. No clear pathogenic effects were detected in the root inoculation experiment. Trunk pathogens were differentiated into two groups according to the effects induced in the inoculated plants; B. stevensii, Phomopsis sp. and P. cinnamomi caused the death of the inoculated plants and induced the formation of large cankers and vascular necroses. The other pathogenic species also produced severe cankers and vascular lesions, but no significant mortality was detected. Water stress increased the lesions caused by B. mediterranea and Phomopsis sp., but limited those of P. cinnamomi and the rest of the inoculated fungi. However, water stress did not significantly affect the damage caused by B. stevensii, which was the most virulent of the species tested. Leaf pathogens only showed their effects if the leaf cuticle was previously damaged. Lembosia quercina caused small dark lesions whereas D. myriadea and P. quercella produced large necrotic areas in well-watered plants. The lesions caused by the last two fungi were reduced by water stress. Resume Le pouvoir pathogene de trente-quatre especes fongiques isolees de chene liege en Catalogne (nord-est de l’Espagne) de 1992 a 1995 a ete teste par inoculation sur tronc, feuilles et racines. Onze especes se sont montrees pathogenes sur tronc: Biscogniauxia mediterranea, Botryosphaeria stevensii, Diatrype cf. stigma, Endothia gyrosa, Fusarium solani, Graphium sp., Ophiostoma quercus, Phomopsis sp., Phytophthora cinnamomi, Sporendocladia bactrospora et un Coelomycete non identifie. Trois champignons ont eu un effet pathogene sur feuilles: Dendrophoma myriadae, Lembosia quercina et Phomopsis quercella. Aucun effet clair n’a ete detecte chez les inoculations de racines. Les pathogenes de tronc se repartissaient en deux groupes selon leurs effets en inoculation; B. stevensii, Phomopsis sp. et P. cinnamomi provoquaient la mort des plants et induisaient le formation de grands chancres et des necroses vasculaires. Les autres especes pathogenes produisaient aussi des chancres graves et des lesions vasculaires, mais pas de mortalite significative. Un stress hydrique augmentait les lesions provoquees par B. mediterranea et Phomopsis sp. mais limitait ceux de P. cinnamomi et des autres champignons inocules. Cependant, le stress hydrique n’affectait pas significativement les degâts par B. stevensii qui etait la plus agressive des especes testees. Les pathogenes foliaires n’avaient d’effet que si la cuticule foliaire etait prealablement endommagee. Lembosia quercina provoquait de petites lesions sombres et D. myriadea et P. quercella provoquaient de grandes plages necrotiques chez les plants bien arroses; les lesions causees par ces deux derniers champignons etaient reduites par le stress hydrique. Zusammenfassung Die Pathogenitat von 34 Pilzarten, die im Zeitraum 1992–1995 von Korkeichen (Quercus suber) in Katalonien (NO-Spanien) isoliert wurden, wurden mit Hilfe von Trieb-, Blatt- oder Wurzelinokulationen untersucht. Am Stamm erwiesen sich 11 Arten als pathogen: Biscogniauxia mediterranea, Botryosphaeria stevensii, Diatrype cf. stigma, Endothia gyrosa, Fusarium solani, Graphium sp., Ophiostoma quercus, Phomopsis sp., Phytophthora cinnamomi, Sporendocladia bactrospora und ein nicht identifizierter Coelomycet. Drei Arten verursachten Symptome auf Bla¨ttern: Dendrophoma myriadea, Lembosia quercina und Phomopsis quercella. Bei den Wurzelinokulationen wurden keine pathogenen Effekte beobachtet. Bei den Stammpathogenen wurden nach den von ihnen an den inokulierten Pflanzen verursachten Symptomen zwei Gruppen unterschieden: B. stevensii, Phomopsis sp. und P. cinnamomi verursachten den Tod der Pflanzen und induzierten die Bildung von grossen Rinden- und Xylemnekrosen. Die anderen pathogenen Arten verursachten ebenfalls starke Rindennekrosen und Gefa¨ssla¨sionen, es wurde jedoch keine auffallende Mortalita¨t beobachtet. Unter Wasserstress war die durch B. mediterranea und Phomopsis sp. induzierte Nekrosebildung versta¨rkt, dagegen war sie bei P. cinnamomi und den u¨brigen inokulierten Pilzen reduziert. Wasserstress beeinflusst jedoch das Ausmass der Scha¨digung durch B. stevensii, der virulentesten der untersuchten Arten, nicht. Die Blattpathogene verursachten nur dann Symptome, wenn zuvor die Blattcuticula bescha¨digt worden war. Lembosia quercina verursachte kleine dunkle La¨sionen, wa¨hrend D. myriadea und P. quercella bei gut bewa¨sserten Pflanzen grosse Nekrosen verursachten. Diese Symptome waren unter Wasserstress weniger stark ausgepra¨gt.

