Intrathyroidal parathyroid glands can be a cause of failed cervical exploration for hyperparathyroidism

BACKGROUND: The incidence of intrathyroidal parathyroid glands remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence in a series of patients with hyperparathyroidism. METHODS: Three hundred nine patients underwent parathyroidectomy. Patients were divided into two groups: uniglandular disease versus hyperplasia. RESULTS: Eighteen of 309 patients (6%) had abnormal intrathyroidal parathyroid glands. The incidence was 3% (7 of 222) in patients with uniglandular disease versus 15% (11 of 73) in those with hyperplasia. With a mean follow-up of 54 months, 12 patients are eucalcemic, 5 have persistent hypocalcemia, and 1 has recurrent hypercalcemia. There were no recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that an intrathyroidal adenoma is an uncommon cause of failure, whereas abnormal intrathyroidal parathyroid tissue may be a more common cause of failure in patients with hyperplasia.     

Free amino acid supplementation to steers: effects on ruminal fermentation and performance

Three studies were conducted to evaluate amino acid utilization by cattle. In Exp. 1, five steers (580 kg) were fed 86% rolled corn diets with mixtures of amino acids containing up to 6 g/d DL-Met, 24 g/d L-Lys, 6 g/d L-Thr, and 3 g/d L-Trp. Treatments had little effect on ruminal fermentation, diet digestibility, N flow to the duodenum, or microbial efficiency. Ruminal concentrations of Met and Lys increased linearly (P < .05) with amino acid supplementation, whereas Thr responded quadratically, and Trp was not altered. In Exp. 2, four steers (414 kg) were used to measure effects of dietary monensin or laidlomycin propionate in high-grain diets supplemented with amino acids. Ionophores had no significant effect on ruminal fermentation or outflows of amino acids from the rumen. In Exp. 3, 100 steers (287 kg initial BW) were fed diets containing 1% of a nonprotein N source. Treatments were 1) no supplemental N (UREA), 2) UREA plus soybean meal (SBM), 3) UREA plus 2 g/d DL-Met, 8 g/d L-Lys, 2 g/d L-Thr, and 1 g/d L-Trp, or 4) UREA plus 4 g/d DL-Met, 16 g/d L-Lys, 4 g/d L-Thr, and 2 g/d L-Trp. During the growing period (diets based on whole-plant milo silage), gains were higher for SBM-supplemented steers than for UREA steers and intermediate for steers supplemented with amino acids. Few significant differences in performance were observed among treatments during the finishing phase (diets based on dry-rolled corn) or for the entire experiment, but cattle fed SBM or amino acids tended to be fatter and have better marbling scores and quality grades. Amino acids did not greatly alter ruminal fermentation or cattle performance.     

Sodium-beta alumina batteries: Status and challenges

This paper provides a review of materials and designs for sodium-beta alumina battery technology and discusses the challenges ahead for further technology improvement. Sodium-beta alumina batteries have been extensively developed in recent years and encouraging progress in performance and cycle life has been achieved. The battery is composed of an anode, typically molten sodium, and a cathode that can be molten sulfur (Na-S battery) or a transition metal halide incorporated with a liquid phase secondary electrolyte (e.g., ZEBRA battery). In most cases the electrolyte is a dense solid β″-Al₂O₃ sodium ion-conducting membrane. The issues prohibiting widespread commercialization of sodium-beta alumina technology are related to the materials and methods of manufacturing that impact cost, safety, and performance characteristics.     

Molecular heterogeneity of the L-1 metallo-beta-lactamase family from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

We have determined the nucleotide sequence of the blaS gene encoding the carbapenem-hydrolyzing L-1 beta-lactamase from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia GN12873. Analysis of the DNA and deduced amino acid sequences identified a product of 290 amino acids. Comparisons of the L-1 amino acid sequence with those of other zinc beta-lactamases showed 88.6% identity with the L-1 enzyme from S. maltophilia IID1275 and less than 20% identity with other class B metalloenzymes.     

Splenectomy in children. A correlative review of indications and complications in fifty patients

We have reported our experience with splenectomy in fifty patients less than fourteen years old. The indications, results, and complications were enumerated. These data were then correlated with the recent literature regarding pediatric splenctomy. Of special note is the problem of immunologic incompetency associated with splenectomy in the patients less than five years old.     

Sex-related differences in cadmium-induced alteration of drug action in the rat

A case of multiple adenocarcinoma arising from the kidney, bladder, and prostate is presented with a relevant discussion of the possible factors of pathogenesis. A staged approach of radical extirpative surgery is suggested.