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Background: Mild primary hyperparathyroidism (serum calcium ≤ 2.85 mmol/L) is the most representative form of pHPT nowadays. The aim of this study was to evaluate its subtypes and the multiglandular disease (MGD) rate as it may lower the sensitivity of preoperative parathyroid scintigraphy and the surgical cure rate. Methods: We retrospectively included patients with mild pHPT who underwent parathyroid dual-tracer scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT and surgery between January 2013 and December 2015. Cure was defined as normalization of serum calcium (or PTH in the normocalcemic form) at 6 months. MGD was defined by either two abnormal resected glands or persistent disease after resection of at least one abnormal gland. Results: We included 121 patients. Median preoperative serum calcium was 2.68 mmol/L and median PTH was 83.4 pg/mL. A total of 141 glands were resected (95 adenomas, 33 hyperplasias). The subtypes were 57% classic, 32.2% normohormonal, and 10.7% normocalcemic. MGD occurred in 23.5% of patients divided as 13%, 30%, and 64% respectively (p = 0.0011). The surgical cure rate was 85.2%. The normocalcemic form had lower cure rate than the normohormonal (45% vs 84%, p = 0.018) and classic forms (45% vs 93%, p = 0.0006). MIBI scintigraphy identified at least one abnormal lesion, later confirmed by the pathologist in 90/98 patients, making the sensitivity per patient 91.8% (95% CI 84.1–96.2%). Conclusions: MGD is strongly associated with mild pHPT, especially the normocalcemic form where it accounts for 64% of cases. Bilateral neck exploration should be performed in this population to improve the cure rate, even if the scintigraphy shows a single focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Normocalcaemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NcPHPT) is a new clinical entity being diagnosed increasingly among patients with mild primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life and non‐specific symptoms before and after parathyroidectomy in patients with NcPHPT compared with those with hypercalcaemic mild PHPT (Hc‐m‐PHPT). Methods: This was a prospective multicentre study of patients with mild PHPT from four university hospitals. Patients were evaluated before operation, and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery for quality of life using the SF‐36‐v2® questionnaire, as well as for 25 non‐specific symptoms. Results: Before operation, the only statistically significant difference between the NcPHPT and Hc‐m‐PHPT groups was in the mean(s.d.) blood calcium level (2·54 versus 2·73 mmol; P < 0·001). At 1 year after surgery, the blood calcium level had improved significantly in both groups, with no significant difference between them. Quality of life improved significantly in each group compared with its preoperative score, with regard to the physical component summary (P = 0·040 and P = 0·016 respectively), whereas the mental component summary improved significantly in the Hc‐m‐PHPT group only (P = 0·043). Only two non‐specific symptoms improved significantly in the NcPHPT group compared with nine in the Hc‐m‐PHPT group. Conclusion: Parathyroidectomy mildly improves quality of life and some non‐specific symptoms in patients with NcPHPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-nuclearity polyoxothiomolybdate [H8Mo84S48O188(H2O)12(CH3COO)24]32- has been prepared and characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and ¹H NMR, IR, Raman, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The solid-state structure reveals an unprecedented and intriguing arrangement consisting of a nanoscaled anionic cube. The surprisingly open structure of this {Mo84}-type cubic box features a large inner void that is accessible via its six open square faces with diameters of ca. 9 Å. Importantly, this molecular system appears to be highly functionalizable because of the presence of 24 exposed exchangeable acetate ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning tunneling potentiometry (STP) is a powerful tool to analyze the conductance through thin conducting layers with lateral resolution in the nanometer range. In this work, we show how a commercial ultrahigh vacuum multiprobe system, equipped with four independent tips, can be used to perform STP experiments. Two tips are gently pushed into the surface applying a lateral current through the layer of interest. Simultaneously, the topography and the potential distribution across the metal film are measured with a third tip. The signal-to-noise ratio of the potentiometry signal may be enhanced by using a fourth tip, providing a reference potential in close vicinity of the studied area. Two different examples are presented. For epitaxial (111) oriented Bi films, grown on a Si(100)-(2×1) surface, an almost