Military service and health-related quality of life among gay and bisexual prostate cancer survivors: Results from the Restore -2 study.

INTRODUCTION: There are notable disparities in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between gay and bisexual men (GBM) and heterosexual patients with prostate cancer (PCa); however, the role of past military service is unclear. This study examines HRQOL differences in GBM PCa survivors based on reported military service history. METHODS: We used data from the 24-month follow-up survey of the Restore-2 study, a clinical trial which evaluated a rehabilitation programme for GBM PCa survivors. PCa HRQOL was assessed using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC-50) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Prostate (FACT-P). Mental health quality of life was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) scale, while sexual functioning was measured using the Sexual Minorities and Prostate Cancer Scale (SMACS). Multivariable linear regression was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted mean differences in HRQOL between GBM with and without a reported history of military service. RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study of 351 GBM PCa survivors, 47 (13.4%) reported a history of US military service. After adjusting for covariates, participants who reported a history of military service (compared with those with no military service) had clinically better scores on the FACT-P physical, social and emotional well-being domains, as well as higher total FACT-General, EPIC urinary bother and hormonal function scores. Additionally, men with a history of military service reported significantly fewer sexual problems, more sexual confidence and less urinary incontinence in sex. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study provides the first evidence that GBM PCa survivors with a military background may have clinically better outcomes than those without military service. Potential reasons may include the structured support and healthcare access associated with military service, fostering resilience and well-being. These findings underscore the need for further research to elucidate how military service influences PCa HRQOL.

Neutron-upscattering enhancement of the triple-alpha process.

The neutron inelastic scattering of carbon-12, populating the Hoyle state, is a reaction of interest for the triple-alpha process. The inverse process (neutron upscattering) can enhance the Hoyle state's decay rate to the bound states of 12C, effectively increasing the overall triple-alpha reaction rate. The cross section of this reaction is impossible to measure experimentally but has been determined here at astrophysically-relevant energies using detailed balance. Using a highly-collimated monoenergetic beam, here we measure neutrons incident on the Texas Active Target Time Projection Chamber (TexAT TPC) filled with CO2 gas, we measure the 3α-particles (arising from the decay of the Hoyle state following inelastic scattering) and a cross section is extracted. Here we show the neutron-upscattering enhancement is observed to be much smaller than previously expected. The importance of the neutron-upscattering enhancement may therefore not be significant aside from in very particular astrophysical sites (e.g. neutron star mergers).

New Measurement of the Direct 3α Decay from the

Excited states in certain atomic nuclei possess an unusual structure, where the dominant degrees of freedom are those of α clusters rather than individual nucleons. It has been proposed that the diffuse 3α system of the ^{12}C Hoyle state may behave like a Bose-Einstein condensate, where the α clusters maintain their bosonic identities. By measuring the decay of the Hoyle state into three α particles, we obtained an upper limit for the rare direct 3α decay branch of 0.047%. This value is now at a level comparable with theoretical predictions and could be a sensitive probe of the structure of this state.

Evidence for triangular D3h symmetry in 12C.

We report a measurement of a new high spin Jπ=5- state at 22.4(2) MeV in 12C which fits very well to the predicted (ground state) rotational band of an oblate equilateral triangular spinning top with a D3h symmetry characterized by the sequence 0+, 2+, 3-, 4±, 5- with almost degenerate 4+ and 4- (parity doublet) states. Such a D3h symmetry was observed in triatomic molecules, and it is observed here for the first time in nuclear physics. We discuss a classification of other rotation-vibration bands in 12C such as the (0+) Hoyle band and the (1-) bending mode band and suggest measurements in search of the predicted ("missing") states that may shed new light on clustering in 12C and light nuclei. In particular, the observation (or nonobservation) of the predicted ("missing") states in the Hoyle band will allow us to conclude the geometrical arrangement of the three alpha particles composing the Hoyle state at 7.654 MeV in 12C.

Prevention of HPV-related oral cancer: assessing dentists' readiness.

OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological research indicates an association between the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) with a subset of oral cancers (OC). Dentists may play a role in primary prevention of HPV-related OC by discussing the HPV vaccine with patients. This study assessed dentists' readiness to discuss the HPV vaccine with female patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional web-based survey. METHODS: A web-based survey based on the Transtheoretical Model was administered among Florida dentists (n = 210). RESULTS: The majority of participants (97%) fell into the precontemplation and contemplation stages of readiness to discuss the HPV vaccine with patients. Perceived role and liability were determined to be predictive of dentists in contemplation stage as opposed to those in precontemplation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest liability and perceived role as processes of change necessary to guide dentists to primary prevention of HPV-related OC despite high levels of knowledge. As public awareness of HPV-related OC increases, dentists may become more involved in primary prevention. Results of the current study may assist in developing intervention strategies for engaging dentists in discussing the HPV vaccine with patients.

Signatures for multi-alpha-condensed states.

An experimental way of testing Bose-Einstein condensation of alpha clusters in the atomic nucleus is reported. The enhancement of cluster emission and the multiplicity partition of possible emitted clusters could be direct signatures for the condensed states. The barrier for the emission of clusters, such as (8)Be and (12)C(O(+)(2)), is calculated and compared with the barrier for the sequential emission of 2 or 3alpha particles from the compound nucleus. For the calculations, a simple approach using a folded Woods-Saxon potential is used.

Multiphonon vibrations at high angular momentum in 182 Os.

Evidence is presented for multiphonon excitations based on a high-spin (25 Planck) intrinsic state in the deformed nucleus 182 Os. Angular momentum generation by this mode competes with collective rotation. The experimental data are compared with tilted-axis cranking calculations, supporting the vibrational interpretation. However, the lower experimental energies provide evidence that more complex interactions of states are playing a role.