Tropical pyomyositis

A 22 year old male presented with symptoms of diffuse muscle pain and multiple abnormal laboratory findings that were eventually attributed to tropical myositis. Computed tomography scan was more reliable than ultrasound and served as a guide to needle aspiration and pathologic diagnosis.     

The geometry of triple-balloon dilation

Triple-balloon dilation (TBD) of a variety of luminal structures has been successfully, though infrequently, used. A mathematical model is presented for the selection of balloon sizes, and equations and tables are derived that allow the user to estimate more accurately the size of balloons needed for TBD of structures with large lumina. With TBD, an approximately circular lumen can be formed. Also, TBD allows smaller, higher-pressure balloons to be used instead of single, low-pressure, large balloons. However, multiple puncture sites may be required for TBD.     

Effect of dietary fiber on intestinal bacterial beta-glucuronidase activity in chicks fed a cholesterol-containing diet

The effect of dietary fiber isolated from blackgram (Phaseolus mungo) was studied on the metabolic activity of microflora in the large intestine and cecum in chicks fed a cholesterol diet. The results indicate that inclusion of cholesterol in the diet increased the bacterial as well as tissue (large intestine, small intestine, and cecum) beta-glucuronidase activity when compared to a cholesterol-free diet. Dietary fiber isolated from blackgram when given at 30% level to chicks fed a cholesterol diet significantly lowered bacterial as well as tissue beta-glucuronidase activity. Pure cellulose at the same level did not have this effect.