constant gradient of the potential as well as potential drops at individual Bi-domain boundaries were observed. On the surface of the Si(111)(3×3)–Ag superstructure the potential variation at individual monoatomic steps could be precisely resolved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed the transport of ballistic electrons through organic molecules on uniformly flat surfaces of bismuth grown on silicon. For the fullerene C60 and for a planar organic molecule (3,4,9, 10-perylene-tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride), the signals revealed characteristic submolecular patterns that indicated where ballistic transport was enhanced or attenuated. The transport was associated to specific electronic molecular states. At electron energies of a few electron volts, this "scanning near-field electron transmission microscopy" method could be applied to various adsorbates or thin layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to estimate the monthly average global radiation, regression equations for eleven stations in Libya are fitted, using monthly average hours of sunshine duration as predictors. Since only eight years of monthly average global radiation are available for each station, a reliable model for estimating solar radiation for each single month could not be obtained. The monthly data were merged together to produce a single regression equation for each station rather than twelve monthly regression equations. The results indicate that the regression equations for ten stations out of eleven hold very well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of organic crystallites formed by 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) has been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy on Cu(1 1 0), Cu(1 1 1) and Au(1 1 1). For the chosen parameters PTCDA exhibits Stranski–Krastanov growth. If the average coverage exceeds about 3–5 monolayers the formation of crystalline islands begins. Working at very low tunneling currents it has been possible to obtain molecular resolved images of crystallites formed by up to 100 molecular layers, while the overall coverage has a value of about 10–20 monolayers. Since the side walls typically exhibit a moderate slope in the range of 14–20° their structure may be as well analyzed as the flat top layer. As will be presented it is not only possible to determine the unit cell within the molecular layer but also their relative displacement between subsequent layers. A comparison between the 3D structures of several crystals will be given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Epitaxial Bi(111) films on the Si(100)-(2×1) surface were studied by two different scanning probe techniques, to obtain information on the buried interface. Ballistic electron emission microscopy reveals that the transmission across the Schottky barrier depends on the type of substrate terrace. The thermovoltage in scanning tunneling microscopy exhibits alternating signals for substrate step edges, which can be related to SA and SB steps, characteristic for the uncovered Si(100)-(2×1) surface. In addition to information about the growth mode of Bi, it was found that typical features of the Si(100)-(2×1) surface reconstruction are maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two planar organic molecules copper-phthalocyanine (CuPc) and 3,4,9,10-perylene-tetracarboxylic-dianhydride (PTCDA) are found to form an ordered mixed monolayer on Cu(111). The layers have been prepared by exposing the surface to an equivalent of a little bit more than half of a monolayer of CuPc and the same amount of PTCDA followed by thermal annealing. The investigations by scanning tunneling microscopy reveal regular patterns with a commensurate unit cell which contains one CuPc and two PTCDA molecules. © 2003 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we report on ballistic electron emission spectroscopy (BEES) studies on epitaxial layers of silver grown on silicon surfaces, with either a Si(111)-(7  × 7) or Si(100)-(2  × 1) surface reconstruction. The experiments were done at low temperature and in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). In addition, BEES measurements on polycrystalline Ag films grown on hydrogen-terminated H:Si(111)-(1  × 1) and H:Si(100)-(2  × 1) surfaces were performed. The Schottky barrier heights were evaluated by BEES. The results are compared to the values for the barrier height reported for macroscopic Schottky diodes. We show that the barrier heights for the epitaxial films substantially differ from the values measured on polycrystalline Ag films, suggesting a strong effect of the interface on the barrier height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work we report on the growth of high quality bismuth films with a layer thickness of 3-4 nm on a (100)-oriented silicon