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Sample records for pin1 determines parathyroid

  1. Complete determination of the Pin1 catalytic domain thermodynamic cycle by NMR lineshape analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Greenwood, Alexander I.; Rogals, Monique J.; De, Soumya; Lu, Kun Ping; Kovrigin, Evgenii L.; Nicholson, Linda K.

    2011-01-01

    The phosphorylation-specific peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1 catalyzes the isomerization of the peptide bond preceding a proline residue between cis and trans isomers. To best understand the mechanisms of Pin1 regulation, rigorous enzymatic assays of isomerization are required. However, most measures of isomerase activity require significant constraints on substrate sequence and only yield rate constants for the cis isomer, k cat cis and apparent Michaelis constants, K M App . By contrast, NMR lineshape analysis is a powerful tool for determining microscopic rates and populations of each state in a complex binding scheme. The isolated catalytic domain of Pin1 was employed as a first step towards elucidating the reaction scheme of the full-length enzyme. A 24-residue phosphopeptide derived from the amyloid precurser protein intracellular domain (AICD) phosphorylated at Thr668 served as a biologically-relevant Pin1 substrate. Specific 13 C labeling at the Pin1-targeted proline residue provided multiple reporters sensitive to individual isomer binding and on-enzyme catalysis. We have performed titration experiments and employed lineshape analysis of phosphopeptide 13 C– 1 H constant time HSQC spectra to determine k cat cis , k cat trans , K D cis , and K D trans for the catalytic domain of Pin1 acting on this AICD substrate. The on-enzyme equilibrium value of [E·trans]/[E·cis] = 3.9 suggests that the catalytic domain of Pin1 is optimized to operate on this substrate near equilibrium in the cellular context. This highlights the power of lineshape analysis for determining the microscopic parameters of enzyme catalysis, and demonstrates the feasibility of future studies of Pin1-PPIase mutants to gain insights on the catalytic mechanism of this important enzyme.

  2. Determination of hormone parathyroid by radioimmunoassay

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fisher-Ferraro, Catalina; Moos de Ephraim, Monica; Mautalen, Carlos; Mitta, A.E.A.

    1978-10-01

    The labelling of bovine parathyroid hormone and its employment for the determination of seric PTH by radioimmunoanalysis is described. The specific activity of 131 I PTH is 200-350mCi/mg and the damage 3-5%. The method used for radioimmunoanalysis was that of C.D. Arnaud and coworkers. (author) [es

  3. Tumour nuclear oestrogen receptor beta 1 correlates inversely with parathyroid tumour weight.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Haglund, Felix; Rosin, Gustaf; Nilsson, Inga-Lena; Juhlin, C Christofer; Pernow, Ylva; Norenstedt, Sophie; Dinets, Andrii; Larsson, Catharina; Hartman, Johan; Höög, Anders

    2015-03-01

    Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrinopathy, frequently caused by a parathyroid adenoma, rarely by a parathyroid carcinoma that lacks effective oncological treatment. As the majority of cases are present in postmenopausal women, oestrogen signalling has been implicated in the tumourigenesis. Oestrogen receptor beta 1 (ERB1) and ERB2 have been recently identified in parathyroid adenomas, the former inducing genes coupled to tumour apoptosis. We applied immunohistochemistry and slide digitalisation to quantify nuclear ERB1 and ERB2 in 172 parathyroid adenomas, atypical adenomas and carcinomas, and ten normal parathyroid glands. All the normal parathyroid glands expressed ERB1 and ERB2. The majority of tumours expressed ERB1 (70.6%) at varying intensities, and ERB2 (96.5%) at strong intensities. Parathyroid carcinomas expressed ERB1 in three out of six cases and ERB2 in five out of six cases. The intensity of tumour nuclear ERB1 staining significantly correlated inversely with tumour weight (P=0.011), and patients whose tumours were classified as ERB1-negative had significantly greater tumour weight as well as higher serum calcium (P=0.002) and parathyroid hormone levels (P=0.003). Additionally, tumour nuclear ERB1 was not expressed differentially with respect to sex or age of the patient. Levels of tumour nuclear ERB2 did not correlate with clinical characteristics. In conclusion, decreased ERB1 immunoreactivity is associated with increased tumour weight in parathyroid adenomas. Given the previously reported correlation with tumour-suppressive signalling, selective oestrogen receptor modulation (SERMs) may play a role in the treatment of parathyroid carcinomas. Future studies of SERMs and oestrogen treatment in PHPT should consider tumour weight as a potential factor in pharmacological responsiveness. © 2015 The authors.

  4. The PIN1 family gene PvPIN1 is involved in auxin-dependent root emergence and tillering in switchgrass

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    Kaijie Xu

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.; family Poaceae is a warm-season C4 perennial grass. Tillering plays an important role in determining the morphology of aboveground parts and the final biomass yield of switchgrass. Auxin distribution in plants can affect a variety of important growth and developmental processes, including the regulation of shoot and root branching, plant resistance and biological yield. Auxin transport and gradients in plants are mediated by influx and efflux carriers. PvPIN1, a switchgrass PIN1-like gene that is involved in regulating polar transport, is a putative auxin efflux carrier. Neighbor-joining analysis using sequences deposited in NCBI databases showed that the PvPIN1gene belongs to the PIN1 family and is evolutionarily closer to the Oryza sativa japonica group. Tiller emergence and development was significantly promoted in plants subjected toPvPIN1 RNA interference (RNAi, which yielded a phenotype similar to that of wild-type plants treated with the auxin transport inhibitor TIBA (2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid. A transgenic approach that inducedPvPIN1 gene overexpression or suppression altered tiller number and the shoot/root ratio. These data suggest that PvPIN1plays an important role in auxin-dependent adventitious root emergence and tillering.

  5. Direct demonstration of D1 dopamine receptors in the bovine parathyroid gland using the D1 selective antagonist [125I]-SCH 23982

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Monsma, F.J. Jr.; Sibley, D.R.

    1989-01-01

    The presence of D1 dopamine receptors in the parathyroid gland has been proposed based on the demonstration of dopaminergic regulation of adenylate cyclase activity and parathyroid hormone release in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. Using a radioiodinated D1 selective antagonist [125I]-SCH 23982, we have now directly labeled and characterized the D1 dopamine receptors in bovine parathyroid gland membranes. [125I]-SCH 23982 binds in a saturable manner with high affinity and low nonspecific binding to membranes prepared from bovine parathyroid glands. D1 dopamine receptors are present in this preparation at a concentration of approximately 130 fMoles/mg protein and [125I]-SCH 23982 binding increases with increasing protein concentration in a linear fashion. Determination of the Kd using the association (k1) and dissociation (k-1) rate constants revealed good agreement with the Kd determined by saturation analysis (390 pM vs. 682 pM, respectively). Inhibition of 0.3 nM [125I]-SCH 23982 binding by a series of dopaminergic antagonists verified the D1 nature of this binding site, exhibiting appropriate affinities and rank order of potency. The competition curves of all antagonists exhibited Hill coefficients that were not significantly different from 1. Inhibition of [125I]-SCH 23982 binding by dopamine and other dopaminergic agonists revealed the presence of high and low affinity agonist binding sites. Addition of 200 microM GppNHp effected a complete conversion of high affinity dopamine binding sites to a homogeneous population of low affinity dopamine sites. The D1 receptors identified in the parathyroid gland with [125I]-SCH 23982 appear to be pharmacologically identical with those previously characterized in the central nervous system

  6. Phosphorylation of conserved PIN motifs directs Arabidopsis PIN1 polarity and auxin transport

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Huang, F.; Kemel Zago, M.; Abas, L.; van Marion, A.; Galván-Ampudia, C.S.; Offringa, R.

    2010-01-01

    Polar cell-to-cell transport of auxin by plasma membrane-localized PIN-FORMED (PIN) auxin efflux carriers generates auxin gradients that provide positional information for various plant developmental processes. The apical-basal polar localization of the PIN proteins that determines the direction of

  7. Parathyroid mitogenic activity in plasma from patients with familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Brandi, M.L.; Aurbach, G.D.; Fitzpatrick, L.A.; Quarto, R.; Spiegel, A.M.; Bliziotes, M.M.; Norton, J.A.; Doppman, J.L.; Marx, S.J.

    1986-01-01

    Hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands is a central feature of familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1. We used cultured bovine parathyroid cells to test for mitogenic activity in plasma from patients with this disorder. Normal plasma stimulated [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation, on the average, to the same extent as it was stimulated in a plasma-free control culture. This contrasted with the results of the tests with plasma from patients with familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, in which parathyroid mitogenic activity increased 2400 percent over the control value (P less than 0.001). Plasma from these patients also stimulated the proliferation of bovine parathyroid cells in culture, whereas plasma from normal subjects inhibited it. Parathyroid mitogenic activity in plasma from the patients with familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 was greater than that in plasma from patients with various other disorders, including sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism (with adenoma, hyperplasia, or cancer of the parathyroid), sporadic primary hypergastrinemia, sporadic pituitary tumor, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (P less than 0.05). Parathyroid mitogenic activity in the plasma of patients with familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 persisted for up to four years after total parathyroidectomy. The plasma also had far more mitogenic activity in cultures of parathyroid cells than did optimal concentrations of known growth factors or of any parathyroid secretagogue. This mitogenic activity had an apparent molecular weight of 50,000 to 55,000. We conclude that primary hyperparathyroidism in familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 may have a humoral cause

  8. Giant parathyroid adenoma: differential aspects compared to parathyroid carcinoma

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    Marta Araujo Castro

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available The 85% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT are due to parathyroid adenomas (PA and less than 1% to parathyroid carcinomas (PC. The PA usually measure <2 cm, weigh <1 g and generate a mild PHPT, whereas the PC usually exceeds these dimensions and are associated with a severe PHPT. However, giant PA (GPA, which is defined as those larger than 3 g, has been documented. Those may be associated with very high levels of PTH and calcium. In these cases, their differentiation before and after surgery with PC is very difficult. We present a case of severe PHPT associated with a large parathyroid lesion, and we discuss the differential aspects between the GPA and PC.

  9. Effects of prostaglandin E/sub 1/ on the metabolism in rat parathyroid gland in vitro

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Licata, A A [Rochester Univ., NY (USA). School of Medicine and Dentistry; Au, W Y [Arkansas Univ., Little Rock (USA); Vera, J; Bartter, F C [National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (USA)

    1979-01-04

    Some effects of prostaglandin E/sub 1/ on the metabolism of rat parathyroid glands have been investigated using a culture system containing basal Eagle's medium supplemented with 5-10% heat-inactivated rat serum. Rat parathyroid glands incorporate (/sup 3/H)fucose and /sup 14/C-labeled amino acids into cellular glycoproteins and secrete some of these into the culture medium. Gel filtration chromatography separates these glycoproteins into three classes, the smallest of which (peak 3) is secreted with immunoreactive parathyroid hormone. In cultures of 48 h, prostaglandin E/sub 1/ (1 ..mu..g/ml) specifically inhibits the secretion of peak 3 and of parathyroid hormone but has no effect on the incorporation of (/sup 3/H)-fucose, /sup 14/C-labeled amino acids, or (/sup 3/H)uridine into parathyroid glands. Cytochalasin B inhibits the secretion of parathyroid hormone and the incorporation of isotopic fucose and amino acids. Cortisol stimulates incorporation of (/sup 3/H)fucose and the secretion of parathyroid hormone even in the presence of inhibitory doses of prostaglandin E/sub 1/. It is concluded that, in organ culture, prostaglandin E/sub 1/ inhibits the secretion of parathyroid hormone and of a specific glycoprotein the function of which may be related to the secretion of the hormone.

  10. Immunohistochemical expression of Insulin-like growth factor-1, Transforming growth factor-beta1, and Vascular endothelial growth factor in parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia

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    Hamide Sayar

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF are commonly studied growth factors, but little data are available on the immunohistochemical expression of these factors in parathyroid lesions. Materials and Methods: Tissue specimens from 36 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (P-HPT (26 adenomas and 10 primary hyperplasias were examined. Normal parathyroid tissue adjacent to the adenoma or area of hyperplasia was used as control tissue. Preoperative laboratory testing [serum Ca and P, creatinine and parathormone levels (PTH] which led to the diagnosis of P-HPT had been performed, the size and weight of the parathyroid glands measured, and postoperative serum PTH levels determined. Paraffin-embedded parathyroid tissue specimens were stained with antibodies to IGF-1, VEGF, and TGF-β1 using standard immunohistochemical procedures. Results: IGF-1 immunoreactivity was seen in 50% of hyperplasia and in 46% of adenoma samples, but in 87% of normal parathyroid tissue in the vicinity of the adenomas (P = 0.005. TGF-β1 immunoreactivity was observed in 90% of hyperplasia, in 92% of adenoma samples, and in 95% of normal tissues around adenomas. VEGF immunoreactivity was observed in 70% of hyperplastic and 65% of adenomatous tissues, as well as in 54% of normal tissues in the vicinity of the adenoma. No significant differences in the expression of IGF-1, TGF-β1, and VEGF were observed between primary adenomas compared to hyperplasia samples (P > 0.05. Conclusions: Parathyroid tissue is clearly a site for production of IGF-1, TGF-β1, and VEGF. IGF-1 receptor activity was higher in normal parathyroid tissue compared to hyperplastic and adenomatous tissue.

  11. Overexpression of PvPin1, a Bamboo Homolog of PIN1-Type Parvulin 1, Delays Flowering Time in Transgenic Arabidopsis and Rice

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    Zhigang Zheng

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available Because of the long and unpredictable flowering period in bamboo, the molecular mechanism of bamboo flowering is unclear. Recent study showed that Arabidopsis PIN1-type parvulin 1 (Pin1At is an important floral activator and regulates floral transition by facilitating the cis/trans isomerization of the phosphorylated Ser/Thr residues preceding proline motifs in suppressor of overexpression of CO 1 (SOC1 and agamous-like 24 (AGL24. Whether bamboo has a Pin1 homolog and whether it works in bamboo flowering are still unknown. In this study, we cloned PvPin1, a homolog of Pin1At, from Phyllostachys violascens (Bambusoideae. Bioinformatics analysis showed that PvPin1 is closely related to Pin1-like proteins in monocots. PvPin1 was widely expressed in all tested bamboo tissues, with the highest expression in young leaf and lowest in floral bud. Moreover, PvPin1 expression was high in leaves before bamboo flowering then declined during flower development. Overexpression of PvPin1 significantly delayed flowering time by downregulating SOC1 and AGL24 expression in Arabidopsis under greenhouse conditions and conferred a significantly late flowering phenotype by upregulating OsMADS56 in rice under field conditions. PvPin1 showed subcellular localization in both the nucleus and cytolemma. The 1500-bp sequence of the PvPin1 promoter was cloned, and cis-acting element prediction showed that ABRE and TGACG-motif elements, which responded to abscisic acid (ABA and methyl jasmonate (MeJA, respectively, were characteristic of P. violascens in comparison with Arabidopsis. On promoter activity analysis, exogenous ABA and MeJA could significantly inhibit PvPin1 expression. These findings suggested that PvPin1 may be a repressor in flowering, and its delay of flowering time could be regulated by ABA and MeJA in bamboo.

  12. Overexpression of PvPin1, a Bamboo Homolog of PIN1-Type Parvulin 1, Delays Flowering Time in Transgenic Arabidopsis and Rice.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zheng, Zhigang; Yang, Xiaoming; Fu, Yaping; Zhu, Longfei; Wei, Hantian; Lin, Xinchun

    2017-01-01

    Because of the long and unpredictable flowering period in bamboo, the molecular mechanism of bamboo flowering is unclear. Recent study showed that Arabidopsis PIN1-type parvulin 1 (Pin1At) is an important floral activator and regulates floral transition by facilitating the cis/trans isomerization of the phosphorylated Ser/Thr residues preceding proline motifs in suppressor of overexpression of CO 1 (SOC1) and agamous-like 24 (AGL24). Whether bamboo has a Pin1 homolog and whether it works in bamboo flowering are still unknown. In this study, we cloned PvPin1 , a homolog of Pin1At , from Phyllostachys violascens (Bambusoideae). Bioinformatics analysis showed that PvPin1 is closely related to Pin1-like proteins in monocots. PvPin1 was widely expressed in all tested bamboo tissues, with the highest expression in young leaf and lowest in floral bud. Moreover, PvPin1 expression was high in leaves before bamboo flowering then declined during flower development. Overexpression of PvPin1 significantly delayed flowering time by downregulating SOC1 and AGL24 expression in Arabidopsis under greenhouse conditions and conferred a significantly late flowering phenotype by upregulating OsMADS56 in rice under field conditions. PvPin1 showed subcellular localization in both the nucleus and cytolemma. The 1500-bp sequence of the PvPin1 promoter was cloned, and cis -acting element prediction showed that ABRE and TGACG-motif elements, which responded to abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), respectively, were characteristic of P. violascens in comparison with Arabidopsis . On promoter activity analysis, exogenous ABA and MeJA could significantly inhibit PvPin1 expression. These findings suggested that PvPin1 may be a repressor in flowering, and its delay of flowering time could be regulated by ABA and MeJA in bamboo.

  13. Cryopreservation of Parathyroid Glands

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    Marlon A. Guerrero

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available The risk of permanent hypoparathyroidism following thyroid and parathyroid surgery is around 1% in the hands of experienced endocrine surgeons. Although this complication is rare, rendering a patient permanently aparathyroid has significant consequences on the health and quality of life of the patient. Immediate autotransplantation of parathyroid glands that are injured or unintentionally removed offers the best possibility of graft viability and functionality. However, since the majority of cases of hypoparathyroidism are transient, immediate autotransplantation can complicate postoperative surveillance in certain patients, especially those with primary hyperparathyroidism. Cryopreservation of parathyroid tissue is an alternate technique that was developed to treat patients with permanent hypoparathyroidism. This method allows for parathyroid tissue to be stored and then autotransplanted in a delayed fashion once permanent hypoparathyroidism is confirmed. This article provides a contemporary review on cryopreservation of parathyroid tissue and its current role in thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

  14. The role of menin in parathyroid tumorigenesis.

    LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

    Davenport, Colin

    2009-01-01

    Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common disorder that involves the pathological enlargement of one or more parathyroid glands resulting in excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The exact pathogenesis of this disease remains to be fully understood. In recent years interest has focussed on the interaction between menin protein and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta\\/Smad signalling pathway. In vitro experimentation has demonstrated that the presence of menin is required for TGF-beta to effectively inhibit parathyroid cell proliferation and PTH production. This observation correlates with the almost universal occurrence of parathyroid tumors accompanying the inactivation of menin in multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) syndrome and the high rate of somatic menin gene mutations seen in sporadic parathyroid adenomas. This chapter aims to review the role of menin in primary hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid hormone-regulation, including the influences of MEN1 gene mutations on parathyroid cell proliferation, differentiation and tumorigenesis.

  15. A Case of Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma at an Unexpected Location

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    Halil ibrahim Tasci

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available Ectopic parathyroid tissue can be seen at any location from the mandibula to the mediastinum. The main problem in parathyroid surgery are determination of these ectopic parathyroid tissues' location and their resection. About 1-2% of patients with hyperparathyroidism have a deep mediastinal located parathyroid and transsternal or transthoracic approach should have to be employed most of the time. A 63-year-old female patient, presenting with widespread joint pain and fatigue complaints going on for about a year, was diagnosed with parathyroid adenoma in the mediastinal area as shown by the results of analyses conducted upon the detection of high levels of calcium and parathormone. Accordingly she was taken into surgery with a cervical incision and adenoma in a posterior localization in the carotid artery sheath on the upper mediastinum was seen. The patient, whose calcium, phosphor, and parathormone levels returned to normal levels following the surgery, was discharged with no problems on post-op day 2. Consequently, parathyroid is a tissue whose atypical localization is quite frequent. Nevertheless, atypical localized parathyroid surgeries can be performed by experienced surgeons without having to resort to a secondary procedure with minimally invasive methods with the contribution of localization studies before and/or during the procedure. [Cukurova Med J 2015; 40(Suppl 1: 127-130

  16. Relationship between parathyroid mass and parathyroid hormone level in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

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    Fang, Li; Tang, Bing; Hou, Dawei; Meng, Meijuan; Xiong, Mingxia; Yang, Junwei

    2015-06-10

    To evaluate the influence of parathyroid mass on the regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion, we investigated the relationship between the resected parathyroid gland in total parathyroidectomy and the parathyroid hormone level in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. From January 2009 to July 2014, 223 patients undergoing total parathyroidectomy were included. The size and the weight of parathyroid gland were measured during the operation. 874 parathyroid glands were removed. A positive correlation was identified between the size and the weight of resected parathyroid glands. We found that both the preoperative PTH and the reduction of PTH were significantly correlated with the size and the weight of parathyroid glands in a positive manner. However, in the subgroup of patients with PTH < 1000 pg/ml, no significant correlation was found. Larger parathyroid gland secretes more PTH and high level of serum PTH usually indicated that surgical removal might be required. However, since PTH levels could be influenced by the pharmaceutical drug, the large size of parathyroid gland might be used as a much more appropriate guide that indicates the requirement of surgery treatment even when the parathyroid hormone was less than 1000 pg/ml.

  17. Experimental determination of the local heat transfer coefficient in a closely packed pin arrangement

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Moeller, S.V.

    1982-09-01

    The determination of the heat transfer coefficient of the pins of the Spallation Neutron Source is a very important problem for the development of this facility, as data for thermal and structural studies. For this purpose, a test apparatus was built, in scale 1:1, for the simulation of the thermal and hydraulical conditions of the Neutron Source. This apparatus is a pin bank, with one of the pins electrically heated. Performance of measurements gave the values for the heat transfer coefficient, here presented in the Nusselt Number form, and its local distribution. Results show the linear dependence of Nusselt Number on Reynolds Number, for a constant heat production. (orig.) [de

  18. Association of Parathyroid Gland Biopsy Excision Technique With Ex Vivo Radiation Counts During Radioguided Parathyroid Surgery.

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    Hinson, Andrew M; Lawson, Bradley R; Franco, Aime T; Stack, Brendan C

    2017-06-01

    Parathyroid biopsy represents a means for normal and hyperfunctional glands to be distinguished intraoperatively. However, no data exist to guide surgeons regarding how much of a parathyroid gland must be biopsied to satisfy the 20% rule. To quantify the relative proportion of a hyperfunctional parathyroid gland that must be evaluated with the gamma probe to satisfy the 20% rule. A retrospective review of surgical data for 24 consecutive patients (16 women, 18 men; mean [SD] age, 66.6 [10] years; range, 51-83 years) who underwent surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism between May and October, 2015, in a tertieary academic medical center. Extirpated parathyroid glands were sectioned into parallel or pie-shaped biopsies and evaluated ex vivo with a gamma probe to determine what percentage of a hyperfunctional gland must be sampled to meet the Norman 20% rule. The hypothesis was formulated during data collection. In total, 253 ex vivo biopsy specimens were obtained from 33 surgically removed parathyroid glands. Parathyroid biopsies satisfied the 20% rule with an accuracy that depended on the relative proportion of the parent gland represented: half or more (96.6%; 95% CI, 91.7%-100.0%), a quarter to one-half (87.0%; 95% CI, 79.3%-94.7%), less than a quarter (63.6%; 95% CI, 54.5%-72.8%). When less than a quarter of the gland was removed, pie-shaped biopsies were more likely to satisfy the 20% rule compared with parallel biopsies of the same weight (78.4% vs 56.2%; absolute difference, 22.2%; 95% CI, 4.7%-39.7%). Unless half of a parathyroid gland is biopsied during radioguided parathyroidectomy, the 20% rule cannot reliably rule out the presence of a hyperfunctional parathyroid lesion. Pie-shaped biopsies originating from the center of the gland are associated with a lower rate of false-negative results compared with peripheral biopsies of similar size. Pie-shaped biopsies and biopsy of half or more of each nonexcised parathyroid gland for ex vivo counts may increase

  19. Intraoperative nuclear guidance in benign hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid cancer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bonjer, H.J.; Bruining, H.A.; Pols, H.A.P.; Herder, W.W. de; Eijck, C.H.J.; Breeman, W.A.P.; Krenning, E.P.

    1997-01-01

    The success of parathyroid surgery is determined by the identification and removal of all hyperactive parathyroid tissue. Ectopic location of parathyroid tumours and fibrosis due to previous operations can cause failure of parathyroidectomy. Parathyroid tumours accumulate and retain 2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) labelled with technetium-99m. This study assesses the value of intra-operative localization of parathyroid tumours using a hand-held gamma detector in patients with hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid cancer. Twenty patients undergoing their first operations for hyperparathyroidism, 15 patients undergoing reoperations for either persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism and two patients with parathyroid cancer were studied. Radioactivity in the neck and the mediastinum was recorded by a gamma detector after administration of 370 MBq 99m Tc-MIBI. Surgical findings and postoperative serum levels of calcium were documented. The sensitivity of the gamma detector in identifying parathyroid tumours was 90.5% in first parathyroidectomies, 88.9% in reoperations for either persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism and 100% in parathyroid cancer. One false-positive result was due to a thyroid nodule. Hypercalcaemia ceased in all but one patient postoperatively. It is concluded that employment of the gamma detector is to be advocated in first parathyroidectomies when a parathyroid tumour cannot be discovered, in reoperations for either persistent or recurrent hyperparathyroidism and in surgery for parathyroid cancer. (orig.)

  20. Hypothyroidism associated with parathyroid disorders.

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    Mantovani, Giovanna; Elli, Francesca Marta; Corbetta, Sabrina

    2017-03-01

    Hypothyroidism may occur in association with congenital parathyroid disorders determining parathyroid hormone insufficiency, which is characterized by hypocalcemia and concomitant inappropriately low secretion of parathormone (PTH). The association is often due to loss of function of genes common to thyroid and parathyroid glands embryonic development. Hypothyroidism associated with hypoparathyroidism is generally mild and not associated with goiter; moreover, it is usually part of a multisystemic involvement not restricted to endocrine function as occurs in patients with 22q11 microdeletion/DiGeorge syndrome, the most frequent disorders. Hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism may also follow endocrine glands' damages due to autoimmunity or chronic iron overload in thalassemic disorders, both genetically determined conditions. Finally, besides PTH deficiency, hypocalcemia can be due to PTH resistance in pseudohypoparathyroidism; when hormone resistance is generalized, patients can suffer from hypothyroidism due to TSH resistance. In evaluating patients with hypothyroidism and hypocalcemia, physical examination and clinical history are essential to drive the diagnostic process, while routine genetic screening is not recommended. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Parathyroid Cancer—Health Professional Version

    Science.gov (United States)

    Parathyroid cancer often presents as a benign adenoma, though malignant carcinomas are possible. Parathyroid adenomas represent a common endocrine problem, whereas parathyroid carcinomas are very rare tumors. Find evidence-based information on parathyroid cancer treatment.

  2. Determination of calcitonin and the parathyroid hormone in blood serum for diagnosis of tumor metastases to the skeleton

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Smirnov, Yu.N.

    1986-01-01

    Calcitonin and parathyroid hormone were determined using a radioimmunoassay in the blood serum of lung, breast and kidney cancer patients who had undergone combined treatment for major disease, healthy males, patients with spinal tuberculosis and patients with eosinophilic granuloma of the cranial bones. A significant rise of the calsitonin level and change in the ratio of calcitonin and the parathyroid hormone were established in the blood serum of patients with tumor metastases to the skeleton, spinal tuberculosis and eosiniphilic cranial granuloma. During cancer patients monitoring the determination of calcitonin is recommended as a screening test for sceletal metastases to select patients for γ-topographic investigation

  3. Mediastinum Ectopic Parathyroid Adenoma Localized by Sestamibi-SPECT and

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mazilu, C.; Mititelu, R.; Ghita, S.; Rimbu, A.; Marinescu, G.; Mazilu, A.; Codorean, I.

    2006-01-01

    Full text: Objective: Localizing of ectopic parathyroid adenomas, mainly of those located at large distal from cervical anterior region is very difficult by imaging methods, due to reduced number of specific imaging features. Material and Method: We present the case of a patient with hyper functional parathyroid tissue located in anterior mediastinum, detected by using nuclear medicine techniques (planar imaging and 99-m-Tc-Sestamibi) and CT with contrast agent. Results and discussions: Parathyroid scintigraphic imaging with metabolic radiotracer (99-m-Tc-Sestamibi) have shown normal uptake in thyroid area but shown a focal area with increased uptake in anterior mediastinum, on early and late planar images, transverse, sagittal and coronal SPECT images and on 3D reconstruction, suggesting the presence of ectopic parathyroid adenoma, which correlated with symptoms and laboratory analysis (high-modified values of PTH, Urinary Ca, Normal serum Ca). Thyroid ultrasonography normal aspect. CT native and with contrast agent showed remnant thymic tissue (?), pre-aortic anterior mediastinum nodule; normal thyroid aspect. Correlating this data was established the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism due to mediastinum ectopic parathyroid adenoma. Surgical intervention showed intra thymic nodular process, well-defined, with 1 cm diameter in right thymic lobe. Thymectomy was realized. AP exam confirmed diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma. Post surgical determination of serum, urinary and PTH showed normalization of these values. Conclusions: In assessing parathyroid adenomas, mainly with ectopic location, combination of morphologic and functional techniques allows an accurate location of these processes, ensuring a correct diagnosis, adequate therapeutical management and optimal long-term prognosis for patient. (author)

  4. Parathyroid diseases and animal models.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Imanishi, Yasuo; Nagata, Yuki; Inaba, Masaaki

    2012-01-01

    CIRCULATING CALCIUM AND PHOSPHATE ARE TIGHTLY REGULATED BY THREE HORMONES: the active form of vitamin D (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D), fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH acts to stimulate a rapid increment in serum calcium and has a crucial role in calcium homeostasis. Major target organs of PTH are kidney and bone. The oversecretion of the hormone results in hypercalcemia, caused by increased intestinal calcium absorption, reduced renal calcium clearance, and mobilization of calcium from bone in primary hyperparathyroidism. In chronic kidney disease, secondary hyperparathyroidism of uremia is observed in its early stages, and this finally develops into the autonomous secretion of PTH during maintenance hemodialysis. Receptors in parathyroid cells, such as the calcium-sensing receptor, vitamin D receptor, and FGF receptor (FGFR)-Klotho complex have crucial roles in the regulation of PTH secretion. Genes such as Cyclin D1, RET, MEN1, HRPT2, and CDKN1B have been identified in parathyroid diseases. Genetically engineered animals with these receptors and the associated genes have provided us with valuable information on the patho-physiology of parathyroid diseases. The application of these animal models is significant for the development of new therapies.

  5. Normal Parathyroid Function with Decreased Bone Mineral Density in Treated Celiac Disease

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    Bernard Lemieux

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available Decreased bone mineral density (BMD has been reported in patients with celiac disease in association with secondary hyperparathyroidism. The present study investigated whether basal parathyroid hormone (PTH remained elevated and whether abnormalities of parathyroid function were still present in celiac disease patients treated with a gluten-free diet. Basal seric measurements of calcium and phosphate homeostasis and BMD were obtained in 17 biopsy-proven patients under treatment for a mean period of 5.7±3.7 years (range 1.1 to 15.9. In addition, parathyroid function was studied with calcium chloride and sodium citrate infusions in seven patients. Basal measurements of patients were compared with those of 26 normal individuals, while parathyroid function results were compared with those of seven sex- and age-matched controls. Basal results were similar in patients and controls except for intact PTH (I-PTH (3.77±0.88 pmol/L versus 2.28±0.63 pmol/L, P<0.001, which was higher in the former group but still within normal limits. Mean 25-hydroxy vitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D values were normal in patients. Parathyroid function results were also found to be similar in both groups. Compared with a reference population of the same age (Z score, patients had significantly lower BMDs of the hip (-0.60±0.96 SDs, P<0.05 and lumbar spine (-0.76±1.15 SDs, P<0.05. T scores were also decreased for the hip (-1.3±0.9 SDs, P<0.0001 and lumbar spine (-1.4±1.35 SDs, P<0.0001, with two to three patients being osteoporotic (T score less than -2.5 SDs and seven to eight osteopenic (T score less than -1 SDs but greater than or equal to -2.5 SDs in at least one site. Height and weight were the only important determinants of BMD values by multivariate or logistical regression analysis in these patients. The results show higher basal I-PTH values with normal parathyroid function in treated celiac disease. Height and weight values are, but I-PTH values are not

  6. [Usefullness of intraoperatory parathyroid hormone measurement in surgical management of primary hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Obiols, Gabriel; Catalán, Roberto; Alasà, Cristian; Baena, Juan Antonio; Fort, José Manuel; Gémar, Enrique; Mesa, Jordi

    2003-09-13

    Surgical neck exploration of the 4 parathyroid glands is quite an aggressive procedure for most patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to a parathyroid adenoma. Intraoperatory measurement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) seems to be a useful tool for the management of these cases, allowing the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques with a lower morbidity. Our aims was to assess the usefulness of PTH intraoperatory measurement for the surgical management of PHPT. We studied 27 consecutive patients, diagnosed with PHPT secondary to parathyroid adenoma. Localization studies included neck ultrasonography and Tc-MIBI scintigraphy. PTH at the stage of anesthesia induction as well as 5 and 10 minutes after the removal of the adenoma was determined. A PTH decrement greater than 50% at 10 minutes was considered as curative. PTH was measured by an immunoluminometric method (Advantage, Nichols). In all cases, calcium levels were normal 24 hours after the operation, and therefore all them were considered as cured. PTH levels decreased more than 50% in all patients. In one case, PTH levels remained high after the exeresis of a preoperatively localized lesion. The pathologic study confirmed that it was a normal parathyroid gland. We then continued the surgical exploration which eventually allowed us to find a contralateral adenoma. A further PTH measurement showed an over 50% decrease. Therefore, PTH was predictive of surgical success in all 28 measurements. Intraoperatory determination of PTH is useful for the surgical management of PHPT and it could allow the use of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

  7. A case report: Giant cystic parathyroid adenoma presenting with parathyroid crisis after Vitamin D replacement.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Asghar, Ali; Ikram, Mubasher; Islam, Najmul

    2012-07-28

    Parathyroid adenoma with cystic degeneration is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. The clinical and biochemical presentation may mimic parathyroid carcinoma. We report the case of a 55 year old lady, who had longstanding history of depression and acid peptic disease. Serum calcium eight months prior to presentation was slightly high, but she was never worked up. She was found to be Vitamin D deficient while being investigated for generalized body aches. A month after she was replaced with Vitamin D, she presented to us with parathyroid crisis. Her corrected serum calcium was 23.0 mg/dL. She had severe gastrointestinal symptoms and acute kidney injury. She had unexplained consistent hypokalemia until surgery. Neck ultrasound and CT scan revealed giant parathyroid cyst extending into the mediastinum. After initial medical management for parathyroid crisis, parathyroid cystic adenoma was surgically excised. Her serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, creatinine and potassium levels normalized after surgery. This case of parathyroid crisis, with very high serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels, is a rare presentation of parathyroid adenoma with cystic degeneration. This case also highlights that Vitamin D replacement may unmask subclinical hyperparathyroidism. Consistent hypokalemia until surgery merits research into its association with hypercalcemia.

  8. Loss of Pin1 Suppresses Hedgehog-Driven Medulloblastoma Tumorigenesis

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    Tao Xu

    2017-03-01

    Full Text Available Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. Therapeutic approaches to medulloblastoma (combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have led to significant improvements, but these are achieved at a high cost to quality of life. Alternative therapeutic approaches are needed. Genetic mutations leading to the activation of the Hedgehog pathway drive tumorigenesis in ~30% of medulloblastoma. In a yeast two-hybrid proteomic screen, we discovered a novel interaction between GLI1, a key transcription factor for the mediation of Hedgehog signals, and PIN1, a peptidylprolyl cis/trans isomerase that regulates the postphosphorylation fate of its targets. The GLI1/PIN1 interaction was validated by reciprocal pulldowns using epitope-tagged proteins in HEK293T cells as well as by co-immunoprecipiations of the endogenous proteins in a medulloblastoma cell line. Our results support a molecular model in which PIN1 promotes GLI1 protein abundance, thus contributing to the positive regulation of Hedgehog signals. Most importantly, in vivo functional analyses of Pin1 in the GFAP-tTA;TRE-SmoA1 mouse model of Hedgehog-driven medulloblastoma demonstrate that the loss of Pin1 impairs tumor development and dramatically increases survival. In summary, the discovery of the GLI1/PIN1 interaction uncovers PIN1 as a novel therapeutic target in Hedgehog-driven medulloblastoma tumorigenesis.

  9. Reduced-Amide Inhibitor of Pin1 Binds in a Conformation Resembling a Twisted-Amide Transition State†

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Guoyan G.; Zhang, Yan; Mercedes-Camacho, Ana Y.; Etzkorn, Felicia A.

    2011-01-01

    The mechanism of the cell cycle regulatory peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PPIase), Pin1, was investigated using reduced-amide inhibitors designed to mimic the twisted-amide transition state. Inhibitors, R–pSer–Ψ[CH2N]–Pro–2-(indol-3-yl)-ethylamine, 1 (R = fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl, Fmoc), and 2 (R = Ac), of Pin1 were synthesized and bioassayed. Inhibitor 1 had an IC50 value of 6.3 μM, which is 4.5-fold better inhibition for Pin1 than our comparable ground state analogue, a cis-amide alkene isostere containing inhibitor. The change of Fmoc to Ac in 2 improved aqueous solubility for structural determination, and resulted in an IC50 value of 12 μM. The X-ray structure of the complex of 2 bound to Pin1 was determined to 1.76 Å resolution. The structure revealed that the reduced amide adopted a conformation similar to the proposed twisted-amide transition state of Pin1, with a trans-pyrrolidine conformation of the prolyl ring. A similar conformation of substrate would be destabilized relative to the planar amide conformation. Three additional reduced amides, with Thr replacing Ser, and l- or d-pipecolate (Pip) replacing Pro, were slightly weaker inhibitors of Pin1. PMID:21980916

  10. Management and surgical treatment of parathyroid crisis secondary to parathyroid tumors: report of four cases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ameerudden, Shakil; He, Xianghui

    2011-01-01

    Parathyroid crisis, also known as a parathyroid storm, is a rare and serious complication of primary hyperparathyroidism. Four cases are reported here in which patients presented to hospital with general complaints due to hypercalcemia secondary to hyperparathyroidism. Blood test results upon admission showed high levels of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone, and medical treatment initiated to lower the calcium level was ineffective. After relevant investigations, each patient underwent surgical exploration of the parathyroid glands, followed by excision of a pathological parathyroid tumor. There was a prompt decrease in parathyroid hormone level immediately after surgery. Histology reports revealed that patients had parathyroid adenoma. All patients recovered after surgery, with serum calcium levels restored back to normal and with resolution of all symptoms of hypercalcemia. This report illustrates how often this disease is initially misdiagnosed, and how prompt appropriate surgical treatment provides the best outcome for the patient.

  11. Phosphorylation of Ribosomal Protein S6 Mediates Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1-Induced Parathyroid Cell Proliferation in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Volovelsky, Oded; Cohen, Gili; Kenig, Ariel; Wasserman, Gilad; Dreazen, Avigail; Meyuhas, Oded; Silver, Justin; Naveh-Many, Tally

    2016-04-01

    Secondary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by increased serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level and parathyroid cell proliferation. However, the molecular pathways mediating the increased parathyroid cell proliferation remain undefined. Here, we found that the mTOR pathway was activated in the parathyroid of rats with secondary hyperparathyroidism induced by either chronic hypocalcemia or uremia, which was measured by increased phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), a downstream target of the mTOR pathway. This activation correlated with increased parathyroid cell proliferation. Inhibition of mTOR complex 1 by rapamycin decreased or prevented parathyroid cell proliferation in secondary hyperparathyroidism rats and in vitro in uremic rat parathyroid glands in organ culture. Knockin rpS6(p-/-) mice, in which rpS6 cannot be phosphorylated because of substitution of all five phosphorylatable serines with alanines, had impaired PTH secretion after experimental uremia- or folic acid-induced AKI. Uremic rpS6(p-/-) mice had no increase in parathyroid cell proliferation compared with a marked increase in uremic wild-type mice. These results underscore the importance of mTOR activation and rpS6 phosphorylation for the pathogenesis of secondary hyperparathyroidism and indicate that mTORC1 is a significant regulator of parathyroid cell proliferation through rpS6. Copyright © 2016 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  12. The management of acute parathyroid crisis secondary to parathyroid carcinoma: a case report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    O'Malley Diarmuid

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Introduction Hypercalcaemic hyperparathyroid crisis is a rare but life-threatening complication of primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy with an incidence of 0.5% to 4% of all reported cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Case presentation We report the case of a 60-year-old Caucasian man with hypercalcaemic hyperparathyroid crisis associated with parathyroid carcinoma. He presented with a classic hypercalcaemic syndrome and his serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were at 4.65 mmol/L and 1743 ng/L, respectively. He initially presented with a two-week history of weakness and lethargy and a one-week history of vomiting, polyuria and polydipsia. An emergency left thyroid lobectomy and left lower parathyroidectomy were performed. There was a prompt decrease in his parathyroid hormone level immediately after surgery. Histology revealed that our patient had a 4-cm parathyroid carcinoma. Conclusion In patients with parathyroid carcinoma, the optimal surgical treatment is en bloc resection with ipsilateral thyroid lobectomy and removal of any enlarged or abnormal lymph nodes. Surgery is the only curative treatment. In our patient, prompt surgical intervention proved successful. At six months the patient is well with no evidence of disease recurrence. This case highlights the importance of considering a hyperparathyroid storm in the context of a parathyroid carcinoma. Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare entity and our knowledge is mainly derived from case reports and retrospective studies. This case report increases awareness of this serious and life-threatening complication. This report also illustrates how prompt and appropriate management provides the best outcome for the patient.

  13. The management of acute parathyroid crisis secondary to parathyroid carcinoma: a case report.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rock, Kathy; Fattah, Nariman; O'Malley, Diarmuid; McDermott, Enda

    2010-01-29

    Hypercalcaemic hyperparathyroid crisis is a rare but life-threatening complication of primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy with an incidence of 0.5% to 4% of all reported cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. We report the case of a 60-year-old Caucasian man with hypercalcaemic hyperparathyroid crisis associated with parathyroid carcinoma. He presented with a classic hypercalcaemic syndrome and his serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were at 4.65 mmol/L and 1743 ng/L, respectively. He initially presented with a two-week history of weakness and lethargy and a one-week history of vomiting, polyuria and polydipsia. An emergency left thyroid lobectomy and left lower parathyroidectomy were performed. There was a prompt decrease in his parathyroid hormone level immediately after surgery. Histology revealed that our patient had a 4-cm parathyroid carcinoma. In patients with parathyroid carcinoma, the optimal surgical treatment is en bloc resection with ipsilateral thyroid lobectomy and removal of any enlarged or abnormal lymph nodes. Surgery is the only curative treatment. In our patient, prompt surgical intervention proved successful. At six months the patient is well with no evidence of disease recurrence. This case highlights the importance of considering a hyperparathyroid storm in the context of a parathyroid carcinoma. Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare entity and our knowledge is mainly derived from case reports and retrospective studies. This case report increases awareness of this serious and life-threatening complication. This report also illustrates how prompt and appropriate management provides the best outcome for the patient.

  14. The management of acute parathyroid crisis secondary to parathyroid carcinoma: a case report.

    LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

    Rock, Kathy

    2010-01-01

    ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: Hypercalcaemic hyperparathyroid crisis is a rare but life-threatening complication of primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy with an incidence of 0.5% to 4% of all reported cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 60-year-old Caucasian man with hypercalcaemic hyperparathyroid crisis associated with parathyroid carcinoma. He presented with a classic hypercalcaemic syndrome and his serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were at 4.65 mmol\\/L and 1743 ng\\/L, respectively. He initially presented with a two-week history of weakness and lethargy and a one-week history of vomiting, polyuria and polydipsia. An emergency left thyroid lobectomy and left lower parathyroidectomy were performed. There was a prompt decrease in his parathyroid hormone level immediately after surgery. Histology revealed that our patient had a 4-cm parathyroid carcinoma. CONCLUSION: In patients with parathyroid carcinoma, the optimal surgical treatment is en bloc resection with ipsilateral thyroid lobectomy and removal of any enlarged or abnormal lymph nodes. Surgery is the only curative treatment. In our patient, prompt surgical intervention proved successful. At six months the patient is well with no evidence of disease recurrence. This case highlights the importance of considering a hyperparathyroid storm in the context of a parathyroid carcinoma. Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare entity and our knowledge is mainly derived from case reports and retrospective studies. This case report increases awareness of this serious and life-threatening complication. This report also illustrates how prompt and appropriate management provides the best outcome for the patient.

  15. A reduced-amide inhibitor of Pin1 binds in a conformation resembling a twisted-amide transition state.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Guoyan G; Zhang, Yan; Mercedes-Camacho, Ana Y; Etzkorn, Felicia A

    2011-11-08

    The mechanism of the cell cycle regulatory peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PPIase), Pin1, was investigated using reduced-amide inhibitors designed to mimic the twisted-amide transition state. Inhibitors, R-pSer-Ψ[CH(2)N]-Pro-2-(indol-3-yl)ethylamine, 1 [R = fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc)] and 2 (R = Ac), of Pin1 were synthesized and bioassayed. Inhibitor 1 had an IC(50) value of 6.3 μM, which is 4.5-fold better for Pin1 than our comparable ground-state analogue, a cis-amide alkene isostere-containing inhibitor. The change of Fmoc to Ac in 2 improved aqueous solubility for structural determination and resulted in an IC(50) value of 12 μM. The X-ray structure of the complex of 2 bound to Pin1 was determined to 1.76 Å resolution. The structure revealed that the reduced amide adopted a conformation similar to the proposed twisted-amide transition state of Pin1, with a trans-pyrrolidine conformation of the prolyl ring. A similar conformation of substrate would be destabilized relative to the planar amide conformation. Three additional reduced amides, with Thr replacing Ser and l- or d-pipecolate (Pip) replacing Pro, were slightly weaker inhibitors of Pin1.

  16. Nuclear medicine diagnostic experience for 25 patients with parathyroid disease accompanied elevated serum PTH level

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Su Li; Huang Chenggang; Niu Wenqiang; Wu Liwen

    2010-01-01

    Objective: To explore nuclear medicine diagnostic method for parathyroid disease accompanied elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. Methods: The images of 25 patients with parathyroid disease were obtained by SPECT 99 Tc m -MIBI double-phase parathyroid imaging and 99 Tc m -methylene diphosphonate ( 99 Tc m -MDP) whole-body static bone imaging. All subject were measured serum PTH, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Results: (1) Serum PTH level increased to varying degrees in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). (2) PHPT and SHPT showed significant change before and after surgery (t=6.24 and t=6.85, P 99 Tc m -MIBI were above 90%. (4) Whole-body bone imaging results of SHPT patients showed complex and diverse caused by high background, increased uptakes mainly. 99 Tc m -MIBI dual-phase parathyroid imaging showed hyperparathyroidism in varying degree, up to 56% or more. Conclusion: Determination of serum PTH combined SPECT for parathyroid and whole-body bone imaging showed high clinical value in diagnosis and treatment of parathyroid disease. (authors)

  17. Discovery of novel selenium derivatives as Pin1 inhibitors by high-throughput screening

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Subedi, Amit; Shimizu, Takeshi; Ryo, Akihide; Sanada, Emiko; Watanabe, Nobumoto; Osada, Hiroyuki

    2016-01-01

    Peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerization by Pin1 regulates various oncogenic signals during cancer progression, and its inhibition through multiple approaches has established Pin1 as a therapeutic target. However, lack of simplified screening systems has limited the discovery of potent Pin1 inhibitors. We utilized phosphorylation-dependent binding of Pin1 to its specific substrate to develop a screening system for Pin1 inhibitors. Using this system, we screened a chemical library, and identified a novel selenium derivative as Pin1 inhibitor. Based on structure-activity guided chemical synthesis, we developed more potent Pin1 inhibitors that inhibited cancer cell proliferation. -- Highlights: •Novel screening for Pin1 inhibitors based on Pin1 binding is developed. •A novel selenium compound is discovered as Pin1 inhibitor. •Activity guided chemical synthesis of selenium derivatives resulted potent Pin1 inhibitors.

  18. [Expression and clinical significance of CD147 in parathyroid carcinoma].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Du, X M; Wang, L L; Chang, H; Meng, W; Zhang, J Y; Shen, B

    2016-06-08

    To study the expression and clinical significance of CD147 in the patients of parathyroid carcinoma. Fourteen cases of parathyroid carcinoma encountered during the period from 2012 to 2015 were enrolled. Thirty three cases of parathyroid adenoma encountered during the same period were enrolled. The expression of CD147 in parathyroid carcinoma and parathyroid adenoma was studied by means of immunohistochemistry (EnVision method). CD147 positive color was brown and yellow, and positive position was located mainly in the cytomembrane, and a small amount of cytoplasm was appeared. Among 14 cases of parathyroid carcinoma, 11 cases of CD147 positive score was 3+ , 3 cases of CD147 positive score was 2+ ; Among 33 cases of parathyroid adenoma , 8 cases of CD147 positive score was 2+ , 15 cases of it was 1+ , 10 cases of it was negative. CD147 was highly expressed in parathyroid carcinoma tissues, and the expression of CD147 was significantly different from the expression of parathyroid adenoma(PCD147 immunohistochemical staining can help to diagnose parathyroid carcinoma.

  19. PARATHYROID CYTOLOGY: A DIAGNOSTIC DILEMMA

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    Naval Kishore Bajaj

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available INTRODUCTION Neck nodules are common in clinical practice which are accessible to Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC. Thyroid being the commonest organ to present as the nodular lesions. Parathyroid lesions can be incidentally encountered during FNA of a thyroid nodule Fine needle aspiration cytology is a safe economical and leading investigation in the diagnosis of neck nodules. Thyroid and parathyroid nodules are indistinguishable clinically. An attempt is made to familiarise the pathologist about the cytomorphological features of parathyroid nodules and simple approach to differentiate from thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS It is a retrospective study conducted over a period of 5 years from 2011-2016. Twelve cases of histologically proven parathyroidal lesions are the subjects of study of which 4 cases were diagnosed as parathyroidal cyst and rest as parathyroid adenoma. All the cases underwent fine needle aspiration cytology under ultrasound guidance, Smears were made, stained by H & E and PAP staining method, the slides were reviewed by two cytopathologists. Biochemical and radiological findings were evaluated before giving definitive cytological diagnosis. RESULTS A total number of 12 cases which were histologically proven as parathyroidal lesion. Out of which 4 were cystic lesions which were excluded from the study. Rest of the 8 cases confirmed as parathyroid adenoma which had FNAC were evaluated. 5 cases had positive cytohistological correlation. Three out of 8 cases were diagnosed as papillary carcinoma of thyroid, Toxic nodular goitre and Hurthle cell neoplasm due to varied cytomorphology. CONCLUSION Parathyroidal lesions has got low sensitivity and specificity in cytology. The confident diagnosis of parathyroid neoplasm was made in conjunction with biochemical and advanced radiological imaging. In neck nodules which are asymptomatic and at abnormal locations, FNAC through its cytomorphological features has an edge in

  20. Peptidyl Prolyl Isomerase PIN1 Directly Binds to and Stabilizes Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hyeong-Jun Han

    Full Text Available Peptidyl prolyl isomerase (PIN1 regulates the functional activity of a subset of phosphoproteins through binding to phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs and subsequently isomerization of the phosphorylated bonds. Interestingly, PIN1 is overexpressed in many types of malignancies including breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers. However, its oncogenic functions have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that PIN1 directly interacts with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α in human colon cancer (HCT116 cells. PIN1 binding to HIF-1α occurred in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. We also found that PIN1 interacted with HIF-1α at both exogenous and endogenous levels. Notably, PIN1 binding stabilized the HIF-1α protein, given that their levels were significantly increased under hypoxic conditions. The stabilization of HIF-1α resulted in increased transcriptional activity, consequently upregulating expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a major contributor to angiogenesis. Silencing of PIN1 or pharmacologic inhibition of its activity abrogated the angiogenesis. By utilizing a bioluminescence imaging technique, we were able to demonstrate that PIN1 inhibition dramatically reduced the tumor volume in a subcutaneous mouse xenograft model and angiogenesis as well as hypoxia-induced transcriptional activity of HIF-1α. These results suggest that PIN1 interacting with HIF-1α is a potential cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic target.

  1. Calpastatin is regulated by protein never in mitosis gene A interacting-1 (PIN1) in endothelial cells

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liu, Tongzheng, E-mail: liu.tongzheng@mayo.edu [Division of Oncology Research, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905 (United States); Schneider, Ryan A., E-mail: schneiderr@findlay.edu [College of Pharmacy, The University of Findlay, Findlay, OH 45840 (United States); Hoyt, Dale G., E-mail: hoyt.27@osu.edu [The Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, and the Division of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 500 West Twelfth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210 (United States)

    2011-10-28

    Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Depletion of PIN1 increases inhibitory effect of calpastatin against calpain in endothelial cells. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PIN1 associates with calpastatin. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PIN1, but not mutants, reduces the inhibitory activity of calpastatin in vitro. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Depletion of calpastatin shows that it is required for PIN1 depletion to reduce calpain activity. -- Abstract: The peptidyl-proline isomerase, protein never in mitosis gene A interacting-1 (PIN1) binds and isomerizes proteins phosphorylated on serine/threonine before a proline. It was previously found that depletion of PIN1 greatly increased induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase by lowering calpain activity in murine aortic endothelial cells (MAEC). Here we investigated the effect of PIN1 on the endogenous inhibitor of heterodimeric {mu}- and m-calpains, calpastatin. MAEC were transduced with small hairpin (sh) RNA to knock down PIN1 (KD) or an inactive Control shRNA. Cells were also treated with non-targeted double stranded small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) or siRNA designed to deplete calpastatin. Despite reducing calpain activity, PIN1 KD did not significantly affect the expression of {mu}- and m-calpains, or calpastatin, compared to Control shRNA. Instead, depletion of PIN1 increased the inhibitory activity of calpastatin. Calpastatin co-immunoprecipitated with endogenous PIN1 and was pulled down with glutathione-S-transferase (GST)-PIN1 fusion protein. Adding GST-PIN1 to KD cell extracts lacking PIN1 reduced calpastatin inhibitory activity. Substrate binding and catalytic domain mutants of PIN1 failed to do so. These results suggest that protein interaction and the proline isomerase functions of PIN1 are required for it to inhibit calpastatin. Furthermore, depletion of calpastatin raised calpain activity and reduced calpain inhibitory activity to similar levels in KD and Control MAEC, indicating that

  2. Calpastatin is regulated by protein never in mitosis gene A interacting-1 (PIN1) in endothelial cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu, Tongzheng; Schneider, Ryan A.; Hoyt, Dale G.

    2011-01-01

    Highlights: ► Depletion of PIN1 increases inhibitory effect of calpastatin against calpain in endothelial cells. ► PIN1 associates with calpastatin. ► PIN1, but not mutants, reduces the inhibitory activity of calpastatin in vitro. ► Depletion of calpastatin shows that it is required for PIN1 depletion to reduce calpain activity. -- Abstract: The peptidyl-proline isomerase, protein never in mitosis gene A interacting-1 (PIN1) binds and isomerizes proteins phosphorylated on serine/threonine before a proline. It was previously found that depletion of PIN1 greatly increased induction of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase by lowering calpain activity in murine aortic endothelial cells (MAEC). Here we investigated the effect of PIN1 on the endogenous inhibitor of heterodimeric μ- and m-calpains, calpastatin. MAEC were transduced with small hairpin (sh) RNA to knock down PIN1 (KD) or an inactive Control shRNA. Cells were also treated with non-targeted double stranded small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) or siRNA designed to deplete calpastatin. Despite reducing calpain activity, PIN1 KD did not significantly affect the expression of μ- and m-calpains, or calpastatin, compared to Control shRNA. Instead, depletion of PIN1 increased the inhibitory activity of calpastatin. Calpastatin co-immunoprecipitated with endogenous PIN1 and was pulled down with glutathione-S-transferase (GST)–PIN1 fusion protein. Adding GST–PIN1 to KD cell extracts lacking PIN1 reduced calpastatin inhibitory activity. Substrate binding and catalytic domain mutants of PIN1 failed to do so. These results suggest that protein interaction and the proline isomerase functions of PIN1 are required for it to inhibit calpastatin. Furthermore, depletion of calpastatin raised calpain activity and reduced calpain inhibitory activity to similar levels in KD and Control MAEC, indicating that calpastatin is required for PIN1 depletion to lower calpain activity. Thus, PIN1 apparently restrains

  3. Targeting Pin1 by inhibitor API-1 regulates microRNA biogenesis and suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma development.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pu, Wenchen; Li, Jiao; Zheng, Yuanyuan; Shen, Xianyan; Fan, Xin; Zhou, Jian-Kang; He, Juan; Deng, Yulan; Liu, Xuesha; Wang, Chun; Yang, Shengyong; Chen, Qiang; Liu, Lunxu; Zhang, Guolin; Wei, Yu-Quan; Peng, Yong

    2018-01-30

    Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, but there are few effective treatments. Aberrant microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis is correlated with HCC development. We previously demonstrated that peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1) participates in miRNA biogenesis and is a potential HCC treatment target. However, how Pin1 modulates miRNA biogenesis remains obscure. Here, we present in vivo evidence that Pin1 overexpression is directly linked to the development of HCC. Administration with the Pin1 inhibitor (API-1), a specific small molecule targeting Pin1 peptidyl-prolyl isomerase domain and inhibiting Pin1 cis-trans isomerizing activity, suppresses in vitro cell proliferation and migration of HCC cells. But API-1-induced Pin1 inhibition is insensitive to HCC cells with low Pin1 expression and/or low exportin-5 (XPO5) phosphorylation. Mechanistically, Pin1 recognizes and isomerizes the phosphorylated serine-proline motif of phosphorylated XPO5 and passivates phosphorylated XPO5. Pin1 inhibition by API-1 maintains the active conformation of phosphorylated XPO5 and restores XPO5-driven precursor miRNA nuclear-to-cytoplasm export, activating anticancer miRNA biogenesis and leading to both in vitro HCC suppression and HCC suppression in xenograft mice. Experimental evidence suggests that Pin1 inhibition by API-1 up-regulates miRNA biogenesis by retaining active XPO5 conformation and suppresses HCC development, revealing the mechanism of Pin1-mediated miRNA biogenesis and unequivocally supporting API-1 as a drug candidate for HCC therapy, especially for Pin1-overexpressing, extracellular signal-regulated kinase-activated HCC. (Hepatology 2018). © 2018 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

  4. Heterogeneous neutron-leakage model for PWR pin-by-pin calculation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Li, Yunzhao; Zhang, Bin; Wu, Hongchun; Shen, Wei

    2017-01-01

    Highlights: •The derivation of the formula of the leakage model is introduced. This paper evaluates homogeneous and heterogeneous leakage models used in PWR pin-by-pin calculation. •The implements of homogeneous and heterogeneous leakage models used in pin-cell homogenization of the lattice calculation are studied. A consistent method of cooperation between the heterogeneous leakage model and the pin-cell homogenization theory is proposed. •Considering the computational cost, a new buckling search scheme is proposed to reach the convergence faster. The computational cost of the newly proposed neutron balance scheme is much less than the power-method scheme and the linear-interpolation scheme. -- Abstract: When assembly calculation is performed with the reflective boundary condition, a leakage model is usually required in the lattice code. The previous studies show that the homogeneous leakage model works effectively for the assembly homogenization. However, it becomes different and unsettled for the pin-cell homogenization. Thus, this paper evaluates homogeneous and heterogeneous leakage models used in pin-by-pin calculation. The implements of homogeneous and heterogeneous leakage models used in pin-cell homogenization of the lattice calculation are studied. A consistent method of cooperation between the heterogeneous leakage model and the pin-cell homogenization theory is proposed. Considering the computational cost, a new buckling search scheme is proposed to reach the convergence faster. For practical reactor-core applications, the diffusion coefficients determined by the transport cross-section or by the leakage model are compared with each other to determine which one is more accurate for the Pressurized Water Reactor pin-by-pin calculation. Numerical results have demonstrated that the heterogeneous leakage model together with the diffusion coefficient determined by the heterogeneous leakage model would have the higher accuracy. The new buckling search

  5. Stages of Parathyroid Cancer

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... syndrome . Treatment with radiation therapy may increase the risk of developing a parathyroid adenoma. Signs and symptoms of parathyroid cancer include weakness, feeling tired, and a lump in the neck. Most ...

  6. Dual isotope, single acquisition parathyroid imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Triantafillou, M.; McDonald, H.J.

    1998-01-01

    Full text: Nuclear Medicine parathyroid imaging using Thallium-201(TI) and Technetium-99m(Tc) is an often used imaging modality for the detection of parathyroid adenomas and hyper parathyroidism. The conventional Tl/Tc subtraction technique requires 2 separate injections and acquisitions which are then normalised and subtracted from each other. This lengthy technique is uncomfortable for patients and can result in false positive scan results due to patient movement between and during the acquisition process. We propose a simplified injection and single acquisition technique, that reduces the chance of movement and thus reduces the chance of false positive scan results. The technique involves the injection of Tc followed by the Tl injection 10 minutes later. After a further 10 min wait, imaging is performed using a dual isotope acquisition, with window (W) 1 set on 140 keV 20%W 5% off peak and W2 peaked for 70 keV 20%W., acquired for 10 minutes. We have imaged 27 patients with this technique, 15 had positive parathyroid imaging. Of the 15, 11 had positive ultrasound correlation. Of the remaining 4, 2 have had positive surgical findings for adenomas, the other 2 are awaiting follow-up. Of the 12 patients with negative parathyroid imaging, 2 have been shown to be false - negative with surgery. In conclusion, the single acquisition technique suggested by us is a valid method of imaging parathyroids that reduces the chance of false positive results due to movement

  7. Preoperative localization of parathyroid tumor by computerized tomography

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kan, Seiji; Hiraishi, Koji; Nakamura, Shoichiro; Yamamoto, Schuzo; Odachi, Motoaki; Yamashita, Toshiyuki.

    1984-01-01

    Five patients of primary hyperparathyroidism with urolithiasis underwent CT-scanning for the preoperative localization of parathyroid tumor. The tumor was identified in all patients but one, who had a multiple adenomatous goiter. In this case, postoperative observation of the CT-scan revealed the parathyroid tumor. It appears that if the size of the parathyroid tumor is about 1cm in diameter, there is a high possibility of preoperative localization by computerized tomography. (author)

  8. Parathyroid carcinoma in tertiary hyperparathyroidism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Byung Seup; Ryu, Han Suk; Kang, Kyung Ho; Park, Sung Jun

    2016-10-01

    Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease of unknown etiology. This study presents a case of parathyroid carcinoma in a patient with tertiary hyperparathyroidism. Despite a successful kidney transplantation, the intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level of the patient was elevated consistently and could not be controlled by medical therapy. Due to the development of tertiary hyperparathyroidism with bone pain and osteoporosis, subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed 4 months after the kidney transplantation. Histological evaluation revealed that one of four parathyroid lesions was a parathyroid carcinoma, while the others were diffuse hyperplasia. Postoperative laboratory studies indicated a decreased level of iPTH. A positron emission tomography-computed tomography performed 6 months after the operation revealed no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Taiwan.

  9. Parathyroid hormone secretion in chronic renal failure

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Madsen, J C; Rasmussen, A Q; Ladefoged, S D

    1996-01-01

    The aim of study was to introduce and evaluate a method for quantifying the parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion during hemodialysis in secondary hyperparathyroidism due to end-stage renal failure. We developed a method suitable for inducing sequential hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia during....../ionized calcium curves were constructed, and a mean calcium set-point of 1.16 mmol/liter was estimated compared to the normal mean of about 1.13 mmol/liter. In conclusion, we demonstrate that it is important to use a standardized method to evaluate parathyroid hormone dynamics in chronic renal failure. By the use...... of a standardized method we show that the calcium set-point is normal or slightly elevated, indicating normal parathyroid reactivity to calcium in chronic renal failure....

  10. Parathyroid hormone secretion in chronic renal failure

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Madsen, J C; Rasmussen, A Q; Ladefoged, S D

    1996-01-01

    /ionized calcium curves were constructed, and a mean calcium set-point of 1.16 mmol/liter was estimated compared to the normal mean of about 1.13 mmol/liter. In conclusion, we demonstrate that it is important to use a standardized method to evaluate parathyroid hormone dynamics in chronic renal failure. By the use...... of a standardized method we show that the calcium set-point is normal or slightly elevated, indicating normal parathyroid reactivity to calcium in chronic renal failure.......The aim of study was to introduce and evaluate a method for quantifying the parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion during hemodialysis in secondary hyperparathyroidism due to end-stage renal failure. We developed a method suitable for inducing sequential hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia during...

  11. Pin1 and neurodegeneration: a new player for prion disorders?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Elisa Isopi

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available Pin1 is a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase that catalyzes the cis/trans conversion of phosphorylated proteins at serine or threonine residues which precede a proline. The peptidyl-prolyl isomerization induces a conformational change of the proteins involved in cell signaling process. Pin1 dysregulation has been associated with some neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease. Proline-directed phosphorylation is a common regulator of these pathologies and a recent work showed that it is also involved in prion disorders. In fact, prion protein phosphorylation at the Ser-43-Pro motif induces prion protein conversion into a disease-associated form. Furthermore, phosphorylation at Ser-43-Pro has been observed to increase in the cerebral spinal fluid of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease patients. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of prion disorders, suggesting Pin1 as a potential new player in the disease. In this paper, we review the mechanisms underlying Pin1 involvement in the aforementioned neurodegenerative pathologies focusing on the potential role of Pin1 in prion disorders.

  12. The Essentials of Parathyroid Hormone Venous Sampling

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Taslakian, Bedros, E-mail: btaslakian@gmail.com [NYU Langone Medical Center, Department of Radiology, NYU School of Medicine (United States); Trerotola, Scott O., E-mail: streroto@uphs.upenn.edu [Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiology (United States); Sacks, Barry, E-mail: bsacks@bidmc.harvard.edu [Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Interventional Radiology (United States); Oklu, Rahmi, E-mail: oklu.rahmi@mayo.edu [Mayo Clinic, Department of Interventional Radiology (United States); Deipolyi, Amy, E-mail: deipolya@mskcc.org [Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Radiology (United States)

    2017-01-15

    Hyperparathyroidism is an excess of parathyroid hormone in the blood due to over-activity of one or more parathyroid gland. Localization of abnormal glands with noninvasive imaging modalities, such as technetium sestamibi scan and cross-sectional imaging, has a high success rate. Parathyroid venous sampling is performed for patients with persistent or recurrent disease after previous parathyroid surgery, when repeat noninvasive imaging studies are negative or discordant. The success of invasive localization studies and results interpretation is dependent on the interventional radiologist’s understanding of the normal and ectopic anatomic locations of parathyroid glands, as well as their blood supply and venous drainage. Anatomic and technical considerations for selective parathyroid venous sampling are reviewed.

  13. Hypercalcaemia and bony lesions in association with parathyroid ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease accounting for 0.1 - 5% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidismY The pre-operative differentiation between parathyroid carcinoma and benign forms of primary hyPerparathyroidism is difficult, as the presenting symptoms and signs are similar.' Postoperatively the diagnosis may ...

  14. Activation of calcium-sensing receptor accelerates apoptosis in hyperplastic parathyroid cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mizobuchi, Masahide; Ogata, Hiroaki; Hatamura, Ikuji; Saji, Fumie; Koiwa, Fumihiko; Kinugasa, Eriko; Koshikawa, Shozo; Akizawa, Tadao

    2007-01-01

    Calcimimetic compounds inhibit not only parathyroid hormone (PTH) synthesis and secretion, but also parathyroid cell proliferation. The aim of this investigation is to examine the effect of the calcimimetic compound NPS R-568 (R-568) on parathyroid cell death in uremic rats. Hyperplastic parathyroid glands were obtained from uremic rats (subtotal nephrectomy and high-phosphorus diet), and incubated in the media only or the media which contained high concentration of R-568 (10 -4 M), or 10% cyclodextrin, for 6 h. R-568 treatment significantly suppressed medium PTH concentration compared with that of the other two groups. R-568 treatment not only increased the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assay-positive cells, but also induced the morphologic changes of cell death determined by light or electron microscopy. These results suggest that CaR activation by R-568 accelerates parathyroid cell death, probably through an apoptotic mechanism in uremic rats in vitro

  15. Improved pinning regime by energetic ions using reduction of pinning potential

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Weinstein, Roy; Gandini, Alberto; Sawh, Ravi-Persad; Parks, Drew; Mayes, Bill

    2003-05-15

    When ion damage is used to create pinning centers, full columnar pinning centers provide the largest pinning potential, U{sub pin}, but not the greatest J{sub c} or pinned field, B{sub pin}. Some of the characteristics of columnar defects which limit J{sub c} and B{sub pin} are discussed, including reduction of percolation path, and the need for a larger number of columns of damage, for pinning, than are usually estimated. It is concluded that columnar pinning centers are limited to B{sub pin}<4 T, and also severely reduce J{sub c}. Evidence is reviewed that aligned damage, or broken-columnar pinning centers, described herein, can provide orders of magnitude higher J{sub c}, and higher pinned field, despite providing lower U{sub pin}. A pinning center morphology is discussed which utilizes multiple-in-line-damage (MILD). For, e.g., present day large grain HTS J{sub c}, obtainable by MILD pinning, is estimated to be of the order of 10{sup 6} A/cm{sup 2} at 77 K, even when crystal plane alignment and weak links are not improved. Pinned field is increased by over an order of magnitude. An experiment is proposed to confirm these observations, and to directly compare MILD to columnar pinning centers. It will also determine the optimum MILD structure. Other measurements of interest, made possible by the same data set, are described.

  16. Synchronous Parathyroid and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shi-Dou Lin

    2005-02-01

    Full Text Available Concomitant thyroid disease is not unusual among patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. However, the simultaneous occurrence of parathyroid and thyroid carcinoma is extremely rare. We report a 38-year-old man with primary hyperparathyroidism who presented with osteitis fibrosa cystica complicated with pathologic femoral neck fracture. Preoperative investigation for exclusion of multiple endocrine neoplasia did not find evidence of medullary thyroid carcinoma or pheochromocytoma, but imaging studies revealed the presence of nodules in the right lobe and a parathyroid lesion over the left inferior pole of the thyroid gland. Total thyroidectomy, left parathyroidectomy, and bipolar hemiarthroplasty of the left hip were then performed simultaneously. The resected specimens were pathologically identified as papillary thyroid carcinoma and parathyroid carcinoma, respectively. After the operation, 131I ablation therapy was administered at a dose of 120 mCi. Additional doses of 30 mCi were given yearly as serum thyroglobulin level became elevated. Serum calcium level remained normal during yearly follow-up. Although parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon cause of parathyroid hormone-dependent hypercalcemia, it should nonetheless be given due consideration because its surgical approach differs from that of parathyroid adenoma. As the coexistence of parathyroid and non-medullary thyroid carcinoma has previously been reported, the possibility of both malignancies must also be considered in the setting of primary hyperparathyroidism with thyroid nodules. If confirmed with preoperative parathyroid scintigraphic and other laboratory studies, an optimal outcome may be achieved with complete resection of both tumors at the time of initial operation, followed by adjunctive therapy.

