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Increased intestinal permeability (IP) can lead to compromised health. Limited in vivo IP research has been conducted in chickens. The objectives of the current study were to develop a model of increased IP utilizing lipopolysaccharide (LPS Escherichia coli O55: B5) and to evaluate IP changes using the lactulose, mannitol and rhamnose (LMR) sugar permeability test. In addition, fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d), D-lactate, zonula occludens (ZO-1) and diamine oxidase (DAO) permeability tests were employed. Male Ross chickens were reared until day 14 on the floor in an animal care facility and then transferred to individual cages in three separate experiments. In each of experiments 1 and 2, 36 chicks were randomly allocated to receive either saline (control) or LPS (n = 18/group). Lactulose, mannitol and rhamnose sugar concentration in blood was measured at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min in experiment 1, at 60, 90 and 120 min in experiment 2 and at 90 min in experiment 3 (n = 16/group). Lipopolysaccharide was injected intraperitoneally at doses of 0.5, 1 and 1 mg/kg BW in experiments 1, 2 and 3, respectively, on days 16, 18 and 20, whereas control received sterile saline. On day 21, only birds in experiments 1 and 2 were fasted for 19.5 h. Chicks were orally gavaged with the LMR sugars (0.25 gL, 0.05 gM, 0.05 gR/bird) followed by blood collection (from the brachial vein) as per time point for each experiment. Only in experiment 3, were birds given an additional oral gavage of FITC-d (2.2 mg/ml per bird) 60 min after the first gavage. Plasma D-lactate, ZO-1 and DAO concentrations were also determined by ELISA in experiment 3 (n = 10). Administration of LPS did not affect IP as measured by the LMR sugar test compared with control. This was also confirmed by FITC-d and DAO levels in experiment 3 ( P>0.05). The plasma levels of D-lactate were decreased ( P<0.05). Plasma levels of ZO-1 were increased in the third experiment only and did not change in the first two experiments. Lipopolysaccharide at doses of 0.5 and 1 mg/kg did not increase IP in this model system. In conclusion, the LMR sugar can be detected in blood 90 min after the oral gavage. Further studies are needed for the applicability of LMR sugars tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intestinal mucositis is a frequent side-effect of chemotherapy treatment. Many oncological research programs aim to identify novel treatments for this distressing condition, and these programs frequently use rat models. Little is known about the presence and progression of pain in these models and how this can best be treated by analgesic therapy. We used a number of behaviour-based methods of pain assessment to determine which tools were best suited for pain identification. Baseline measures for behavioural assessment, rat grimace score and sociability were determined through analysis of continuously recorded video data and an applied social interaction test (n = 16). Mucositis was then induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (150 mg/kg) and further behavioural analyses undertaken. An assessment of enrichment interaction was also made by determining the mass of a plastic chew toy gnawed both pre- and post-chemotherapy injection. Behavioural scoring was performed 1, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after injection, with facial expression being scored at the 12, 24 and 48 h time-points. Sociability testing was performed once during the post-injection period. No significant differences were found in grimace scores between baseline and later daily measures. Behaviours similar to those previously reported post-laparotomy were observed. Writhing, twitching and back-arching behaviours were most evident in rats affected by mucositis and were increased in frequency (respective P values: 0.002, 0.004 and 0.008) 48 h after chemotherapy injection compared with baseline, implying that pain onset occurred around this time-point. Social investigatory behaviour was also increased (P = 0.002) following disease onset. Each day, rats post-5FU injection gnawed a greater percentage of their nylabone enrichment by weight than the saline-injected control rats (P = 0.046). These data suggest that, of the tools tested, behavioural assessment scoring may find greatest utility in rodent models of intestinal mucositis and should be investigated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Shergottites are the most abundant (~ 88 % of all known martian meteorites by both quantity and mass [1]. They are a chemically diverse group of martian meteorites and can be classified based on their (i) texture into basaltic, olivine-phyric, gabbroic, and poikilitic shergottites, and (ii) light rare earth element (LREE) abundances and isotopic compositions into depleted, enriched and intermediate [2-5]. Olivine-phyric shergottites are porphyritic textured rock comprised of olivine megacrysts (large single crystals that are considerably bigger than the typical grain size of the minerals found in that rock) and pyroxene phenocrysts set in a groundmass of Fe-rich olivine, clinopyroxene, maskelynite (shock modified plagioclase) and accessory oxides (including spinel, ulvospinel, chromite and ilmenite), phosphates (merrillite and apatite) and sulphides. Olivine megacrysts in these shergottites are the first phase to have crystallised and