The unique chequered pattern of elephant ivory has made it a desired commodity for the production of various works of art. The demand however outstrips the supply and with soaring prices, illegal tusk harvesting is thriving on the African continent. Formal restrictions placed on trade in elephant products have been ineffective in reversing the rapid decline in elephant numbers. We are presently facing the reality of extinction of free roaming elephant on the African continent. This paper describes the histogenesis of the chequered pattern, the genomic impact of ivory harvesting on the phenotype of breeding herds, and the contribution of science to tracing the origin of illegal ivory.
Introduction: Biochemical characterisation of the autocrine, paracrine and endocrine mediators of bone remodelling provides a scientific basis for the development of pharmaceuticals and autoantibodies which could induce a desired skeletal phenotype. The manipulation of bone remodelling in patients at risk for skeletal disease is gaining clinical momentum due to the benefits of maintaining quality of life rather than restoring the long-term dire consequences of skeletal catabolism. Methods: A narrative review of current literature pertaining to the modes of action of pharmaceuticals and autoantibodies which manipulate skeletal metabolism was performed. Results: Pharmaceuticals and autoantibodies which manipulate skeletal remodelling can be broadly divided into three categories: bone resorption inhibitors, bone formation stimulators and bone resorption and formation modulators. The mechanisms of action of these medications are briefly summarised and reference is made to the relevant pharmaceuticals and autoantibodies available.
Virtue ethics is established as one of the dominant ethical theories that has application for healthcare practice, including oral health. Attributed to the ancient Aristotelian concepts of living a deeply fulfilled life, virtue ethics draws attention first and foremost, to the significance of character traits, or virtues in the process of ethical decision-making. This focus on character, contrasts with duty-based ethical theories such as deontological ethics (with a primary concern on duties) the principles of biomedical ethics (with a central focus on the principles and the obligations derived from these) and consequentialist ethics (with a primary focus on the consequences of actions).1
There is a renewed appreciation of the contribution of virtue ethics in clinical healthcare practice, including dentistry. This interest in virtue ethics highlights the limitations of only focusing on the development of clinical skills and competence or mere adherence to a set of ethical rules and guidelines. There is also a growing interest and appreciation that an equally important and integral aspect of dental practice is the development of a virtuous character. From this virtue ethics perspective, a virtue is an haracter, a disposition, well entrenched in its possessor.
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