  17. Comparison of histological findings and parathyroid scintigraphy in hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroid glands

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nishida, Hidemi; Ishibashi, Masatoshi; Hiromatsu, Yuji

    2005-01-01

    The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of parathyroid scintigraphy in histological estimation for secondary hyperparathyroidism (2HPT) using Tc-99m sestamibi or Tc-99m tetrofosmin. Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI) and Tc-99m tetrofosmin (Tetro) parathyroid imaging following double-phase study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound were performed on 14 patients with 2HPT. All patients underwent parathyroidectomy. The uptake of two tracers in parathyroid areas was compared with the histopathologic findings. Forty-nine parathyroid glands were surgically explored and histologically proven to be hyperplastic. Of these, 42 were diagnosed with nodular type (N-type) hyperplasia, and 7 with diffuse type (D-type) hyperplasia. MIBI and Tetro parathyroid imagings detected 34 and 35 parathyroid glands, respectively. The sensitivity of MIBI was determined to be 76.2% (32/42) for N-type, and 28.6% (2/7) for D-type. The sensitivity of Tetro was determined to be 78.6% (33/42) for N-type and 28.6% (2/7) for D-type. The sensitivity of both MIBI and Tetro was significantly higher for N-type than for D-type, 76.2% (32/42) vs. 28.6% (2/7) in MIBI, P=0.022; 78.6% (33/42) vs. 28.6% (2/7) in Tetro, P=0.015. The sensitivity of MRI was determined to be 76.2% (32/42) for N-type and 42.9% (3/7) for D-type, and the sensitivity of ultrasound was 71.4% (30/42) for N-type and 71.4% (5/7) for D-type. There was no significant difference in the sensitivity of MRI or ultrasound between N-type and D-type. The uptake ratios of MIBI and Tetro were also greater for N-type than for D-type. The detectability of both MIBI and Tetro was greater for N-type than for D-type. Tc-99m MIBI or Tc-99m Tetro parathyroid scintigraphy therefore may be used clinically to distinguish N-type from D-type parathyroid gland hyperplasia. (author)

  18. A parathyroid scintigraphy case study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    O'Leary, Desiree

    2005-01-01

    Background: There has been much debate concerning the most suitable protocol for parathyroid scintigraphy; the merits of various radiopharmaceuticals versus the correct imaging protocol to visualise both ectopic and anatomically placed adenomas against the various equipment choices have been debated. Aim: To demonstrate, through the use of a case study, the necessity of changing imaging protocols for parathyroid scintigraphy where a definitive imaging diagnosis is absent in the face of strong clinical suspicion. Method: Use is made of Tc99mMIBI, full field chest scintigraphy, a clearly defined imaging protocol and SPECT imaging to locate ectopic parathyroid tissue in a female patient with significant symptoms of parathyroid hyperfunction. Results: A single hyperfunctioning adenoma is located in the pre-carinal area of the mediastinum. Using a radioguided surgical technique the hyperfunctioning tissue is excised and confirmed by histopathology. Conclusion: Whilst a dramatic reduction in patient symptoms was not seen immediately in this patient, the symptoms of the illness have been subsiding since January 2003. This case study demonstrates the necessity of changing imaging protocols for parathyroid scintigraphy where a definitive imaging diagnosis is absent in the face of strong clinical suspicion

  19. Transformation of Helicopter PinS Procedures for Airplanes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jakub Kraus

    2013-09-01

    Full Text Available This article deals with the possibility to use existing helicopter Point in Space procedures with minor changes for airplanes. The basis is to find parts of PinS procedures that need to be changed, suggest these changes, and then determine whether the revised procedures could be usable and could bring the benefits for airplane operations.

  20. Coexistence of parathyroid adenoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma: Experience of a single center

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ebubekir Gündeş

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Objective: The aim of this study was to describe experienceswith concurrent parathyroid adenoma and papillarythyroid carcinoma.Methods: Eight patients with concurrent parathyroid adenomaand papillary thyroid carcinoma were identifiedbetween 2005 and 2012, and their medical records werereviewed retrospectively.Results: Of the eight patients identified, two were maleand six were female; their mean age was 53.6 years.The mean serum calcium concentration was 11.7 mg/dL.Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH concentrations werehigh in all patients, with a mean concentration of 338 pg/mL. The most frequently used surgical technique was totalthyroidectomy plus parathyroid adenoma excision (n=6.The mean size of the thyroid carcinoma was 1.2 cm, andone case showed metastatic lymph nodes in the centralcompartment. The mean parathyroid adenoma size wasfound to be 2.1(0.6- 3.5 cm, according to the longest sizeof the adenom. Six patients (75% developed postoperativecomplications, including temporary symptomatic hypocalcemiain 4 patients (50%, hematoma developmentin 1 patient (12.5% and temporary vocal cord paralysis inone patient (12.5%.Conclusion: Thyroid carcinoma and parathyroid adenomaare rarely concomitant. Rarely hyperparathyroidismmay be accompanied with thyroid carcinomas so preoperativelythyroid gland should be properly examined. Thyroidwith parathyroid surgery are risk factors of recurrentlaryngeal nerve injury and hypoparathyroidism.Key words: Papillary thyroid cancer; parathyroid adenoma;thyroidectomy

  1. PARATHYROID CANCER OCCURRING IN RELAPSING SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    I. V. Kotova

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available We present a clinical case of parathyroid cancer in a patient with relapsing secondary hyperparathyroidism at 4 years after subtotal parathyroidectomy. Its unique character is related to the combination of relapsing secondary hyperparathyroidism, parathyromatosis, ectopic of an adenomatous hyperplastic parathyroid gland into the thyroid gland, and parathyroid cancer. Several most complicated aspects of parathyroid surgery are disclosed, such as the choice of strategy for surgical intervention in secondary hyperparathyroidism, complexity of morphological and cytological diagnostics of this disorder.

  2. Parathyroid hormone secretion in chronic renal failure

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Madsen, J C; Rasmussen, A Q; Ladefoged, S D

    1996-01-01

    The aim of study was to introduce and evaluate a method for quantifying the parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion during hemodialysis in secondary hyperparathyroidism due to end-stage renal failure. We developed a method suitable for inducing sequential hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia during....../ionized calcium curves were constructed, and a mean calcium set-point of 1.16 mmol/liter was estimated compared to the normal mean of about 1.13 mmol/liter. In conclusion, we demonstrate that it is important to use a standardized method to evaluate parathyroid hormone dynamics in chronic renal failure. By the use...

  3. Postirradiation examinations of fuel pins from the GCFR F-1 series of mixed-oxide fuel pins at 5.5 at. % burnup

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Strain, R.V.; Johnson, C.E.

    1978-05-01

    Postirradiation examinations were performed on five fuel pins from the Gas-Cooled Fast-Breeder Reactor F-1 experiment irradiated in EBR-II to a peak burnup of approximately 5.5 at. %. These encapsulated fuel pins were irradiated at peak-power linear ratings from approximately 13 to 15 kW/ft and peak cladding inside diameter temperatures from approximately 625 to 760 0 C. The maximum diametral change that occurred during irradiation was 0.2% ΔD/D 0 . The maximum fuel-cladding chemical interaction depth was 2.6 mils in fuel pin G-1 and 1 mil or less in the other three pins examined destructively. Significant migration of the volatile fission products occurred axially to the fuel-blanket interfaces. Teh postirradiation examination data indicate that fuel melted at the inner surface of the annular fuel pellets in the two highest power rating fuel pins, but little axial movement of fuel occurred

  4. Postirradiation examinations of fuel pins from the GCFR F-1 series of mixed-oxide fuel pins at 5. 5 at. % burnup

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Strain, R V; Johnson, C E

    1978-05-01

    Postirradiation examinations were performed on five fuel pins from the Gas-Cooled Fast-Breeder Reactor F-1 experiment irradiated in EBR-II to a peak burnup of approximately 5.5 at. %. These encapsulated fuel pins were irradiated at peak-power linear ratings from approximately 13 to 15 kW/ft and peak cladding inside diameter temperatures from approximately 625 to 760/sup 0/C. The maximum diametral change that occurred during irradiation was 0.2% ..delta..D/D/sub 0/. The maximum fuel-cladding chemical interaction depth was 2.6 mils in fuel pin G-1 and 1 mil or less in the other three pins examined destructively. Significant migration of the volatile fission products occurred axially to the fuel-blanket interfaces. Teh postirradiation examination data indicate that fuel melted at the inner surface of the annular fuel pellets in the two highest power rating fuel pins, but little axial movement of fuel occurred.

  5. P-gp and MRP1 Expression in Parathyroid Tumors Related to Histology, Weight and Tc-99m-Sestamibi Imaging Results

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Jorna, F. H.; Hollema, H.; Hendrikse, H. N.; Bart, J.; Brouwers, A. H.; Plukker, J. T. M.

    Objective: P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) are membrane efflux pumps that may have a role in the kinetics of Tc-99m-sestamibi (MIBI) in parathyroid tumors. P-gp and MRP1 expression in parathyroid tumors was studied and related to histology, weight and pre- and

  6. Parathyroid cysts: the Latin-American experience.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Román-González, Alejandro; Aristizábal, Natalia; Aguilar, Carolina; Palacios, Karen; Pérez, Juan Camilo; Vélez-Hoyos, Alejandro; Duque, Carlos Simon; Sanabria, Alvaro

    2016-12-01

    Parathyroid cyst is an infrequent and unsuspected disease. There are more than 300 hundred cases reported in the world literature, a few of them are from Latin America. The experience of our centers and a review of the cases are presented. Case report of a series of patients with parathyroid cyst from our institutions according to the CARE guidelines (Case Reports). A search of Medline, Embase, BIREME ( Biblioteca Regional de Medicina ) LILACS ( Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud ), Google Scholar and Scielo ( Scientific Electronic Library on Line ) databases and telephonic or email communications with other experts from Latin-America was performed . Six patients with parathyroid cyst were found in our centers in Colombia. Most of them were managed with aspiration of the cyst. Two of them required surgery. Only one case was functional. Twelve reports from Latin America were found for a total of 18 cases in our region adding ours. Parathyroid cysts are uncommonly reported in Latin America. Most of them are diagnosed postoperatively. Suspicion for parathyroid cyst should be raised when a crystal clear fluid is aspirated from a cyst. The confirmation of the diagnosis may be easily done if parathyroid hormone (PTH) level is measured in the cyst fluid.

  7. Cytomorphologic features distinguishing Bethesda category IV thyroid lesions from parathyroid

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Simon Sung

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: Thyroid follicular cells share similar cytomorphological features with parathyroid. Without a clinical suspicion, the distinction between a thyroid neoplasm and an intrathyroidal parathyroid can be challenging. The aim of this study was to assess the distinguishing cytomorphological features of parathyroid (including intrathyroidal and Bethesda category IV (Beth-IV thyroid follicular lesions, which carry a 15%–30% risk of malignancy and are often followed up with surgical resection. Methods: A search was performed to identify “parathyroid” diagnoses in parathyroid/thyroid-designated fine-needle aspirations (FNAs and Beth-IV thyroid FNAs (follicular and Hurthle cell, all with diagnostic confirmation through surgical pathology, immunocytochemical stains, Afirma® analysis, and/or clinical correlation. Unique cytomorphologic features were scored (0-3 or noted as present versus absent. Statistical analysis was performed using R 3.3.1 software. Results: We identified five FNA cases with clinical suspicion of parathyroid neoplasm, hyperthyroidism, or thyroid lesion that had an eventual final diagnosis of the parathyroid lesion (all female; age 20–69 years and 12 Beth-IV diagnoses (11 female, 1 male; age 13–64 years. The following cytomorphologic features are useful distinguishing features (P value: overall pattern (0.001, single cells (0.001, cell size compared to red blood cell (0.01, nuclear irregularity (0.001, presence of nucleoli (0.001, nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio (0.007, and nuclear chromatin quality (0.028. Conclusions: There are cytomorphologic features that distinguish Beth-IV thyroid lesions and (intrathyroidal parathyroid. These features can aid in rendering correct diagnoses and appropriate management.

  8. Parathyroid cysts: a clinical and radiological challenge.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Witherspoon, Jolene; Lewis, Michael

    2012-02-01

    Parathyroid cysts are rare causes of neck swelling accounting for 0.6% of thyroid and parathyroid lesions. They may be functional, resulting in the release of parathyroid hormone, or non-functional. Non-functional cysts may be cosmetically unacceptable or cause dysphagia, dyspnoea or recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy as a result of compression. This article presents a young woman who was diagnosed with a thyroid cyst both on examination and imaging. However, the final histology confirmed this to be parathyroid in origin and this should be considered in the differential of such neck swellings.

  9. Octreotide Uptake in Parathyroid Adenoma

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Seyhan Karaçavuş

    2012-08-01

    Full Text Available The patient with a history of bone pain and muscle weakness, was thought to have oncogenic osteomalacia as a result of biochemical investigations and directed to Nuclear Medicine Department for a whole-body bone scintigraphy and 111In-octreotide scintigraphy. There was no focal pathologic tracer uptake, but generalized marked increase in skeletal uptake on bone scintigraphy. Octreotide scintigraphy showed accumulation of octreotide in the region of the left lobe of the thyroid gland in the neck. Thereafter, parathyroid scintigraphy was performed with technetium-99m labeled metroxy-isobutyl-isonitryl (99mTc-MIB and MIBI scan demonstrated radiotracer uptake at the same location with octreotide scintigraphy. The patient underwent left inferior parathyroidectomy and histopathology confirmed a parathyroid adenoma. Somatostatin receptor positive parathyroid adenoma may show octreotide uptake. Octreotide scintigraphy may be promising and indicate a possibility of using somatostatin analogues for the medical treatment of somatostatin receptor positive parathyroid tumors. (MIRT 2012;21:77-79

  10. Dual-Phase 99MTc-MIBI Parathyroid Imaging Reveals Synchronous Parathyroid Adenoma and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case Report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ming-Che Chang

    2008-10-01

    Full Text Available The possibility of a coincidental appearance of hyperparathyroidism and thyroid cancer is not often considered because of its low incidence. Here, we present a case of a 49-year-old woman with a parathyroid adenoma coexisting with two sites of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Dual-phase 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI parathyroid imaging before the operation correctly visualized the site of the parathyroid adenoma. In addition, two papillary thyroid carcinomas showed faint uptake of 99mTc-MIBI on delayed image. Total thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy of a solitary parathyroid adenoma were performed. The patient subsequently underwent radioiodine-131 ablation and was treated with T4 suppression. This case illustrates the need for clinical awareness of concomitant hyperparathyroidism and thyroid cancer. Dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI parathyroid imaging may be useful for detecting indolent thyroid cancer before it becomes a distinct disease.

  11. Parathyroid and bone imaging in primary hyperparathyroidism

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    ZHU Rui-Sen; LU Han-Kui; LUO Quan-Yong; CHEN Li-Bo; MA Ji-Xiao

    2004-01-01

    Skeletal derangements occur quite often in patient with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). We investigated parathyroid and bone imagings in 59 cases of pathologically proven PHPT. Forty-nine cases were pathologically proven parathyroid adenomas; 8 presented hyperplasia and the other 2 were adenocarcinomas. Parathyroid imaging (early phase imaging, EPI) was conducted at 30 min after injecting 740~925MBq 99mTc-MIBI and 2~3h later (delayed phase imaging, DPI) separately. The following thyroid imagings were performed at the same posture 10 min after intravenous injection of 74~111MBq 99mTcO4-. The 99mTc- MIBI subtraction imaging data were obtained by subtracting thyroid imaging from that of DPI. Among 49 cases of proven hyperparathyroid adenoma 45 yielded positive imagings. Eight cases with hyperplasia gave negative results. The results were positive in 2 cases of parathyroid adenocarcinoma. Results of 99mTc-MDP/bone imaging: 35 cases of hyperparathyroid adenocarcinoma (disease duration 1-6 months) showed normal bone images, while 14 cases showed superscan images, course being 4-12 months. Bone imaging for 2 cases of adenocarcinoma showed multiple, radioactive aggregated foci (brown tumor imaging); course lasting 10-24 months. The results of bone imaging in 8 cases of hyperplasia/ hyperparathyroidism were normal. It was concluded that diagnostic accuracy for parathyroid was 79.6% and for parathyroid adenoma was 91.8%, and the technique has no diagnostic value for hyperplasia. The 99mTc-MDP / bone imaging results for PHPT can be classified into three categories, i.e. normal, superscan and brown tumor. The imaging results correlated well with the different categories and degrees of bone damage, the duration of clinical course and the pathological types. Therefore, it's important to use bone imaging data in association with therapy to reflect the stage and progress of PHPT.

  12. Effect of eplerenone on parathyroid hormone levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tomaschitz Andreas

    2012-09-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Increasing evidence suggests the bidirectional interplay between parathyroid hormone and aldosterone as an important mechanism behind the increased risk of cardiovascular damage and bone disease observed in primary hyperparathyroidism. Our primary object is to assess the efficacy of the mineralocorticoid receptor-blocker eplerenone to reduce parathyroid hormone secretion in patients with parathyroid hormone excess. Methods/design Overall, 110 adult male and female patients with primary hyperparathyroidism will be randomly assigned to eplerenone (25 mg once daily for 4 weeks and 4 weeks with 50 mg once daily after dose titration] or placebo, over eight weeks. Each participant will undergo detailed clinical assessment, including anthropometric evaluation, 24-h ambulatory arterial blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography, kidney function and detailed laboratory determination of biomarkers of bone metabolism and cardiovascular disease. The study comprises the following exploratory endpoints: mean change from baseline to week eight in (1 parathyroid hormone(1–84 as the primary endpoint and (2 24-h systolic and diastolic ambulatory blood pressure levels, NT-pro-BNP, biomarkers of bone metabolism, 24-h urinary protein/albumin excretion and echocardiographic parameters reflecting systolic and diastolic function as well as cardiac dimensions, as secondary endpoints. Discussion In view of the reciprocal interaction between aldosterone and parathyroid hormone and the potentially ensuing target organ damage, the EPATH trial is designed to determine whether eplerenone, compared to placebo, will effectively impact on parathyroid hormone secretion and improve cardiovascular, renal and bone health in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Trial registration ISRCTN33941607

  13. Pin1 and secondary hyperparathyroidism of chronic kidney disease: gene polymorphisms and protein levels.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhao, Yu; Zhang, Li-Li; Ding, Fa-Xian; Cao, Ping; Qi, Yuan-Yuan; Wang, Jing

    2017-11-01

    Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1) is a key regulator of PTH mRNA stability. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT), which is characterized by elevated serum PTH levels, is a common complication of CKD. We investigated the possible associations between CKD with SHPT (CKD SHPT) and single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the Pin1 gene and compared the levels of the Pin1 protein in the CKD SHPT patients with those of the controls. The study group included 251 CKD SHPT patients and 61 controls. One putative functional SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) in the Pin1 promoter (rs2233679C > T: c.-667C > T) is the main object. Genotyping was performed on purified DNA using polymerase chain reaction-restriction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). The levels of Pin1 were measured in serum using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Genotyping showed that CT + TT in the Pin1 promoter was significantly more common in the CKD SHPT group than in the control group (p<.05). The correlation analysis demonstrated that a significant difference in the C to T transition in the Pin1 promoter contributed to CKD SHPT (χ 2 =12.47, p<.05; Odds ratios (OR) = 1.26, 95% confidence (CI) intervals =1.06-1.49). The multivariate logistic regression analysis reported that the OR and 95%CI were 12.693 and 2.029-75.819 (p<.05), respectively, in the Pin1 gene promoter -667T variant genotypes (CT + TT) after adjusting for other factors, and those values in Pin1 were 0.310 and 0.122-0.792 (p<.05). The -667T genetic variants in the Pin1 promoter contribute to an increased risk of CKD SHPT and may be biomarkers of susceptibility to CKD SHPT.

  14. Unicortical self-drilling external fixator pins reduce thermal effects during pin insertion.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Greinwald, Markus; Varady, Patrick A; Augat, Peter

    2017-12-14

    External fixation is associated with the risk of pin loosening and pin infection potentially associated to thermal bone necrosis during pin insertion. This study aims to investigate if the use of external fixator systems with unicortical pins reduces the heat production during pin insertion compared to fixators with bicortical pins. Porcine bone specimens were employed to determine bone temperatures during insertion of fixator pins. Two thermographic cameras were used for a simultaneous temperature measurement on the bone surface (top view) and a bone cross-section (front view). Self-drilling unicortical and bicortical pins were inserted at different rotational speeds: (30-600) rpm. Maximum and mean temperatures of the emerging bone debris, bone surface and bone cross-section were analyzed. Maximum temperatures of up to 77 ± 26 °C were measured during pin insertion in the emerging debris and up to 42 ± 2 °C on the bone surface. Temperatures of the emerging debris increased with increasing rotational speeds. Bicortical pin insertion generated significantly higher temperatures at low insertion speed (30 rpm) CONCLUSION: The insertion of external fixator pins can generate a considerable amount of heat around the pins, primarily emerging from bone debris and at higher insertion speeds. Our findings suggest that unicortical, self-drilling fixator pins have a decreased risk for thermal damage, both to the surrounding tissue and to the bone itself.

  15. Effectiveness of Intraoperative Parathyroid Monitoring (ioPTH) in predicting a multiglandular or malignant parathyroid disease.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dobrinja, C; Santandrea, G; Giacca, M; Stenner, Elisabetta; Ruscio, Maurizio; de Manzini, Nicolò

    2017-05-01

    The main goal of our study was to confirm the usefulness of intra-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring (ioPTH) when using minimally invasive techniques for treatment of sporadic Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHTP). Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate if ioPTH monitoring may help to predict the etiology of primary hyperparathyroidism, especially in malignant or multiglandular parathyroid disease. A retrospective review of 125 consecutive patients with pHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2001 and 2016 at the Department of General Surgery was performed. For each patient, the specific preoperative work-up consisted of: high-resolution US of the neck by a skilled sonographer, sestamibi parathyroid scan, laryngoscopy, and serum measurement of PTH, serum calcium levels, and serum 25(OH)D levels. The study included 125 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for pHPT. At the histological examination, we registered 113 patients with simple adenomatous pathology (90,4%), 5 atypical adenomas (4%), 3 cases of parathyroid carcinoma (2,4%),, , and 4 histological exams of different nature (3,2%). Overall, 6 cases (4,8%) of multiglandular disease were found. We reported 10 cases (8%) of recurrent/persistent hyperparathyroidism: 1/10 in a patient affected by atypical adenoma, 9/10 in patients with benign pathology. Regarding these 10 cases, in three (30%) patients, ioPTH wasn't dosed (only frozen section (FS) exam was taken), in 5 cases (50%) ioPTH dropped more than 50% compared to basal value (false negative results), and in 2 (20%) cases, ioPTH did not drop >50% from the first samples taken, the extemporary exam had confirmed the presence of adenoma and the probable second hyperfunctioning adenoma was not found. IoPTH determinations ensure operative success of surgical resection in almost all hyperfunctioning tissue; in particular it is very important during minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, as it allows avoiding bilateral neck exploration. The use of io

  16. Double-phase parathyroid 99Tcm-MIBI scintigraphy in secondary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Wei; Xu Zhaoqiang; Hu Jianmin; Chang Guojun; Yao Weixuan; Li Yongjun; Chen Jianwei

    1999-01-01

    Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic value of double-phase parathyroid 99 Tc m -MIBI scintigraphy in secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP) following chronic renal failure. Methods: 99 Tc m -MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy was performed on 20 SHP patients. All images were analyzed with parathyroid/thyroid ratio (PT/T) and parathyroid index (PTI). 3 patients underwent parathyroidectomy and ectopic autografting. Results: 8 patients were 99 Tc m -MIBI-positive. 9 parathyroid glands removed from 3 patients were histopathologically diagnosed as parathyroid hyperplasia. 8 of the 9 were scintigraphy positive with the sensitivity of 88.9%, the localization of the parathyroids with scanning before operation was accurate. It was found that there were 3 types of MIBI washout in hyperplastic parathyroids. Conclusions: 99 Tc m -MIBI scintigraphy is valuable in localization of parathyroids in SHP, especially of hyperfunctioning glands. Special attention should be paid to the fact that there are different types of MIBI washout in hyperplastic glands, otherwise some abnormal glands might be missed

  17. Delayed Surgery for Parathyroid Adenoma Misdiagnosed as a Thyroid Nodule and Treated with Radiofrequency Ablation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ho-Su Kim

    2013-09-01

    Full Text Available Primary hyperparathyroidism occurs as a result of isolated parathyroid adenoma in 80% to 85% of all cases. A 99mtechnetium (99mTc sestamibi scan or neck ultrasonography is used to localize the neoplasm prior to surgical intervention. A 53-year-old female was referred for the exclusion of metabolic bone disease. She presented with low back pain that had persisted for the past 6 months and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (1,253 IU/L. Four years previously, she had been diagnosed at a local hospital with a 2.3-cm thyroid nodule, which was determined to be pathologically benign. Radiofrequency ablation was performed at the same hospital because the nodule was still growing during the follow-up period 2 years before the visit to our hospital, and the procedure was unsuccessful in reducing the size of the nodule. The results of the laboratory tests in our hospital were as follows: serum calcium, 14.6 mg/dL; phosphorus, 3.5 mg/dL; and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH, 1,911 pg/mL. Neck ultrasonography and 99mTc sestamibi scan detected a 5-cm parathyroid neoplasm in the left lower lobe of the patient's thyroid; left parathyroidectomy was performed. This case indicated that thyroid ultrasonographers and pathologists need to be experienced enough to differentiate a parathyroid neoplasm from a thyroid nodule; 99mTc sestamibi scan, serum calcium, and iPTH levels can help to establish the diagnosis of parathyroid neoplasm.

  18. Parathyroid hyperplasia

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 63. Thakker R. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil ...

  19. Parathyroid adenoma

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 63. Thakker RV. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil ...

  20. Parathyroid hormone-related protein blood test

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... ency/article/003691.htm Parathyroid hormone-related protein blood test To use the sharing features on this page, ... measures the level of a hormone in the blood, called parathyroid hormone-related protein. How the Test is Performed A blood sample is needed . How ...

  1. A case of parathyroid carcinoma visualized on Tc-99m-sestamibi scintigraphy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Aigner, R.M.; Fueger, G.F.; Lax, S.

    1997-01-01

    Recent studies indicate that Tc-99m-Sestamibi (MIBI, DuPont Pharma) is a useful tracer for detecting parathyroid adenomas. We present a patient with focal Tc-99m-MIBI uptake in parathyroid carcinoma which has only been described once before (1). Tc-99m-MIBI scintigraphy may be considered for diagnosing pathological parathyroid tissue. But presently the histopathological examination only allows the differentiation between adenoma and carcinoma. (orig.) [de

  2. [Identification and preservation of parathyroid glands in cadaver parts].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Melo, Catarina; Bernardes, António; Carvalho, Lina

    2013-01-01

    It is essential to know the thyroid gland morphology and its anatomical relations in the anterior compartment of the neck in order to minimize the rate of thyroid surgery morbidity, especially the lesion of parathyroid glands and laryngeal nerves. The aim of this study was the identification of parathyroid glands in cadaver parts and their histological confirmation. Twenty cadaver parts were used to simulate thyroidectomies. During dissection, the thyroid glands and eventual parathyroid glands were isolated and then submitted to histological study. Twenty cadaver parts (anterior cervical organs) were used for macroscopic dissection during which 48 fragments that corresponded to eventual parathyroid glands were isolated, 35 of which were effectively confirmed through histological observation to be parathyroid glands. The 20 cadaver parts were then divided into three groups according to the number of histologically confirmed parathyroid glands. In the first group, composed of 11 cases, all eventual parathyroid glands were confirmed. In the second group, composed of six cases, only some glands were confirmed. In the third group, composed of three cases, none of the possible glands were confirmed. In seven of the 20 isolated thyroid glands, eight parathyroid glands were identified during histological study: four subcapsular, three extra-capsular, one intra-thyroidal. There was no statistical relation in the dimensions of the parathyroid glands. The knowledge of the anatomy of the central visceral compartment of the neck and its most frequent variations reduces but doesn't eliminate thyroid surgery morbidity, especially parathyroid iatrogenic excision, difficulty which has been demonstrated during the dissection of cadaver parts.

  3. Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans-isomerase A1 (Pin1) is a target for modification by lipid electrophiles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Aluise, Christopher D; Rose, Kristie; Boiani, Mariana; Reyzer, Michelle L; Manna, Joseph D; Tallman, Keri; Porter, Ned A; Marnett, Lawrence J

    2013-02-18

    Oxidation of membrane phospholipids is associated with inflammation, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer. Oxyradical damage to phospholipids results in the production of reactive aldehydes that adduct proteins and modulate their function. 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a common product of oxidative damage to lipids, adducts proteins at exposed Cys, His, or Lys residues. Here, we demonstrate that peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans-isomerase A1 (Pin1), an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of the peptide bond of pSer/pThr-Pro moieties in signaling proteins from cis to trans, is highly susceptible to HNE modification. Incubation of purified Pin1 with HNE followed by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry resulted in detection of Michael adducts at the active site residues His-157 and Cys-113. Time and concentration dependencies indicate that Cys-113 is the primary site of HNE modification. Pin1 was adducted in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells treated with 8-alkynyl-HNE as judged by click chemistry conjugation with biotin followed by streptavidin-based pulldown and Western blotting with anti-Pin1 antibody. Furthermore, orbitrap MS data support the adduction of Cys-113 in the Pin1 active site upon HNE treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells. siRNA knockdown of Pin1 in MDA-MB-231 cells partially protected the cells from HNE-induced toxicity. Recent studies indicate that Pin1 is an important molecular target for the chemopreventive effects of green tea polyphenols. The present study establishes that it is also a target for electrophilic modification by products of lipid peroxidation.

  4. A Case of Primary Hyperparathyroidism due to Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Cyst

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yavuz Yalcin

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Parathyroid cysts constitute 0.08–3.41% of all parathyroid masses. Intrathyroidal parathyroid cysts, however, are rare conditions with only a few cases being reported. Most of the parathyroid cysts are found to be nonfunctional and functional cysts are generally thought to be due to cystic degeneration of parathyroid adenomas. A cystic, smooth contoured lesion of 24 × 19 × 16 mm was observed in left thyroid lobe of a 76-year-old woman during ultrasonography which was performed as routine workup for primary hyperparathyroidism. It was defined as a cystic thyroid nodule at first. Tc99m sestamibi scintigraphy was performed to see any parathyroid lesions, but no radioactive uptake was observed. Intact parathormone (iPTH level was found to be >600 pg/mL in cyst aspiration fluid. Left lobectomy was performed, with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism due to functional parathyroid cyst. Serum iPTH level was decreased >50% postoperatively and histopathological evaluation was consistent with an encapsulated parathyroid adenoma with a cystic center. Parathyroid cysts are among rare causes of primary hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis is made by markedly increased iPTH level in cyst fluid and observation of parathyroid epithelium lining the cyst wall.

  5. Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Cognition

    Science.gov (United States)

    Burnett, J.; Smith, S.M.; Aung, K.; Dyer, C.

    2009-01-01

    Hyperparathyroidism is a well-recognized cause of impaired cognition due to hypercalcemia. However, recent studies have suggested that perhaps parathyroid hormone itself plays a role in cognition, especially executive dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of parathyroid hormone levels in a study cohort of elders with impaied cognition. Methods: Sixty community-living adults, 65 years of age and older, reported to Adult Protective Services for self-neglect and 55 controls matched (on age, ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status) consented and participated in this study. The research team conducted in-home comprehensive geriatric assessments which included the Mini-mental state exam (MMSE), the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS) , the Wolf-Klein clock test and a comprehensive nutritional panel, which included parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium. Students t tests and linear regression analyses were performed to assess for bivariate associations. Results: Self-neglecters (M = 73.73, sd=48.4) had significantly higher PTH levels compared to controls (M =47.59, sd=28.7; t=3.59, df=98.94, pcognitive measures. Conclusion: Parathyroid hormone may be associated with cognitive performance.

  6. Evaluation of a potential parathyroid dysfunction under treatment with radioactive iodine of benign thyroid diseases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schumacher, Serena Christine

    2011-01-01

    The intention of the present thesis was the evaluation of a potential parathyroid dysfunction under treatment with radioactive iodine of benign thyroid diseases. It was to be examined whether a change in the parathyroid function would arise within the first week on treatment. So far there are some minor studies existing describing significant changes in the parathyroid hormone serum level within the first months after radioactive iodine therapy of benign and malignant thyroid diseases. Moreover, it is a fact that external beam-radiotherapy can induce neoplasia and that the risk for the subsequent development of primary hyperparathyroidism doubles or triples after external beam-radiotherapy of the head and neck. Up to now, however, an increased incidence for primary hyperparathyroidism following treatment with radioactive iodine ( 131 I) could not be proved. At the department of nuclear medicine of the university hospital Giessen-Marburg GmbH, location Marburg, a prospective cohort study was executed on radioactive iodine therapy of benign thyroid diseases with 105 probands (75 women / 30 men, mean age 60.62 ± 14.3 years). According to their thyroid diseases these 105 probands were classified into following subgroups: thyroid adenoma with 23 patients, multifocal thyroid autonomy with 8 patients, disseminated thyroid autonomy with 37 patients as well as the subgroup Graves' hyperthyroidism (without Graves' ophtalmopathy) and accordingly Graves' disease (with Graves' ophtalmopathy) with 37 patients. The serum level of the intact parathyroid hormone was determined directly before starting the radioactive iodine therapy on the admission day and on day 1, 3 and 5 of the radioactive iodine therapy as well as at the ambulant follow-up examination one month after the start of the therapy. In case of 99 of 105 probands the serum level of parathyroid hormone declined on treatment with 131 I with its nadir on day 3 of therapy (decline by 15.71 ng/l or 27

  7. Role of Pin1 in UVA-induced cell proliferation and malignant transformation in epidermal cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Han, Chang Yeob; Hien, Tran Thi; Lim, Sung Chul; Kang, Keon Wook

    2011-01-01

    Highlights: → Pin1 expression is enhanced by low energy UVA irradiation in both skin tissues of hairless mice and JB6 C141 epidermal cells. → UVA irradiation increases activator protein-1 activity and cyclin D1 in a Pin1-dependent manner. → UVA potentiates EGF-inducible, anchorage-independent growth of epidermal cells, and this is suppressed by Pin1 inhibition or by anti-oxidant. -- Abstract: Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation (λ = 320-400 nm) is considered a major cause of human skin cancer. Pin1, a peptidyl prolyl isomerase, is overexpressed in most types of cancer tissues and plays an important role in cell proliferation and transformation. Here, we demonstrated that Pin1 expression was enhanced by low energy UVA (300-900 mJ/cm 2 ) irradiation in both skin tissues of hairless mice and JB6 C141 epidermal cells. Exposure of epidermal cells to UVA radiation increased cell proliferation and cyclin D1 expression, and these changes were blocked by Pin1 inhibition. UVA irradiation also increased activator protein-1 (AP-1) minimal reporter activity and nuclear levels of c-Jun, but not c-Fos, in a Pin1-dependent manner. The increases in Pin1 expression and in AP-1 reporter activity in response to UVA were abolished by N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment. Finally, we found that pre-exposure of JB6 C141 cells to UVA potentiated EGF-inducible, anchorage-independent growth, and this effect was significantly suppressed by Pin1inhibition or by NAC.

  8. Risk of parathyroid adenomas in patients with thyrotoxicosis exposed to radioactive iodine

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rasmuson, Torgny; Tavelin, Bjoern [Umeaa Univ. (Sweden). Dept. of Radiation Sciences, Oncology

    2006-12-15

    External ionizing radiation is a risk factor for primary hyperparathyroidism. Whether exposure to radioactive iodine contributes to the risk of primary hyperparathyroidism is unknown. Patients with thyrotoxicosis are often treated with radioactive iodine and its accumulation in the thyroid gland exposes the adjacent parathyroid glands to radioactivity. Six thousand and eighty two patients with thyrotoxicosis were identified from medical records. In a randomly selected subcohort we assessed the frequency of treatment with radioactive iodine to be 86%. The number of patient-years at risk was 77-118. Patients with parathyroid adenomas were recruited from the Swedish Cancer Registry. Eleven patients with parathyroid adenomas following the diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis were identified. The standard incidence ratio (SIR) compared to the reference population of 900,000 was 1.14. The median age at exposure was 59 years and the latency period between diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis and parathyroid adenoma was 7.4 years (range <1-19 years). This study does not indicate that patients with thyrotoxicosis treated with radioactive iodine in adult age have increased risk of developing parathyroid adenoma.

  9. Combined parathyroid adenoma and an occult papillary carcinoma

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Meshikhes, Abdul-Wahid N.; Al-Saihati, Basima A.; Butt, Mohammad S.

    2004-01-01

    Although the pathological association of thyroid and parathyroid disease is common, the association of both parathyroid adenoma and thyroid cancer is rare. We report here a case of a 45-year-old saudi women who diagnosed to have primary hyperparathyrodism due to single parathyroid adenoma as confirmed biochemically and radiologically. At operation, the adenoma was found to be an intrathyroid and therefore a thyroid lobectomy was performed. Histology of the excised lobe revealed in addition to the intrathyroid parathyroid adenoma a concurrent occult thyroid papillary carcinoma. The interesting association is discussed based on a literature review. (author)

  10. Sonography of intrathyroid parathyroid adenomas: Are there distinctive features that allow for preoperative identification?

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Heller, Matthew T.; Yip, Linwah; Tublin, Mitchell E.

    2013-01-01

    Objective: The purpose of our study was to determine if intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas can be accurately identified by applying proposed criteria to preoperative ultrasound examinations in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Materials/methods: Fifty-three patients with pathology proven intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas and pre-operative ultrasounds were identified from a surgical database for a blinded, retrospective review. A contemporary, age-matched cohort of 54 patients with extra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas was identified as a control. A total of 64 patients within these cohorts had co-existing thyroid nodules. Proposed ultrasound criteria for identifying a parathyroid adenoma included solid composition, profound hypoechogenicity, and presence of a feeding polar vessel. Parathyroid adenomas were classified as extra-thyroid or intra-thyroid (partial or complete) based on their relationship with the thyroid gland during ultrasound evaluation and results were compared to surgical and histopathology reports as the gold standard. The results from the blinded, retrospective review during which the proposed, specific ultrasound criteria were applied were compared to the initial, pre-operative reports during which the proposed criteria were not applied. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the blinded, retrospective review and initial, pre-operative reports were calculated. Additionally, in patients with co-existing thyroid nodules, an attempt was made to differentiate parathyroid adenomas from the thyroid nodules. Results: Application of the proposed ultrasound criteria during blinded retrospective review yielded a sensitivity and specificity for detecting intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas of 76% and 92%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound for detecting intra-thyroid parathyroid adenomas on the initial reports was 29% and 95%, respectively. The sensitivity and

  11. Parathormone, Calcium And Phosphorus In Autotransplanted Parathyroid, Total Thyriodectomized Patients

    OpenAIRE

    Abdel Salam, I. M. [ابراهيم عبد السلام; Murad, M.; Gamil, M. M.

    1995-01-01

    The success of parathyroid autotransplantation was indicated by the postoperative assay of serum parathormone in thirteen out of fourteen patients to whom total thyroidectomy was carried out because of thyroid cancer during the past three years. Four glands were autotransplanted in four patients and froam two to three glamds were trasplanted in the remaineng nime patients. All patients were followed up with daily calcium and phosphate determinations. Patients with low ca"1"1" level and with h...

  12. Development of a fast pin-by-pin transport solver in ARCADIA registered

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Geemert, R. van

    2009-01-01

    For satisfaction of future global customer needs, dedicated efforts are being coordinated internationally and pursued continuously at AREVA NP. The currently ongoing CONVERGENCE project is committed to the development of the ARCADIA registered next generation core simulation software package. ARCADIA registered will be put to global use by all AREVA NP business regions, for the entire spectrum of core design processes, licensing computations and safety studies. As part of the currently ongoing trend towards more sophisticated neutronics methodologies, an SP 3 nodal transport concept (van Geemert 2008) has been developed for ARTEMIS (Hobson 2008) which is the steady-state and transient core simulation part of ARCADIA registered . For enabling a high computational performance, the SP 3 calculations are accelerated by applying multi-level coarse mesh rebalancing (van Geemert 2006). In the current implementation, SP 3 is typically about 1.4 times as expensive computationally as SP 1 (diffusion). The developed SP 3 solution concept is foreseen as the future computational workhorse for many-group 3D pin-by-pin full core computations by ARCADIA registered . With the entire numerical workload being highly parallelizable through domain decomposition techniques, associated CPU-time requirements that adhere to the efficiency needs in the nuclear industry can be expected to become feasible in the near future. The accuracy enhancement obtainable by using SP 3 instead of SP 1 has been verified by a detailed comparison of ARTEMIS 16-group pin-by-pin SP N results with KAERI's DeCart reference results (Kozlowski 2003) for the 2D pin-by-pin Purdue UO 2 /MOX benchmark. Within the associated pin-by-pin grid, large pin-to-pin variations in cross-section values occur due to the explicit modelling of guide tubes, gadolinium pins as well as the heterogeneous distribution of MOX assemblies and UO 2 assemblies featuring significantly different burnups. With a pin-by-pin grid as

  13. ALX 111: ALX1-11, parathyroid hormone (1-84) - NPS Allelix, PREOS, PTH, recombinant human parathyroid hormone, rhPTH (1-84).

    Science.gov (United States)

    2003-01-01

    ALX 111 [parathyroid hormone (1-84) - NPS Allelix, recombinant human parathyroid hormone, rhPTH (1-84), PREOS] is a full-length, recombinant human parathyroid hormone. It has potential as an anti-osteoporotic agent, due to its properties as a bone formation stimulant. This profile has been selected from R&D Insight, a pharmaceutical intelligence database produced by Adis International Ltd. It has been recommended that ALX 111 should be given for 1 to 2 years and may be given in combination with an antiresorptive agent, such as estrogen or a bisphosphonate. In December 1999, Allelix Biopharmaceuticals merged with NPS Pharmaceuticals. This combined company is operating as NPS Pharmaceuticals in the US and as NPS Allelix in Canada. The merger has enabled a phase III study of ALX 111 to begin in the US, Europe and South America. NPS harmaceuticals has signed an agreement with Bio-Imaging Technologies, which will provide all image handling and analysis for this trial. Until 1994, Allelix Biopharmaceuticals and Glaxo in Canada were involved in a joint venture to investigate the efficacy of ALX 111 in osteoporosis. Allelix was subsequently, until September 1998, collaborating with Astra of Sweden in developing ALX 111. Astra had acquired exclusive worldwide rights to ALX 111 and was responsible for development of the agent. However, Astra returned all rights to ALX 111 to Allelix as a result of its merger with Zeneca to form AstraZeneca. In December 1999, Allelix Biopharmaceuticals merged with NPS Pharmaceuticals. This combined company is operating as NPS Pharmaceuticals in the US and as NPS Allelix in Canada. The merger has enabled a phase III study of ALX 111 to begin in the US, Europe and South America. The phase III trial of ALX 111 for the treatment of osteoporosis has completed patient enrolment, and phase II trials have been completed in Canada and the Netherlands. The 18-month, phase III, multicentre, placebo-controlled trial (Treatment of Osteoporosis with

  14. Parathyroid Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)—Patient Version

    Science.gov (United States)

    The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized organs found in the neck near the thyroid gland. Find out about risk and genetic factors, symptoms, tests to diagnose, prognosis, staging, and treatment for parathyroid cancer.

  15. Hypocalcemic stimulation and nonselective venous sampling for localizing parathyroid adenomas: work in progress.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Doppman, J L; Skarulis, M C; Chang, R; Alexander, H R; Bartlett, D; Libutti, S K; Marx, S J; Spiegel, A M

    1998-07-01

    To evaluate whether the release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from parathyroid tumors during selective parathyroid arteriography can help localize the tumors. In 20 patients (six men, 14 women; age range, 24-72 years) with parathyroid tumors undergoing parathyroid arteriography after failed surgery, serial measurements of PTH were obtained during selective arteriography with nonionic contrast material. PTH levels were measured in the superior vena cava (SVC) before and at varying times from 20 to 120 seconds after arteriography. A 1.4-fold increase in the PTH level of the postarteriographic SVC samples enabled correct prediction of the site of adenoma in 13 of the 20 patients (65%). Of nine patients with positive arteriograms, eight had positive results of postarteriographic sampling. Of 11 patients with negative arteriograms, five had positive results of postarteriographic sampling. Sampling the SVC for PTH gradients after selective parathyroid arteriography correctly indicated the site of the adenoma in 13 of 20 patients (65%).

  16. Structure of non-(1-84) PTH fragments secreted by parathyroid glands in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    D'Amour, Pierre; Brossard, Jean-Hugues; Rousseau, Louise; Nguyen-Yamamoto, Loan; Nassif, Edgard; Lazure, Claude; Gauthier, Dany; Lavigne, Jeffrey R; Zahradnik, Richard J

    2005-09-01

    Non-(1-84) parathyroid hormone (PTH) fragments are large circulating carboxyl-terminal (C) fragments with a partially preserved amino-terminal (N) structure. hPTH (7-84), a synthetic surrogate, has been demonstrated to exert biologic effects in vivo and in vitro which are opposite to those of hPTH (1-34) on the PTH/PTHrP type I receptor through a C-PTH receptor. We wanted to determine the N structure of non-(1-84) PTH fragments. Parathyroid cells isolated from glands obtained at surgery from three patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and three patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism were incubated with 35S-methionine to internally label their secretion products. Incubations were performed for 8 hours at the patient-ionized calcium concentration and in the presence of various protease inhibitors. The supernatant was fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fractions were analyzed with PTH assays having (1 to 4) and (12 to 23) epitopes, respectively. The serum of each patient was similarly analyzed. Peaks of immunoreactivity identified were submitted to sequence analysis to recover the 35S-methionine residues in positions 8 and 18. Three regions of interest were identified with PTH assays. They corresponded to non-(1-84) PTH fragments (further divided in regions 3 and 4), a peak of N-PTH migrating in front of hPTH (1-84) (region 2) and a peak of immunoreactivity corresponding to the elution position of hPTH (1-84) (region 1). The last corresponded to a single sequence starting at position 1. Region 2 gave similar results in all cases (a major signal starting at position 1) but also sometimes minor sequences starting at position 4 or 7. Regions 3 and 4 always identified a major sequence starting at positions 7 and minor sequences starting at positions 8, 10, and 15. Surprisingly, a major signal starting at position 1 was also present in region 3. The HPLC profile obtained from a given patient's parathyroid cells was qualitatively

  17. Neighboring phosphoSer-Pro motifs in the undefined domain of IRAK1 impart bivalent advantage for Pin1 binding.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rogals, Monique J; Greenwood, Alexander I; Kwon, Jeahoo; Lu, Kun Ping; Nicholson, Linda K

    2016-12-01

    The peptidyl prolyl isomerase Pin1 has two domains that are considered to be its binding (WW) and catalytic (PPIase) domains, both of which interact with phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs. This shared specificity might influence substrate selection, as many known Pin1 substrates have multiple sequentially close phosphoSer/Thr-Pro motifs, including the protein interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-1 (IRAK1). The IRAK1 undefined domain (UD) contains two sets of such neighboring motifs (Ser131/Ser144 and Ser163/Ser173), suggesting possible bivalent interactions with Pin1. Using a series of NMR titrations with 15N-labeled full-length Pin1 (Pin1-FL), PPIase, or WW domain and phosphopeptides representing the Ser131/Ser144 and Ser163/Ser173 regions of IRAK1-UD, bivalent interactions were investigated. Binding studies using singly phosphorylated peptides showed that individual motifs displayed weak affinities (> 100 μm) for Pin1-FL and each isolated domain. Analysis of dually phosphorylated peptides binding to Pin1-FL showed that inclusion of bivalent states was necessary to fit the data. The resulting complex model and fitted parameters were applied to predict the impact of bivalent states at low micromolar concentrations, demonstrating significant affinity enhancement for both dually phosphorylated peptides (3.5 and 24 μm for peptides based on the Ser131/Ser144 and Ser163/Ser173 regions, respectively). The complementary technique biolayer interferometry confirmed the predicted affinity enhancement for a representative set of singly and dually phosphorylated Ser131/Ser144 peptides at low micromolar concentrations, validating model predictions. These studies provide novel insights regarding the complexity of interactions between Pin1 and activated IRAK1, and more broadly suggest that phosphorylation of neighboring Ser/Thr-Pro motifs in proteins might provide competitive advantage at cellular concentrations for engaging with Pin1. © 2016 Federation of European

  18. Multicenter Study of Pin Site Infections and Skin Complications Following Pinning of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Combs, Kristen; Frick, Steven; Kiebzak, Gary

    2016-12-03

    Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fractures in pediatric patients. Surgical fixation using pins is the primary treatment for displaced fractures. Pin site infections may follow supracondylar humerus fracture fixation; the previously reported incidence rate in the literature is 2.34%, but there is significant variability in reported incidence rates of pin site infection. This study aims to define the incidence rate and determine pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors that may contribute to pin site infection following operative reduction, pinning, and casting. A retrospective chart analysis was performed over a one-year period on patients that developed pin site infection. A cast care form was added to Nemours' electronic medical records (EMR) system (Epic Systems Corp., Verona, WI) to identify pin site infections for retrospective review. The cast care form noted any inflamed or infected pins. Patients with inflamed or infected pin sites underwent a detailed chart review. Preoperative antibiotic use, number and size of pins used, method of postoperative immobilization, pin dressings, whether postoperative immobilization was changed prior to pin removal, and length of time pins were in place was recorded. A total of 369 patients underwent operative reduction, pinning, and casting. Three patients developed a pin site infection. The pin site infection incidence rate was 3/369=0.81%. Descriptive statistics were reported for the three patients that developed pin site infections and three patients that developed pin site complications. Pin site infection development is low. Factors that may contribute to the development of pin site infection include preoperative antibiotic use, length of time pins are left in, and changing the cast prior to pin removal.

  19. Image diagnosis of parathyroid glands in chronic renal failure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Takagi, H.; Tominaga, Y.; Uchida, K.; Yamada, N.; Morimoto, T.; Yasue, M.

    1983-01-01

    Twenty-two out of 31 patients with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism who underwent parathyroidectomy before operation underwent non-invasive image diagnosis of parathyroid glands by computed tomography (CT), scintigraphy with 201 TlCl and /sup 99m/TcO 4+ , and/or ultrasonography. CT visualized 39 of 45 parathyroid glands (86.7%), weighing more than 500 mg. Scintigraphy with a subtraction method using a computer performed the diagnosis in 19 of 27 glands (70.4%). Ultrasonography detected 21 of 27 glands (77.8%). Image diagnosis was also useful in the postoperative follow-up study. The non-invasive image diagnosis of parathyroid glands in patients with chronic renal failure is thus valuable for 1) definite diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism, 2) localization, and 3) diagnosis for effectiveness of conservative treatment

  20. Hypercalcemia in hyperthyroidism: patterns of serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels during management of thyrotoxicosis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Iqbal, Ayesha A; Burgess, Elizabeth H; Gallina, Daniel L; Nanes, Mark S; Cook, Curtiss B

    2003-01-01

    To present two cases of hypercalcemia associated with thyrotoxicosis and to describe serial biochemical findings during the course of treatment of hyperthyroidism. We report two cases, illustrate the changes in serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels during management of thyrotoxicosis, and compare our findings with those in previous studies. Hypercalcemia attributable to thyrotoxicosis is well documented, but the mechanism for the hypercalcemia is incompletely understood. Our first patient had a complicated medical history and several potential causes of hypercalcemia, including recurrent hyperparathyroidism, metastatic breast cancer, and relapse of previously treated thyrotoxicosis. A suppressed parathyroid hormone level and negative bone and computed tomographic scans excluded the first two factors. After thyroid ablation with 131I, the serum calcium and thyroxine levels decreased, and the parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 levels normalized. Our second patient, who was referred to our institution with a preliminary diagnosis of hypercalcemia associated with malignant disease and who had no symptoms of hyperthyroidism, was found to have a high free thyroxine level, diffuse enlargement of the thyroid, and high uptake (58%) of 123I on a thyroid scan. After thyroid ablation, the serum calcium, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and intact parathyroid hormone levels normalized, and the free thyroxine level declined. The probable pathogenesis of hypercalcemia in thyrotoxicosis is reviewed with respect to thyroid hormone and its effect on bone turnover. Physicians should consider thyrotoxicosis in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcemia.

  1. Effect of TheraCyte-encapsulated parathyroid cells on lumbar fusion in a rat model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Sung-Hsiung; Huang, Shun-Chen; Lui, Chun-Chung; Lin, Tzu-Ping; Chou, Fong-Fu; Ko, Jih-Yang

    2012-09-01

    Implantation of TheraCyte 4 × 10(6) live parathyroid cells can increase the bone marrow density of the spine of ovariectomized rats. There has been no published study examining the effect of such implantation on spinal fusion outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of TheraCyte-encapsulated parathyroid cells on posterolateral lumbar fusions in a rat model. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats underwent single-level, intertransverse process spinal fusions using iliac crest autograft. The rats were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 rats received sham operations on their necks (control; N = 20); Group 2 rats were implanted with TheraCyte-encapsulated 4 × 10(6) live parathyroid cells into the subcutis of their necks (TheraCyte; N = 20). Six weeks after surgery the rats were killed. Fusion was assessed by inspection, manual palpation, radiography, and histology. Blood was drawn to measure the serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). Based on manual palpation, the control group had a fusion rate of 33 % (6/18) and the TheraCyte group had a fusion rate of 72 % (13/18) (P = 0.044). Histology confirmed the manual palpation results. Serum iPTH levels were significantly higher in the TheraCyte group compared with the control group (P TheraCyte-encapsulated 4 × 10(6) live parathyroid cells than in control rats without significant change in serum calcium or phosphorus concentrations. As with any animal study, the results may not extrapolate to a higher species. Further studies are needed to determine if these effects are clinically significant.

  2. Intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay-cutting the Gordian knot

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chandralekha Tampi

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: Hyperparathyroidism is treated by surgical excision of the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland. In case of adenoma the single abnormal gland is removed, while in hyperplasias, a subtotal excision, that is, three-and-a-half of the four glands are removed. This therapeutic decision is made intraoperatively through frozen section evaluation and is sometimes problematic, due to a histological overlap between hyperplasia and the adenoma. The intraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH assay, propogated in recent years, offers an elegant solution, with a high success rate, due to its ability to identify the removal of all hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue. Aim: To study the feasibility of using IOPTH in our setting. Materials and Methods: Seven patients undergoing surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism had their IOPTH levels evaluated, along with the routine frozen and paraffin sections. Results: All seven patients showed more than a 50% intraoperative fall in serum PTH after excision of the abnormal gland. This was indicative of an adenoma and was confirmed by histopathological examination and normalization of serum calcium postoperatively. Conclusion: The intraoperative parathyroid hormone is a sensitive and specific guide to a complete removal of the abnormal parathyroid tissue. It can be incorporated without difficulty as an intraoperative guide and is superior to frozen section diagnosis in parathyroid surgery.

  3. Synchronous parathyroid adenoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Simultaneous existence of parathyroid adenoma and thyroid nonmedullary carcinoma is rarely observed. A 52‑year‑old female was diagnosed approximately 4 years ago with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) on the basis of hypercalcemia and elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level. Clinically, PHPT ...

  4. Cervical SPECT Camera for Parathyroid Imaging

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    None, None

    2012-08-31

    Primary hyperparathyroidism characterized by one or more enlarged parathyroid glands has become one of the most common endocrine diseases in the world affecting about 1 per 1000 in the United States. Standard treatment is highly invasive exploratory neck surgery called Parathyroidectomy. The surgery has a notable mortality rate because of the close proximity to vital structures. The move to minimally invasive parathyroidectomy is hampered by the lack of high resolution pre-surgical imaging techniques that can accurately localize the parathyroid with respect to surrounding structures. We propose to develop a dedicated ultra-high resolution (~ 1 mm) and high sensitivity (10x conventional camera) cervical scintigraphic imaging device. It will be based on a multiple pinhole-camera SPECT system comprising a novel solid state CZT detector that offers the required performance. The overall system will be configured to fit around the neck and comfortably image a patient.

  5. Pinning, de-pinning and re-pinning of a slowly varying rivulet

    KAUST Repository

    Paterson, C.; Wilson, S.K.; Duffy, B.R.

    2013-01-01

    The solutions for the unidirectional flow of a thin rivulet with prescribed volume flux down an inclined planar substrate are used to describe the locally unidirectional flow of a rivulet with constant width (i.e. pinned contact lines) but slowly varying contact angle as well as the possible pinning and subsequent de-pinning of a rivulet with constant contact angle and the possible de-pinning and subsequent re-pinning of a rivulet with constant width as they flow in the azimuthal direction from the top to the bottom of a large horizontal cylinder. Despite being the same locally, the global behaviour of a rivulet with constant width can be very different from that of a rivulet with constant contact angle. In particular, while a rivulet with constant non-zero contact angle can always run from the top to the bottom of the cylinder, the behaviour of a rivulet with constant width depends on the value of the width. Specifically, while a narrow rivulet can run all the way from the top to the bottom of the cylinder, a wide rivulet can run from the top of the cylinder only to a critical azimuthal angle. The scenario in which the hitherto pinned contact lines of the rivulet de-pin at the critical azimuthal angle and the rivulet runs from the critical azimuthal angle to the bottom of the cylinder with zero contact angle but slowly varying width is discussed. The pinning and de-pinning of a rivulet with constant contact angle, and the corresponding situation involving the de-pinning and re-pinning of a rivulet with constant width at a non-zero contact angle which generalises the de-pinning at zero contact angle discussed earlier, are described. In the latter situation, the mass of fluid on the cylinder is found to be a monotonically increasing function of the constant width. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  6. Pinning, de-pinning and re-pinning of a slowly varying rivulet

    KAUST Repository

    Paterson, C.

    2013-09-01

    The solutions for the unidirectional flow of a thin rivulet with prescribed volume flux down an inclined planar substrate are used to describe the locally unidirectional flow of a rivulet with constant width (i.e. pinned contact lines) but slowly varying contact angle as well as the possible pinning and subsequent de-pinning of a rivulet with constant contact angle and the possible de-pinning and subsequent re-pinning of a rivulet with constant width as they flow in the azimuthal direction from the top to the bottom of a large horizontal cylinder. Despite being the same locally, the global behaviour of a rivulet with constant width can be very different from that of a rivulet with constant contact angle. In particular, while a rivulet with constant non-zero contact angle can always run from the top to the bottom of the cylinder, the behaviour of a rivulet with constant width depends on the value of the width. Specifically, while a narrow rivulet can run all the way from the top to the bottom of the cylinder, a wide rivulet can run from the top of the cylinder only to a critical azimuthal angle. The scenario in which the hitherto pinned contact lines of the rivulet de-pin at the critical azimuthal angle and the rivulet runs from the critical azimuthal angle to the bottom of the cylinder with zero contact angle but slowly varying width is discussed. The pinning and de-pinning of a rivulet with constant contact angle, and the corresponding situation involving the de-pinning and re-pinning of a rivulet with constant width at a non-zero contact angle which generalises the de-pinning at zero contact angle discussed earlier, are described. In the latter situation, the mass of fluid on the cylinder is found to be a monotonically increasing function of the constant width. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  7. Diagnosing parathyroid glands: a revision

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Soroa, V.E.; Rank, G.

    2015-01-01

    Descriptions of the different benign parathyroid pathologies: primary, secondary and tertiary hyperparathyroidism and the possible diagnostic nuclear medicine techniques. We discuss the different acquisition modalities: planar, pinhole, subtraction, SPECT, SPECT/CT and PET/CT. Optimal recommendations for the patient preparation and acquisition, as well as false positive and negative results are also mentioned. Radiopharmaceuticals dosimetry is included. Statements related to other imaging modalities and the one with highest specificity: Ultrasound plus Nuclear Medicine. Emphasize of optimal results of the dual Phase 99m Tc-Setamibi in SPECT and the best selection with SPECT/CT, if available. Mention is done of the curative surgical treatment and the selective venous PTH sampling (excellent result if pre-surgical levels descended to 50 %, circumstances of false outcomes are also presented). Brief enumeration of PET/CT compounds, as another possibility that still has to proof its role in the diagnostic armamentarium of parathyroid pathology. Conclusion: The best diagnostic performance has been obtained with 99m Tc-Sestamibi in SPECT/CT as well as with the subtraction 131 I / 99m Tc-Sestamibi or 99m Tc-pertecneciate/ 99m Tc-Sestamibi methods. Nuclear Medicine is relevant in pointing parathyroid pathology in the surgical act and for a second look re-intervention. PET/CT radiopharmaceuticals are other possibilities that must still demonstrate its value in the diagnostic armamentarium of parathyroid pathologies. (authors) [es

  8. Topographic diagnosis of parathyroid tumor by CT scan

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fukunaga, Masao; Harioka, Toshio; Morita, Rikuji

    1981-01-01

    In order to detect the hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland(s), CT scan over the neck was performed in patients with parathyroid disorders, including 10 primary hyperparathyroidism (6 bone type, 3 stone type and 1 chemical type), 8 chronic renal failure on hemodialysis with renal osteodystrophy and 2 multiple endocrine adenomatosis (MEA) type I. We used a whole-body scanner (CT/T, GE). The slice thickness was 5 mm. All patients were scanned from the sternal notch upward to the larynx, and were enhanced by the administration of 30% DIP Conray for 15 min. The results of the topographic diagnosis were compared with the surgical findings. Precise preoperative localization was accomplished in 9/10 adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism, 27/32 hyperplasias in secondary hyperparathyroidism, and 2/4 hyperplasias in MEA type I. The smallest lesion weighed 0.2 g. It was shown that CT scan over the neck was a noninvasive and simple method to define the localization of hyperfunctionig parathyroid gland(s). (author)

  9. Image diagnosis of parathyroid glands in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kuriyama, Keiko; Kozuka, Takahiro; Morimoto, Shizuo; Ikezoe, Junpei; Arisawa, Jun; Akira, Masanori; Koide, Takuo; Oka, Toshitsugu; Sone, Shusuke.

    1986-01-01

    Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) of the neck were performed in 12 patients with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Twenty-eight of 44 excised parathyroid glands were visualized by US preoperatively (64 %). By CT, 20 parathyroid glands were detected (45 %). US was superior to CT for demonstrating parathyroid glands weighing between 500 and 1500 mg. There was no difference between US and CT for demonstrating parathyroid glands weighing more than 1500 mg and less than 500 mg. For definite diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism and preoperative localization, US is modality of choice initially, and then CT can be employed to search for mediastinal parathyroid gland. (author)

  10. Preoperative localization of parathyroid carcinoma using Tc-99m MIBI.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kitapçi, M T; Tastekin, G; Turgut, M; Caner, B; Kars, A; Barista, I; Bekdik, C

    1993-03-01

    A patient with parathyroid cancer is presented who underwent Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy. The Tc-99m MIBI image demonstrated increased accumulation of activity at the lower pole of the left thyroid lobe which was later confirmed as a parathyroid cancer. Uptake by parathyroid cancer must be kept in mind as a cause of increased Tc-99m MIBI accumulation when a disease is in question in the thyroid or parathyroid gland.

  11. Parathyroid Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)—Health Professional Version

    Science.gov (United States)

    Parathyroid cancer is very rare and is usually treated with surgery. Learn about the diagnosis, risk and genetic factors, staging, treatment, and management of parathyroid cancer in this expert-reviewed summary.

  12. ZIFL1.1 transporter modulates polar auxin transport by stabilizing membrane abundance of multiple PINs in Arabidopsis root tip

    Science.gov (United States)

    Remy, Estelle; Baster, Pawel; Friml, Jiří; Duque, Paula

    2013-01-01

    Cell-to-cell directional flow of the phytohormone auxin is primarily established by polar localization of the PIN auxin transporters, a process tightly regulated at multiple levels by auxin itself. We recently reported that, in the context of strong auxin flows, activity of the vacuolar ZIFL1.1 transporter is required for fine-tuning of polar auxin transport rates in the Arabidopsis root. In particular, ZIFL1.1 function protects plasma-membrane stability of the PIN2 carrier in epidermal root tip cells under conditions normally triggering PIN2 degradation. Here, we show that ZIFL1.1 activity at the root tip also promotes PIN1 plasma-membrane abundance in central cylinder cells, thus supporting the notion that ZIFL1.1 acts as a general positive modulator of polar auxin transport in roots. PMID:23857365

  13. Nontruncated amino-terminal parathyroid hormone overproduction in two patients with parathyroid carcinoma: a possible link to HRPT2 gene inactivation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Caron, Philippe; Simonds, William F; Maiza, Jean-Christophe; Rubin, Mishaela; Cantor, Tom; Rousseau, Louise; Bilezikian, John P; Souberbielle, Jean-Claude; D'Amour, Pierre

    2011-06-01

    Some patients with parathyroid carcinoma present with an over-production of nontruncated amino-terminal (NT-N) parathyroid hormone (PTH), a post-transcriptionally modified form of PTH(1-84). This is usually picked up on an elevated whole (W) PTH (third-generation)/total (T) (second-generation) PTH assay ratio (N > 0·8). Two parathyroid cancer patients with several episodes of hypercalcaemia and multiple surgeries are described. In both patients, W-PTH, T-PTH and circulating PTH molecular forms separated by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) were measured with the same assays. qPCR was used to study HRPT2 gene mutation. The first patient had total calcium of 3·8 and 3·22 mmol/l before the fourth and fifth surgeries, and third/second-generation PTH ratios of 2·95 and 3·6, respectively. After the fourth surgery, the ratio remained normal for 1 year and increased progressively to 3·6 over 15 months. This preceded hypercalcaemia by 6 months. The ratio became normal after the fifth surgery. HPLC analysis disclosed an over-expression of NT-N PTH to 82·2% (N < 10%) relative to hPTH(1-84) before the fifth surgery. A deletion of all the tested exons of the HRPT2 gene was identified. In the second patient, W-PTH/T-PTH ratio was 0·89 when serum calcium was 3·3 mmol/l. NT-N PTH was also over-expressed at 51·9%. An inactivating mutation of the HRPT2 gene was also identified. This may suggest that a progressive rise in third/second-generation ratio may have possible clinical utility to monitor parathyroid cancer recurrence. A possible association between NT-N PTH overproduction and HRPT2 gene inactivation is also suggested. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  14. Reduction of halo pin site morbidity with a new pin care regimen.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kazi, Hussain Anthony; de Matas, Marcus; Pillay, Robin

    2013-06-01

    A retrospective analysis of halo device associated morbidity over a 4-year period. To assess the impact of a new pin care regimen on halo pin site related morbidity. Halo orthosis treatment still has a role in cervical spine pathology, despite increasing possibilities of open surgical treatment. Published figures for pin site infection range from 12% to 22% with pin loosening from 7% to 50%. We assessed the outcome of a new pin care regimen on morbidity associated with halo spinal orthoses, using a retrospective cohort study from 2001 to 2004. In the last two years, our pin care regimen was changed. This involved pin site care using chlorhexidene & regular torque checking as part of a standard protocol. Previously, povidone iodine was used as skin preparation in theatre, followed by regular sterile saline cleansing when pin sites became encrusted with blood. There were 37 patients in the series, the median age was 49 (range, 22-83) and 20 patients were male. The overall infection rate prior to the new pin care protocol was 30% (n=6) and after the introduction, it dropped to 5.9% (n=1). This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Pin loosening occurred in one patient in the group prior to the formal pin care protocol (3%) and none thereafter. Reduced morbidity from halo use can be achieved with a modified pin cleansing and tightening regimen.

  15. Treatment of osteoporosis with TheraCyte-encapsulated parathyroid cells: a study in a rat model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chou, F-F; Huang, S-C; Chen, S-S; Wang, P-W; Huang, P-H; Lu, K-Y

    2006-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to evaluate parathyroid function at monthly intervals following the implantation of TheraCyte-encapsulated live human parathyroid cells into ovariectomized rats and to determine the effect on bone mineral density (BMD) 4 months after ovariectomy ( 3 months after implantation). Parathyroid tissues were obtained from patients undergoing surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism. In total, 21 Sprague-Dawley rats divided randomly into three groups were subjected to one of three treatments: (1) implanted with TheraCyte A-encapsulated 4x10(6) live parathyroid cells; (2) implanted with TheraCyte B-encapsulated 4x10(5) live parathyroid cells; (3) a sham operation; the control group. Rats were ovariectomized 1 month prior to the implantation of the TheraCyte. Blood was drawn at the time of implantation and at monthly intervals thereafter for 3 months to check the levels of calcium, phosphorus and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH). The BMD of the lumbar spine (L1-L5) and of the left femoral bone was measured with dual-energy-X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) 1 month after ovariectomy and 3 months after implantation of the TheraCyte (4 months after ovariectomy). We found that the viability ratio of cryopreserved tissues was between 55 and 79% after thawing. In the control group, the BMD of the lumbar spine (L1-L5) had not decreased significantly (p=0.237) nor had the BMD of the left femoral bone increased significantly (p=0.063) 3 months after implantation. In the TheraCyte A group, the BMD of both the lumbar spine (p=0.018) and left femoral bone (p=0.018) had increased significantly 3 months after implantation. In the TheraCyte B group, the BMD of both the lumbar spine (p=0.017) and the left femoral bone (p=0.025) had also increased significantly 3 months after implantation. Serum iPTH levels were higher in the TheraCyte A group than in the TheraCyte B group (p=0.006), and higher in the TheraCyte B group than in the control group (p=0.040). Serum

  16. Carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormone fragments: role in parathyroid hormone physiopathology.

    Science.gov (United States)

    D'Amour, Pierre; Brossard, Jean-Hugues

    2005-07-01

    Carboxyl-terminal parathyroid hormone (C-PTH) fragments constitute 80% of circulating PTH. Since the first 34 amino acids of the PTH structure are sufficient to explain PTH classical biological effects on the type I PTH/PTHrP receptor and since C-PTH fragments do not bind to this receptor, they have long been considered inactive. Recent data suggest the existence of a C-PTH receptor through which C-PTH fragments exert biological effects opposite to those of human PTH(1-84) on the type I PTH/PTHrP receptor. This is why a lot of attention has been paid to these fragments recently. In vivo, synthetic C-PTH fragments are able to decrease calcium concentration, to antagonize the calcemic response to human PTH(1-34) and human PTH(1-84) and to decrease the high bone turnover rate induced by human PTH(1-84). In vitro, they inhibit bone resorption, promote osteocyte apoptosis and exert a variety of effects on bone and cartilaginous cells. These effects are opposite to those of human PTH(1-84) on the PTH/PTHrP type I receptor. This suggests that the molecular forms of circulating PTH may control bone participation in calcium homeostasis via two different receptors. Clinically, the accumulation of C-PTH fragments in renal failure patients may cause PTH resistance and may be associated with adynamic bone disease. Rare parathyroid tumors, without a set point error, overproduce C-PTH fragments. The implication of C-PTH fragments in osteoporosis is still to be explored. C-PTH fragments represent a new field of investigation in PTH biology. More studies are necessary to disclose their real importance in calcium and bone homeostasis in health and disease.

  17. Results of transient overpower events on breached and unbreached fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Strain, R.V.; Tsai, H.C.; Neimark, L.A.; Aratani, K.