as such record the composition of the parent magma from which they crystallised. However, there is still some debate on the xenocrystic, antecrystyic or phenocrystic nature of olivines in these shergottites. If the olivines are xenocrystic then they cannot be used to assess parent melt compositions, and if they are antecrystic can only be used if they are co-genetic with groundmass material. In this study, we use a recently developed laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) technique [6] with enhanced sensitivity to determine ultra-trace element concentrations (down to ~0.1 ppb) of olivine megacrysts in olivine-phyric shergottites from representative samples of depleted, intermediate, and enriched groups as well as one chassignite and one nahklite. The improved limit of detection of this method facilitates the acquisition of complete REE patterns for martian olivine, which will allow us to constrain the xenocrystic, antecrystic or phenocrystic nature of olivines in these meteorites. The primary aim of the study is to test whether olivine REE concentrations are in equilbirum with bulk-rock REE concentrations. Methods: The trace and ultra-trace element concentrations of olivine megacrysts from 11 olivine-phyric samples, including: Dar al Gani (DaG) 1037, Dhofar (Dho) 019, Northwest Africa (NWA) 1068, 2046, 4925, 6234, 10170, Larkman Nunatak (LAR) 12011, Sayh al Uhaymir (SaU) 005 and Tissint, one chassignite (Chassigny) and one nakhlite (NWA 11013) were measured by LA-ICP-MS, using an Agilent 7700cs quadrupole ICP-MS coupled with a Photon Analyte G2 193nm ArF Excimer laser system equipped with a HelEx II Cell, housed at Macquarie GeoAnalytical (Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia). Analyses were performed using the "hydrogen mode" where a few mL min-1 of H2 are added to the traditionally used Argon (Ar) carrier gas, which has been shown to increase the sensitivity of most elements measured by at least two-fold [6-7]. Operating parameters were set at a frequency of 10 Hz, an energy density of between 7.2 J cm-2, spot sizes of 100 µm, and counting times of 60 and 220 s on peaks and background respectively. Plasma torch conditions were optimised to keep the ThO/Th ratio (oxide levels) to a minimum (below 1%). Results and Discussion Our prelimary results show that olivine megacrysts in depleted olivine-phyric sherogttites crystallised from depleted melts consistent with bulk-rock data. Almost all of the olivine analysed in the intermediate and enriched shergottites are LREE depleted, with CI-chondrite normalized REE patterns (i.e., La/YbCI > 0.24) similar to olivine in depleted shergottites. These LREE deplted olivine in the intermediate and enriched shergottites appear to have crystallised from depleted sources and are thus are not in equilibrium with their bulk-rock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The last two decades have seen a significant increase in the rate of recovery of Martian meteorites allowing for the potential of studies to evaluate suites of igneous rocks rather than individual samples. As the number of Martian meteorites recovered increases and more isotopic and geochemical data become available, more stringent constraints can be placed on Martian volcanic systems and ejection sites. One proposed cogenetic relationship is represented by a group of at least 11 depleted olivine-phyric shergottites, including Dar al Gani (DaG) 476, that have ejection ages of 1.1 ± 0.2 Ma and share similar mantle source compositions [1, 2, 3]. The igneous crystallization ages of these 11 depleted shergottites range between 348 Ma and 2.4 Ga [3], spanning almost half of Mars' magmatic history. This ejection paired group allows for more comprehensive studies of cogenetic magma systems. Long-lived volcanoes (e.g., Alba Mons, Biblis Tholus, Jovis Tholus, Uranis Mons and Hecates Tholus) are well known on Mars and this group of depleted shergottites likely originate from one of them [4], providing geological context. A sample with a geological context has great value, aiding in better understanding of geological processes and planetary evolution thus creating a link between Martian meteorite petrology and data collected from remote exploration missions. This study investigates six of the seven depleted olivine-phyric shergottites found in the Dar al Gani meteorite field of the Libyan Sahara (DaG 476, 670, 735, 876, 975, 1037), which have previously been assumed to be launch paired based on their ejection age association. The motivation behind this work is to evaluate their pairing, based initially primarily on geographic association, and secondly to constrain the petrogenetic relationship between the DaG olivine-phyric shergottites and then use this to understand part of the volcanic history related to the 1.1 Ma ejection site on Mars. We have begun a campaign to collect EPMA data for all phases in these samples, and in situ LA-MCICP-MS 87Sr/86Sr isotopes of maskelynite and bulk-rock geochemistry for a subset of samples where we were able to get additional material (DaG 476, 670, 735, 1037) for destructive analyses. Here we present our preliminary data and interpretations in combination with previously reported data. All the DaG shergottites obtained for this study are characterised by porphyritic textures comprising of zoned olivine and pyroxene phenocrysts (grain sizes ~ 1.5 to 2.6 mm) set in a finer groundmass of later crystallizing olivine and