Cellular responses to metal ions released from implants.

In the process of calcified tissue formation, cells secrete a protein-rich matrix into which they add a metal ion that nucleates in the presence of phosphorus to form an inorganic salt (usually calcium hydroxyapatite). Cellular and tissue responses to metal ions-released from implants, for example-can therefore be considered from the perspective of how cells handle calcium ions. A critical factor in determining cellular toxicity will be free ion concentrations and the competitive interactions that occur in a physicochemical manner.

Dental therapists and dental hygienists educated for the New Zealand environment.

New Zealand has a long history of dental care provided by school dental nurses, now known as dental therapists. The nature of their training courses, although delivered in different centers, had remained relatively constant until 1999 when educational responsibility was transferred to the universities. Dental hygienists were not trained in New Zealand until 1994, with the exception of the New Zealand Army hygienists.

Dental therapists: a global perspective.

In 1921, New Zealand began training school dental nurses, subsequently deploying them throughout the country in school-based clinics providing basic dental care for children. The concept of training dental nurses, later to be designated dental therapists, was adopted by other countries as a means of improving access to care, particularly for children. This paper profiles six countries that utilise dental therapists, with a description of the training that therapists receive in these countries, and the context in which they practice.

Review of oral pathology service, Medlab Dental, University of Otago, 2002-2005.

The School of Dentistry of the University of Otago operates a diagnostic oral pathology service, Medlab Dental, as a joint venture with the private pathology service Medlab South. This report reviews the use of the service in 2005 and provides information on current activities that highlights the importance of oral pathology diagnostic services in patient management.

Surface-active fungicidal D-peptide inhibitors of the plasma membrane proton pump that block azole resistance.

A 1.8-million-member D-octapeptide combinatorial library was constructed in which each member comprised a diversity-containing N-terminal pentapeptide and a C-terminal amidated triarginine motif. The C-terminal motif concentrated the library members at the fungal cell surface.