Efficacy of low concentrations of sodium hypochlorite and low-powered Er,Cr:YSGG laser activated irrigation against an Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.

Aim: To establish the antibacterial efficacy of low concentrations of sodium hypochlorite with and without Er,Cr:YSGG laser activation on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in extracted teeth.

Methodology: The root canals of 96 decoronated single-rooted extracted human teeth were prepared to a size 40, 0.06 taper 1 mm beyond the apex.

An evaluation of an Australian initiative designed to improve interdisciplinary collaboration in primary mental health care.

This paper reports on a multi-component evaluation of Australia's Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN). MHPN aims to improve consumer outcomes by fostering a collaborative clinical approach to primary mental health care. MHPN has promoted interdisciplinary communication and networking through activity in three inter-related areas: interdisciplinary workshops supported by education and training materials; fostering ongoing, self-sustained interdisciplinary clinical networks; and a website, web portal (MHPN Online) and a toll-free telephone information line.

The sustainability of an Australian initiative designed to improve interdisciplinary collaboration in mental health care.

Background: The Australian Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) is fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to mental health care through the establishment of local interdisciplinary networks of mental health professionals. This paper reports on those factors seen by MHPN participants and staff as having affected the formation and continuation of interdisciplinary networks, and therefore the likely sustainability of these groups.

Method: The paper draws on qualitative data from focus groups with mental health professionals participating in MHPN activities and MHPN staff.

Nitric oxide (NO) is associated with gentamicin (GENTA) nephrotoxicity and the renal function recovery after suspension of GENTA treatment in rats.

GENTA nephrotoxicity is likely to be caused, among other factors, by an increase of vasoconstrictors or a decrease of vasodilators such as NO. Few days after discontinuing GENTA treatment, the renal function is recovered, but if risk factors like advanced age, previous renal dysfunction, simultaneous use of other nephrotoxic drugs or dehydration are present, severe and progressive renal disease occurs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal function in rats during GENTA treatment and after its suspension as well as its relationship with NO.

Discal attachments of the human temporomandibular joint.

Background: Despite its clinical significance, the anatomy of the human temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its relationship to the lateral pterygoid muscle remains poorly described and often misrepresented in standard texts. The aim of this study was to describe how the anterior and posterior attachments of the TMJ disc vary between lateral, central and medial regions of the joint.

Methods: Ten left TMJs were removed en bloc from cadavers and serial sections were made at 3-4mm intervals.