Decriminalising and legalising medical assistance in dying

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Description of the previously unknown male of Argulus kosus Avenant-Oldewage, 1994 (Crustacea : Branchiura)

Argulus kosus Avenant-Oldewage, 1994 was described from two females collected in Kosi Bay, South Africa. Individuals of both sexes have now been found associated with freshwater, estuarine and marine fishes in Lake St Lucia on the coast of northern KwaZulu/Natal. The male is described, and A. smalei Avenant-Oldewage & Oldewage, 1995 is synonymised with A. kosus.

Ultrasonography should replace intravenous urography in the pre-operative evaluation of prostatism

In 48 patients referred for radiological evaluation as part of an investigation for benign prostatism both intravenous urography and ultrasonography were used. Ultrasonography combined with a plain abdominal radiograph was shown to be a better investigation than intravenous urography. Ultrasound was equally sensitive in detecting changes in the upper tracts and post-micturition residual volume and was more accurate in estimating prostate size. Intravenous urography was slightly more sensitive in detecting bladder wall changes, but this was not of clinical significance.

A comparison of fixatives suitable for scanning electron microscopy of Habronema spp

Members of the genus Habronema (Nematoda: Habronematidae) were preserved in 4 fixatives for examination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tegumental features of the anterior and posterior extremities of these specimens were compared to evaluate the effect of the fixatives: modified Flemming's solution, glutaraldehyde (GA), Karnovsky's fixative and 70% ethanol. Fixatives were assessed on the appearance of the tegument, evidence of any wrinkling, shrinkage or swelling and the degree of extension in the male tail. Seventy per cent ethanol gave the most satisfactory results.

Lesser curve shortening in gastric ulceration

Benign or malignant gastric ulcers may influence the contour of the lesser curve. A normally acute incisura angularis (angulus) may become blunted or obliterated by an ulcer because of oedema, fibrosis or infiltration. At a later stage the fibrosis resulting from a chronic ulcer may cause scarring and lesser curve shortening, with displacement of the pylorus towards the fundus. Marked deformities may arise, causing gastric stasis. The radiological demonstration of an abnormal angulus of a shortened lesser curve may occasionally provide the first clue to the presence of a gastric ulcer or other lesion.