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Fast access to expert knowledge is very valuable, especially in the context of decision-making. Fishermen can use this knowledge to diagnose hydrological and hydrochemical conditions in which fish stocks should be the most abundant. In response to this need, a digital service has been developed. It is a service created within the FindFISH project, which provides the results of all developed models: hydrodynamic, biochemical, and Fish – for selected commercially caught fish species (herring, sprats, cod, and flounder). Our research revealed that the FindFISH service can enhance fishing efficiency and quality by approximately 40%, significantly increasing expected profits. In practical applications, we observed a 50% to 70% concordance between the fishing grounds recorded by fishermen and those identified by the FindFISH Platform. The website runs dynamically in operational mode, allowing visualization of forecasts in the form of maps, time series, spatial data, and tables.

Industry representatives on the ICH S1B(R1) Expert Working Group (EWG) worked closely with colleagues from the Drug Regulatory Authorities to develop an addendum to the ICH S1B guideline on carcinogenicity studies that allows for a weight-of-evidence (WoE) carcinogenicity assessment in some cases, rather than conducting a 2-year rat carcinogenicity study. A subgroup of the EWG composed of regulators have published in this issue a detailed analysis of the Prospective Evaluation Study (PES) conducted under the auspices of the ICH S1B(R1) EWG. Based on the experience gained through the Prospective Evaluation Study (PES) process, industry members of the EWG have prepared the following commentary to aid sponsors in assessing the standard WoE factors, considering how novel investigative approaches may be used to support a WoE assessment, and preparing appropriate documentation of the WoE assessment for presentation to regulatory authorities. The commentary also reviews some of the implementation challenges sponsors must consider in developing a carcinogenicity assessment strategy. Finally, case examples drawn from previously marketed products are provided as a supplement to this commentary to provide additional examples of how WoE criteria may be applied. The information and opinions expressed in this commentary are aimed at increasing the quality of WoE assessments to ensure the successful implementation of this approach.

Understanding the changing levels of biochemical parameters and the factors that influence them throughout the seasons is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of marine ecosystems. It also helps us identify potential threats that could harm their condition, aiding decision-making processes related to their protection. This study focuses on examining the variations in nutrients (such as nitrates, phosphates, and silicates), dissolved oxygen, and phytoplankton within the Gulf of Gdańsk. Additionally, we analyze the primary production process at three representative locations. To achieve this, we used data from the EcoFish biochemical numerical model. To ensure the model's accuracy, we compared its results with in situ data from the ICES database. The comparison revealed high correlations and minimal errors. Furthermore, we investigated how limiting factors impact primary phytoplankton production and demonstrated how the intensity of spring diatom blooms influences the nature of cyanobacterial blooms in the summer.

The article analyzes the impact of nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) supplied from the land on the waters of the Puck Lagoon (Gdańsk Basin, southern Baltic). The study is based on the numerical modelling. The model data was verified by comparison with the in situ measurement data. The spatial and temporal variability of the concentrations of nitrate, phosphate, and chlorophyll a were analyzed. We came to the conclusion that the load of nutrients deposited from the land side to the waters of the Puck Lagoon is relatively small (but not negligible compared to the Vistula River). However, even when a little runoff enters the reservoir with a very limited water exchange, like the Puck Lagoon, there are periods when riverine nutrients load significantly affects the functioning of the ecosystem.

Introduction: Thermal damage to the kidney during holmium laser lithotripsy is a serious complication, which cannot always be prevented considering the diversity of conditions in the kidney and the lack of technical capability to measure intrarenal temperature in real-time. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of different power settings of the holmium laser and the flow rate of irrigation fluid conditioned by the size of the sheath on the fluid temperature in a model of the pelvicalyceal system during lithotripsy. Materials and Methods: A lithotripsy of artificial stones was performed in a 3D-printed model of the renal pelvicalyceal system with a volume of 20.5 mL. A gravity-driven fluid flow was applied (p = 60 cm H2O). A 9.2Fr ureteroscope was introduced into the model through a ureteral access sheath of either 10/12Fr or 12/14Fr. Lithotripsy power ranged from 12 to 25 W. Temperature was measured using thermography. Results: For the 10/12Fr ureteral access sheath, the fluid flow rate was 2.7 mL/min, with the maximum temperature reached within 20 min ranging from 45 to 50 °C. For the 12/14Fr ureteral access sheath, the fluid flow rate was 9.8 mL/min, with the achieved temperature ranging from 35 to 45 °C. Laser power influenced the rate of temperature increase and the maximum temperature reached. During the first 5 min, the rate of temperature increase was solely dependent on laser power, not on the flow rate. Temperatures of 40 °C were only not exceeded with high flow rates (12/14Fr sheath) and power below 20 W. Conclusions: In a short period, the rate of temperature increase depends solely on laser power, not on the irrigation flow rate. During prolonged lithotripsy, the maximum temperature value depends on both parameters.

