Cystic thyroid and parathyroid lesions in cats

Reports of cystic thyroid and parathyroid masses in cats are uncommon. Herein, the authors describe a series of four cats with cystic ventral cervical lesions, among them thyroid cyst (n=1), thyroid cystadenoma (n=2), and parathyroid adenocarcinoma (n=1). Presentations ranged from completely asymptomatic cervical swellings to signs related to local compression of adjacent structures (e.g., trachea). Ultrasonographic evaluation was helpful in localization of the mass in two cases. Hormone analysis and concentration of cystic fluid were performed in one cat. Surgical excision was performed successfully in three cases. Histopathological examination was performed in all four cases. Long-term prognosis was excellent for those cases in which follow-up was available.     

The accessory lung lobe in thoracic disease: a case series and anatomical review

Diseases of the accessory lung lobe (AccLL) are often overlooked in dogs and cats, perhaps because of its recessed location. Diseases of this lobe also can mimic diseases of the diaphragm or structures comprising the caudal mediastinum. Normal anatomy of the AccLL and the diagnostic tools used today will be reviewed to help differentiate disease of adjacent organs. Four cases will also be described to illustrate disease presentation and radiographic findings affecting this lobe.     

Spontaneous Bose coherence of excitons and polaritons

In the past decade, there has been an increasing number of experiments on spontaneous Bose coherence of excitons and polaritons. Four major areas of research are reviewed here: three-dimensional excitons in the bulk semiconductor Cu2O, two-dimensional excitons in coupled quantum wells, Coulomb drag experiments in coupled two-dimensional electron gases, and polaritons in semiconductor microcavities. The unifying theory of all these experiments is the effect of spontaneous symmetry breaking in the Bose-Einstein condensation phase transition.