Enhanced Control and Reproducibility of Non-Neutral Plasmas.

The simultaneous control of the density and particle number of non-neutral plasmas confined in Penning-Malmberg traps is demonstrated. Control is achieved by setting the plasma's density by applying a rotating electric field while simultaneously fixing its axial potential via evaporative cooling. This novel method is particularly useful for stabilizing positron plasmas, as the procedures used to collect positrons from radioactive sources typically yield plasmas with variable densities and particle numbers; it also simplifies optimization studies that require plasma parameter scans. The reproducibility achieved by applying this technique to the positron and electron plasmas used by the ALPHA antihydrogen experiment at CERN, combined with other developments, contributed to a 10-fold increase in the antiatom trapping rate.

Erratum: Observation of the hyperfine spectrum of antihydrogen.

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1038/nature23446.

Antihydrogen accumulation for fundamental symmetry tests.

Antihydrogen, a positron bound to an antiproton, is the simplest anti-atom. Its structure and properties are expected to mirror those of the hydrogen atom. Prospects for precision comparisons of the two, as tests of fundamental symmetries, are driving a vibrant programme of research. In this regard, a limiting factor in most experiments is the availability of large numbers of cold ground state antihydrogen atoms. Here, we describe how an improved synthesis process results in a maximum rate of 10.5 ± 0.6 atoms trapped and detected per cycle, corresponding to more than an order of magnitude improvement over previous work. Additionally, we demonstrate how detailed control of electron, positron and antiproton plasmas enables repeated formation and trapping of antihydrogen atoms, with the simultaneous retention of atoms produced in previous cycles. We report a record of 54 detected annihilation events from a single release of the trapped anti-atoms accumulated from five consecutive cycles.Antihydrogen studies are important in testing the fundamental principles of physics but producing antihydrogen in large amounts is challenging. Here the authors demonstrate an efficient and high-precision method for trapping and stacking antihydrogen by using controlled plasma.

Observation of the hyperfine spectrum of antihydrogen.

The observation of hyperfine structure in atomic hydrogen by Rabi and co-workers and the measurement of the zero-field ground-state splitting at the level of seven parts in 1013 are important achievements of mid-twentieth-century physics. The work that led to these achievements also provided the first evidence for the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron, inspired Schwinger's relativistic theory of quantum electrodynamics and gave rise to the hydrogen maser, which is a critical component of modern navigation, geo-positioning and very-long-baseline interferometry systems. Research at the Antiproton Decelerator at CERN by the ALPHA collaboration extends these enquiries into the antimatter sector. Recently, tools have been developed that enable studies of the hyperfine structure of antihydrogen-the antimatter counterpart of hydrogen. The goal of such studies is to search for any differences that might exist between this archetypal pair of atoms, and thereby to test the fundamental principles on which quantum field theory is constructed. Magnetic trapping of antihydrogen atoms provides a means of studying them by combining electromagnetic interaction with detection techniques that are unique to antimatter. Here we report the results of a microwave spectroscopy experiment in which we probe the response of antihydrogen over a controlled range of frequencies. The data reveal clear and distinct signatures of two allowed transitions, from which we obtain a direct, magnetic-field-independent measurement of the hyperfine splitting. From a set of trials involving 194 detected atoms, we determine a splitting of 1,420.4 ± 0.5 megahertz, consistent with expectations for atomic hydrogen at the level of four parts in 104. This observation of the detailed behaviour of a quantum transition in an atom of antihydrogen exemplifies tests of fundamental symmetries such as charge-parity-time in antimatter, and the techniques developed here will enable more-precise such tests.

Observation of the 1S-2S transition in trapped antihydrogen.