    1986-04-01

    The objective of the extended overpower tests on intact pins was to determine the pin cladding breaching thresholds vis-a-vis the Plant Protection System (PPS) trip settings, typically at ∼10 to 15% overpower. These tests emphasize slow operational-type transients in light of earlier work which suggested that irradiated mixed-oxide fuel pins may be particularly vulnerable in the slow ramp-rate regime. An overview of the extended overpower test series was previously reported. More recent results on two of the tests in this series are included in this paper. These two tests, designated TOPI-1A and TOPI-1B, were each conducted on a 19-pin assembly with various pin design, operation and burnup variables. The overpower ramp rates for the TOPI-1A and -1B tests were 0.1%/s and 10%/s, respectively

  18. Functioning lipoadenoma of the parathyroid: Case report and literature review

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bleiweiss, I.J.; Harpaz, N.; Strauchen, J.A.; Wagner, R.; Biller, H.F.

    1989-01-01

    Lipoadenoma of the parathyroid gland is a rare histologic variant of parathyroid adenoma that is usually functional and associated with clinical hyperparathyroidism. We report a case in which a radiolabeled thallium scan failed to demonstrate evidence of an adenoma, presumably because of the tumor's high fat content. The literature concerning this entity is reviewed. To our knowledge there are no other reported cases in which parathyroid scanning was used in diagnostic studies of parathyroid lipoadenoma. 15 references

  19. Atypical manifestation of parathyroid carcinoma with late-onset distant metastases

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    MarinaTsoli

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available Parathyroid carcinoma is an extremely rare endocrine malignancy that accounts for less than 1% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. We report a 44-year-old woman who presented with fatigue and diffuse bone pain. Laboratory findings revealed highly elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH levels and a 4.5 × 3 × 2.5 cm cystic lesion in the lower pole of the right thyroid lobe that was shown histologically to be a parathyroid carcinoma. Ten years later, the patient developed brain and pulmonary metastases and recurrence of PTH-related hypercalcemia. Treatment of hypercalcemia along with localized radiotherapy and various chemotherapy regimens failed to induce a biochemical or radiological response. In conclusion, parathyroid carcinoma is a rare neoplasia that may develop metastases even after prolonged follow-up, for which there is no evidence-based treatment besides surgery. Different chemotherapeutic schemes did not prove to be of any benefit in our case highlighting the need for registering such patients to better understand tumor biology and develop specific treatment.

  20. Increased parathyroid expression of klotho in uremic rats

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hofman-Bang, J.; Martuseviciene, G.; Santini, M.A.

    2010-01-01

    /6 nephrectomy rat model of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid klotho gene expression and protein were significantly increased in severely uremic hyperphosphatemic rats, but not affected by moderate uremia and normal serum phosphorus. Calcitriol suppressed klotho gene and protein expression in severe...... secondary hyperparathyroidism, despite a further increase in plasma phosphate. Both FGFR1 IIIC and Na+/K+-ATPase gene expression were significantly elevated in severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid gland klotho expression and the plasma calcium ion concentration were inversely correlated. Thus......, our study suggests that klotho may act as a positive regulator of PTH expression and secretion in secondary hyperparathyroidism....

  1. Technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile imaging for parathyroid adenoma: relationship to P-glycoprotein or multidrug resistance-related protein expression

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kao, Albert [Departments of Nuclear Medicine and Medical Research, China Medical College Hospital, No. 2, Yuh-Der Road, Taichung 404 (Taiwan); Shiau, Yu-Chien [Department of Nuclear Medicine, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Electrical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei (Taiwan); Tsai, Shih-Chuan [Department of Nuclear Medicine, Show-Chwan Memorial Hospital, Chunghua (Taiwan); Wang, Jhi-Joung [Department of Medical Research, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan (Taiwan); Ho, Shung-Tai [School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipe (Taiwan)

    2002-08-01

    Gland size has been reported to have a major influence on localisation of parathyroid adenomas by technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile ({sup 99m}Tc-MIBI) imaging. It has also been suggested that P-glycoprotein (Pgp) expression in parathyroid adenomas may influence localisation because false negative studies have been reported with large tumours and true positives with very small tumours. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the relationship between {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI parathyroid imaging results and Pgp or multidrug resistance-related protein (MRP) expression in parathyroid adenomas. Before surgery, 47 patients with large parathyroid adenomas (larger than 1.5 g) underwent early and delayed parathyroid imaging, 10 min and 2 h after intravenous injection of {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI. Immunohistochemical analyses (IHA) were performed, using multiple non-consecutive sections of the operative specimens, to detect Pgp or MRP expression. According to the results of IHA, the 34 parathyroid adenomas were separated into four groups: (1) three adenomas positive for both Pgp and MRP expression, (2) one adenoma positive for Pgp but negative for MRP expression, (3) four adenomas negative for Pgp but positive for MRP expression and (4) 39 adenomas with negative for both Pgp and MRP expression. All 39 adenomas in group 4 could be detected by {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI parathyroid imaging. None of the eight adenomas in groups 1-3 could be detected by {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI parathyroid imaging (P<0.05). It is concluded that not only the size of parathyroid adenomas but also significant Pgp or MRP expression limits the sensitivity of {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI imaging in localising parathyroid adenomas preoperatively. (orig.)

  2. Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Cognition

    Science.gov (United States)

    Burnett, J.; Smith, S.M.; Aung, K.; Dyer, C.

    2009-01-01

    Hyperparathyroidism is a well-recognized cause of impaired cognition due to hypercalcemia. However, recent studies have suggested that perhaps parathyroid hormone itself plays a role in cognition, especially executive dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of parathyroid hormone levels in a study cohort of elders with impaied cognition. Methods: Sixty community-living adults, 65 years of age and older, reported to Adult Protective Services for self-neglect and 55 controls matched (on age, ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status) consented and participated in this study. The research team conducted in-home comprehensive geriatric assessments which included the Mini-mental state exam (MMSE), the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS) , the Wolf-Klein clock test and a comprehensive nutritional panel, which included parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium. Students t tests and linear regression analyses were performed to assess for bivariate associations. Results: Self-neglecters (M = 73.73, sd=48.4) had significantly higher PTH levels compared to controls (M =47.59, sd=28.7; t=3.59, df=98.94, plevels. Overall, PTH was correlated with the MMSE (r=-.323, p=.001). Individual regression analyses revealed a statistically significant correlation between PTH and MMSE in the self-neglect group (r=-.298, p=.024) and this remained significant after controlling for ionized calcium levels in the regression. No significant associations were revealed in the control group or among any of the other cognitive measures. Conclusion: Parathyroid hormone may be associated with cognitive performance.

  3. Diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism with 99mTc-MIBI/131I parathyroid imaging in chronic renal failure

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tang Anwu; Luo Yaowu; Wu Yongkang; Pan Jianzhong; Ji Liangyuan

    1995-01-01

    20 chronic renal failure (CRF) patients and 15 normals were investigated with radionuclide parathyroid imaging and parathyroid hormone (PTH) RIA measurement for the detection of hyperparathyroidism. The serum PTH concentrations were 800.47 +- 665.25 pmol/L and 82.81 +- 13.79 pmol/L in two groups respectively. The radionuclide parathyroid images revealed that 1∼4 enlarged parathyroid glands were visualized in the CRF patients, none in the normals

  4. Technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile imaging for parathyroid adenoma: relationship to P-glycoprotein or multidrug resistance-related protein expression

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kao, Albert; Shiau, Yu-Chien; Tsai, Shih-Chuan; Wang, Jhi-Joung; Ho, Shung-Tai

    2002-01-01

    Gland size has been reported to have a major influence on localisation of parathyroid adenomas by technetium-99m methoxyisobutylisonitrile ( 99m Tc-MIBI) imaging. It has also been suggested that P-glycoprotein (Pgp) expression in parathyroid adenomas may influence localisation because false negative studies have been reported with large tumours and true positives with very small tumours. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the relationship between 99m Tc-MIBI parathyroid imaging results and Pgp or multidrug resistance-related protein (MRP) expression in parathyroid adenomas. Before surgery, 47 patients with large parathyroid adenomas (larger than 1.5 g) underwent early and delayed parathyroid imaging, 10 min and 2 h after intravenous injection of 99m Tc-MIBI. Immunohistochemical analyses (IHA) were performed, using multiple non-consecutive sections of the operative specimens, to detect Pgp or MRP expression. According to the results of IHA, the 34 parathyroid adenomas were separated into four groups: (1) three adenomas positive for both Pgp and MRP expression, (2) one adenoma positive for Pgp but negative for MRP expression, (3) four adenomas negative for Pgp but positive for MRP expression and (4) 39 adenomas with negative for both Pgp and MRP expression. All 39 adenomas in group 4 could be detected by 99m Tc-MIBI parathyroid imaging. None of the eight adenomas in groups 1-3 could be detected by 99m Tc-MIBI parathyroid imaging (P 99m Tc-MIBI imaging in localising parathyroid adenomas preoperatively. (orig.)

  5. Detecting parathyroid adenoma using technetium-99m tetrofosmin: comparison with P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance related protein expression--a preliminary report

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shiau, Y.C.; Tsai, S.C.; Wang, J.J.; Ho, S.T.; Kao, A.

    2002-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships among technetium-99m tetrofosmin (Tc-TF) accumulation in parathyroid adenoma and the expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) or multidrug resistance related protein (MRP). Before operation, 33 patients with parathyroid adenomas (larger than 1.5 gm) were studied with parathyroid scintigraphy 10 minutes and 2 hours after intravenous injection of Tc-TF before operation. Immunohistochemical analyses (IHA) were performed on multiple nonconsecutive sections of operative parathyroid specimens to detect Pgp or MRP expression. According to the results of IHA, the 33 parathyroid adenomas were separated into four groups: (1) 2 adenomas with both positive Pgp and positive MRP expression, (2) 1 adenomas with positive Pgp but negative MRP expression, (3) 2 adenomas with negative Pgp but positive MRP expression, and (4) 28 adenomas with both negative Pgp and negative MRP expression. All of 28 adenomas in the group 4 could be detected by Tc-TF parathyroid imaging. All of 5 adenomas in the groups 1 to 3 could not be detected by TcTF parathyroid imaging (p < 0.05). Not only the size of parathyroid adenomas, but also significant Pgp or MRP expression limited the sensitivity of Tc-TF parathyroid imaging to localize parathyroid adenomas before operation

  6. Parathyroid carcinoma: an unusual presentation of a rare neoplasm

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shruti, Sharma

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Parathyroid carcinoma is an extremely rare malignant endocrine neoplasm that is very challenging in its diagnosis as well as its treatment. Clinically the disease is detected earlier in patients who present with hyperparathyroidism with signs of profound hypercalcemia. Differentiation between benign and malignant disease of the parathyroid is challenging both for the clinician and for the pathologist. Complete surgical resection at the time of first operation offers the best chance of cure. Even after radical excision which is the standard management, local recurrence and metastases are frequent. The disease usually has a slow indolent course and most patients suffer from complications of hypercalcemia rather than tumor invasion or metastasis.We report a case of a 31-year-old woman who presented with renal colic. Various hematological, biochemical and radiological investigations were performed and a slightly enlarged right parathyroid was found. A clinical diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma was made and a right parathyroidectomy was done. Intraoperatively the surgeon had no suspicion of malignancy but microscopically the lesion was malignant and a final diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma was rendered based on the criteria of invasion. Since there is no gold standard, a multidisciplinary approach, including the entire clinical, biochemical, radiological and pathological profile of the disease aids in an accurate diagnosis. Here we are reporting a case of a functional parathyroid carcinoma presenting in a relatively young patient with all the biochemical and radiological investigations and findings pointing towards a benign parathyroid disease.

  7. Clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods of pre-surgical diagnosis of the parathyroid glands cancer

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Natalia G. Mokrysheva

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Backgraund. When defining symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT, differential diagnosis between a benign and malignant neoplasm of parathyroid glands (PG may be challenging. The diagnosis of carcinoma or a benign tumor determines the extent of the surgical intervention and further observation tactics. Aims. The purpose of the study is to determine the clinical and laboratory and instrumental predictors of PG cancer. Materials and methods. A retrospective study included 385 patients with PHPT (273 with adenomas of the PG, 66 with hyperplasia, and 19 patients with cancer of the PG, who had been examined and operated from 2000 to 2014. The primary goal of the study was to define the level of ionized calcium (Ca++, parathyroid hormone (PTH, and the volume of the tumor PG specific for cancer of the PG. The level of parathyroid hormone (PTH was determined by electrochemoluminescent method on the Roche analyzer Cobas 6000; ionized calcium (Ca++ ion-selective method. The size of the PG was determined by the ellipse formula: V(cm3 = (A × B × C × 0.49 by ultrasound investigation using the Valuson E8 device from General Electric. Results. The group of patients with PG carcinoma showed the increased level of Ca++ of more than 1.60 mmol/l (p = 0.004 and increased level of PTH of more than 600 pg/ml (p = 0.03. The size of tumors of more than 6 cm3 is more typical to malignant neoplasm compared to the adenoma of the PG (p = 0.01. Conclusions. The group of patients with PHPT that are at risk of having PG carcinoma include individuals that have a combination of the following indicators: PTH levels of more than 600 pg/ml, an increase in ionized calcium of more than 1.60 mmol/l, the tumor size of more than 6 cm3.

  8. Physiological and Pathogenic Roles of Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 in Metabolic Regulations via Multiple Signal Transduction Pathway Modulations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yusuke Nakatsu

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available Prolyl isomerases are divided into three groups, the FKBP family, Cyclophilin and the Parvulin family (Pin1 and Par14. Among these isomerases, Pin1 is a unique prolyl isomerase binding to the motif including pSer/pThr-Pro that is phosphorylated by kinases. Once bound, Pin1 modulates the enzymatic activity, protein stability or subcellular localization of target proteins by changing the cis- and trans-formations of proline. Several studies have examined the roles of Pin1 in the pathogenesis of cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, recent studies have newly demonstrated Pin1 to be involved in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Interestingly, while Pin1 expression is markedly increased by high-fat diet feeding, Pin1 KO mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and diabetic vascular dysfunction. These phenomena result from the binding of Pin1 to several key factors regulating metabolic functions, which include insulin receptor substrate-1, AMPK, Crtc2 and NF-κB p65. In this review, we focus on recent advances in elucidating the physiological roles of Pin1 as well as the pathogenesis of disorders involving this isomerase, from the viewpoint of the relationships between signal transductions and metabolic functions.

  9. Assessment of pin-by-pin fission rate distribution within MOX/UO{sub 2} fuel assembly using MCNPX code

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Louis, Heba Kareem; Amin, Esmat [Nuclear and Radiological Regulation Authority (NRRA), Cairo (Egypt). Safety Engineering Dept.

    2016-03-15

    The aim of the present paper is to assess the calculations of pin-by-pin group integrated fission rates within MOX/UO{sub 2} Fuel assemblies using the Monte Carlo code MCNP2.7c with two sets of the available latest nuclear data libraries used for calculating MOX-fueled systems. The data that are used in this paper are based on the benchmark by the NEA Nuclear Science Committee (NSC). The k{sub ∞} and absorption/fission reaction rates per isotope, k{sub eff} and pin-by-pin group integrated fission rates on 1/8 fraction of the geometry are determined. To assess the overall pin-by-pin fission rate distribution, the collective per cent error measures were investigated. The results of AVG, MRE and RMS error measures were less than 1 % error. The present results are compared with other participants using other Monte Carlo codes and with CEA results that were taken in the benchmark as reference. The results with ENDF/B-VI.6 are close to the results received by MVP (JENDL3.2) and SCALE 4.2 (JEF2.2). The results with ENDF/BVII.1 give higher values of k{sub ∞} reflecting the changes in the newer evaluations. In almost all results presented here, the MCNP calculated results with ENDF/B VII.1 should be considered more than those obtained by using other Monte Carlo codes and nuclear data libraries. The present calculations may be consider a reference for evaluating the numerical schemes in production code systems, as well as the global performance including cross-section data reduction methods as the calculations used continuous energy and no geometrical approximations.

  10. Preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas is cost-effective

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wilson, M.A.; Mack, E.; Rowe, B.; Perlman, S.B.

    1986-01-01

    The preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas is cost-effective because it reduces anesthesia and surgery times. The technique is sensitive in single and double adenomas (90%), and some surgeons have modified their operative technique because of its introduction. The practical experience of one surgeon is presented, with similar patient subsets (n = 22) compared before and after use of a localization scan was instituted. The average operative time fell by 94%, from 2 hours 35 minutes to 1 hour 19 minutes. The reduction in operative time was possible because the surgeon did not seek to identify the remaining normal parathyroids when the scanned lesion was excised and proved to be the adenoma

  11. Parathyroid aspiration directed by angiography: an alternative to venous sampling

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Krudy, A.G.; Doppman, J.L.; Marx, S.J.; Norton, J.A.; Spiegel, A.M.; Santora, A.C. II; Aurbach, G.D.

    1984-01-01

    Not all parathyroid glands can be visualized by CT or ultrasound and, therefore, cannot be aspirated using these techniques. The authors report the localization of a parathyroid gland by arteriography and needle aspiration under fluoroscopic guidance. This technique can be used to confirm a diagnosis of hypervascular parathyroid tissue that cannot otherwise be confirmed

  12. Parathyroid Hormone Levels and Cognition

    Science.gov (United States)

    Burnett, J.; Smith, S.M.; Aung, K.; Dyer, C.

    2009-01-01

    Hyperparathyroidism is a well-recognized cause of impaired cognition due to hypercalcemia. However, recent studies have suggested that perhaps parathyroid hormone itself plays a role in cognition, especially executive dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship of parathyroid hormone levels in a study cohort of elders with impaied cognition. Methods: Sixty community-living adults, 65 years of age and older, reported to Adult Protective Services for self-neglect and 55 controls matched (on age, ethnicity, gender and socio-economic status) consented and participated in this study. The research team conducted in-home comprehensive geriatric assessments which included the Mini-mental state exam (MMSE), the 15-item geriatric depression scale (GDS) , the Wolf-Klein clock test and a comprehensive nutritional panel, which included parathyroid hormone and ionized calcium. Students t tests and linear regression analyses were performed to assess for bivariate associations. Results: Self-neglecters (M = 73.73, sd=48.4) had significantly higher PTH levels compared to controls (M =47.59, sd=28.7; t=3.59, df=98.94, p<.01). There was no significant group difference in ionized calcium levels. Overall, PTH was correlated with the MMSE (r=-.323, p=.001). Individual regression analyses revealed a statistically significant correlation between PTH and MMSE in the self-neglect group (r=-.298, p=.024) and this remained significant after controlling for ionized calcium levels in the regression. No significant associations were revealed in the control group or among any of the other cognitive measures. Conclusion: Parathyroid hormone may be associated with cognitive performance.

  13. Thermal-Hydraulic Simulations of Single Pin and Assembly Sector for IVG- 1M Reactor

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kraus, A. [Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Garner, P. [Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States); Hanan, N. [Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)

    2015-01-15

    Thermal-hydraulic simulations have been performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) for the highly-enriched uranium (HEU) design of the IVG.1M reactor at the Institute of Atomic Energy (IAE) at the National Nuclear Center (NNC) in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Steady-state simulations were performed for both types of fuel assembly (FA), i.e. the FA in rows 1 & 2 and the FA in row 3, as well as for single pins in those FA (600 mm and 800 mm pins). Both single pin calculations and bundle sectors have been simulated for the most conservative operating conditions corresponding to the 10 MW output power, which corresponds to a pin unit cell Reynolds number of only about 7500. Simulations were performed using the commercial code STAR-CCM+ for the actual twisted pin geometry as well as a straight-pin approximation. Various Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models gave different results, and so some validation runs with a higher-fidelity Large Eddy Simulation (LES) code were performed given the lack of experimental data. These singled out the Realizable Two-Layer k-ε as the most accurate turbulence model for estimating surface temperature. Single-pin results for the twisted case, based on the average flow rate per pin and peak pin power, were conservative for peak clad surface temperature compared to the bundle results. Also the straight-pin calculations were conservative as compared to the twisted pin simulations, as expected, but the single-pin straight case was not always conservative with regard to the straight-pin bundle. This was due to the straight-pin temperature distribution being strongly influenced by the pin orientation, particularly near the outer boundary. The straight-pin case also predicted the peak temperature to be in a different location than the twisted-pin case. This is a limitation of the straight-pin approach. The peak temperature pin was in a different location from the peak power pin in every case simulated, and occurred at an

  14. Readability Assessment of Internet-Based Patient Education Materials Related to Parathyroid Surgery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Patel, Chirag R; Sanghvi, Saurin; Cherla, Deepa V; Baredes, Soly; Eloy, Jean Anderson

    2015-07-01

    Patient education is critical in obtaining informed consent and reducing preoperative anxiety. Written patient education material (PEM) can supplement verbal communication to improve understanding and satisfaction. Published guidelines recommend that health information be presented at or below a sixth-grade reading level to facilitate comprehension. We investigate the grade level of online PEMs regarding parathyroid surgery. A popular internet search engine was used to identify PEM discussing parathyroid surgery. Four formulas were used to calculate readability scores: Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Gunning Frequency of Gobbledygook (GFOG), and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG). Thirty web-based articles discussing parathyroid surgery were identified. The average FRE score was 42.8 (±1 standard deviation [SD] 16.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 36.6-48.8; range, 6.1-71.3). The average FKGL score was 11.7 (±1 SD 3.3; 95% CI, 10.5-12.9; range, 6.1-19.0). The SMOG scores averaged 14.2 (±1 SD 2.6; 95% CI, 13.2-15.2; range, 10.7-21.9), and the GFOG scores averaged 15.0 (±1 SD 3.5; 95% CI, 13.7-16.3; range, 10.6-24.8). Online PEM on parathyroid surgery is written above the recommended sixth-grade reading level. Improving readability of PEM may promote better health education and compliance. © The Author(s) 2015.

  15. Sarcoid granulomas in the parathyroid gland - a case of dual pathology: hypercalcaemia due to a parathyroid adenoma and coexistent sarcoidosis with granulomas located within the parathyroid adenoma and thyroid gland.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Balasanthiran, Anjali; Sandler, Belinda; Amonoo-Kuofi, Kwamena; Swamy, Rajiv; Kaniyur, Sunil; Kaplan, Felicity

    2010-01-01

    We present a highly unusual and interesting case of coexistent hyperparathyroidism and sarcoidosis leading to hypercalcaemia. A 70 year old female presented with weight loss, constipation and dehydration. Investigations revealed marked hypercalcaemia with a non-suppressed PTH. In view of the degree of hypercalcaemia as well as the unintentional weight loss, investigations for malignancy were conducted -these were negative. Parathyroid imaging was then requested and an adenoma was identified. Surprisingly, surgery revealed the coexistence of a parathyroid adenoma with the unexpected finding of sarcoid granulomas within the parathyroid and thyroid glands. To our knowledge, this is the first such case reported. Further imaging confirmed pulmonary sarcoidosis and a serum ACE was elevated. Serum calcium levels did not respond to parathyroidectomy but eventually fell with steroid therapy.

  16. Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of hyperplastic parathyroid gland for secondary hyperparathyroidism associated with chronic kidney disease.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Peng, Chengzhong; Zhang, Zhengxian; Liu, Jibin; Chen, Hongyu; Tu, Xiao; Hu, Rihong; Ni, Jun; Weng, Ning; Pang, Haisu; Xue, Zhengmei

    2017-03-01

    The purpose of this study was to determine if ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hyperplastic parathyroid glands could be used to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in patients with chronic kidney disease. RFA of the hyperplastic parathyroid glands was performed in 34 patients with secondary HPT. Intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), calcium, and phosphorus were measured. The outcome was based on the ablation extent (ie, 4, 3, and 1-2 glands). The iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels decreased in all groups after RFA. One year after ablation, these parameters remained significantly lower in the 4-gland ablation group compared with the 3-gland and 1 to 2-gland groups. The same tendency was observed for the symptom score. The iPTH levels of secondary HPT is feasible in selected patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 564-571, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  17. Effect of decicurie doses of radioactive iodine 131 on parathyroid function

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Glazebrook, G.A.

    1987-01-01

    Although parathyroid deficiency has been reported after administration of relatively small doses of iodine 131, reports of such deficiency after the much larger doses given in the management of thyroid cancer are notable by their absence in the literature. We observed one such patient, then instituted a prospective study. We observed a 58 percent incidence of apparently diminished parathyroid reserve among 53 patients given high doses of I 131. Susceptibility does not appear to be related to age, sex, extent of thyroid operation, operative technique, the amount of thyroidal I 131 uptake, the use of external radiation to the neck, or to the presence of parathyroid glands or of Hashimoto's disease in the operative specimen; however, susceptibility may be related to the anatomic location of the parathyroid glands in relation to the thyroid gland. The administered dose of I 131 almost reached significant levels (p = 0.1) in the present study. The initial pretreatment serum calcium levels were consistently lower among affected patients (p = 0.01), suggesting the presence of a preexisting latent impairment of parathyroid reserve which was subsequently unmasked after the administration of I 131. Thyroid cancer is compatible with very long-term survival, and therefore, there is a considerable risk of delayed chronic hypocalcemia among patients who have received large doses of I 131, particularly female patients in the premenopausal age group. These patients deserve special management surveillance

  18. Cyclooxygenase 2 Promotes Parathyroid Hyperplasia in ESRD

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Qian; Qiu, Junsi; Li, Haiming; Lu, Yanwen; Wang, Xiaoyun; Yang, Junwei; Wang, Shaoqing; Zhang, Liyin; Gu, Yong; Hao, Chuan-Ming

    2011-01-01

    Hyperplasia of the PTG underlies the secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) observed in CKD, but the mechanism underlying this hyperplasia is incompletely understood. Because aberrant cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) expression promotes epithelial cell proliferation, we examined the effects of COX2 on the parathyroid gland in uremia. In patients with ESRD who underwent parathyroidectomy, clusters of cells within the parathyroid glands had increased COX2 expression. Some COX2-positive cells exhibited two nuclei, consistent with proliferation. Furthermore, nearly 78% of COX2-positive cells expressed proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). In the 5/6-nephrectomy rat model, rats fed a high-phosphate diet had significantly higher serum PTH levels and larger parathyroid glands than sham-operated rats. Compared with controls, the parathyroid glands of uremic rats exhibited more PCNA-positive cells and greater COX2 expression in the chief cells. Treatment with COX2 inhibitor celecoxib significantly reduced PCNA expression, attenuated serum PTH levels, and reduced the size of the glands. In conclusion, COX2 promotes the pathogenesis of hyperparathyroidism in ESRD, suggesting that inhibiting the COX2 pathway could be a potential therapeutic target. PMID:21335517

  19. Improved pinning by multiple in-line damage

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Weinstein, Roy [Beam Particle Dynamics Laboratories, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5005 (United States); Sawh, Ravi-Persad [Beam Particle Dynamics Laboratories, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5005 (United States); Gandini, Alberto [Beam Particle Dynamics Laboratories, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5005 (United States); Parks, Drew [Beam Particle Dynamics Laboratories, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5005 (United States)

    2005-02-01

    Columnar pinning centres provide the largest pinning potential, U{sub pin}, but not the greatest J{sub c} or pinnable field, B{sub pin}. Characteristics of ion-generated columnar defects which limit J{sub c} and B{sub pin} are discussed, including reduction of the percolation path, and the need for a larger number of columns of damage, for pinning, than are usually estimated. It is concluded that columnar pinning centres limit B{sub pin} to less than 4 T, and also severely reduce J{sub c}. The goal of maximizing U{sub pin}, via columnar centres, appears to have obscured a more rewarding approach and resulted in neglect of a large regime of ion interactions. Evidence is reviewed that multiple in-line damage (MILD), described herein, can provide orders of magnitude higher J{sub c} and B{sub pin}, despite providing lower U{sub pin}. The MILD pinning centre morphology is discussed, and it is estimated that for present-day large grain high T{sub c} superconductors, a J{sub c} value of {approx}10{sup 6}Acm{sup -2} is obtainable at 77 K, even when crystal plane alignment and weak links are not improved. In addition, the pinned field is increased by over an order of magnitude. An experiment is proposed to confirm these calculations, directly compare MILD pinning to continuous columnar pinning, and determine the optimum MILD structure. Applications of MILD pinning are discussed.

  20. A parathyroid adenoma case study: Protocol review

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sorensen, B.J.; Chu, J.M.G. [Liverpool Hospital, NSW (Australia). Department of Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Ultrasound

    1998-06-01

    Full text: Technetium-99m ({sup 99m}Tc) Sestamibi as opposed to Thallous-201 Chloride and {sup 99m}Tc Sodium Pertechnetate subtraction, has become the radiopharmaceutical of choice for detection of parathyroid adenomas. A 17-year-old female patient presented to the department for a parathyroid {sup 99m}Tc Sestamibi scan to evaluate possible parathyroid adenoma/s. She was initially admitted with increasing serum Calcium levels, polyuria, abdominal pain and general malaise. The patient was injected with 900MBq of {sup 99m}Tc Sestamibi, and a pinhole dynamic at a distance of 10 cm from the neck was acquired followed by a 5-minute static image at 7 cm. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) was then performed on a dual-head gamma camera followed by an anterior and posterior 10-minute static image. At 3 and 5 hours post injection the 10-minute static image was repeated. This study was reported as normal with uniform uptake and washout of the tracer over the 5-hour period. An ultrasound study was performed, and it showed a lesion believed to be a parathyroid adenoma measuring 2.2 x 0.8 x 0.4 cm in size in the right upper lobe of the thyroid. A subsequent thyroid scan was performed to confirm that it was non-functioning thyroid tissue. The patient was injected with 250MBq of {sup 99m}Tc Sodium Pertechnetate and scanned with a pinhole collimator at a distance of 7 cm. When the {sup 99m}Tc Sestamibi and {sup 99m}Tc Sodium Pertechnetate scan were viewed together, it was clear that there was excess {sup 99m}Tc Sestamibi distribution on the right upper lobe of the thyroid, which washed out over time. This corresponded to the ultrasound findings and was confirmed at surgery to be a parathyroid adenoma. A {sup 99m}Tc Sodium Pertechnetate scan and an ultrasound are now also routinely performed on patients presenting for {sup 99m}Tc Sestamibi parathyroid scans

  1. A parathyroid adenoma case study: Protocol review

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sorensen, B.J.; Chu, J.M.G.

    1998-01-01

    Full text: Technetium-99m ( 99m Tc) Sestamibi as opposed to Thallous-201 Chloride and 99m Tc Sodium Pertechnetate subtraction, has become the radiopharmaceutical of choice for detection of parathyroid adenomas. A 17-year-old female patient presented to the department for a parathyroid 99m Tc Sestamibi scan to evaluate possible parathyroid adenoma/s. She was initially admitted with increasing serum Calcium levels, polyuria, abdominal pain and general malaise. The patient was injected with 900MBq of 99m Tc Sestamibi, and a pinhole dynamic at a distance of 10 cm from the neck was acquired followed by a 5-minute static image at 7 cm. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) was then performed on a dual-head gamma camera followed by an anterior and posterior 10-minute static image. At 3 and 5 hours post injection the 10-minute static image was repeated. This study was reported as normal with uniform uptake and washout of the tracer over the 5-hour period. An ultrasound study was performed, and it showed a lesion believed to be a parathyroid adenoma measuring 2.2 x 0.8 x 0.4 cm in size in the right upper lobe of the thyroid. A subsequent thyroid scan was performed to confirm that it was non-functioning thyroid tissue. The patient was injected with 250MBq of 99m Tc Sodium Pertechnetate and scanned with a pinhole collimator at a distance of 7 cm. When the 99m Tc Sestamibi and 99m Tc Sodium Pertechnetate scan were viewed together, it was clear that there was excess 99m Tc Sestamibi distribution on the right upper lobe of the thyroid, which washed out over time. This corresponded to the ultrasound findings and was confirmed at surgery to be a parathyroid adenoma. A 99m Tc Sodium Pertechnetate scan and an ultrasound are now also routinely performed on patients presenting for 99m Tc Sestamibi parathyroid scans

  2. [Importance of parathyroid SPECT and 99mTc scintigraphy, and of clinical, laboratorial, ultrasonographic and citologic correlation in the pre-operative localization of the parathyroid adenoma - pictorial assay].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Oliveira, Marco Antônio Condé de; Maeda, Sérgio Setsuo; Dreyer, Patrícia; Lobo, Alberto; Andrade, Victor Piana de; Hoff, Ana O; Biscolla, Rosa Paula Mello; Smanio, Paola; Brandão, Cynthia M A; Vieira, José G

    2010-06-01

    In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, candidates for surgical intervention, the parathyroid pre-operative localization is of fundamental importance in planning the appropriate surgical approach. The additional acquisition of SPECT and Technetium-99m images, during parathyroid scintigraphy with Sestamibi, is not common practice. Usually, only planar image acquisition, 15 minutes prior and 2 hours after radiopharmaceutical administration, is performed. In our experience, the complete protocol in parathyroid scintigraphy increases the accuracy of pre-operative parathyroid localization. The complete utilization of all available nuclear medicine methods (SPECT e 99mTc) and image interpretation in a multidisciplinary context can improve the accuracy of parathyroid scintigraphy.

  3. Resection of parathyroid tumor in the aorticopulmonary window without prior neck exploration

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    McHenry, C.; Walsh, M.; Jarosz, H.; Henkin, R.; Tope, J.; Lawrence, A.M.; Paloyan, E.

    1988-01-01

    Of 522 patients with hyperparathyroidism operated on from 1973 to 1987 at our institution, there were seven (1.3%), each with an ectopic, hyperfunctioning mediastinal parathyroid adenoma, who required median sternotomy. In three of these seven patients, the tumor was located in the aorticopulmonary window. A 61-year-old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism had a preoperative thallium-technetium subtraction scan that showed thallium uptake at the base of the heart without any uptake in the neck. After further workup and without prior neck exploration, a parathyroid adenoma was found in the aorticopulmonary window through a median sternotomy. Six months later, serum calcium, phosphorus, and parathyroid hormone values remain normal. Two other cases of parathyroid adenoma in the aorticopulmonary window are presented. Of these two patients, the thallium scan was a key element in the immediate mediastinal exploration of one, who was transferred from another hospital comatose and intubated, in acute hypercalcemic crisis. Since mediastinal parathyroid tumors that necessitate median sternotomy occur in less than 2% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, we do not advocate routine preoperative localization studies before an initial cervical operation; localization, however, may be justified in selected cases, such as in critically ill patients or in instances of acute hyperparathyroidism, when the first operation needs to be curative

  4. Spectrum of single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography findings in patients with parathyroid adenomas.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chakraborty, Dhritiman; Mittal, Bhagwant Rai; Harisankar, Chidambaram Natrajan Balasubramanian; Bhattacharya, Anish; Bhadada, Sanjay

    2011-01-01

    Primary hyperparathyroidism results from excessive parathyroid hormone secretion. Approximately 85% of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism are caused by a single parathyroid adenoma; 10-15% of the cases are caused by parathyroid hyperplasia. Parathyroid carcinoma accounts for approximately 3-4% of cases of primary disease. Technetium-99m-sestamibi (MIBI), the current scintigraphic procedure of choice for preoperative parathyroid localization, can be performed in various ways. The "single-isotope, double-phase technique" is based on the fact that MIBI washes out more rapidly from the thyroid than from abnormal parathyroid tissue. However, not all parathyroid lesions retain MIBI and not all thyroid tissue washes out quickly, and subtraction imaging is helpful. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provides information for localizing parathyroid lesions, differentiating thyroid from parathyroid lesions, and detecting and localizing ectopic parathyroid lesions. Addition of CT with SPECT improves the sensitivity. This pictorial assay demonstrates various SPECT/CT patterns observed in parathyroid scintigraphy.

  5. Perioperative indicators of hypocalcemia in total thyroidectomy: the role of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Salinger, Eric M; Moore, John T

    2013-12-01

    Hypocalcemia is a common complication of thyroidectomy. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for this problem. This prospective analysis included 111 patients undergoing total or completion thyroidectomy. Preoperative vitamin D levels and postoperative day 1 parathyroid hormone levels were analyzed for their predictive effects on postoperative hypocalcemia. Patients with ionized calcium hypocalcemia. Younger age and low postoperative parathyroid hormone levels are predictive of symptomatic hypocalcemia. A parathyroid hormone level outside of the reference range may indicate a need for more aggressive postoperative calcium supplementation and treatment with activated vitamin D. Older patients with normal postoperative parathyroid hormone levels may be safely discharged with appropriate calcium supplementation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Computer simulation of vortex pinning in type II superconductors. II. Random point pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Brandt, E.H.

    1983-01-01

    Pinning of vortices in a type II superconductor by randomly positioned identical point pins is simulated using the two-dimensional method described in a previous paper (Part I). The system is characterized by the vortex and pin numbers (N/sub v/, N/sub p/), the vortex and pin interaction ranges (R/sub v/, R/sub p/), and the amplitude of the pin potential A/sub p/. The computation is performed for many cases: dilute or dense, sharp or soft, attractive or repulsive, weak or strong pins, and ideal or amorphous vortex lattice. The total pinning force F as a function of the mean vortex displacment X increases first linearly (over a distance usually much smaller than the vortex spacing and than R/sub p/) and then saturates, fluctuating about its averaging F-bar. We interpret F-bar as the maximum pinning force j/sub c/B of a large specimen. For weak pins the prediction of Larkin and Ovchinnikov for two-dimensional collective pinning is confirmed: F-bar = const. iW/R/sub p/c 66 , where W-bar is the mean square pinning force and c 66 is the shear modulus of the vortex lattice. If the initial vortex lattice is chosen highly defective (''amorphous'') the constant is 1.3--3 times larger than for the ideal triangular lattice. This finding may explain the often observed ''history effect.'' The function F-bar(A/sub p/) exhibits a jump, which for dilute, sharp, attractive pins occurs close to the ''threshold value'' predicted for isolated pins by Labusch. This jump reflects the onset of plastic deformation of the vortex lattice, and in some cases of vortex trapping, but is not a genuine threshold

  7. PINS Spectrum Identification Guide

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    A.J. Caffrey

    2012-03-01

    The Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy—PINS, for short—system identifies the chemicals inside munitions and containers without opening them, a decided safety advantage if the fill chemical is a hazardous substance like a chemical warfare agent or an explosive. The PINS Spectrum Identification Guide is intended as a reference for technical professionals responsible for the interpretation of PINS gamma-ray spectra. The guide is divided into two parts. The three chapters that constitute Part I cover the science and technology of PINS. Neutron activation analysis is the focus of Chapter 1. Chapter 2 explores PINS hardware, software, and related operational issues. Gamma-ray spectral analysis basics are introduced in Chapter 3. The six chapters of Part II cover the identification of PINS spectra in detail. Like the PINS decision tree logic, these chapters are organized by chemical element: phosphorus-based chemicals, chlorine-based chemicals, etc. These descriptions of hazardous, toxic, and/or explosive chemicals conclude with a chapter on the identification of the inert chemicals, e.g. sand, used to fill practice munitions.

  8. Quantitative comparison of technetium-99m tetrofosmin and thallium-201 images of the thyroid and abnormal parathyroid glands

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Giordano, A.; Meduri, G.; Calcagni, M.L.; Marozzi, P.; Ficola, U.; Vaccaro, A.; Rubini, G.; Attard, M.; Li Puma, M.; Ricci, R.; Corsello, S.

    1999-01-01

    The aim of the study was to quantitatively compare the scintigraphic images of the thyroid and abnormal parathyroid glands obtained with technetium-99m tetrofosmin and thallium-201 in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Forty-six patients with hyperparathyroidism underwent 201 Tl (74 MBq), 99m Tc-pertechnetate (74 MBq) and 99m Tc-tetrofosmin (555-740 MBq) scintigraphy in a single session. Image analysis included the computation of the thyroid/background ratio in the whole study population and the parathyroid/background ratio, parathyroid/thyroid ratio and diagnostic sensitivity in 17 patients who underwent parathyroid surgery. The pertechnetate subtraction technique was used. 201 Tl and 99m Tc-tetrofosmin showed a similar thyroid/background ratio (1.79±0.41 and 1.81±0.47, respectively, P=NS); however, 99m Tc-tetrofosmin showed a higher parathyroid/background ratio than 201 Tl (2.06±0.54 vs 1.79± 0.50, P=0.007). Despite the superior quality of 99m Tc-tetrofosmin images, both tracers showed identical sensitivity in detecting enlarged parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (89%) and in those with secondary hyperparathyroidism (50%). (orig.)

  9. Displaced humeral lateral condyle fractures in children: should we bury the pins?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Das De, Soumen; Bae, Donald S; Waters, Peter M

    2012-09-01

    The purpose of this investigation was to determine if leaving Kirschner wires exposed is more cost-effective than burying them subcutaneously after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of humeral lateral condyle fractures. A retrospective cohort study of all lateral condyle fractures treated over a 10-year period at a single institution was performed. Data on surgical technique, fracture healing, and complications were analyzed, as well as treatment costs. A decision analysis model was then constructed to compare the strategies of leaving the pins exposed versus buried. Finally, sensitivity analyses were performed, assessing cost-effectiveness when infection rates and costs of treating deep infections were varied. A total of 235 children with displaced fractures were treated with ORIF using Kirschner wires. Pins were left exposed in 41 cases (17.4%) and buried in 194 cases (82.6%); the age, sex, injury mechanisms, and fracture patterns were similar in both the groups. The median time to removal of implants was shorter with exposed versus buried pins (4 vs. 6 wk, Pfracture union or loss of reduction rates. The rate of superficial infection was higher with exposed pins (9.8% vs. 3.1%), but this was not statistically significant (P=0.076). There were no deep infections with exposed pins, whereas the rate of deep infection was 0.5% with buried pins (P=1.00). Buried pins were associated with additional complications, including symptomatic implants (7.2%); pins protruding through the skin (16%); internal pin migration necessitating additional surgery (1%); and skin necrosis (1%). The decision analysis revealed that leaving pins exposed resulted in an average cost savings of $3442 per patient. This strategy remained cost-effective even when infection rates with exposed pins approached 40%. Leaving the pins exposed after ORIF of lateral condyle fractures is safe and more cost-effective than burying the pins subcutaneously. Retrospective cohort study (level III).

  10. Preoperative Localization of Mediastinal Parathyroid Adenoma with Intra-arterial Methylene Blue

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Salman, Rida; Sebaaly, Mikhael G. [American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of Diagnostic Radiology (Lebanon); Wehbe, Mohammad Rachad; Sfeir, Pierre; Khalife, Mohamad [American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of General Surgery (Lebanon); Al-Kutoubi, Aghiad, E-mail: mk00@aub.edu.lb [American University of Beirut Medical Center, Department of Diagnostic Radiology (Lebanon)

    2017-06-15

    Ectopic parathyroid is found in 16% of patients with hyperparathyroidism. 2% of ectopic parathyroid adenomas are not accessible to standard cervical excision. In such cases, video-assisted thoracoscopic resection is the recommended definitive treatment. We present a case of mediastinal parathyroid adenoma localized preoperatively by injecting methylene blue within a branch of the internal mammary artery that is supplying the adenoma. Intra-arterial methylene blue injection facilitated visualization and resection of the adenoma. The preoperative intra-arterial infusion of methylene blue appears to be an effective and safe method for localization of ectopic mediastinal parathyroid adenomas and allows rapid identification during thoracoscopic resection.

  11. A dual inhibitor against prolyl isomerase Pin1 and cyclophilin discovered by a novel real-time fluorescence detection method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mori, Tadashi; Hidaka, Masafumi; Lin, Yi-Chin; Yoshizawa, Ibuki; Okabe, Takayoshi; Egashira, Shinichiro; Kojima, Hirotatsu; Nagano, Tetsuo; Koketsu, Mamoru; Takamiya, Mari; Uchida, Takafumi

    2011-01-01

    Research highlights: → A Pin1 (prolyl isomerase) inhibitor, TME-001, has been discovered by using a new established high-throughput screening method. → The TME-001 showed a cell-active inhibition with lower cytotoxic effect than known Pin1 inhibitors. → Kinetic analyses revealed that the TME-001 is the first compound that exhibits dual inhibition of Pin1 and another type of prolyl isomerase, cyclophilin. → Thus, similarities of structure and reaction mechanism between Pin1 and cyclophilin are proposed. -- Abstract: Pin1, a peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase), is a potential target molecule for cancer, infectious disease, and Alzheimer's disease. We established a high-throughput screening method for Pin1 inhibitors, which employs a real-time fluorescence detector. This screening method identified 66 compounds that inhibit Pin1 out of 9756 compounds from structurally diverse chemical libraries. Further evaluations of surface plasmon resonance methods and a cell proliferation assay were performed. We discovered a cell-active inhibitor, TME-001 (2-(3-chloro-4-fluoro-phenyl)-isothiazol-3-one). Surprisingly, kinetic analyses revealed that TME-001 is the first compound that exhibits dual inhibition of Pin1 (IC 50 = 6.1 μM) and cyclophilin, another type of PPIase, (IC 50 = 13.7 μM). This compound does not inhibit FKBP. This finding suggests the existence of similarities of structure and reaction mechanism between Pin1 and cyclophilin, and may lead to a more complete understanding of the active sites of PPIases.

  12. [Influence and mechanism of PinX1 gene on the chemotherapy sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in response to Cisplatin].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shen, Congxiang; Liu, Yanhui; Wen, Zhong; Yang, Keke; Li, Guanxue; Zhang, Shenhua; Zhang, Xinyu

    2015-06-23

    To explore the influence and mechanism of PinX1 gene on the chemotherapy sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in response to Cisplatin. Transfected nasopharyngeal carcinoma 5-8F cell lines with pCDH-CMV-PinX1-copGFP vector constructed by lentivirus to generate Lenti-PinX1-5-8F cells containing PinX1 gene, using Lenti-Ctrl-5-8F cell (blank vector without PinX1 gene was used to transfect 5-8F cell lines) and 5-8F cell as controls. Expression of PinX1 gene, telomerase activity, the inhibition of cancer cells proliferation, combined anticancer effect with Cisplatin and the expression of lung resistance protein (LRP) and Bcl-2 were detected with fluorescent quantitation polymerase chain reaction (PCR), flow cytometry, thiazolyl blue (MTT) method, areole test, Western blot and drug sensitivity test, respectively, in four groups (Lenti-PinX1-5-8F cell + Cisplatin, Lenti-PinX1-5-8F cell, Cisplatin and 5-8F cell) so as to explore the influence and mechanism of PinX1 gene on the chemotherapy sensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in response to Cisplatin. The telomerase activity in Lenti-PinX1-5-8F cell (0.146 ± 0.004) was lower than those in the other two control cells (Lenti-Ctrl-5-8F cell: 0.967 ± 0.016, 5-8F cell: 1.000 ± 0.034, both P Cisplatin after lower level telomerase activity induced by PinX1 gene. Proliferation index (PI) (%) in Lenti-PinX1-5-8F cell + Cisplatin (14.39 ± 3.66) was also less than the other groups (Lenti-PinX1-5-8F cell, Cisplatin and 5-8F cell groups, 32.97 ± 3.00, 31.18 ± 4.24 and 47.19 ± 4.19, all P Cisplatin, which may be mediated by the down-regulation of telomerase activity and the inhibition of LRP and Bcl-2 gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

  13. ROLE OF IMAGING TESTS FOR PREOPERATIVE LOCATION OF PATHOLOGIC PARATHYROID TISSUE IN PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Coelho, Maria Caroline Alves; de Oliveira E Silva de Morais, Nathalie Anne; Beuren, Andrea Cristiani; Lopes, Cristiane Bertolino; Santos, Camila Vicente; Cantoni, Joyce; Neto, Leonardo Vieira; Lima, Maurício Barbosa

    2016-09-01

    Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) can be cured by parathyroidectomy, and the preoperative location of enlarged pathologic parathyroid glands is determined by imaging studies, especially cervical ultrasonography and scintigraphy scanning. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the use of preoperative cervical ultrasonography and/or parathyroid scintigraphy in locating pathologic parathyroid tissue in a group of patients with PHPT followed in the same endocrine center. We examined the records of 61 patients who had undergone parathyroidectomy for PHPT following (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy scan and/or cervical ultrasonography. Scintigraphic and ultrasonographic findings were compared to histopathologic results of the surgical specimens. Ultrasonography detected enlarged parathyroid glands in 87% (48/55) of patients with PHPT and (99m)Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy in 79% (37/47) of the cases. Ultrasonography was able to correctly predict the surgical findings in 75% (41/55) of patients and scintigraphy in 72% (34/47). Of 7 patients who had negative ultrasonography, scintigraphy correctly predicted the surgical results in 2 (29%). Of 10 patients who had negative scintigraphy, ultrasonography correctly predicted the surgical results in 4 (40%). When we analyzed only patients with solitary eutopic parathyroid adenomas, the predictive positive values of ultrasonography and scintigraphy were 90% and 86%, respectively. Cervical ultrasonography had a higher likelihood of a correct positive test and a greater predictive positive value for solitary adenoma compared to (99m)Tc-sestamibi and should be used as the first diagnostic tool for preoperative localization of affected parathyroid glands in PHPT. Ca = calcium IEDE = Instituto Estadual de Diabetes e Endocrinologia Luiz Capriglione PHPT = primary hyperparathyroidism PTH = parathyroid hormone.

  14. Pre-operative localization of parathyroid adenoma by Tc-99m-sestamibi scintigraphy (MIBI)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ramadan, Edward; Vishne, Tal H; Koren, Romelia; Lerner, Igor; Melloul, Moshe; Dreznik, Zeev

    2002-01-01

    The use of pre-operative imaging for localization of primary parathyroid adenoma may influence the duration and results of parathyroidectomy. The current study was aimed to evaluate the efficiency of localization of parathyroid adenoma by Tc-99m-sestamibi (MIBI) scintigraphy and compare the results with those achieved by the use of preoperative ultrasound. Seventy five patients, aged 25 to 83 years with primary hyperparathyroidism were operated due to primary adenoma in Rabin Medical Center from January 1995 to April 1997. Fifty of them had a preoperative MIBI scintigraphy and ultrasound for localization of parathyroid adenoma, while 25 had a preoperative ultrasound alone. Ultrasound identified correctly the adenoma in 84 percent of the cases, as compared to 96 percent identified by MIBI scintigraphy (p<0.01). MIBI scintigraphy shortened operation length from 120±20 min to 80±15 min (p<0.05) and reduced the number of frozen sections from 2.2±0.4 to 1.1±0.3 (p<0.001). MIBI scintigraphy is the most efficient modality for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma as compared to other imaging procedures, and can shorten operative time (Au)

  15. Prolyl isomerase Pin1 is highly expressed in Her2-positive breast cancer and regulates erbB2 protein stability

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lu Kun

    2008-12-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Overexpression of HER-2/Neu occurs in about 25–30% of breast cancer patients and is indicative of poor prognosis. While Her2/Neu overexpression is primarily a result of erbB2 amplification, it has recently been recognized that erbB2 levels are also regulated on the protein level. However, factors that regulate Her2/Neu protein stability are less well understood. The prolyl isomerase Pin1 catalyzes the isomerization of specific pSer/Thr-Pro motifs that have been phosphorylated in response to mitogenic signaling. We have previously reported that Pin1-catalyzed post-phosphorylational modification of signal transduction modulates the oncogenic pathways downstream from c-neu. The goal of this study was to examine the expression of prolyl isomerase Pin1 in human Her2+ breast cancer, and to study if Pin1 affects the expression of Her2/Neu itself. Methods Immunohistochemistry for Her2 and Pin1 were performed on two hundred twenty-three human breast cancers, with 59% of the specimen from primary cancers and 41% from metastatic sites. Pin1 inhibition was achieved using siRNA in Her2+ breast cancer cell lines, and its effects were studied using cell viability assays, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. Results Sixty-four samples (28.7% stained positive for Her2 (IHC 3+, and 54% (122/223 of all breast cancers stained positive for Pin1. Of the Her2-positive cancers 40 (62.5% were also Pin1-positive, based on strong nuclear or nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. Inhibition of Pin1 via RNAi resulted in significant suppression of Her2-positive tumor cell growth in BT474, SKBR3 and AU565 cells. Pin1 inhibition greatly increased the sensitivity of Her2-positive breast cancer cells to the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin, while it did not increase their sensitivity to Trastuzumab, suggesting that Pin1 might act on Her2 signaling. We found that Pin1 interacted with the protein complex that contains ubiquitinated erbB2 and that Pin1 inhibition accelerated erbB2

  16. Falls relate to vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in an Australian nursing home and hostel.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stein, M S; Wark, J D; Scherer, S C; Walton, S L; Chick, P; Di Carlantonio, M; Zajac, J D; Flicker, L

    1999-10-01

    To determine whether falling relates to serum levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone. A cross-sectional study with retrospective analysis. An aged-care institution in Melbourne Australia. Ambulant nursing home and hostel residents (n = 83). Frequency of falling, frequency of going outdoors, use of cane or walker, age, sex, weight, type of accommodation, and duration of residence. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Plasma concentrations of albumin, calcium, phosphate, and creatinine. Use of furosemide or non-benzodiazepine anticonvulsants. Median age of residents was 84 years. The cohort was vitamin D deficient with a median (interquartile range) 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 27 (18-37) nmol/L (one-third the reference range median), P falling, higher serum PTH remained independently associated with falling, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for falling of 5.6 (1.7-18.5) per unit of the natural logarithm of serum PTH. Other terms in the regression were hostel accommodation, odds ratio .04 (.01-.25), and ability to walk without aids, odds ratio .07 (.01-.37). In ambulant nursing home and hostel residents, residents who fall have lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and higher serum parathyroid hormone levels than other residents. The association between falling and serum PTH persists after adjustment for other variables.

  17. Parathyroid hormone in pediatric patients with β-thalassemia major ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    The aim of the study is to estimate the level of serum parathyroid hormone and its relation to bone mineral density in transfusion dependent beta-thalassemia major children. Subjects and methods: We measured serum calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone in a sample of pediatric patients with thalassemia, ...

  18. Negative Regulation of the Stability and Tumor Suppressor Function of Fbw7 by the Pin1 Prolyl Isomerase

    Science.gov (United States)

    Min, Sang-Hyun; Lau, Alan W.; Lee, Tae Ho; Inuzuka, Hiroyuki; Wei, Shuo; Huang, Pengyu; Shaik, Shavali; Lee, Daniel Yenhong; Finn, Greg; Balastik, Martin; Chen, Chun-Hau; Luo, Manli; Tron, Adriana E.; DeCaprio, James A.; Zhou, Xiao Zhen; Wei, Wenyi; Lu, Kun Ping

    2012-01-01

    SUMMARY Fbw7 is the substrate recognition component of the SCF (Skp1-Cullin-F-box)-type E3 ligase complex and a well-characterized tumor suppressor that targets numerous oncoproteins for destruction. Genomic deletion or mutation of FBW7 has been frequently found in various types of human cancers, however, little is known about the upstream signaling pathway(s) governing Fbw7 stability and cellular functions. Here we report that Fbw7 protein destruction and tumor suppressor function are negatively regulated by the prolyl isomerase Pin1. Pin1 interacts with Fbw7 in a phoshorylation-dependent manner and promotes Fbw7 self-ubiquitination and protein degradation by disrupting Fbw7 dimerization. Consequently, over-expressing Pin1 reduces Fbw7 abundance and suppresses Fbw7’s ability to inhibit proliferation and transformation. By contrast, depletion of Pin1 in cancer cells leads to elevated Fbw7 expression, which subsequently reduces Mcl-1 abundance, sensitizing cancer cells to Taxol. Thus, Pin1-mediated inhibition of Fbw7 contributes to oncogenesis and Pin1 may be a promising drug target for anti-cancer therapy. PMID:22608923

  19. High-speed 1.3 -1.55 um InGaAs/InP PIN photodetector for microwave photonics

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kozyreva, O. A.; Solov'ev, Y. V.; Polukhin, I. S.; Mikhailov, A. K.; Mikhailovskiy, G. A.; Odnoblyudov, M. A.; Gareev, E. Z.; Kolodeznyi, E. S.; Novikov, I. I.; Karachinsky, L. Ya; Egorov, A. Yu; Bougrov, V. E.

    2017-11-01

    We have fabricated the 1.3-1.55 um PIN photodetector based on InGaAs/InP heterostructure. Measurement results of optical and electrical characteristics of PIN photodetector chip were the following: photoconductivity at 1550 nm was 0.65 A/W and internal capacitance was 0.025 pF. Microwave model of photodetector was developed and verified by measurements of scattering matrix. The implementation of broadband (up to 20 GHz) hybrid integrated matching and biasing circuit for high-speed photodetector is presented.

  20. Case reports, 1965: Incontinentia pigmenti and retrolental mass. Parathyroid cysts

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Miller, R J; Anderson, R E; Wood, J W; Johnson, K G; Hinds, M J.A.

    1966-05-01

    This document contains two reports. In the first report a case of incontinentia pigmenti in a Japanese girl with associated retrolental mass is presented in conjunction with a review of the other known cases of this association in the literature. In the second report, the case of a 42-year-old female with a parathyroid cyst is presented. Review of the literature reveals 38 patients in whom the diagnosis of a parathyroid cyst was supported by the presence of parathyroid tissue within the cyst wall. Of these patients, 70% were women and half of them were less than 40 years old. More than 90% of the cysts are found in the region of the inferior parathyroid glands. The lesion may be associated with symptoms of pain, hoarseness, respiratory obstruction or, in 15% of the cases, with hyperparathyroidism. The cysts commonly increase rapidly in size, but may show periods of remission. It is proposed that these lesions occur more frequently than reports would indicate. It is also believed that the production of clinically significant parathyroid cysts is the result of retention of secretions. 43 references, 7 figures, 2 tables.

  1. Characterizing the interactions between prolyl isomerase pin1 and phosphatase inhibitor-2 in living cells with FRET and FCS

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Yuansheng; Wang, Lifu; Jyothikumar, Vinod; Brautigan, David L.; Periasamy, Ammasi

    2012-03-01

    Phosphatase inhibitor-2 (I2) was discovered as a regulator of protein Ser/Thr phosphatase-1 and is conserved from yeast to human. Binding between purified recombinant I2 from different species and the prolyl isomerase Pin1 has been demonstrated with pull-down assays, size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Despite this, questions persist as to whether these proteins associate together in living cells. In this study, we prepared fluorescent protein (FP) fusions of I2 and Pin1 and employed both Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS) imaging techniques to characterize their interactions in living cells. In both intensity-based and time-resolved FRET studies, we observed FRET uniformly across whole cells co-expressing I2-Cerulean and Pin1-Venus that was significantly higher than in negative controls expressing Cerulean FP (without fusing to I2) as the FRET donor and Pin1-Venus, showing a specific interaction between I2-Cerulean and Pin1-Venus in living cells. We also observed the co-diffusion of I2-Cerulean and Pin1-mCherry in Fluorescence Cross Correlation Spectroscopy (FCCS) measurements. We further showed that I2 itself as well as I2-Pin1 formed complexes in living cells (predicted from in vitro studies) via a quantitative FRET assay, and demonstrated from FCS measurements that both I2 and Pin1 (fused to Cerulean) are highly mobile in living cells.

  2. Scintigraphy of parathyroids in secondary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hublo, D.; Beauchat, V.; Pattou, F.; Lecomte-Houcke, M.; Prangere, T.; Ziegels, P.; Carnaille, B.; Proye, C.; Marchandise, X.; Steiling, M.

    1997-01-01

    Use of pre-surgery imaging of parathyroids is still questioned. The goal of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity of the scintigraphy in the detection of secondary parathyroid anomalies with renal insufficiency. Thirty two patients (20 F, 12 M) of 14 - 74 years old were operated of secondary hyperparathyroidism with renal insufficiency. It was a matter of re-intervention in 9 cases. The acquisitions were achieved 20 min and 2 h after injection of 550 MBq of MIBI- 99m Tc or of Tetrofosmine - 99m Tc and 2 h after injection of 5.5 MBq of iodine 123. Eighty seven glands of 28 to 3820 mg were pulled out in 23 first surgeries while the parathyroid tissue was found in thymic prolongations in 5 of these patients. The masses of 41 glands, positive by scintigraphy (from 69 to 3829 mg), were significantly higher (Wilcoxon's test, p -8 ) than the 46 not-seen (from 28 to 1050 mg). The sensitivity of total detection is 47%, of 85% for the 33 glands of 500 mg or more and of 24% for the 54 glands of less than 500 mg. In 9 re-interventions, 12 abnormal glands were pulled out: 11 (of 430 to 4500 mg were positive by scintigraphy, while only one gland of 80 mg was not seen. In conclusion, the scintigraphy realised before first surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism with renal insufficiency presents low sensitivity, related partly, at least, to the low mass of glands and justifies itself only by search for positive ectopic parathyroids. Instead, it appears performing and indispensable in case of re-intervention

  3. A physico-genetic module for the polarisation of auxin efflux carriers PIN-FORMED (PIN)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hernández-Hernández, Valeria; Barrio, Rafael A.; Benítez, Mariana; Nakayama, Naomi; Romero-Arias, José Roberto; Villarreal, Carlos

    2018-05-01

    Intracellular polarisation of auxin efflux carriers is crucial for understanding how auxin gradients form in plants. The polarisation dynamics of auxin efflux carriers PIN-FORMED (PIN) depends on both biomechanical forces as well as chemical, molecular and genetic factors. Biomechanical forces have shown to affect the localisation of PIN transporters to the plasma membrane. We propose a physico-genetic module of PIN polarisation that integrates biomechanical, molecular, and cellular processes as well as their non-linear interactions. The module was implemented as a discrete Boolean model and then approximated to a continuous dynamic system, in order to explore the relative contribution of the factors mediating PIN polarisation at the scale of single cell. Our models recovered qualitative behaviours that have been experimentally observed and enable us to predict that, in the context of PIN polarisation, the effects of the mechanical forces can predominate over the activity of molecular factors such as the GTPase ROP6 and the ROP-INTERACTIVE CRIB MOTIF-CONTAINING PROTEIN RIC1.

  4. Epigenetic Methylation of Parathyroid CaR and VDR Promoters in Experimental Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hofman-Bang, Jacob; Gravesen, Eva; Olgaard, Klaus

    2012-01-01

    R in parathyroid cultures decreases rapidly. Methylation of promoter regions is often detected during epigenetic downregulation of gene expression. Therefore, using an experimental rat model, we examined changes in methylation levels of parathyroid CaR and VDR promoters in vivo and in vitro. Methods. Uremia...... of parathyroid CaR and VDR genes were found. Thus, epigenetic methylation of these promoters does not explain decreased parathyroid expression of CaR and VDR genes in uremic s-HPT....

  5. SUCCESSFUL SURGICAL-TREATMENT OF PARATHYROID CARCINOMA IN 2 HEMODIALYSIS-PATIENTS

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    RADEMAKER, P; MEIJER, S; OOSTERHUIS, JW; VERMEY, A; ZWIERSTRA, R; VANDERHEM, G; GEERLINGS, W

    Parathyroid carcinoma is rare, occurring in less than 2-3% of the patients with clinical features of primary hyperparathyroidism. In haemodialysis patients parathyroid carcinoma has only once been described, although secondary hyperparathyroidism in these patients is common. We discuss two female

  6. Parathyroid carcinoma and persistent hypercalcemia: A case report and review of therapeutic options

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Subhodip Pramanik

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available Parathyroid carcinomas are very uncommon, accounting for 0.1% to 5% of all causes of primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid–jaw tumor syndrome, with a mutation in HRPT2 that encodes parafibromin, is the most common genetic association. Unique features include aggressive clinical course and a lack of preoperative definitive diagnostic criteria. The authors report a case of a 33-year-old male with bilateral nephrocalcinosis, a left-sided neck mass, high calcium, very high parathormone level and a history of parathyroid adenectomy. Computed tomography and 99m-technetium methoxyisobutylisonitrile scan revealed a localized tumor in the left inferior parathyroid region. The patient underwent radical surgery, and histopathology revealed characteristic features of parathyroid carcinoma. Preoperative identification with clinical clues is very important to plan a more radical surgical approach, as both radiotherapy and chemotherapy are ineffective. Recurrence is common and mostly occurs within 2–3 years after surgery. Patient's age, histology and tumor DNA aneuploidy are predictors of survival. Hypercalcemia is controlled with calcimimetics, bisphosphonates and denosumab in inoperable cases. Furthermore, biologic therapy with parafibromin and telomerase inhibitors is under development.

  7. Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology of Parathyroid Carcinoma Mimic Hürthle Cell Thyroid Neoplasm

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chutintorn Sriphrapradang

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Background. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA can cause misdiagnosis of cytomorphological findings between parathyroid and thyroid lesions. Case Presentation. A 31-year-old man presented with a palpable neck mass on the right thyroid lobe. FNA cytology was reported as intrathyroidal lymphoid hyperplasia. After 5 years, repeated FNA was done on the enlarged nodule with result of Hürthle cell lesion. Prior to right lobectomy, laboratories revealed elevated serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH. Careful history taking revealed chronic knee pain and ossifying fibroma at the maxilla. Ultrasonography showed a 2.8 cm mass inferior to right thyroid lobe. Pathology from en bloc resection was parathyroid carcinoma and immunohistochemical study revealed positivity for PTH. Genetic analysis found somatic mutation of CDC73 gene in exon1 (c.70delG which caused premature stop codon in amino acid 26 (p.Glu24Lysfs2*. The final diagnosis was hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome. Conclusions. FNA cytology of parathyroid can mimic thyroid lesion. It is important to consider and correlate the entire information from clinical history, laboratory, imaging, and FNA.

  8. Genetics Home Reference: parathyroid cancer

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... skeletal problems. These problems include increased urine production (polyuria), deposits of calcium in the kidneys (nephrocalcinosis) leading ... Institute: Parathyroid Cancer Treatment PDQ National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Primary Hyperparathyroidism Educational ...

  9. Let-7 and MicroRNA-148 Regulate Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shilo, Vitali; Mor-Yosef Levi, Irit; Abel, Roy; Mihailović, Aleksandra; Wasserman, Gilad; Naveh-Many, Tally; Ben-Dov, Iddo Z

    2017-08-01

    Secondary hyperparathyroidism commonly complicates CKD and associates with morbidity and mortality. We profiled microRNA (miRNA) in parathyroid glands from experimental hyperparathyroidism models and patients receiving dialysis and studied the function of specific miRNAs. miRNA deep-sequencing showed that human and rodent parathyroids share similar profiles. Parathyroids from uremic and normal rats segregated on the basis of their miRNA expression profiles, and a similar finding was observed in humans. We identified parathyroid miRNAs that were dysregulated in experimental hyperparathyroidism, including miR-29, miR-21, miR-148, miR-30, and miR-141 (upregulated); and miR-10, miR-125, and miR-25 (downregulated). Inhibition of the abundant let-7 family increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion in normal and uremic rats, as well as in mouse parathyroid organ cultures. Conversely, inhibition of the upregulated miR-148 family prevented the increase in serum PTH level in uremic rats and decreased levels of secreted PTH in parathyroid cultures. The evolutionary conservation of abundant miRNAs in normal parathyroid glands and the regulation of these miRNAs in secondary hyperparathyroidism indicates their importance for parathyroid function and the development of hyperparathyroidism. Specifically, let-7 and miR-148 antagonism modified PTH secretion in vivo and in vitro , implying roles for these specific miRNAs. These findings may be utilized for therapeutic interventions aimed at altering PTH expression in diseases such as osteoporosis and secondary hyperparathyroidism. Copyright © 2017 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  10. Parathyroid Scintigraphy in Renal Hyperparathyroidism

    Science.gov (United States)

    Taïeb, David; Ureña-Torres, Pablo; Zanotti-Fregonara, Paolo; Rubello, Domenico; Ferretti, Alice; Henter, Ioline; Henry, Jean-François; Schiavi, Francesca; Opocher, Giuseppe; Blickman, Johan G.; Colletti, Patrick M.; Hindié, Elif

    2015-01-01

    Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is a major complication for patients with end-stage renal disease on long-term hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. When the disease is resistant to medical treatment, patients with severe sHPT are typically referred for parathyroidectomy (PTx), which usually improves biological parameters as well as clinical signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, early surgical failure with persistent disease may occur in 5%–10% of patients and recurrence reaches 20%–30% at 5 years. Presently, the use of parathyroid scintigraphy in sHPT is usually limited to the management of surgical failures after initial PTx. This review describes the strengths and limitations of typical 99mTc-sestamibi imaging protocols, and highlights the potential benefits of using parathyroid scintigraphy in the initial workup of surgical patients. PMID:23751837

  11. PINS Testing and Modification for Explosive Identification

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Seabury, E.H.; Caffrey, A.J.

    2011-01-01

    The INL's Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy System (PINS)1 non-intrusively identifies the chemical fill of munitions and sealed containers. PINS is used routinely by the U.S. Army, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and foreign military units to determine the contents of munitions and other containers suspected to contain explosives, smoke-generating chemicals, and chemical warfare agents such as mustard and nerve gas. The objects assayed with PINS range from softball-sized M139 chemical bomblets to 200 gallon DOT 500X ton containers. INL had previously examined2 the feasibility of using a similar system for the identification of explosives, and based on this proof-of-principle test, the development of a dedicated system for the identification of explosives in an improvised nuclear device appears entirely feasible. INL has been tasked by NNSA NA-42 Render Safe Research and Development with the development of such a system.

  12. New aspects of radioimmunochemical measurement of human parathyroid hormone using the labelled antibody technique

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hesch, R.D.; McIntosh, C.H.S.; Woodhead, J.S.; Welsh National School of Medicine, Cardiff

    1975-01-01

    Two forms of heterogeneity of parathyroid hormone (PTH) have given rise to conflicting results: one due to the heterogeneity of the secreted species from the gland and their peripheral metabolism and the other representing the immunochemical heterogeneity of the available antibodies. We have developed sequence specific assays using the technique of labelled antibodies. Therefore, results of assays measuring the C-terminal part and the (1-34)-N-terminal part of the molecule could be compared to those of an assay for hormone bearing both N- and C-terminal antigenic determinants. This assay is supposed to detect predominantly (1-84)-intact hormone. The immunoradiometric assay of (1-34)-PTH has a sensitivity of 0.04 ng/ml. This technique avoids the critical iodination of the hormone fragment containing no tyrosine. There is the expected overlap between normal subjects and patients with primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The most important finding are results from patients undergoing neck catheterization. We demonstrated nonuniform secretion of different species of PTH by parathyroid adenomata and normal glands. This supports the hypothesis of cleavage of the (1-84)-molecule in the gland. (orig.) [de

  13. Utility of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging for Intraoperative Localization in Reoperative Parathyroid Surgery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sound, Sara; Okoh, Alexis; Yigitbas, Hakan; Yazici, Pinar; Berber, Eren

    2015-10-27

    Due to the variations in anatomic location, the identification of parathyroid glands may be challenging. Although there have been advances in preoperative imaging modalities, there is still a need for an accurate intraoperative guidance. Indocyanine green (ICG) is a new agent that has been used for intraoperative fluorescence imaging in a number of general surgical procedures. Its utility for parathyroid localization in humans has not been reported in the literature. We report 3 patients who underwent reoperative neck surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. Using a video-assisted technique with intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging, the parathyroid glands were recognized and removed successfully in all cases. Surrounding soft tissue structures remained nonfluorescent, and could be distinguished from the parathyroid glands. This report suggests a potential utility of ICG imaging in intraoperative localization of parathyroid glands in reoperative neck surgery. Future work is necessary to assess its benefit for first-time parathyroid surgery. © The Author(s) 2015.

