Time-Dependent Displacement of Commensal Skin Microbes by Pathogens at the Site of Colorectal Surgery.

Background: Although the healthy human skin microbiome has been the subject of recent studies, it is not known whether alterations among commensal microbes contribute to surgical site infections (SSIs). Our objective in this study was to characterize temporal and spatial variation in the skin microbiota of patients undergoing colorectal surgery and determine if dysbiosis contributes to SSIs.

Methods: Sixty one adults scheduled to undergo elective colon or rectal resection were identified by convenience sampling.

Impact of Enhanced Recovery Pathways and early urinary catheter removal on post-operative urinary retention.

Background: Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) is a common complication after colorectal surgery. Enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) typically include early catheter removal but may place patients at risk for POUR.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort analysis of patients undergoing colorectal surgery at a single institution between April 2014 and November 2017.

Racial differences in quality of life following prostate cancer diagnosis.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of race on QOL while adjusting for subjective stress and religiosity among African American and white prostate cancer patients. Although racial differences in quality of life (QOL) have been examined between African American and white prostate cancer patients, it is not known whether differences exist while adjusting for psychological and cultural factors. We predicted that African American men would report poorer emotional and physical functioning after adjusting for these factors and that greater subjective stress and lower levels of religiosity would be associated with poorer well-being.

Racial differences in medical mistrust among men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Background: Mistrust of healthcare providers and systems is a significant barrier to quality healthcare. However, limited empirical data are available on perceptions of medical mistrust among individuals who are diagnosed with cancer. The objective of this study was to identify sociodemographic, clinical, and cultural determinants of mistrust among men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Differences in cultural beliefs and values among African American and European American men with prostate cancer.

Background: Although cultural values are increasingly being recognized as important determinants of psychological and behavioral outcomes following cancer diagnosis and treatment, empirical data are not available on cultural values among men. This study evaluated differences in cultural values related to religiosity, temporal orientation, and collectivism among African American and European American men.

Methods: Participants were 119 African American and European American men who were newly diagnosed with early-stage and locally advanced prostate cancer.