Introduction In the majority of Western European countries, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a dramatic reduction in urooncological surgeries. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on volume and patterns of urooncological surgery in Poland. Material and methods This is a retrospective analysis of 10 urologic centres in Poland. Data regarding major oncological procedures performed after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak (March 15, 2020 – May 31, 2020) were evaluated and compared with data from the respective period in 2019. Results Between March 15, 2020 and May 31, 2020, a total of 968 oncological procedures were performed in participating centres. When compared to the respective period in 2019 (1063 procedures) the overall number of surgeries declined by 8.9%. The reduction was observed for transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) (20.1%) and partial nephrectomies (PN) (16.5%). Surgical activity considering radical nephrectomy (RN), nephroureterectomy (NU), and radical prostatectomy (RP) remained relatively unchanged, whereas radical cystectomy (RC) burden showed a significant increase (90.9%). Characteristics of patients treated with TURBT, RC, NU, PN, and RN did not differ significantly between the compared periods, whereas RP in the COVID-19 period was performed more frequently in patients with a higher grade group (p = 0.028) and positive digital rectal examination (p = 0.007). Conclusions Surgical activity for urological cancers in Poland has been maintained during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Polish strategy in the initial period of the COVID-19 crisis mirrors the scenario of hard initial lockdown followed by adaptive lockdown, during which oncological care remained undisrupted and did not require particular priority triage.

Background The importance of D-dimers (DD) assessment in the diagnostic algorithm of venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease is well known. Increase of DD concentration may be also associated with neoplastic disease. Many studies documented that high concentration of DD before solid tumour surgery indicates more advanced disease and poor life expectancy. The prognostic value of the DD concentration variability in the perioperative period, in women undergoing breast cancer surgery, has not been analysed so far. Thus, the aim of the present prospective study was to assess whether the trend of DD concentration changes in the perioperative period may predict cancer recurrence in women undergoing breast cancer surgery. Materials and methods 189 consecutive women with histopathological diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) referred for surgical treatment were included. DD concentration was measured twice in each patient: at the time of admission to hospital and at the time of discharge home. Enoxaparin in standard dose of 40 mg daily s. c. was used as primary VTE prophylaxis in all of the patients. Results The recurrence of BC, within 1 year observation time, occurred in 13 patients (6.8%), in 11 (5.8%) patients with DD increase after surgery and only in 2 (1.1%) without an increase in DD, P = .0179. Increase in DD concentration after BC surgery was an independent positive predictor of disease relapse (OR 8.600, LCI 1.451, UCI 96.80, P = .0371) together with the lack of postoperative radiotherapy (OR 6.009, LCI 1.305, UCI 31.95, P = .0245), whereas the lack of postoperative chemotherapy predicted no BC relapse (OR .07355, LCI .0056, UCI .58, P = .0245). Conclusions Increase of DD in the early postoperative period may be considered as additional independent predictor of recurrence of BC within 1 year.

This article presents the results of a study to identify intermetallic phases whose role is to limit austenite grain growth in the low-pressure carburizing process. A drawback of high-temperature low-pressure carburizing is the austenite grain growth during the process. Using low-pressure carburizing with pre-nitriding technology (PreNitLPC®) offers the possibility of reducing austenite grain growth. This technology involves the application of doses of ammonia during the heating stage of the steel, at the carburizing temperature, to introduce nitrogen into the surface layer of the steel and to form nitrides. It is these phases that cause restrictions on austenite grain growth during carburizing. The research carried out in this article was aimed at identifying these phases. The research was carried out on one of the basic steels used for carburizing—16MnCr5 steel. The carburizing of this steel with and without pre-nitriding was performed, followed by an evaluation of the austenite grain size after these processes and the identification of the intermetallic phases present in the surface layer of the steel.