The spectrum of the hydrogen atom has played a central part in fundamental physics over the past 200 years. Historical examples of its importance include the wavelength measurements of absorption lines in the solar spectrum by Fraunhofer, the identification of transition lines by Balmer, Lyman and others, the empirical description of allowed wavelengths by Rydberg, the quantum model of Bohr, the capability of quantum electrodynamics to precisely predict transition frequencies, and modern measurements of the 1S-2S transition by Hänsch to a precision of a few parts in 1015. Recent technological advances have allowed us to focus on antihydrogen-the antimatter equivalent of hydrogen. The Standard Model predicts that there should have been equal amounts of matter and antimatter in the primordial Universe after the Big Bang, but today's Universe is observed to consist almost entirely of ordinary matter. This motivates the study of antimatter, to see if there is a small asymmetry in the laws of physics that govern the two types of matter. In particular, the CPT (charge conjugation, parity reversal and time reversal) theorem, a cornerstone of the Standard Model, requires that hydrogen and antihydrogen have the same spectrum. Here we report the observation of the 1S-2S transition in magnetically trapped atoms of antihydrogen. We determine that the frequency of the transition, which is driven by two photons from a laser at 243 nanometres, is consistent with that expected for hydrogen in the same environment. This laser excitation of a quantum state of an atom of antimatter represents the most precise measurement performed on an anti-atom. Our result is consistent with CPT invariance at a relative precision of about 2 × 10-10.

[A Solitary PSA-Negative Late Metastasis of Prostate Cancer on the Penis]. / Solitäre PSA-negative Spätmetastase eines Prostatakarzinoms in der Glans penis.

Metastatic involvement of the penis is rare. Secondary lesions generally originate from pelvic tumours. Bladder and prostate are the most common primary tumours. Commonly, penile metastases occur in cases of disseminated cancer disease. We present the case of a prostatic mucinous adenocarcinoma with a solitary, PSA-negative, asymptomatic metastasis to the glans 6 years after radical prostatectomy, which was successfully treated by local excision.

[Nation-wide questionnaire of cathether use in Germany]. / Bundesweite Umfrage zur Katheterversorgung in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Despite the costs that the national health care system faces with regard to treatment of urinary incontinence and related use of urinary catheters, only limited research has been focused on the subject. In collaboration with the German Association of Urologists, we conducted an online-based survey to learn more about the use of urinary catheters and the care of patients in the outpatient setting. METHODS: A comprehensive online survey consisting of 26 questions was sent to all members of the "German Federation of Urologists" (Berufsverband der Deutschen Urologen) in an e-mail. The participation was anonymous and participants were able to complete the survey only once. Data analysis was carried out by the survey provider. RESULTS: Of the 1407 urologists to whom the survey was sent, 482 answered the survey and 406 (84%) responded to all the questions. According to the survey the replacement of urinary catheters is most commonly carried out by the urologist (59%). The replacement of a catheter is usually performed in the urologists' office (59%). In an emergency setting, patients with an obstructed or displaced catheter are most likely to be taken to the nearest hospital where qualified personnel are on duty and can assist. For long-term urinary drainage in male patients, the suprapubic catheter is the primary choice (61%). In female patients, suprapubic and transurethral catheters are more evenly distributed (36% vs. 31%). CONCLUSION: The response rate of 34% to the survey indicates that there is an interest in this topic. The results of the survey suggest that patient care involving a urinary catheter in Germany is subject to heterogeneous indications and standards of care. The management of patients with urinary catheters continues to be a responsibility of the urologist.

[Follow-up care - consequences of urinary diversion after bladder cancer]. / Nachsorge - Konsequenzen der Harnableitung nach Harnblasenkarzinom.

Radical cystectomy is the standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Continent urinary diversions utilizing both small and large bowel are becoming more prominent: therefore, the postoperative follow-up has to focus on different aspects. In the first instance after radical cystectomy functional issues with respect to potential stenosis, post-void residual urine and micturition disorders are important. In the early phase the oncological follow-up aims to detect local, urethral and systemic recurrences and new data show the importance of the first 3 years after surgery. Long-term follow-up focuses on metabolic aspects, such as cobalamin or bile acid deficits, acidosis and disorders of calcium and bone metabolism. Follow-up care should consider specific complications of different types of urinary diversions; however to date standardized follow-up guidelines are lacking.

[Nocturia--an often misjudged problem]. / Nykturie--ein oft verkanntes Problem.