pyroxene laths (up to 0.7 mm in length) with interstitial maskelynite as well as accessory chromite, Fe-Ti oxides, sulfides, merrillite, and apatite. To date, we have measured the olivine composition in DaG 1037, which has a range of Fo75 -61 comparable to previously reported data for DaG 476 (Fo76 -58 [6]). Estimated crystallisation pressures using Ti vs. Al (pfu) in pyroxenes from DaG 1037 are also comparable to DaG 476 [6]), implying crystallisation close to the crust-mantle boundary. In situ 87Sr/86Sr isotope analyses of maskelynite in DaG 670 have an average of 0.70170 ± 0.00049 and are indistinguishable from previously reported data for DaG 476 (87Sr/86Sr = 0.70125) and other depleted shergottites [1]. Bulk-rock data collected for DaG 670 and 735 are characterized by depleted LREE profiles in chondrite-normalised plots, consistent with classification as depleted shergottites. Furthermore, DaG 670 and 735 have Mg#'s of 68.8 and 61.0, and previously reported data for DaG 476 has an Mg# of 66.5. In all three cases, the most primitive olivine compositions (reported in the Meteoritical Bulletin database for meteorite classification) are not in equilibrium with the bulk-rock Mg#, indicating accumulation of olivine. This initial characterization suggests the olivine-phyric DaG shergottites may be paired as well as launch paired and the importance of this finding will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Shergottites are the most common type of martian meteorites, making up ~90% of the martian meteorite collection, and have mafic and ultramafic compositions. The poikilitic shergottites are the most abundant shergottites, consisting of more than 20% of total samples [1,2]. Geochemically, poikilitic shergottites can be classified into enriched, intermediate, and depleted based on light rare earth element abundances and isotopic compositions [2-5]. The poikilitic shergottites have a unique bimodal texture representing the entire magmatic evolution of a poikilitic shergottite. Domain 1, the early stage poikilitic texture, is representative of slow cooling at depth (early-stage mineral assemblages). Domain 2, the non-poikilitic late-stage interstitial texture, is reflective of magmatic ascent and rapid cooling (late-stage mineral assemblages) [2,4]. Melt inclusions (MI) in each texture are olivine-hosted, with olivine being the earliest crystallizing mineral in the poikilitic shergottites. Thus, the MI can be representative of the compositions at the time of their formation. Here, we conducted major and trace element MI analyses on mineral phases located in MI to better constrain parental magma compositions, as the melt evolves from one domain to another, while also examining potential crustal contamination in the melt [2,4]. Through 176Lu/177Hf and 147Sm/143Nd isotopic analyses of mineral separates, we will determine crystallization ages and isotopic compositions for two poikilitic shergottites to constrain time of formation, sources, and therefore potential distribution of the shergottite suite on Mars. Methods: We examined a suite of five meteorites including: Allan Hills (ALHA) 77005, Northwest Africa (NWA) 11065, NWA 7755, NWA 10618, and NWA 11043 by conducting melt inclusion analyses in both poikilitic and nonpoikilitic textures. In situ major and minor elemental analyses of the MI using the JEOL JXA-8900 electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). A total of 14 MI were analyzed, 6 from domain 1, and 9 from domain 2. The parental trapped liquid (PTL) compositions were calculated for each MI using the present bulk composition (PBC) and Petrolog3, which allows for an accurate measurement of the magma composition at time of entrapment [4]. We conducted our thermodynamic modeling using MELTS software [4-8]. In situ analyses of trace elements within the MI were conducted at UNLV using the ESI 193 nm Excimer NWR193 laser ablation system, which is coupled with an iCAPTM Qc inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). 176Lu/177Hf and 147Sm/143Nd isotopic analyses were conducted on two poikilitic shergottites NWA 7755 and NWA 11043 at University of Houston (UH) using methods outlined in [9-11] Results: The olivine hosted MI have compositions of Fo57-71. The Mg# [= 100*molar MgO/(MgO+FeO)] of olivine hosting MIs in domain 1 has a range of 40-50, while the olivine Mg# in domain 2 MI is 35-47. Melt inclusions in domains 1 and 2 exhibit similar CaO contents, ranging from 3-10 wt.%. The Al2O3 content generally shows an increase from MI in domain 1 (8-16 wt.%) to MI in domain 2 (9-21 wt.%). The SiO2 measured in MI in domain 1 and 2 is the same (40-55 wt.%). Potassium enrichment (>1 K2O wt.