Introduction We aimed to examine the change in the number and severity of visits to the emergency departments (EDs) and subsequent admissions for urgent urologic conditions in the early stage of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Poland. Material and methods We evaluated data from 13 urologic centers in Poland and compared the number of visits to the EDs and subsequent admissions before and after the advent of COVID-19 in 2020, and before and after the escalating national restrictions. Furthermore, data on types of urologic complaints, crucial laboratory parameters, and post-admission procedures were analyzed. Results In total 1,696 and 2,187 urologic visits (22.45% decrease) and 387 and 439 urologic urgent admissions (11.85% decrease) were reported in given periods in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The year-over-year difference in daily mean visits was clear (36.1 vs. 46.5; p < 0.001). Declines were seen in all complaints but device malfunction. In 2020 daily mean visits and admissions decreased from 40.9 and 9.6 before lockdowns to 30.9 (p < 0.001) and 6.9 (p = 0.001) after severe restrictions, respectively. There was a trend towards more negative laboratory parameter profiles in 2020, with patients who visited the EDs after severe restrictions having twice as high median levels of C-reactive protein (15.39 vs. 7.84, p = 0.03). Conclusions The observed declines in ED visits and admissions were apparent with the significant effect of national lockdowns. Our results indicate that some of the patients requiring urgent medical help did not appear at the ED or came later than they would have done before the pandemic, presenting with more severe complaints.

Graphene transfer onto ceramics, like Si/SiO2, is well-developed and described in the literature. However, it is problematic for other ceramic materials (e.g., Al2O3 and ZrO2), especially porous ones. In this case, it is mainly due to poor adhesion to the substrate, resulting in strong degradation of the graphene. For these reasons, the research topic of this study was undertaken. This article presents research on the development of the methodology of graphene transfer onto ceramic Al2O3 surfaces. Polycrystalline graphene chemical vapour deposition (CVD) monolayer and quasimonocrystalline high-strength metallurgical graphene (HSMG®) synthesised on liquid copper were used. When developing the transfer methodology, the focus was on solving the problem of graphene adhesion to the surface of this type of ceramic, and thus reducing the degree of graphene deterioration at the stage of producing a ceramic–graphene composite, which stands in the way of its practical use. Plasma and chemical ceramic surface modification were applied to change its hydrophobicity, and thus to improve the adhesion between the graphene and ceramic. The modification included the use of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma, oxygen plasma (RF PACVD method - Radio Frequency Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition), and hydrofluoric acid treatment. Changes in surface properties caused by the modifications were determined by measuring the contact angle and (in the case of chemical modification) measuring the degree of surface development. The effectiveness of the applied surface preparation methodology was evaluated based on the damage degree of CVD and HSMG® graphene layer transferred onto modified Al2O3 using optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The best average ID/IG ratio for the transferred HSMG® graphene was obtained after oxygen plasma modification (0.63 ± 0.18) and for CVD, graphene DBD plasma was the most appropriate method (0.17 ± 0.09). The total area of graphene defects after transfer to Al2O3 was the smallest for HSMG® graphene after modification with O2 plasma (0.251 mm2/cm2), and for CVD graphene after surface modification with DBD plasma (0.083 mm2/cm2).

Monolayer graphene growth on liquid copper (Cu) has attracted attention due to advantages of a flat/smooth catalytic growth surface, high synthesis temperature (>1080 °C) as well as the possibility of forming graphene domains that are mobile on the liquid Cu with potential to minimize grain boundary defects and self-assemble into a continuous monolayer film. However, the quality of monolayer graphene grown on liquid copper and its suitability for size-selective ionic/molecular membrane separations has not been evaluated/studied. Here, we probe the quality of monolayer graphene grown on liquid Cu (via a metallurgical process, HSMG ^® ) using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), Raman spectroscopy and report on a facile approach to assess intrinsic sub-nanometer to nanometer-scale defects over centimeter-scale areas. We demonstrate high transfer yields of monolayer graphene (>93% coverage) from the growth substrate to polyimide track etched membrane (PITEM, pore diameter ∼200 nm) supports to form centimeter-scale atomically thin membranes. Next, we use pressure-driven transport of ethanol to probe defects > 60 nm and diffusion-driven transport of analytes (KCl ∼0.66 nm, L-Tryptophan ∼0.7–0.9 nm, Vitamin B12 ∼1–1.5 nm and Lysozyme ∼3.8–4 nm) to probe nanoscale and sub-nanometer scale defects. Diffusive transport confirms the presence of intrinsic sub-nanometer to nanometer scale defects in monolayer graphene grown on liquid Cu are no less than that in high-quality graphene synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on solid Cu. Our work not only benchmarks quality of graphene grown on liquid copper for membrane applications but also provides fundamental insights into the origin of intrinsic defects in large-area graphene synthesized via bottom-up processes for membrane applications.