  14. Sensitive detection of a small parathyroid adenoma using fluorocholine PET/CT: A case report

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Padinhare-Keloth, Thanseer N. T. K.; Bhadada, Sanjay K.; Sood, Ashwani; Kumar, Rajender; Behera, Arunanshu; Radotra, Bishan D.; Mittal, Bhagwant R. [PGIMER, Chandigarh (India)

    2017-06-15

    Primary hyperparathyroidism is caused by parathyroid adenoma in the majority of cases and diagnosis is usually made biochemically. Pre-surgical localization of parathyroid adenoma is essential to limit the extent of surgery and avoid missing them at ectopic sites. Anatomical and functional imaging are used for the localization, but may fail to identify the small and ectopic parathyroid adenoma. We present a case of small sized ectopic parathyroid adenoma at unusual location detected by F-18 fluorocholine (FCH) PET/CT, where other imaging modalities failed. The post-operative histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic parathyroid adenoma.

  15. Overproduction and secretion of a novel amino-terminal form of parathyroid hormone from a severe type of parathyroid hyperplasia in uremia.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Arakawa, Toshio; D'Amour, Pierre; Rousseau, Louise; Brossard, Jean-Hugues; Sakai, Makoto; Kasumoto, Hiroomi; Igaki, Naoya; Goto, Takeo; Cantor, Tom; Fukagawa, Masafumi

    2006-05-01

    Measurement of bioactive parathyroid hormone (PTH) is essential for optimal management of bone abnormalities in dialysis patients. This can be accomplished by PTH measurements using third-generation PTH assays, which detect more or less of the first six amino acids of the PTH structure. Such assays do not detect non-(1-84) PTH fragments, such as human PTH (7-84), which are recognized by the second-generation PTH assays that use a detection antibody that recognizes an epitope within the 13-34 region of the PTH structure. Therefore, third-generation PTH results are expected to be lower than those that are obtained with second-generation PTH assays. Rare exceptions to this rule have been reported for patients with severe primary hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid cancer. Sera and gland extracts were analyzed from a dialysis patient with high bone turnover disease and with surprising higher PTH levels by a third-generation assay than by a second-generation assay. This finding normalized after the surgical removal of an enlarged gland with a single nodule, an advanced type of nodular hyperplasia. HPLC fractionation of sera and gland extracts revealed the overproduction and secretion of a PTH molecule with an intact amino-terminus structure distinct from (1-84) PTH. This form of PTH was readily detectable by third-generation PTH assays but was poorly reactive in second-generation PTH assays. Therefore, parathyroid glands with advanced uremic nodular hyperplasia may overproduce and secrete a novel, biologically active form of PTH with an intact 1-6 region but a presumably modified 12-18 region required for the detection in second-generation PTH assays.

  16. Non-functioning parathyroid cystic tumour: malignant or not? Report of a case.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cocorullo, G; Scerrino, G; Melfa, G; Raspanti, C; Rotolo, G; Mannino, V; Richiusa, P; Cabibi, D; Giannone, A G; Porrello, C; Gulotta, G

    2017-01-01

    Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a very rare endocrine tumour, usually characterized by symptoms such as a neck mass, dysphonia, severe hypercalcemia exceeding 140 mg/L and elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels, even more than 5 times the upper limit of normal. Non-functioning parathyroid cancer is extremely rare and, in this case, its pre-operative diagnosis is often difficult. A 54-year old female patient, referring dysphagia and dysphonia, underwent neck ultrasound and neck CT. A left thyroid nodule, probably cystic, was found. It presented caudal extent on anterior mediastinum causing compression of the left lateral wall of the trachea. The preoperative calcemia was into the normal range. The patient underwent left thyroid lobectomy. Histological exam showed a cystic lesion, immunohistochemically originating from parathyroid that oriented for carcinoma. The 18 months follow-up did not show a residual-recurrent disease. The parathyroid origin of a neck lesion could not be suspected before surgery when specific laboratory tests are not available and clinical effects of hyperparathyroidism syndrome are not present. Histological features are not always sufficient for the differential diagnosis between the parathyroid adenoma and carcinoma. The immunohistochemistry is an useful tool that can aid to reach the definite diagnosis.

  17. ALLOTRANSPLANTATION OF MACROENCAPSULATED PARATHYROID CELLS IN SEVERE POSTSURGICAL HYPOPARATHYROIDISM: A CASE REPORT

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    V. Ja. Khryshchanovich

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available The last therapeutic alternative in severe postsurgical hypoparathyroidism is allotransplantation of macroen- capsulated parathyroid cells. With this technique, it is possible to implant cells or tissue of parathyroid origin to replace them in such patients, without immusupression. We report an allotransplant of parathyroid cells in a patient with continous endovenous requirement of calcium to survive. The macroencapsulation was carried out with a polyvinylidine difluoride (PVDF. We implant ~100 000 parathyroid cells in the deep femoral artery. In this article, we show functionality of the graft for at least 3 months without requirement of endovenous calcium. We report this procedure as a therapeutical alternative in severe hypoparathyroidism. 

  18. Two Years of Cinacalcet Hydrochloride Treatment Decreased Parathyroid Gland Volume and Serum Parathyroid Hormone Level in Hemodialysis Patients With Advanced Secondary Hyperparathyroidism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yamada, Shunsuke; Tokumoto, Masanori; Taniguchi, Masatomo; Toyonaga, Jiro; Suehiro, Takaichi; Eriguchi, Rieko; Fujimi, Satoru; Ooboshi, Hiroaki; Kitazono, Takanari; Tsuruya, Kazuhiko

    2015-08-01

    The long-term effect of cinacalcet hydrochloride treatment on parathyroid gland (PTG) volume has been scarcely investigated in patients with moderate to advanced secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). The present study was a prospective observational study to determine the effect of cinacalcet treatment on PTG volume and serum biochemical parameters in 60 patients with renal SHPT, already treated with intravenous vitamin D receptor activator (VDRA). Measurement of biochemical parameters and PTG volumes were performed periodically, which were analyzed by stratification into tertiles across the baseline parathyroid hormone (PTH) level or PTG volume. We also determined the factors that can estimate the changes in PTG volume and the achievement of the target PTH range by multivariable analyses. Two years of cinacalcet treatment significantly decreased the serum levels of PTH, calcium, and phosphate, followed by the improvement of achieving the target ranges for these parameters recommended by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy. Cinacalcet decreased the maximal and total PTG volume by about 30%, and also decreased the serum PTH level independent of the baseline serum PTH level and PTG volume. Ten out of 60 patients showed 30% increase in maximal PTG after 2 years. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with nodular PTG at baseline and patients with higher serum calcium and PTH levels at 1 year were likely to exceed the target range of PTH at two years. In conclusion, cinacalcet treatment with intravenous VDRA therapy decreased both PTG volume and serum intact PTH level, irrespective of the pretreatment PTG status and past treatment history. © 2015 The Authors. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis © 2015 International Society for Apheresis.

  19. Design of a terahertz CW photomixer based on PIN and superlattice PIN devices

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Krozer, Viktor; Eichhorn, Finn

    2006-01-01

    We present the design of a photomixer LO based on standard and superlattice PIN diodes, operating at 1 THz. The design is based on a direct integration of a double slot antenna with the PIN device and a suitable matching circuit. The antenna has been designed together with a dielectric lens using...... Ansoft HFSS EM simulation. The large-signal PIN diode model employed in the work has been improved compared to our previously developed model presented earlier in a 3 THz design. We demonstrate that the antenna characteristic changes drastically with the device in place....

  20. [75Se]Selenomethionine scanning for parathyroid localization should be abandoned

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Waldorf, J.C.; van Heerden, J.A.; Gorman, C.A.; Grant, C.S.; Wahner, H.W.

    1984-01-01

    Image subtraction techniques, in conjunction with [75Se]selenomethionine (75Se) scintigraphy, have recently been suggested to be a potentially valuable tool for localization of parathyroid abnormalities. With use of these techniques, we prospectively studied 15 patients scheduled for parathyroid operations. Postoperatively, all were normocalcemic. Anterior scintiscans of the neck were divided into quadrants, and regions of enhanced uptake were assigned to one or more quadrants. On this basis, by chance alone a minimum of 25% of single-gland enlargements would be assigned to the correct quadrant of the neck. We found that by use of 75Se scanning only 8 of 22 abnormal glands (36%) were assigned to the quadrant of the neck in which they were found intraoperatively. In no case was a clearly visualized focus of parathyroid activity encountered. These results do not justify the continued use of 75Se scintigraphy with or without image subtraction in the preoperative localization of parathyroid glands

  1. [Parathyroid cancer in a patient with previous history of hypernephroma: a clinical case].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Martín Navarro, J; Mendoza, E; Mateos, P; Cereceda, A; Coca, S

    2007-01-01

    We report the clinical case of a 55 year-old male patient, with a previous history of nephrectomy by hypernephroma sixteen years ago, first presenting hypercalcemia and rising of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels. A localization study revealed an intrathyroid nodule with cystic appearance. After undergoing a hemi-thyroidectomy, the patient is diagnosed with parathyroid carcinoma. This article analyzes previously published cases presenting parathyroidal pathologies associated with hypernephroma. A broader differential diagnosis--including the screening of parathyroidal pathologies should be considered in patients with hypercalcemia and hypernephroma.

  2. CDC73 intragenic deletion in familial primary hyperparathyroidism associated with parathyroid carcinoma.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Korpi-Hyövälti, Eeva; Cranston, Treena; Ryhänen, Eeva; Arola, Johanna; Aittomäki, Kristiina; Sane, Timo; Thakker, Rajesh V; Schalin-Jäntti, Camilla

    2014-09-01

    CDC73 mutations frequently underlie the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP), and parathyroid carcinoma. It has also been suggested that CDC73 deletion analysis should be performed in those patients without CDC73 mutations. To investigate for CDC73 deletion in a family with FIHP previously reported not to have CDC73 mutations. Eleven members (six affected with primary hyperparathyroidism and five unaffected) were ascertained from the family, and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification was performed to detect CDC73 deletion using leukocyte DNA. A previously unreported deletion of CDC73 involving exons 1-10 was detected in five affected members and two unaffected members who were 26 and 39 years of age. Two affected members had parathyroid carcinomas at the ages of 18 and 32 years, and they had Ki-67 proliferation indices of 5 and 14.5% and did not express parafibromin, encoded by CDC73. Primary hyperparathyroidism in the other affected members was due to adenomas and atypical adenomas, and none had jaw tumors. Two affected members had thoracic aortic aneurysms, which in one member occurred with parathyroid carcinoma and renal cysts. A previously unreported intragenic deletion of exons 1 to 10 of CDC73 was detected in a three-generation family with FIHP, due to adenomas, atypical adenomas, and parathyroid carcinomas. In addition, two affected males had thoracic aortic aneurysms, which may represent another associated clinical feature of this disorder.

  3. Performance of electrical contact pins near a nuclear explosion

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ragan, C.E.; Silbert, M.G.; Ellis, A.N.; Robinson, E.E.; Daddario, M.J.

    1977-09-01

    The pressures attainable in equation-of-state studies using nuclear-explosion-driven shock waves greatly exceed those that can be reached in normal laboratory conditions. However, the diagnostic instrumentation must survive in the high-radiation environment present near such an explosion. Therefore, a set of experiments were fielded on the Redmud event to test the feasibility of using electrical contact pins in this environment. In these experiments a 60-cm-high shield of boron-lead was placed on the rack lid approximately 1 m from the device. A sample consisting of slabs of molybdenum and 238 U was placed on top of the shield, and twelve electrical contact pins were embedded to five different depths in the materials. Five different multiplexing-charging circuits were used for the pins, and a piezoelectric quartz gauge was placed on top of the uranium to obtain an estimate of the fission-energy deposition. All of the charged pins survived the radiation and produced signals indicating shock arrival. The uncertainty in determining the pin-closure time was approximately 3 ns. The signal from the quartz gauge corresponded to a pressure that was consistent with the calculated neutron fluence

  4. Calcitonin and parathyroid hormone in blood serum of cancer patients

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tkacheva, G A; Kirsanov, A G; Burenin, I S [Akademiya Meditsinskikh Nauk SSSR, Moscow. Onkologicheskij Nauchnyj Tsentr

    1982-01-01

    A comparative radiommunoassay in the ratio of calcitonin and parathyroid hormone secretion was carried out in healthy controls (young and older than 40 years), patients with benign tumors, inflamatory processes and malignancies of the stomach, kidney, breast, prostate and lung. A significant increase in the ''calcitonin index'' (ratio of molar concentrations of calcitonin and parathyroid hormone) was established in patients with cancer of the breast, prostate and skeletal metastases of lung cancer, irrespective of the presence of primary tumor. This index is irrelevant in cases of gastric and renal carcinoma and cannot be used as indication of skeletal dissemination because of the predominant level of parathyroid hormone secretion.

  5. Two cases of giant parathyroid adenoma in atomic bomb survivors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Takeichi, Nobuo; Nishida, Toshihiro; Fujikura, Toshio

    1983-12-01

    In a study of parathyroid tumor among autopsy cases at RERF in Hiroshima, 16 cases of parathyroid adenoma were detected among 4,136 autopsies during 1961-77. Of these, two cases were giant adenoma (5 cm in diameter) accompanied by hyperparathyroidism. Both cases were atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima. One was exposed to 55 rad at age 51 and died at age 71, and the other was exposed to 28 rad at age 45 and died at age 71. These two cases will be reported together with a review of the literature on parathyroid tumors developed following irradiation on the head and neck. (author)

  6. Comparison of indocyanine green fluorescence and parathyroid autofluorescence imaging in the identification of parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kahramangil, Bora; Berber, Eren

    2017-12-01

    Indocyanine green fluorescence (ICGF) and parathyroid autofluorescence (AF) are two new techniques that aid in the identification of parathyroid glands (PG) intraoperatively during thyroidectomy. There is no study comparing the efficacy of these techniques. This was an IRB-approved clinical study comparing the utility of ICGF and AF for identification of PGs during thyroidectomy. Data were collected prospectively. Both techniques were compared to naked eye (NE) for PG detection. Standard statistical methods were used for data analysis. Twenty-two patients in each group underwent a total of 39 total thyroidectomies and 5 thyroid lobectomies. AF and ICGF had similar detection rates for PGs [98% (61 of 62) and 95% (60 of 63) of PGs, respectively; P=0.31]. The location of PGs was suggested before detection with NE more frequently by AF than ICGF [52% (32 of 62) vs. 6% (4 of 63) of PGs; P0.99]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comparative study between parathyroid AF and ICGF in detection of PGs during thyroidectomy. Our data suggest both techniques have similarly high detection rates and that the main difference lies in the timing of detection. AF more frequently detects PGs before recognition with NE compared to ICGF.

  7. Ultrasound Detection of Parathyroid Hyperplasia and Correlation with Clinical and Laboratory Findings in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Restrepo Valencia, Cesar Augusto; Santacruz Pacheco, David; Castillo Pinilla, Campo Elias; Chacon Cardona, Jose Arnoby

    2011-01-01

    Objective: To determine whether there is any correlation between parathyroid hyperplasia, as detected by high-resolution ultrasound, and clinical and laboratory variables in patients with hyperparathyroidism secondary to stage-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis. Design: Descriptive. Location: RTS Ltda. Renal Unit in Caldas, Santa Sofia Hospital and Children's Hospital. Patients: All patients, 18 years of age, with stage- 5 CKD who were on dialysis therapy (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis), and with PTH levels greater than 400 pg/ml. Methods: After giving their written consent to participate in the study, all patients underwent high-resolution thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound (Phillips Team Enviisor CHD -12 MHz transducer) performed by a medical specialist in radiology. Variables such as etiology, duration of the CKD, time on dialysis therapy, type of dialysis, presence of symptoms related to hyperparathyroidism (bone pain, fractures, pruritus), and laboratory variables like an intact PTH, calcium, phosphorus, calcium x phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase were analyzed in order to determine if there was a significant correlation between the variables and the detection of parathyroid hyperplasia documented by high resolution ultrasound. Results: Of 403 patients evaluated, 92 met the inclusion criteria, 86 were scanned and 6 were excluded. In these patients, the most common cause of CKD was hypertensive nephrosclerosis. Thirty-seven patients were on peritoneal dialysis and 49 on hemodialysis, with an average time on dialysis of 61.4 +- 36.6 months. The average levels of PTH in pg/mL were 829,465 +- 473,631. The most prevalent clinical symptom was bone pain, found in 52.2% of patients. Ultrasound showed enlarged parathyroid glands in 30 patients (34.88%), with single-gland hyperplasia in 23 (26.74%), two-gland hyperplasia in 4 (4.65%) and three-gland hyperplasia in 3 (3.48%). The correlation between laboratory variables and the presence of

  8. Peptidyl prolyl isomerase Pin1-inhibitory activity of D-glutamic and D-aspartic acid derivatives bearing a cyclic aliphatic amine moiety.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nakagawa, Hidehiko; Seike, Suguru; Sugimoto, Masatoshi; Ieda, Naoya; Kawaguchi, Mitsuyasu; Suzuki, Takayoshi; Miyata, Naoki

    2015-12-01

    Pin1 is a peptidyl prolyl isomerase that specifically catalyzes cis-trans isomerization of phosphorylated Thr/Ser-Pro peptide bonds in substrate proteins and peptides. Pin1 is involved in many important cellular processes, including cancer progression, so it is a potential target of cancer therapy. We designed and synthesized a novel series of Pin1 inhibitors based on a glutamic acid or aspartic acid scaffold bearing an aromatic moiety to provide a hydrophobic surface and a cyclic aliphatic amine moiety with affinity for the proline-binding site of Pin1. Glutamic acid derivatives bearing cycloalkylamino and phenylthiazole groups showed potent Pin1-inhibitory activity comparable with that of known inhibitor VER-1. The results indicate that steric interaction of the cyclic alkyl amine moiety with binding site residues plays a key role in enhancing Pin1-inhibitory activity. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  9. Determining the Levels of Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone in Patients on Hemodialysis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mihaylov R.

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available Vitamin D deficiency is fequently observed in chronic kidney disease. We conducted this study to determine the concentration of the above-mentioned parameters and the correlation between them in order to optimize therapy with vitamin D in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD on hemodialysis. In 53 patients on hemodialysis due to ESRD, vitamin D [Calcidiol (25(OHD], parathyroid hormone (PTH, calcium, phosphorus, albuminuria, albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR and other parameters have been followed up. Analysis of the levels of vitamin D has been carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC, the PTH is determined by the system Centaur XP, Siemens Diagnostic, Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA, and for albumin in urine we used immunological method [Miltigent microalbumin assay (Abbott Laboratories Diagnostics. We found out deficiency and insufficiency of vitamin D in 56.6% and 37.7%, as well as average 4.5 times increase in the PTH, hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, albuminuria (A2 or A3, over 10 times increase in the ACR, secondary hyperparathyroidism. We registered a negative correlation between vitamin D and PTH. We confirmed the increase in creatinine and cystatin C in the patients on hemodialysis. There are few literature data for patients on hemodialysis, however, regarding the extent of the vitamin deficiency and its relationship with PTH, albuminuria, calcium, phosphorus, etc. Our data have indicated that patients on hemodialysis due to ESRD are associated with high incidence of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.

  10. Histomorphological study of the parathyroid gland in female Kuttanad ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Firdous Ahmad Dar

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available Aim: The present work was targeted to form the baseline data of normal morphological and histological picture of parathyroid gland in female Kuttanad ducks.Materials and Methods: A Histomorphological study of the parathyroid gland was carried out in twelve adult female Kuttanad ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus of 20 weeks of age. Birds reared semintensively were procured from Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Poultry and Duck Farm and sacrificed humanely. Glands were collected and gross parameters were recorded. The glands were fixed in 10 percent neutral buffered formalin. The small sized glands were processed as such by routine histological methods, paraffin blocks were prepared and sectioned to a thickness of 5µ. The tissues were stained by Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E for routine histological studies and Gomori's rapid one step trichrome method for connective tissue fibres. Micrometric parameters were recorded using ocular micrometer. Results: Parathyroid glands in Kuttanad ducks lay just caudal to the division of the innominate artery into the subclavian and common carotid arteries. Parathyroids were oval to spherical in shape, yellow in colour and smaller than thyroid gland of the representative sides. The arterial blood supply was from common carotid artery and blood from gland was drained directly into jugular vein. Although it lied close to the thyroid, thymus and ultimobranchial gland, parathyroid tissue did not merge to any of the above mentioned three glands. Parenchyma was composed irregular anatomizing cords of cells supplied by connective tissue stroma penetrated by blood capillaries. Parenchyma was predominantly made of lightly stained cell, the chief cell. The nuclei were round and contain one or two nucleoli. Oxyphil cells present in parathyroid glands of other mammals were not seen in the present study. Conclusion: Histomorphological features or characteristics of Parathyroid gland in Kuttanad duck were

  11. Clinical application of determination of plasma intact parathyroid hormone content in kidney disease

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhu Mei; Wang Zhaohui; Zhou Xiaoli; Ren Chunling; Chen Huaqian

    2011-01-01

    Objective: To observe intact parathyroid hormone in kidney disease with clinical application. Methods: Plasma i-PTH level was measured in 46 patients with chronic renal insufficiency lose compensation stage, 39 patients with chronic renal failure, 35 patients with uremia. Besides, control group (n=41) was established. Results: Result shown that plasma i-PTH levels were experiment group and control group were obvious difference (P<0.01), among experiment group plasma i-PTH level was obvious difference (P<0.01). Conclusion: Results suggested along with renal function were worsen that plasma i-PTH level increasing gradually during renal insufficiency. (authors)

  12. Pinning impulsive control algorithms for complex network

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sun, Wen [School of Information and Mathematics, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023 (China); Lü, Jinhu [Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190 (China); Chen, Shihua [College of Mathematics and Statistics, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072 (China); Yu, Xinghuo [School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne VIC 3001 (Australia)

    2014-03-15

    In this paper, we further investigate the synchronization of complex dynamical network via pinning control in which a selection of nodes are controlled at discrete times. Different from most existing work, the pinning control algorithms utilize only the impulsive signals at discrete time instants, which may greatly improve the communication channel efficiency and reduce control cost. Two classes of algorithms are designed, one for strongly connected complex network and another for non-strongly connected complex network. It is suggested that in the strongly connected network with suitable coupling strength, a single controller at any one of the network's nodes can always pin the network to its homogeneous solution. In the non-strongly connected case, the location and minimum number of nodes needed to pin the network are determined by the Frobenius normal form of the coupling matrix. In addition, the coupling matrix is not necessarily symmetric or irreducible. Illustrative examples are then given to validate the proposed pinning impulsive control algorithms.

  13. Pinning impulsive control algorithms for complex network

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun, Wen; Lü, Jinhu; Chen, Shihua; Yu, Xinghuo

    2014-01-01

    In this paper, we further investigate the synchronization of complex dynamical network via pinning control in which a selection of nodes are controlled at discrete times. Different from most existing work, the pinning control algorithms utilize only the impulsive signals at discrete time instants, which may greatly improve the communication channel efficiency and reduce control cost. Two classes of algorithms are designed, one for strongly connected complex network and another for non-strongly connected complex network. It is suggested that in the strongly connected network with suitable coupling strength, a single controller at any one of the network's nodes can always pin the network to its homogeneous solution. In the non-strongly connected case, the location and minimum number of nodes needed to pin the network are determined by the Frobenius normal form of the coupling matrix. In addition, the coupling matrix is not necessarily symmetric or irreducible. Illustrative examples are then given to validate the proposed pinning impulsive control algorithms

  14. Postoperative Calcium Management in Same-Day Discharge Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nelson, Kurt L; Hinson, Andrew M; Lawson, Bradley R; Middleton, Derek; Bodenner, Donald L; Stack, Brendan C

    2016-05-01

    To describe a safe and effective postoperative prophylactic calcium regimen for same-day discharge thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Case series with chart review. Tertiary referral academic institution. In total, 162 adult patients who underwent total thyroidectomy, completion thyroidectomy, unilateral parathyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy with bilateral neck exploration, or revision parathyroidectomy were identified preoperatively to be candidates for same-day discharge. All patients in this study were successfully discharged the same day on our standard prophylactic calcium regimen. Less than 1% (1/162) of patients re-presented to the hospital within 30 days of surgery, and that patient was successfully discharged from the emergency department after negative workup for hypocalcemia. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative calcium levels in the total/completion thyroidectomy groups (9.3 vs 9.2 mg/dL, respectively; P = .14). The average postoperative calcium level in the parathyroid group was well within normal limits (9.5 mg/dL), and the difference in postoperative calcium levels between revision and primary parathyroidectomy cases was not significantly different (P = .34). The reported calcium regimen demonstrates a safe, effective, and objective means of postoperative calcium management in outpatient thyroid and parathyroid surgery in appropriately selected patients. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2016.

  15. Radioimmunological assay of the biologically active fragment of the human parathyroid hormone

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Desplan, C.; Jullienne, A.; Raulais, D.; Rivaille, P.; Barlet, J.P.; Moukthar, M.S.; Milhaud, G.

    1977-01-01

    The authors describe a RIA of the biologically active fraction (N-terminal) of human parathyroid hormone. This homologous test uses antibodies obtained in goats against a N-terminal 1-34 fragment of hPTH synthetised according to the method of Niall and Coll. In this system, natural hPTH of different origin (extracts from parathyroid adenomas, adenomal culture medium, hyperparathyroid plasma, adsorption chromatography extract of normal human plasma) behaved in the same manner as the synthetic reference hormone 1-34 hPTHN. The RIA detected PTH in 65% of the normal subjects and distinguished the normal values from the values of hyperparathyroid patients, which makes it suitable for clinical practice. (AJ) [de

  16. Pin-wise Reactor Analysis Based on the Generalized Equivalence Theory

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yu, Hwan Yeal; Heo, Woong; Kim, Yong Hee [KAIST, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-05-15

    method, the GET is non-iterative, discontinuity factors can be determined in a single step, if the reference solution is given. And the GET provides four different discontinuity factors that contain information about the orientation and position of the pin in its neighborhood. In this research, the pin-wise discontinuity factors are determined using the NEM (Nodal Expansion Method) method to improve the accuracy and reduce the computing time of the pin-by-pin core analysis.

  17. Preoperative parathyroid gland localization with technetium-99m sestamibi in secondary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pons, F.; Vidal-Sicart, S.; Fuster, D.; Herranz, R.; Torregrosa, J.V.; Sabater, L.; Fernandez-Cruz, L.

    1997-01-01

    Technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy has become a valuable tool in locating parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this study was to evaluate its usefulness in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Twenty patients were injected intravenously with 740 MBq of 99m Tc-sestamibi and images were obtained at 15 min and 2 h post injection. All patients underwent parathyroid ultrasonography (US) as well as bilateral surgical neck exploration and 64 parathyroid glands were removed. US revealed at least one enlarged gland in 15/20 patients (75%), while 99m Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy showed focal areas of increased uptake in at least one gland in 17/20 patients (85%). When imaging results for all glands were evaluated according to surgical results, sensitivity was 54% for parathyroid scintigraphy and 41% for US, and specificity was 89% for both imaging techniques. There was a discrepancy between the two imaging modalities in 28 glands (35%). The mean surgical weight of US-positive glands (1492±1436 mg) was significantly higher than that of US-negative glands (775±703 mg) (P 99m Tc-sestamibi scintigraphy are complementary imaging techniques in the preoperative localization of abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. The limited sensitivity of the techniques means that patients will still require bilateral neck exploration; therefore routine preoperative parathyroid scanning in renal patients is not justified. (orig.)

  18. Extended Impact of Pin1 Catalytic Loop Phosphorylation Revealed by S71E Phosphomimetic.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mahoney, Brendan J; Zhang, Meiling; Zintsmaster, John S; Peng, Jeffrey W

    2018-03-02

    Pin1 is a two-domain human protein that catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization of phospho-Ser/Thr-Pro (pS/T-P) motifs in numerous cell-cycle regulatory proteins. These pS/T-P motifs bind to Pin1's peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) domain in a catalytic pocket, between an extended catalytic loop and the PPIase domain core. Previous studies showed that post-translational phosphorylation of S71 in the catalytic loop decreases substrate binding affinity and isomerase activity. To define the origins for these effects, we investigated a phosphomimetic Pin1 mutant, S71E-Pin1, using solution NMR. We find that S71E perturbs not only its host loop but also the nearby PPIase core. The perturbations identify a local network of hydrogen bonds and salt bridges that is more extended than previously thought, and includes interactions between the catalytic loop and the α2/α3 turn in the PPIase core. Explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations and phylogenetic analysis suggest that these interactions act as conserved "latches" between the loop and PPIase core that enhance binding of phosphorylated substrates, as they are absent in PPIases lacking pS/T-P specificity. Our results suggest that S71 is a hub residue within an electrostatic network primed for phosphorylation, and may illustrate a common mechanism of phosphorylation-mediated allostery. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Regulation of AR and (beta)-Catenin Signaling by Pin 1 in Prostate Cancer

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Chen, Shaoyong

    2006-01-01

    .... The mechanisms include that Pin1 can enhance beta-catenin nuclear localization, TCF/beta-catenin dependent Topflash activity, and c-Myc and Cyclin D1 expression, and disrupt AR-mediated suppression...

  20. Equilibrium vortex structures of type-II/1 superconducting films with washboard pinning landscapes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wei, C. A.; Xu, X. B.; Xu, X. N.; Wang, Z. H.; Gu, M.

    2018-05-01

    We numerically study the equilibrium vortex structures of type-II/1 superconducting films with a periodic quasi-one-dimensional corrugated substrate. We show as a function of substrate period and pinning strength that, the vortex system displays a variety of vortex phases including arrays consisted of vortex clumps with different morphologies, ordered vortex stripes parallel and perpendicular to pinning troughs, and ordered one-dimensional vortex chains. Our simulations are helpful in understanding the structural modulations for extensive systems with both competing interactions and competing periodicities.

  1. Parathyroid hormone and bone healing

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Ellegaard, M; Jørgensen, N R; Schwarz, P

    2010-01-01

    , no pharmacological treatments are available. There is therefore an unmet need for medications that can stimulate bone healing. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the first bone anabolic drug approved for the treatment of osteoporosis, and intriguingly a number of animal studies suggest that PTH could be beneficial...

  2. The peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1/Ess1 inhibits phosphorylation and toxicity of tau in a yeast model for Alzheimer’s disease

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ann De Vos

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available Since hyperphosphorylation of protein tau is a crucial event in Alzheimer’s disease, additional mechanisms besides the interplay of kinase and phosphatase activities are investigated, such as the effect of the peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1. This isomerase was shown to bind and isomerize phosphorylated protein tau, thereby restoring the microtubule associated protein function of tau as well as promoting the dephosphorylation of the protein by the trans-dependent phosphatase PP2A. In this study we used models based on Saccharomyces cerevisiae to further elucidate the influence of Pin1 and its yeast ortholog Ess1 on tau phosphorylation and self-assembly. We could demonstrate that in yeast, a lack of Pin1 isomerase activity leads to an increase in phosphorylation of tau at Thr231, comparable to AD brain and consistent with earlier findings in other model organisms. However, we could also distinguish an effect by Pin1 on other residues of tau, i.e. Ser235 and Ser198/199/202. Furthermore, depletion of Pin1 isomerase activity results in reduced growth of the yeast cells, which is enhanced upon expression of tau. This suggests that the accumulation of hyperphosphorylated and aggregation-prone tau causes cytotoxicity in yeast. This study introduces yeast as a valuable model organism to characterize in detail the effect of Pin1 on the biochemical characteristics of protein tau, more specifically its phosphorylation and aggregation.

  3. Nucleus-size pinning for determination of nucleation free-energy barriers and nucleus geometry

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sharma, Abhishek K.; Escobedo, Fernando A.

    2018-05-01

    Classical Nucleation Theory (CNT) has recently been used in conjunction with a seeding approach to simulate nucleation phenomena at small-to-moderate supersaturation conditions when large free-energy barriers ensue. In this study, the conventional seeding approach [J. R. Espinosa et al., J. Chem. Phys. 144, 034501 (2016)] is improved by a novel, more robust method to estimate nucleation barriers. Inspired by the interfacial pinning approach [U. R. Pedersen, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 104102 (2013)] used before to determine conditions where two phases coexist, the seed of the incipient phase is pinned to a preselected size to iteratively drive the system toward the conditions where the seed becomes a critical nucleus. The proposed technique is first validated by estimating the critical nucleation conditions for the disorder-to-order transition in hard spheres and then applied to simulate and characterize the highly non-trivial (prolate) morphology of the critical crystal nucleus in hard gyrobifastigia. A generalization of CNT is used to account for nucleus asphericity and predict nucleation free-energy barriers for gyrobifastigia. These predictions of nuclei shape and barriers are validated by independent umbrella sampling calculations.

  4. Inhibition of histone deacetylation alters Arabidopsis root growth in response to auxin via PIN1 degradation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nguyen, Hoai Nguyen; Kim, Jun Hyeok; Jeong, Chan Young; Hong, Suk-Whan; Lee, Hojoung

    2013-10-01

    Our results showed the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) control root development in Arabidopsis via regulation of PIN1 degradation. Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the expression of many genes in response to exogenous or endogenous signals in plants as well as other organisms. One of epigenetic mechanisms is modifications of histone, such as acetylation and deacetylation, are catalyzed by histone acetyltransferase (HAT) and histone deacetylase (HDAC), respectively. The Arabidopsis HDACs, HDA6, and HDA19, were reported to function in physiological processes, including embryo development, abiotic stress response, and flowering. In this study, we demonstrated that histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDIs) inhibit primary root elongation and lateral root emergence. In response to HDIs treatment, the PIN1 protein was almost abolished in the root tip. However, the PIN1 gene did not show decreased expression in the presence of HDIs, whereas IAA genes exhibited increases in transcript levels. In contrast, we observed a stable level of gene expression of stress markers (KIN1 and COR15A) and a cell division marker (CYCB1). Taken together, these results suggest that epigenetic regulation may control auxin-mediated root development through the 26S proteasome-mediated degradation of PIN1 protein.

  5. Magnetic pinning in superconductor-ferromagnet multilayers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bulaevskii, L. N.; Chudnovsky, E. M.; Maley, M. P.

    2000-01-01

    We argue that superconductor/ferromagnet multilayers of nanoscale period should exhibit strong pinning of vortices by the magnetic domain structure in magnetic fields below the coercive field when ferromagnetic layers exhibit strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The estimated maximum magnetic pinning energy for single vortex in such a system is about 100 times larger than the pinning energy by columnar defects. This pinning energy may provide critical currents as high as 10 6 -10 7 A/cm 2 at high temperatures (but not very close to T c ) at least in magnetic fields below 0.1 T. (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics

  6. Evaluation of a potential parathyroid dysfunction under treatment with radioactive iodine of benign thyroid diseases; Pruefung einer potentiellen strahleninduzierten Nebenschilddruesenfunktionsstoerung waehrend einer Radioiodtherapie benigner Schilddruesenerkrankung

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Schumacher, Serena Christine

    2011-09-28

    The intention of the present thesis was the evaluation of a potential parathyroid dysfunction under treatment with radioactive iodine of benign thyroid diseases. It was to be examined whether a change in the parathyroid function would arise within the first week on treatment. So far there are some minor studies existing describing significant changes in the parathyroid hormone serum level within the first months after radioactive iodine therapy of benign and malignant thyroid diseases. Moreover, it is a fact that external beam-radiotherapy can induce neoplasia and that the risk for the subsequent development of primary hyperparathyroidism doubles or triples after external beam-radiotherapy of the head and neck. Up to now, however, an increased incidence for primary hyperparathyroidism following treatment with radioactive iodine ({sup 131}I) could not be proved. At the department of nuclear medicine of the university hospital Giessen-Marburg GmbH, location Marburg, a prospective cohort study was executed on radioactive iodine therapy of benign thyroid diseases with 105 probands (75 women / 30 men, mean age 60.62 ± 14.3 years). According to their thyroid diseases these 105 probands were classified into following subgroups: thyroid adenoma with 23 patients, multifocal thyroid autonomy with 8 patients, disseminated thyroid autonomy with 37 patients as well as the subgroup Graves' hyperthyroidism (without Graves' ophtalmopathy) and accordingly Graves' disease (with Graves' ophtalmopathy) with 37 patients. The serum level of the intact parathyroid hormone was determined directly before starting the radioactive iodine therapy on the admission day and on day 1, 3 and 5 of the radioactive iodine therapy as well as at the ambulant follow-up examination one month after the start of the therapy. In case of 99 of 105 probands the serum level of parathyroid hormone declined on treatment with {sup 131}I with its nadir on day 3 of therapy (decline by 15.71 ng

  7. Parathyroid changes after high dose radioactive iodine in patients with thyroid cancer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guven, A.; Salman, S.; Boztepe, H.; Yarman, S.; Tanakol, R.; Azizlerli, H.; Alagol, F.

    2009-01-01

    The study aimed to investigate the effect of high dose radioactive iodine (RAI) on parathyroid function in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Nineteen patients (8 men/11 women, age 46.5±13.2 years) undergoing RAI for thyroid remnant ablation were enrolled in the study. The biochemical parameters related to parathyroid function [serum calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), creatinine (Cr), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), urinary Ca, cAMP concentrations and the maximum tubular capacity for phosphate per unit volume of glomerular filtrate (TmP/GFR)] were evaluated at baseline and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months of RAI administration. SPSS 15.0 was used for statistical analysis. For all patients, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were >30 U/ml at baseline and <0.1 U/ml at the following visits. Serum iPTH levels were decreased significantly at the 6th month and reached basal levels at the 12th month (baseline vs. 6th p=0.027, 1st vs. 6th p=0.011, 3rd vs. 6th p=0.047, 3rd vs. 12th p=0.014, 6th vs. 12th p=0.001). At the 6th month, P and TmP/GFR levels were higher (p=0.036, 0.017, respectively), and urinary cAMP measurements were lower (p=0.020) compared to those of the 1st month. No difference was detected concerning the other parameters. Serum Ca levels decreased below 2.1 mmol/l in several patients (n=5 at 1st month, n=4 at 3rd month, n=8 at 6th month and n=3 at 12th month) without clinical symptoms. The study indicated a transient decline in PTH levels at the 6th month following RAI therapy. Although this decrease did not cause symptoms in any of the present cases, this pattern might be important especially in individuals with diminished parathyroid background. (author)

  8. Aldosterone and parathyroid hormone interactions as mediators of metabolic and cardiovascular disease

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Tomaschitz, A.; Ritz, E.; Pieske, B.; Rus-Machan, J.; Kienreich, K.; Verheyen, N.; Gaksch, M.; Grubler, M.; Fahrleitner-Pammer, A.; Mrak, P.; Toplak, H.; Kraigher-Krainer, E.; Marz, W.; Pilz, S.

    2014-01-01

    Inappropriate aldosterone and parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion is strongly linked with development and progression of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Accumulating evidence suggests a bidirectional interplay between parathyroid hormone and aldosterone. This interaction may lead to a disproportionally

  9. Recombinant human parathyroid hormone related protein 1-34 and 1-84 and their roles in osteoporosis treatment.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hua Wang

    Full Text Available Osteoporosis is a common disorder characterized by compromised bone strength that predisposes patients to increased fracture risk. Parathyroid hormone related protein (PTHrP is one of the candidates for clinical osteoporosis treatment. In this study, GST Gene Fusion System was used to express recombinant human PTHrP (hPTHrP 1-34 and 1-84. To determine whether the recombinant hPTHrP1-34 and 1-84 can enhance renal calcium reabsorption and promote bone formation, we examined effects of recombinant hPTHrP1-34 and 1-84 on osteogenic lineage commitment in a primary bone marrow cell culture system and on osteoporosis treatment. Results revealed that both of recombinant hPTHrP1-34 and 1-84 increased colony formation and osteogenic cell differentiation and mineralization in vitro; however, the effect of recombinant hPTHrP1-84 is a little stronger than that of hPTHrP1-34. Next, ovariectomy was used to construct osteoporosis animal model (OVX to test activities of these two recombinants in vivo. HPTHrP1-84 administration elevated serum calcium by up-regulating the expression of renal calcium transporters, which resulted in stimulation of osteoblastic bone formation. These factors contributed to augmented bone mass in hPTHrP1-84 treated OVX mice but did not affect bone resorption. There was no obvious bone mass alteration in hPTHrP1-34 treated OVX mice, which may be, at least partly, associated with shorter half-life of hPTHrP1-34 compared to hPTHrP1-84 in vivo. This study implies that recombinant hPTHrP1-84 is more effective than hPTHrP1-34 to enhance renal calcium reabsorption and to stimulate bone formation in vivo.

  10. Fabrication of FFTF fuel pin wire wrap

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Epperson, E.M.

    1980-06-01

    Lateral spacing between FFTF fuel pins is required to provide a passageway for the sodium coolant to flow over each pin to remove heat generated by the fission process. This spacing is provided by wrapping each fuel pin with type 316 stainless steel wire. This wire has a 1.435mm (0.0565 in.) to 1.448mm (0.0570 in.) diameter, contains 17 +- 2% cold work and was fabricated and tested to exacting RDT Standards. About 500 kg (1100 lbs) or 39 Km (24 miles) of fuel pin wrap wire is used in each core loading. Fabrication procedures and quality assurance tests are described

  11. Optimal pin enrichment distributions in nuclear reactor fuel bundles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lim, E.Y.

    1976-01-01

    A methodology has been developed to determine the fuel pin enrichment distribution that yields the best approximation to a prescribed power distribution in nuclear reactor fuel bundles. The problem is formulated as an optimization problem in which the optimal pin enrichments minimize the sum of squared deviations between the actual and prescribed fuel pin powers. A constant average enrichment constraint is imposed to ensure that a suitable value of reactivity is present in the bundle. When constraints are added that limit the fuel pins to a few enrichment types, one must determine not only the optimal values of the enrichment types but also the optimal distribution of the enrichment types amongst the pins. A matrix of boolean variables is used to describe the assignment of enrichment types to the pins. This nonlinear mixed integer programming problem may be rigorously solved with either exhaustive enumeration or branch and bound methods using a modification of the algorithm from the continuous problem as a suboptimization. Unfortunately these methods are extremely cumbersome and computationally overwhelming. Solutions which require only a moderate computational effort are obtained by assuming that the fuel pin enrichments in this problem are ordered as in the solution to the continuous problem. Under this assumption search schemes using either exhaustive enumeration or branch and bound become computationally attractive. An adaptation of the Hooke--Jeeves pattern search technique is shown to be especially efficient

  12. Heat transfer in a fuel pin shipping container

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ingham, J.G.

    1980-01-01

    Maximum cladding temperatures occur when the IDENT 1578 fuel pin shipping container is installed in the T-3 Cask. The maximum allowable cladding temperature of 800 0 F is reached when the rate of energy deposited in the 19-pin basket reaches 400 watts. Since 45% of the energy which is generated in the fuel escapes the 19-pin basket without being deposited, mostly gamma energy, the maximum allowable rate of heat generation is 400/.55 = 727 watts. Similarly, the maximum allowable cladding temperature of 800 0 F is reached when the rate of energy deposited in the 40-pin basket reaches 465 watts. Since 33% of the energy which is generated in the fuel escapes the 40-pin basket without being deposited, mostly gamma energy, the maximum allowable rate of heat generation is 465/.66 = 704 watts. The IDENT 1578 fuel pin shipping container therefore meets its thermal design criteria. IDENT 1578 can handle fuel pins with a decay heat load of 600 watts while maintaining the maximum fuel pin cladding temperature below 800 0 F. The emissivities which were determined from the test results for the basket tubes and container are relatively low and correspond to new, shiny conditions. As the IDENT 1578 container is exposed to high temperatures for extended periods of time during the transportation of fuel pins, the emissivities will probably increase. This will result in reduced temperatures

  13. Pin1, a new player in the fate of HIF-1α degradation: an hypothetical mechanism inside vascular damage as Alzheimer’s disease risk factor.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Elena eLonati

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Aetiology of neurodegenerative mechanisms underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD are still under elucidation. The contribution of cerebrovascular deficiencies (such as cerebral ischemia/stroke has been strongly endorsed in recent years. Reduction of blood supply leading to hypoxic condition is known to activate cellular responses mainly controlled by hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 (HIF-1. Thus alterations of oxygen responsive HIF-1α subunit in the central nervous system may contribute to the cognitive decline, especially influencing mechanisms associated to APP (amyloid precursor protein amyloidogenic metabolism. Although HIF-1α protein level is known to be regulated by von Hippel-Lindau (VHL ubiquitin-proteasome system, it has been recently suggested that Gsk-3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β promotes a VHL-independent HIF-1α degradation. Here we provide evidences that in rat primary hippocampal cell cultures, HIF-1α degradation might be mediated by a synergic action of Gsk-3β and Pin1 (peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase. In post-ischemic conditions, such as those mimicked with oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD, HIF-1α protein level increases remaining unexpectedly high for long time after normal condition restoration jointly with the increase of LDH (lactate dehydrogenase and BACE1 (β-secretase 1 protein expression (70% and 140% respectively. Interestingly the Pin1 activity decreases about 40%-60% and Pin1S16 inhibitory phosphorylation significantly increases, indicating that Pin1 binding to its substrate and enzymatic activity are reduced by treatment. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate that HIF-1α/Pin1 in normoxia are associated, and that in presence of specific Pin1 and Gsk-3β inhibitors their interaction is reduced in parallel to an increase of HIF-1α protein level. Thus we suggest that in post-OGD neurons the high level of HIF-1α might be due to Pin1 binding ability and activity reduction which affects HIF-1

  14. Magnetic pinning in superconductor-ferromagnet multilayers

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bulaevskii, L. N. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, CUNY Lehman College 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, New York 10468-1589 (United States); Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States); Chudnovsky, E. M. [Department of Physics and Astronomy, CUNY Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, New York 10468-1589 (United States); Maley, M. P. [Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)

    2000-05-01

    We argue that superconductor/ferromagnet multilayers of nanoscale period should exhibit strong pinning of vortices by the magnetic domain structure in magnetic fields below the coercive field when ferromagnetic layers exhibit strong perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. The estimated maximum magnetic pinning energy for single vortex in such a system is about 100 times larger than the pinning energy by columnar defects. This pinning energy may provide critical currents as high as 10{sup 6}-10{sup 7} A/cm{sup 2} at high temperatures (but not very close to T{sub c}) at least in magnetic fields below 0.1 T. (c) 2000 American Institute of Physics.

  15. A macroscopic cross-section model for BWR pin-by-pin core analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fujita, Tatsuya; Endo, Tomohiro; Yamamoto, Akio

    2014-01-01

    A macroscopic cross-section model used in boiling water reactor (BWR) pin-by-pin core analysis is studied. In the pin-by-pin core calculation method, pin-cell averaged cross sections are calculated for many combinations of core state and depletion history variables and are tabulated prior to core calculations. Variations of cross sections in a core simulator are caused by two different phenomena (i.e. instantaneous and history effects). We treat them through the core state variables and the exposure-averaged core state variables, respectively. Furthermore, the cross-term effect among the core state and the depletion history variables is considered. In order to confirm the calculation accuracy and discuss the treatment of the cross-term effect, the k-infinity and the pin-by-pin fission rate distributions in a single fuel assembly geometry are compared. Some cross-term effects could be negligible since the impacts of them are sufficiently small. However, the cross-term effects among the control rod history (or the void history) and other variables have large impacts; thus, the consideration of them is crucial. The present macroscopic cross-section model, which considers such dominant cross-term effects, well reproduces the reference results and can be a candidate in practical applications for BWR pin-by-pin core analysis on the normal operations. (author)

  16. Critical experiments supporting underwater storage of tightly packed configurations of spent fuel pins. Technical progress report, January 1-March 31, 1981

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hoovler, G.S.; Baldwin, M.N.

    1981-04-01

    Critical experiments are in progress on arrays of 2 1/2% enriched UO 2 fuel pins simulating underwater pin storage of spent power reactor fuel. Pin storage refers to a spent fuel storage concept in which the fuel assemblies are dismantled and the fuel pins are tightly packed into specially designed canisters. These experiments are providing benchmark data with which to validate nuclear codes used to design spent fuel pin storage racks

  17. Material composition – Pinning strength correlation in Nb thin films with focused ion beam-milled washboard nanostructures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dobrovolskiy, Oleksandr V.; Begun, Evgeniya; Huth, Michael; Shklovskij, Valerij A.

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: •We fabricated an array of grooves in Nb films by using focused ion beam milling. •We determined the material composition in different areas of the processed films. •We deduced the pinning activation energies from the magneto-resistivity data. •We obtained the material composition – pinning strength correlation in the processed films. -- Abstract: An analysis of the interrelated changes in the material composition and the pinning strength in nanostructured Nb (1 1 0) thin films is presented. The nanopatterns were prepared by focused ion beam milling of an array of uniaxial grooves. They induce a washboard-like pinning potential landscape for vortices in the mixed state. By applying different magnetic fields, the most likely pinning sites along which the flux lines move through the samples have been selected. By this, either the background isotropic pinning of the pristine film or the enhanced isotropic pinning originating from the nanoprocessing has been probed. The enhanced pinning strength in the processed films has been found to correlate with the content of Ga implanted into the films during the nanopatterning

  18. Material composition – Pinning strength correlation in Nb thin films with focused ion beam-milled washboard nanostructures

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dobrovolskiy, Oleksandr V., E-mail: Dobrovolskiy@Physik.uni-frankfurt.de [Physikalisches Institut, Goethe-Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany); Physical Department, Kharkiv National University, 61077 Kharkiv (Ukraine); Begun, Evgeniya; Huth, Michael [Physikalisches Institut, Goethe-Universität, 60438 Frankfurt am Main (Germany); Shklovskij, Valerij A. [Physical Department, Kharkiv National University, 61077 Kharkiv (Ukraine); Institute for Theoretical Physics, NSC-KIPT, 61108 Kharkiv (Ukraine)

    2013-11-15

    Highlights: •We fabricated an array of grooves in Nb films by using focused ion beam milling. •We determined the material composition in different areas of the processed films. •We deduced the pinning activation energies from the magneto-resistivity data. •We obtained the material composition – pinning strength correlation in the processed films. -- Abstract: An analysis of the interrelated changes in the material composition and the pinning strength in nanostructured Nb (1 1 0) thin films is presented. The nanopatterns were prepared by focused ion beam milling of an array of uniaxial grooves. They induce a washboard-like pinning potential landscape for vortices in the mixed state. By applying different magnetic fields, the most likely pinning sites along which the flux lines move through the samples have been selected. By this, either the background isotropic pinning of the pristine film or the enhanced isotropic pinning originating from the nanoprocessing has been probed. The enhanced pinning strength in the processed films has been found to correlate with the content of Ga implanted into the films during the nanopatterning.

  19. AGR fuel pin pellet-clad interaction failure limits and activity release fractions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hughes, H.; Hargreaves, R.

    1985-01-01

    The limiting conditions beyond which pellet-clad interaction can flail AGR fuel are described. They have been determined by many experiments involving post-irradiation examination and testing, loop experiments and cycling and up-rating of both individual fuel stringers and the whole WAGR core. The mechanisms causing this interaction are well understood and are quantitatively expressed in computer codes. Strain concentration effects over fuel cracks determine power cycling endurance while additional strain concentrations at clad ridges and from cross pin temperature gradients contribute to up-rating failures. An equation summarising tube burst test data so as to determine the ductility available at any transient is given. The hollow fuel and more ductile clad of the Civil AGR fuel pins leads to a much improved performance over the original fuel design. The Civil AGRs operate well within these limiting conditions and substantial increases beyond the design burn-up are confidently expected. The activity release on pin failure and its development during continued operation of failed fuel have also been investigated. A retention of radioiodine and caesium of 90-99% compared to the noble gases has been demonstrated. Measured fission gas releases into the free volume of Civil AGR fuel pins have been very low (< 0.1%)

  20. Experimental determination of the local temperature distribution in the cladding tubes of a sodium-cooled pin bundle caused by grid spacers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Moeller, R.; Tschoeke, H.

    1980-01-01

    The cladding tubes of reactor core elements are highly stressed structural elements. Their careful design includes the following: (a) the mathematical determination of the maximum cladding tube temperatures; (b) the determination of the maximum permissible fatigue strengths and creep strains of the materials; and (c) the safety distance between the nominal cladding tube hot spots and the permissible extreme cladding tube temperature. The maximum cladding tube temperatures occur on the top edge of the core and, due to radial power gradients, in the wrapper-wall region of a pin bundle. If grid spacers are now used for fixing the pins as in the SNR fuel elements, a careful check must be made of whether and to what degree temperature peaks in the region of the supports have an influence on the cladding tube design. Initial experimental investigations on a sodium-cooled pin bundle model of the SNR-300 fuel element were carried out to throw light on these special problems. This is reported in the following together with the results so far obtained. (U.K.)

  1. A high-throughput screen for inhibitors of the prolyl isomerase, Pin1, identifies a seaweed polyphenol that reduces adipose cell differentiation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mori, Tadashi; Hidaka, Masafumi; Ikuji, Hiroko; Yoshizawa, Ibuki; Toyohara, Haruhiko; Okuda, Toru; Uchida, Chiyoko; Asano, Tomoichiro; Yotsu-Yamashita, Mari; Uchida, Takafumi

    2014-01-01

    The peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1 enhances the uptake of triglycerides and the differentiation of fibroblasts into adipose cells in response to insulin stimulation. Pin1 downregulation could be a potential approach to prevent and treat obesity-related disorders. In order to identify an inhibitor of Pin1 that exhibited minimal cytotoxicity, we established a high-throughput screen for Pin1 inhibitors and used this method to identify an inhibitor from 1,056 crude fractions of two natural product libraries. The candidate, a phlorotannin called 974-B, was isolated from the seaweed, Ecklonia kurome. 974-B inhibited the differentiation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts and 3T3-L1 cells into adipose cells without inducing cytotoxicity. We discovered the Pin1 inhibitor, 974-B, from the seaweed, E. kurome, and showed that it blocks the differentiation of fibroblasts into adipose cells, suggesting that 974-B could be a lead drug candidate for obesity-related disorders.

  2. Parathyroid Carcinoma in Patients that Have Undergone Surgery for Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Libánský, Petr; Adámek, Svatopluk; Broulík, Petr; Fialová, Martina; Kubinyi, Josef; Lischke, Robert; Naňka, Ondřej; Pafko, Pavel; Šedý, Jiří; Bobek, Vladimír

    2017-01-01

    Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare clinical entity, which represents one of the main reasons, why surgery should be performed in specialized centres. Preoperatively, it is very difficult to distinguish between benign and malignant hyperparathyroidism. During the years 1996-2016, we performed 2,220 operations in 2,075 patients with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Among these 2,220 operations, there were 16 operations for parathyroid carcinoma. These 16 operations, including reoperations, were performed in four patients. Two patients had no reoperation, but another 2 patients required 14 reoperations in total. Parathyroid carcinoma was described in 0.2% of all patients with a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. The number of operations was 0.73% of all operations of primary hyperparathyroidism in years 1996-2016. Prognosis of parathyroid carcinoma is quite favourable, patients evidence a long-term survival rate after the primary operation. However, every reoperation increases the number of possible complications, including recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

  3. Clinical impact of SPECT-CT in the diagnosis and surgical management of hyper-parathyroidism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tokmak, Handan; Demirkol, Mehmet Onur; Alagöl, Faruk; Tezelman, Serdar; Terzioglu, Tarik

    2014-01-01

    Hyper-functioning parathyroid glands with autonomous overproduction of PTH is the most frequent cause of hypercalcemia in outpatient populations with primary hyper-parathyroidism. It is generally caused by a solitary adenoma in 80%-90% of patients. Despite the various methodologies that are available for preoperative localization of parathyroid lesions, there is still no certain preoperative imaging algorithm to guide a surgical approach prior to the management of primary hyper-parathyroidism (P-HPT). Minimally invasive surgery has replaced the traditional bilateral neck exploration (BNE) as the initial approach in parathyroidectomy at many referral hospitals worldwide. In our study, we investigated diagnostic contributions of SPECT-CT combined with conventional planar scintigraphy in the detection of hyper-functioning parathyroid gland localization, since planar imaging has limitations. We also evaluated the efficacy of preoperative USG in adding to initial diagnostic imaging algorithms to localize a parathyroid adenoma. A total of 256 consecutive surgically naive patients with hyper-parathyroidism diagnosis were included in the following preoperative localization study. The study consisted of 256 consecutive patients with HPT, with a selected 154 patients who had neck surgery with definitive histology reports. All patients had 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) double-phase scintigraphy. The SPECT-CT procedure, combined with standard 99mTc-MIBI planar parathyroid scintigraphy with a pinhole and parallel-hole collimator to evaluate whether the SPECT-CT procedure was able to provide additional information in the localization of the pathology, caused hyper-parathyroidism in both P-HPT and S-HPT. In the 154 P-HPT patients, 168 lesions (142 adenomas including 2 intrathyroidal and 2 double adenoma, 2 carcinoma, and 22 hyperplastic glands (four patients had MEN I, each with four hyperplastic glands)), were found at surgery. SPECT-CT detected more lesions than

  4. Diminished parathyroid gland responsiveness to hypocalcemia in diabetic patients with uremia.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Heidbreder, E; Götz, R; Schafferhans, K; Heidland, A

    1986-01-01

    The parathyroid gland responsiveness to hypocalcemia induced by short-term calcium-free hemodialysis in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was investigated in comparison with 10 nondiabetic uremic patients and compared with test results from the autonomic nervous system. Diabetic patients had lower C-terminal parathyroid hormone (cPTH) levels before hemodialysis than uremic control patients and showed a significantly smaller increase in cPTH during hypocalcemia. The neurological tests revealed severe disturbances of the autonomic functions in the diabetic group. In conclusion, the disturbances observed in the parathyroid secretory pattern are probably caused by gland dysfunction; it is hypothesized that the defective autonomic nervous system has an additional effect on the development of this hormonal dysfunction.

  5. The utility of 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy in the localisation of parathyroid adenomas in primary hyperparathyroidism.

    LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

    Glynn, N

    2012-02-01

    BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data in the literature about the sensitivity of sestamibi scintigraphy in parathyroid tumour localisation in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). AIM: We aimed to evaluate the overall sensitivity of this modality in parathyroid tumour localisation and to determine clinical and biochemical factors which influence sensitivity of this method. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 57 patients with a biochemical diagnosis of PHPT who had sestamibi scintigraphy performed. RESULTS: The sensitivity of sestamibi scanning was 56% in whole group and 63% in those without nodular thyroid disease. Among the patients with confirmed single gland disease (biochemical cure after surgical removal of a single adenoma), sensitivity was 71%. A positive scan was associated with younger age, greater adenoma weight and higher pre-operative serum calcium. Concordance between the sestamibi and neck ultrasonography was 92% accurate in pre-operative tumour localisation. CONCLUSION: Sestamibi scintigraphy was more likely to be positive in younger patients without nodular thyroid disease who have larger parathyroid adenomas with more severe hyperparathyroidism.

  6. Lesion localization in patients with hyperparathyroidism using double-phase Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shin, Jung Woo; Ryu, Jin Sook; Kim, Jae Seung; Moon, Dae Hyuk; Hong, Seung Mo; Gong, Gyung Yub; Hong, Suk Joon; Lee, Hee Kyung

    1999-01-01

    This study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of double-phase Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with hyperparathyroidism. We also evaluated the relationship between Tc-99m MIBI uptake and oxyphil cell contents in parathyroid glands. The subjects were 28 parathyroid glands of 10 patients who underwent Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy and parathyroidectomy for clinically suspected hyperparathyroidism. Early and delayed pinhole images were obtained at 15 minutes and 2 hours after injection of Tc-99m MIBI, and SPECT images were followed. The weight and oxyphil cell contents of parathyroid tissue were obtained from pathologic specimen, and the scintigraphic findings were compared with histopathology. In surgical histopathology, 6 parathyroid adenomas and 9 parathyroid hyperplasias were confirmed. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of early and delayed images were 46.7% (7/15), 76.9% (10/13), 70% (7/10) and 66.7% (10/15), 92.3% (12/13), 90.9% (10/11), respectively. SPECT image detected an additional small hyperplasia. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of combined interpretation of early and delayed images with SPECT were 73.3% (11/15), 100% (13/13), 100% (11/11). The sensitivity was 100% (6/6) for adenoma, whereas that was 55.5% (5/9) for hyperplasia. Both adenomas and hyperplasias showed significantly increased oxyphil cell contents compared with normal parathyroid glands (p<0.0001), but the oxyphil cell content and weight were not significantly different between adenomas and hyperplasias. Double-phase Tc-99m MIBI parathyroid scintigraphy with SPECT is useful for lesion localization in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Although both adenoma and hyperplasia have increased oxyphil cell content, the sensitivity is high in adenoma, but low in hyperplasia

  7. [Lithium carbonate-induced hyperparathyroidism in a patient after removal of a parathyroid adenoma].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Krysiak, Robert; Okopień, Bogusław

    2015-01-01

    Lithium compounds are widely used and effective drugs in the treatment of mood disorders. However, despite their efficacy, the use of lithium salts is limited by their narrow therapeutic window. Treatment with lithium salts may be associated with the risk of development of numerous adverse effects. Endocrine complications include: thyroid dysfunction, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and hyperparathyroidism. Because symptoms of lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism may resemble those of the underlying disorder, hyperparathyroidism sometimes remains undetected. The pathogenic mechanism for parathyroid dysfunction in lithium-treated patients is still unclear. We report a patient who had undergone removal of a parathyroid adenoma and later developed lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism. Cessation of lithium treatment normalised parathyroid function. The described case suggests that patients with pre-existing parathyroid disorders may be particularly susceptible to the development of lithium-induced hyperparathyroidism.

  8. A Matlab Tool for Tumor Localization in Parathyroid Sestamibi Scintigraphy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. Đurović

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available Submarine method for localization of parathyroid tumors (PT has proved to be effective in case of typical pitfalls of conventional scintigraphic methods (combined subtraction and double phase methods. It uses images obtained by standard dynamic parathyroid sestamibi scintigraphy suggested by European Association of Nuclear Medicine. This paper presents: 1 the developed Matlab interface that enables the implementation and evaluation of algorithms for the automatic application of Submarine method; 2 the algorithm for automatic extraction of the entire thyroid region from the background radioactivity using operations from mathematical morphology applied on dynamic scintigrams; 3 the results obtained by algorithm for localization and visualization of PTs based on estimation of exponential decreasing trend of time-activity curves. The algorithm was tested on a group of 20 patients with histopathologically proven PTs using developed Matlab interface.

  9. Fuel pin design algorithm for conceptual design studies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Uselman, J.P.

    1979-01-01

    Two models are available which are currently verified by part of the requirements and which are adaptable as algorithms for the complete range. Fuel thermal performance is described by the HEDL SIEX model. Cladding damage and total deformation are determined by the GE GRO-II structural analysis code. A preliminary fuel pin performance model for analysis of (U, P/sub U/)O 2 pins in the COROPT core conceptual design system has been constructed by combining the key elements of SIEX and GRO-II. This memo describes the resulting pin performance model and its interfacing with COROPT system. Some exemplary results are presented

  10. Inscuteable Regulates the Pins-Mud Spindle Orientation Pathway

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mauser, Jonathon F.; Prehoda, Kenneth E.

    2012-01-01

    During asymmetric cell division, alignment of the mitotic spindle with the cell polarity axis ensures that the cleavage furrow separates fate determinants into distinct daughter cells. The protein Inscuteable (Insc) is thought to link cell polarity and spindle positioning in diverse systems by binding the polarity protein Bazooka (Baz; aka Par-3) and the spindle orienting protein Partner of Inscuteable (Pins; mPins or LGN in mammals). Here we investigate the mechanism of spindle orientation by the Insc-Pins complex. Previously, we defined two Pins spindle orientation pathways: a complex with Mushroom body defect (Mud; NuMA in mammals) is required for full activity, whereas binding to Discs large (Dlg) is sufficient for partial activity. In the current study, we have examined the role of Inscuteable in mediating downstream Pins-mediated spindle orientation pathways. We find that the Insc-Pins complex requires Gαi for partial activity and that the complex specifically recruits Dlg but not Mud. In vitro competition experiments revealed that Insc and Mud compete for binding to the Pins TPR motifs, while Dlg can form a ternary complex with Insc-Pins. Our results suggest that Insc does not passively couple polarity and spindle orientation but preferentially inhibits the Mud pathway, while allowing the Dlg pathway to remain active. Insc-regulated complex assembly may ensure that the spindle is attached to the cortex (via Dlg) before activation of spindle pulling forces by Dynein/Dynactin (via Mud). PMID:22253744

  11. [First experience in the thyroid and parathyroid surgery using the da Vinci® system].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Al Kadah, B; Siemer, S; Schick, B

    2014-01-01

    Endoscopic surgery for the treatment of thyroid and parathyroid pathologies is gaining increasing attention. The da Vinci® system has been already widely used in different fields of medicine including recently thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Herein we report our first experiences in endoscopic surgery of thyroid and parathyroid pathologies using the da Vinci® system. 8 patients presenting with struma nodosa in 6 cases and parathyroid adenomas in 2 cases have been treated using the da Vinci® system at the ENT department of Homburg/Saar University. The skin incision to introduce the instruments with the da Vinci® system were axilar or at the lateral segment of the clavicle. The neurovascular structures like inferior laryngeal nerve as well as the pathologies were clearly 3-dimensional visualized in all 8 cases. No paralysis of the vocal cord was observed. All patients had in histological examination a benign pathology. The endoscopic surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid gland can be performed using the da Vinci® system and offers an excellent, intraoperative, 3-dimensional visualization of the neurovascular structures. Additionally the da Vinci® system enables skin incisions within considerable distance from the thyroid and parathyroid gland. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  12. Parathyroid autotransplantation in forty-four patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: the role of thallium scanning

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    McCall, A.R.; Calandra, D.; Lawrence, A.M.; Henkin, R.; Paloyan, E.

    1986-01-01

    Forty-four patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were followed for 18 to 126 months after subtotal or total parathyroidectomy and parathyroid autotransplantation. Indications for autotransplantation included the devascularization of parathyroid glands during concomitant thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy and the excision of the only remaining parathyroid tissue in patients with persistent hyperparathyroidism after previous unsuccessful parathyroidectomies. Before implantation, all parathyroid tissue was histologically evaluated by frozen-section light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin stain. Fifteen patients had histologically normal implants; to date none of these patients have developed recurrent hyperparathyroidism. Twenty-nine patients had either adenomatous or hyperplastic parathyroid tissue used for implants; two of these patients developed graft-dependent recurrent hyperparathyroidism 4 and 7 years later. In both patients the grafts were preoperatively localized by thallium scanning and their resection restored eucalcemia. One hundred thirty-one patients from 11 series in the current literature had a cumulative incidence of 17.5% for presumed graft-dependent recurrence and a 9.2% incidence of graft excision followed by eucalcemia. In comparison, in the present series the incidence of graft-dependent recurrent hyperparathyroidism in patients with either adenomatous or hyperplastic implants stands at 6.9%. In contrast, in 15 patients with normal parathyroid tissue implants, the incidence was zero

  13. Vortex dynamics in type-II superconductors under strong pinning conditions

    Science.gov (United States)

    Thomann, A. U.; Geshkenbein, V. B.; Blatter, G.

    2017-10-01

    We study effects of pinning on the dynamics of a vortex lattice in a type-II superconductor in the strong-pinning situation and determine the force-velocity (or current-voltage) characteristic combining analytical and numerical methods. Our analysis deals with a small density np of defects that act with a large force fp on the vortices, thereby inducing bistable configurations that are a characteristic feature of strong pinning theory. We determine the velocity-dependent average pinning-force density 〈Fp(v ) 〉 and find that it changes on the velocity scale vp˜fp/η a03 , where η is the viscosity of vortex motion and a0 the distance between vortices. In the small pin-density limit, this velocity is much larger than the typical flow velocity vc˜Fc/η of the free vortex system at drives near the critical force density Fc=〈Fp(v =0 ) 〉 ∝npfp . As a result, we find a generic excess-force characteristic, a nearly linear force-velocity characteristic shifted by the critical force density Fc; the linear flux-flow regime is approached only at large drives. Our analysis provides a derivation of Coulomb's law of dry friction for the case of strong vortex pinning.

  14. Secondary hypertension due to concomitant aldosterone-producing adenoma and parathyroid adenoma.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chau, Katrina; Holmes, Daniel; Melck, Adrienne; Chan-Yan, Clifford

    2015-02-01

    There is a growing body of evidence supporting a bidirectional relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) and aldosterone (Aldo). We report a case of secondary hypertension due to concomitant Aldo-producing adenoma (APA) and parathyroid adenoma (PA) requiring both unilateral adrenalectomy and parathyroidectomy. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2014. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  15. BONE SEVERE FORM OF HYPERPARATHYROIDISM IN A PATIENT WITH ADENOMA OF PARATHYROID GLAND

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    K. M. Petrosyan

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available Hyperparathyroidism is one of the most common endocrinopathies. This disease leads to a violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism and the washing out of calcium from bone tissue. Breach of the skeleton’s structure in hyperparathyroidism is often mistaken for metastatic bone damage, which leads to incorrect treatment tactics. In this work we present the clinical observation of a patient with an adenoma of the parathyroid gland and a severe bone form of hyperparathyroidism. Multiple lesions of bones with destruction of the cortical layer and the presence of the softtissue component were initially regarded as metastases in the bone. However, the morphological pattern of bone foci, as well as an elevated level of calcium and parathyroid hormone, made it possible to diagnose the bony form of hyperparathyroidism. The search for the cause of hyperparathyroidism revealed a tumor in the projection of the right lower parathyroid gland. Surgical removal of parathyroid adenoma led to the normalization of the level of calcium and parathyroid hormone. The article presents data of laboratory-instrumental methods of research and the results of surgical treatment of a patient.

  16. Inhibition of parathyroid hormone release by maitotoxin, a calcium channel activator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fitzpatrick, L.A.; Yasumoto, T.; Aurbach, G.D.

    1989-01-01

    Maitotoxin, a toxin derived from a marine dinoflagellate, is a potent activator of voltage-sensitive calcium channels. To further test the hypothesis that inhibition of PTH secretion by calcium is mediated via a calcium channel we studied the effect of maitotoxin on dispersed bovine parathyroid cells. Maitotoxin inhibited PTH release in a dose-dependent fashion, and inhibition was maximal at 1 ng/ml. Chelation of extracellular calcium by EGTA blocked the inhibition of PTH by maitotoxin. Maitotoxin enhanced the effects of the dihydropyridine calcium channel agonist (+)202-791 and increased the rate of radiocalcium uptake in parathyroid cells. Pertussis toxin, which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates a guanine nucleotide regulatory protein that interacts with calcium channels in the parathyroid cell, did not affect the inhibition of PTH secretion by maitotoxin. Maitotoxin, by its action on calcium channels allows entry of extracellular calcium and inhibits PTH release. Our results suggest that calcium channels are involved in the release of PTH. Inhibition of PTH release by maitotoxin is not sensitive to pertussis toxin, suggesting that maitotoxin may act distal to the site interacting with a guanine nucleotide regulatory protein, or maitotoxin could interact with other ions or second messengers to inhibit PTH release

  17. The pin pixel detector--X-ray imaging

    CERN Document Server

    Bateman, J E; Derbyshire, G E; Duxbury, D M; Marsh, A S; Simmons, J E; Stephenson, R

    2002-01-01

    The development and testing of a soft X-ray gas pixel detector, which uses connector pins for the anodes is reported. Based on a commercial 100 pin connector block, a prototype detector of aperture 25.4 mm centre dot 25.4 mm can be economically fabricated. The individual pin anodes all show the expected characteristics of small gas detectors capable of counting rates reaching 1 MHz per pin. A 2-dimensional resistive divide readout system has been developed to permit the imaging properties of the detector to be explored in advance of true pixel readout electronics.