Nocturia--waking up during the night due to the urge to urinate and empty the bladder--is a serious problem for affected patients. In the past decades, nocturia has been primarily regarded as an irritative symptom of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This symptom is however frequently not influenced by different BPH treatments. In the last couple of years one has come to the conclusion that the prostate is less involved and in part responsible for the symptoms since women are also frequently affected. For these reasons nocturia is looked at differently. It is a highly prevalent symptom which neither qualitatively nor quantitative differs between men and women. Many factors lead to nocturia. The following diseases are involved: coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus or insipidus, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), states of anxiety or insomnia as well as behavioural and environmental factors. Nocturia can be categorised in nocturnal polyuria (overproduction of nightly urine) or a diminished bladder capacity or a combination of both. These entities can be easily differentiated by arithmetic analysis, e.g., a 48-hour voiding diary. Only recently nocturia has been classified according to the aetiology and pathogenesis, making a differentiated treatment possible. However, even in the cases in which the underlying cause cannot be found behavioural changes can help. Nevertheless, pharmacological treatments are inevitable. Medical treatments include: desmopressin, anticholinergics and antimuscarinics, general-medical measures like support stockings, different time for the intake of diuretics or in specific cases the nasal CPAP artificial respiration (continuous positive airway pressure). In spite of the partly high effectiveness of these measures, treatment should be customised taking possible side effects in account.

[Use of hydrogel as spacer in Denovier's space: optimization of IMRT radiotherapy of localized prostate cancer]. / Hydrogelapplikation als Spacer in den "Denovier-Raum" : Optimierung der IMRT-Radiotherapie des lokalisierten Prostatakarzinoms.

BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy is an appropriate primary therapy for localized prostate cancer in accordance with urological guidelines. Especially in tumors of higher grade malignancy, dose escalation up to 80,0 Gy seems to be an advantage; however rectum toxicity can be a problem. By injecting a synthetic hydrogel (SpaceOAR®) as a spacer between the prostate and rectum, rectal toxicity can be reduced. We report on our experiences with 47 patients and an average follow-up of 241 days. METHODS: From February 2012 to November 2012, 47 patients were included in the study series. Before external radiotherapy the hydrogel was injected between prostate and rectum in the so-called Denovier space. This interdisciplinary procedure was carried out with the patient under general anesthesia using transrectal ultrasound guidance and video documentation. The patients were hospitalized for 1 day. The exact position of the gel was assessed by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiotherapy was initiated 7-14 days after gel application in a dose escalation manner by means of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) up to a dose of 80,0 Gy. Average follow-up was 241 (100-386, SD 91) days. RESULTS: No early side effects specific for the application were observed. The achieved distance between rectum and the mid-plane of the prostate gland was on average 13.8 (6-24, SD=3.8) mm. Calculated V70 (rectal volume irradiated with 70.0 Gy or more) could be reduced to an average of 1.5 (0-8, SD=1.7) %. One patient showed an asymptomatic lesion of the rectal mucosa after irradiation with 38,0 Gy. This lesion was closely controlled and gel penetration was found. As a result radiotherapy was discontinued. Without further treatment the necrosis had completely healed 3 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrogel application between prostate and rectum allows dose escalation up to 80,0 Gy and seems to reduce morbidity in patients with localized prostate cancer receiving radiotherapy. However, before final judgement of the new technique further studies must follow.

Urinary retention: benefit of gradual bladder decompression - myth or truth? A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary retention is a common emergency requiring immediate catheterization. Gradual decompression (GD) of the extended bladder is believed to minimize the risk of complications such as bleeding or circulatory collapse, but to date it has not been compared with rapid decompression (RD) in controlled trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male patients presenting with urinary retention (n = 294) were randomized to rapid or gradual catheterization. For the latter, the transurethral catheter was clamped for 5 min after every 200-ml outflow until the bladder was completely empty. Patients were monitored for at least 30 min thereafter with regular checks of vital signs and presence of macroscopic hematuria. RESULTS: Of 294 patients, 142 (48.3%) were randomized to the GD and 152 (51.7%) to the RD group. Both groups showed no statistically significant difference with regard to age, anticoagulation treatment, catheter size and material, or volume retained. Hematuria occurred in 16 (11.3%) of the GD and 16 (10.5%) of the RD group; 6 patients in the former and 4 in the latter required further treatment. No circulatory collapse occurred. We noted a decrease in the previously raised blood pressure and heart rate in both groups, although without clinical significance. CONCLUSION: In this first randomized trial, no statistically significant difference was noted between gradual and rapid emptying of the bladder for urinary retention. Gradual emptying did not reduce the risk of hematuria or circulatory collapse. Therefore, there is no need to prefer gradual over rapid emptying, which is both easy and safe.

[T1 high-grade bladder cancer - value of second operation with prognostuic parameters of first operation: analysis of 167 cases]. / T1 high grade-Blasentumor - Wertigkeit der Nachresektion mit prognostischen Parametern der Initialresektion: Analyse von 167 Fällen.