Objective To explore feasibility in terms of delivering and evaluating a combination of physiotherapy and psychotherapy for patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).Design Prospective non-randomised controlled pilot study.Setting Tertiary care facility with a specialised interdisciplinary outpatient clinic for patients with CPPS.Participants A total of 311 patients was approached; 60 participated. 36 patients were included in the intervention group (mean age ±SD 48.6 years±14.8; 52.8% female) and 24 in the control group (mean age ±SD 50.6 years±14.5; 58.3% female). Fourteen participants were lost to follow-up.Interventions Participants were non-randomly allocated to the intervention group with two consecutive treatment modules (physiotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy) with a duration of 9 weeks each or to the control group (treatment as usual).Main outcome measures Feasibility was operationalised in terms of delivering and evaluating the therapeutic combination. Regarding eligibility as the first aspect of feasibility, willingness to participate, dropout and satisfaction were assessed; for the second aspect, standardised self-report questionnaires measuring health-related quality of life, depression severity and pain were applied.Results Although eligibility and willingness-to-participate rates were low, satisfaction of the participants in the intervention group was high and dropout rates were low. Results indicated a small and non-significant intervention effect in health-related quality of life and significant effects regarding depression severity and pain.Conclusions The combination of physiotherapy and psychotherapy for patients with CPPS seems to be feasible and potentially promising with regard to effect. However, a subsequent fully powered randomised controlled trial is needed.Trial registration number German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00009976) and ISRCTN (ISRCTN43221600).

This article presents the research results on impact of the method of polycrystalline graphene layers separation from the growth substrate on the obtained carbon material quality. The studies were carried out on graphene sheets obtained by metallurgical method on a liquid metal substrate (HSMG® graphene). The graphene was separated using chemical etching method or the electrochemical delamination method, by separating by means of electrolysis. During electrolysis, hydrogen is emitted on a graphene-covered of cathode (metal growth substrate) as a result of the voltage applied. The graphene layer breaks away from metallic substrate by gas accumulation between them. The results from these separation processes were evaluated by means of different tools, such as SEM, TEM and AFM microscopy as well as Raman Spectroscopy. In summary, the majority of analyses indicate that the graphene obtained as a result of hydrogen delamination possesses higher purity, smaller size and number of defects, its surface is smooth and less developed after the transfer process to the target substrate.

This study aimed to evaluate the phenolic profile and biological activity of the extracts from the leaves and fruits of Cotoneaster nebrodensis and Cotoneaster roseus. Considering that miscellaneous species of Cotoneaster are thought to be healing in traditional Asian medicine, we assumed that this uninvestigated species may reveal significant therapeutic properties. Here, we report the simultaneous assessment of chemical composition as well as biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties) of tested species. Complementary LC-MS analysis revealed that polyphenols (especially flavonoids and proanthocyanidins) are the overriding phytochemicals with the greatest significance in tested biological activities. In vitro chemical tests considering biological activities revealed that obtained results showed different values depending on concentration, extraction solvent as well as phenolic content. Biological assays demonstrated that the investigated extracts possessed antibacterial properties and were not cytotoxic toward normal skin fibroblasts. Given the obtained results, we concluded that knowledge of the chemical composition and biological activities of investigated species are important to achieve a better understanding of the utilization of these plants in traditional medicine and be useful for further research in their application to treat various diseases, such as skin disorders.