  18. Mechanical evaluation of external skeletal fixator-intramedullary pin tie-in configurations applied to cadaveral humeri from red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Van Wettere, Arnaud J; Redig, Patrick T; Wallace, Larry J; Bourgeault, Craig A; Bechtold, Joan E

    2009-12-01

    Use of external skeletal fixator-intramedullary pin (ESF-IM) tie-in fixators is an adjustable and effective method of fracture fixation in birds. The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of each of the following parameters to the compressive and torsional rigidity of an ESF-IM pin tie-in applied to avian bones with an osteotomy gap: (1) varying the fixation pin position in the proximal bone segment and (2) increasing the number of fixation pins in one or both bone segments. ESF-IM pin tie-in constructs were applied to humeri harvested from red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) (n=24) that had been euthanatized for clinical reasons. Constructs with a variation in the placement of the proximal fixation pin and with 2, 3, or 4 fixation pins applied to avian bone with an osteotomy gap were loaded to a defined displacement in torque and axial compression. Response variables were determined from resulting load-displacement curves (construct stiffness, load at 1-mm displacement). Increasing the number of fixation pins from 1 to 2 per bone segment significantly increased the stiffness in torque (110%) and compression (60%), and the safe load in torque (107%) and compression (50%). Adding a fixation pin to the distal bone segment to form a 3-pin fixator significantly increased the stiffness (27%) and safe load (20%) in torque but not in axial compression. In the configuration with 2 fixation pins, placing the proximal pin distally in the proximal bone segment significantly increased the stiffness in torque (28%), and the safe load in torque (23%) and in axial compression (32%). Results quantified the relative importance of specific parameters affecting the rigidity of ESF-IM pin tie-in constructs as applied to unstable bone fracture models in birds.

  19. Pin clad strains in Phenix

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Languille, A.

    1979-07-01

    The Phenix reactor has operated for 4 years in a satisfactory manner. The first 2 sub-assembly loadings contained pins clad in solution treated 316. The principal pin strains are: diametral strain (swelling and irradiation creep), ovality and spiral bending of the pin (interaction of wire and pin cluster and wrapper). A pin cluster irradiated to a dose of 80 dpa F reached a pin diameter strain of 5%. This strain is principally due to swelling (low fission gas pressure). The principal parameters governing the swelling are instantaneous dose, time and temperature for a given type of pin cladding. Other types of steel are or will be irradiated in Phenix. In particular, cold-worked titanium stabilised 316 steel should contribute towards a reduction in the pin clad strains and increase the target burn-up in this reactor. (author)

  20. Cesium chemistry in GCFR fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fee, D.C.; Johnson, C.E.

    1979-01-01

    The fuel rod design for the Gas Cooled Fast-Breeder Reactor (GCFR) is similar to that employed for the Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) with the exception of the unique features inherent to the use of helium as the coolant. These unique design features include the use of (1) vented and pressure-equalized fuel rods, and (2) ribbed cladding along 75% of the fuel section. The former design feature enables reduction in cladding thickness and prevention of possible creep collapse of the cladding due to the high coolant pressure (8.5 MPa). The latter design feature brings about improved heat transfer characteristics. Each GCFR fuel rod is vented to a manifold whereby gaseous fission products diffusing out of the fuel pin are retained on charcoal traps. As a result, the internal pressure of a GCFR fuel pin does not increase during irradiation. In addition, the venting system also maintains the pressure within the fuel pin slightly below (0.3 to 0.5 MPa) the coolant pressure outside the fuel pin. Consequently, should a breach occur in the cladding, helium flows into the breached fuel pin thereby minimizing fission product contamination of the coolant. These desirable aspects of a GCFR fuel pin can be maintained only as long as axial gas transport paths are available and operating within the fuel pin

  1. Localizing diagnosis of hyperfunctional parathyroid glands using 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Katagiri, Makoto; Yokobayashi, Tsuneo; Fukunaga, Masao; Harada, Tanekazu.

    1995-01-01

    In this study, we investigated the detectability of hyperfunctional parathyroid gland(s) by subtraction scintigraphy using 99m Tc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile and 99m Tc-pertechnetate (MIBI-Tc), and compared the findings with those obtained by conventional subtraction scintigraphy using 201 Tl-Cl and 99m Tc-pertechnetate (Tl-Tc), ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). The subjects were 6 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) with a single adenoma and 13 with renal hyperparathyroidism (RHP) with hyperplasia receiving chronic maintenance hemodialysis. All of the patients underwent surgery, and the number and location of the abnormal parathyroid glands were confirmed. The numbers of resected parathyroid glands were 6 in the PHP group and 52 in the RHP group. In the PHP group, the detectability of hyperfunctional parathyroid glands with MIBI-Tc, Tl-Tc, US and CT was 83.3%, 100%, 83.3% and 83.3%, respectively. In the RHP group, on the other hand, these values were lower than those in the PHP group: 51.9%, 44.2%, 57.7% and 56.3%, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed among the diagnostic tools in either group. As 99m Tc-MIBI has many physiological advantages over 201 Tl-Cl as a radiotracer, this radionuclide is expected to become useful for the detection of hyperfunctional parathyroid glands. (author)

  2. Vortex pinning landscape in MOD-TFA YBCO nanostroctured films

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gutierrez, J.; Puig, T.; Pomar, A.; Obradors, X.

    2008-03-01

    A methodology of general validity to study vortex pinning in YBCO based on Jc transport measurements is described. It permits to identify, separate and quantify three basic vortex pinning contributions associated to anisotropic-strong, isotropic-strong and isotropic-weak pinning centers. Thereof, the corresponding vortex pinning phase diagrams are built up. This methodology is applied to the new solution-derived YBCO nanostructured films, including controlled interfacial pinning by the growth of nanostructured templates by means of self-assembled processes [1] and YBCO-BaZrO3 nanocomposites prepared by modified solution precursors. The application of the methodology and comparison with a standard solution-derived YBCO film [2], enables us to identify the nature and the effect of the additional pinning centers induced. The nanostructured templates films show c-axis pinning strongly increased, controlling most of the pinning phase diagram. On the other hand, the nanocomposites have achieved so far, the highest pinning properties in HTc-superconductors [3], being the isotropic-strong defects contribution the origin of their unique properties. [1] M. Gibert et al, Adv. Mat. vol 19, p. 3937 (2007) [2] Puig.T et al, SuST EUCAS 2007 (to be published) [3] J. Gutierrez et al, Nat. Mat. vol. 6, p. 367 (2007) * Work supported by HIPERCHEM, NANOARTIS and MAT2005-02047

  3. Pin care

    Science.gov (United States)

    ... Drugs & Supplements Videos & Tools Español You Are Here: Home → Medical Encyclopedia → Pin care URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000481.htm Pin care To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Broken bones can be fixed in surgery with metal ...

  4. Influence of a low calcium and phosphorus diet on the anabolic effect of human parathyroid hormone (1-38) in female rats

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Steiner, P.D.; Forrer, R.; Kneissel, Michaela

    2001-01-01

    Parathyroid hormone (PTH) or synthetic N-terminal PTH fragments administered intermittently have been established as anabolic agents in animal and human bones. In the present study, the influence of a low calcium diet on the anabolic effect of human PTH(1-38) [hPTH(1-38)] was investigated. Forty......-eight 10-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a diet with a low calcium content (LCa) or a diet with the recommended amount of calcium (RCa). After an adaptation period of 15 days, the rats were randomly assigned to hPTH(1-38) treatment (+LCa/+RCa) or vehicle only (-LCa....../-RCa) for an additional 14 days. Total bone mineral density (BMD) values of several bones were determined using quantitative computed tomography and from ratios of ash weight to volume. Biomechanical competence of the fourth lumbar vertebrae and of the right femora was assessed. An anabolic effect could be detected...

  5. Genome-wide identification and evolution of the PIN-FORMED (PIN) gene family in Glycine max.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Yuan; Wei, Haichao

    2017-07-01

    Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important crop plants. Wild and cultivated soybean varieties have significant differences worth further investigation, such as plant morphology, seed size, and seed coat development; these characters may be related to auxin biology. The PIN gene family encodes essential transport proteins in cell-to-cell auxin transport, but little research on soybean PIN genes (GmPIN genes) has been done, especially with respect to the evolution and differences between wild and cultivated soybean. In this study, we retrieved 23 GmPIN genes from the latest updated G. max genome database; six GmPIN protein sequences were changed compared with the previous database. Based on the Plant Genome Duplication Database, 18 GmPIN genes have been involved in segment duplication. Three pairs of GmPIN genes arose after the second soybean genome duplication, and six occurred after the first genome duplication. The duplicated GmPIN genes retained similar expression patterns. All the duplicated GmPIN genes experienced purifying selection (K a /K s genome sequence of 17 wild and 14 cultivated soybean varieties. Our research provides useful and comprehensive basic information for understanding GmPIN genes.

  6. Neutron radiography of fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jackson, C.N. Jr.; Powers, H.G.; Burgess, C.A.

    1975-01-01

    Neutron radiography performed with a reactor source has been shown to be a superior radiographic method for the examination of unirradiated mixed oxide fuel pins at the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory. Approximately 1,700 fuel pins were contained in a sample that demonstrated the capability of the method for detecting laminations, structural flaws, fissile density variation, hydrogenous inclusions and voids in assembled fuel pins. The nature, extent, and importance of the detected conditions are substantiated by gamma autoradiography and by destructive analysis employing alpha autoradiography, electron microprobe and visual inspection. Also, a series of radiographs illustrate the response of neutron radiography as compared to low voltage and high voltage x-ray and gamma source Iridium 192 radiography. (U.S.)

  7. Usefulness of Technetium 99 m- Sestamibi (MIBI) scintigraphy in the detection of parathyroid adenoma and hyperplasia

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Markarian, Maria F.; Yelin, Enrique G.; Aparicio, Rocio; Marino, Juan M.

    2005-01-01

    Purpose: To evaluate parathyroid substration scintigraphy with Tc99m-pertechnetate-Tc99m-MIBI, for detection of parathyroid adenomas or hyperplasia in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Materials and methods: Thirty patients were studied by Tc99m-pertechnetate-Tc99m-MIBI scintigraphy, 24 with primary hyperparathyroidism, 2 with hypo echogenic nodular image behind the thyroid gland, 1 with bone fracture history, 1 with hypophosphataemia and 2 with secondary hyperparathyroidism. The initial image was made with pertechnetate, the next one and the late (2-3 hs) with Tc99m-MIBI, making digital substration with the first image. Six patients were excluded (difficult follow-up n=5, death n=1). Results: The final 24 patients series showed: 10 positive and 12 negative for adenomas; 1 positive and 1 negative for hyperplasia. The correlation between the scintigraphic study and the clinical, biochemical and anatomicopathological data, showed a high sensitivity (90%), and specificity (92%), for parathyroid adenomas and/or hyperplasia. Conclusions: The Tc99m-pertechnetate-Tc99m-MIBI shows high sensitivity and high specificity for the detection of adenomas and hyperplasia in patient with hyperparathyroidism. (author)

  8. A threshold for low-protein-diet-induced elevations in parathyroid hormone

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kerstetter, J E; Svastisalee, C M; Caseria, D M

    2000-01-01

    We reported previously that lowering dietary protein intake in young healthy women to 0.7 g/kg depressed intestinal calcium absorption and was accompanied by elevations in parathyroid hormone (PTH). Moderate amounts of dietary protein (1.0 g/kg) did not appear to perturb calcium homeostasis....

  9. Modern Surgical Management of Familial and Sporadic Parathyroid and Adrenal Disorders

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Scholten, A.

    2013-01-01

    Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is a common disease of the parathyroid glands. Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 1-related pHPT is most often caused by multiglandular disease and can best be treated with subtotal parathyroidectomy (3-3½ glands) and bilateral transcervical thymectomy to lower the

  10. Double-phase Tc-99m tetrofosmin parathyroid scan in hyperparathyroidism: comparison with ultrasonography

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, In Soo; Kim, Sang Yoon; Zeon, Seok Kil; Won, Kyoung Sook

    2004-01-01

    This study was performed to evaluate the utility of double-phase Tc-99m Tetrofosmin(TF) parathyroid scan in the detection of pathologic lesions of primary hyperparathyroidism, and comparison with the ultrasonography(US). The double phase TF parathyroid scan of the anterior neck including upper mediastinum with 800 MBq TF were acquired at ten minutes (early phase) and at two hours (delayed phase) after radiopharmaceutical injection, in 24 consecutive patients under the clinical impression of primary hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcaemia. The images were evaluated for abnormal focal areas of increased tracer localization in the anterior neck and superior mediastinum in early phase, and visualization of parathyroid gland radioactivity after wash-out of the thyroid gland radioactivity in delayed phase. US of the anterior neck including upper mediastinum was performed by a diagnostic radiologist in 24 consecutive patients, within one week before or after the scan. The findings of double phase TF parathyroid scan and US were compared with the pathologic results. Ten of 24 patients were surgically explored and pathologic results showed eight adenomas and two hyperplasia. The double phase TF parathyroid scan showed positive findings in seven patients of eight adenomas and one patient of two hyperplasia patients. US image showed positive findings in six patients of eight adenomas and no positive findings of two hyperplasia. The sensitivity of the double phase TF scan for detection of the causes of the primary hyperparathyroidism was 80% and US was 60%. The double phase Tc-99m Tetrofosmin parathyroid scan showed higher sensitivity in detection of the pathologic lesions of primary hyperparathyroidism than ultrasonography

  11. Causes of discordant or negative ultrasound of parathyroid glands in treatment naïve patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chandramohan, Anuradha; Sathyakumar, Kirthi; Irodi, Aparna; Abraham, Deepak; Paul, M.J.

    2012-01-01

    Objectives: To describe causes of discordant or negative parathyroid ultrasound and to assess factors influencing them. Materials and methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2000 and 2012 was done. Imaging findings were compared with operative findings and pathology to identify discrepant (n = 60; 32 negative, 28 incorrect) parathyroid ultrasounds. Results: Fifty (83.3%) patients had parathyroid adenoma, of which 10 (16.6%) were ectopic and three were double adenomas; 8 (13.3%) had multigland hyperplasia and two had parathyroid carcinoma. Discrepant reports were due to incorrect localisation in 8 (13.3%); difficulty in differentiating thyroid from parathyroid lesion in 12 (20%); large and small size in two and three patients, respectively; overcall in 5 (8.3%) and satisfaction of search in 7 (11.7%) patients. There was significant correlation between presence of multi-nodular goitre and incorrect reports (χ 2 = 4.112, p = 0.04). Experience of ultrasound operators performing initial and second look ultrasound was significantly different (p < 0.0001). Second look ultrasound was concordant with surgical findings in 39(65%) patients; 21 (66%) patients with initially negative ultrasound and four out of five extra-mediastinal ectopic lesions. Ten patients with negative initial ultrasound had elongated parathyroid lesion. Scintigraphy was concordant in 44 (73.3%) patients and nine were ectopic. Conclusion: Second look ultrasound performed by experienced operator for negative or discordant initial ultrasound of parathyroid is a useful strategy which will improve the accuracy of parathyroid ultrasound. Being able to differentiate thyroid from parathyroid lesion is a factor which will influence performance of parathyroid ultrasound.

  12. Causes of discordant or negative ultrasound of parathyroid glands in treatment naïve patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chandramohan, Anuradha, E-mail: anuradhachandramohan@gmail.com [Department of Radiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 (India); Sathyakumar, Kirthi, E-mail: kirthi86s@yahoo.com [Department of Radiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 (India); Irodi, Aparna, E-mail: aparnashyam@gmail.com [Department of Radiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 (India); Abraham, Deepak, E-mail: abrahamdt@gmail.com [Department of Endocrine Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 (India); Paul, M.J., E-mail: mjpaul@cmcvellore.ac.in [Department of Endocrine Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632004 (India)

    2012-12-15

    Objectives: To describe causes of discordant or negative parathyroid ultrasound and to assess factors influencing them. Materials and methods: Retrospective review of patients who underwent parathyroidectomy between 2000 and 2012 was done. Imaging findings were compared with operative findings and pathology to identify discrepant (n = 60; 32 negative, 28 incorrect) parathyroid ultrasounds. Results: Fifty (83.3%) patients had parathyroid adenoma, of which 10 (16.6%) were ectopic and three were double adenomas; 8 (13.3%) had multigland hyperplasia and two had parathyroid carcinoma. Discrepant reports were due to incorrect localisation in 8 (13.3%); difficulty in differentiating thyroid from parathyroid lesion in 12 (20%); large and small size in two and three patients, respectively; overcall in 5 (8.3%) and satisfaction of search in 7 (11.7%) patients. There was significant correlation between presence of multi-nodular goitre and incorrect reports (χ{sup 2} = 4.112, p = 0.04). Experience of ultrasound operators performing initial and second look ultrasound was significantly different (p < 0.0001). Second look ultrasound was concordant with surgical findings in 39(65%) patients; 21 (66%) patients with initially negative ultrasound and four out of five extra-mediastinal ectopic lesions. Ten patients with negative initial ultrasound had elongated parathyroid lesion. Scintigraphy was concordant in 44 (73.3%) patients and nine were ectopic. Conclusion: Second look ultrasound performed by experienced operator for negative or discordant initial ultrasound of parathyroid is a useful strategy which will improve the accuracy of parathyroid ultrasound. Being able to differentiate thyroid from parathyroid lesion is a factor which will influence performance of parathyroid ultrasound.

  13. The secretory response of parathyroid hormone to acute hypocalcemia in vivo is independent of parathyroid glandular sodium/potassium-ATPase activity

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Martuseviciene, Giedre; Hofman-Bang, Jacob; Clausen, Torben

    2011-01-01

    increased in response to ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid-induced acute hypocalcemia and to the same extent in both vehicle and ouabain groups. The glands were removed, and inhibition of the ATPase was measured by (86)rubidium uptake, which was found to be significantly decreased in ouabain......-treated parathyroid glands, indicating inhibition of the ATPase. As ouabain induced systemic hyperkalemia, the effect of high potassium on hormone secretion was also examined but was found to have no effect. Thus, inhibition of the parathyroid gland sodium/potassium-ATPase activity in vivo had no effect...... on the secretory response to acute hypocalcemia. Hence, the suggested importance of this ATPase in the regulation of PTH secretion could not be confirmed in this in vivo model....

  14. Flux Pinning in Superconductors

    CERN Document Server

    Matsushita, Teruo

    2007-01-01

    The book covers the flux pinning mechanisms and properties and the electromagnetic phenomena caused by the flux pinning common for metallic, high-Tc and MgB2 superconductors. The condensation energy interaction known for normal precipitates or grain boundaries and the kinetic energy interaction proposed for artificial Nb pins in Nb-Ti, etc., are introduced for the pinning mechanism. Summation theories to derive the critical current density are discussed in detail. Irreversible magnetization and AC loss caused by the flux pinning are also discussed. The loss originally stems from the ohmic dissipation of normal electrons in the normal core driven by the electric field induced by the flux motion. The readers will learn why the resultant loss is of hysteresis type in spite of such mechanism. The influence of the flux pinning on the vortex phase diagram in high Tc superconductors is discussed, and the dependencies of the irreversibility field are also described on other quantities such as anisotropy of supercondu...

  15. PIN architecture for ultrasensitive organic thin film photoconductors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jin, Zhiwen; Wang, Jizheng

    2014-06-17

    Organic thin film photoconductors (OTFPs) are expected to have wide applications in the field of optical communications, artificial vision and biomedical sensing due to their great advantages of high flexibility and low-cost large-area fabrication. However, their performances are not satisfactory at present: the value of responsivity (R), the parameter that measures the sensitivity of a photoconductor to light, is below 1 AW(-1). We believe such poor performance is resulted from an intrinsic self-limited effect of present bare blend based device structure. Here we designed a PIN architecture for OTFPs, the PIN device exhibits a significantly improved high R value of 96.5 AW(-1). The PIN architecture and the performance the PIN device shows here should represent an important step in the development of OTFPs.

  16. Applicability of the diffusion and simplified P3 theories for BWR pin-by-pin core analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tada, Kenichi; Yamamoto, Akio; Kitamura, Yasunori; Yamane, Yoshihiro; Watanabe, Masato; Noda, Hiroshi

    2007-01-01

    The pin-by-pin fine mesh core calculation method is considered as a candidate of next-generation core calculation method for BWR. In this study, the diffusion and the simplified P 3 (SP 3 ) theories are applied to the pin-by-pin core analysis of BWR. Performances of the diffusion and the SP 3 theories for cell-homogeneous pin-by-pin fine mesh BWR core analysis are evaluated through comparison with cell-heterogeneous detailed transport calculation by the method of characteristics (MOC). In this study, two-dimensional, 2x2 multi-assemblies geometry is used to compare the prediction accuracies of the diffusion and the SP 3 theories. The 2x2 multi- assemblies geometry consists of two types of 9x9 UO 2 assembly that have two different enrichment splittings. To mitigate the cell-homogenization error, the SPH method is applied for the pin-by-pin fine mesh calculation. The SPH method is a technique that reproduces a result of heterogeneous calculation by that of homogeneous calculation. The calculation results indicated that diffusion theory shows larger discrepancy than that of SP 3 theory on pin-wise fission rates. Furthermore, the accuracy of the diffusion theory would not be sufficient for the pin-by-pin fine mesh calculation. In contrast to the diffusion theory, the SP 3 theory shows much better accuracy on pin wise fission rates. Therefore, if the SP 3 theory is applied, the accuracy of the pin-by-pin fine mesh BWR core analysis will be higher and will be sufficient for production calculation. (author)

  17. Comparison of SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 to TRAC-PF1/MOD1 for timing analysis of PWR fuel pin failures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jones, K.R.; Katsma, K.R.; Wade, N.L.; Siefken, L.J.; Straka, M.

    1991-01-01

    A comparison has been made of SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3- and TRAC-PF1/MOD1- based calculations of the fuel pin failure timing (time from containment isolation signal to first fuel pin failure) in a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA). The two codes were used to calculate the thermal-hydraulic boundary conditions for a complete, double-ended, offset-shear break of a cold leg in a Westinghouse 4-loop pressurized water reactor. Both calculations used the FRAPCON-2 code to calculate the steady-state fuel rod behavior and the FRAP-T6 code to calculate the transient fuel rod behavior. The analysis was performed for 16 combinations of fuel burnups and power peaking factors extending up to the Technical Specifications limits. While all calculations were made on a best-estimate basis, the SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 code has not yet been fully assessed for large-break LOCA analysis. The results indicate that SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 yields conservative fuel pin failure timing results in comparison to those generated using TRAC-PF1/MOD1. 7 refs., 5 figs

  18. Serum levels of parathyroid hormone-M, magnesium and calcium and their inter-relationship in patients with acute pancreatitis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Qi; Zhou Li; Lu Yuanhan; Wang Yan; Wang Yan; Liu Huarong

    2002-01-01

    Objective: To study the changes of serum parathyroid hormone-M, magnesium, and calcium levels and their interrelationships in patients with mild acute pancreatitis (MAP) and severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods: Serum level of PTH-M was measured by means of radioimmunoassay, serum magnesium and calcium levels were determines with automatic biochemical analytical apparatus. Results: 1) Serum levels of PTH-M in acute period and daring recovery in patients with MAP and SAP were not significant different from those in controls (p > 0.05); serum levels of magnesium and calcium in cute period of patients with SAP were significantly lower than those in controls (p<0.01); 2) There was a linear positive correlation between serum levels of PTH-M and serum magnesium in acute-phase of SAP patients, correlation coefficient r = 0.413 (p<0.05). Conclusion: That presence of hypocalcemia in patients with severe acute pancreatitis did not lead to parathyroid hormone-M responsive rise, that might be due to the presence of hypomagnesemia

  19. Pinning, flux diodes and ratchets for vortices interacting with conformal pinning arrays

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Olson Reichhardt, C. J.; Wang, Y. L.; Argonne National Laboratory; Xiao, Z. L.; Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

    2016-01-01

    A conformal pinning array can be created by conformally transforming a uniform triangular pinning lattice to produce a new structure in which the six-fold ordering of the original lattice is conserved but where there is a spatial gradient in the density of pinning sites. Here we examine several aspects of vortices interacting with conformal pinning arrays and how they can be used to create a flux flow diode effect for driving vortices in different directions across the arrays. Under the application of an ac drive, a pronounced vortex ratchet effect occurs where the vortices flow in the easy direction of the array asymmetry. When the ac drive is applied perpendicular to the asymmetry direction of the array, it is possible to realize a transverse vortex ratchet effect where there is a generation of a dc flow of vortices perpendicular to the ac drive due to the creation of a noise correlation ratchet by the plastic motion of the vortices. We also examine vortex transport in experiments and compare the pinning effectiveness of conformal arrays to uniform triangular pinning arrays. In conclusion, we find that a triangular array generally pins the vortices more effectively at the first matching field and below, while the conformal array is more effective at higher fields where interstitial vortex flow occurs.

  20. Excessive Cellular S-nitrosothiol Impairs Endocytosis of Auxin Efflux Transporter PIN2

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Min Ni

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR1 is the key enzyme that regulates cellular levels of S-nitrosylation across kingdoms. We have previously reported that loss of GSNOR1 resulted in impaired auxin signaling and compromised auxin transport in Arabidopsis, leading to the auxin-related morphological phenotypes. However, the molecular mechanism underpinning the compromised auxin transport in gsnor1-3 mutant is still unknown. Endocytosis of plasma-membrane (PM-localized efflux PIN proteins play critical roles in auxin transport. Therefore, we investigate whether loss of GSNOR1 function has any effects on the endocytosis of PIN-FORMED (PIN proteins. It was found that the endocytosis of either the endogenous PIN2 or the transgenically expressed PIN2-GFP was compromised in the root cells of gsnor1-3 seedlings relative to Col-0. The internalization of PM-associated PIN2 or PIN2-GFP into Brefeldin A (BFA bodies was significantly reduced in gsnor1-3 upon BFA treatment in a manner independent of de novo protein synthesis. In addition, the exogenously applied GSNO not only compromised the endocytosis of PIN2-GFP but also inhibited the root elongation in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our results indicate that, besides the reduced PIN2 level, one or more compromised components in the endocytosis pathway could account for the reduced endocytosis of PIN2 in gsnor1-3.

  1. Investigation on macroscopic cross section model for BWR pin-by-pin core analysis - 118

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fujita, T.; Tada, K.; Yamamoto, A.; Yamane, Y.; Kosaka, S.; Hirano, G.

    2010-01-01

    A cross section model used in the pin-by-pin core analysis for BWR is investigated. In the pin-by-pin core calculation method, pin-cell averaged cross sections are calculated for many combinations of state and history variables that have influences on the cross section and are tabulated prior to the core calculations. Variation of a cross section in a core simulator is classified into two different types, i.e., the instantaneous effect and the history effect. The instantaneous effect is incorporated by the variation of cross section which is caused by the instantaneous change of state variables. For this effect, the exposure, the void fraction, the fuel temperature, the moderator temperature and the control rod are used as indexes. The history effect is the cumulative effect of state variables. We treat this effect with a unified approach using the spectral history. To confirm accuracy of the cross section model, the pin-by-pin fission rate distribution and the k-infinity of fuel assembly which are obtained with the tabulated and the reference cross sections are compared. For the instantaneous effect, the present cross section model well reproduces the reference results for all off-nominal conditions. For the history effect, however, considerable differences both on the pin-by-pin fission rate distribution and the k-infinity are observed at high exposure points. (authors)

  2. Role of parathyroid hormone in determination of fat mass in patients with Vitamin D deficiency

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Raman K Marwaha

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: Obesity has become a global epidemic and it is rising is Asia. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD is widely prevalent in the Indian subcontinent. Studies have linked VDD to obesity and shown correlation between parathyroid hormone (PTH, 25-hydroxy Vitamin D (25(OHD, and fat mass (FM. However, studies on the role of PTH among subjects with VDD are lacking. Objective: The objective of this study is to study the role of PTH in the determination of FM in participants with VDD. Subjects: Five hundred and fifty-one adults (m:247, f:304 were included in this study. Materials and Methods: Total and regional (trunk, arm, and leg FM was assessed by dual X-ray absorptometry. Biochemical and hormonal parameters such as calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, ionic calcium, 25(OHD, and PTH were also analyzed. Results: The mean age of the study population was 58.8 ± 15.8 years (Male: [63.3 ± 13.1], Female: [55.2 ± 16.9]. FM and body mass index were significantly lower in females with higher levels of serum 25(OHD. Total FM was negatively correlated with serum 25(OHD (r = −0.363, P < 0.0001 and positively correlated with serum PTH (r: 0.262, P < 0.0001 in females only. Females with VDD and secondary hyperparathyroidism had higher FM than those with normal PTH. Conclusions: Females with VDD had higher total and regional FM. However, this correlation was evident only in those with high serum PTH levels, suggesting a potential role of PTH in the accumulation of FM.

  3. Transverse pinning versus intramedullary pinning in fifth metacarpal's neck fractures: A randomized controlled study with patient-reported outcome.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Galal, Sherif; Safwat, Wael

    2017-01-01

    The 5th metacarpal fractures accounts for 38% of all hand fractures given that the neck is the weakest point in metacarpals, so neck fracture is the most common metacarpal fracture. Surgical fixation is also advocated for such fractures to prevent mal-rotation of the little finger which will lead to fingers overlap in a clenched fist. Various methods are available for fixation of such fractures, like intramedullary & transverse pinning. There are very few reports in the literature comparing both techniques. Authors wanted to compare outcomes and complications of transverse pinning versus intramedullary pinning in fifth metacarpal's neck fractures. A single-center, parallel group, prospective, randomized study was conducted at an academic Level 1 Trauma Center from October 2014 to December 2016. A total of 80 patients with 5th metacarpal's neck fractures were randomized to pinning using either transverse pinning (group A) or intramedullary pinning (group B). Patients were assessed clinically on range of motion, patient-reported outcome using the Quick-DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) questionnaire & radiographically. Two blinded observers assessed outcomes. At final follow up for each patient (12 months) the statistically significant differences were observed in operative time, the transverse pinning group showed shorter operative time, as well as complication rate as complications were observed only in intramedullary pinning group. No differences were found in range of motion or the Quick -DASH score. Both techniques are equally safe and effective treatment option for 5th metacarpal's neck fractures. The only difference was shorter operative time & less incidence of complications in transverse pinning group. Level II, Therapeutic study.

  4. Prevention of pin tract infection with titanium-copper alloys.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shirai, Toshiharu; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki; Shimizu, Tohru; Ohtani, Kaori; Zen, Yo; Tomita, Katsuro

    2009-10-01

    The most frequent complication in external fixation is pin tract infection. To reduce the incidence of implant-associated infection, many published reports have looked at preventing bacterial adhesion by treating the pin surface. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a Titanium-Copper (Ti-Cu) alloy on implant infection, and to determine the potential use of the Ti-Cu alloy as a biomaterial. Two forms of Ti-Cu alloys were synthesized: one with 1% Cu and the other with 5% Cu. For analyzing infectious behavior, the implants were exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The reaction of pathogens to the Ti-Cu alloys was compared with their reaction to stainless steel and pure titanium as controls. Both Ti-Cu alloys evidently inhibited colonization by both bacteria. Conversely, cytocompatibility studies were performed using fibroblasts and colony formation on the metals was assessed by counting the number of colonies. Ti-1% Cu alloy showed no difference in the number of colonies compared with the control. External fixator pins made of Ti-Cu alloys were evaluated in a rabbit model. The tissue-implant interactions were analyzed for the presence of infection, inflammatory changes and osteoid-formation. Ti-1% Cu alloy significantly inhibited inflammation and infection, and had excellent osteoid-formation. Copper blood levels were measured before surgery and at 14 days postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative blood copper values were not statistically different. Overall, it was concluded that Ti-Cu alloys have antimicrobial activity and substantially reduce the incidence of pin tract infection. Ti-1% Cu alloy shows particular promise as a biomaterial. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. Flux pinning by voids in surface-oxidized superconducting niobium and vanadium

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Meij, G.P. van der.

    1984-03-01

    The volume pinning force in several niobium and vanadium samples with voids is determined at various temperatures. Reasonable agreement is found with the collective pinning theory of Larkin and Ovchinnikov above the field of maximum pinning, if the flux line lattice is assumed to be amorphous in this region and if the elementary pinning force is calculated from the quasi-classical theory of Thuneberg, Kurkijaervi, and Rainer. Also some history and relaxation effects are studied in an alternating field. A qualitative explanation is given in terms of flux line dislocations, which reduce the shear strength of the flux line lattice. (Auth.)

  6. Autophagy regulated by prolyl isomerase Pin1 and phospho-Ser-GSK3αβ involved in protection of oral squamous cell carcinoma against cadmium toxicity

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    So, Keum-Young [Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine College of Dentistry, Chosun University, 309 Pilmundaero, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-759 (Korea, Republic of); Ahn, Sang-Gun [Department of Pathology, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, 309 Pilmundaero, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-759 (Korea, Republic of); Oh, Seon-Hee, E-mail: seonh@chosun.ac.kr [Department of Premedicine, School of Medicine, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, 309 Pilmundaero, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-759 (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-10-23

    Prolyl isomerase Pin1 plays an important role in cell proliferation and is overexpressed in many human tumors. However, its role in autophagy induction remains undefined. Here we show that Pin1 regulates cell survival via autophagy in cadmium (Cd)-exposed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSCC exposure to Cd induced autophagy, as demonstrated by the formation of green fluorescent punctae in transfected cells expressing GFP-conjugated microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and by LC3 flux in the presence of autophagy inhibitors. Suppression of Atg5 enhanced Cd-induced apoptosis, indicating that autophagy is involved in cell protection. In dose–response experiments, cleavage of procaspase-3, PARP-1, and LC3-II was induced by Cd with an IC{sub 50} of 45 μM. Expression of Pin1 was decreased at or above the Cd IC{sub 50} value and was inversely correlated with the level of phospho(p)-Ser-GSK3αβ. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of Pin1 suppressed Cd-induced autophagy, but increased p-Akt-mediated p-Ser-GSK3αβ; this was reversed by overexpression of Pin1. However, suppression of GSK3αβ inhibited Cd-induced autophagy and induced apoptosis, which could be reversed by overexpression of GSK3β. The PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 blocked p-Akt-mediated increases in p-Ser-GSK3αβ and autophagy and induced apoptosis. Therefore, p-Ser-GSK3αβ can directly regulate Cd-induced autophagy, although its function is suppressed by Pin1. Collectively, the present results indicate that targeting Pin1 and GSK3αβ at the same time could be an effective therapeutic tool for Cd-induced carcinogenesis. - Highlights: • Pin1 regulated autophagy to protect cells from cadmium toxicity. • Pin1 suppression inhibited cadmium-induced autophagy and induced apoptosis. • Pin1 inhibited the function of p-Ser-GSK3αβ in autophagy regulation. • p-Ser-GSK3αβ regulated autophagy independently of Pin1.

  7. Autophagy regulated by prolyl isomerase Pin1 and phospho-Ser-GSK3αβ involved in protection of oral squamous cell carcinoma against cadmium toxicity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    So, Keum-Young; Ahn, Sang-Gun; Oh, Seon-Hee

    2015-01-01

    Prolyl isomerase Pin1 plays an important role in cell proliferation and is overexpressed in many human tumors. However, its role in autophagy induction remains undefined. Here we show that Pin1 regulates cell survival via autophagy in cadmium (Cd)-exposed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSCC exposure to Cd induced autophagy, as demonstrated by the formation of green fluorescent punctae in transfected cells expressing GFP-conjugated microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and by LC3 flux in the presence of autophagy inhibitors. Suppression of Atg5 enhanced Cd-induced apoptosis, indicating that autophagy is involved in cell protection. In dose–response experiments, cleavage of procaspase-3, PARP-1, and LC3-II was induced by Cd with an IC_5_0 of 45 μM. Expression of Pin1 was decreased at or above the Cd IC_5_0 value and was inversely correlated with the level of phospho(p)-Ser-GSK3αβ. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of Pin1 suppressed Cd-induced autophagy, but increased p-Akt-mediated p-Ser-GSK3αβ; this was reversed by overexpression of Pin1. However, suppression of GSK3αβ inhibited Cd-induced autophagy and induced apoptosis, which could be reversed by overexpression of GSK3β. The PI3K inhibitor Ly294002 blocked p-Akt-mediated increases in p-Ser-GSK3αβ and autophagy and induced apoptosis. Therefore, p-Ser-GSK3αβ can directly regulate Cd-induced autophagy, although its function is suppressed by Pin1. Collectively, the present results indicate that targeting Pin1 and GSK3αβ at the same time could be an effective therapeutic tool for Cd-induced carcinogenesis. - Highlights: • Pin1 regulated autophagy to protect cells from cadmium toxicity. • Pin1 suppression inhibited cadmium-induced autophagy and induced apoptosis. • Pin1 inhibited the function of p-Ser-GSK3αβ in autophagy regulation. • p-Ser-GSK3αβ regulated autophagy independently of Pin1.

  8. Clinical and histomorphometrical study on titanium dioxide-coated external fixation pins

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Koseki H

    2013-02-01

    Full Text Available Hironobu Koseki,1 Tomohiko Asahara,1 Takayuki Shida,1 Itaru Yoda,1 Hidehiko Horiuchi,1 Koumei Baba,2 Makoto Osaki11Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagasaki University, 2Industrial Technology Center of Nagasaki, Nagasaki, JapanBackground: Pin site infection is the most common and significant complication of external fixation. In this work, the efficacy of pins coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2 for inhibition of infection was compared with that of stainless steel control pins in an in vivo study.Methods: Pins contaminated with an identifiable Staphylococcus aureus strain were inserted into femoral bone in a rat model and exposed to ultraviolet A light for 30 minutes. On day 14, the animals were sacrificed and the bone and soft tissue around the pin were retrieved. The clinical findings and histological findings were evaluated in 60 samples.Results: Clinical signs of infection were present in 76.7% of untreated pins, but in only 36.7% of TiO2-coated pins. The histological bone infection score and planimetric rate of occupation for bacterial colonies and neutrophils in the TiO2-coated pin group were lower than those in the control group. The bone-implant contact ratio of the TiO2-coated pin group was significantly higher (71.4% than in the control pin group (58.2%. The TiO2 was successful in decreasing infection both clinically and histomorphometrically.Conclusion: The photocatalytic bactericidal effect of TiO2 is thought to be useful for inhibiting pin site infection after external fixation.Keywords: titanium dioxide, external fixation, bactericidal activity, Staphylococcus aureus

  9. Failure analysis on false call probe pins of microprocessor test equipment

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tang, L. W.; Ong, N. R.; Mohamad, I. S. B.; Alcain, J. B.; Retnasamy, V.

    2017-09-01

    A study has been conducted to investigate failure analysis on probe pins of test modules for microprocessor. The `health condition' of the probe pin is determined by the resistance value. A test module of 5V power supplied from Arduino UNO with "Four-wire Ohm measurement" method is implemented in this study to measure the resistance of the probe pins of a microprocessor. The probe pins from a scrapped computer motherboard is used as the test sample in this study. The functionality of the test module was validated with the pre-measurement experiment via VEE Pro software. Lastly, the experimental work have demonstrated that the implemented test module have the capability to identify the probe pin's `health condition' based on the measured resistance value.

  10. Is 18F-fluorocholine-positron emission tomography/computerized tomography a new imaging tool for detecting hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Michaud, Laure; Burgess, Alice; Huchet, Virginie; Lefèvre, Marine; Tassart, Marc; Ohnona, Jessica; Kerrou, Khaldoun; Balogova, Sona; Talbot, Jean-Noël; Périé, Sophie

    2014-12-01

    Preoperative ultrasonography and scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-sestamibi are commonly used to localize abnormal parathyroid glands. In cases of discrepant results between scintigraphy and ultrasonography, it is important to rely on another diagnostic imaging modality. (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and (11)C-methionine positron emission tomography (PET) have been studied, but are imperfect to detect abnormal parathyroid glands. Recently, first cases of abnormal parathyroid glands taking-up radiolabelled choline were discovered incidentally in men referred to (11)C-choline or (18)F-fluorocholine (FCH)-PET/CT for prostate cancer. We checked if FCH uptake was a general feature of adenomatous or hyperplastic parathyroid glands. FCH-PET/CT was performed in 12 patients with primary (n = 8) or secondary hyperparathyroidism (1 dialyzed, 3 grafted) and with discordant or equivocal results on preoperative ultrasonography (US) and/or (123)I/(99m)Tc-sestamibi dual-phase scintigraphy. The results of the FCH-PET/CT were evaluated, with surgical exploration and histopathologic examination as the standard of truth. On a per-patient level, the detection rate of FCH-PET/CT (at least one FCH focus corresponding to an abnormal parathyroid gland in a given patient) was 11/12 = 92%. FCH-PET/CT detected 18 foci interpreted as parathyroid glands and correctly localized 17 abnormal parathyroid glands (7 adenomas and 10 hyperplasias). On a per-lesion level, FCH-PET/CT results were 17 TP, 2 false negative ie, a lesion-based sensitivity of 89%, and 1 false positive. As the main result of this pilot study, we show that in patients with hyperparathyroidism and with discordant or equivocal results on scintigraphy or on ultrasonography, adenomatous or hyperplastic parathyroid glands can be localized by FCH-PET/CT with good accuracy. Furthermore, FCH-PET/CT can solve discrepant results between preoperative ultrasonography and scintigraphy and has thus a potential as a functional imaging modality in

  11. Testing program PIN on experiments reported in EPRI-NP-369

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kunt, J.; Pazdera, F.

    1980-03-01

    The testing is described of the applicability of program PIN for the thermomechanical simulation of PWR fuel elements. Program PIN is a modified program GAPCON-THERMAL-2. Four modifications are presented mostly affecting the results, viz., the fuel restructuring model, the fuel densification model, the gaseous fission product release model, and the fuel cladding creep model. The results show that the initial data for simulating fuel element behaviour in accident situations are determined using program PIN with accuracy comparable to that using other programs. (J.P.)

  12. Carcinoma of the parathyroid gland with hyperparathyroidism

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Trevino Canamar, G.; Vogel, H.

    1983-02-01

    A patient with an endocrine-active carcinoma of the parathyroid gland was observed. The typical signs of hyperthyroidism could be seen in the skelettal system. Symptoms of bone and kidney diseases dominated the clinical picture. The symptomatology corresponded to a subchronic primary hyperparathyroidism.

  13. Localization of functioning parathyroid adenomas by SPECT/CT. Report of two cases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pruzzo C, Rossana; Amaral P, Horacio; Rossi F, Ricardo; Morales K, Barbara; Martinez G, M.Eugenia

    2013-01-01

    Single photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography (SPECT/CT), integrates a gamma camera and a CT scan and is effective for the location of parathyroid adenomas. We report a 55 years old male and a 80 years old female with primary hyperparathyroidism. In both cases the 99m Tc-Sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy detected a functioning nodule whose presence was confirmed with SPECT/CT

  14. Defect pin behaviour in the DFR

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sloss, W.M.; Bagley, K.Q.; Edmonds, E.; Potter, P.E.

    1979-01-01

    A program of defective fuel pin irradiations has been carried out in the DFR. This program employed fuel pins which had failed during previous irradiations (natural defects) and pins in which simulated failures (artificial defects) had been induced prior to irradiation or during an intermediate examination stage at moderate or substantial burnups. The artificial defects simulated longitudinal ruptures and were normally located at positions near the top, middle and bottom of the pin where clad temperatures were 450, 540 and 630 0 C respectively. The fuel was mixed U-Pu oxide, and fuel form, stoichiometry, clad type, pin diameter, linear rating, and burnup were among the variables examined. The defect pin tests were normally carried out in single pin or trefoil type vehicles. After irradiation all the pins were subjected to the normal nondestructive examination procedures and the visual, radiographic, gamma-scanning, and dimensional change results are presented. Several pins were destructively examined and the metallographic data are discussed

  15. Fuel canister and blockage pin fabrication for SLSF Experiment P4

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rhude, H.V.; Folkrod, J.R.; Noland, R.A.; Schaus, P.S.; Benecke, M.W.; Delucchi, T.A.

    1983-01-01

    As part of its fast breeder reactor safety research program, Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) has conducted an experiment (SLSF Experiment P4) to determine the extent of fuel-failure propagation resulting from the release of molten fuel from one or more heat-generating fuel canisters. The test conditions consisted of 37 full-length FTR fuel pins operating at FTR rated core nominal peak fuel/reduced coolant conditions. Thirty-four of the the fuel pins were prototypical FTR mixed-oxide fuel pins. The other three fuel pins were fabricated with a mid-core section having an enlarged canister containing fully enriched UO 2 . Two of the canisters were cylindrical and one was fluted. The cylindrical canisters were designed to fail and release molten fuel into the 37-pin fuel cluster at near full power

  16. Carcinoma of the parathyroid gland with hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Trevino Canamar, G.; Vogel, H.

    1983-01-01

    A patient with an endocrine-active carcinoma of the parathyroid gland was observed. The typical signs of hyperthyroidism could be seen in the skelettal system. Symptoms of bone and kidney diseases dominated the clinical picture. The symptomatology corresponded to a subchronic primary hyperparathyroidism. (orig.) [de

  17. The Role of Cyclic AMP and Its Relationship to Parathyroid Hormone Response in an In Vitro Model of Chondrogenesis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    1992-06-01

    factors on bone and cartilage cell equilibria and differentiation will enhance our understanding of bone metabolism in health and disease . A. Parathyroid...1984. Difference between 1-84 parathyroid hormone and the 1-34 fragment on renal tubular calcium transport in the dog . Miner. Electrolyte Metab., ]A...general dentist during a four-year tour. In June 1989, Dr. Semba entered the Postdoctoral Periodontics program at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in conjunction with Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center.

  18. Group-decoupled multi-group pin power reconstruction utilizing nodal solution 1D flux profiles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yu, Lulin; Lu, Dong; Zhang, Shaohong; Wang, Dezhong

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • A direct fitting multi-group pin power reconstruction method is developed. • The 1D nodal solution flux profiles are used as the condition. • The least square fit problem is analytically solved. • A slowing down source improvement method is applied. • The method shows good accuracy for even challenging problems. - Abstract: A group-decoupled direct fitting method is developed for multi-group pin power reconstruction, which avoids both the complication of obtaining 2D analytic multi-group flux solution and any group-coupled iteration. A unique feature of the method is that in addition to nodal volume and surface average fluxes and corner fluxes, transversely-integrated 1D nodal solution flux profiles are also used as the condition to determine the 2D intra-nodal flux distribution. For each energy group, a two-dimensional expansion with a nine-term polynomial and eight hyperbolic functions is used to perform a constrained least square fit to the 1D intra-nodal flux solution profiles. The constraints are on the conservation of nodal volume and surface average fluxes and corner fluxes. Instead of solving the constrained least square fit problem numerically, we solve it analytically by fully utilizing the symmetry property of the expansion functions. Each of the 17 unknown expansion coefficients is expressed in terms of nodal volume and surface average fluxes, corner fluxes and transversely-integrated flux values. To determine the unknown corner fluxes, a set of linear algebraic equations involving corner fluxes is established via using the current conservation condition on all corners. Moreover, an optional slowing down source improvement method is also developed to further enhance the accuracy of the reconstructed flux distribution if needed. Two test examples are shown with very good results. One is a four-group BWR mini-core problem with all control blades inserted and the other is the seven-group OECD NEA MOX benchmark, C5G7

  19. Flux pinning characteristics of YBCO coated conductor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Matsushita, T.; Watanabe, T.; Fukumoto, Y.; Yamauchi, K.; Kiuchi, M.; Otabe, E.S.; Kiss, T.; Watanabe, T.; Miyata, S.; Ibi, A.; Muroga, T.; Yamada, Y.; Shiohara, Y.

    2005-01-01

    Flux pinning properties of PLD-processed YBCO coated conductors deposited on IBAD substrate are investigated. The thickness of YBCO layer is changed in the range of 0.27-1.0 μm. The thickness dependence of critical current density, n-value and irreversibility field are measured in a wide range of magnetic field. The results are compared with the theoretical flux creep-flow model. It is found that these pinning properties are strongly influenced by the thickness as well as the pinning strength. Optimum condition for high field application of this superconductor is discussed

  20. Nominal power density analysis of thermoelectric pins with non-constant cross sections

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shi, Yaoguang; Mei, Deqing; Yao, Zhehe; Wang, Yancheng; Liu, Haiyan; Chen, Zichen

    2015-01-01

    Highlights: • Nominal power density of TEGs with non-constant cross sections pins is analyzed. • An analytical model of nominal power density (NPD) is developed. • Influences of shape parameter on NPD for different geometric pins are investigated. • Effects of dimensionless efficiency and the temperature ratio on NPD are examined. - Abstract: The investigation of the geometric structure of TEG (thermoelectric generator) pins is essential, as their geometry determines the performance of devices. In this study, nominal power density (NPD) is used to find a better geometric structure of thermoelectric pins of TEGs, since a comparison of maximum dimensionless efficiencies for different geometric pins cannot be used to identify the optimum geometry. The influence of shape parameter on NPD for TEG pins in linear, quadratic and exponential cross-sectional functions is studied. The NPD decreases when the shape parameter increases for different geometric pins, while the maximum values of NPD are the same. Then, the effects of dimensionless efficiency and the temperature ratio on the NPD are analyzed. The NPD decreases with the increase in dimensionless efficiency and temperature ratio. Pins with linear variation in cross section have the highest NPD among the three geometries of pins evaluated

  1. Interest of 99mTc-sestamibi scintigraphy in the diagnosis and therapeutic orientation of parathyroid ectopia

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ben Rais, N.; Ghfir, I.

    2007-01-01

    promising imagery technique for preoperative topographic determination of parathyroid ectopia hearths. Indeed, it contributes to an elective and more rapid surgical resection compared to the traditional surgical techniques of exploration, which are often demanding. (author)

  2. Nuclear Medicine Methods for Evaluation of Abnormal Parathyroid Glands in Patients with Primary and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Botushanova Albena D.

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Considered rare disease in the past, primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT has dramatically increased in incidence over the past thirty years with the introduction of routine calcium measurements; it is now approximately 42 per 100 000 persons. By far, the most common lesion found in patients with PHPT is the solitary parathyroid adenoma, occurring in 85%-90% of patients, while in the rest 10%- 15% primary hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands is present. Currently, the most widely used surgical approach is minimally invasive parathyroidectomy which is associated with less post-surgery complications and shorter operation time. To be successful this procedure needs to rely on a precise preoperative localization of the abnormal parathyroid glands, hence preoperative parathyroid imaging gained so large importance. The rationale for locating abnormal parathyroid tissue prior to surgery is that the glands can be notoriously unpredictable in their location. There is a general consensus that the best imaging procedure identifying abnormal parathyroid glands is the preoperative scintigraphy with 99mTc-sestamibi or 99mTc-tetrofosmin. It is characterized with high sensitivity and specificity exceeding those of ultrasound, CT or MRI. Combining scintigraphy with the other imaging techniques increases the precision for topic localization.

  3. Hypoparathyroidism: Replacement Therapy with Parathyroid Hormone

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lars Rejnmark

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT is characterized by low serum calcium levels caused by an insufficient secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH. Despite normalization of serum calcium levels by treatment with activated vitamin D analogues and calcium supplementation, patients are suffering from impaired quality of life (QoL and are at increased risk of a number of comorbidities. Thus, despite normalization of calcium levels in response to conventional therapy, this should only be considered as an apparent normalization, as patients are suffering from a number of complications and calcium-phosphate homeostasis is not normalized in a physiological manner. In a number of recent studies, replacement therapy with recombinant human PTH (rhPTH(1-84 as well as therapy with the N-terminal PTH fragment (rhPTH(1-34 have been investigated. Both drugs have been shown to normalize serum calcium while reducing needs for activated vitamin D and calcium supplements. However, once a day injections cause large fluctuations in serum calcium. Twice a day injections diminish fluctuations, but don't restore the normal physiology of calcium homeostasis. Recent studies using pump-delivery have shown promising results on maintaining normocalcemia with minimal fluctuations in calcium levels. Further studies are needed to determine whether this may improve QoL and lower risk of complications. Such data are needed before replacement with the missing hormone can be recommended as standard therapy.

  4. Roles of pinning strength and density in vortex melting

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Obaidat, I M; Khawaja, U Al; Benkraouda, M

    2008-01-01

    We have investigated the role of pinning strength and density on the equilibrium vortex-lattice to vortex-liquid phase transition under several applied magnetic fields. This study was conducted using a series of molecular dynamic simulations on several samples with different strengths and densities of pinning sites which are arranged in periodic square arrays. We have found a single solid-liquid vortex transition when the vortex filling factor n>1. We have found that, for fixed pinning densities and strengths, the melting temperature, T m , decreases almost linearly with increasing magnetic field. Our results provide direct numerical evidence for the significant role of both the strength and density of pinning centers on the position of the melting line. We have found that the vortex-lattice to vortex-liquid melting line shifts up as the pinning strength or the pinning density was increased. The effect on the melting line was found to be more pronounced at small values of strength and density of pinning sites

  5. Structure of PIN-domain protein PH0500 from Pyrococcus horikoshii

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jeyakanthan, Jeyaraman; Inagaki, Eiji; Kuroishi, Chizu; Tahirov, Tahir H.

    2005-01-01

    The structure of P. horikoshii OT3 protein PH0500 was determined by the multiple anomalous dispersion method and refined in two crystal forms. The protein is a dimer and has a PIN-domain fold. The Pyrococcus horikoshii OT3 protein PH0500 is highly conserved within the Pyrococcus genus of hyperthermophilic archaea and shows low amino-acid sequence similarity with a family of PIN-domain proteins. The protein has been expressed, purified and crystallized in two crystal forms: PH0500-I and PH0500-II. The structure was determined at 2.0 Å by the multiple anomalous dispersion method using a selenomethionyl derivative of crystal form PH0500-I (PH0500-I-Se). The structure of PH0500-I has been refined at 1.75 Å resolution to an R factor of 20.9% and the structure of PH0500-II has been refined at 2.0 Å resolution to an R factor of 23.4%. In both crystal forms as well as in solution the molecule appears to be a dimer. Searches of the databases for protein-fold similarities confirmed that the PH0500 protein is a PIN-domain protein with possible exonuclease activity and involvement in DNA or RNA editing

  6. Multiple organ dysfunction caused by parathyroid adenoma‑induced ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    2013-04-21

    Apr 21, 2013 ... Moreover, neck ultrasonography suggested the possibility of a parathyroid tumor. We excised ... He was initially diagnosed with hypercalcemia, acute kidney ... include lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancer as well as adult ...

  7. Diagnostic performance of computed tomography for parathyroid adenoma localization; a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kluijfhout, Wouter P., E-mail: WPKluijfhout@gmail.com [Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco (United States); Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht (Netherlands); Pasternak, Jesse D. [Department of Surgery, University Health Network Toronto (Canada); Beninato, Toni; Drake, Frederick Thurston; Gosnell, Jessica E.; Shen, Wen T.; Duh, Quan-Yang [Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco (United States); Allen, Isabel E. [Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco (United States); Vriens, Menno R. [Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht (Netherlands); Keizer, Bart de [Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Utrecht (Netherlands); Hope, Thomas A. [Department of Radiology, University of California San Francisco (United States); Suh, Insoo [Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco (United States)

    2017-03-15

    Highlights: • CT performs well in localizing pathological parathyroid glands. • Performance of CT is less in patients with inconclusive ultrasound and sestamibi. • Addition of a third contrast phase seems to have little added value. - Abstract: Abstract purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of CT for preoperative parathyroid localization in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT), and subsequently compare the different protocols and their performance in different patient groups. Materials and methods: We performed a search of the Embase, Pubmed and Cochrane Library databases to identify studies published between January 1, 2000 and March 31, 2016 investigating the diagnostic value of CT for parathyroid localization in patients with biochemical diagnosis of pHPT. Performance of CT was expressed in sensitivity and PPV with pooled proportion using a random-effects model. Factors that could have affected the diagnostic performance were investigated by subgroup analysis. Results: Thirty-four studies evaluating a total of 2563 patients with non-familial pHPT who underwent CT localization and surgical resection were included. Overall pooled sensitivity of CT for localization of the pathological parathyroid(s) to the correct quadrant was 73% (95% CI: 69–78%), which increased to 81% (95% CI: 75–87%) for lateralization to the correct side. Subgroup analysis based on the number of contrast phases showed that adding a second contrast phase raises sensitivity from 71% (95% CI: 61–80%) to 76% (95% CI: 71–87%), and that adding a third phase resulted in a more modest additional increase in performance with a sensitivity of 80% (95% CI: 74–86%). Conclusion: CT performs well in localizing pathological glands in patients with pHPT. A protocol with two contrast phases seems to offer a good balance of acceptable performance with limitation of radiation exposure.

  8. Radioimmunoassay of parathyroid hormone (parathyrin) in monkey and man

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hargis, G.K.; Williams, G.A.; Reynolds, W.A.; Kawahara, W.; Jackson, B.; Bowser, E.N.; Pitkin, R.M.

    1977-01-01

    A radioimmunoassay for rhesus monkey and human innumoreactive parathyrin was developed in which a selected anti-bovine parathyrin antiserum, radioiodinated purified bovine parathyrin tracer, and human parathyroid tissue-culture media standards were used. The resulting data indicate that the method is sensitive, specific, accurate and reproducible; it is valid for both the rhesus monkey and the human; the serum immunoreactive parathyrin concentration of the monkey is essentially the same as that in man; monkey immunoreactive parathyrin responds to changes in serum calcium concentration similarly to that in man; and the rhesus monkey is therefore a suitable species in which to study parathyroid physiology, from which conclusions can be applied to the human

  9. Parathyroid Carcinoma: A Review with Three Illustrative Cases

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antoine Digonnet, Adelaïde Carlier, Esther Willemse, Marie Quiriny, Cécile Dekeyser, Nicolas de Saint Aubain, Marc Lemort, Guy Andry

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease, which accounts for less than 1% of all case of primary hyperparathyroidism and is usually not detected until the time of surgery or thereafter. For most patients preoperative staging is not available. A radical excision remains the standard management; the place of adjuvant radiotherapy is not well established yet. Local recurrence and/or the metastases are unfortunately frequent. The present paper presents an up to date review of the literature illustrated by three clinical cases.

  10. Selective parathyroid venous sampling in primary hyperparathyroidism: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ibraheem, Kareem; Toraih, Eman A; Haddad, Antoine B; Farag, Mahmoud; Randolph, Gregory W; Kandil, Emad

    2018-05-14

    Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy requires accurate preoperative localization techniques. There is considerable controversy about the effectiveness of selective parathyroid venous sampling (sPVS) in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) patients. The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the diagnostic accuracy of sPVS as a preoperative localization modality in PHPT. Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of sPVS for PHPT were electronically searched in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases. Two independent authors reviewed the studies, and revised quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy study tool was used for the quality assessment. Study heterogeneity and pooled estimates were calculated. Two hundred and two unique studies were identified. Of those, 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of sPVS were 74%, 41%, and 1.55, respectively. The area-under-the-receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.684, indicating an average discriminatory ability of sPVS. On comparison between sPVS and noninvasive imaging modalities, sensitivity, PLR, and positive posttest probability were significantly higher in sPVS compared to noninvasive imaging modalities. Interestingly, super-selective venous sampling had the highest sensitivity, accuracy, and positive posttest probability compared to other parathyroid venous sampling techniques. This is the first meta-analysis to examine the accuracy of sPVS in PHPT. sPVS had higher pooled sensitivity when compared to noninvasive modalities in revision parathyroid surgery. However, the invasiveness of this technique does not favor its routine use for preoperative localization. Super-selective venous sampling was the most accurate among all other parathyroid venous sampling techniques. Laryngoscope, 2018. © 2018 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

  11. Fuel pin transfer tool

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Patenaude, R. S.

    1985-01-01

    A fuel pin transfer tool has a latching device of the collet type attached to a first member movable vertically through a long work stroke enabling a fuel pin in an under water assembly to be engaged and withdrawn therefrom or placed therein and released. The latching device has a collet provided with a plurality of resilient fingers having cam portions normally spaced apart to receive the upper end of a fuel pin between them and a second member, movable vertically through a short stroke relative to the first member is provided with cam portions engageable with those of the fingers and is yieldably and resiliently held in a raised position in which its cam portions engage those of the fingers and force the fingers into their pin-gripping positions. When a predetermined force is applied to the second member, it is so moved that its cam portions are disengaged from the cam portions of the fingers permitting the latter to move into their normal relationship in which a gripped pin is released or another pin received but with their pin-gripping relationship positively re-established and maintained once the force on the tubular member is lessened. Movement of the first member in either direction and movement of the second member into its raised position is attended by forces inadequate to affect the integrity of fuel pin cladding. That force is applied in the preferred embodiment, by a power operated actuator which is within the upper portion of a housing and, in the preferred embodiment, carried by the long stroke member but always in the upper housing portion which is of a material sufficiently translucent to enable the actuator to be observed throughout the work stroke and is sufficiently light in weight to prevent the tool from being top heavy

  12. The study of calcitriol, cinacalcet combined with nursing intervention effect of SHPT, calcium, phosphorus metabolism and parathyroid hormone on MHD patients

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Le Chen

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available Objective: To investigate calcitriol, cinacalcet plus comprehensive intervention on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT calcium (Ca, phosphorus (P metabolism and parathyroid hormone (PTH effect. Methods: A total of 80 cases of patients with SHPT from January 2014 to January 2016 in our hospital were randomly divided into observation group and control group, control group to eat the whole piece of cinacalcet hydrochloride oral tablets, the initial dose of 25 mg/d, every 2 to 4 weeks, according to Ca×P, parathyroid hormone (iPTH test results adjust the dose, the maximum dose of not more than 75 mg/d, the observation group in the control group on the basis of oral administration of Calcitriol Soft Capsules 0.25 g/d, 3 times/week, 2 groups were given comprehensive intervention measures, to evaluate the curative effect after 3 months of treatment. The 2 groups before and after treatment collected fasting peripheral venous blood, the determination of Ca, P and alkaline phosphatase by colorimetric method (ALP, Ca, P product calculation (Ca×P, to detect the level of iPTH before and after treatment by ELISA method; TY-6858-HI type ultrasound instrument, measuring length, width and thickness of the parathyroid glands, and calculate the parathyroid gland volume. Results: in the observation group after treatment, Ca, Ca×P increased degree, P, ALP, iPTH lower than the control group, the size of the parathyroid gland was better than the control group. Conclusion: calcitriol, cinacalcet combined intervention therapy has good clinical effect in patients with MHD SHPT, Ca, P can effectively improve the metabolism, reduce the level of iPTH, reduce the parathyroid gland volume is worthy of promotion.

  13. Functionally different PIN proteins control auxin flux during bulbil development in Agave tequilana.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Abraham Juárez, María Jazmín; Hernández Cárdenas, Rocío; Santoyo Villa, José Natzul; O'Connor, Devin; Sluis, Aaron; Hake, Sarah; Ordaz-Ortiz, José; Terry, Leon; Simpson, June

    2015-07-01

    In Agave tequilana, reproductive failure or inadequate flower development stimulates the formation of vegetative bulbils at the bracteoles, ensuring survival in a hostile environment. Little is known about the signals that trigger this probably unique phenomenon in agave species. Here we report that auxin plays a central role in bulbil development and show that the localization of PIN1-related proteins is consistent with altered auxin transport during this process. Analysis of agave transcriptome data led to the identification of the A. tequilana orthologue of PIN1 (denoted AtqPIN1) and a second closely related gene from a distinct clade reported as 'Sister of PIN1' (denoted AtqSoPIN1). Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis showed different patterns of expression for each gene during bulbil formation, and heterologous expression of the A. tequilana PIN1 and SoPIN1 genes in Arabidopsis thaliana confirmed functional differences between these genes. Although no free auxin was detected in induced pedicel samples, changes in the levels of auxin precursors were observed. Taken as a whole, the data support the model that AtqPIN1 and AtqSoPIN1 have co-ordinated but distinct functions in relation to auxin transport during the initial stages of bulbil formation. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology.

  14. Complications after pinning of supracondylar distal humerus fractures.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bashyal, Ravi K; Chu, Jennifer Y; Schoenecker, Perry L; Dobbs, Matthew B; Luhmann, Scott J; Gordon, J Eric

    2009-01-01

    Supracondylar distal humerus fractures are one of the most common skeletal injuries in children. The current treatment of choice in North America is closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation. Often surgeons leave the pins exposed beneath a cast but outside the skin. Great variation exists with respect to preoperative skin preparation, and perioperative antibiotic administration. Few data exist regarding the rate of infection and other complications. The purpose of this study is to review a large series of children to evaluate the rate of infection and other complications. A retrospective review was carried out of all patients treated at our institution over an 11-year period. A total of 622 patients were identified that were followed for a minimum of 2 weeks after pin removal. Seventeen patients had flexion-type fractures, 294 had type II fractures, and 311 had type III fractures. Seventy-four fractures (11.9%) had preoperative nerve deficits with anterior interosseous palsies being the most common (33 fractures, 5.3%). Preoperative antibiotics were given to 163 patients (26.2%). Spray and towel draping were used in 362 patients, paint and towel draping were used in 65 patients, alcohol paint and towel draping were used in 146 patients, and a full preparation and draping were used in 13 patients. The pins were left exposed under the cast in 591 fractures (95%), and buried beneath the skin in 31 fractures (5.0%). A medial pin was placed in 311 fractures with a small incision made to aid placement in 18 of these cases. The most common complication was pin migration necessitating unexpected return to the operating room for pin removal in 11 patients (1.8%). One patient developed a deep infection with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis (0.2%). Five additional patients had superficial skin infections and were treated with oral antibiotics for a total infection rate of 6 of 622 patients (1.0%). One patient ultimately had a malunion and 4 others returned to the

  15. Long-term effects of intermittent equine parathyroid hormone fragment (ePTH-1-37) administration on bone metabolism in healthy horses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Weisrock, Katharina U; Winkelsett, Sarah; Martin-Rosset, William; Forssmann, Wolf-Georg; Parvizi, Nahid; Coenen, Manfred; Vervuert, Ingrid

    2011-11-01

    Intermittent administration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is an anabolic therapy for osteoporotic conditions in humans. This study evaluated the effects of equine PTH fragment (ePTH-1-37) administration on bone metabolism in 12 healthy horses. Six horses each were treated once daily for 120days with subcutaneous injections of 0.5μg/kg ePTH-1-37 or placebo. Blood was collected to determine ionized calcium (Ca(++)), total Ca (Ca(T)), inorganic phosphorus, serum equine osteocalcin (eOC), carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, and carboxy-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined with dual X-ray absorptiometry of the metacarpus and calcaneus. Significantly higher blood Ca(++) and plasma Ca(T) concentrations were measured 5h after ePTH-1-37 administration compared to placebo. Higher serum eOC concentrations were found for ePTH-1-37 treatment at days 90 (P<0.05) and 120 (P=0.05). Significantly higher serum ICTP levels were observed with ePTH-1-37 treatment at days 60 and 90. For both study groups, BMD increased significantly in the calcaneus. Long-term use of ePTH-1-37 seemed to have no negative effects on bone metabolism in healthy horses. The absence of undesirable side effects is the premise to ensure safety for further clinical investigations in horses with increased bone resorption processes. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Maxillary brown tumour: unusual presentation of parathyroid ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    This is a report of a maxillary brown tumour caused by primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) secondary to parathyroid carcinoma. A 62-year-old man presented with a large swelling in the right maxilla, which caused right-sided nasal obstruction, intermittent bleeding and diplopia. A computed tomography scan demonstrated ...

  17. PROCOPE, Collision Probability in Pin Clusters and Infinite Rod Lattices

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Amyot, L.; Daolio, C.; Benoist, P.

    1984-01-01

    1 - Nature of physical problem solved: Calculation of directional collision probabilities in pin clusters and infinite rod lattices. 2 - Method of solution: a) Gauss integration of analytical expressions for collision probabilities. b) alternately, an approximate closed expression (not involving integrals) may be used for pin-to-pin interactions. 3 - Restrictions on the complexity of the problem: number of fuel pins must be smaller than 62; maximum number of groups of symmetry is 300

  18. Premenstrual Symptoms in Dysmenorrheic College Students: Prevalence and Relation to Vitamin D and Parathyroid Hormone Levels

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bayan A. Obeidat

    2012-11-01

    Full Text Available Objectives: To determine the prevalence of premenstrual symptoms (PMS due to primary dysmenorrhea among a sample of university female students, and to explore possible association with vitamin D and parathyroid (PTH levels, as well as frequency of consumption of dairy products. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: One Jordanian university. Subjects: A total of 177 female students aged between 18 and 24 years who experienced primary dysmenorrhea participated in the study and completed a self administered questionnaire to collect information concerning demographics, menstruation- related information, associated specified premenstrual symptoms, and consumption of dairy products. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin vitamin D level and intact parathyroid hormone level were measured. Results: Of the 177 participants 91.5% had two or more symptoms among which fatigue, mood swings, anxiety, abdominal bloating, and depression were the most prevalent symptoms. There was no evident association between presence of symptoms and vitamin D status, PTH level or dairy products consumption. Headaches and social withdrawal were significantly lower in those women who consumed high amounts of dairy products. Conclusion: Premenstrual symptoms are very common in young women with primary dysmenorrhea. PMS has no relation to levels of vitamin D, parathyroid hormone or dairy products consumption. Headache and social withdrawal may be affected by dairy product consumption.

  19. High-performance whole core Pin-by-Pin calculation based on EFEN-SP_3 method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang Wen; Zheng Youqi; Wu Hongchun; Cao Liangzhi; Li Yunzhao

    2014-01-01

    The EFEN code for high-performance PWR whole core pin-by-pin calculation based on the EFEN-SP_3 method can be achieved by employing spatial parallelization based on MPI. To take advantage of the advanced computing and storage power, the entire problem spatial domain can be appropriately decomposed into sub-domains and the assigned to parallel CPUs to balance the computing load and minimize communication cost. Meanwhile, Red-Black Gauss-Seidel nodal sweeping scheme is employed to avoid the within-group iteration deterioration due to spatial parallelization. Numerical results based on whole core pin-by-pin problems designed according to commercial PWRs demonstrate the following conclusions: The EFEN code can provide results with acceptable accuracy; Communication period impacts neither the accuracy nor the parallel efficiency; Domain decomposition methods with smaller surface to volume ratio leads to greater parallel efficiency; A PWR whole core pin-by-pin calculation with a spatial mesh 289 × 289 × 218 and 4 energy groups could be completed about 900 s by using 125 CPUs, and its parallel efficiency is maintained at about 90%. (authors)

  20. Measurement of contact angle in a clearance-fit pin-loaded hole

    Science.gov (United States)

    Prabhakaran, R.; Naik, R. A.

    1986-01-01

    A technique which measures load-contact variation in a clearance-fit, pin-loaded hole is presented in detail. A steel instrumented pin, which activates a make-or-break electrical circuit in the pin-hole contact region, was inserted into one aluminum and one polycarbonate specimen. The resulting load-contact variations are indicated schematically. The ability to accurately determine the arc of contact at any load was crucial to this measurement. It is noted that this simple experimental technique is applicable to both conducting and nonconducting materials.