We have evaluated the results of second transurethral resections of the bladder (TURB) after T1 high-grade bladder cancer over a 4.5-year period.From July 2007 to February 2012, 2172 TURB procedures were performed at our institution, of which 1130 were initial resections owing to primary tumour or relapse. Of these, 258 revealed T1 high-grade bladder cancer, and here we investigated tumour characteristics of the initial TURB and results of the second resection.The incidence of T1 high-grade tumours was 22.8% (N=258). Of 167 patients who underwent a second resection, tumour was found in 58.1% (97 of 167). Tumours were mostly multifocal (61.9%) and smaller than 3 cm (69.1%). Histology of the second resection revealed Ta low-grade in 8.4%, Ta high-grade in 16.2%, T1 high-grade in 19.8% and an upstaging to T2 and more in 6.6%. A significant association with the recurrence rate was found for the number of tumours at initial TURB: patients with multiple tumours at initial TURB had a recurrence rate of 69.0% compared with only 46.3% of patients with solitary tumour. For tumour-size and detrusor muscle in specimen a non-significant association was shown.T1 high-grade bladder cancers show a relevant rate of tumour at second TURB which confirms the clinical guidelines of the EAU. A significant association for a tumour-free second TURB in our data was shown for solitary tumours. A non-significant association was shown for tumour-size and when detrusor muscle was present in the specimen. Currently there is no data to determine the best time interval before second resection.

[Premature ejaculation in urological routine practice]. / Die Ejaculatio praecox in der urologischen Praxis.

Premature ejaculation is a frequent male sexual complaint or sexual disturbance found in urological practices and outpatient units. The frequency in the individual practices varies considerably. In large studies the prevalence is strongly dependent on the definition and ranges between 3% and 25%. Subjectively, the inability to delay ejaculation and the distress resulting from it, is relevant for the patient and his partner. Intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) is used as an objective parameter. Nevertheless, in the everyday routine practice this objective parameter is not practical. Clinically 2 questionnaires have asserted themselves (Premature Ejaculation Profile and Index of Premature Ejaculation). Studies have shown that the self-assessment of patients correlates relatively well with the objective IELT measured by means of a stopwatch. Beside topical anaesthetics and elective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), especially Dapexetine which has been approved in Germany since 2009, are treatment options. These drugs differ particularly in their use (daily or on-demand) and their effectiveness (measured by x-fold increase of IELT). This article deals with the clinical approach to EP. Beside the definition, prevalence, aetiology and neurophysiology of EP, the different pharmacological therapies as well as the guidelines of the International Society for Sexual Medicine are discussed.

Mycobacterium chelonae infection: a complication of tattooing.

We describe an outbreak of Mycobacterium chelonae infection in four young immunocompetent patients who were tattooed by the same artist. All had been previously tattooed without complication, but following the latest tattooing session, they all developed a very similar papular eruption confined to skin that had been newly coloured light grey. On histological examination of the eruption, granulomatous inflammation with microabscess formation was seen, in association with the tattoo pigment. Skin cultures grown under optimal conditions grew M. chelonae, sensitive to clarithromycin, from one patient. M. chelonae was also cultured from the contents and nozzle of an opened bottle of light-grey ink from the tattoo parlour frequented by the patients. Dermatologists should consider mycobacterial infection in patients who develop inflammatory changes within a new tattoo.

[Imperative cystectomy in patients at risk. Ileal conduit or ureterocutaneostomy?]. / Imperative Zystektomie beim Risikopatienten. Transintestinale Harnableitung oder Harnleiterhautfistel?

Due to the demographic trends, the incidence of bladder cancer will rise. Based on progress in perioperative management, radical cystectomy has become feasible also in elderly patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Also caused by the increase of age-related comorbidities, the question arises as to the optimal urinary diversion in patients at risk. The ileal conduit is the accepted standard due to its safe, well-proven, and low-risk performance. Nevertheless, it was shown to have relevant complication rates in patients at risk, mostly because of the bowel involvement. The ureterocutaneostomy is a safer and easier alternative, which was initially shown to have a high rate of stomal stenosis. However, new data suggest that the stent-free rate is comparable to the ileal conduit. In addition, quality of life analyses show comparable results. Therefore, ureterocutaneostomy should be considered as an option for urinary diversion in patients at risk.