The principal elements of the 199Hg chemical-shift (CS) tensors of the mercuric halides (HgX2, X = F, Cl, Br, and I) and the mercurous halides (Hg2X2, X = F and Cl) were determined from spectra of static polycrystalline powders and from magic-angle spinning (MAS) spectra. The CS tensors of both HgCl2 and Hg2Cl2 are axially symmetric (η = 0) within experimental error, differing from literature reports of η=0.12 and η=0.14, respectively. The principal elements of the axially symmetric CS tensor in HgBr2 were also measured using a static sample, and the wideline spectra of HgF2 and HgI2 (red polymorph) give chemical-shift tensors that suggest, within experimental error, that the mercury sits in sites of cubic symmetry. The 199Hg CS tensor for Hg2F2 is asymmetric. Experiments with static polycrystalline samples may allow the determination of the elements of the 199Hg CS tensors even when MAS fails to completely average the dipolar coupling of the spin-½ 199Hg and the quadrupolar halide nucleus.

Artykuł przedstawia kluczowe idee rozprawy doktorskiej Czesława Znamierowskiego z 1911 r. na temat pojęcia prawdy w pragmatyzmie (Der Wahrheitsbegriff im Pragmatismus), dotychczas nieomawiane w literaturze, oraz wpływ, jaki wywarły na niektóre z jego późniejszych idei w filozofii i teorii prawa. Polemika z pragmatyzmem umocniła jego późniejsze poglądy na naukę i logikę, a zwłaszcza na problem logicznej wartości zdań. Ten fundamentalny wgląd w antypsychologizm Znamierowskiego, tj. niezależność logiki od stanów, dostarcza głębszego wyjaśnienie dualizmu w jego teorii norm prawnych, którym przypisywał zarówno prawdziwość, jak i obowiązywanie, niezależne od siebie. Analiza Wahrheitsbegriff pod kątem epistemologicznego zawieszenia Znamierowskiego między empiryzmem a aprioryzmem może również pomóc w lepszym zrozumieniu źródeł jego obiektywistycznej ontologii społecznej oraz takich pojęć prawnoteoretycznych, jak „norma konstrukcyjna” i „akt tetyczny”.

Background Nutrient leaching from agricultural fields is one of the main causes of pollution and eutrophication of the Baltic Sea. The quantity of nitrogen (N) leached from a particular field can be very different from the amount of N leached from other fields in a given region or even within a single farm. Therefore, it is necessary to estimate the quantity of N leached for each field separately. Methods An opinion poll has been conducted on 31 farms within the Puck Commune, which is approximately 3.6% of all farms located in this commune. Farmers provided data on the manner of fertilizing and cultivating crops on all their farms. For each field individually, on the basis of collected data, an estimated amount of the N leaching from the field has been determined. Results An interactive calculator to assist farmers in determining the quantity of N leaching from the agricultural field has been developed. The influence of factors shaping the amount of N leaching from a single field has been analyzed, and it has been determined that autumn plowing (specifically its absence) and the type of cultivated soil had the greatest average influence on this value in the studied sample. Discussion Due to the possible ways of reducing N leaching from agricultural fields, most of the studied fields were fertilized in an appropriate manner. However, in the studied sample there were fields for which the fertilization intensity significantly exceeded the recommended doses. In this context, a tool in the form of an interactive, easy-to-use N leaching calculator should help farmers to select appropriate doses and optimal fertilization practices.

In light of current knowledge on the role of reactive oxygen species and other oxidants in skin diseases, it is clear that oxidative stress facilitates inflammation and is an important factor involved in skin diseases, i.e., acne. Taking into consideration the fact that some Cotoneaster plants are valuable curatives in skin diseases in traditional Asian medicine, we assumed that thus far untested species C. hsingshangensis and C. hissaricus may be a source of substances used in skin diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of their various extracts. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 47 compounds (flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, sphingolipids, carbohydrates), while GC-MS procedure allowed for the identification of 42 constituents (sugar derivatives, phytosterols, fatty acids, and their esters). The diethyl ether fraction of C. hsingshangensis (CHs-2) exhibited great ability to scavenge free radicals and good capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, lipoxygenase, and hyaluronidase. Moreover, it had the most promising power against microaerobic Gram-positive strains, and importantly, it was non-toxic toward normal skin fibroblasts. Taking into account the value of the calculated therapeutic index (>10), it is worth noting that CHs-2 can be subjected to in vivo study and constitutes a promising anti-acne agent.