surface. We present a combined STM and LEED study to determine the best possible growth conditions regarding, for example, film flatness, grain size and low surface roughness. The deposition of bismuth was performed at a low temperature of about 130 K followed by moderate annealing to an ambient temperature or to temperatures slightly above. The result is an epitaxial Bi film with low surface roughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix is a rare and aggressive tumor with fatal outcome. In this paper we report two cases of primary adenoid cystic carcinoma and a review of literature. A 80 years old woman, admitted to our hospital with postmenopausal bleeding and hydrorrhea. Gynealogical examination showed a cervical stenotic with the presence of a tumor processus. Biopsy of cervical growth was done. 80-year-old woman presented with vaginal bleeding with pelvic pain. Physical examination revealed a friable mass in the cervix. Incisional biopsy was performed. In the both cases the diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cercix was confirmed. Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cervix is clinically and radiologically similar to other tumors of the cervix but the diagnosis can only be made by histological examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaginal metastasis from pancreatic cancer is an extreme case and often indicates a poor prognosis. We present a case of pancreatic carcinoma with metastasis to the vagina that was discovered by vaginal bleeding. To our knowledge, this is the third case in the world of a primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma discovered of symptoms from a vaginal metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two nanosized polyoxothiometalates were synthesized based on linking oxomolybdate building blocks with {Mo2O2S2}2+ groups. Remarkably, both compounds are formed selectively primarily upon changing the related concentrations in a logical way; they exhibit common structural features based on the same {Mo9O6S3}-type pores, which result in connections between {Mo6O21} pentagons and {Mo2O2S2}2+ linkers. Whereas the much larger spherical Mo132-type Keplerate contains twenty pores, the smaller Mo63-type cluster remarkably contains only two. The two compounds and a similar Keplerate exhibit interesting supramolecular properties related to interactions with the unusual predominantly apolar NMe4+ cations. Structural characterization of the Mo63-type compound reveals in the solid state a clathrate-like species that contains four NMe4+ cations embedded in two types of structurally well-adapted pockets. Related NMR spectroscopic investigations in solution using NMe4+ as the NMR spectroscopic probe are in agreement with the solid-state description. 1H NMR spectroscopic experiments (1D variable-temperature, 2D total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY), exchange spectroscopy (EXSY), and diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY)) feature firmly immobilized and mobile NMe4+ ions in relationship with the type of host-guest arrangements. The use of the 1H NMR DOSY spectroscopic methodology has been successfully applied to track the interactions of the NMe4+ cations with the {Mo9O6S3} pores of a sulfurated Keplerate, thereby allowing the first quantitative analysis of this type of plugging process. The stability constant K=(210±20) mol−1 L is discussed related to the character of the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Reaction of the [Mo2O2S2(OH2)6]2+ aqua cation and [WO4]2− with the trivacant ion [α-B-AsW9O33]9− in acidic condition (pH=1.4) leads to the formation of a {Mo2S2O2}-supported polyoxotungstate. The mixed salt NMe4K12[(α–AsW9O33)3(WO(OH2))3(Mo2O2S2(H2O)4)]•20H2O (noted TMAK 12 –1) has been obtained as single crystals and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The structural analysis of TMAK 12 -1 reveals a molecular polyoxotungsto-arsenate (III) framework consisting of three α-{AsW9O33} subunits mutually linked by three {O=W-OH2}4+ groups. The resulting triangular arrangement delimits a large “open-space”, lined on the periphery by six terminal oxygen atoms. The central cavity is partially filled by a single {Mo2O2S2(OH2)4}2+ which spans two {AsW9O33} subunits. Furthermore, three potassium ions have been located, one being embedded within the central cavity and the other two, symmetrically distributed at the periphery of the central cavity. In the solid state, two anions 1 interact through hydrogen bonds and ionic contacts to give a large dimeric arrangement bordered by two TMA+ cations. 