%) is seen in MI in domain 1 (1 MI) and domain 2 (4 MI), showing enrichment is more prevalent in domain 2. The K2O/Na2O is variable (0.02-1.9) throughout the MI in both domains. The 176Lu/177Hf versus 176Hf/177Hf 5-point isochron yielded a crystallization age of 223 ± 46 Ma (MSWD = 0.24), and an initial 176Hf/177Hf ratio of 0.282167 ± 0.00001 for NWA 7755. Discussion: The overlap of the poikilitic shergottite PTL compositions with olivine-phyric PTL composition ranges from previous studies [2,4,12-14] suggest that poikilitic shergottites and olivine-phyric shergottites may share a petrological link and similar petrogenesis/magmatic history. The PTL compositions of poikilitic shergottites are not as primitive and cover a smaller Mg# range (36-50) compared to that of the olivine-phyric PTL ranges (20-56). The variability of the K2O/Na2O ratio between the samples suggest that poikilitic shergottites may go through a common process during melt evolution resulting in the addition of K-rich metasomatized material. Parallel rare earth element profiles of the MI compared to bulk rock trace element data for all analyzed samples suggest that the MI are all sampling melts from a single source. Northwest Africa 7755's crystallization age and 176Lu/177Hf composition is identical within uncertainty to other enriched shergottites ages and source compositions suggesting NWA 7755 shares a long-lived geochemical source with these samples [12]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mucositis is a common and serious side-effect experienced by cancer patients during treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Consequently, programmes of research focus on the elucidation of novel therapeutics for alleviation of mucositis symptoms, and these frequently use animal models. However, although these models are assumed to be painful and distressing to the animal, endpoints are difficult to determine. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a change in burrowing behaviour could provide an indication of disease onset and potentially be applied as a humane endpoint. Baseline burrowing behaviour was measured in healthy animals on three occasions by determining the weight of gravel displaced from a hollow tube. Mucositis was then induced in the same animals by intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (150 mg/kg) and burrowing behaviour recorded over three consecutive days. Standard measures of disease progression, including body weight loss and clinical score, were also made. The presence of mucositis was confirmed at necropsy by findings of decreased duodenal and colon lengths, and reduced liver, spleen and thymus weights in comparison with non-treated control animals. Histological score of the jejunum and ileum was also significantly increased. Mucositis onset coincided with a decrease in mean burrowing behaviour which was progressive, however this result did not achieve statistical significance (P = 0.66).We conclude that burrowing may be a useful indicator of inflammation in the mucositis model, although this requires further characterization. Pre-selection of animals into treatment groups based on their prior burrowing performance should be pursued in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the question of whether private obstetric care in South Africa (SA) can be saved in view of the escalation in medical and legal costs brought about by a dramatic increase in medical negligence litigation. This question is assessed with reference to applicable medical and legal approaches. The crux of the matter is essentially a question of affordability. From a medical perspective, it seems that the English system (as articulated by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) as well as American perspectives may be well suited to the SA situation. Legal approaches are assessed in the context of the applicable medicolegal framework in SA, the present nature of damages and compensation with reference to obstetric negligence liability, as well as alternative options (no-fault and capping of damages) to the present system based on fault. It is argued, depending on constitutional considerations, that a system of damages caps for noneconomic damages seems to be the most appropriate and legally less invasive system in conjunction with the establishment of a state excess insurance fund. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The prediction and subsequent prevention of errors, which are an integral element of human behaviour, require an understanding of their cause. The incident monitoring technique was developed in the study of aviation errors in the Second World War and has been applied more recently in the field of anaesthetics. This pilot study represents one of the first attempts to apply the incident monitoring technique in the general practice environment.Method: A total of 297 GPs across Australia anonymously reported details of unintended events which harmed or could have harmed the patient. Reports were contemporaneously recorded on prepared forms which allowed a free text description of the incident, and structured responses for contributing and mitigating factors, immediate and long-term out-comes, additional costs etc.Results and Discussion: The first 500 reports were analysed using both of qualitative and quantitative methods and a brief overview of results is presented. The methodological issues arising in the application of this technique to such a large, widely spread profession, in which episodes of care are not necessarily confined to a single consultation, are discussed. This study demonstrated that the incident monitoring technique can be successfully applied in general practice and that the resulting information can facilitate the identification of common factors contributing to such events and allow the development of preventive interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Until recently, obstetric claims (which are invariably high-value) used to be clustered around problems related to labour. However, a second group of high-value claims is emerging: those related to missed abnormaltities. The value of claims is now so high that a single individual is unable to compensate a claimant