Abstract Background Men with urinary retention secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are prone to genitourinary infections. Physicians should be aware of the current antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in this population if empirical treatment is needed. The goal of this study was to evaluate variations in prevalence, composition and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacterial flora in men with indwelling catheters subjected to surgery for BPH in chosen time periods since 1994. Necessary changes in empirical therapy were also assessed. Methods All patients with indwelling catheters admitted to a single urological center for BPH surgery in the years 1994–1996, 2004–2006, and 2011–2015 were considered. Catheterization times and results of urine cultures from samples collected at admission were evaluated. Susceptibility for selected antimicrobials was compared separately for Gram negative and Gram positive species. For each agent and for their combinations effectiveness of empirical therapy was calculated dividing the number of patients with bacteriuria susceptible to the agents by the total number of patients with bacteriuria. Results Bacteriuria was present in 70% of 169, 72% of 132, and 69% of 156 men in the respective time periods. The incidence of Gram-positive strains increased from 10 to 37% (P 85%). Only two cases of resistance to carbapenems in 2004–2006 were found. In vitro effectiveness of amikacin + amoxicillin/clavulanate in empirical therapy was slowly decreasing (87 to 77%; P=NS). Imipenem was found the most effective single agent (90–95%) and its efficacy was even improved by adding vancomycin (97–98%). Conclusions Substantial rise in the incidence of Gram-positive species and fluctuations in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were found. Empirical therapy of genitourinary infection in catheterized men with BPH should now involve antimicrobial agents effective both to Enterococci and Enterobacteriaceae. Periodic monitoring and publishing data on antimicrobial susceptibility for this population is necessary.

The article presents the theory of nutrition during extreme efforts as are races on ultramarathon distances. It shortly depicts processes and mechanisms taking place in human body in order to replenish energy reserves needed to complete the race and presents theoretically optimal nutrition plan for a sample runner. It mentions potential health issues waiting for athletes hindering, and sometimes making it impossible to complete the run. Finally it compares the theory with reality, showing nutrition plans used by elite athletes during competitions.

This paper presents the findings of fatigue strength tests of 15CrNi6 steel following low-pressure carburizing and oil quenching, subjected to cycles of one-sided three-point bending. The fatigue fractures were compared with the results of fatigue strength studies of 16MnCr5 steel following low-pressure carburizing and nitrogen quenching. The fatigue tests for 16MnCr5 steel were conducted as part of a high-cycle resonance test, with a pendular bending load. The study also involved an analysis of the effects on non-metallic inclusions in the structure on the mechanism of fatigue destruction. The inclusions were found to initiate fatigue cracks. In both cases, a similar method of a fatigue fissure initiation was observed, independent of the study method or specimen material.

The article presents the results of studies on the efficacy of water desalination (i.e. Elimination of NaCl ions from the solution) using graphene-polyamide composite membranes. The membrane used for filtration consists of a monolayer of polycrystalline graphene on a porous polyamide carrier support (nylon 66). The degree of desalination for an aqueous NaCl solution percolated through the membrane was 18%. In the future this type of membrane may replace the currently used reverse osmosis membranes.

Abstract Background Cell therapy constitutes an attractive alternative to treat stress urinary incontinence. Although promising results have been demonstrated in this field, the procedure requires further optimization. The most commonly proposed cell types for intraurethral injections are muscle derived cells (MDCs) and mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSCs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of MDC-MSC co-transplantation into the urethra. Methods Autologous transplantation of labeled MDCs, bone marrow MSCs or co-transplantation of MDC-MSC were performed in aged multiparous female goats (n = 6 in each group). The mean number of cells injected per animal was 29.6 × 106(± 4.3 × 106). PBS-injected animals constituted the control group (n = 5). Each animal underwent urethral pressure profile (UPP) measurements before and after the injection procedure. The maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and functional area (FA) of UPPs were calculated. The urethras were collected at the 28th or the 84th day after transplantation. The marker fluorochrome (DID) was visualized and quantified using in vivo imaging system in whole explants. Myogenic differentiation of the graft was immunohistochemically evaluated. Results The grafted cells were identified in all urethras collected at day 28 regardless of injected cell type. At this time point the strongest DID-derived signal (normalized to the number of injected cells) was noted in the co-transplanted group. There was a distinct decline in signal intensity between day 28 and day 84 in all types of transplantation. Both MSCs and MDCs contributed to striated muscle formation if transplanted directly to the external urethral sphincter. In the MSC group those events were rare. If cells were injected into the submucosal region they remained undifferentiated usually packed in clearly distinguishable depots. The mean increase in MUCP after transplantation in comparison to the pre-transplantation state in the MDC, MSC and MDC-MSC groups was 12.3% (± 11.2%, not significant (ns)), 8.2% (± 9.6%, ns) and 24.1% (± 3.1%, p = 0.02), respectively. The mean increase in FA after transplantation in the MDC, MSC and MDC-MSC groups amounted to 17.8% (± 15.4%, ns), 15.2% (± 12.9%, ns) and 17.8% (± 2.5%, p = 0.04), respectively. Conclusions The results suggest that MDC-MSC co-transplantation provides a greater chance of improvement in urethral closure than transplantation of each population alone.