  1. Primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism among vitamin D deficient Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients and the need for a parathyroid scan.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mazokopakis, Elias; Papadomanolaki, Maria; Skarakis, Spyridon-Nikitas N; Tsekouras, Konstantinos

    2017-01-01

    The patients with Hashimoto thyroiditis must be investigated mainly for secondary hyperparathyroidism due to vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency. Parathyroid scintigraphy has no place in the diagnosis of primary, secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism or in the decision for surgical treatment. Parathyroid scintigraphy is a useful preoperative technique for the localization of the pathological parathyroid glands.

  2. Incidence and risk factors for pin tract infection in external fixation of ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Incidence and risk factors for pin tract infection in external fixation of fractures ... for pin tract infection, there were 93 pins scored grade 1, 32 pins grade 2, 15 ... The incidence increased from 20.5% in closed fractures to 75.9% in open fractures.

  3. A comparative CFD investigation of helical wire-wrapped 7, 19 and 37 fuel pin bundles and its extendibility to 217 pin bundle

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gajapathy, R.; Velusamy, K.; Selvaraj, P.; Chellapandi, P.; Chetal, S.C.

    2009-01-01

    Preliminary investigations of sodium flow and temperature distributions in heat generating fuel pin bundles with helical spacer wires have been carried out. Towards this, the 3D conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy have been solved using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. Turbulence has been accounted through the use of high Reynolds number version of standard k-ε model, with uniform mesh density respecting wall function requirements. The geometric details of the bundle and the heat flux in are similar to that of the Indian Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) that is currently under construction. The mixing characteristics of the flow among the peripheral and central zones are compared for 7, 19 and 37 fuel pin bundles and the characteristics are extended to a 217 pin bundle. The friction factors of the pin bundles obtained from the present study is seen to agree well with the values derived from experimental correlations. It is found that the normalized outlet velocities in the peripheral and central zones are nearly equal to 1.1-0.9, respectively which is in good agreement with the published hydraulic experimental measurements of 1.1-0.85 for a 91 pin bundle. The axial velocity is the maximum in the peripheral zone where spacer wires are located and minimum in the zones which are diametrically opposite to the respective zone of maximum velocity. The sodium temperature is higher in the zones where the flow area and mass flow rates are less due to the presence of the spacer wires though the axial velocity is higher there. It is the minimum in the peripheral zones where the circumferential flow is larger. Based on the flow and temperature distributions obtained for 19 and 37 pin bundles, a preliminary extrapolation procedure has been established for estimating the temperatures of peripheral and central zones of 217 pin bundle.

  4. Parathyroid hormone: radioimmunoassay and clinical interpretation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hawker, C.D.

    1975-01-01

    A radioimmunoassay for serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH), which has had widespread clinical use for five years, is described in detail. The iPTH results in large groups of patients are reported, and are discussed in relation to the specificity of the assay and in relation to other assays. The assay has excellent precision and is highly proficient in discrimination of groups of patients. Ninety-three percent of 412 patients with surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism were confidently separated from normal subjects or patients with hypercalcemia owing to other causes, while 86 percent of 160 patients with chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism had iPTH values more than 2 S.D. above the normal mean. Results in patients with ectopic hyperparathyroidism were lower than in primary hyperparathyroidism although these groups showed considerable overlap. The antiserum used in this assay for iPTH appears to be specific for the carboxy-terminal region of the secreted or intact form of PTH but recognizes predominantly the secreted form rather than carboxy-terminal fragments believed to be in the circulation. It does not recognize amino terminal fragments. The assay is useful in selective venous catheterization for preoperative localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid tissue

  5. Parathyroid carcinoma survival: improvements in the era of intact parathyroid hormone monitoring?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Steve R. Martinez

    2013-02-01

    Full Text Available The intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH assay is a critical test in the diagnosis and management of PTH-mediated hypercalcemia, including parathyroid carcinoma (PCa. We hypothesized that the survival of patients diagnosed with PCa has improved since adoption of the iPTH assay into clinical practice. We identified all confirmed cases of PCa within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database from 1973 to 2006. Patients were categorized into two eras based upon introduction of the iPTH assay: 1973 to 1997 (era I and 1997 to 2006 (era II, when the iPTH assay was in standard use. We estimated overall survival (OS and disease-specific survival (DSS using the Kaplan-Meier method, with differences among survival curves assessed via log rank. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models compared the survival rates between treatment eras while controlling for patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, tumor size, nodal status, extent of disease, and type of surgery. Multivariate models included patients undergoing potentially curative surgery and excluded those with dis- tant metastases. Risks of overall and disease-specific mortality were reported as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Study criteria were met by 370 patients. Median survival was 15.6 years. Five-year rates of OS and DSS were 78% and 88% for era I and 82% and 96% for era II. On multivariate analysis, age, black race, and unknown extent of disease predicted an increased risk of death from any cause. Treatment era did not predict OS. No factor predicted PCa-specific mortality. In multivariate analysis, neither OS nor DSS have improved in the current era that utilizes iPTH for the detection and management of PCa.

  6. First results in postoperative functional imaging of parathyroid tissue with thallium-201-chloride

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schwartz, K.D.; Michael, R.; Karsten, U.; Pietsch, P.; Brietzke, W.; Tredt, H.J.; Dabels, J.; Labes, K.

    1984-01-01

    On account of diagnostic uncertainties Se-75-methionine failed to become accepted clinically for detecting parathyroid adenomas. But recent reports in the literature suggested satisfactory results to be achieved with a double-nuclide technique using Thallium-201-chloride for parathyroid imaging. Data of 6 patients were evaluated to shed light on the usefulness of radio-Thallium for postoperative functional imaging of heterotopic parathyroid tissue. Analogous studies using Se-75-methionine had previously been carried out by other authors. Early results suggest the method to have clinical relavance. Four patients with cubital vein parathormone levels that were higher on the grafted versus the ungrafted side were found to have significantly elevated Tl-201 uptake in the region of the surgical scar on the forearm. Two patients with no or little difference in PTH concentrations between the 2 sides showed no or at best some slight activity increase. The place of this method as an alternative to differential cubital vein parathormone assaying still remains to be established. In view of the poor cubital veins of dialysis patients it appears to hold promises for assessing the function of parathyroid grafts in the forearm. (Author)

  7. The effects of cinacalcet treatment on bone mineral metabolism, anemia parameters, left ventricular mass index and parathyroid gland volume in hemodialysis patients with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dilek Torun

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cinacalcet therapy on anemia parameters, bone mineral metabolism, left ventricular mass index (LVMI and parathyroid gland volume in hemodialysis (HD patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Twenty-five HD patients (M/F: 11/14, mean age: 45.2 ± 17.9 years, mean HD duration: 96.4 ± 32.7 months were included in this prospective pilot study. The indication to start calcimimetic therapy was persistent serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH >1000 pg/mL, refractory to intravenous (i.v. vitamin D and phosphate-binding therapy. The initial and one-year results of adjusted serum calcium (Ca +2 , phosphate (P, Ca × P product, PTH, hemoglobin (Hb and ferritin levels, transferrin saturation index (TSAT, median weekly erythropoietin (EPO dose, LVMI, and parathyroid volume by parathyroid ultrasonography were determined. There were no differences between pre- and post-treatment levels of serum Ca +2 (P = 0.853, P (P = 0.447, Ca × P product (P = 0.587, PTH (P = 0.273, ferritin (P = 0.153 and TSAT (P = 0.104. After 1 year of calcimimetic therapy, the Hb levels were significantly higher than the initial levels (P = 0.048. The weekly dose of EPO decreased with no statistical significance. The dose of cinacalcet was increased from 32.4 ± 12.0 to 60.0 ± 24.4 mg/day (P = 0.01. There were no differences between the pre- and post-treatment results regarding weekly vitamin D dose, parenteral iron dose, LVMI and parathyroid volume. The results of our study suggest that cinacalcet therapy might have an additional benefit in the control anemia in HD patients.

  8. MICROCONTROLLER PIN CONFIGURATION TOOL

    OpenAIRE

    Bhaskar Joshi; F. Mohammed Rizwan; Dr. Rajashree Shettar

    2012-01-01

    Configuring the micro controller with large number of pins is tedious. Latest Infine on microcontroller contains more than 200 pins and each pin has classes of signals. Therefore the complexity of the microcontroller is growing. It evolves looking into thousands of pages of user manual. For a user it will take days to configure the microcontroller with the peripherals. We need an automated tool to configure the microcontroller so that the user can configure the microcontroller without having ...

  9. MONJU fuel pin performance analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kitagawa, H.; Yamanaka, T.; Hayashi, H.

    1979-01-01

    Monju fuel pin has almost the same properties as other LMFBR fuel pins, i.e. Phenix, PFR, CRBR, but would be irradiated under severe conditions: maximum linear heat rate of 381 watt/cm, hot spot cladding temperature of 675 deg C, peak burnup of 131,000 MWd/t, peak fluence (E greater than 0.1 MeV) of 2.3 10 23 n/cm 2 . In order to understand in-core performance of Monju fuel pin, its thermal and mechanical behaviour was predicted using the fast running performance code SIMPLE. The code takes into account pellet-cladding interaction due to thermal expansion and swelling, gap conductance, structural changes of fuel pellets, fission product gas release with burnup and temperature increase, swelling and creep of fuel pellets, corrosion of cladding due to sodium flow and chemical attack by fission products, and cumulative damage of the cladding due to thermal creep

  10. Development of vibropac MOX fuel pins serviceable up TP superhigh burnups

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mayorshin, A.A.; Gadzhiev, G.I.; Kisly, V.A.; Skiba, O.V.; Tzykanov, V.A.

    1998-01-01

    The main results on investigations of fast reactor fuel pins with (UPu)O 2 vibropac fuel to substantiate their serviceability up to the super-high burnups are presented. The BOR-60 reactor fuel pins radiation behaviour in stationary, transient and designed emergency conditions has been determined from the fuel pins dimensional stability analysis having regard to the results of investigation fuel and cladding swelling as well as estimations of fuel and cladding thermal-mechanical and physico-chemical interactions. It is shown that the change of the outer diameter is minimum in fuel pins with VMOX fuel with a getter-metallic uranium powder and ferrito-martensite steel cladding, and the corrosion damage of the cladding inner surface is absent up to 26% h.a. The experiments with over-heating of the irradiated fuel pins cladding up to 850 deg. C did not lead to any changes in pins integrity. The availability of the periphery area of the vibropac fuel cure initial structure provides the minimum level of the thermal-mechanical stress at transient conditions of reactor operation. (author)

  11. Stress relaxation of thermally bowed fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Crossland, I.G.; Speight, M.V.

    1983-01-01

    The presence of cross-pin temperature gradients in nuclear reactor fuel pins produces differential thermal expansion which, in turn, causes the fuel pin to bow elastically. If the pin is restrained in any way, such thermal bowing causes the pin to be stressed. At high temperatures these stresses can relax by creep and it is shown here that this causes the pin to suffer an additional permanent deflection, so that when the cross-pin temperature difference is removed the pin remains bowed. By representing the cylindrical pin by an equivalent I-beam, the present work examines this effect when it takes place by secondary creep. Two restraint systems are considered, and it is demonstrated that the rate of relaxation depends mainly upon the creep equation, and hence the temperature, and also the magnitude of the initial stresses. (author)

  12. ITP Hanford Type 40 pin electrical connector failure analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Imrich, K.J.

    1993-01-01

    Corrosion products observed on the ITP Hanford Type 40 pin electrical connectors would be expected to adversely affect the power and control signals supplied to process equipment in the filter cell by the connectors. Corrosion products were consistent with those found on similar pins in DWPF. The recommendations based on the findings in this investigation are as follows: (1) Replace male and female rhodium plated pins with gold plated pins. (2) Replace the galvanized carbon steel spring on the male connector with a stainless steel spring. (3) Install protective caps over Hanford connectors when jumpers are removed

  13. Water-clear cell adenoma of the parathyroid. A case report with immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Grenko, R T; Anderson, K M; Kauffman, G; Abt, A B

    1995-11-01

    We report a water-clear cell adenoma of the parathyroid gland, a lesion which to our knowledge has not been described previously. Like its rare but well-described hyperplastic counterpart, water-clear cell hyperplasia, this adenoma is composed of cells with abundant foamy-to-granular cytoplasm and mild nuclear pleomorphism. The cells form glandular structures and cell nests separated by fine fibrovascular septae. The tumor cells stain positively with anti-parathyroid hormone and show characteristic glassy and flocculate material by electron microscopy. Unlike water-clear cell hyperplasia, water-clear cell adenoma is a solitary lesion that compresses the residual nonneoplastic parathyroid gland.

  14. Automated system for loading nuclear fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Marshall, J.L.

    1983-10-01

    A completely automatic and remotely controlled fuel pin fabrication system is being designed by the Westinghouse Hanford Company. The Pin Operations System will produce fuel pins for the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) and the Clinch River Breeder Reactor Plant (CRBRP). The system will assemble fuel pin components into cladding tubes in a controlled environment. After fuel loading, the pins are filled with helium, the tag gas capsules are inserted, and the top end cap welded. Following welding, the pins are surveyed to assure they are free of contamination and then the pins are helium leak tested

  15. Experimental Qualification of the Sleeved Pin Multilink Attachment for Divertor PFC's

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Poutanen, J.; McCallum, A.; Turner, A.; Merola, M.

    2006-01-01

    The latest design for connecting the limited life ITER divertor plasma facing components (PFC's) to the reusable cassette body is the so called sleeved pin multilink attachment. The connection is made by expanding a 43 mm diameter hollow AlBr pin inside the fixation holes of components of the cassette body and PFC by a swaging process. The multilink is an easy, safe and fast assembly method, but the original dismantling method of drilling out the pin was found troublesome. Therefore, in the latest attachment design a thin sleeve is incorporated between the pin and the holes, which makes it possible to dismantle the joint by simply pulling out the pin and sleeve sequentially. Experimental qualification of the new sleeved design is now proceeding. The aim of the experimental qualification is to prove that the sleeved design meets the requirements of load carrying capability, clearance free connection, and easy and safe removal. Associated analytical studies were performed to develop and verify theoretical models and correlations for use in design. Results from the experimental qualification will provide reference information for developing tools for making and removing the connection. Theoretical finite element models in association with the results of earlier test campaigns with nonsleeved design were used to determine pin expansion parameters. The expansion parameters were verified with plate-pin tests measuring contact pressures produced by pin expansion. The plate-pin tests were also used to demonstrate the feasibility of pin removal and develop pin removal methodology. The mechanical capabilities of the connection design are being examined with test series of cyclic tensile loading plus articulation-induced loading of a single connection mock-up. Remaking properties of the attachment are being studied with multiple swaging and removing of the pin into the fixation holes. Finally the dismantling of the connection will be examined with full length pin extraction

  16. Functional characterisation of parvulin-type peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerase, PinA in Dictyostelium discoideum

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Haokip, Nemneineng; Naorem, Aruna

    2017-01-01

    Pin1-type parvulins are unique among PPIases that can catalyse an otherwise slow cis-trans isomerisation of phosphorylated peptide bond preceding proline in target proteins. This prolyl isomerisation process can regulate activity, stability and localisation of target proteins and thus control cellular processes like eukaryotic cell proliferation, cell cycle progression and gene regulation. Towards understanding the function of Pin1-type prolyl isomerisation in Dictyostelium discoideum, a slime mould with distinct growth and developmental phases, we identified PinA as a novel Pin1-type parvulin by its ability to complement the temperature sensitivity phenotype associated with a mutation in ESS1 in S. cerevisiae. In D. discoideum, pinA is temporally and spatially regulated during growth and development. PinA is both nuclear as well as cytoplasmic in the growing cells. We further show that loss of pinA (pinA − ) leads to decreased growth rate, reduced spore formation and abnormal prespore-prestalk patterning. We conclude that PinA is required for normal growth as well as development in D. discoideum. - Highlights: • PinA is a bona fide homologue of S. cerevisiae Ess1. • PinA is required for normal cell proliferation of D. discoideum. • PinA is spatially localised in developmental structures. • PinA is important for cell differentiation and patterning.

  17. Pinning-controlled synchronization of complex networks with bounded or unbounded synchronized regions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yan-Li, Zou; Guan-Rong, Chen

    2009-01-01

    This paper studies pinning-controlled synchronization of complex networks with bounded or unbounded synchronized regions. To study a state-feedback pinning-controlled network with N nodes, it first converts the controlled network to an extended network of N+1 nodes without controls. It is shown that the controlled synchronizability of the given network is determined by the real part of the smallest nonzero eigenvalue of the coupling matrix of its extended network when the synchronized region is unbounded; but it is determined by the ratio of the real parts of the largest and the smallest nonzero eigenvalues of the coupling matrix when the synchronized region is bounded. Both theoretical analysis and numerical simulation show that the portion of controlled nodes has no critical values when the synchronized region is unbounded, but it has a critical value when the synchronized region is bounded. In the former case, therefore, it is possible to control the network to achieve synchronization by pinning only one node. In the latter case, the network can achieve controlled synchronization only when the portion of controlled nodes is larger than the critical value. (general)

  18. Strong-pinning regimes by spherical inclusions in anisotropic type-II superconductors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Willa, R.; Koshelev, A. E.; Sadovskyy, I. A.; Glatz, A.

    2017-11-27

    The current-carrying capacity of type-II superconductors is decisively determined by how well material defect structures can immobilize vortex lines. In order to gain deeper insights into intrinsic pinning mechanisms, we have explored the case of vortex trapping by randomly distributed spherical inclusions using large-scale simulations of the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau equations. We find that for a small density of particles having diameters of two coherence lengths, the vortex lattice preserves its structure and the critical current jc decays with the magnetic field following a power-law B-a with a ~ 0:66, which is consistent with predictions of strong pinning theory. For higher density of particles and/or larger inclusions, the lattice becomes progressively more disordered and the exponent smoothly decreases down to a ~ 0:3. At high magnetic fields, all inclusions capture a vortex and the critical current decays faster than B-1 as would be expected by theory. In the case of larger inclusions with diameter of four coherence length, the magnetic-field dependence of the critical current is strongly affected by the ability of inclusions to capture multiple vortex lines. We found that at small densities, the fraction of inclusions trapping two vortex lines rapidly grows within narrow field range leading to a shallow peak in jc(B)-dependence within this range. With increasing inclusion density, this peak transforms into a plateau, which then smooths out. Using the insights gained from simulations, we determine the limits of applicability of strong pinning theory and provide different routes to describe vortex pinning beyond those bounds.

  19. Accurate analysis of pins irradiated in fast neutron reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Regnaud, F.; Guichard, C.

    1976-01-01

    A device was developed for the chemical analysis of fissile materials in a whole fuel pin in order to determine U and Pu with an accuracy of about 0.1% in samples from 100 to 200g, irradiated at burn-up between 50 and 100.000MWd/t. This unit is provided with two shielded α hot cells. A dissolving device was developed which enables the dissolution of residues. Pu is determined by oxydation-reduction titration and U by the isotopic dilution method [fr

  20. Vortex matter in the presence of an array of pinning centers of variable strength

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nunes, J.S.; Zadorosny, R.; Oliveira, A.A.M.; Lepienski, C.M.; Patino, E.J.; Blamire, M.G.; Ortiz, W.A.

    2008-01-01

    This contribution reports on the magnetic response of a 200 nm thick Nb film, pierced with a set of 900 columnar indentations of nearly triangular cross section, forming a square lattice. The column effective diameter is 1 μm and the array lattice parameter is 10 μm. To probe the interaction of vortex matter with the array of antidots, we have excited the sample with an AC-field, so that flux trapped by the columns could be unpinned and admitted into the superconducting sea surrounding the defects. An order-disorder line was determined for this system, with a kink separating two regimes, suggesting a crossover from the efficient pinning regime, at lower temperatures, to a temperature-induced depinning. To exploit the influence of pinning efficiency on vortex dynamics, we have determined the order-disorder line at different angles between the applied field and the plane of the film. A plot of the field component perpendicular to the film versus temperature, gives a collapsed response near T c , which splits for lower temperatures, as a consequence of pinning weakening due to the component of the applied AC-field perpendicular to the columns. Consistently, the kink tends to progressively disappear as the pinning strength decreases

  1. Vortex matter in the presence of an array of pinning centers of variable strength

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Nunes, J.S.; Zadorosny, R.; Oliveira, A.A.M. [Grupo de Supercondutividade e Magnetismo, Departamento de Fisica, Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil); Lepienski, C.M. [Departamento de Fisica, Universidade Federal do Parana, Curitiba, PR (Brazil); Patino, E.J.; Blamire, M.G. [Department of Materials Science, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QZ (United Kingdom); Ortiz, W.A. [Grupo de Supercondutividade e Magnetismo, Departamento de Fisica, Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, Sao Carlos, SP (Brazil)], E-mail: wortiz@df.ufscar.br

    2008-04-01

    This contribution reports on the magnetic response of a 200 nm thick Nb film, pierced with a set of 900 columnar indentations of nearly triangular cross section, forming a square lattice. The column effective diameter is 1 {mu}m and the array lattice parameter is 10 {mu}m. To probe the interaction of vortex matter with the array of antidots, we have excited the sample with an AC-field, so that flux trapped by the columns could be unpinned and admitted into the superconducting sea surrounding the defects. An order-disorder line was determined for this system, with a kink separating two regimes, suggesting a crossover from the efficient pinning regime, at lower temperatures, to a temperature-induced depinning. To exploit the influence of pinning efficiency on vortex dynamics, we have determined the order-disorder line at different angles between the applied field and the plane of the film. A plot of the field component perpendicular to the film versus temperature, gives a collapsed response near T{sub c}, which splits for lower temperatures, as a consequence of pinning weakening due to the component of the applied AC-field perpendicular to the columns. Consistently, the kink tends to progressively disappear as the pinning strength decreases.

  2. Intra-operative parathyroid hormone measurements – experience of ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Background. Surgery is the treatment of choice for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. The majority of research concerning intra-operative parathyroid hormone (ioPTH) measurements is conducted in university hospitals. Whether ioPTH measurements are feasible and useful in predicting the presence of remaining ...

  3. Multiple organ dysfunction caused by parathyroid adenoma‑induced ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    We present a 27‑year‑old male with multiple organ dysfunction caused by parathyroid adenoma‑induced primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Initially, the patient experienced a sudden onset of gastrointestinal symptoms, polyuria, polydipsia, bone pain, renal dysfunction, nephrolithiasis, and acute pancreatitis, symptoms ...

  4. Fabrication of oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic clad fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zirker, L.R.; Bottcher, J.H.; Shikakura, S.; Tsai, C.L.

    1991-01-01

    A resistance butt welding procedure was developed and qualified for joining ferritic fuel pin cladding to end caps. The cladding are INCO MA957 and PNC ODS lots 63DSA and 1DK1, ferritic stainless steels strengthened by oxide dispersion, while the end caps are HT9 a martensitic stainless steel. With adequate parameter control the weld is formed without a residual melt phase and its strength approaches that of the cladding. This welding process required a new design for fuel pin end cap and weld joint. Summaries of the development, characterization, and fabrication processes are given for these fuel pins. 13 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab

  5. Pin Component Technology (V1.0) and Its C Interface

    National Research Council Canada - National Science Library

    Hissam, Scott; Ivers, James; Plakosh, Daniel; Wallnau, Kurt C

    2005-01-01

    .... Pin implements the container idiom for software components. Containers provide a pre-fabricated "shell" in which custom code executes and through which all interactions between custom code and its external environment are mediated...

  6. Localisation of the neuropeptide PACAP and its receptors in the rat parathyroid and thyroid glands

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Fahrenkrug, Jan; Hannibal, Jens

    2011-01-01

    PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide) is widely distributed neuropeptide acting via three subtypes of receptors, PAC(1), VPAC(1) and VPAC(2). Here we examined the localisation and nature of PACAP-immunoreactive nerves in the rat thyroid and parathyroid glands and defined the ...

  7. A proposed parameterization of interface discontinuity factors depending on neighborhood for pin-by-pin diffusion computations for LWR

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Herrero, Jose Javier; Garcia-Herranz, Nuria; Ahnert, Carol

    2011-01-01

    There exists an interest in performing full core pin-by-pin computations for present nuclear reactors. In such type of problems the use of a transport approximation like the diffusion equation requires the introduction of correction parameters. Interface discontinuity factors can improve the diffusion solution to nearly reproduce a transport solution. Nevertheless, calculating accurate pin-by-pin IDF requires the knowledge of the heterogeneous neutron flux distribution, which depends on the boundary conditions of the pin-cell as well as the local variables along the nuclear reactor operation. As a consequence, it is impractical to compute them for each possible configuration. An alternative to generate accurate pin-by-pin interface discontinuity factors is to calculate reference values using zero-net-current boundary conditions and to synthesize afterwards their dependencies on the main neighborhood variables. In such way the factors can be accurately computed during fine-mesh diffusion calculations by correcting the reference values as a function of the actual environment of the pin-cell in the core. In this paper we propose a parameterization of the pin-by-pin interface discontinuity factors allowing the implementation of a cross sections library able to treat the neighborhood effect. First results are presented for typical PWR configurations. (author)

  8. A proposed parameterization of interface discontinuity factors depending on neighborhood for pin-by-pin diffusion computations for LWR

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Herrero, Jose Javier; Garcia-Herranz, Nuria; Ahnert, Carol, E-mail: herrero@din.upm.es, E-mail: nuria@din.upm.es, E-mail: carol@din.upm.es [Departamento de Ingenieria Nuclear, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (Spain)

    2011-07-01

    There exists an interest in performing full core pin-by-pin computations for present nuclear reactors. In such type of problems the use of a transport approximation like the diffusion equation requires the introduction of correction parameters. Interface discontinuity factors can improve the diffusion solution to nearly reproduce a transport solution. Nevertheless, calculating accurate pin-by-pin IDF requires the knowledge of the heterogeneous neutron flux distribution, which depends on the boundary conditions of the pin-cell as well as the local variables along the nuclear reactor operation. As a consequence, it is impractical to compute them for each possible configuration. An alternative to generate accurate pin-by-pin interface discontinuity factors is to calculate reference values using zero-net-current boundary conditions and to synthesize afterwards their dependencies on the main neighborhood variables. In such way the factors can be accurately computed during fine-mesh diffusion calculations by correcting the reference values as a function of the actual environment of the pin-cell in the core. In this paper we propose a parameterization of the pin-by-pin interface discontinuity factors allowing the implementation of a cross sections library able to treat the neighborhood effect. First results are presented for typical PWR configurations. (author)

  9. Enquiry into the Topology of Plasma Membrane-Localized PIN Auxin Transport Components.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nodzyński, Tomasz; Vanneste, Steffen; Zwiewka, Marta; Pernisová, Markéta; Hejátko, Jan; Friml, Jiří

    2016-11-07

    Auxin directs plant ontogenesis via differential accumulation within tissues depending largely on the activity of PIN proteins that mediate auxin efflux from cells and its directional cell-to-cell transport. Regardless of the developmental importance of PINs, the structure of these transporters is poorly characterized. Here, we present experimental data concerning protein topology of plasma membrane-localized PINs. Utilizing approaches based on pH-dependent quenching of fluorescent reporters combined with immunolocalization techniques, we mapped the membrane topology of PINs and further cross-validated our results using available topology modeling software. We delineated the topology of PIN1 with two transmembrane (TM) bundles of five α-helices linked by a large intracellular loop and a C-terminus positioned outside the cytoplasm. Using constraints derived from our experimental data, we also provide an updated position of helical regions generating a verisimilitude model of PIN1. Since the canonical long PINs show a high degree of conservation in TM domains and auxin transport capacity has been demonstrated for Arabidopsis representatives of this group, this empirically enhanced topological model of PIN1 will be an important starting point for further studies on PIN structure-function relationships. In addition, we have established protocols that can be used to probe the topology of other plasma membrane proteins in plants. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Parathyroid adenoma with concurrent toxic thyroid adenoma: A rare ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    recognized phenomenon. Primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid adenoma in association with thyroid adenoma is extremely rare. These cases can present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the treating physician as the patient may ...

  11. The additional diagnostic value of a single-session combined scintigraphic and ultrasonographic examination in patients with thyroid and parathyroid diseases.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gedik, G K; Bozkurt, F M; Ugur, O; Grassetto, G; Rubello, D

    2008-09-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic efficacy and the clinical impact of scintigraphy combined with ultrasonography (USG) in the management of thyroid and parathyroid disorders in a large series of patients. A total of 387 consecutive patients referred to the Nuclear Medicine Department of Hacettepe University in the period from January to September 2007 for investigating a thyroid (N. 339 patients: 232 females and 107 males, mean age+/-SD=48.9+/-13.6 years) or a parathyroid disease (N. 48 patients: 34 females and 14 males, mean age+/-SD=47.4+/-9.6 years) were prospectively evaluated, systematically performing both scintigraphy and USG in a single-day session. All the examinations were independently reviewed by two nuclear medicine physicians; in cases of discrepancy (3%) a final diagnosis was reached by consensus. For thyroid pathologies, USG results were considered to provide additional diagnostic information over scintigraphy: 1) if more nodules were identified; 2) if an irregular hyperactive area at scintigraphy suspicious for the presence of a nodule was clearly characterized at USG; 3) if a nodule missed at scintigraphy because of small size (thyroid diseases, scintigraphy was considered to provide additional diagnostic information over USG, if the functional status of a diffuse or uni- or multi-nodular goiter were clearly defined at scintigraphy. In parathyroid diseases, scintigraphy was considered to provide additional diagnostic information over USG, if the differential diagnosis between a lymph node or a muscle or a vessel depicted at USG was clearly defined as a parathyroid enlargement at scintigraphy. Lastly, the clinical impact of the single-day combined scintigraphic/USG protocol was evaluated. USG. In the thyroid diseases group, USG was particularly useful: 1) to detect additional nodules in glands with suppressed thyroid tissue; 2) to disclose small thyroid nodules (thyroid diseases group, scintigraphy was particularly useful: 1

  12. Internal fuel pin oxidizer

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Andrews, M.G.

    1978-01-01

    A nuclear fuel pin has positioned within it material which will decompose to release an oxidizing agent which will react with the cladding of the pin and form a protective oxide film on the internal surface of the cladding

  13. Design and construction of a novel 1H/19F double-tuned coil system using PIN-diode switches at 9.4T.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Choi, Chang-Hoon; Hong, Suk-Min; Ha, YongHyun; Shah, N Jon

    2017-06-01

    A double-tuned 1 H/ 19 F coil using PIN-diode switches was developed and its performance evaluated. The is a key difference from the previous developments being that this design used a PIN-diode switch in series with an additionally inserted inductor in parallel to one of the capacitors on the loop. The probe was adjusted to 19 F when the reverse bias voltage was applied (PIN-diode OFF), whilst it was switched to 1 H when forward current was flowing (PIN-diode ON). S-parameters and Q-factors of single- and double-tuned coils were examined and compared with/without a phantom on the bench. Imaging experiments were carried out on a 9.4T preclinical scanner. All coils were tuned at resonance frequencies and matched well. It is shown that the Q-ratio and SNR of double-tuned coil at 19 F frequency are nearly as good as those of a single-tuned coil. Since the operating frequency was tuned to 19 F when the PIN-diodes were turned off, losses due to PIN-diodes were substantially lower resulting in the provision of excellent image quality of X-nuclei. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Patterns in the Parathyroid Response to Sodium Bicarbonate Infusion Test in Healthy Volunteers

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Theodossis S. Papavramidis

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Background. The sodium bicarbonate infusion test evaluates the function of the parathyroid glands. The present study aims to evaluate the range of parathyroid response in healthy individuals and the potential influence of various factors. Methods. Fifty healthy volunteers were subjected to the test. Levels of vitamin D, calcium, albumin, and PTH were measured before infusion. PTH was measured at 3, 5, 10, 30, and 60 minutes after infusion. Results. A curve describing the response of parathyroids to the test was drawn. Twenty percent of the subjects had blunted PTH response. No significant difference was observed between normal and blunted responders concerning age, BMI, baseline PTH, or calcium levels. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in vitamin D levels (P=0.024. Interpretation. The test is easy to perform and may be used for everyday screening. It has to be clarified whether our observations are, at least partly, produced due to the presence of individuals with a constitutively blunted response or if low levels of vitamin D decrease the ability of the parathyroids to respond. Whichever the case, PTH response of normal individuals to sodium bicarbonate infusion test is more varied than previously thought and vitamin D levels influence it.

  15. Whole-Pin Furnace system: An experimental facility for studying irradiated fuel pin behavior under potential reactor accident conditions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu, Y.Y.; Tsai, H.C.; Donahue, D.A.; Pushis, D.O.; Savoie, F.E.; Holland, J.W.; Wright, A.E.; August, C.; Bailey, J.L.; Patterson, D.R.

    1990-05-01

    The whole-pin furnace system is a new in-cell experimental facility constructed to investigate how irradiated fuel pins may fail under potential reactor accident conditions. Extensive checkouts have demonstrated excellent performance in remote operation, temperature control, pin breach detection, and fission gas handling. The system is currently being used in testing of EBIR-II-irradiated Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) metal fuel pins; future testing will include EBR-II-irradiated mixed-oxide fuel pins. 7 refs., 4 figs

  16. [Parathyroid hormone and its analogues - molecular mechanisms of action and efficacy of osteoporosis therapy].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Misiorowski, Waldemar

    2011-01-01

    Most medical agents currently applied in osteoporosis therapy act by inhibiting bone resorption and reducing bone remodelling, i.e. they inhibit the process of bone mass loss by suppressing bone resorption processes. These drugs provide an ideal therapeutic option to prevent osteoporosis progression. They however have a rather limited usefulness when the disease has already reached its advanced stages with distinctive bone architecture lesions. The fracture risk reduction rate, achieved in the course of anti-resorptive therapy, is insufficient for patients with severe osteoporosis to stop the downward spiral of their quality of life (QoL) with a simultaneously increasing threat of premature death. The activity of the N-terminal fragment of 1-34 human parathormone (teriparatide - 1-34 rhPTH), a parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogue obtained via genetic engineering , is expressed by increased bone metabolism, while promoting new bone tissue formation by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts more than that of osteoclasts. The anabolic activity of PTH includes both its direct effect on the osteoblast cell line, and its indirect actions exerted via its regulatory effects on selected growth factors, e.g. IGF-1 or sclerostin. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the actual anabolic effects of PTH remain mostly still unclear. Clinical studies have demonstrated that therapeutic protocols with the application of PTH analogues provide an effective protection against all osteoporotic fracture types in post-menopausal women and in elderly men with advanced osteoporosis. Particular hopes are pinned on the possibility of applying PTH in the therapy of post-steroid osteoporosis, mainly to suppress bone formation, the most important pathological process in this regard. The relatively short therapy period with a PTH analogue (24 months) should then be replaced and continued by anti-resorptive treatment.

  17. Parathyroid hormone and its analogues--molecular mechanisms of action and efficacy in osteoporosis therapy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Misiorowski, Waldemar

    2011-01-01

    Most medical agents currently applied in osteoporosis therapy act by inhibiting bone resorption and reducing bone remodelling, i.e. they inhibit the process of bone mass loss by suppressing bone resorption processes. These drugs provide an ideal therapeutic option to prevent osteoporosis progression. They however have a rather limited usefulness when the disease has already reached its advanced stages with distinctive bone architecture lesions. The fracture risk reduction rate, achieved in the course of anti-resorptive therapy, is insufficient for patients with severe osteoporosis to stop the downward spiral of their quality of life (QoL) with a simultaneously increasing threat of premature death. The activity of the N-terminal fragment of 1-34 human parathormone (teriparatide - 1-34 rhPTH), a parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogue obtained via genetic engineering , is expressed by increased bone metabolism, while promoting new bone tissue formation by stimulating the activity of osteoblasts more than that of osteoclasts. The anabolic activity of PTH includes both its direct effect on the osteoblast cell line, and its indirect actions exerted via its regulatory effects on selected growth factors, e.g. IGF-1 or sclerostin. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the actual anabolic effects of PTH remain mostly still unclear. Clinical studies have demonstrated that therapeutic protocols with the application of PTH analogues provide an effective protection against all osteoporotic fracture types in post-menopausal women and in elderly men with advanced osteoporosis. Particular hopes are pinned on the possibility of applying PTH in the therapy of post-steroid osteoporosis, mainly to suppress bone formation, the most important pathological process in this regard. The relatively short therapy period with a PTH analogue (24 months) should then be replaced and continued by anti-resorptive treatment.

  18. Role of paraoxonase-1 in bone anabolic effects of parathyroid hormone in hyperlipidemic mice

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lu, Jinxiu [Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (United States); Cheng, Henry [Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (United States); Atti, Elisa [Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles (United States); Shih, Diana M. [Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (United States); Demer, Linda L. [Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles (United States); Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (United States); Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles (United States); Tintut, Yin, E-mail: ytintut@mednet.ucla.edu [Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (United States)

    2013-02-01

    Highlights: ► Anabolic effects of PTH were tested in hyperlipidemic mice overexpressing PON1. ► Expression of antioxidant regulatory genes was induced in PON1 overexpression. ► Bone resorptive activity was reduced in PON1 overexpressing hyperlipidemic mice. ► PON1 restored responsiveness to intermittent PTH in bones of hyperlipidemic mice. -- Abstract: Hyperlipidemia blunts anabolic effects of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) on cortical bone, and the responsiveness to PTH are restored in part by oral administration of the antioxidant ApoA-I mimetic peptide, D-4F. To evaluate the mechanism of this rescue, hyperlipidemic mice overexpressing the high-density lipoprotein-associated antioxidant enzyme, paraoxonase 1 (Ldlr{sup −/−}PON1{sup tg}) were generated, and daily PTH injections were administered to Ldlr{sup −/−}PON1{sup tg} and to littermate Ldlr{sup −/−} mice. Expression of bone regulatory genes was determined by realtime RT-qPCR, and cortical bone parameters of the femoral bones by micro-computed tomographic analyses. PTH-treated Ldlr{sup −/−}PON1{sup tg} mice had significantly greater expression of PTH receptor (PTH1R), activating transcription factor-4 (ATF4), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in femoral cortical bone, as well as significantly greater cortical bone mineral content, thickness, and area in femoral diaphyses compared with untreated Ldlr{sup −/−}PON1{sup tg} mice. In contrast, in control mice (Ldlr{sup −/−}) without PON1 overexpression, PTH treatment did not induce these markers. Calvarial bone of PTH-treated Ldlr{sup −/−}PON1{sup tg} mice also had significantly greater expression of osteoblastic differentiation marker genes as well as BMP-2-target and Wnt-target genes. Untreated Ldlr{sup −/−}PON1{sup tg} mice had significantly greater expression of PTHR1 than untreated Ldlr{sup −/−} mice, whereas sclerostin expression was reduced. In femoral cortical bones, expression levels of transcription factors, Fox

  19. Benefits resulting from 1- and 6-hour parathyroid hormone and calcium levels after thyroidectomy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Payne, Richard J; Tewfik, Marc A; Hier, Michael P; Tamilia, Michael; Mac Namara, Elizabeth; Young, Jonathan; Black, Martin J

    2005-09-01

    Previous studies have established the efficacy of post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia monitoring using parathyroid hormone (PTH) and corrected calcium levels at 1 and 6 hours. The goal of this study was to measure the impact of managing patients based on the above findings with respect to: duration of hospital stays, rates of transient hypocalcemia, number of blood tests, cost savings, and discharge from the hospital as early as 8 hours post-thyroidectomy without compromising safety. This is a prospective study involving 95 total thyroidectomy patients using historical data as controls. The previous protocol was modified in that all blood tests ceased for patients meeting the 6-hour critical level of PTH > or = 28 ng/L and simultaneous corrected calcium > or = 2.14 mmol/L (8.56 mg/dL). Furthermore, patients with 1-hour PTH levels cost savings of 766 Canadian dollars per patient. The new algorithm resulting from PTH and corrected calcium monitoring at 1 and 6 hours post-thyroidectomy has led to significant cost savings for our institution. It has also translated into greater patient satisfaction as a result of fewer blood tests, a lower incidence of transient hypocalcemia, and significantly shorter hospital stays.

  20. Magnetic resonance in the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cabada, M.T.; Gomez, M.N.; Friera, A.; Carvajal, I.; Garcia, A.

    1995-01-01

    We assess the role of magnetic resonance (MR) as an imaging method for the preoperative localization of pathological parathyroid glands in a series of 14 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism secondary to parathyroid adenoma who underwent surgical resection. We selected 14 patients diagnosed as having primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent preoperative MR. All the studies were carried out with a toshiba MRT 50 MR unit with a 0.5 T superconductor magnet. MR located the adenoma in nine of the 14 patients (64%), including the only two who had previously undergone surgery. Our results indicate that MR without contrast is not effective in the preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas and should be performed only in patients with recurrent hyperparathyroidism or that persisting after surgical treatment. (Author)

  1. Analytical method for reconstruction pin to pin of the nuclear power density distribution

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pessoa, Paulo O.; Silva, Fernando C.; Martinez, Aquilino S.

    2013-01-01

    An accurate and efficient method for reconstructing pin to pin of the nuclear power density distribution, involving the analytical solution of the diffusion equation for two-dimensional neutron energy groups in homogeneous nodes, is presented. The boundary conditions used for analytic as solution are the four currents or fluxes on the surface of the node, which are obtained by Nodal Expansion Method (known as NEM) and four fluxes at the vertices of a node calculated using the finite difference method. The analytical solution found is the homogeneous distribution of neutron flux. Detailed distributions pin to pin inside a fuel assembly are estimated by the product of homogeneous flux distribution by local heterogeneous form function. Furthermore, the form functions of flux and power are used. The results obtained with this method have a good accuracy when compared with reference values. (author)

  2. Analytical method for reconstruction pin to pin of the nuclear power density distribution

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pessoa, Paulo O.; Silva, Fernando C.; Martinez, Aquilino S., E-mail: ppessoa@con.ufrj.br, E-mail: fernando@con.ufrj.br, E-mail: aquilino@imp.ufrj.br [Coordenacao dos Programas de Pos-Graduacao em Engenharia (COPPE/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)

    2013-07-01

    An accurate and efficient method for reconstructing pin to pin of the nuclear power density distribution, involving the analytical solution of the diffusion equation for two-dimensional neutron energy groups in homogeneous nodes, is presented. The boundary conditions used for analytic as solution are the four currents or fluxes on the surface of the node, which are obtained by Nodal Expansion Method (known as NEM) and four fluxes at the vertices of a node calculated using the finite difference method. The analytical solution found is the homogeneous distribution of neutron flux. Detailed distributions pin to pin inside a fuel assembly are estimated by the product of homogeneous flux distribution by local heterogeneous form function. Furthermore, the form functions of flux and power are used. The results obtained with this method have a good accuracy when compared with reference values. (author)

  3. Comparison of renal and osseous binding of parathyroid hormone and hormonal fragments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Demay, M.; Mitchell, J.; Goltzman, D.

    1985-01-01

    The authors compared receptor binding and adenylate cyclase stimulation of intact bovine parathyroid hormone (bPTH)-(1-84) and the synthetic amino-terminal fragments, bPTH-(1-34) and rat PTH (rPTH)-(1-34). In both canine renal membranes and cloned rat osteosarcoma cells the amino-terminal fragments bound to a single order of sites; the affinity of rPTH-(1-34) exceeded that of bPTH-(1-34), correlating with its higher potency in stimulating adenylate cyclase. In studies with oxidized bPTH-(1--84), the middle and carboxyl regions of intact PTH were found to bind to both tissues but with higher affinity to osteosarcoma cells than to renal membranes. Our results demonstrate that rPTH-(1--34) is the most favorable probe of amino-terminal PTH binding and the most potent of the PTH peptides in stimulating renal and osseous adenylate cyclase. The results also show that midregion and carboxyl determinants within intact PTH contribute to hormone binding, which does not correlate with adenylate cyclase activation and appears more significant for skeletal than for renal binding

  4. Flux pinning behaviors of Ti and C co-doped MgB2 superconductors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang, Y.; Zhao, D.; Shen, T.M.; Li, G.; Zhang, Y.; Feng, Y.; Cheng, C.H.; Zhang, Y.P.; Zhao, Y.

    2008-01-01

    Flux pinning behavior of carbon and titanium concurrently doped MgB 2 alloys has been studied by ac susceptibility and dc magnetization measurements. It is found that critical current density and irreversibility field of MgB 2 have been significantly improved by doping C and Ti concurrently, sharply contrasted to the situation of C-only-doped or Ti-only-doped MgB 2 samples. AC susceptibility measurement reveals that the dependence of the pinning potential on the dc applied field of Mg 0.95 Ti 0.05 B 1.95 C 0.05 has been determined to be U(B dc )∝B dc -1 compared to that of MgB 2 U(B dc )∝B dc -1.5 . As to the U(J) behavior, a relationship of U(J) ∝ J -0.17 is found fitting well for Mg 0.95 Ti 0.05 B 1.95 C 0.05 with respect to U(J) ∝ J -0.21 for MgB 2 . All the results reveal a strong enhancement of the high field pinning potential in C and Ti co-doped MgB 2

  5. Histologic correlation of MR signal intensity in parathyroid adenomas

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rumancik, W.M.; Khan, A.; Mir, R.N.; Attie, J.N.; Davis, J.E.; Ashtari, M.; Herman, P.G.

    1988-01-01

    The classic MR signal intensity pattern of parathyroid adenoma (PTA) is bright enhancement on T2-weighted images. However, variations in SI pattern have been observed in clinical practice. The purpose of this report is to describe the histologic characteristics of surgically removed PTAs as correlated with their in vivo MR imaging appearance. From May 1987 to April 1988, 51 consecutive patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were evaluated with MR imaging for preoperative localization of PTA. Surgical confirmation was obtained in all patients, with histologic evaluation available in 40. MR imaging was performed on 1.0-T system (Siemens, Magnetom) using a Helmhotz surface coil positioned at the neck. Spin-echo T1-weighted and T2-weighted multisection images were evaluated retrospectively. Signal intensities of PTA, adjacent thyroid, fat, and skeletal muscle were obtained (1) from direct region of interest determinations, and (2) visually as respective relationships of PTA to thyroid, fat, and muscle. Histologic classification was graded for (1) predominant cell type (i.e., chief or oxyphil cells), (2) acinar or solid growth pattern, (3) cystic change, (4) presence or absence of residual fat, (5) cell count per high power field, (6) heterogeneous histology, (7) gland weight, and (8) giant size (≥3 cm). The relationship of MR signal intensity to histology appears multifactorial

  6. How pinning and contact angle hysteresis govern quasi-static liquid drop transfer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, H; Tang, T; Zhao, H; Law, K-Y; Amirfazli, A

    2016-02-21

    This paper presents both experimental and numerical simulations of liquid transfer between two solid surfaces with contact angle hysteresis (CAH). Systematic studies on the role of the advancing contact angle (θa), receding contact angle (θr) and CAH in determining the transfer ratio (volume of the liquid transferred onto the acceptor surface over the total liquid volume) and the maximum adhesion force (Fmax) were performed. The transfer ratio was found to be governed by contact line pinning at the end of the transfer process caused by CAH of surfaces. A map based on θr of the two surfaces was generated to identify the three regimes for liquid transfer: (I) contact line pinning occurs only on the donor surface, (II) contact line pinning occurs on both surfaces, and (III) contact line pinning occurs only on the acceptor surface. With this map, an empirical equation is provided which is able to estimate the transfer ratio by only knowing θr of the two surfaces. The value of Fmax is found to be strongly influenced by the contact line pinning in the early stretching stage. For symmetric liquid bridges between two identical surfaces, Fmax may be determined only by θa, only by θr, or by both θa and θr, depending on the magnitude of the contact angles. For asymmetric bridges, Fmax is found to be affected by the period when contact lines are pinned on both surfaces.

  7. Optimization study on pin tip diameter of an impact-pin nozzle at high pressure ratio

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kumar, C. Palani; Lee, Kwon Hee [FMTRC, Daejoo Machinery Co. Ltd., Daegu (Korea, Republic of); Park, Tae Choon; Cha, Bong Jun [Engine Components Research Team, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Heuy Dong [Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Andong National University, Andong (Korea, Republic of)

    2016-09-15

    Wet compression system is typically installed in a gas turbine engine to increase the net power output and efficiency. A crucial component of the wet compression system is the nozzle which generates fine water droplets for injection into the compressor. The main objective of present work is to optimize a kind of nozzle called impact-pin spray nozzle and thereby produce better quality droplets. To achieve this, the dynamics occurring in the water jet impinging on the pin tip, the subsequent formation of water sheet, which finally breaks into water droplets, must be studied. In this manuscript, the progress on the numerical studies on impact-pin nozzle are reported. A small computational domain covering the orifice, pin tip and the region where primary atomization occurs is selected for numerical analysis. The governing equations are selected in three dimensional cartesian form and simulations are performed to predict the dynamics of water jet impinging on the pin. Systematic studies were carried out and the results leading to the choice of turbulence model and the effect of pin tip diameter are reported here. Further studies are proposed to show the future directions of the present research work.

  8. Self-organized critical behavior in pinned flux lattices

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pla, O.; Nori, F.

    1991-01-01

    We study the response of pinned fluxed lattices, under small perturbations in the driving force, below and close to the pinning-depinning transition. For driving Lorentz forces below F c (the depinning force at which the whole flux lattice slides), the system has instabilities against small force increases, with a power-law distribution characteristic of self-organized criticality. Specifically, D(d)∼d -1,3 , where d is the displacement of a flux line after a very small force increase. We also study the initial stages of the motion of the lattice once the driving force overcomes the pinning forces

  9. Localization of ectopic parathyroid glands using technetium-99m sestamibi imaging: comparison with magnetic resonance and computed tomographic imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ishibashi, Masatoshi; Nishida, Hidemi; Hiromatsu Yuji; Kojima, Kazuyuki; Uchida, Masafumi; Hayabuvhi, Naofumi

    1997-01-01

    The aim of the study was to compare the accuracy of technetium-99m sestamibi imaging for localization of ectopic parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism with that of magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomographic (CT) imaging. Eleven patients with primary (n=3) or secondary (n=8) hyperparathyroidism were studied with 99m Tc sestamibi parathyroid imaging CT and MR imaging. Images of the neck were acquired at 10 min and 2-3 after tracer injection. The three patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and five patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism underwent parathyroidectomy. The ectopic glands were confirmed by histopathological examination of the resected specimens. In respect of 20 parathyroid glands in the eight patients explored surgically, the sensitivity and specificity of sestamibi imaging were 70% (14/20) and 88%, respectively, those of CT, 40% (8/20) and 88%, and those of MR imaging, 60% (12/20) and 88%. Of these patients, three had parathyroid adenomas while five had hyperplasia (17 glands). Sestamibi imaging localized eight ectopic parathyroid glands, which were surgically confirmed (six were located in the thymus and two in the mediastinum). In one patient explored surgically, the ectopic gland was located outside the field of the MR coil. Although the remaining three cases of secondary hyperparathyroidism were not confirmed surgically, these patients demonstrated sestamibi uptake in five parathyroid glands, including three ectopic glands. MR imagedemonstrated abnormal parathyroid glands in the same regions as sestamibi imaging. Our data indicate that 99m Tc-sestamibi imaging should be used initially to localize the ectopic parathyroid glands in patients with hyperparathyroidism for anatomical guidance prior to MR or CT imaging

  10. Novel, selective vitamin D analog suppresses parathyroid hormone in uremic animals and postmenopausal women.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zella, Julia B; Plum, Lori A; Plowchalk, David R; Potochoiba, Michael; Clagett-Dame, Margaret; DeLuca, Hector F

    2014-01-01

    The use of 1α-hydroxylated vitamin D therapy to control secondary hyperparathyroidism in renal failure patients has been a success story, culminating with the demonstration of increased life expectancy in patients treated with these compounds. However, hypercalcemic episodes have been a recurrent problem with these therapies and have resulted in the added use of calcium mimetics. Clearly there is good reason to search for improved vitamin D therapy. In our inventory of vitamin D compounds, 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (2MD) surfaced as a potential candidate. This was based on its preferential localization in the parathyroid gland and a clear suppression of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels without a change in serum calcium in a clinical trial in postmenopausal women. 2MD has now been tested in the rat 5/6-nephrectomy model of renal failure, and in postmenopausal women to determine if it can suppress serum PTH at doses that do not elevate serum calcium and serum phosphorus concentrations. Daily oral treatment of uremic rats on 2.5 ng/bw/day of 2MD dramatically suppressed PTH without a change in serum calcium or serum phosphorus. Further, PTH was suppressed in postmenopausal women after only 3 daily oral doses of 2MD that continued for 4 weeks with no change in serum calcium or serum phosphorus. These results coupled with a pharmacokinetic half-life of ~24 h suggest that 2MD given either daily or at the time of dialysis may be a superior therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic renal failure patients.

  11. Top-nozzle mounted replacement guide pin assemblies

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gilmore, C.B.; Andrews, W.H.

    1993-01-01

    A replacement guide pin assembly is provided for aligning a nuclear fuel assembly with an upper core plate of a nuclear reactor core. The guide pin assembly includes a guide pin body having a radially expandable base insertable within a hole in the top nozzle, a ferrule insertable within the guide pin base and capable of imparting a radially and outwardly directed force on the expandable base to expand it within the hole of the top nozzle and thereby secure the guide pin body to the top nozzle in response to a predetermined displacement of the ferrule relative to the guide pin body along its longitudinal axis, and a lock screw interfitted with the ferrule and threaded into the guide pin body so as to produce the predetermined displacement of the ferrule. (author)

  12. Fuel pin bowing and related investigation of WWER-440 control rod influence on power release inside of neighbouring fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mikus, J.

    2005-01-01

    The purpose of this work consists in investigation of the WWER-440 control rod (CR) influence on space power distribution, especially from viewpoint of the values and gradient occurrence that could result in static and cyclic loads with some consequences, e.g. fuel pin bowing. As known, CR can cause power peaks in periphery fuel pins of adjacent operating assemblies because of the butt joint design of the absorbing adapter to the CR fuel part, that is, presence of the water cavity resulting in a flash up of thermal neutrons. As a consequence, beside well-known peaks in axial power distribution, above power gradients can occur inside of mentioned fuel pins. Because of complicated geometry and material composition of the CR, the detailed calculations concerning both above phenomena are complicated, too. Therefore it is useful to acquire appropriate experimental data to investigate mentioned influence and compare them with calculations. Since detailed power distributions cannot be obtained in the NPP, needed information is provided by means of experiments on research reactors. In case of measurements inside of fuel pins, special (e.g. track) detectors placed between fuel pellets are used. Such works are relatively complicated and time consuming, therefore an evaluation based on mathematical modelling and numerical approximation was proposed by means of that, and using measured power release in some selected fuel pins, information about power release inside of one of these fuel pins, can be obtained. For this purpose, an experiment on light water, zero-power research reactor LR-0 was realized and axial power distribution measurements were performed in a WWER-440 type core near to an authentic CR model. Application of the above evaluation method is demonstrated on one ''investigated'' fuel pin neighbouring CR by means of following results: 1. Axial power distribution inside of investigated fuel pin in two opposite positions on its pellets surface that are situated to

  13. Setting up a parathyroid multidisciplinary team meeting: one year's experience, outcomes and learning points.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hancox, S H; Sinnott, J D; Kirkland, P; Lipscomb, D; Owens, E; Howlett, D C

    2018-03-01

    A parathyroid multidisciplinary team meeting was set up at East Sussex Healthcare Trust, from November 2014 to November 2015, in order to improve and streamline services for patients with parathyroid pathology. Data were collected on all new referrals for hyperparathyroidism, and on the outcomes for each patient discussed at the meeting, including the number of operations and management outcomes. A survey was sent out to the members of the multidisciplinary team meeting to determine their perception of its effectiveness. Seventy-nine new referrals were discussed throughout the year; 43 per cent were recommended for surgery, 41 per cent had a trial of conservative or medical management before re-discussion, and 16 per cent required further imaging. Ninety-two per cent of patients underwent an ultrasound, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography or nuclear medicine (sestamibi) scan prior to the meeting. All ultrasound scans were performed by a consultant radiologist. The multidisciplinary team meeting has been successful, with perceived benefits for patients, improved imaging evaluation and efficiency of referral pathways, leading to more appropriate patient management.

  14. Performance measurements of hybrid PIN diode arrays

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jernigan, J.G.; Arens, J.F.; Collins, T.; Herring, J.; Shapiro, S.L.; Wilburn, C.D.

    1990-05-01

    We report on the successful effort to develop hybrid PIN diode arrays and to demonstrate their potential as components of vertex detectors. Hybrid pixel arrays have been fabricated by the Hughes Aircraft Co. by bump bonding readout chips developed by Hughes to an array of PIN diodes manufactured by Micron Semiconductor Inc. These hybrid pixel arrays were constructed in two configurations. One array format having 10 x 64 pixels, each 120 μm square, and the other format having 256 x 256 pixels, each 30 μm square. In both cases, the thickness of the PIN diode layer is 300 μm. Measurements of detector performance show that excellent position resolution can be achieved by interpolation. By determining the centroid of the charge cloud which spreads charge into a number of neighboring pixels, a spatial resolution of a few microns has been attained. The noise has been measured to be about 300 electrons (rms) at room temperature, as expected from KTC and dark current considerations, yielding a signal-to-noise ratio of about 100 for minimum ionizing particles. 4 refs., 13 figs

  15. Parathyroid adenoma apoplexy as a temporary solution of primary hyperparathyroidism: a case report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pereira Francisco A

    2007-11-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Introduction The natural history of patients with spontaneous parathyroid necrosis is unknown. In this case report we describe the clinical course, laboratory, radiographic, bone densitometry tests, parathyroid ultrasonography and scintigraphy examinations of a patient performed over a period of eight years after she first presented with a sudden episode of spontaneous resolution of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT. Case presentation A 24-year-old woman with a clinical history and laboratory and radiographic tests compatible with PHPT suffered a sudden episode of cervical pain and presented with clinical evidence of hypocalcemia. Biopsy of a cervical nodule revealed necrotic material compatible with ischemia of the parathyroid. The follow-up of the patient presented four distinct phases: the first, which lasted two years, was compatible with a period of bone hunger during which it was necessary to introduce calcitriol and calcium carbonate. During this period, the patient showed bone mass gain. The second phase was characterized by normalization of calcium and parathyroid hormone levels and its end was difficult to define. During the third phase there was a recurrence of hypercalcemia associated with elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH levels and loss of bone mass. The last phase corresponded to the interval after parathyroidectomy, which was characterized by normalization of serum levels of calcium and PTH, as well as bone mass gain. Conclusion This case report indicates that spontaneous resolution of PHPT by adenoma necrosis is potentially temporary. Thus, in cases in which a conservative approach is chosen, clinical and laboratory follow-up is indispensable. Bone mass measurement is a useful tool in the follow-up of these cases. However, this option exposes the patient to a potential roller-coaster ride of bone mass gain and loss, whose long term consequences are still unknown.

  16. Mode of failure of LMFBR fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Washburn, D.F.

    1975-01-01

    The objectives of the irradiation test described were to evaluate mixed-oxide fuel performance and to confirm the design adequacy of the FFTF fuel pins. After attainment of the initial objectives the irradiation of several of the original fuel pins was continued until a cladding breach occurred. The consequences of a cladding breach were evaluated by reconstituting the original 37-pin subassembly into two 19-pin subassemblies after a burnup at 50,000 MWd/MTM (5.2 a/o). The original pins were supplemented with fresh pins as necessary. Irradiation of the subassemblies was continued until a cladding breach occurred. Results are presented and discussed

  17. Extracellular matrix protein 1, a direct targeting molecule of parathyroid hormone–related peptide, negatively regulates chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification via associating with progranulin growth factor

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kong, Li; Zhao, Yun-Peng; Tian, Qing-Yun; Feng, Jian-Quan; Kobayashi, Tatsuya; Merregaert, Joseph; Liu, Chuan-Ju

    2016-01-01

    Chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification are precisely controlled by cellular interactions with surrounding matrix proteins and growth factors that mediate cellular signaling pathways. Here, we report that extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) is a previously unrecognized regulator of chondrogenesis. ECM1 is induced in the course of chondrogenesis and its expression in chondrocytes strictly depends on parathyroid hormone–related peptide (PTHrP) signaling pathway. Overexpression of ECM1 suppresses, whereas suppression of ECM1 enhances, chondrocyte differentiation and hypertrophy in vitro and ex vivo. In addition, target transgene of ECM1 in chondrocytes or osteoblasts in mice leads to striking defects in cartilage development and endochondral bone formation. Of importance, ECM1 seems to be critical for PTHrP action in chondrogenesis, as blockage of ECM1 nearly abolishes PTHrP regulation of chondrocyte hypertrophy, and overexpression of ECM1 rescues disorganized growth plates of PTHrP-null mice. Furthermore, ECM1 and progranulin chondrogenic growth factor constitute an interaction network and act in concert in the regulation of chondrogenesis.—Kong, L., Zhao, Y.-P., Tian, Q.-Y., Feng, J.-Q., Kobayashi, T., Merregaert, J., Liu, C.-J. Extracellular matrix protein 1, a direct targeting molecule of parathyroid hormone–related peptide, negatively regulates chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification via associating with progranulin growth factor. PMID:27075243

  18. Vortex pinning landscape in YBa2Cu3O7 films grown by hybrid liquid phase epitaxy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Maiorov, B; Kursumovic, A; Stan, L; Zhou, H; Wang, H; Civale, L; Feenstra, R; MacManus-Driscoll, J L

    2007-01-01

    The influence of film thickness and growth rate on the vortex pinning in hybrid liquid phase epitaxy (HLPE) films was explored. Film growth rates as high as 12 nm s -1 (0.7 μm min -1 ) produced high J c films. Weak or no thickness dependence was found in films of thickness ranging from 0.4 to 3 μm. Field and angular measurements of the critical current density (J c ) and the power-law exponent (N) of the current-voltage curves were used to determine the nature of pinning. Films thinner than 0.6 μm showed a higher density of correlated defects parallel to the ab plane than thicker films. Using HLPE, it was possible to achieve very strong pinning in films ∼3 μm thick, yielding critical currents over 300 A cm -1 width at self-field, and as high as 35 A cm -1 width at μ 0 H = 3 T at T = 75.5 K. Decreasing the deposition rate allowed improving the high field performance, opening up the possibility to engineer the pinning landscape of the HLPE films

  19. A model of high-rate indentation of a cylindrical striking pin into a deformable body

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zalazinskaya, E. A.; Zalazinsky, A. G.

    2017-12-01

    Mathematical modeling of an impact and high-rate indentation to a significant depth of a flat-faced hard cylindrical striking pin into a massive deformable target body is carried out. With the application of the kinematic extreme theorem of the plasticity theory and the kinetic energy variation theorem, the phase trajectories of the striking pin are calculated, the initial velocity of the striking pin in the body, the limit values of the inlet duct length, and the depth of striking pin penetration into the target are determined.

  20. 99mTc-MIBI/123I-Na subtraction scanning for localized parathyroid adenoma in patients with asymptomatic/mild primary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tanaka, Yuji; Funahashi, Hiroomi; Imai, Tsuneo

    1996-01-01

    Primary hyperparathyroidism is most commonly detected as a mild elevation of the serum calcium concentration. In the present study, the utility of 99m Tc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) imaging before initial surgery was evaluated for localizing abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with asymptomatic and mild primary hyperparathyroidism. The results were compared with those of thallium-technetium subtraction scanning (TTSS). 99m Tc-MIBI/ 123 I-Na subtraction scanning was performed in 11 patients, and TTSS was performed in 10 of them. The sensitivity was 100% and the positive predictive value was 92% for 99m Tc-MIBI/ 123 I-Na, while the sensitivity was 50% and the positive predictive value was 100% for TTSS. The smallest gland detected weighed 85 mg in 99m Tc-MIBI/ 123 I-Na, and 570 mg in TTSS. There was a difference between the median weight of adenomas which were detected by 99m Tc-MIBI/ 123 I-Na (754 mg), and those which were detected by TTSS (1,195 mg). These results suggest that TTSS parathyroid scintigraphy could give way to 99m Tc-MIBI/ 123 I-Na parathyroid scintigraphy for improved detection of low-weight abnormal parathyroid glands. (author)

  1. Collective-pinning properties of superconducting a-NbxGe and a-MoxSi films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Woerdenweber, R.

    1987-01-01

    This thesis describes a study of superconducting flux pinning in amorphous NbGe and MoSi films of various compositions and thickness. Amorphous NbGe and MoSi alloys belong to the weak-coupling type-II superconductors in the extreme dirty limit. This feature enables to determine several important superconducting parameters from well-known theoretical expressions. It is also responsible for the weak pinning, which is necessary to observe the two-dimensional collective pinning properties according to the Larkin-Ovchinnikov theory. (Auth.)

  2. Mice deleted for cell division cycle 73 gene develop parathyroid and uterine tumours: model for the hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Walls, G V; Stevenson, M; Lines, K E; Newey, P J; Reed, A A C; Bowl, M R; Jeyabalan, J; Harding, B; Bradley, K J; Manek, S; Chen, J; Wang, P; Williams, B O; Teh, B T; Thakker, R V

    2017-07-13

    The hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour (HPT-JT) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by occurrence of parathyroid tumours, often atypical adenomas and carcinomas, ossifying jaw fibromas, renal tumours and uterine benign and malignant neoplasms. HPT-JT is caused by mutations of the cell division cycle 73 (CDC73) gene, located on chromosome 1q31.2 and encodes a 531 amino acid protein, parafibromin. To facilitate in vivo studies of Cdc73 in tumourigenesis we generated conventional (Cdc73 +/- ) and conditional parathyroid-specific (Cdc73 +/L /PTH-Cre and Cdc73 L/L /PTH-Cre) mouse models. Mice were aged to 18-21 months and studied for survival, tumour development and proliferation, and serum biochemistry, and compared to age-matched wild-type (Cdc73 +/+ and Cdc73 +/+ /PTH-Cre) littermates. Survival of Cdc73 +/- mice, when compared to Cdc73 +/+ mice was reduced (Cdc73 +/- =80%; Cdc73 +/+ =90% at 18 months of age, Pfourfold higher than that in parathyroid glands of wild-type littermates (P<0.0001). Cdc73 +/- , Cdc73 +/L /PTH-Cre and Cdc73 L/L /PTH-Cre mice had higher mean serum calcium concentrations than wild-type littermates, and Cdc73 +/- mice also had increased mean serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. Parathyroid tumour development, and elevations in serum calcium and PTH, were similar in males and females. Cdc73 +/- mice did not develop bone or renal tumours but female Cdc73 +/- mice, at 18 months of age, had uterine neoplasms comprising squamous metaplasia, adenofibroma and adenomyoma. Uterine neoplasms, myometria and jaw bones of Cdc73 +/- mice had increased proliferation rates that were 2-fold higher than in Cdc73 +/+ mice (P<0.05). Thus, our studies, which have established mouse models for parathyroid tumours and uterine neoplasms that develop in the HPT-JT syndrome, provide in vivo models for future studies of these tumours.

  3. 75 MeV boron ion irradiation studies on Si PIN photodiodes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Prabhakara Rao, Y.P.; Praveen, K.C. [Department of Studies in Physics, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006 (India); Rejeena Rani, Y. [Integrated Circuits Division, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bangalore 560013, Karnataka (India); Tripathi, Ambuj [Inter University Accelerator Centre, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067 (India); Gnana Prakash, A.P., E-mail: gnanap@hotmail.com [Department of Studies in Physics, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570006 (India)

    2013-12-01

    The highly sensitive silicon PIN photodiodes were fabricated to use in radiation environments. The Si PIN photodiodes are coated with 150 nm silicon dioxide (SiO{sub 2}) as anti-reflective (AR) coating. The presence of AR coating on the performance of irradiated PIN photodiodes is studied up to a total dose of 10 Mrad. The effects of 75 MeV boron (B{sup 5+}) ions and {sup 60}Co gamma radiation on the I–V, C–V and spectral responses of PIN photodiodes were studied systematically to understand the radiation tolerance of the devices. The 75 MeV B{sup 5+} irradiation results are compared with {sup 60}Co gamma irradiated results in the same dose range for 1 mm × 1 mm and 10 mm × 10 mm active area PIN photodiodes. The irradiation results show that the ion irradiated PIN photodiodes show more degradation when compared {sup 60}Co gamma irradiated devices. The irradiation results are presented in this paper and the possible mechanism behind the degradation of photodiodes is also discussed in the paper.

  4. Flux pinning and flux flow studies in superconductors using flux flow noise techniques. Progress report, April 1, 1976--December 17, 1976

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Joiner, W.C.H.

    1976-12-01

    Measurements of flux flow noise power spectra have been combined with critical current measurements and measurements of current-voltage characteristics to study flux flow and local pinning interactions effective during flux flow. A model of flux flow noise generation in the presence of local pinning interactions is developed and applied to situations where pinning is dominated by: (1) grain boundaries, (2) normal metal precipitates in a superconducting matrix, (3) gross deformation producing a critical current peak effect, and (4) surface grooves imposed on a sample surface. In the case of pinning caused by normal metal precipitates in a superconducting matrix, unusual training and hysterisis effects are observed in the flux flow characteristics. The greater sensitivity of noise spectra, as compared with bulk critical current measurements, in obtaining a detailed picture of flux flow is emphasized

  5. The prolyl isomerase Pin1 acts synergistically with CDK2 to regulate the basal activity of estrogen receptor α in breast cancer.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chiara Lucchetti

    Full Text Available In hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, most tumors in the early stages of development depend on the activity of the estrogen receptor and its ligand, estradiol. Anti-estrogens, such as tamoxifen, have been used as the first line of therapy for over three decades due to the fact that they elicit cell cycle arrest. Unfortunately, after an initial period, most cells become resistant to hormonal therapy. Peptidylprolyl isomerase 1 (Pin1, a protein overexpressed in many tumor types including breast, has been demonstrated to modulate ERalpha activity and is involved in resistance to hormonal therapy. Here we show a new mechanism through which CDK2 drives an ERalpha-Pin1 interaction under hormone- and growth factor-free conditions. The PI3K/AKT pathway is necessary to activate CDK2, which phosphorylates ERalphaSer294, and mediates the binding between Pin1 and ERalpha. Site-directed mutagenesis demonstrated that ERalphaSer294 is essential for Pin1-ERalpha interaction and modulates ERalpha phosphorylation on Ser118 and Ser167, dimerization and activity. These results open up new drug treatment opportunities for breast cancer patients who are resistant to anti-estrogen therapy.

  6. BARS - a heterogeneous code for 3D pin-by-pin LWR steady-state and transient calculation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Avvakumov, A.V.; Malofeev, V.M.

    2000-01-01

    A 3D pin-by-pin dynamic model for LWR detailed calculation was developed. The model is based on a coupling of the BARS neutronic code with the RELAP5/MOD3.2 thermal hydraulic code. This model is intended to calculate a fuel cycle, a xenon transient, and a wide range of reactivity initiated accidents in a WWER and a PWR. Galanin-Feinberg heterogeneous method was realized in the BARS code. Some results for a validation of the heterogeneous method are presented for reactivity coefficients, a pin-by-pin power distribution, and a fast pulse transient. (Authors)

  7. Temperature and pinning strength dependence of the critical current of a superconductor with a square periodic array of pinning sites

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Benkraouda, M.; Obaidat, I.M.; Al Khawaja, U.