Coinoculations with mycelium of Laccaria bicolor and spores of Rhizopogon spp. included in alginate gel have been carried out to determine: (1) the ability of the mixed inoculum to produce dual-colonized containerized Douglas-fir and maritime pine planting stocks and (2) the colonization pattern of the two fungi in individual root systems. For both tree species, the maximal proportion of dual-colonized seedlings obtained almost never exceeded 50%. The rest of the seedlings remained colonized by a single fungus or were non-colonized. In Douglas-fir inoculations, the relationship between the dual-colonized seedlings obtained and the initial dose of the two fungi was highly significant. The highest proportion of dual-colonized seedlings was obtained when the highest dose of R. subareolatus was used (106 spores/seedling), regardless of the dose of L. bicolor. Among the treatments producing 25% or more dual-colonized seedlings, differences in the proportion of Laccaria/Rhizopogon mycorrhizas and total root colonization percentages were not clearly related to the initial combination of doses. The proportion of dual-colonized maritime pine seedlings was not significantly related to the initial inoculation doses of the two fungi. The proportion of Laccaria/Rhizopogon mycorrhizas was not significantly different among treatments with 25% or more dual-colonized seedlings, whereas total colonization percentages ranged from 37% with the combination 0.08/104 (g L. bicolor / spores R. roseolus per seedling) to 74% with the combination 0.08/106, this difference being statistically significant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and toxicity after salvage brachytherapy (BT) in prostate local recurrence after radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between 1993 and 2007, we retrospectively analyzed 56 consecutively patients (pts) undergoing salvage brachytherapy. After local biopsy-proven recurrence, pts received 145 Gy LDR-BT (37 pts, 66%) or HDR-BT (19 pts, 34%) in different dose levels according to biological equivalent doses (BED2 Gy). By the time of salvage BT, only 15 pts (27%) received ADT. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of biochemical control and toxicities. Acute and late genitourinary (GU) and gastrointestinal (GI) toxicities were graded using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCv3.0). RESULTS: Median follow-up after salvage BT was 48 months. The 5-year FFbF was 77%. HDR and LDR late grade 3 GU toxicities were observed in 21% and 24%. Late grade 3 GI toxicities were observed in 2% (HDR) and 2.7% (LDR). On univariate analysis, pre-salvage prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > 10 ng/ml (p = 0.004), interval to relapse after initial treatment

Container-grown Pseudotsuga menziesii and Pinus pinaster seedlings were inoculated with water suspensions of spores of five ectomycorrhizal fungi commonly found in northeastern Spain. Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings were inoculated with basidiospores of Melanogaster ambiguus, or Rhizopogon subareolatus, or with ascospores of Tuber maculatum. Pinus pinaster seedlings were inoculated with basidiospores of Melanogaster ambiguus, Rhizopogon roseolus or Scleroderma citrinum. The spore concentrations were 102–107 spores per seedling for Melanogaster ambiguus (in Pseu dotsuga menziesii) and Rhizopogon subareolatus, 103–107 for Melanogaster ambiguus (in Pinus pinaster), Rhizopogon roseolus, and Scleroderma citrinum, and 102–104 for Tuber maculatum. Melanogaster ambiguus colonized more short roots in a larger proportion of plants at 107 spores per seedling than at any other rate. The highest colonization by Rhizopogon subareolatus was obtained at 104 spores per seedling and higher, and all inoculated plants became infected at 106 spores per seedling and higher. Tuber maculatum colonized a high percentage of short roots at all rates tested; the proportion of infected plants was over 80% at 103–104 spores per plant, decreasing to 50% at 102 spores per plant. Rhizopogon roseolus colonized the highest number of short roots on nearly all the inoculated plants when applied at 105 spores per seedling and higher. Scleroderma citrinum colonized a high percentage of short roots on all inoculated plants when applied at 105 spores per seedling and higher. The abundance of sporocarps of Melanogaster ambiguus, Rhizopogon subareolatus, R hizopogon roseolus and Scleroderma citrinum and their colonization ability at relatively low rates allows these spores to be used as ectomycorrhizal inocula on a large scale.

Thirty-six isolates from 27 species of native ectomycorrhizal fungi collected in northern Spain were tested for ectomycorrhiza formation with Pseudotsuga menziesii seedlings in pure culture syntheses. Thirteen of those species were also tested for ectomycorrhiza formation with six other species of conifers (two native and four introduced) to compare their colonization potential. Twenty-three fungal isolates from 18 species formed ectomycorrhizas with Pseudotsuga menziesii. The colonization level of the root system varied markedly among the different fungal species. Eight fungi colonized over 50% of the short roots. Nine fungi did not form ectomycorrhizas even though some of them were collected in pure stands of Pseudotsuga menziesii. Laccaria laccata, Lyophyllum decastes, Pisolithus tinctorius, and Scleroderma citrinum formed abundant ectomycorrhizas on all the conifers tested. Lactarius deliciosus, Rhizopogon spp., and Suillus luteus showed the greatest host specificity. The success in the introduction of some exotic conifers for reforestation in northern Spain is discussed in relation to their compatibility with native ectomycorrhizal fungi.