1 has been characterized in solution (Li+ salt) by its 183W NMR spectrum which contains 16 lines in agreement with the C s idealized symmetry assumed for the isolated anion 1. Infrared data and elemental analysis are also supplied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Breast cancer may be classified into luminal A, luminal B, HER2+/ER-, basal-like and normal-like subtypes based on gene expression profiling or immunohistochemical (IHC) characteristics. The aim of our study is to show the molecular profile characteristic of breast cancer in the North African population of Morocco. This work showed preliminary results and correlations with clinicopathological and histological parameters. Three hundred and ninety primary breast carcinomas tumor tissues were immunostained for ER, PR, HER2, CK5/6, CK8/18 and Ki67 using paraffin tissue. Methods: We reviewed 390 cases of breast cancer diagnosed on January 2008 to December 2011 at the Department of pathology, Hassan II teaching hospital, Fez, Morocco. Age, size tumor, metastatic profile, node involvement profile, histological type and immunohistochemical profile were studied. Results: The average age was 46 years; our patients were diagnosed late with a high average tumor size. Luminal B subtype was more prevalent (41.8%), followed by luminal A (30.5%), basal-like (13, 6%), Her2-overexpressing (9, 2%), and unclassified subtype (4.9%). Conclusion: This study showed that molecular classification and biological profile may be different according to geographical distribution, to encourage further studies to know the genomic profile of tumors and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast is a rare and heterogeneous group of malignancies that accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancers. The histogenesis remains unknown. Clinical and radiological appearances are not specific. The treatment is based on surgery associated to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. There is no place for hormone therapy. The prognosis is poor. The diagnosis is based onmorphological and immunochemical findings. We report five cases of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast originating from an anatomopapthology laboratory, with a literature review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If a current of electrons flows through a normal conductor (in contrast to a superconductor), it is impeded by local scattering at defects as well as phonon scattering. Both effects contribute to the voltage drop observed for a macroscopic complex system as described by Ohm’s law. Although this concept is well established, it has not yet been measured around individual defects on the atomic scale. We have measured the voltage drop at a monatomic step in real space by restricting the current to a surface layer. For the Si(111)−(√3 × √3)−Ag surface a monotonous transition with a width below 1 nm was found. A numerical analysis of the data maps the current flow through the complex network and the interplay between defect-free terraces and monatomic steps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 29-year-old woman who presented for treatment of axillary accessory breast. She had a left breast axillary tail lump increasing slowly in size over 3 years; the mass was surgicall excised, on cutting however multiple cysts oozing serous-brownish fluid were seen. The patient was diagnosed with apocrine cystadenoma of the axillary tail of the breast; complete excision cured the patient.

Objectif Les valves de l’urètre postérieur, cause la plus fréquente d’obstruction sous vésicale chez l’enfant, l’extravasation de l’urine (urinome) permet de protéger les reins pendant la vie fœtale. Sujet Nourrisson de sexe masculin âgé d’un mois, hospitalisé pour exploration d’une masse abdominale. A l’échographie masse retro péritonéale dans l’aire rénale de 10 cm de diamètre kystique sans dilatation des voix excrétrices. A la TDM énorme collection intra abdominale périrénale droite et postérieur avec dilatation associée des voix excrétrices. cystographie valve de l’urètre postérieure avec dilatation monstrueuse des deux uretères;fonction renale normale. le nourrisson a bénéficié d’une résection endoscopique de la valve. Résultats principaux L’urinome du à une valve de l’urètre postérieur est une collection d’urine, causé par une hyper-pression dans le système urinaire et constitue un mécanisme de protection du parenchyme rénale. l’herrance de notre diagnostic était due a la constatation d’un jet urinaire le plus souvent normal ; l’absence d’insuffisance rénale et les échographies n’objectivant pas de dilatation urétérale. Conclusions L’urinome péri-rénal est non exceptionnelle en présence d’une valve de l’urètre postérieur et permet la préservation de la fonction rénale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the retraction of the article "Luminal B tumors are the most frequent molecular subtype in breast cancer of North African women: an immunohistochemical profile study from Morocco," by Hinde El Fatemi and colleagues that was published in the 2012 issue.