Contemporary analytic theories of law attempt to provide hermeneutic answers to the metaphysical question about the nature of law with intuition playing a pivotal role in these attempts. It is doubtful, however, whether intuition can meet metaphysical and hermeneutic expectations of such theories. The article points out divergent ways of understanding intuition in analytic theories of law. Moreover, such theories face a dilemma of choosing between the „hard” ontology of law, to which intuition would have a privileged epistemic access, and „soft” ontology which entails multiple types of intuition. If collective consciousness, to which the intuitions that constitute the concept of law allegedly belong, is indeed the metaphysical foundation of contemporary analytic theories, they are hardly discernible from empiricism. A promising complementary approach to such a way of theorizing about law—where the vocabulary of intuitions is prioritized—can be provided by analytic pragmatism extending analysis to the practices in which words acquire their meanings.

Abstract Background Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a pain condition perceived in the pelvic area for at least 6 months. While evidence of the aetiology and maintenance of CPPS is still unclear and therapy options are rare, there is preliminary evidence for the efficacy of cognitive behavioural therapy and physiotherapy. However, an integrated treatment has not yet been studied. The primary aim of this study is therefore to test the feasibility of combined psychotherapy and physiotherapy for female and male patients with CPPS. The secondary aim is to explore changes in patient-relevant and economic outcomes compared to a control group. Methods A feasibility study with a crossover design based on the principles of a ‘cohort multiple randomized controlled trial’ will be conducted to test a combined therapy for patients with CPPS. The study will consist of two consecutive treatment modules (cognitive behavioural group psychotherapy and physiotherapy as individual and group sessions), which will be applied in varying order. The modules will consist of nine weekly sessions with a 4-week break between the modules. The control group will undergo treatment as usual. Study subjects will be recruited from the interdisciplinary outpatient clinic for CPPS at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Thirty-six patients will be assigned to the intervention, and 18 patients will be assigned to the control group. The treatment groups will be gender homogeneous. Feasibility as the primary outcome will be analysed in terms of the demand, acceptability, and practicality. Secondary study outcomes will be measured using validated self-rating-scales and physical examinations. Discussion To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the feasibility of combined psychotherapy and physiotherapy for patients with CPPS. In addition to testing feasibility, the results can be used for the preliminary estimation of therapeutic effects. The results from this study will be used to generate an enhanced therapeutic approach, which might be subject to further testing in a larger study. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00009976 . Registered on 15 March 2016. ISRCTN, ISRCTN43221600 . Registered on 10 May 2016.

Abstract Background Indications for restaging transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (reTURBT) in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) remain controversial. This study was aimed at evaluation of clinical value and safety of reTURBT in different clinical indications. Methods This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive 141 patients who underwent TURBT followed by reTURBT in years 2011–2015 in a single department. Pathological results and surgical complications were analyzed in the whole study cohort and stratified by clinical stage (Ta, T1, Tx (no muscle in the specimen)) and grade (low-grade (LG), high-grade (HG)) of bladder cancer diagnosed at primary TURBT. Results Full data was available for 132 patients. Residual disease was found in 53 patients (40.2%) with highest rate for Ta-HG cases (57.1%) followed by T1-HG (51.4%), Tx-HG (45.2%), T1-LG (32.1%), and Tx-LG (25.8%). In the multivariate analysis, high grade (p = 0.02) was the only independent predictor of residual disease. Upstaging to muscle-invasive bladder cancer was noticed in 9 patients (6.8%). The rate of grade ≥ 2 Clavien-Dindo complications (1.5 vs. 5.3%) did not differ significantly between TURBT and reTURBT cases. Conclusions ReTURBT is a safe procedure that remains crucial for therapeutic and staging purposes in patients with T1, Tx, or high-grade bladder cancer found in the primary resection.