    2006-01-01

    We have conducted extensive series of molecular dynamic simulations on driven vortex lattices interacting with periodic square arrays of pinning sites. In solving the over damped equation of vortex motion we took into account the vortex-vortex repulsion interaction, the attractive vortex-pinning interaction, and the driving Lorentz force at several values of temperature. We have studied the effect of varying the driving Lorentz force and varying the pinning strength on the critical current for several pinning densities, and temperature values. We have found that the pinning strength play an important role in enhancing the critical current over the whole temperature range. At low temperatures, the critical current was found to increase linearly with increasing the pinning strengths for all pinning densities. As the temperature increases, the effect of small pinning strengths diminishes and becomes insignificant at high temperatures

  8. Single phase computed tomography is equivalent to dual phase method for localizing hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a retrospective review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fanny Morón

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available Objective This study aims to compare the sensitivity of dual phase (non-contrast and arterial versus single phase (arterial CT for detection of hyper-functioning parathyroid glands in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Methods The CT scans of thirty-two patients who have biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism, pathologically proven parathyroid adenomas, and pre-operative multiphase parathyroid imaging were evaluated retrospectively in order to compare the adequacy of single phase vs. dual phase CT scans for the detection of parathyroid adenomas. Results The parathyroid adenomas were localized in 83% of cases on single arterial phase CT and 80% of cases on dual phase CT. The specificity for localization of parathyroid tumor was 96% for single phase CT and 97% for dual phase CT. The results were not significantly different (p = 0.695. These results are similar to those found in the literature for multiphase CT of 55–94%. Conclusions Our study supports the use of a single arterial phase CT for the detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid adenomas. Advances in knowledge: a single arterial phase CT has similar sensitivity for localizing parathyroid adenomas as dual phase CT and significantly reduces radiation dose to the patient.

  9. Development of spectral history methods for pin-by-pin core analysis method using three-dimensional direct response matrix

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mitsuyasu, T.; Ishii, K.; Hino, T.; Aoyama, M.

    2009-01-01

    Spectral history methods for pin-by-pin core analysis method using the three-dimensional direct response matrix have been developed. The direct response matrix is formalized by four sub-response matrices in order to respond to a core eigenvalue k and thus can be recomposed at each outer iteration in the core analysis. For core analysis, it is necessary to take into account the burn-up effect related to spectral history. One of the methods is to evaluate the nodal burn-up spectrum obtained using the out-going neutron current. The other is to correct the fuel rod neutron production rates obtained the pin-by-pin correction. These spectral history methods were tested in a heterogeneous system. The test results show that the neutron multiplication factor error can be reduced by half during burn-up, the nodal neutron production rates errors can be reduced by 30% or more. The root-mean-square differences between the relative fuel rod neutron production rate distributions can be reduced within 1.1% error. This means that these methods can accurately reflect the effects of intra- and inter-assembly heterogeneities during burn-up and can be used for core analysis. Core analysis with the DRM method was carried out for an ABWR quarter core and it was found that both thermal power and coolant-flow distributions were smoothly converged. (authors)

  10. Pinning synchronization of a mobile agent network

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Lei; Sun, You-xian

    2009-01-01

    We investigate the problem of controlling a group of mobile agents in a plane in order to move them towards a desired orbit via pinning control, in which each agent is associated with a chaotic oscillator coupled with those of neighboring agents, and the pinning strategy is to have the common linear feedback acting on a small fraction of agents by random selection. We explore the effects of the pinning probability, feedback gains and agent density in the pinning synchronization of a mobile agent network under a fast-switching constraint, and perform numerical simulations for validation. In particular, we show that there exists a critical pinning density for network synchronization with an unbounded region: above the threshold, the dynamical network can be controlled by pinning; below it, anarchy prevails. And for the network with a single bounded synchronization region, pinning control has little effect as regards enhancing network synchronizability

  11. Pin cell discontinuity factors in the transient 3-D discrete ordinates code TORT-TD - 237

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Seubert, A.

    2010-01-01

    This paper describes the application of generalized equivalence theory to the time-dependent 3-D discrete ordinates neutron transport code TORT-TD. The introduction of pin cell discontinuity factors into the discrete ordinates transport equation is described by assuming a linear dependence of the homogenized neutron angular flux within a pin cell which may be discontinuous at the interfaces to adjacent cells. The homogenized flux discontinuity at cell interfaces is expressed by pin cell discontinuity factors which in turn are determined from fuel assembly lattice calculations using HELIOS. Application of TORT-TD to the all rods in state of the PWR MOX/UO 2 Core Transient Benchmark with pin cell homogenized nuclear cross sections demonstrate the potential of pin cell discontinuity factors to reduce pin cell homogenization errors. (authors)

  12. Parathyroid hormone and vitamin D--markers for cardiovascular and all cause mortality in heart failure

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Schierbeck, Louise Lind; Jensen, Torben Slott; Bang, Ulrich

    2011-01-01

    To investigate levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in a population of heart failure (HF) patients, and to evaluate whether vitamin D and PTH are related to prognosis.......To investigate levels of vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) in a population of heart failure (HF) patients, and to evaluate whether vitamin D and PTH are related to prognosis....

  13. The use of cinacalcet in pregnancy to treat a complex case of parathyroid carcinoma.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nadarasa, K; Bailey, M; Chahal, H; Raja, O; Bhat, R; Gayle, C; Grossman, A B; Druce, M R

    2014-01-01

    We present the case of a patient with metastatic parathyroid carcinoma whose hypercalcaemia was medically managed through two pregnancies. The diagnosis was made when the patient presented with chronic knee pain and radiological findings consistent with a brown tumour, at the age of 30. Her corrected calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly elevated. Following localisation studies, a right parathyroidectomy was performed with histology revealing parathyroid carcinoma, adherent to thyroid tissue. Aged 33, following biochemical recurrence of disease, the patient underwent a second operation. A subsequent CT and FDG-PET revealed bibasal pulmonary metastases. Aged 35, the patient was referred to our unit for treatment of persistent hypercalcaemia. The focus of treatment at this time was debulking metastatic disease using radiofrequency ablation. Despite advice to the contrary, the patient conceived twice while taking cinacalcet. Even though there are limited available data regarding the use of cinacalcet in pregnancy, both pregnancies continued to term with the delivery of healthy infants, using intensive medical management for persistent hypercalcaemia. Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism.Hypercalcaemia during pregnancy can result in significant complications for both the mother and the foetus.The use of high-dose cinacalcet in pregnancy has been shown, in this case, to aid in the management of resistant hypercalcaemia without teratogenicity.

  14. Vortex lattice melting, pinning and kinetics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Doniach, S.; Ryu, S.; Kapitulnik, A.

    1994-01-01

    The phenomenology of the high T c superconductors is discussed both at the level of the thermodynamics of melting of the Abrikosov flux lattice and in terms of the melting and kinetics of the flux lattice for a pinned system. The authors review results on 3D melting obtained by a Monte Carlo simulation approach in which the 2D open-quotes pancakeclose quotes vortices are treated as statistical variables. The authors discuss pinning in the context of the strong pinning regime in which the vortex density given in terms of the applied field B is small compared to that represented by an effective field B pin measuring the pinning center density. The authors introduce a new criterion for the unfreezing of a vortex glass on increase of magnetic field or temperature, in the strong pinning, small field unit. The authors model this limit in terms of a single flux line interacting with a columnar pin. This model is studied both analytically and by computer simulation. By applying a tilt potential, the authors study the kinetics of the vortex motion in an external current and show that the resulting current-voltage characteristic follows a basic vortex glass-like scaling relation in the vicinity of the depinning transition

  15. Pin fin compliant heat sink with enhanced flexibility

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schultz, Mark D.

    2018-04-10

    Heat sinks and methods of using the same include a top and bottom plate, at least one of which has a plurality of pin contacts flexibly connected to one another, where the plurality of pin contacts have vertical and lateral flexibility with respect to one another; and pin slice layers, each having multiple pin slices, arranged vertically between the top and bottom plates such that the plurality of pin slices form substantially vertical pins connecting the top and bottom plates.

  16. Clinical utility of ultrasound and 99mTc sestamibi SPECT/CT for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Patel, C.N.; Salahudeen, H.M.; Lansdown, M.; Scarsbrook, A.F.

    2010-01-01

    Aim: To evaluate the accuracy of ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy using single photon-emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for the preoperative localization of solitary parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who would be suitable for minimally invasive parathyroid surgery. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of 63 consecutive patients with biochemical evidence of primary hyperparathyroidism referred for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma that proceeded to surgery in the same institution. All patients underwent high-resolution ultrasound and Technetium-99m sestamibi scintigraphy with planar and SPECT/CT imaging. The accuracy of preoperative imaging was compared to surgical and histological findings as the reference standard. Results: Fifty-nine patients had solitary parathyroid adenomas, three patients had multiglandular hyperplasia, and one patient had multiple parathyroid adenomas confirmed at surgery and histology. Thirty-five solitary parathyroid adenomas were identified preoperatively with ultrasound (64%) and 53 with SPECT-CT (90%). Concordant ultrasound and SPECT/CT findings were found in 35 cases (59%). An additional three adenomas were found with ultrasound alone and 18 adenomas with SPECT/CT alone. Fifty-one of the 56 adenomas localized using combined ultrasound and SPECT/CT were found at the expected sites during surgery. Combined ultrasound and SPECT/CT has an overall sensitivity of 95% and accuracy of 91% for the preoperative localization of solitary parathyroid adenomas. Conclusions: The combination of ultrasound and SPECT/CT has incremental value in accurately localizing solitary parathyroid adenomas over either technique alone, and allows selection of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism who would be suitable for minimally invasive surgery.

  17. Multilevel parallel strategy on Monte Carlo particle transport for the large-scale full-core pin-by-pin simulations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, B.; Li, G.; Wang, W.; Shangguan, D.; Deng, L.

    2015-01-01

    This paper introduces the Strategy of multilevel hybrid parallelism of JCOGIN Infrastructure on Monte Carlo Particle Transport for the large-scale full-core pin-by-pin simulations. The particle parallelism, domain decomposition parallelism and MPI/OpenMP parallelism are designed and implemented. By the testing, JMCT presents the parallel scalability of JCOGIN, which reaches the parallel efficiency 80% on 120,000 cores for the pin-by-pin computation of the BEAVRS benchmark. (author)

  18. Spontaneous Resolution of Primary Hyperparathyroidism in Parathyroid Adenoma

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sara J. Micale

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available A 71 yo woman with primary hyperparathyroidism awaiting surgery because of significant hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria presented to the local emergency department with the chief complaints of discomfort in her neck, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. She was found to be hypocalcemic with a calcium level of 8.1 mg/dL. She was seen by her endocrinologist three days later at which time serum calcium, iPTH, and serum phosphate levels were all within normal limits. Based on history and a series of ultrasounds the patient was diagnosed with spontaneous infarction of her parathyroid adenoma, which resulted in resolution of her primary hyperparathyroidism.

  19. Development of 3D pseudo pin-by-pin calculation methodology in ANC

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, B.; Mayhue, L.; Huria, H.; Ivanov, B.

    2012-01-01

    Advanced cores and fuel assembly designs have been developed to improve operational flexibility, economic performance and further enhance safety features of nuclear power plants. The simulation of these new designs, along with strong heterogeneous fuel loading, have brought new challenges to the reactor physics methodologies currently employed in the industrial codes for core analyses. Control rod insertion during normal operation is one operational feature in the AP1000 R plant of Westinghouse next generation Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) design. This design improves its operational flexibility and efficiency but significantly challenges the conventional reactor physics methods, especially in pin power calculations. The mixture loading of fuel assemblies with significant neutron spectrums causes a strong interaction between different fuel assembly types that is not fully captured with the current core design codes. To overcome the weaknesses of the conventional methods, Westinghouse has developed a state-of-the-art 3D Pin-by-Pin Calculation Methodology (P3C) and successfully implemented in the Westinghouse core design code ANC. The new methodology has been qualified and licensed for pin power prediction. The 3D P3C methodology along with its application and validation will be discussed in the paper. (authors)

  20. Investigation of gene expression and serum levels of PIN1 and eNOS with high blood pressure in patients with Alzheimer disease.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Azimi, Mina; Nikanfar, Masoud; Khakikhatibi, Fatemeh; Rahbarghazi, Reza; Nourazarian, Seyed Manuchehr; Biray Avci, Cigir; Nourazarian, Alireza

    2017-09-01

    According to evidence, Alzheimer's disease is known as one of the most serious neurodegenerative diseases, for which hypertension has been observed to be a key risk factor. Therefore, this study aims to examine the relationship between the PIN1 and eNOS genes expression, as well as serum levels and hypertension in Alzheimer's disease sufferers. Blood samples were obtained from subjects who were divided into four groups: the control group, normotensive Alzheimer's patients, the Alzheimer's sufferers group with hypertension, and the healthy group with only hypertension, considering the inhibition of confounding factors. Thereafter, eNOS and PIN1 genes expression along with serum levels were studied. Based on the obtained results, a statistically significant correlation didn't exist between serum level of PIN1 and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure, between serum level of eNOS and diastolic blood pressure in the norm tension Alzheimer's disease patients, between serum levels of PIN1, eNOS and systolic blood pressure, and between serum eNOS and systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the patients with hypertension (pdiseases in Alzheimer's disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. The Pinning by Particles of Low and High Angle Grain Boundaries during Grain Growth

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tweed, C.J.; Ralph, B.; Hansen, Niels

    1984-01-01

    A study has been made using transmission electron microscopy of the pinning of grain boundaries in aluminium during grain growth by fine dispersions of alumina particles. The boundary parameters have been determined with precision and the pinning effects measured using an approach due to Ashby...

  2. Performance of fast reactor mixed-oxide fuels pins during extended overpower transients

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tsai, H.; Neimark, L.A.; Asaga, T.; Shikakura, S.

    1991-02-01

    The Operational Reliability Testing (ORT) program, a collaborative effort between the US Department of Energy and the Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corp. (PNC) of Japan, was initiated in 1982 to investigate the behavior of mixed-oxide fuel pin under various slow-ramp transient and duty-cycle conditions. In the first phase of the program, a series of four extended overpower transient tests, with severity sufficient to challenge the pin cladding integrity, was conducted. The objectives of the designated TOPI-1A through -1D tests were to establish the cladding breaching threshold and mechanisms, and investigate the thermal and mechanical effects of the transient on pin behavior. The tests were conducted in EBR-2, a normally steady-state reactor. The modes of transient operation in EBR-2 were described in a previous paper. Two ramp rates, 0.1%/s and 10%/s, were selected to provide a comparison of ramp-rate effects on fuel behavior. The test pins chosen for the series covered a range of design and pre-test irradiation parameters. In the first test (1A), all pins maintained their cladding integrity during the 0.1%/s ramp to 60% peak overpower. Fuel pins with aggressive designs, i.e., high fuel- smear density and/or thin cladding, were, therefore, included in the follow-up 1B and 1C tests to enhance the likelihood of achieving cladding breaching. In the meantime, a higher pin overpower capability, to greater than 100%, was established by increasing the reactor power limit from 62.5 to 75 MWt. In this paper, the significant results of the 1B and 1C tests are presented. 4 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab

  3. Improved efficiency of NiOx-based p-i-n perovskite solar cells by using PTEG-1 as electron transport layer

    Science.gov (United States)

    Groeneveld, Bart G. H. M.; Najafi, Mehrdad; Steensma, Bauke; Adjokatse, Sampson; Fang, Hong-Hua; Jahani, Fatemeh; Qiu, Li; ten Brink, Gert H.; Hummelen, Jan C.; Loi, Maria Antonietta

    2017-07-01

    We present efficient p-i-n type perovskite solar cells using NiOx as the hole transport layer and a fulleropyrrolidine with a triethylene glycol monoethyl ether side chain (PTEG-1) as electron transport layer. This electron transport layer leads to higher power conversion efficiencies compared to perovskite solar cells with PCBM (phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester). The improved performance of PTEG-1 devices is attributed to the reduced trap-assisted recombination and improved charge extraction in these solar cells, as determined by light intensity dependence and photoluminescence measurements. Through optimization of the hole and electron transport layers, the power conversion efficiency of the NiOx/perovskite/PTEG-1 solar cells was increased up to 16.1%.

  4. Timing analysis of PWR fuel pin failures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jones, K.R.; Wade, N.L.; Katsma, K.R.; Siefken, L.J.; Straka, M.

    1992-09-01

    Research has been conducted to develop and demonstrate a methodology for calculation of the time interval between receipt of the containment isolation signals and the first fuel pin failure for loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs). Demonstration calculations were performed for a Babcock and Wilcox (B ampersand W) design (Oconee) and a Westinghouse (W) four-loop design (Seabrook). Sensitivity studies were performed to assess the impacts of fuel pin bumup, axial peaking factor, break size, emergency core cooling system availability, and main coolant pump trip on these times. The analysis was performed using the following codes: FRAPCON-2, for the calculation of steady-state fuel behavior; SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 and TRACPF1/MOD1, for the calculation of the transient thermal-hydraulic conditions in the reactor system; and FRAP-T6, for the calculation of transient fuel behavior. In addition to the calculation of fuel pin failure timing, this analysis provides a comparison of the predicted results of SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 and TRAC-PFL/MOD1 for large-break LOCA analysis. Using SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 thermal-hydraulic data, the shortest time intervals calculated between initiation of containment isolation and fuel pin failure are 10.4 seconds and 19.1 seconds for the B ampersand W and W plants, respectively. Using data generated by TRAC-PF1/MOD1, the shortest intervals are 10.3 seconds and 29.1 seconds for the B ampersand W and W plants, respectively. These intervals are for a double-ended, offset-shear, cold leg break, using the technical specification maximum peaking factor and applied to fuel with maximum design bumup. Using peaking factors commensurate widi actual bumups would result in longer intervals for both reactor designs. This document also contains appendices A through J of this report

  5. Application of carbon nanoparticles in lymph node dissection and parathyroid protection during thyroid cancer surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Wang L

    2017-02-01

    Full Text Available Lun Wang, Dong Yang, Jun-Yuan Lv, Dan Yu, Shi-Jie Xin Department of Vascular and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China Purpose: To investigate whether carbon nanoparticles (CNs are helpful in identifying lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes and in parathyroid protection during thyroid cancer surgery. Methods: English and Chinese literature in PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, China Biology Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Master’s and Doctoral Theses Full-Text Database, Wanfang database, and Cqvip database were searched (till March 22, 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs that compared the use of CNs with a blank control in patients undergoing thyroid cancer surgery were included. Quality assessment and data extraction were performed, and a meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.1 software. The primary outcomes were the number of retrieved central lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes, and the rate of accidental parathyroid removal. Results: We obtained 149 relevant studies, and only 47 RCTs with 4,605 patients (CN group: n=2,197; blank control group: n=2,408 met the inclusion criteria. Compared with the control group, the CN group was associated with more retrieved lymph nodes/patient (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 3.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.73–4.05, more retrieved metastatic lymph nodes (WMD: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.61–1.35, lower rate of accidental parathyroid removal, and lower rates of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia. However, the total metastatic rate of the retrieved lymph nodes did not differ between the groups (odds ratio: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.87–1.47, P=0.35. Conclusion: CNs can improve the extent of neck dissection and protect the parathyroid glands during thyroid cancer surgery. And the number of identified metastatic lymph nodes can be simultaneously increased

  6. [Acid-base homeostasis and the thyro-parathyroid glands].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cuisinier-Gleizes, P; George, A; Thomasset, M; Mathieu, H

    1975-05-12

    Chronic metabolic acidosis entails hyperparathyroidism and osteopathy. In order to elucidate the role of the thyroparathyroids in this bone lesion production the effects of acidic diet for 7 weeks were studied in parathyroidectomized (PTX), thyroparathyroidectomized (TPTX) and shamoperated (Sh-O) growing rats. In all animals urinary excretion of calcium, phosphate, ammonium and titrable acidity was similarly increased. The rise in hydroxyproline excretion and urinary 85-sr (that was injected previous to acidic feeding) was more marked in PTX and TPTX rats. Moreover, in these animals the serum calcium level was increased, the blood pH was decreased. According to these data, an acidic diet intake that is not sufficient to elicit a fall in blood pH of normal young rats can induce severe acidosis in chronically parathyroidectomized or thyroparathyroidectomized animals; moreover the bone resorption appears more marked. It is concluded that parathyroids are involved in the extra-cellular fluid defense mechanism against acidosis by a no bone resorptive mechanism. We hypothesize that the parathyroids permit the necessary and adequate supply of bicarbonates by the bone to maintain blood pH homeostasis.

  7. Integral Fast Reactor fuel pin processor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Levinskas, D.

    1993-01-01

    This report discusses the pin processor which receives metal alloy pins cast from recycled Integral Fast Reactor (IFR) fuel and prepares them for assembly into new IFR fuel elements. Either full length as-cast or precut pins are fed to the machine from a magazine, cut if necessary, and measured for length, weight, diameter and deviation from straightness. Accepted pins are loaded into cladding jackets located in a magazine, while rejects and cutting scraps are separated into trays. The magazines, trays, and the individual modules that perform the different machine functions are assembled and removed using remote manipulators and master-slaves

  8. Preoperative evaluation of hyperparathyroidism. The role of dual-phase parathyroid scintigraphy and ultrasound imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sukan, A.; Reyhan, M.; Aydin, M.; Yapar, A.F.; Aktas, A.; Sert, Y.; Canpolat, T.

    2008-01-01

    The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dual-phase 99mTc-methoxyisobutylnitrile (MIBI) parathyroid scintigraphy (PS) and ultrasound (US) in primary (pHPT) and secondary (sHPT) hyperparathyroidism. A total of 69 patients (mean age 47±16; age range 14-79 years), including 19 patients with sHPT were enrolled in this study. Preoperative serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, calcium (Ca), phosphate (P), alkaline phosphatase, and 24-h urinary-free Ca measurements were obtained. Concomitant thyroid pathology was also recorded. Histopathology revealed 30 solitary adenomas and 71 hyperplastic glands in 55 patients. The remaining patients' histopathology revealed normal parathyroid, thyroid, or lymph nodes. The sensitivities of MIBI and US in pUPT were 70% and 60%, respectively. It was 60% for both procedures in sHPT. The overall sensitivity of combined US+MIBI in pHPT and sHPT was 81% and 71%, respectively. The overall specificity of MIBI and US was 87% and 91%; positive predictive value (PPV) was 94% and 92%, respectively. MIBI and US identified the parathyroid pathology in 92% and 85% of patients in the non-concomitant thyroid disease group, and in 53% and 47% of patients in the concomitant thyroid disease group, respectively. The weight of the gland between primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism did not reveal a significant difference (P=0.4). Significant differences were found with respect to age, PTH, Ca, and P levels between the pHPT and sHPT (P<0.001). Intact PTH levels showed significant differences between MIBI positive and negative patients (P=0.013), and also US positive and negative patients (P=0.012). A significant negative correlation was found between iPTH and Ca at sHPT (P<0.001). The concomitancy of thyroid disease greatly influences scintigraphic and ultrasonographic detection of parathyroid pathology in pHPT and sHPT. The combination of MIBI and US appears promising for localizing parathyroid pathology in patients with both

  9. Effect of oil around the pin boss bearing on bearing friction force; Piston pin jikuukebu kinbo no junkatsuyu ga masatsuryoku ni oyobosu eikyo

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Takiguchi, M; Suhara, T; Ato, S; Someya, T [Musashi Institute of Technology, Tokyo (Japan)

    1997-10-01

    Piston pin bearings are engine parts placed under severe lubricating condition because of the high unit load and temperature and the low sliding speeds. Therefore, they are vulnerable to many lubrication problems such as abnormal wear, scuffs and seizures. In our recent study, the bearing friction were measured using a original measuring device and it was found out that the lubricating conditions of piston pin boss bearings are non-fluid lubrication due to the oil starvation. In this study, we have also measured the lubricating oil behavior around the pin boss bearing using a special cylinder with glass window, and analyzed the relationship between the friction force and the oil behavior at the pin boss bearings in a actual operating gasoline engine. 2 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.

  10. Flux pinning in MOD YBCO films by chemical doping

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhou, Y X; Ghalsasi, S; Rusakova, I; Salama, K

    2007-01-01

    A novel nanomaterial synthesis technique has been developed to introduce 0D (particles), 1D (columnar defects) and 3D (domains) nanoscale pinning centres in MOD Y 1 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 (YBCO) coated conductors. We have succeeded in introducing nanoscale Y enriched particles, nanoscale 90 0 rotated Y 1/3 Sm 2/3 Ba 2 Cu 3 O 7 domains and nanoscale Zr enriched columnar defects into YBCO layers by different chemical doping. The pinning force density in Y 2 O 3 -doped YBCO film is found to be larger than that of pure YBCO film at all fields. Also it was found that YBCO films with Sm substituting for Y have yielded improved critical current density characteristics over a wide range of magnetic fields. Maximum pinning force densities exceeding 7 and 8 GN m -3 are obtained in 5% BZO-doped and Sm substituted YBCO films, respectively. Additionally, TEM studies revealed nanoscale Zr enriched columnar defects distributing in the matrix of the c-oriented YBCO film throughout the whole cross section. This indicates that chemical doping is a promising fabrication technique to create specific pinning landscapes in YBCO coated conductors

  11. FABRICE process for the refrabrication of experimental pins in a hot cell, from pins pre-irradiated in power reactors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vignesoult, N.; Atabek, R.; Ducas, S.

    1982-06-01

    The Fabrice ''hot cell refabrication'' process for small pins from very long irradiated fuel elements was developed at the CEA to allow parametric studies of the irradiation behavior of pins from nuclear power plants. Since this operation required complete assurance of the validity of the process, qualification of the fabrication was performed on test pins, refabricated in the hot cell, as well as irradiation qualification. The latter qualification was intended to demonstrate that, in identical experimental irradiation conditions, the refabricated Fabrice pins behaved in the same way as whole pins with the same initial characteristics. This qualification of the Fabrice process, dealing with more than twenty pins at different burnups, showed that fabrication did not alter: the inherent characteristics of the sampled fuel element and the irradiation behavior of the sampled fuel element [fr

  12. Effect of TheraCyte-encapsulated parathyroid cells on lumbar fusion in a rat model

    OpenAIRE

    Chen, Sung-Hsiung; Huang, Shun-Chen; Lui, Chun-Chung; Lin, Tzu-Ping; Chou, Fong-Fu; Ko, Jih-Yang

    2012-01-01

    Introduction Implantation of TheraCyte 4 × 106 live parathyroid cells can increase the bone marrow density of the spine of ovariectomized rats. There has been no published study examining the effect of such implantation on spinal fusion outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of TheraCyte-encapsulated parathyroid cells on posterolateral lumbar fusions in a rat model. Materials and methods Forty Sprague-Dawley rats underwent single-level, intertransverse process spinal fu...

  13. Radioimmunoassay of parathyroid hormone: past and future

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yalow, R.S.

    1986-01-01

    In this report on radioimmunoassay of parathyroid hormone (iPTH) it was shown that the rate of disappearance of iPTH from plasma differed markedly in patients with primary hyperthyroidism or those with uremia and secondary hyperparathyroidism and that for each patient the rate of disappearance depended on the antiserum used for assay. The heterogeneity of iPTH in plasma was soon rapidly confirmed in many laboratories. (Auth.)

  14. A pinning puzzle: two similar, non-superconducting chemical deposits in YBCO-one pins, the other does not

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Sawh, Ravi-Persad; Weinstein, Roy; Gandini, Alberto; Skorpenske, Harley; Parks, Drew, E-mail: Weinstein@uh.ed [Beam Particle Dynamics Laboratories, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5005 (United States); Department of Physics, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5005 (United States); Texas Center for Superconductivity at UH, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204-5002 (United States)

    2009-09-15

    The pinning effects of two kinds of U-rich deposits in YBCO (YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub 7-{delta}}) are compared. One is a five-element compound, (U{sub 0.6}Pt{sub 0.4})YBa{sub 2}O{sub 6}, which is a paramagnetic double perovskite which forms as profuse stable nanosize deposits, and pins very well. The other is a four-element compound, (U{sub 0.4}Y{sub 0.6})BaO{sub 3}, which is a ferromagnetic single perovskite which forms as profuse stable nanosize deposits and pins very weakly or not at all. The pinning comparison is done with nearly equal deposit sizes and number of deposits per unit volume for the two compounds. Evidence for the pinning capability, chemical makeup, x-ray diffraction signature, and magnetic properties of the two compounds is reported.

  15. Tapered leaf support pin for operating plant guide tubes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Land, J.T.; Hopkins, R.J.; Ford, D.E.

    1991-01-01

    This patent describes a mounting system for removably mounting the lower flange of a control rod guide tube over an opening in the upper core plate of a nuclear reactor comprising at least one elongated support pin mounted on the guide tube lower flange and resiliently receivable in a bore formed in the upper core plate. It comprises a support pin having a longitudinal axis and comprising a first pin portion mountable on the guide tube lower flange, and a second pin portion receivable within the upper core plate bore, the second pin portion including a solid body section adjacent the first pin portion and having an outer diameter which is accommodated by the bore by a close clearance fit; locking means mounted on the first pin portion of the support pin for retaining the guide tube lower flange between the solid body section of the second pin portion and the locking means; and a washer disposed around the first pin portion between the locking means and the control rod guide tube flange, the washer and the locking means including mutually engaging rounded surfaces for eliminating bending moments and stresses on the support pin during mounting of the locking means on the first pin portion of the support pin

  16. Mapping the Landscape of Domain-Wall Pinning in Ferromagnetic Films Using Differential Magneto-Optical Microscopy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Badea, Robert; Berezovsky, Jesse

    2016-06-01

    The propagation of domain walls in a ferromagnetic film is largely determined by domain-wall pinning at defects in the material. In this article, we map the effective potential landscape for domain-wall pinning in permalloy films by raster scanning a single ferromagnetic vortex and monitoring the hysteretic vortex displacement vs applied magnetic field. The measurement is carried out using a differential magneto-optical microscopy technique which yields spatial sensitivity of approximately 10 nm. We present a simple algorithm for extracting an effective pinning potential from the measurement of vortex displacement vs applied field. The resulting maps of the pinning potential reveal distinct types of pinning sites, which we attribute to quasi-zero-, one-, and two-dimensional defects in the permalloy film.

  17. Irradiation of TZM: Uranium dioxide fuel pin at 1700 K

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mcdonald, G. E.

    1973-01-01

    A fuel pin clad with TZM and containing solid pellets of uranium dioxide was fission heated in a static helium-cooled capsule at a maximum surface temperature of 1700 K for approximately 1000 hr and to a total burnup of 2.0 percent of the uranium-235. The results of the postirradiation examination indicated: (1) A transverse, intergranular failure of the fuel pin occurred when the fuel pin reached 2.0-percent burnup. This corresponds to 1330 kW-hr/cu cm, where the volume is the sum of the fuel, clad, and void volumes in the fuel region. (2) The maximum swelling of the fuel pin was less than 1.5 percent on the fuel-pin diameter. (3) There was no visible interaction between the TZM clad and the UO2. (4) Irradiation at 1700 K produced a course-grained structure, with an average grain diameter of 0.02 centimeter and with some of the grains extending one-half of the thickness of the clad. (5) Below approximately 1500 K, the irradiation of the clad produced a moderately fine-grained structure, with an average grain diameter of 0.004 centimeter.

  18. One- and two-dimension effects on fuel pin lifetime

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stephen, J.D.; Biancheria, A.; Leibnitz, D.; O'Reilly, B.D.; Liu, Y.Y.; Labar, M.P.; Gneiting, B.C.

    1979-01-01

    Lifetime, or breach of the cladding, is a difficult performance limit to establish in fuel pin design. The significant benefits of high plant capacity factor favor conservative design to eliminate downtime or partial power operation caused by the breach limit; however, overly conservative design produces significant penalties. The LIFE system is being applied to help understand the range between operation and breach so that appropriate design margins can be selected. Standards are being developed in the USA to assure the structural integrity of all core components. These standards will provide guidelines to account for the failure mechanisms observed in the high temperature, high fluence core environment. The work to date indicates that creep rupture is the most important failure mechanism for mixed-oxide fuel pins during normal operation and slow power changes. The local cumulative creep rupture damage fraction (CDF) has been adopted as the parameter to assess the approach to failure. Several oxide breached pins and siblings have been studied For example, the P23B-73 pin was an FFTR driver design pin irradiated in EBR-II which failed at 10 at,% burnup. Initial evaluation based on LIFE3 led to the conclusion that the pin should not have failed. Further analyses determined the sensitivity of the breach prediction to the time-to-rupture correlation, cladding temperature, and fuel-fission product swelling (which had not been modeled in LIFE3). The uncertainties in the time-to-rupture correlation have been established. But LIFE is a one-dimensional model. The TWOD code is complete, and development of the best way to couple LIFE and TWOD for lifetime analysis is in progress. Two preliminary conclusions from analysis of representative oxide pin geometries are, first, that the circumferential stress distribution may not peak at the hot spot, but the damage (CDF) does. And second, that the effect of stress concentrations near fuel cracks on cladding creep damage is small

  19. Performance of IN-706 and PE-16 cladding in mixed-oxide fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Makenas, B.J.; Lawrence, L.A.; Jensen, B.W.

    1982-05-01

    Iron-nickel base, precipitation-strengthened alloys, IN-706 and PE-16, advanced alloy cladding considered for breeder reactor applications, were irradiated in mixed-oxide fuel pins in the HEDL-P-60 subassembly in EBR-II. Initial selection of candidate advanced alloys was done using only nonfueled materials test results. However, to establish the performance characteristics of the candidate cladding alloys, i.e., dimensional stability and structural integrity under conditions of high neutron flux, elevated temperature, and applied stress, it was necessary to irradiate fuel pins under typical operating conditions. Fuel pins were clad with solution treated IN-706 and PE-16 and irradiated to peak fluences of 6.1 x 10 22 n/cm 2 (E > .1 MeV) and 8.8 x 10 22 n/cm 2 (E > .1 MeV) respectively. Fabrication and operating parameters for the fuel pins with the advanced cladding alloy candidates are summarized. Irradiation of HEDL-P-60 was interrupted with the breach of a pin with IN-706 cladding at 5.1 at % and the test was terminated with cladding breach in a pin with PE-16 cladding at 7.6 at %

  20. Expression of a gymnosperm PIN homologous gene correlates with auxin immunolocalization pattern at cotyledon formation and in demarcation of the procambium during Picea abies somatic embryo development and in seedling tissues.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Palovaara, Joakim; Hallberg, Henrik; Stasolla, Claudio; Luit, Bert; Hakman, Inger

    2010-04-01

    In seed plants, the body organization is established during embryogenesis and is uniform across gymnosperms and angiosperms, despite differences during early embryogeny. Evidence from angiosperms implicates the plant hormone auxin and its polar transport, mainly established by the PIN family of auxin efflux transporters, in the patterning of embryos. Here, PaPIN1 from Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.), a gene widely expressed in conifer tissues and organs, was characterized and its expression and localization patterns were determined with reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization during somatic embryo development and in seedlings. PaPIN1 shares the predicted structure of other PIN proteins, but its central hydrophilic loop is longer than most PINs. In phylogenetic analyses, PaPIN1 clusters with Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. PIN3, PIN4 and PIN7, but its expression pattern also suggests similarity to PIN1. The PaPIN1 expression signal was high in the protoderm of pre-cotyledonary embryos, but not if embryos were pre-treated with the auxin transport inhibitor N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA). This, together with a high auxin immunolocalization signal in this cell layer, suggests a role of PaPIN1 during cotyledon formation. At later stages, high PaPIN1 expression was observed in differentiating procambium, running from the tip of incipient cotyledons down through the embryo axis and to the root apical meristem (RAM), although the mode of RAM specification in conifer embryos differs from that of most angiosperms. Also, the PaPIN1 in situ signal was high in seedling root tips including root cap columella cells. The results thus suggest that PaPIN1 provides an ancient function associated with auxin transport and embryo pattern formation prior to the separation of angiosperms and gymnosperms, in spite of some morphological differences.

  1. Use of transfixation pin casts to treat adult horses with comminuted phalangeal fractures: 20 cases (1993-2003).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Joyce, Jolynn; Baxter, Gary M; Sarrafian, Tiffany L; Stashak, Ted S; Trotter, Gayle; Frisbie, Dave

    2006-09-01

    To determine the clinical applications, short and long-term survival, and complications of using transfixation pin casts for treatment of comminuted phalangeal fractures in adult horses. Retrospective case series. 20 horses. Medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding signalment, fracture location, treatment methods, complications, and short-term survival (discharge from hospital). Long-term follow-up information was obtained via contact with owners or trainers. 12 fractures were in a hind limb, and 8 were in a forelimb. Fourteen fractures occurred in a middle phalanx, and 6 occurred in a proximal phalanx. Eleven fractures were treated with internal fixation combined with transfixation pin casts, and 9 fractures were treated with transfixation pin casts alone. Transfixation pin casts were maintained for a mean of 52 days (median, 49 days; range, 1 to 131 days). Fourteen (70%) horses were discharged from the hospital, whereas 6 (30%) were euthanized during the treatment period. Reasons for euthanasia included secondary fracture of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone, avascularity of the distal aspect of the limb associated with an open fracture, and displacement of the fracture after transfixation pin cast removal. A significantly greater number of horses was discharged from the hospital when the transfixation pin cast was maintained for > 40 days, compared with those in which the transfixation pin cast was maintained for horses should be maintained in a transfixation pin cast for a minimum of 40 days, as this was associated with an increase in short-term survival without an increased risk of catastrophic failure.

  2. Thermal management of electronics using phase change material based pin fin heat sinks

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Baby, R; Balaji, C

    2012-01-01

    This paper reports the results of an experimental study carried out to explore the thermal characteristics of phase change material based heat sinks for electronic equipment cooling. The phase change material (PCM) used in this study is n – eicosane. All heat sinks used in the present study are made of aluminium with dimensions of 80 × 62 mm 2 base with a height of 25 mm. Pin fins acts as the thermal conductivity enhancer (TCE) to improve the distribution of heat more uniformly as the thermal conductivity of the PCM is very low. A total of three different pin fin heat sink geometries with 33, 72 and 120 pin fins filled with phase change materials giving rise to 4%, 9% and 15% volume fractions of the TCE respectively were experimentally investigated. Baseline comparisons are done with a heat sink filled with PCM, without any fin. Studies are conducted for heat sinks on which a uniform heat load is applied at the bottom for the finned and unfinned cases. The effect of pin fins of different volume fractions with power levels ranging from 4 to 8 W corresponding to a heat flux range of 1. 59 to 3.17 kW/m 2 , was explored in this paper. The volume fraction of the PCM (PCM volume / (Total volume – fin volume)) is also varied as 0. 3, 0.6 and 1 to determine the effect of PCM volume on the overall performance of the electronic equipment.

  3. Transient survivability of LMR oxide fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Weber, E.T.; Pitner, A.L.; Bard, F.E.; Culley, G.E.; Hunter, C.W.

    1986-01-01

    Fuel pin integrity during transient events must be assessed for both the core design and safety analysis phases of a reactor project. A significant increase in the experience related to limits of integrity for oxide fuel pins in transient overpower events has been realized from testing of fuel pins irradiated in FFTF and PFR. Fourteen FFTF irradiated fuel pins were tested in TREAT, representing a range of burnups, overpower ramp rates and maximum overpower conditions. Results of these tests along with similar testing in the PFR/TREAT program, provide a demonstration of significant safety margins for oxide fuel pins. Useful information applied in analytical extrapolation of fuel pin test data have been developed from laboratory transient tests on irradiated fuel cladding (FCTT) and on unirradiated fuel pellet deformation. These refinements in oxide fuel transient performance are being applied in assessment of transient capabilities of long lifetime fuel designs using ferritic cladding

  4. Preoperative localization of supernumerary and ectopic parathyroid glands in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tominaga, Yoshihiro; Kano, Tadayuki; Tanaka, Yuji; Uchida, Kazuharu; Yamada, Nobuo; Kawai, Machio; Takagi, Hiroshi.

    1989-01-01

    The undetectable supernumerary and ectopic parathyroid glands have a high risk of persistent and recurrent hyperparathyroidism, especially in the patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Preoperative image diagnosis, CT scan, echogram and 201 TlCl scintigram were very useful for detecting supernumerary and ectopic parathyroid glands in our 132 patients who underwent parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Among these methods the scintigraphy showed the highest detection rate of the glands located in the thyroid gland and those located between the thyroid gland and trachea. The echography was useful in detecting the glands in the thyroid gland, but could not offer easy visualization those located in the mediastinum. Even the ectopic parathyroid glands, weighing more than 500 mg were identifiable at about 90% when all the methods were applied routinely. In our experience, four patients had a supernumerary gland which was detected by the preoperative image diagnostic procedures at the initial surgery. One patient had a supernumerary gland in the mediastinum which was detected by image diagnosis after the initial operation and was removed at reoperation. (author)

  5. Probabilistic distributions of pin gaps within a wire-spaced fuel subassembly and sensitivities of the related uncertainties to pin gap

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sakai, K.; Hishida, H.

    1978-01-01

    Probabilistic fuel pin gap distributions within a wire-spaced fuel subassembly and sensitivities of the related uncertainties to fuel pin gaps are discussed. The analyses consist mainly of expressing a local fuel pin gap in terms of sensitivity functions of the related uncertainties and calculating the corresponding probabilistic distribution through taking all the possible combinations of the distribution of uncertainties. The results of illustrative calculations show that with the reliability level of 0.9987, the maximum deviation of the pin gap at the cladding hot spot of a center fuel subassembly is 8.05% from its nominal value and the corresponding probabilistic pin gap distribution is shifted to the narrower side due to the external confinement of a pin bundle with a wrapper tube. (Auth.)

  6. Coincidence of scintigraphic false positive and false negative findings in parathyroid and thyroid adenomas (case report)

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mana, O.; Zatta, G.; Boccolari, S.; Barbesti, S.; Tarolo, G.L.

    1987-04-01

    The subtractive double tracer scintigraphy with /sup 201/Tl and /sup 99m/Tc is a useful technique in studying parathyroid nodules; nevertheless, this method can give misleading informations especially in presence of thyroid nodules with false positive and false negative findings. In this case report the technique was applied in studying a patient with three nodules (two thyroid adenomas and one parathyroid adenoma), where both scintigraphic and echographic methods provided misleading informations. The selective uptake of /sup 201/Tl in the upper region of the right thyroid lobe gave a false positive finding, while the increased uptake of /sup 99m/Tc in a hyperfunctioning thyroid adenoma of left lobe masked the parathyroid adenoma laying below, giving a false negative finding.

  7. Cesium migration in LMFBR fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Karnesky, R.A.; Jost, J.W.; Stone, I.Z.

    1978-10-01

    The factors affecting the axial migration of cesium in mixed oxide fuel pins and the effects of cesium migration on fuel pin performance are examined. The development and application of a correlated model which will predict the occurrence of cesium migration in a mixed oxide (75 w/o UO 2 + 25 w/o PuO 2 ) fuel pins over a wide range of fabrication and irradiation conditions are described

  8. Calculation of fuel pin failure timing under LOCA conditions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jones, K.R.; Wade, N.L.; Siefken, L.J.; Straka, M.; Katsma, K.R.

    1991-10-01

    The objective of this research was to develop and demonstrate a methodology for calculation of the time interval between receipt of the containment isolation signals and the first fuel pin failure for loss-of-coolant accidents (LOCAs). Demonstration calculations were performed for a Babcock and Wilcox (B ampersand W) design (Oconee) and a Westinghouse (W) 4-loop design (Seabrook). Sensitivity studies were performed to assess the impacts of fuel pin burnup, axial peaking factor, break size, emergency core cooling system (ECCS) availability, and main coolant pump trip on these items. The analysis was performed using a four-code approach, comprised of FRAPCON-2, SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3, TRAC-PF1/MOD1, and FRAP-T6. In addition to the calculation of timing results, this analysis provided a comparison of the capabilities of SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 with TRAC-PF1/MOD1 for large-break LOCA analysis. This paper discusses the methodology employed and the code development efforts required to implement the methodology. The shortest time intervals calculated between initiation of containment isolation and fuel pin failure were 11.4 s and 19.1 for the B ampersand W and W plants, respectively. The FRAP-T6 fuel pin failure times calculated using thermal-hydraulic data generated by SCDAP/RELAP5/MOD3 were more conservative than those calculated using data generated by TRAC-PF1/MOD1. 18 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs

  9. An analysis of preoperative localization of parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism associated with thyroid diseases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Komatsu, Makoto; Inoue, Kazuaki; Itoh, Atsuko.

    1996-01-01

    Recently hyperparathyroidism associated with some thyroid diseases, especially nonmedually thyroid carcinoma has been payed attention to. In this study we analyzed 12 cases of hyperparathyroidism (6 cases independent of thyroid diseases and 6 cases associated with thyroid diseases) and estimated the affect of association with thyroid diseases on the preoperative localization of the parathyroid glands. The results of preoperative localization of the parathyroid glands in cases independent of thyroid diseases were relatively satisfactory. On the other hand, the preoperative localization in cases associated with thyroid diseases came to false result in about half of them. It was far from satisfactory. Association of thyroid diseases strongly affected the preoperative localization of the parathyroid glands in hyperparathyroidism. Conventional imaging such as ultrasonography, CT, MRI and 201 Tl- 99m TC subtraction scintigraphy alone were not satisfactory. Now 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy is expected to be one of reliable imaging methods for progress in the preoperative localization. (author)

  10. Intraoperative measurement of parathyroid hormone: A Copernican revolution in the surgical treatment of hyperparathyroidism.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gioviale, Maria Concetta; Damiano, Giuseppe; Altomare, Roberta; Maione, Carolina; Buscemi, Salvatore; Buscemi, Giuseppe; Lo Monte, Attilio Ignazio

    2016-04-01

    Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring in the setting of the operating room represents a valuable example of the rationale use of the laboratory diagnostic in a patient-oriented approach. Rapid intraoperative PTH (ioPTH) assay is a valid tool for an accurate evaluation of the success of parathyroid surgery. The reliability of the user-friendly portable systems as well as the collaboration between operators and surgical staff allow the one-site monitoring of the ioPTH decrements on the course of the surgical management of hyperparathyroidism. The rapid answer provided by an effective decrement of PTH during parathyroidectomy contributes dramatically to the efficacy of parathyroid surgery and the reduction of the number of re-operations. Therefore the dose of ioPTH is a valid and reliable support for the success of the intervention of parathyroidectomy at controlled costs. Copyright © 2015 IJS Publishing Group Limited. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Symmetric Pin Diversion Detection using a Partial Defect Detector (PDET)

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sitaraman, S.; Ham, Y.S.

    2009-01-01

    Since the signature from the Partial Defect Detector (PDET) is principally dependent on the geometric layout of the guide tube locations, the capability of the technique in detecting symmetric diversion of pins needs to be determined. The Monte Carlo simulation study consisted of cases where pins were removed in a symmetric manner and the resulting signatures were examined. In addition to the normalized gamma-to-neutron ratios, the neutron and gamma signatures normalized to their maximum values, were also examined. Examination of the shape of the three curves as well as of the peak-to-valley differences in excess of the maximum expected in intact assemblies, indicated pin diversion. A set of simulations with various symmetric patterns of diversion were examined. The results from these studies indicated that symmetric diversions as low as twelve percent could be detected by this methodology

  12. Automated fuel pin loading system

    Science.gov (United States)

    Christiansen, D.W.; Brown, W.F.; Steffen, J.M.

    An automated loading system for nuclear reactor fuel elements utilizes a gravity feed conveyor which permits individual fuel pins to roll along a constrained path perpendicular to their respective lengths. The individual lengths of fuel cladding are directed onto movable transports, where they are aligned coaxially with the axes of associated handling equipment at appropriate production stations. Each fuel pin can be be reciprocated axially and/or rotated about its axis as required during handling steps. The fuel pins are inerted as a batch prior to welding of end caps by one of two disclosed welding systems.

  13. Sodium Loop Safety Facility W-2 experiment fuel pin rupture detection system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hoffman, M.A.; Kirchner, T.L.; Meyers, S.C.

    1980-05-01

    The objective of the Sodium Loop Safety Facility (SLSF) W-2 experiment is to characterize the combined effects of a preconditioned full-length fuel column and slow transient overpower (TOP) conditions on breeder reactor (BR) fuel pin cladding failures. The W-2 experiment will meet this objective by providing data in two technological areas: (1) time and location of cladding failure, and (2) early post-failure test fuel behavior. The test involves a seven pin, prototypic full-length fast test reactor (FTR) fuel pin bundle which will be subjected to a simulated unprotected 5 cents/s reactivity transient overpower event. The outer six pins will provide the necessary prototypic thermal-hydraulic environment for the center pin

  14. Aldosterone and parathyroid hormone: a precarious couple for cardiovascular disease

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Tomaschitz, A.; Ritz, E.; Pieske, B.; Fahrleitner-Pammer, A.; Kienreich, K.; Horina, J.H.; Drechsler, C.; Marz, W.; Ofner, M.; Pieber, T.R.; Pilz, S.

    2012-01-01

    Animal and human studies support a clinically relevant interaction between aldosterone and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and suggest an impact of the interaction on cardiovascular (CV) health. This review focuses on mechanisms behind the bidirectional interactions between aldosterone and PTH and

  15. Robustness of pinning a general complex dynamical network

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang Lei; Sun Youxian

    2010-01-01

    This Letter studies the robustness problem of pinning a general complex dynamical network toward an assigned synchronous evolution. Several synchronization criteria are presented to guarantee the convergence of the pinning process locally and globally by construction of Lyapunov functions. In particular, if a pinning strategy has been designed for synchronization of a given complex dynamical network, then no matter what uncertainties occur among the pinned nodes, synchronization can still be guaranteed through the pinning. The analytical results show that pinning control has a certain robustness against perturbations on network architecture: adding, deleting and changing the weights of edges. Numerical simulations illustrated by scale-free complex networks verify the theoretical results above-acquired.

  16. Flux pinning behaviors of Ti and C co-doped MgB{sub 2} superconductors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yang, Y.; Zhao, D.; Shen, T.M.; Li, G.; Zhang, Y. [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Levitation Technologies and Maglev Trains (Ministry of Education of China), Superconductivity R and D Center (SRDC), Mail Stop 165, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031 (China); Feng, Y. [Northwest Institute for Nonferrous Metal Research, P.O. Box 51, Xian, Shaanxi 710016 (China); Western Superconductivity Technology Company, Xian (China); Cheng, C.H. [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Levitation Technologies and Maglev Trains (Ministry of Education of China), Superconductivity R and D Center (SRDC), Mail Stop 165, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, NSW (Australia); Zhang, Y.P. [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Levitation Technologies and Maglev Trains (Ministry of Education of China), Superconductivity R and D Center (SRDC), Mail Stop 165, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031 (China); Zhao, Y. [Key Laboratory of Magnetic Levitation Technologies and Maglev Trains (Ministry of Education of China), Superconductivity R and D Center (SRDC), Mail Stop 165, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, NSW (Australia)], E-mail: yzhao@swjtu.edu.cn

    2008-09-15

    Flux pinning behavior of carbon and titanium concurrently doped MgB{sub 2} alloys has been studied by ac susceptibility and dc magnetization measurements. It is found that critical current density and irreversibility field of MgB{sub 2} have been significantly improved by doping C and Ti concurrently, sharply contrasted to the situation of C-only-doped or Ti-only-doped MgB{sub 2} samples. AC susceptibility measurement reveals that the dependence of the pinning potential on the dc applied field of Mg{sub 0.95}Ti{sub 0.05}B{sub 1.95}C{sub 0.05} has been determined to be U(B{sub dc}){proportional_to}B{sub dc}{sup -1} compared to that of MgB{sub 2}U(B{sub dc}){proportional_to}B{sub dc}{sup -1.5}. As to the U(J) behavior, a relationship of U(J) {proportional_to} J{sup -0.17} is found fitting well for Mg{sub 0.95}Ti{sub 0.05}B{sub 1.95}C{sub 0.05} with respect to U(J) {proportional_to} J{sup -0.21} for MgB{sub 2}. All the results reveal a strong enhancement of the high field pinning potential in C and Ti co-doped MgB{sub 2}.

  17. Pinning Mechanisms in YBCO Tapes

    CERN Document Server

    Spera, Marcello; Ballarino, Amalia

    2015-01-01

    In this thesis work, a study on flux pinning mechanisms of commercial YBCO tapes is presented. This study has been performed via critical current characterization using transport (via direct I-V curves) and magnetization (via a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer) measurements. The latter ones turned out to be better concerning the comprehension of the pinning landscape of the provided samples, as a wider range of magnetic fields and temperatures is available for those measurements in the setup I used. The comparison of the experimental data with existing theoretical models allowed me to draw a picture of the pinning mechanisms underlying in each sample, and they turned out to be quite different one another. Moreover, for high-performance research tapes, another interesting feature has been found: the counterplay between the self-field critical current and the in-field one. Very well engineered artificial pinning structures limit the self-field critical current density due to the hi...

  18. Fuel-pin cladding transient failure strain criterion

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bard, F.E.; Duncan, D.R.; Hunter, C.W.

    1983-01-01

    A criterion for cladding failure based on accumulated strain was developed for mixed uranium-plutonium oxide fuel pins and used to interpret the calculated strain results from failed transient fuel pin experiments conducted in the Transient Reactor Test (TREAT) facility. The new STRAIN criterion replaced a stress-based criterion that depends on the DORN parameter and that incorrectly predicted fuel pin failure for transient tested fuel pins. This paper describes the STRAIN criterion and compares its prediction with those of the stress-based criterion

  19. Pressure and Temperature of the Room 1 for the Pipe Break Accidents of the 3-Pin Fuel Test Loop

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, S. K.; Chi, D. Y.; Sim, B. S.; Park, K. N.; Ahn, S. H.; Lee, J. M.; Lee, C. Y.; Kim, H. R

    2005-08-15

    This report deals with the prediction of the pressure and temperature of the room 1 for the pipe break accidents of the 3-pin fuel test loop. The 3-pin fuel test loop is an experimental facility for nuclear fuel tests at the operation conditions similar to those of PWR and CANDU power plants. Because the most processing systems of the 3-pin fuel test loop are placed in the room 1. The structural integrity of the room 1 should be evaluated for the postulated accident conditions. Therefore the pressures and temperatures of the room 1 needed for the structural integrity evaluation have been calculated by using MARS code. The pressures and temperatures of the room 1 have been calculated in various conditions such as the thermal hydraulic operation parameters, the locations of pipe break, and the thermal properties of the room 1 wall. It is assumed that the pipe break accident occurs in the letdown operation without regeneration, because the mass and energy release to the room 1 is expected to be the largest. As a result of the calculations the maximum pressure and temperature are predicted to be 208kPa and 369.2K(96.0 .deg. C) in case the heat transfer is considered in the room 1 wall. However the pressure and temperature are asymptotically 243kPa and 378.1K(104.9 .deg. C) assuming that the heat transfer does not occur in the room 1 wall.

  20. Enhanced pinning in superconducting thin films with graded pinning landscapes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Motta, M.; Colauto, F.; Ortiz, W. A.; Fritzsche, J.; Cuppens, J.; Gillijns, W.; Moshchalkov, V. V.; Johansen, T. H.; Sanchez, A.; Silhanek, A. V.

    2013-05-01

    A graded distribution of antidots in superconducting a-Mo79Ge21 thin films has been investigated by magnetization and magneto-optical imaging measurements. The pinning landscape has maximum density at the sample border, decreasing linearly towards the center. Its overall performance is noticeably superior than that for a sample with uniformly distributed antidots: For high temperatures and low fields, the critical current is enhanced, whereas the region of thermomagnetic instabilities in the field-temperature diagram is significantly suppressed. These findings confirm the relevance of graded landscapes on the enhancement of pinning efficiency, as recently predicted by Misko and Nori [Phys. Rev. B 85, 184506 (2012)].

  1. Evaluation of parathyroid imaging methods with 99mTc-MIBI. The comparison of planar images obtained using a pinhole collimator and a parallel-hole collimator

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fujii, Hirofumi; Iwasaki, Ryuichiro; Hashimoto, Jun; Nakamura, Kayoko; Kunieda, Etsuo; Sanmiya, Toshikazu; Kubo, Atsushi; Ogawa, Koichi; Inagaki, Kazutoshi

    1999-01-01

    Parathyroid scintigraphy with 99m Tc-MIBI was performed using two kinds of collimators, namely, a pinhole one and a parallel-hole one, to evaluate which one was more suitable for the detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesions. In the studies using 99m Tc source, the pinhole collimator showed better efficiency and spatial resolution in the distance where the parathyroid scan are actually performed. In the phantom study, the nodular activities modeling parathyroid lesions were visualized better on the images obtained using the pinhole collimator. In clinical studies for 30 patients suspicious of hyperparathyroidism, hyperfunctioning parathyroid nodules were better detected when the pinhole collimator was used. In conclusion, the pinhole collimator was thought to be more suitable for parathyroid scintigraphy with 99m Tc-MIBI than the parallel-hole collimator. (author)

  2. Evaluating Approaches to Rendering Braille Text on a High-Density Pin Display.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Morash, Valerie S; Russomanno, Alexander; Gillespie, R Brent; OModhrain, Sile

    2017-10-13

    Refreshable displays for tactile graphics are typically composed of pins that have smaller diameters and spacing than standard braille dots. We investigated configurations of high-density pins to form braille text on such displays using non-refreshable stimuli produced with a 3D printer. Normal dot braille (diameter 1.5 mm) was compared to high-density dot braille (diameter 0.75 mm) wherein each normal dot was rendered by high-density simulated pins alone or in a cluster of pins configured in a diamond, X, or square; and to "blobs" that could result from covering normal braille and high-density multi-pin configurations with a thin membrane. Twelve blind participants read MNREAD sentences displayed in these conditions. For high-density simulated pins, single pins were as quickly and easily read as normal braille, but diamond, X, and square multi-pin configurations were slower and/or harder to read than normal braille. We therefore conclude that as long as center-to-center dot spacing and dot placement is maintained, the dot diameter may be open to variability for rendering braille on a high density tactile display.

  3. The key role of {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT in the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma: a case report

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, Qing; Pan, Jiemin; Luo, Quanyong; Wang, Yan; Bao, Yuqian; Jia, Weiping, E-mail: wpjia@sjtu.edu.cn, E-mail: wpjia@yahoo.com [Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People' s Hospital, Shanghai (China)

    2015-06-15

    The concomitant occurrence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to parathyroid adenoma and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is not common. The co-occurrence of parathyroid tumors and thyroid diseases can lead to misdiagnosis owing to mutual interference of imaging in the early period of disease. The most commonly used imaging techniques for the preoperative localization of parathyroid and thyroid adenomas are technetium-99m sestamibi ({sup 99m}Tc-MIBI) scintigraphy and ultrasonography of the neck. Recently, {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI single-photon emission computed tomography associated with computed tomography scintigraphy (SPECT/CT) has been used to detect PHPT, and its diagnostic value is being evaluated. Herein, we report a patient with an unusual co-occurrence of parathyroid adenoma and multiple thyroid diseases, including papillary thyroid carcinoma, thyroid adenoma and lymphocytic thyroiditis, which were localized with {sup 99}mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT and confirmed surgically. We suggest that {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI SPECT/CT can play an important role in the diagnosis of parathyroid and thyroid lesions. (author)

  4. The comparison of Tc99m-pertechnetate/mibi subtraction and double phase Tc99m-mibi techniques in parathyroid imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bilkay, Ue.; Erinc, R.; Karapolat, I.; Kumanlioglu, K.

    2001-01-01

    Experienced parathyroid surgeons can localize nearly %90-95 of the abnormal parathyroid glands with total thyroid bed exploration. For this reason, for the first surgical exploration preoperative imaging of the gland could be considered unnecessary. However, localization of the abnormal parathyroid tissue preoperatively could be beneficial in ectopic adenomas which consists %20 of all adenomas and also in shortening surgical procedure in single adenomas with the use of unilateral exploration. Re-exploration after an unsuccessful surgery is the most widely accepted indication for parathyroid imaging. Today, although Tc99m-MIBI is the accepted radionuclide with the advantages of giving better image quality with lower radiation dose over Tl-201, for imaging hyper functioning parathyroid tissue, there is no consensus on the ideal imaging protocol. Single-tracer double-phase imaging (STDP) and dual-tracer subtraction technique (Tc99m-pertechnetate/Tc99m-MIBI) (DTST) are proposed protocols using Tc99m-MIBI. The aim of this ongoing study is; to compare STDP imaging with DTST and to compare sensitivity of pinhole and high resolution parallel hole images in STDP protocol

  5. In vitro evaluation of four methods of attaching transfixation pins into a fiberglass cast for use in horses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    McClure, S R; Watkins, J P; Hogan, H A

    1996-07-01

    To compare the axial stability provided by 4 methods of attaching transfixation pins into a fiberglass cast. Axial stability of 4 methods of transfixation pin attachment to a fiberglass cast cylinder was determined in vitro. Methods of attachment included simple incorporation of the pins into the cast, placement of a washer and nut on the pin and incorporation into the cast, extension of pins beyond the cast and attachment to a steel halo, and washers within the cast and attachment to a steel halo. A model was designed to simulate a transfixation cast applied to the equine metacarpus. 8 identical constructs were present in each of the 4 groups. 6 fiberglass cylinders were also tested to identify the contribution of the cast cylinder to the overall stability of the transfixation cast. Load-sufficient curves were recorded, and a stiffness modulus was calculated for each treatment group and for a simple fiberglass cylinder without transfixation pins. There was no significant difference among the 4 methods of attachment. The fiberglass cast material appears to be the major determinant of axial stability.

  6. Javelin, Arrow, Dart and Pin Games of Native American Women of the Plains.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pesavento, Wilma J.; Pesavento, Lisa C.

    This study was designed to determine (1) the arrow, dart, javelin, and pin games of Native American girls and women of the Great Plains, (2) the geographical spread of the games within the culture area, and (3) the characteristics of the various games. Data for this investigation were researched from "Annual Reports of the Bureau of American…

  7. Modifications of transaxillary approach in endoscopic da Vinci-assisted thyroid and parathyroid gland surgery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Al Kadah, Basel; Piccoli, Micaela; Mullineris, Barbara; Colli, Giovanni; Janssen, Martin; Siemer, Stephan; Schick, Bernhard

    2015-03-01

    Endoscopic surgery for treatment of thyroid and parathyroid pathologies is increasingly gaining attention. The da Vinci system has already been widely used in different fields of medicine and quite recently in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Herein, we report about modifications of the transaxillary approach in endoscopic surgery of thyroid and parathyroid gland pathologies using the da Vinci system. 16 patients suffering from struma nodosa in 14 cases and parathyroid adenomas in two cases were treated using the da Vinci system at the ENT Department of Homburg/Saar University and in cooperation with the Department of General Surgery in New Sant'Agostino Hospital, Modena/Italy. Two different retractors, endoscopic preparation of the access and three different incision modalities were used. The endoscopic preparation of the access allowed us to have a better view during preparation and reduced surgical time compared to the use of a headlamp. To introduce the da Vinci instruments at the end of the access preparation, the skin incisions were over the axilla with one incision in eight patients, two incisions in four patients and three incisions in a further four patients. The two and three skin incisions modality allowed introduction of the da Vinci instruments without arm conflicts. The use of a new retractor (Modena retractor) compared to a self-developed retractor made it easier during the endoscopic preparation of the access and the reposition of the retractor. The scar was hidden in the axilla and independent of the incisions selected, the cosmetic findings were judged by the patients to be excellent. The neurovascular structures such as inferior laryngeal nerve, superior laryngeal nerve and vessels, as well as the different pathologies, were clearly 3D visualized in all 16 cases. No paralysis of the vocal cord was observed. All patients had a benign pathology in their histological examination. The endoscopic surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid gland can be

  8. FFTF fuel pin design bases and performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cox, C.M.; Hanson, J.E.; Roake, W.E.; Slember, R.J.; Weber, C.E.; Millunzi, A.C.

    1975-04-01

    The FFTF fuel pin was conservatively designed to meet thermal and structural performance requirements in the categories normal operation, upset events, emergency events, and hypothetical, faulted events. The fuel pin operating limits consistent with these requirements were developed from a strong fuel pin irradiation testing program scoped to define the performance capability under relevant steady state and transient conditions. Comparison of the results of the irradiation testing program with design requirements indicates that the FFTF fuel pin can exceed its goal burnup of 80,000 MWd/MTM. (U.S.)

  9. Ferromagnetic artificial pinning centers in multifilamentary superconducting wires

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, J.Q.; Rizzo, N.D.; Prober, D.E.

    1997-01-01

    The authors fabricated multifilamentary NbTi wires with ferromagnetic (FM) artificial pinning centers (APCs) to enhance the critical current density (J c ) in magnetic fields. They used a bundle and draw technique to process the APC wires with either Ni or Fe as the pinning centers. Both wires produced higher J c in the high field range (5-9 T) than previous non-magnetic APC wires similarly processed, even though the authors have not yet optimized pin percentage. Using a magnetometer they found that the pins remained ferromagnetic for the wires with maximum J c . However, they did observe a substantial loss of FM material for the wires where the pin diameter approached 3 nm. Thus, they expect further enhancement of J c with better pin quality

  10. Pinning control of complex networked systems synchronization, consensus and flocking of networked systems via pinning

    CERN Document Server

    Su, Housheng

    2013-01-01

    Synchronization, consensus and flocking are ubiquitous requirements in networked systems. Pinning Control of Complex Networked Systems investigates these requirements by using the pinning control strategy, which aims to control the whole dynamical network with huge numbers of nodes by imposing controllers for only a fraction of the nodes. As the direct control of every node in a dynamical network with huge numbers of nodes might be impossible or unnecessary, it’s then very important to use the pinning control strategy for the synchronization of complex dynamical networks. The research on pinning control strategy in consensus and flocking of multi-agent systems can not only help us to better understand the mechanisms of natural collective phenomena, but also benefit applications in mobile sensor/robot networks. This book offers a valuable resource for researchers and engineers working in the fields of control theory and control engineering.   Housheng Su is an Associate Professor at the Department of Contro...

  11. Automation of FBTR fuel pin inspection using FPGA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Khare, K.M.; Pai, Siddhesh; Pant, Brijesh; Sendhil Raja, S.; Gupta, P.K.

    2011-01-01

    A non-contact metrology system for inspection of FBTR fuel pins has been developed. The system consists of a stepper motors driven mechanism for orientation and positioning of FBTR fuel pin, a telecentric imaging system, absolute linear encoder with 0.1 μm resolution and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPCA) based controller. The FBTR pin assembly is telecentrically illuminated from bottom by a red LED and its shadow graph is imaged using a CCD camera through telecentric imaging lens system. For system control and automation we have used a FPGA that has integrated soft picoblaze processor, X-θ axis motion controller, custom IPs for encoder data acquisition, synchronization circuit, RS485 interface along with other l/Os. Using the Graphical User Interface (GUI) on a PC the system is initialized at home position and the controller provides the trigger signal for start of data acquisition of CCD camera. CCD image of pin and the corresponding X-θ information is captured. After the acquisition of one set of images, the imaging module is moved with a step size pre-programmed to ensure proper stitching of acquired images. The GUI is programmed to analyze these X-θ Images to calculate the required parameters of the fuel pin like the diameter variation, pitch and bow. The details of the instrument and measurements made with it will be presented. (author)

  12. Dynamic Phases in Driven Vortex Lattices in Superconductors with Periodic Pinning Arrays.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Reichhardt, C.; Olson, C. J.; Nori, F.

    1997-03-01

    In an extensive series of simulations of driven vortices interacting with periodic pinning arrays, an extremely rich variety of novel plastic flow phases, very distinct from those observed in random arrays, are found as a function of applied driving force. We show that signatures of the transitions between these different dynamical phases appear as pronounced jumps and dips in the I-V curves, coinciding with marked changes in the microscopic structure and flow behavior of the vortex lattice. When the number of vortices is greater than the number of pinning sites, we observe up to six distinct dynamical phases, including a pinned phase, a flow of interstitial vortices between pinned vortices, a disordered flow, a 1D flow along the pinning rows, and a homogeneous flow. By varying a wide range of microscopic pinning parameters, including pinning strength, size, density, and degree of ordering, as well as varying temperature and commensurability, we obtain a series of dynamic phase diagrams. nori>A short video will also be presented to highlight these different dynamic phases.

  13. Cell polarity and patterning by PIN trafficking through early endosomal compartments in Arabidopsis thaliana.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hirokazu Tanaka

    2013-05-01

    Full Text Available PIN-FORMED (PIN proteins localize asymmetrically at the plasma membrane and mediate intercellular polar transport of the plant hormone auxin that is crucial for a multitude of developmental processes in plants. PIN localization is under extensive control by environmental or developmental cues, but mechanisms regulating PIN localization are not fully understood. Here we show that early endosomal components ARF GEF BEN1 and newly identified Sec1/Munc18 family protein BEN2 are involved in distinct steps of early endosomal trafficking. BEN1 and BEN2 are collectively required for polar PIN localization, for their dynamic repolarization, and consequently for auxin activity gradient formation and auxin-related developmental processes including embryonic patterning, organogenesis, and vasculature venation patterning. These results show that early endosomal trafficking is crucial for cell polarity and auxin-dependent regulation of plant architecture.

  14. Nano-engineered pinning centres in YBCO superconducting films

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Crisan, A., E-mail: adrian.crisan@infim.ro [National Institute for Materials Physics Bucharest, 105 bis Atomistilor Str., 077125 Magurele (Romania); School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham (United Kingdom); Dang, V.S. [School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham (United Kingdom); Nano and Energy Center, VNU Hanoi University of Science, 334 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi (Viet Nam); Mikheenko, P. [School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT Birmingham (United Kingdom); Department of Physics, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1048 Blindern, N-0316 Oslo (Norway)

    2017-02-15

    Highlights: • Power applications of YBCO films/coated conductors in technological relevant magnetic fields requires nano-engineered pinning centre. • Three approaches have been proposed: substrate decoration, quasi-multilayers, and targets with secondary phase nano-inclusions. • Combination of all three approaches greatly increased critical current in YBCO films. • Bulk pinning force, pinning potential, and critical current density are estimated and discussed in relation with the type and strength of pinning centres related to the defects evidenced by Transmission Electron Microscopy. - Abstract: For practical applications of superconducting materials in applied magnetic fields, artificial pinning centres in addition to natural ones are required to oppose the Lorentz force. These pinning centres are actually various types of defects in the superconductor matrix. The pinning centres can be categorised on their dimension (volume, surface or point) and on their character (normal cores or Δκ cores). Different samples have been produced by Pulsed Laser Deposition, with various thicknesses, temperatures and nanostructured additions to the superconducting matrix. They have been characterized by SQUID Magnetic Properties Measurement System and Physical Properties Measurement System, as well as by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Correlations between pinning architecture, TEM images, and critical currents at various fields and field orientations will be shown for a large number of YBa{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub x} films with various types and architectures of artificial pinning centres.

  15. Maxillary brown tumor as initial presentation of parathyroid adenoma: A case report

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hon-Ke Sia

    2012-07-01

    Full Text Available Brown tumor is a rare late-stage skeletal change caused by long-term stimulation of excess parathyroid hormone. It is not neoplastic, but a reparative cellular process. Common sites of brown tumor are the ribs, clavicle, long bones and pelvic girdle. Solitary maxillary brown tumor as initial presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism is rare; it is often accompanied by brown tumors of the other facial bones. Here, we present the first case of solitary maxillary brown tumor in a 29-year-old ethnic Chinese woman with initial presentation of a large tumor filling the left maxillary sinus. Underlying long-standing primary hyperparathyroidism caused by a large parathyroid adenoma was finally diagnosed. Brown tumor tends to be misdiagnosed as malignancy, and delayed diagnosis of the underlying hyperparathyroidism is common. Our case validates the suggestion that young women have a higher probability of brown tumor. Biopsy of the suspicious bone tumor and blood tests for calcium and parathyroid hormone level are crucial and essential to reach the correct diagnosis. Most brown tumors show spontaneous regression after parathyroidectomy. However, direct excision of the brown tumor may be indicated to avoid the risk of facial deformity and orbital compression at a special anatomical site, as in our case.