adequately, and indemnity is therefore essential. Although such claims are relatively rare, indemnity costs are high as the claims are large. The high value of obstetric claims, including those for missed abnormalities, is reflected in the cost of indemnity for obstetricians and those performing antenatal ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changing dietary protein and amino acids may impact intestinal barrier function. Experiments were conducted in broiler chickens to evaluate supplementation of L-glutamine, glycine, and L-arginine in a reduced protein (RP) diet. Experiment 1 examined the growth performance of broilers fed 5 dietary treatments: 1) a standard diet; 2) an RP diet (193.9 g/kg CP in grower and 176.9 g/kg CP in finisher); 3) RP diet supplemented with 10 g/kg L-Gln; 4) RP diet supplemented with 10 g/kg Gly; 5) RP diet supplemented with 5 g/kg L-Arg. Each experimental diet was replicated 6 times with 10 birds per replicate. In a subset of 96 birds, experiment 2 tested the 4 RP diets with and without dexamethasone (DEX) to induce leaky gut. Each diet was replicated 24 times. Fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) was used to test intestinal permeability (IP). Gene expression of selected tight junction proteins in ileal and jejunal tissues was assayed by quantitative PCR. From day 7 to 35, the RP diet increased feed intake (FI) (P < 0.05) and body weight gain (BWG) compared with the standard diet while Gln reduced FI and BWG (P < 0.05) compared with RP. Gly had no effect on BWG or FCR. Supplementation of Arg improved FCR from day 21 to 35 and day 7 to 35. In experiment 2, Arg tended to lower FITC-d (P = 0.086). DEX increased passage of FITC-d into the serum (P < 0.001). The villi surface area was increased in birds fed higher Arg (P < 0.05). DEX and diet interacted (P < 0.01) for jejunal claudin-3 mRNA level where DEX upregulated claudin-3 for all diets except the Arg diet. In summary, with a moderate reduction of protein, satisfactory performance can be obtained. Although Gln and Gly had no demonstrable positive effect on IP and performance of broilers, increasing the dietary Arg by approximately 140% improved FCR and showed indications of improved intestinal barrier function of birds fed an RP diet under a stress model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a reprint of the article "The importance of comprehensive protection in today's healthcare environment," by G. Howarth, S. Bown and S. Whitehouse, which appeared in the July 2013. issue of "South African Medical Journal." It stresses the importance for healthcare professionals to have professional indemnity or insurance to protect them and the patients they treat. It notes that healthcare professionals to check carefully the terms and conditions of the insurance agreements.

The article discusses the potential for lyprinol (LYP), a stabilised lipid extract of New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, to serve as preventive treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) based on a study in South Australia. The effect of LYP and fish oil (FO) pre-treatments in mice with IBD was compared. The mice were treated with fish oil, olive oil (OO) and LYP and their body weight and disease activity index (DAI) scores were recorded daily. The results indicated that FO treatment had not been considered beneficial in treating IBD compared with OO.

Blood tests are a seemingly basic investigation, but are often a vital part of directing patient management. Despite the importance of this everyday process, we indentified the potential for improvement of the current phlebotomy service in our hospital, as both junior doctors and phlebotomists reported a lack of communication and standardised practice across the wards. Resulting delays in obtaining blood test results can impact detrimentally on patient safety and management. We designed a survey which highlighted inefficient handovers and discrepancies between wards as driving factors behind this. We therefore aimed to improve communication between phlebotomists and doctors, as well as the overall organisation of the service. This took the form of the "Phlebotomy Box," a box file system offering a set location for blood stickers to be situated. The box concept was optimised on a series of medical and surgical wards, incorporating multidisciplinary feedback from relevant teams. We measured how many untaken bloods were handed over to medical staff continuously, both pre- and post implementation of the phlebotomy box. Our baseline ward demonstrated poor handover rates of untaken bloods, ranging from 0% to 40%. This increased to a consistent 100% following introduction of the Phlebotomy Box and ongoing staff education. Once optimised, the box was trialled on a further two medical wards and one surgical ward, achieving 100% handover from an initial 0% to 67%. Quantitative improvement was also reflected qualitatively in widespread staff surveys, with overwhelmingly positive support and acceptance. In summary, the Phlebotomy Box innovation has led to 100% of untaken bloods being effectively handed over. We have demonstrated a significant improvement in communication and efficiency within the phlebotomy service, with tangible benefits to patient care, as minimising time lags can prevent delays in clinical decisions. The phlebotomy box represents a simplistic, sustainable intervention that could be easily replicated in other Trusts.