The 199Hg chemical-shift tensor of solid HgCl2 was determined from spectra of polycrystalline materials, using static and magic-angle spinning (MAS) techniques at multiple spinning frequencies and field strengths. The chemical-shift tensor of solid HgCl2 is axially symmetric (η = 0) within experimental error. The 199Hg chemical-shift anisotropy (CSA) of HgCl2 in a frozen solution in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is significantly smaller than that of the solid, implying that the local electronic structure in the solid is different from that of the material in solution. The experimental chemical-shift results (solution and solid-state) are compared with those predicted by density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the zeroth-order regular approximation (ZORA) to account for relativistic effects.199Hg spin-lattice relaxation of HgCl2 dissolved in DMSO is dominated by a CSA mechanism, but a second contribution to relaxation arises from ligand exchange. Relaxation in the solid state is independent of temperature, suggesting relaxation by paramagnetic impurities or defects.

The interaction of water with cellulose and its influence on the nuclear spin dynamics in Gossypium barbadense (Pima) cotton were investigated by 1H and 13C solid-state NMR techniques. 1H spin diffusion results from a Goldman-Shen experiment indicate that the water is multilayered. 1H MAS experiments provide evidence of a range of correlation times for the water, indicative of molecular motion ranging from restricted to relatively mobile. The 1H spin-lattice relaxation time varies with water content and is different for static and MAS conditions. By coupling the Goldman-Shen sequence with 13C CP/MAS, cross-polarization from the molecularly mobile water protons distributes magnetization throughout the cellulose (as opposed to enhancing 13C resonances from only the crystalline or the amorphous domains or from only the surface of the cellulose). However, spatial localization of the combined Goldman-Shen-13C CP/MAS experiment using both short mixing and contact times yields a spectrum consistent with predominantly the Iβ polymorph of cellulose. Longer mixing times and the same, short contact time yield a spectrum that is indicative of an increased Iα polymorph content in the crystallite interiors relative to the smaller values found with short mixing times.

Proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation times in the laboratory frame (T1) and in the rotating frame (T1ρ) were measured as a function of temperature for a static sample of α-glycine. Both T1 and T1ρ data can be fit quantitatively by a single thermally-activated motion (the modulation of the dipolar coupling by random hopping about the threefold axis of the -NH3 group), with no addition of other mechanisms at any temperature between 173 K and 415 K. An activation energy of 21.7 ± 1 kJ/mol was extracted and is compared with previously reported values for both α- and γ-glycine. Such comparisons allow the correction of glycine polymorphs misidentified in the literature. The minimum in T1 at 325 K corresponds to a correlation time of 0.53 ns. Chemical shifts as a function of temperature were measured by 1H CRAMPS and by 13C and 15N CP/MAS experiments. These results are discussed relative to a previous report of anomalous electrical behavior in α-glycine within this temperature range.

Proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation times T1 were measured for urea as a function of temperature. An activation energy of 46.3 ± 4.7 kJ/mol was extracted and compared with the range of 38-65 kJ/mol previously reported in the literature as measured by different magnetic resonance techniques. In addition, proton NMR spin-lattice relaxation times in the rotating frame T1ρ were measured as a function of temperature. These measurements provide acquisition conditions for the 13C and 15N CP/MAS spectra of pure urea in the crystalline phase.

We observe non-monotonic development of the 13C magnetization in polycrystalline samples of glycine, sucrose, and adamantine during cross-polarization. We demonstrate, by fitting the time dependence, that the development quantitatively results from dipolar oscillations. To fit the data quantitatively requires one to assume two types of spin-diffusion behavior.

Mobility in γ-glycine can be measured by proton relaxation or line-shape analysis of wide-line 2H spectra of deuterium-substituted γ-glycine. The temperature dependence of the wide-line 2H spectra indicates an activation energy of 33 +/- 2 kJ/mol, in agreement with the activation energy extracted from proton spin-lattice relaxation times. The proton spin-lattice relaxation time of the protons in partially deuterated γ-glycine is 78 sec, much longer than the 4-s T1 of the undeuterated material. The comparison demonstrates how effectively the amine protons act as a relaxation sink.