  16. Tailoring the vortex pinning strength of YBCO thin films by systematic incorporation of hybrid artificial pinning centers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jha, Alok K; Matsumoto, Kaname; Horide, Tomoya; Saini, Shrikant; Mele, Paolo; Ichinose, Ataru; Yoshida, Yutaka; Awaji, Satoshi

    2015-01-01

    The effect of hybrid (columnar and spherical together) artificial pinning centers (APCs) on the vortex pinning properties of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (YBCO) thin films is investigated in detail on the basis of variation of critical current density (J C ) with applied magnetic field and also with the orientation of the applied magnetic field at 65 K and 77 K. Premixed YBCO + BaSnO 3 composite targets are used for the deposition of the YBCO films which consist of self-assembled BaSnO 3 nanocolumns (1D APCs); on the other hand, for the deposition of the YBCO films with hybrid APCs (BaSnO 3 nanocolumns together with Y 2 O 3 nanoparticles), the surface of the premixed YBCO + BaSnO 3 composite targets are modified by putting a thin Y 2 O 3 sectored piece on the premixed YBCO + BaSnO 3 composite targets by means of silver paste. F pmax value increases systematically with incorporation of 1D and 1D and 3D APCs and it also shifts towards higher applied magnetic fields. Films with 1D APCs exhibit a strong J C peak at Θ = 0° (H//c-axis) whereas films consisting of hybrid APCs exhibit enhanced J C at all the investigated angular regimes. A possible mechanism of vortex pinning in samples with hybrid APCs is also discussed suggesting the role of 1D and 3D APCs. (paper)

  17. Investigation on Bond-Slip Behavior of Z-Pin Interfaces in X-Cor® Sandwich Structures Using Z-Pin Pull-Out Test

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shan, Hangying; Xiao, Jun; Chu, Qiyi

    2018-05-01

    The Z-Pin interfacial bond properties play an important role in the structural performance of X-Cor® sandwich structures. This paper presents an experimental investigation on bond-slip behavior of Z-Pin interfaces using Z-Pin pull-out test. Based on the experimental data the whole Z-Pin pull-out process consists of three stages: initial bonding, debonding and frictional sliding. Comparative experimental study on the influence of design parameters on bond-slip behavior of Z-Pin interfaces has also been performed. Numerical analyses were conducted with the ABAQUS finite element (FE) program to simulate the Z-Pins bond-slip response of the pull-out test. The Z-Pins interfacial bond-slip behavior was implemented using nonlinear spring elements characterized with the constitutive relation from experimental results. Numerical results were validated by comparison with experimental data, and reasonably good agreement was achieved between experimental and analytical pull-out force-slip curves.

  18. Repeat biopsy in patients with initial diagnosis of PIN; La biopsia ripetuta nei pazienti con diagnosi iniziale di PIN

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    De Matteis, Massimo [Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna (Italy). UO Radiologia Albertoni; Poggi, Cristina; De Martino, Antonietta; Pavlica, Pietro [Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna (Italy). UO Radiologia Palagi, Dipartimento area radiologica; Corti, Barbara [Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna (Italy). UO Anatomia ed istologia patologica, Dipartimento oncologico ed ematologico; Barozzi, Libero [Azienda Ospedaliera Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna (Italy). UO Radiologia d' urgenza, Dipartimento emergenze ed accettazione

    2005-09-15

    Purpose. Prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia (PIN) is considered a pre-malignant lesion and the main precursor of invasive prostatic adenocarcinoma. A PIN diagnosis established by prostate needle biopsy poses a difficult clinical management. problem. We retrospectively reviewed our three-year experience in order to identify criteria for referring patients to repeat biopsy. Materials and methods. We reviewed the repeat biopsy records of 72 patients in whom PIN had been detected on initial US-guided needle biopsy of the prostate. All the patients had a minimum of 6 biopsy cores taken, and they all had PSA > 4 ng/ml. Results. Adenocarcinoma was detected in 15 patients out of 50 (30%) with an initial diagnosis of low-grade PIN and in 10 patients out of 22 (45.4%) with high grade PIN, in 7 out of 18 (39%) in whom PSA levels had decreased during the observation interval, in 16 patients out of 46 (35%) in whom the PSA had increased and in 2 patients out of 8 (25%) with stable PSA. Conclusions. Our results seem to confirm that PIN can be considered a precursor of prostatic adenocarcinoma or a histological alteration often associated with it. Patients with low-grade PIN and particularly those with high-grade PIN should be regularly subjected to repeat biopsy at short intervals due to the high frequency of the final diagnosis of carcinoma. No agreement has been reached on the time interval between the first and the second biopsy. The PSA changes during the observation period are not a statistically significant parameter to suggest the repetition of prostatic biopsy. [Italian] Scopo. La neoplasia prostatica intraepiteliale (PIN) e considerata una lesione premaligna ed il precursore principale dell'adenocarcinoma prostatico infiltrante. La diagnosi di PIN ottenuta con l'agobiopsia della prostata rappresenta un difficile problema gestionale clinico. In una valutazione retrospettiva della nostra esperienza di 3 anni si e cercato di individuare i criteri che possano

  19. Vortex pinning and creep experiments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kes, P.H.

    1991-01-01

    A brief review of basic flux-pinning and flux-creep ingredients and a selection of experimental results on high-temperature-superconductivity compounds is presented. Emphasis is put on recent results and on those properties which are central to the emerging understanding of the flux-pinning and flux-creep mechanisms of these fascinating materials

  20. Parasitic nematodes modulate PIN-mediated auxin transport to facilitate infection.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Wim Grunewald

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available Plant-parasitic nematodes are destructive plant pathogens that cause significant yield losses. They induce highly specialized feeding sites (NFS in infected plant roots from which they withdraw nutrients. In order to establish these NFS, it is thought that the nematodes manipulate the molecular and physiological pathways of their hosts. Evidence is accumulating that the plant signalling molecule auxin is involved in the initiation and development of the feeding sites of sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes. Intercellular transport of auxin is essential for various aspects of plant growth and development. Here, we analysed the spatial and temporal expression of PIN auxin transporters during the early events of NFS establishment using promoter-GUS/GFP fusion lines. Additionally, single and double pin mutants were used in infection studies to analyse the role of the different PIN proteins during cyst nematode infection. Based on our results, we postulate a model in which PIN1-mediated auxin transport is needed to deliver auxin to the initial syncytial cell, whereas PIN3 and PIN4 distribute the accumulated auxin laterally and are involved in the radial expansion of the NFS. Our data demonstrate that cyst nematodes are able to hijack the auxin distribution network in order to facilitate the infection process.

  1. Parasitic nematodes modulate PIN-mediated auxin transport to facilitate infection.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Grunewald, Wim; Cannoot, Bernard; Friml, Jirí; Gheysen, Godelieve

    2009-01-01

    Plant-parasitic nematodes are destructive plant pathogens that cause significant yield losses. They induce highly specialized feeding sites (NFS) in infected plant roots from which they withdraw nutrients. In order to establish these NFS, it is thought that the nematodes manipulate the molecular and physiological pathways of their hosts. Evidence is accumulating that the plant signalling molecule auxin is involved in the initiation and development of the feeding sites of sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes. Intercellular transport of auxin is essential for various aspects of plant growth and development. Here, we analysed the spatial and temporal expression of PIN auxin transporters during the early events of NFS establishment using promoter-GUS/GFP fusion lines. Additionally, single and double pin mutants were used in infection studies to analyse the role of the different PIN proteins during cyst nematode infection. Based on our results, we postulate a model in which PIN1-mediated auxin transport is needed to deliver auxin to the initial syncytial cell, whereas PIN3 and PIN4 distribute the accumulated auxin laterally and are involved in the radial expansion of the NFS. Our data demonstrate that cyst nematodes are able to hijack the auxin distribution network in order to facilitate the infection process.

  2. Nuclear fuel pin controlled failure device

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schlenker, L.D.

    1975-01-01

    Each fuel pin of a fuel assembly for a water-cooled nuclear reactor is provided with means for rupturing the cladding tube at a predetermined location if an abnormal increase in pressure of the gases present occurs due to a loss-of-coolant accident. Preferably all such rupture means are oriented to minimize the hydraulic resistance to the flow of emergency core coolant such as all rupture means pointing in the same direction. Rupture means may be disposed at different elevations in adjacent fuel pins and, further, fuel pins may be provided with two or more rupture means, one of which is in the upper portion of the fuel pin. Rupture means are mechanical as by providing a locally weakened condition of a controlled nature in the cladding. (U.S.)

  3. Silicide Schottky Contacts to Silicon: Screened Pinning at Defect Levels

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Drummond, T.J.

    1999-03-11

    Silicide Schottky contacts can be as large as 0.955 eV (E{sub v} + 0.165 eV) on n-type silicon and as large as 1.05 eV (E{sub c} {minus} 0.07 eV) on p-type silicon. Current models of Schottky barrier formation do not provide a satisfactory explanation of occurrence of this wide variation. A model for understanding Schottky contacts via screened pinning at defect levels is presented. In the present paper it is shown that most transition metal silicides are pinned approximately 0.48 eV above the valence band by interstitial Si clusters. Rare earth disilicides pin close to the divacancy acceptor level 0.41 eV below the conduction band edge while high work function silicides of Ir and Pt pin close to the divacancy donor level 0.21 eV above the valence band edge. Selection of a particular defect pinning level depends strongly on the relative positions of the silicide work function and the defect energy level on an absolute energy scale.

  4. Parallel two-phase-flow-induced vibrations in fuel pin model

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hara, Fumio; Yamashita, Tadashi

    1978-01-01

    This paper reports the experimental results of vibrations of a fuel pin model -herein meaning the essential form of a fuel pin from the standpoint of vibration- in a parallel air-and-water two-phase flow. The essential part of the experimental apparatus consisted of a flat elastic strip made of stainless steel, both ends of which were firmly supported in a circular channel conveying the two-phase fluid. Vibrational strain of the fuel pin model, pressure fluctuation of the two-phase flow and two-phase-flow void signals were measured. Statistical measures such as power spectral density, variance and correlation function were calculated. The authors obtained (1) the relation between variance of vibrational strain and two-phase-flow velocity, (2) the relation between variance of vibrational strain and two-phase-flow pressure fluctuation, (3) frequency characteristics of variance of vibrational strain against the dominant frequency of the two-phase-flow pressure fluctuation, and (4) frequency characteristics of variance of vibrational strain against the dominant frequency of two-phase-flow void signals. The authors conclude that there exist two kinds of excitation mechanisms in vibrations of a fuel pin model inserted in a parallel air-and-water two-phase flow; namely, (1) parametric excitation, which occurs when the fundamental natural frequency of the fuel pin model is related to the dominant travelling frequency of water slugs in the two-phase flow by the ratio 1/2, 1/1, 3/2 and so on; and (2) vibrational resonance, which occurs when the fundamental frequency coincides with the dominant frequency of the two-phase-flow pressure fluctuation. (auth.)

  5. Use of a modified transfixation pin cast for treatment of comminuted phalangeal fractures in horses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rossignol, Fabrice; Vitte, Amélie; Boening, Josef

    2014-01-01

    To (1) report a modified transfixation pin cast technique, using dorsal recumbency for fracture reduction, distal positioning of the pins in the epiphysis and distal metaphysis, and a hybrid cast, combining plaster of Paris (POP) and fiberglass casting, and (2) report outcome in 11 adult horses. Case series. Adult horses (n = 11) with comminuted phalangeal fractures. Horses were anesthetized and positioned in dorsal recumbency. The phalangeal fracture was reduced by limb traction using a cable attached to the hoof. Screw fixation in lag fashion of fracture fragments was performed when possible. Transfixation casting was performed using two 6.3 mm positive profile centrally threaded pins with the 1st pin placed in the epiphysis of the metacarpus/tarsus at the center of, or slightly proximal to, the condylar fossa and the 2nd one 3-4 cm proximal. A hybrid cast was applied. Forelimbs were involved in 9 horses and the hind limb in 2. Pins were maintained for a minimum of 6 weeks. No pin loosening was observed at the time of removal (6-8 weeks). A pony fractured the distal aspect of the metacarpus at the proximal pin. Nine horses survived (82%); none of the horses developed septic arthritis despite the distal location of the distal pin, close to the fetlock joint. This modified transfixation pin casting technique was associated with good pin longevity and could reduce the risk of secondary pin hole fractures and pin loosening. © Copyright 2013 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

  6. Evaluation of parathyroid imaging methods with {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI. The comparison of planar images obtained using a pinhole collimator and a parallel-hole collimator

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Fujii, Hirofumi; Iwasaki, Ryuichiro; Hashimoto, Jun; Nakamura, Kayoko; Kunieda, Etsuo; Sanmiya, Toshikazu; Kubo, Atsushi [Keio Univ., Tokyo (Japan). School of Medicine; Ogawa, Koichi; Inagaki, Kazutoshi

    1999-07-01

    Parathyroid scintigraphy with {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI was performed using two kinds of collimators, namely, a pinhole one and a parallel-hole one, to evaluate which one was more suitable for the detection of hyperfunctioning parathyroid lesions. In the studies using {sup 99m}Tc source, the pinhole collimator showed better efficiency and spatial resolution in the distance where the parathyroid scan are actually performed. In the phantom study, the nodular activities modeling parathyroid lesions were visualized better on the images obtained using the pinhole collimator. In clinical studies for 30 patients suspicious of hyperparathyroidism, hyperfunctioning parathyroid nodules were better detected when the pinhole collimator was used. In conclusion, the pinhole collimator was thought to be more suitable for parathyroid scintigraphy with {sup 99m}Tc-MIBI than the parallel-hole collimator. (author)

  7. Propagation of spiral waves pinned to circular and rectangular obstacles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sutthiopad, Malee; Luengviriya, Jiraporn; Porjai, Porramain; Phantu, Metinee; Kanchanawarin, Jarin; Müller, Stefan C; Luengviriya, Chaiya

    2015-05-01

    We present an investigation of spiral waves pinned to circular and rectangular obstacles with different circumferences in both thin layers of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction and numerical simulations with the Oregonator model. For circular objects, the area always increases with the circumference. In contrast, we varied the circumference of rectangles with equal areas by adjusting their width w and height h. For both obstacle forms, the propagating parameters (i.e., wavelength, wave period, and velocity of pinned spiral waves) increase with the circumference, regardless of the obstacle area. Despite these common features of the parameters, the forms of pinned spiral waves depend on the obstacle shapes. The structures of spiral waves pinned to circles as well as rectangles with the ratio w/h∼1 are similar to Archimedean spirals. When w/h increases, deformations of the spiral shapes are observed. For extremely thin rectangles with w/h≫1, these shapes can be constructed by employing semicircles with different radii which relate to the obstacle width and the core diameter of free spirals.

  8. JMCT Monte Carlo simulation analysis of full core PWR Pin-By-Pin and shielding

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Deng, L.; Li, G.; Zhang, B.; Shangguan, D.; Ma, Y.; Hu, Z.; Fu, Y.; Li, R.; Hu, X.; Cheng, T.; Shi, D.

    2015-01-01

    This paper describes the application of the JMCT Monte Carlo code to the simulation of Kord Smith Challenge H-M model, BEAVRS model and Chinese SG-III model. For H-M model, the 6.3624 millions tally regions and the 98.3 billion neutron histories do. The detailed pin flux and energy deposition densities obtain. 95% regions have less 1% standard deviation. For BEAVRS model, firstly, we performed the neutron transport calculation of 398 axial planes in the Hot Zero Power (HZP) status. Almost the same results with MC21 and OpenMC results are achieved. The detailed pin-power density distribution and standard deviation are shown. Then, we performed the calculation of ten depletion steps in 30 axial plane cases. The depletion regions exceed 1.5 million and 12,000 processors uses. Finally, the Chinese SG-III laser model is simulated. The neutron and photon flux distributions are given, respectively. The results show that the JMCT code well suits for extremely large reactor and shielding simulation. (author)

  9. Vortex Dynamics in Superconductors with Different Types of Pinning Potentials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Laguna, Maria Fabiana

    2001-01-01

    of the solid phase and we determine the conditions for the existence of individual and collective pinning

  10. Interest of scintigraphic imaging in Madagascar for the diagnosis of ectopic parathyroid adenoma, about one case

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Andriantsoa, J.; Andriamanalina, T.; Ramamonjy, A.; Ranivontsoarivony, M.; Ramahandridona, G.; Razafindramboa, H.; Gizy Ratiambahoaka, D.

    2008-01-01

    This study reports the first case of ectopic parathyroid adenoma, diagnosed in the Department of Nuclear Medicine in Antananarivo. This clinical vignette illustrates the interest of the MIBI-Tc-99 m scan in locating this adenoma and its diagnostic confirmation after six years of erratic diagnosis. A whole body bone scintigraphy has also allowed to assess the state of bone metabolism and study outbreaks of fracture. The parathyroid scintigraphy was carried out after intra-venous administration of 666 MBq of MIBI- 99m Tc. Dynamic images, static early and late static were acquired with a gamma camera E-Cam Siemens. The whole body bone scan was carried out after administration of 555 MBq of M.D.P.-Tc-99 m. The results evidenced the presence of an para-aortic increased uptake area pointing to a left parathyroid adenoma. The persistence of a late left sub maxillary increased uptake area raises, however, a reservation about the existence of a second adenoma. The bone scan displayed global skeletal remodeling, non suggestive of metastases, as it was mentioned with the CT-scan. In a diagnostic tools limited environment, skeletal pain refractory to pain-killers, a chronic hypercalcemia associated with an increased parathyroid hormone level, should trigger the scintigraphic exploration in order to avoid bone and renal complications

  11. Electro-optical fuel pin identification system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kirchner, T.L.

    1978-09-01

    A prototype Electro-Optical Fuel Pin Identification System referred to as the Fuel Pin Identification System (FPIS) has been developed by the Hanford Engineering Development Laboratory (HEDL) in support of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) presently under construction at HEDL. The system is designed to remotely read an alpha-numeric identification number that is roll stamped on the top of the fuel pin end cap. The prototype FPIS consists of four major subassemblies: optical read head, digital compression electronics, video display, and line printer

  12. Development of disassembly and pin chopping technology for FBR spent fuels

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kobayashi, Tsuguyuki; Namba, Takashi; Kawabe, Yukinari; Washiya, Tadahiro

    2008-01-01

    Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC) and Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) have been developing fuel disassembly and fuel pin chopping systems for a future Japanese commercial FBR. At first, the wrapper tube is cut by the slit-cut to pull it out, then the fuel pins are cut by the crop-cut at their end-plugs to separate them from the entrance nozzle. The pins are transferred to the magazine of the chopping machine. A series of tests were performed to develop this procedure. As the result of mechanical cutting tests, the CBN wheel was selected. The slit-cut tests were carried out to evaluated the cutting performance of the wheel. The wrapper tube is normally slit-cut in the circumferential direction. One CBN wheel could cut more than 5 fuel assemblies in this direction. The slit-cut in the axial direction is prepared as provision when the tube is difficult to put out. More work is needed to cut 5mm thick PNC-FMS plate in this direction without damaging the pins beneath it. As the result of the crop-cut tests of end-plugs made of ODS steel, the CBN wheel could cut the 61 pin bundle by two strokes. More work is needed to cut the 217 pin bundle. Fuel pin handling tests were performed to transfer them from the disassembly machine to the chopping machine. The Saucer tray was selected to receive the disassembled pins. All the pins were transferred and loaded into a magazine of the chopping machine. Fuel pin loading tests were conducted to optimize the magazine configuration to make the chopping length within 1.0±0.5 cm. In order to decrease the disturbance during chopping, the width of the magazine was adjusted to be 12 cm and installation of a height adjuster is favourable to control the free space above the pins. (author)

  13. Serviceability of rod ceramic fuel pins on motoring conditions of FTP or NEMF reactor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Deryavko, I.I.

    2004-01-01

    The operation conditions of rod ceramic fuel pins in the running hydrogen-cooled technological canals of FTP or NEMF reactor on the motoring conditions are considered. The available postreactor researches of the fuel pins are presented and the additional postreactor researches of fuel pins, tested on this mode in IVG.1 and IRGIT reactors, are carried out. The fuel pins serviceability on motoring conditions of FTP or NEF reactor operation is concluded. (author)

  14. Binding of [125I]iodipine to parathyroid cell membranes: Evidence of a dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channel

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jones, J.I.; Fitzpatrick, L.A.

    1990-01-01

    The parathyroid cell is unusual, in that an increase in extracellular calcium concentrations inhibits PTH release. Calcium channels are glycoproteins that span cell membranes and allow entry of extracellular calcium into cells. We have demonstrated that the calcium channel agonist (+)202-791, which opens calcium channels, inhibits PTH release and that the antagonist (-)202-791, which closes calcium channels, stimulates PTH release. To identify the calcium channels responsible for these effects, we used a radioligand that specifically binds to calcium channels. Bovine parathyroid cell membranes were prepared and incubated under reduced lighting with [125I] iodipine (SA, 2000 Ci/mmol), which recognizes 1,4-dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels. Bound ligand was separated from free ligand by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B filters. Nonspecific binding was measured by the inclusion of nifedipine at 10 microM. Specific binding represented approximately 40% of the total binding. The optimal temperature for [125I] iodipine binding was 4 C, and binding reached equilibrium by 30 min. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) was approximately 550 pM, and the maximum number of binding sites was 780 fmol/mg protein. Both the calcium channel agonist (+)202-791 and antagonist (-)202-791 competitively inhibited [125I] iodipine binding, with 50% inhibition concentrations of 20 and 300 nM, respectively. These data indicate the presence of dihydropyridine-sensitive calcium channels on parathyroid cell membranes

  15. Concurrent intrathyroidal thymus and parathyroid in a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a challenging diagnosis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Georgios Velimezis

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available During embryogenesis, the thymus and inferior parathyroid glands develop from the third pharyngeal pouch and migrate to their definite position. During this process, several anatomic variations may arise, with the thyroid being one of the most common sites of ectopic implantation for both organs. Here, we report the case of a young female patient, who underwent total thyroidectomy for papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. The patient’s history was remarkable for disorders of the genitourinary system. Histologic examination revealed the presence of well-differentiated intrathyroidal thymic tissue, containing an inferior parathyroid gland. While each individual entity has been well documented, this is one of the few reports in which concurrent presentation is reported. Given the fact that both the thymus and the inferior parathyroid are derivatives of the same embryonic structure (i.e. the third pharyngeal pouch, it is speculated that the present condition resulted from a failure in separation and migration during organogenesis.

  16. Sodium Loop Safety Facility W-2 experiment fuel pin rupture detection system. [LMFBR

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hoffman, M.A.; Kirchner, T.L.; Meyers, S.C.

    1980-05-01

    The objective of the Sodium Loop Safety Facility (SLSF) W-2 experiment is to characterize the combined effects of a preconditioned full-length fuel column and slow transient overpower (TOP) conditions on breeder reactor (BR) fuel pin cladding failures. The W-2 experiment will meet this objective by providing data in two technological areas: (1) time and location of cladding failure, and (2) early post-failure test fuel behavior. The test involves a seven pin, prototypic full-length fast test reactor (FTR) fuel pin bundle which will be subjected to a simulated unprotected 5 cents/s reactivity transient overpower event. The outer six pins will provide the necessary prototypic thermal-hydraulic environment for the center pin.

  17. Radon measurements with a PIN photodiode

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Martin-Martin, A.; Gutierrez-Villanueva, J.L.; Munoz, J.M.; Garcia-Talavera, M.; Adamiec, G.; Iniguez, M.P.

    2006-01-01

    Silicon photodiodes are well suited to detect alphas coming from different sources as neutron reactions or radon daughters. In this work a radon in air detecting device, using an 18x18 mm silicon PIN photodiode is studied. The ionized airborne decay products formed during radon diffusion were focused by an accelerating high voltage to the PIN surface. Several conducting rings were disposed inside a cylindrical PVC vessel in such a way that they reproduced the electric field created by a punctual charge located behind PIN position. Alpha spectra coming from the neutral and ionized species deposited on the PIN surface, dominated by 218 Po and 214 Po progeny peaks, were recorded for varying conditions. Those include radon concentration from a Pylon source, high voltage (thousands of volts) and PIN inverse bias voltage. Different parameters such as temperature and humidity were also registered during data acquisition. The increase in the particle collection efficiency with respect to zero electric field was compared with the corresponding to a parallel plates configuration. A discussion is made in terms of the most appropriate voltages for different radon concentrations

  18. Interpretation of NMR relaxation properties of Pin1, a two-domain protein, based on Brownian dynamic simulations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bernado, Pau; Fernandes, Miguel X.; Jacobs, Doris M.; Fiebig, Klaus; Garcia de la Torre, Jose; Pons, Miquel

    2004-01-01

    Many important proteins contain multiple domains connected by flexible linkers. Inter-domain motion is suggested to play a key role in many processes involving molecular recognition. Heteronuclear NMR relaxation is sensitive to motions in the relevant time scales and could provide valuable information on the dynamics of multi-domain proteins. However, the standard analysis based on the separation of global tumbling and fast local motions is no longer valid for multi-domain proteins undergoing internal motions involving complete domains and that take place on the same time scale than the overall motion.The complexity of the motions experienced even for the simplest two-domain proteins are difficult to capture with simple extensions of the classical Lipari-Szabo approach. Hydrodynamic effects are expected to dominate the motion of the individual globular domains, as well as that of the complete protein. Using Pin1 as a test case, we have simulated its motion at the microsecond time scale, at a reasonable computational expense, using Brownian Dynamic simulations on simplified models. The resulting trajectories provide insight on the interplay between global and inter-domain motion and can be analyzed using the recently published method of isotropic Reorientational Mode Dynamics which offer a way of calculating their contribution to heteronuclear relaxation rates. The analysis of trajectories computed with Pin1 models of different flexibility provides a general framework to understand the dynamics of multi-domain proteins and explains some of the observed features in the relaxation rate profile of free Pin1

  19. Interpretation of NMR relaxation properties of Pin1, a two-domain protein, based on Brownian dynamic simulations

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bernado, Pau [Institut de Biologie Structurale, Jean Pierre Ebel (France); Fernandes, Miguel X. [Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Quimica Fisica, Facultad de Quimica (Spain); Jacobs, Doris M. [Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt, Institut fuer Organische Chemie und Chemische Biologie (Germany); Fiebig, Klaus [Affinium Pharmaceuticals (Canada); Garcia de la Torre, Jose [Universidad de Murcia, Departamento de Quimica Fisica, Facultad de Quimica (Spain); Pons, Miquel [Laboratori de RMN de Biomolecules, Parc Cientific de Barcelona (Spain)], E-mail: mpons@ub.edu

    2004-05-15

    Many important proteins contain multiple domains connected by flexible linkers. Inter-domain motion is suggested to play a key role in many processes involving molecular recognition. Heteronuclear NMR relaxation is sensitive to motions in the relevant time scales and could provide valuable information on the dynamics of multi-domain proteins. However, the standard analysis based on the separation of global tumbling and fast local motions is no longer valid for multi-domain proteins undergoing internal motions involving complete domains and that take place on the same time scale than the overall motion.The complexity of the motions experienced even for the simplest two-domain proteins are difficult to capture with simple extensions of the classical Lipari-Szabo approach. Hydrodynamic effects are expected to dominate the motion of the individual globular domains, as well as that of the complete protein. Using Pin1 as a test case, we have simulated its motion at the microsecond time scale, at a reasonable computational expense, using Brownian Dynamic simulations on simplified models. The resulting trajectories provide insight on the interplay between global and inter-domain motion and can be analyzed using the recently published method of isotropic Reorientational Mode Dynamics which offer a way of calculating their contribution to heteronuclear relaxation rates. The analysis of trajectories computed with Pin1 models of different flexibility provides a general framework to understand the dynamics of multi-domain proteins and explains some of the observed features in the relaxation rate profile of free Pin1.

  20. Intrinsic flux pinning mechanisms in different thickness MgB2 films

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    C. Yang

    2017-03-01

    Full Text Available MgB2 films in four thickness (60 nm, 200nm, 600nm and 1μm have been fabricated by hybrid physical–chemical vapor deposition technique (HPCVD. By measuring the magnetization hysteresis loops and the resistivity, we have obtained the transport and magnetic properties of the four films. After that, the pinning mechanisms in them were discussed. Comparing the pinning behaviors in these ultrathin films, thin films and thick films, it was found that there exist different pinning types in MgB2 films of different thickness. In combination with the study of the surface morphology, cross-section and XRD results, we concluded that MgB2 films had different growth modes in different growth stages. For thin films, films grew along c axis, and grain boundaries acted as surface pinning. While for thick films, films grew along c axis at first, and then changed to a-b axis growth. As a result, the a-b axis grains acted as strong volume pinning.

  1. Developments in the LASL Fuel Pin Imaging System: PINEX-3A

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lumpkin, A.H.; Berzins, G.J.; Cosimi, R.A.; O'Hare, T.E.; Davidson, J.R.

    1979-01-01

    The LASL Fuel Pin Imaging System was evaluated using a series of 10 TREAT transients, each of approx. 240-MW peak power. HEDL provided the fuel-ejection type capsule with annular fuel pellets. The pin visibility threshold was determined to be approx. 20-MW of TREAT power (approx. 130 W/g), almost an order of magnitude improvement over our PINEX-2 threshold. The impact of changes in instrumentation, imaging apertures, and fluors that produced the improved sensitivity are reported. Results of a time-integrated imaging technique are also presented

  2. Intrinsic pinning in superconductors with extremely small coherence lengths

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Schimmele, L.; Kronmueller, H.; Teichler, H.

    1988-01-01

    By means of a Ginsburg-Landau-type theory which takes into account the discrete lattice structure the variation of the energy ('Peierls potential') of an isolated flux line is calculated when shifted relatively to the crystal lattice. In particular, a primitive cubic lattice is considered with a straight flux line, aligned parallel to a cubic axis. The resulting Peierls potential may lead to intrinsic pinning if the coherence length is smaller than about two nearest neighbour distances. The coherence lengths at low temperatures determined for the recently discovered high T c superconductors of the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 class come very close to this value so that intrinsic pinning might possibly be relevant for these superconductors. (author)

  3. Pinning impulsive synchronization of stochastic delayed coupled networks

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Tang Yang; Fang Jian-An; Wong W K; Miao Qing-Ying

    2011-01-01

    In this paper, the pinning synchronization problem of stochastic delayed complex network (SDCN) is investigated by using a novel hybrid pinning controller. The proposed hybrid pinning controller is composed of adaptive controller and impulsive controller, where the two controllers are both added to a fraction of nodes in the network. Using the Lyapunov stability theory and the novel hybrid pinning controller, some sufficient conditions are derived for the exponential synchronization of such dynamical networks in mean square. Two numerical simulation examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The simulation results show that the proposed control scheme has a fast convergence rate compared with the conventional adaptive pinning method. (general)

  4. Experimental induction of parathyroid adenomas in the rat

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wynford-Thomas, V.; Wynford-Thomas, D.; Williams, E.D.

    1983-01-01

    Neonatal inbred Wistar albino rats were given either 5 or 10 microCi radioiodine ( 131 I) within 24 hours of birth. After weaning, animals were placed on diets high, normal, or deficient in vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) for periods up to 2 years. In animals aged 12 months and older, adenomas were found in 0 of 67 unirradiated controls, in 22 of 67 given 5 microCi 131 I, and in 25 of 67 given to microCi 131 I. The incidence of tumors in irradiated animals was highest (55%) in those on a low-vitamin D diet and lowest (20%) in those on a high-vitamin D diet. Plasma calcium levels were significantly increased by the high-vitamin D diet, but the low-vitamin D diet did not lead to any significant decrease as compared to the calcium levels of the normal vitamin D diet group. Small but significant calcium increases were found in tumor-bearing animals. These findings indicate that parathyroid tumors in the rat can be induced by radiation and that their incidence is strongly influenced by dietary vitamin D content. The possibility that metabolites of vitamin D3 may influence parathyroid growth and tumor formation directly is discussed

  5. The Effect of Insertion Technique on Temperatures for Standard and Self-Drilling External Fixation Pins.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Manoogian, Sarah; Lee, Adam K; Widmaier, James C

    2017-08-01

    No studies have assessed the effects of parameters associated with insertion temperature in modern self-drilling external fixation pins. The current study assessed how varying the presence of irrigation, insertion speed, and force impacted the insertion temperatures of 2 types of standard and self-drilling external fixation half pins. Seventy tests were conducted with 10 trials for 4 conditions on self-drilling pins, and 3 conditions for standard pins. Each test used a thermocouple inside the pin to measure temperature rise during insertion. Adding irrigation to the standard pin insertion significantly lowered the maximum temperature (P drilling pin tests dropped average rise in temperature from 151.3 ± 21.6°C to 124.1 ± 15.3°C (P = 0.005). When the self-drilling pin insertion was decreased considerably from 360 to 60 rpm, the temperature decreased significantly from 151.3 ± 21.6°C to 109.6 ± 14.0°C (P drilling pin temperature increase was not significant. The standard pin had lower peak temperatures than the self-drilling pin for all conditions. Moreover, slowing down the insertion speed and adding irrigation helped mitigate the temperature increase of both pin types during insertion.

  6. Theoretical interpretation of SCARABEE single pin in-pile boiling experiments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Struwe, D.; Bottoni, M.; Fries, W.; Elbel, H.; Angerer, G.

    1977-01-01

    In the framework of LMFBR safety analysis a theoretical interpretation of some of the most representative of the single pin experiments of the in-pile SCARABEE project has been performed from both viewpoints of thermohydraulic and fuel behaviour using the computer codes CAPRI-2 and SATURN-1. The analysis is aimed at investigating the pin behavior from the preirradiation history, through the observed sequence of events following a coolant mass flow reduction from boiling inception up to pin breakdown. A comparison of theoretical results with experimentally recorded data has allowed a deeper insight into the peculiar features of the experiments and enabled a valuable code verification. (Auth.)

  7. Standard test method for wear testing with a pin-on-disk apparatus

    CERN Document Server

    American Society for Testing and Materials. Philadelphia

    2005-01-01

    1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining the wear of materials during sliding using a pin-on-disk apparatus. Materials are tested in pairs under nominally non-abrasive conditions. The principal areas of experimental attention in using this type of apparatus to measure wear are described. The coefficient of friction may also be determined. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

  8. Association of parathyroid adenoma and autonomous nodule of the thyroid. Diagnostic efficacy of 201thallium-sup(99m)technetium scintigraphy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Talbot, J.N.; Kiffel, T.; Duron, F.; Nordlinger, B.

    1986-01-01

    The thallium-technetium subtraction technique, proposed originally by Ferlin and co-workers, is now widely used to localize parathyroid adenoma. We report here the case of a hypercalcemic women, referred to our ward with the biologically assessed diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Thallium-technetium substraction scintigraphy not only successfully localized the parathyroid adenoma but alsorevealed the existence of an autonomous nodule of the thyroid, which was not suspected. It has previously been shown that this method can localize parathyroid adenoma in cases of cold thyroid nodule. This report shows that this is also true in the case of hot thyroid nodule. No observations of concomitant parathyroid adenoma and autonomous nodule of the thyroid have been reported (at least during the two past decades). Is this association casual or has it never been raticed. Further examinations can be performed with thallium when a hot thyroid is found in a hypercalcemic patient. (orig.)

  9. Fabrication and post-irradiation examination of a zircaloy-2 clad UO2-1.5 wt% PuO2 fuel pin irradiated in PWL, CIRUS

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sah, D.N.; Sahoo, K.C.; Chatterjee, S.; Majumdar, S.; Kamath, H.S.; Ramachandran, R.; Bahl, J.K.; Purushottam, D.S.C.; Ramakumar, M.S.; Sivaramakrishnan, K.S.; Roy, P.R.

    1977-01-01

    A zircaloy-2 clad UO 2 -1.5 wt% PuO 2 fuel pin was fabricated at the Radiometallurgy Section of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay, for irradiation in the pressurised water loop in CIRUS. Requisite development work related to powder conditioning, blending, pressing and sintering parameters was carried out to meet the exacting fuel pellet specifications of CANDU fuel. The fuel pin ruptured while being irradiated in the pressurised water loop in CIRUS, after experiencing a low burn-up of 507 MWD/MTM and was subsequently examined at the Radiometallurgy Hot Cells Facility. The results showed that internal clad hydriding led to primary failure of the fuel pin. Subsequent ingress of the coolant water caused excessive swelling of the thermal insulating magnesia pellets located at the ends of the fuel column. The swelling of magnesia pellets caused severe rupturing of the fuel pin at the two ends. The delayed rupturing of the fuel pin at the upper end, caused the fuel column to be displaced downwards by 5.85mm. (author)

  10. Novel pinning control strategies for synchronisation of complex networks with nonlinear coupling dynamics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhao-Bing, Liu; Hua-Guang, Zhang; Qiu-Ye, Sun

    2010-01-01

    This paper considers the global stability of controlling an uncertain complex network to a homogeneous trajectory of the uncoupled system by a local pinning control strategy. Several sufficient conditions are derived to guarantee the network synchronisation by investigating the relationship among pinning synchronisation, network topology, and coupling strength. Also, some fundamental and yet challenging problems in the pinning control of complex networks are discussed: (1) what nodes should be selected as pinned candidates? (2) How many nodes are needed to be pinned for a fixed coupling strength? Furthermore, an adaptive pinning control scheme is developed. In order to achieve synchronisation of an uncertain complex network, the adaptive tuning strategy of either the coupling strength or the control gain is utilised. As an illustrative example, a network with the Lorenz system as node self-dynamics is simulated to verify the efficacy of theoretical results. (general)

  11. Effect of Time-Dependent Pinning Pressure on Abnormal Grain Growth: Phase Field Simulation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kim, Jeong Min; Min, Guensik; Shim, Jae-Hyeok; Lee, Kyung Jong

    2018-05-01

    The effect of the time-dependent pinning pressure of precipitates on abnormal grain growth has been investigated by multiphase field simulation with a simple precipitation model. The application of constant pinning pressure is problematic because it always induces abnormal grain growth or no grain growth, which is not reasonable considering the real situation. To produce time-dependent pinning pressure, both precipitation kinetics and precipitate coarsening kinetics have been considered with two rates: slow and fast. The results show that abnormal grain growth is suppressed at the slow precipitation rate. At the slow precipitation rate, the overall grain growth caused by the low pinning pressure in the early stage indeed plays a role in preventing abnormal grain growth by reducing the mobility advantage of abnormal grains. In addition, the fast precipitate coarsening rate tends to more quickly transform abnormal grain growth into normal grain growth by inducing the active growth of grains adjacent to the abnormal grains in the early stage. Therefore, the present study demonstrates that the time dependence of the pinning pressure of precipitates is a critical factor that determines the grain growth mode.

  12. Cluster synchronization for directed community networks via pinning partial schemes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hu Cheng; Jiang Haijun

    2012-01-01

    Highlights: ► Cluster synchronization for directed community networks is proposed by pinning partial schemes. ► Each community is considered as a whole. ► Several novel pinning criteria are derived based on the information of communities. ► A numerical example with simulation is provided. - Abstract: In this paper, we focus on driving a class of directed networks to achieve cluster synchronization by pinning schemes. The desired cluster synchronization states are no longer decoupled orbits but a set of un-decoupled trajectories. Each community is considered as a whole and the synchronization criteria are derived based on the information of communities. Several pinning schemes including feedback control and adaptive strategy are proposed to select controlled communities by analyzing the information of each community such as indegrees and outdegrees. In all, this paper answers several challenging problems in pinning control of directed community networks: (1) What communities should be chosen as controlled candidates? (2) How many communities are needed to be controlled? (3) How large should the control gains be used in a given community network to achieve cluster synchronization? Finally, an example with numerical simulations is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.

  13. Vortex pinning by point defect in superconductors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liao Hongyin; Zhou Shiping; Du Haochen

    2003-01-01

    We apply the periodic time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau model to study vortex distribution in type-II superconductors with a point-like defect and square pinning array. A defect site will pin vortices, and a periodic pinning array with right geometric parameters, which can be any form designed in advance, shapes the vortex pattern as external magnetic field varies. The maximum length over which an attractive interaction between a pinning centre and a vortex extends is estimated to be about 6.0ξ. We also derive spatial distribution expressions for the order parameter, vector potential, magnetic field and supercurrent induced by a point defect. Theoretical results and numerical simulations are compared with each other and they are consistent

  14. Increasing FSW join strength by optimizing feed rate, rotating speed and pin angle

    Science.gov (United States)

    Darmadi, Djarot B.; Purnowidodo, Anindito; Siswanto, Eko

    2017-10-01

    Principally the join in Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is formed due to mechanical bonding. At least there are two factors determines the quality of this join, first is the temperature in the area around the interface and secondly the intense of mixing forces in nugget zone to create the mechanical bonding. The adequate temperature creates good flowability of the nugget zone and an intensive mixing force produces homogeneous strong bonding. Based on those two factors in this research the effects of feed rate, rotating speed and pin angle of the FSW process to the tensile strength of resulted join are studied. The true experimental method was used. Feed rate was varied at 24, 42, 55 and 74 mm/minutes and from the experimental results, it can be concluded that the higher feed rate decreases the tensile strength of weld join and it is believed due to the lower heat embedded in the material. Inversely, the higher rotating speed increases the join’s tensile strength as a result of higher heat embedded in base metal and higher mixing force in the nugget zone. The rotating speed were 1842, 2257 and 2904 RPMs. The pin angle determines the direction of mixing force. With variation of pin angle: 0°, 4°, 8° and 12° the higher pin angle generally increases the tensile strength because of more intensive mixing force. For 12° pin angle the lower tensile strength is found since the force tends to push out the nugget area from the joint gap.

  15. 1 GSPS digitizer based on the FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) standard with low-count pin connector.

    CERN Document Server

    Vasilyev, Mikhail

    2015-01-01

    Under the scope of a CERN summer student project, the schematic for ADC based on FMC mezzanine card with 1 GSPS sampling rate and 8 bit resolution was developed. The mezzanine is fully compatible with the standard: FPGA Mezzanine Card (FMC) [1]. A low-pin count connector was used to connect the mezzanine with the “carrier”. The carrier was an Open Hardware project: Simple PCIe FMC carrier (SPEC).

  16. Establishing the need for an engineering standard for agricultural hitch pins.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Deboy, G R; Knapp, W M; Field, W E; Krutz, G W; Corum, C L

    2012-04-01

    Documented incidents have occurred in which failure or unintentional disengagement of agricultural hitch pins has contributed to property damage and personal injury. An examination of current hitch pin use on a convenience sample of farm operations in Indiana revealed a variety of non-standard, worn and damaged, and inappropriately sized hitch pins in use. Informal interviews with the farm operators confirmed that hitch pin misuse, failure, or disengagement is a relatively widespread problem that remains largely unaddressed. On-site observations also suggested a low use of hitch pin retaining devices or safety chains. A review of prior research revealed that little attention has been given to this problem, and currently no documentation allows for an estimate of the frequency or severity of losses associated with hitch pin misuse, failure, or disengagement. No specific engineering standards were found that directly applied to the design, appropriate selection, or loading capacity of agricultural hitch pins. Major suppliers of replacement hitch pins currently provide little or no information on matching hitch pin size to intended applications, and most replacement hitch pins examined were of foreign origin, with the overwhelming majority imported from China or India. These replacement hitch pins provided no specifications other than diameter, length, and, in some cases, labeling that indicated that the pins had been "heat treated. " Testing of a sample of 11 commercially available replacement hitch pins found variation along the length of the pin shaft and between individual pins in surface hardness, a potential predictor of pin failure. Examination of 17 commercially available replacement pins also revealed a variety of identifiers used to describe pin composition and fabrication methods, e.g., "heat treated." None of the pins examined provided any specifications on loading capacity. It was therefore concluded that there is a need to develop an agricultural hitch

  17. Vortex pinning in artificially layered Ba(Fe,Co)2As2 film

    Science.gov (United States)

    Oh, M. J.; Lee, Jongmin; Seo, Sehun; Yoon, Sejun; Seo, M. S.; Park, S. Y.; Kim, Ho-Sup; Ha, Dong-Woo; Lee, Sanghan; Jo, Youn Jung

    2018-06-01

    Static high critical current densities (Jc) > 1 MA/cm2 with magnetic field parallel or perpendicular to c-axis were realized in Co-doped/undoped multilayerd BaFe2As2 films. We made a current bridge by FIB to allow precise measurements, and confirmed that the boundary quality using FIB was considerably better than the quality achieved using a laser. The presence of a high in-plane Jc suggested the existence of c-axis correlated vortex pinning centers. To clarify the relationship between the Jc performance and superstructures, we investigated the magnetic flux pinning mechanism using scaling theory of the volume pinning force Fp(H). The Jc(H) curves, Fp/Fp,max vs. h = H/Hirr curves, and parameters p and q depended on the characteristics of the flux pinning mechanism. It was found that the dominant pinning mechanism of Co-doped/undoped multilayerd BaFe2As2 films was Δl-pinning and the inserted undoped BaFe2As2 layers remained non-superconducting. The dominant pin geometry varied when the magnetic field direction changed. It was concluded that the artificially layered BaFe2As2 film is a 3-D superconductor due to its long correlation length compared to the thickness of the non-superconducting layer.

  18. Ultrasonic inspections of fuel alignment pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rathgeb, W.; Schmid, R.

    1994-01-01

    As a remedy to the practical problem of defects in fuel alignment pins made of Inconel X750, an inspection technique has been developed which fully meets the requirements of detecting defects. The newly used fuel alignment pins made of austenite are easy to test and therefore satisfy the necessity of further inspections.For the fuel alignment pins of the upper core structure a safe and fast inspection technique was made available. The inspection sensitivity is high and it is possible to give quantitative directions concerning defect orientation and depth. After the required inspections had been concluded in 1989, a total of 18 inspections were carried out in various national and international nuclear power plants in the following years. During this time more than 6000 fuel alignment pines were examined.For the fuel alignment pins the inspection technique provided could increase the understanding of the defect process. This technique contributed to the development of an adaptive and economical repair strategy. ((orig.))

  19. Design and Operation of 3-Pin FTL HVAC System

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chi, D. Y.; Sim, B. S.; Park, S. K.; Park, K. N.; Lee, J. M.; Ahn, S. H.; Lee, C. Y.; Kim, Y. J.

    2005-01-01

    According to the increasing demand for irradiation tests to develop new fuels, the 3-Pin FTL(Fuel Test Loop for 3 pin test fuel) facility has now been under design to conduct in-core fuel performance tests at the operating conditions, which will be installed at HANARO. The HVAC system of the FTL will be dependent on that of the HANARO. The FTL has three equipments rooms, which are the room 1, room 2 and the control room. The high pressure and high temperature equipments will be installed in the room 1. The atmosphere of the room 1 shall be maintained under the designed condition. This paper describes the design of the FTL HVAC system in the room 1

  20. Cell homogenization methods for pin-by-pin core calculations tested in slab geometry

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yamamoto, Akio; Kitamura, Yasunori; Yamane, Yoshihiro

    2004-01-01

    In this paper, performances of spatial homogenization methods for fuel or non-fuel cells are compared in slab geometry in order to facilitate pin-by-pin core calculations. Since the spatial homogenization methods were mainly developed for fuel assemblies, systematic study of their performance for the cell-level homogenization has not been carried out. Importance of cell-level homogenization is recently increasing since the pin-by-pin mesh core calculation in actual three-dimensional geometry, which is less approximate approach than current advanced nodal method, is getting feasible. Four homogenization methods were investigated in this paper; the flux-volume weighting, the generalized equivalence theory, the superhomogenization (SPH) method and the nonlinear iteration method. The last one, the nonlinear iteration method, was tested as the homogenization method for the first time. The calculations were carried out in simplified colorset assembly configurations of PWR, which are simulated by slab geometries, and homogenization performances were evaluated through comparison with the reference cell-heterogeneous calculations. The calculation results revealed that the generalized equivalence theory showed best performance. Though the nonlinear iteration method can significantly reduce homogenization error, its performance was not as good as that of the generalized equivalence theory. Through comparison of the results obtained by the generalized equivalence theory and the superhomogenization method, important byproduct was obtained; deficiency of the current superhomogenization method, which could be improved by incorporating the 'cell-level discontinuity factor between assemblies', was clarified

  1. Endotracheal ectopic parathyroid adenoma mimicking asthma

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. Akif Özgül

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Primary benign tumors of the trachea are uncommon. These tumors may cause tracheal occlusion and lead to a misdiagnosis of asthma. Ectopic parathyroid adenoma (EPA can be seen anywhere between the mandibular angle and the mediastinum. The distal part of the trachea is a rare location for EPA, and EPA obstructing the endotracheal lumen has not been reported in the literature. We herein describe a 52-year-old female with a several-year history of asthma treatment who presented with progressive dyspnea. Computed tomography revealed a mass that was obstructing the tracheal lumen. Total mass excision was performed via endobronchial treatment, and pathologic examination revealed EPA.

  2. [Transoral thyroid and parathyroid surgery : Implementation and evaluation of the transoral endoscopic technique via the vestibular approach (TOETVA)].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Karakas, E; Anuwong, A; Ketwong, K; Kounnamas, A; Schopf, S; Klein, G

    2018-04-10

    More than 10 years ago various research groups in Germany first reported the possibility of transoral surgery of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. These were developed and evaluated within the framework of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). While development of these innovative and new techniques that enabled surgery without visible scars did not become well accepted in Europe and America, it led to an optimized transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA), which was implemented particularly in Asia. We report the preparation, step-by-step implementation, and first promising results for TOETVA of an international surgical cooperation. A Thai-Austrian-German cooperation was started in June 2017. Between June and November 2017 the first 10 TOETVA procedures were performed in female and male patient(s) presenting with single thyroid nodules, sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism and solitary parathyroid adenoma or thyroglossal duct cysts. The TOETVA technique was performed using 3 laparoscopic ports inserted at the oral vestibule and a CO 2 insufflation pressure at 6-8 mm Hg. Each surgery was performed using laparoscopic instruments and ultrasonic or bipolar devices. Surgical outcome, complications and conversions to an open technique were recorded. Of the patients six presented with single thyroid nodules, two patients had multinodular goitre with scintigraphically cold nodules and multifocal hyperfunctioning thyroid tissue, one patient suffered from sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism with a left sided parathyroid adenoma and one patient suffered from a thyroglossal duct cyst. No conversion to conventional open surgery was necessary. Average tumor size was 3.1 cm (range 1-4 cm). There was no relevant loss of blood or subsequent bleeding. No temporary or permanent hoarseness or mental nerve injury occurred, while transient hypoparathyroidism was evident after successful parathyroid resection. Of the patients five

  3. Multiple Myeloma Presenting as Massive Amyloid Deposition in a Parathyroid Gland Associated with Amyloid Goiter: A Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Mimic on Intra-operative Frozen Section.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hill, Kirk; Diaz, Jason; Hagemann, Ian S; Chernock, Rebecca D

    2018-06-01

    Clinical examples of amyloid deposition in parathyroid glands are exceedingly rare and usually present as an incidental finding in a patient with amyloid goiter. Here, we present the first histologically documented case of parathyroid amyloid deposition that presented as a mass. The patient did not have hyperparathyroidism. The parathyroid gland was submitted for intra-operative frozen section and concern for medullary thyroid carcinoma was raised. An important histologic clue arguing against medullary thyroid carcinoma was the evenly dispersed nature of the amyloid. Histologic perinuclear clearing and parathyroid hormone immunohistochemistry confirmed parathyroid origin on permanent sections. The patient was also found to have associated amyloid goiter. Mass spectrometry of the amyloid showed it to be composed of kappa light chains. On further work-up, the patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Awareness of parathyroid amyloid deposition is important as it is a histologic mimic of medullary thyroid carcinoma, especially on frozen section. Amyloid typing with evaluation for multiple myeloma in any patient with kappa or lambda light chain restriction is also important.

  4. Radial power distribution shaping within a PWR fuel assembly utilizing asymmetrically loaded gadolinia-bearing fuel pins

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Stone, I.Z.

    1992-01-01

    As in-core fuel management designs evolve to meet the demands of increasing energy output, more innovative methods are developed to maintain power peaking within acceptable thermal margin limits. In-core fuel management staff must utilize various loading pattern strategies such as cross-core movement of fuel assemblies, multibatch enrichment schemes, and burnable absorbers as the primary means of controlling the radial power distribution. The utilization of fresh asymmetrically loaded gadolinia-bearing assemblies as a fuel management tool provides an additional means of controlling the radial power distribution. At Siemens Nuclear Power Corporation (SNP), fresh fuel assemblies fabricated with asymmetrically loaded gadolinia-bearing fuel rods have been used successfully for several cycles of reactor operation. Asymmetric assemblies are neutronically modeled using the same tools and models that SNP uses to model symmetrically loaded gadolinia-bearing fuel assemblies. The CASMO-2E code is used to produce the homogenized macroscopic assembly cross sections for the nodal core simulator. Optimum fuel pin locations within the asymmetrical assembly are determined using the pin-by-pin PDQ7 assembly core model for each new assembly design. The optimum pin location is determined by the rod loading that minimizes the peak-to-average pin power

  5. Pinning Synchronization of Switched Complex Dynamical Networks

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Liming Du

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Network topology and node dynamics play a key role in forming synchronization of complex networks. Unfortunately there is no effective synchronization criterion for pinning synchronization of complex dynamical networks with switching topology. In this paper, pinning synchronization of complex dynamical networks with switching topology is studied. Two basic problems are considered: one is pinning synchronization of switched complex networks under arbitrary switching; the other is pinning synchronization of switched complex networks by design of switching when synchronization cannot achieved by using any individual connection topology alone. For the two problems, common Lyapunov function method and single Lyapunov function method are used respectively, some global synchronization criteria are proposed and the designed switching law is given. Finally, simulation results verify the validity of the results.

  6. Preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas by technetium and thallium double-labeling scintigraphy. Difficulties linked to associated thyroid lesions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Valensi, P.; Attali, J.R.; Sebaoun, J.; Bedig, G.; Paycha, F.; Tellier, P.; Vulpillat, M.; Sarfati, E.; Dubost, C.

    1989-01-01

    Technetium and thallium double-labeling scintigraphy with image subtraction was carried out on 63 patients suspected of having primary hyperparathyroidism, with or without thyroid involvement. Forty-four patients had a normal thyroid image with technetium. The positive foci located by double-labeling in patients who were to undergo surgery always coincided with parathyroid adenoma. In the 16 cases where the initial diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism was not substantiated, the double-labeling test was normal. Thus for these 44 patients, scintigraphy sensitivity was 75% and specificity was 100%. Nineteen patients had an abnormal thyroid image with technetium. In 7 cases, image subtraction following double-labeling yielded uninterpretable data. In 12 other patients, the positive foci located outside the thyroid by double-labeling coincided with a parathyroid adenoma, whereas this was true for only one patient whose positive foci were located inside the thyroid; a parathyroid adenoma was not detected preoperatively in 4 patients. This double-labeling test is thus useful in locating parathyroid adenomas when technetium scintigraphy of the thyroid is normal; when it is abnormal, double-labeling is advantageous only in cases of extrathyroid foci [fr

  7. Breached-pin testing in the US

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mahagin, D.E.; Lambert, J.D.B.

    1981-04-01

    Experience gained at EBR-II by the late 1970's from a significant number of failures in experimental fuel-pin irradiations forms the basis of a program directed towards the characterization of breached pins. The questions to be answered and the issues raised by further testing are discussed

  8. Is magnetic pinning a dominant mechanism in Nb-Ti

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cooley, L.D.; Lee, P.J.; Larbalestier, D.C.

    1991-01-01

    In this paper, the authors compare the pinning behavior of an artificial pinning center (APC) composite and a nanometer-filament Nb 46.5 wt% Ti composite to that of a conventional Nb 48 wt% Ti composite. The microstructure of the APC composite resembles the conventional composite, where ribbons of normal metal form the pinning centers, whereas the nanometer-filament composite has no internal normal metal but pins instead at the filament surface. The APC composite exhibits much stronger pinning relative to B c 2 than the conventional composite (21.4 GN/m 3 , 7 T vs. 18.9 GN/m 3 , 11 T), which is possibly due to the increased amount of pinning center (50 vol.% vs. 25 vol.%), however the proximity effect reduces the B c 2 unfavorably

  9. Velocity distribution measurement in wire-spaced fuel pin bundle

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mizuta, Hiroshi; Ohtake, Toshihide; Uruwashi, Shinichi; Takahashi, Keiichi

    1974-01-01

    Flow distribution measurement was made in the subchannels of a pin bundle in air flow. The present paper is interim because the target of this work is the decision of temperature of the pin surface in contact with wire spacers. The wire-spaced fuel pin bundle used for the experiment consists of 37 simulated fuel pins of stainless steel tubes, 3000 mm in length and 31.6 mm in diameter, which are wound spirally with 6 mm stainless steel wire. The bundle is wrapped with a hexagonal tube, 3500 mm in length and 293 mm in flat-to-flat distance. The bundle is fixed with knock-bar at the entrance of air flow in the hexagonal tube. The pitch of pins in the bundle is 37.6 mm (P/D=1.19) and the wrapping pitch of wire is 1100 mm (H/D=34.8). A pair of arrow-type 5-hole Pitot tubes are used to measure the flow velocity and the direction of air flow in the pin bundle. The measurement of flow distribution was made with the conditions of air flow rate of 0.33 m 3 /sec, air temperature of 45 0 C, and average Reynolds number of 15100 (average air velocity of 20.6 m/sec.). It was found that circular flow existed in the down stream of wire spacers, that axial flow velocity was slower in the subchannels, which contained wire spacers, than in those not affected by the wire, and that the flow angle to the axial velocity at the boundary of subchannels was two thirds smaller than wire wrapping angle. (Tai, I.)

  10. Flux pinning property in a single crystal NdBa2Cu3Oy superconductor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hasan, M.N.; Kurokawa, T.; Kiuchi, M.; Otabe, E.S.; Matsushita, T.; Chikumoto, N.; Machi, T.; Muralidhar, M.; Murakami, M.

    2005-01-01

    The critical current density J c and the apparent pinning potential U 0 * in a single crystal NdBa 2 Cu 3 O y superconductor which shows a broad peak effect are investigated by measuring a DC magnetization and its relaxation. The field-induced pinning mechanism does not explain the temperature dependence of peak field B p and dip field B d . The experimental results of J c and U 0 * are compared with the theoretical analysis based on the flux creep-flow model, taking the distribution of the flux pinning strength into account. The number of flux lines in the flux bundle (g 2 ), the most probable value of pinning strength (A m ) and distribution width (σ 2 ) are determined so that a good fit is obtained between the experimental and theoretical results. The behavior of these parameters is discussed in correspondence to the disorder transition of flux lines

  11. Evaluation of bundle duct interaction by out-of-pile compression test of FBR fuel pin bundles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tanaka, Kosuke; Yamamoto, Yuji; Nagamine, Tsuyoshi; Maeda, Koji [Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Inst., Oarai, Ibaraki (Japan). Oarai Engineering Center

    2001-06-01

    Bundle duct interaction (BDI) caused by expansion of fuel pin bundle is a main factor to limit the fuel lifetime. Therefore, it is important for the design of fast reactor fuel assembly to understand the fuel pin deformation behavior under BDI condition. In order to understand the fuel pin deformation behavior under BDI condition, out-of-pile compression tests were conducted for FBR fuel pin bundle by use of X-ray CT equipment. In these compression tests, two kinds of fuel pin bundles were conducted. One was the fuel pin bundle with the short wire-pitch and the other was the fuel pin bundle with the short wire-pitch and large diameter claddings. The general discussions were also performed based on the results of out-of-pile compression tests obtained by use of X-ray CT equipment in the previous work. Following results were obtained. 1) The occurrence of the pin-to-duct contact depends on the wire-pitch. In the fuel pin bundle with large wire-pitch, the pin-to-duct contact occurred at the early stage of BDI. The reason of this result is due to the low bowing rigidity of the fuel pins with long wire-pitch. 2) The value of the ovalation stiffness strongly depends on the geometry of cladding (diameter, thickness) and especially on wire-pitch. This result in this work revealed that the occurrence of the pin-to-duct contact depends on the value of the ovalation stiffness. 3) The occurrence of wire dispersion and dispersive displacement of pins depends on the wire-pitch strongly. In the fuel pin bundle with the long wire-pitch, the occurrence of the above-mentioned suppression mechanism to BDI is remarkable. 4) The suppression mechanism to BDI of the fuel pin bundle with the long wire-pitch is elastic oval deformation of cladding, wire dispersion and dispersive displacement of pins. On the other hand, the elastic and plastic oval deformation of cladding is the major suppression mechanism to BDI in the fuel pin bundle with the short wire-pitch. 5) The appearance of

  12. Effects of Intermittent Administration of Parathyroid Hormone (1-34 on Bone Differentiation in Stromal Precursor Antigen-1 Positive Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xiaoxiao Wang

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss and bone destruction in adults worldwide. Human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs may represent promising new therapeutic biomaterials for tissue engineering applications. Stromal precursor antigen-1 (STRO-1 has been shown to have roles in adherence, proliferation, and multipotency. Parathyroid hormone (PTH has been shown to enhance proliferation in osteoblasts. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the functions of STRO-1(+ and STRO-1(− hPDLSCs and to investigate the effects of PTH on the osteogenic capacity of STRO-1(+ hPDLSCs in order to evaluate their potential applications in the treatment of periodontitis. Our data showed that STRO-1(+ hPDLSCs expressed higher levels of the PTH-1 receptor (PTH1R than STRO-1(− hPDLSCs. In addition, intermittent PTH treatment enhanced the expression of PTH1R and osteogenesis-related genes in STRO-1(+ hPDLSCs. PTH-treated cells also exhibited increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization ability. Therefore, STRO-1(+ hPDLSCs represented a more promising cell resource for biomaterials and tissue engineering applications. Intermittent PTH treatment improved the capacity for STRO-1(+ hPDLSCs to repair damaged tissue and ameliorate the symptoms of periodontitis.

  13. End-threaded intramedullary positive profile screw ended self-tapping pin (Admit pin) - A cost-effective novel implant for fixing canine long bone fractures.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chanana, Mitin; Kumar, Adarsh; Tyagi, Som Prakash; Singla, Amit Kumar; Sharma, Arvind; Farooq, Uiase Bin

    2018-02-01

    The current study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy of end-threaded intramedullary pinning for management of various long bone fractures in canines. This study was conducted in two phases, managing 25 client-owned dogs presented with different fractures. The technique of application of end-threaded intramedullary pinning in long bone fractures was initially standardized in 6 clinical patients presented with long bone fractures. In this phase, end-threaded pins of different profiles, i.e., positive and negative, were used as the internal fixation technique. On the basis of results obtained from standardization phase, 19 client-owned dogs clinically presented with different fractures were implanted with end-threaded intramedullary positive profile screw ended self-tapping pin in the clinical application phase. The patients, allocated randomly in two groups, when evaluated postoperatively revealed slight pin migration in Group-I (negative profile), which resulted in disruption of callus site causing delayed union in one case and large callus formation in other two cases whereas no pin migration was observed in Group-II (positive profile). Other observations in Group-I was reduced muscle girth and delayed healing time as compared to Group-II. In clinical application, phase 21 st and 42 nd day post-operative radiographic follow-up revealed no pin migration in any of the cases, and there was no bone shortening or fragment collapse in end-threaded intramedullary positive profile screw ended self-tapping pin. The end-threaded intramedullary positive profile screw ended self-tapping pin used for fixation of long bone fractures in canines can resist pin migration, pin breakage, and all loads acting on the bone, i.e., compression, tension, bending, rotation, and shearing to an extent with no post-operative complications.

  14. Parathyroid Hormone-Related Peptide: A Novel Endocrine Cardioprotective "Conditioning Mimetic".

    Science.gov (United States)

    Datta, Tanuka; Przyklenk, Karin; Datta, Nabanita S

    2017-11-01

    An as-yet limited body of evidence suggests that calcium-regulating endocrine hormones-in particular, parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP)-may have unappreciated cardioprotective effects. The current review focuses on the concept that PTHrP may, via modulation of classic cardioprotective signaling pathways, provide a novel strategy to attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.

  15. Comparison of predictive accuracy of pre surgical serum parathormone (PTH) level with that of parathyroid scan in case of primary hyperparathyroidism

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nasreen, F.; Yasmeen, S.; Ahsan, A.S.M.; Mandal, T.; Sultana, K.S.A.; Shirin, A.

    2007-01-01

    Full text: Aims and Objective: Parathyroid scintigraphy with Tc-99m Sestamibi is a sensitive and specific test for pre operative localization of parathyroid adenoma (PA) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. However false ve studies are not uncommon. Our aim was to find out the predictive accuracy of pre surgical parathormone (PTH) level with that of parathyroid scan in case of primary hyperparathyroidism. Materials And Method: A total of 54 patients (29 male, 25 female) with a mean age of 41. 24+14.26 years suspected of primary hyperparathyroidism were included in this study. All patients had serum PTH and calcium level higher than the normal limit. Parathyroid scintigraphy was done by subtraction method using 185 MBq of Tc-99m PO4 which was given first and images were taken by planar gamma camera after 20 minutes followed by Tc-99m Sestamibi (740MBq) injection without moving the patient. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity at different cut off values of PTH such as >70pg/ml, >80pg/ml, >90pg/ml and >100pg/ml and observed the changes in sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV against scintigraphic diagnosis of PA. Result: Parathyroid scintigraphy revealed 15 positive cases (27.8%) amongst 54 patients, which were surgically proven to be so. The sensitivity of PTH in predicting positive parathyroid scan revealed to be 86.7% at serum PTH level of 70-90pg/ml. Then the sensitivity declines steadily to 73.3% at PTH level of >100pg/ml. The specificity increases gradually from 20.5% at serum PTH level >70pg/ml to 53.8% at serum PTH level >100pg/ml. However, PPV and NPV of serum PTH did not experience significant change like sensitivity and specificity with the increase of cut off values. Conclusion: We can use a cut off value of pre surgical serum PTH level at 90pg/ml before doing parathyroid scan as this has maximum sensitivity and optimum specificity. It will help to predict the outcome of scan and avoid unnecessary parathyroid scan and false ve cases

  16. Happy Pinning

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Fausing, Bent

    2012-01-01

    This is about Pinterest, but with a different approach than usual to social networks. Pinterest is an image site par excellence. The images are as Windows that open outwards and also lets us look inwards and displays the soul and heart, the unintentional or pre-conscious desires. Happy Pinning!...

  17. Suspension scheme for fuel pin

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Butts, C.E.; Gray, H.C.

    1975-01-01

    A description is presented of a nuclear fuel pin suspension arrangement comprising, in combination, a rod; a first beam member connected to said rod at one end; a plurality of parallel-spaced slidable fuel support plates attached to said first beam member, the longitudinal axis of first beam member being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each of said fuel support plates, a first coupling means disposed along the length of the first beam member for permitting slidable fuel support plates parallel movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of said first beam member, a second coupling means located at one end of each of slidable fuel plates for slidably engaging first coupling means of first beam member, a second beam member connected to the other end of each of parallel-spaced slidable fuel support plates and providing an extension, second beam member being provided with a third coupling means disposed along the length of second beam member at one end thereof; and a plurality of fuel pins provided with a fourth coupling means located at one end of each fuel pin for slidably engaging third coupling means of second beam member to permit each fuel pin parallel movement with respect to the longitudinal axis of second beam member. (U.S.)

  18. Coevolving MAPK and PID phosphosites indicate an ancient environmental control of PIN auxin transporters in land plants.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dory, Magdalena; Hatzimasoura, Elizabeth; Kállai, Brigitta M; Nagy, Szilvia K; Jäger, Katalin; Darula, Zsuzsanna; Nádai, Tímea V; Mészáros, Tamás; López-Juez, Enrique; Barnabás, Beáta; Palme, Klaus; Bögre, László; Ditengou, Franck A; Dóczi, Róbert

    2018-01-01

    Plant growth flexibly adapts to environmental conditions, implying cross-talk between environmental signalling and developmental regulation. Here, we show that the PIN auxin efflux carrier family possesses three highly conserved putative mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) sites adjacent to the phosphorylation sites of the well-characterised AGC kinase PINOID, which regulates the polar localisation of PINs and directional auxin transport, thereby underpinning organ growth. The conserved sites of PIN1 are phosphorylated in vitro by two environmentally activated MAPKs, MPK4 and MPK6. In contrast to AGC kinases, MAPK-mediated phosphorylation of PIN1 at adjacent sites leads to a partial loss of the plasma membrane localisation of PIN1. MAPK-mediated modulation of PIN trafficking may participate in environmental adjustment of plant growth. © 2017 The Authors. FEBS Letters published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Federation of European Biochemical Societies.

  19. Retractable Pin Tools for the Friction Stir Welding Process

    Science.gov (United States)

    1998-01-01

    Two companies have successfully commercialized a specialized welding tool developed at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Friction stir welding uses the high rotational speed of a tool and the resulting frictional heat created from contact to crush, 'stir' together, and forge a bond between two metal alloys. It has had a major drawback, reliance on a single-piece pin tool. The pin is slowly plunged into the joint between two materials to be welded and rotated as high speed. At the end of the weld, the single-piece pin tool is retracted and leaves a 'keyhole,' something which is unacceptable when welding cylindrical objects such as drums, pipes and storage tanks. Another drawback is the requirement for different-length pin tools when welding materials of varying thickness. An engineer at the MSFC helped design an automatic retractable pin tool that uses a computer-controlled motor to automatically retract the pin into the shoulder of the tool at the end of the weld, preventing keyholes. This design allows the pin angle and length to be adjusted for changes in material thickness and results in a smooth hole closure at the end of the weld. Benefits of friction stir welding, using the MSFC retractable pin tool technology, include the following: The ability to weld a wide range of alloys, including previously unweldable and composite materials; provision of twice the fatigue resistance of fusion welds and no keyholes; minimization of material distortion; no creation of hazards such as welding fumes, radiation, high voltage, liquid metals, or arcing; automatic retraction of the pin at the end of the weld; and maintaining full penetration of the pin.

  20. Correlation of creep and swelling with fuel pin performance

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jackson, R.J.; Washburn, D.F.; Garner, F.A.; Gilbert, E.R.

    1975-09-01

    The HEDL PNL-11 experiment described was one in a series of fueled subassemblies irradiated in EBR-II to demonstrate the adequacy of the FFTF fuel pin design. The cladding material, dimensions, and fuel density are prototypic of FFTF. Because neutron flux in EBR-II is lower than in FFTF, the uranium enrichment is higher in these experimental fuel pins, irradiated in EBR-II, than the FFTF enrichment for comparable linear heat rates. Some pertinent oprating conditions for the center fuel pin in this experiment are listed. This 37-pin subassembly represents, at 110,000 MWd/MTM, the highest burnup yet attained by a prototypic FFTF subassembly. Similarly, this is the highest fluence presently attained by prototypic fuel pins. A cladding breach occurred in one fuel pin which is presently being examined. Results are presented and discussed