[Carcinoma of the rete testis with lymphogenous metastasis: multimodal treatment]. / Rete-testis-Karzinom mit lymphogener Metastasierung : Multimodale Behandlung.

Cancers of the rete testis are uncommon and usually occur in the 6th or 7th decade of life. The prognosis is dreadful. Approx. 40% of the affected patients die within 1 year after diagnosis due to progression of the disease. The primary therapy is surgical. Until now there is no effective chemotherapy. In our case following primary inguinal orchiectomy and confirmation of the diagnosis, a radical retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and wide local resection were performed. One positive lymph node was found and adjuvant radiotherapy was performed. In this case preoperative PET/CT was not helpful. For the last 3 years now the patient has been disease free. Since cancers of the rete testis are very rare and the literature is scarce, we would like to recommend the introduction of a national registry.

[How can early detection programs become a men's health topic? Survey of urology practices]. / Wie wird die Früherkennung zu einem Männerthema? : Eine Befragung in urologischen Praxen.

BACKGROUND: Various statistics demonstrate the importance of medical prevention in men. METHOD: As one example, overall survival is increased with the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. In this article information from 212 consecutive patients with an appointment in a urology practice is presented and discussed. Of special interest are factors that motivate men to participate in early detection programs for prostate cancer. The data give an insight into reasoning and motivation for men to participate in such programs and criteria to select a specific urology practice. RESULTS: The results, which also include diagnostic methods that are not covered by the general German health insurance and have to be paid by the patient himself, can help the urologist promote diagnostic tools and identify areas of deficit. A key role is played by the family physician. Our results show that he is the primary source for health-related questions. He has the best opportunity to draw the attention of the mature and critical patient to measures of precaution and emphasize their importance. This is especially true for the large group of men who so far have not participated in early detection programs since they apparently are not aware of their own personal health risk.

[Counselling for erectile dysfunction during inpatient rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy]. / Beratung zur erektilen Dysfunktion während stationärer Rehabilitation nach radikaler Prostatektomie.

For men erectile function is essential for quality of life. Besides urine incontinence postsurgical erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical prostatectomy (RPE) represents a significant and prevalent problem. One of the first approaches to this condition should be a consultation performed by professionals in a rehabilitation clinic.A total of 149 patients post RPE participated in this prospective study. All patients were questioned about their understanding of postoperative surgical ED after RPE and if affected they were asked about their own psychological burden as well as their knowledge of possible therapy options. The qualities of presurgical patient information as well as the modules of information pertaining to ED during the rehabilitation were evaluated. Of the patients, 53% expressed that they experienced a considerable burden due to postsurgical ED during their follow-up rehabilitation (AR group) and 70% of the patients during oncological rehabilitation treatment (rehab group). Men who were sexually more active prior to surgery suffered more from postsurgical ED than their less active counterparts. A negative correlation between psychological burden and age was found in the AR group, which however was levelled in the rehab group. Particularly in older patients the burden of ED increases with more time elapsing after the operation. The medical information on ED therapy options provided during the inpatient rehabilitation was considered to be essential by 60% of the men in the AR group and 48% of the patients in the rehab group.Therapeutic possibilities for postsurgical ED following RPE cannot always be given to patients in the preoperative phase or during their stay in the hospital. Since however a large majority of men suffer from postoperative ED following RPE a specialized inpatient urological rehabilitation is suited for a comprehensive consultation.

[Cryptorchidism and infertility from the perspective of interdisciplinary guidelines]. / Hodenhochstand und Infertilität unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der interdisziplinären Leitlinie.

Cryptorchidism is the most common genital disorder in boys. Early-born boys are affected in up to one third of the cases, while about 2-5% of full-term newborns suffer from at least one undescended testicle. As a result of short-term endogenous testosterone secretion after birth the prevalence decreases to 1-2% after 3 months. According to most studies, watchful waiting after 6 months is not justified because after this time spontaneous testicular descent only very rarely occurs. Even though the effects of testicular development and fertility in undescended testis have been extensively examined, the only fact that remains certain is that approximately 90% of untreated men with bilateral cryptorchidism develop azoospermia. The remaining scenarios of cryptorchidism (unilateral, ectopic, inguinal, treated or not treated) exhibit unpredictable fertility and likelihood of fatherhood.