Cellulose nanofibrils prepared by gentle drying methods reveal the limits of helium ion microscopy imaging.

TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TCNFs) have unique properties, which can be utilised in many application fields from printed electronics to packaging. Visual characterisation of TCNFs has been commonly performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). However, a novel imaging technique, Helium Ion Microscopy (HIM), offers benefits over SEM, including higher resolution and the possibility of imaging non-conductive samples uncoated.

Causation in evidence-based medicine: in reply to Kerry et al.

Kerry et al. criticize our discussion of causal knowledge in evidence-based medicine (EBM) and our assessment of the relevance of their dispositionalist ontology for EBM. Three issues need to be addressed in response: (1) problems concerning transfer of causal knowledge across heterogeneous contexts; (2) how predictions about the effects of individual treatments based on population-level evidence from RCTs are fallible; and (3) the relevance of ontological theories like dispositionalism for EBM.

Causal knowledge in evidence-based medicine. In reply to Kerry et al.'s causation and evidence-based practice: an ontological review.

In Causation and evidence-based practice: an ontological review, Kerry et al. argue that evidence-based practice (EBP) should revise its understanding of causation, and take on board a dispositionalist ontology. We point out that the challenges from complexity discussed by Kerry et al.

Safety and tolerability of combination acyclovir 5% and hydrocortisone 1% cream in adolescents with recurrent herpes simplex labialis.

A Phase 3, open-label, multicenter study was conducted to assess the safety of the combination of 5% acyclovir and 1% hydrocortisone cream (AHC cream) in the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex labialis (HSL) in immunocompetent adolescents. Eligible subjects were aged 12 to 17 years and had a history of recurrent labial herpes with two or more episodes during the last 12 months. Subjects initiated treatment at the first signs or symptoms of a herpes recurrence-at the earliest prodromal phase and preferably before the presence of papules or vesicles.

Type-specific detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in self-sampled cervicovaginal cells applied to FTA elute cartridge.

Background: Most procedures for self-sampling of cervical cells are based on liquid-based media for transportation and storage. An alternative is to use a solid support, such as dry filter paper media.

Objectives: To evaluate if self-sampling of cervicovaginal fluid using a cytobrush (Viba-brush; Rovers Medical Devices B.

Novel administration technique for large-particle stabilized hyaluronic acid-based gel of nonanimal origin in facial tissue augmentation.

The use of large-particle stabilized hyaluronic acid-based gel of nonanimal origin (NASHA™) for facial aesthetic procedures is widespread and increasing. A panel of experts with extensive clinical experience with NASHA based gel recently attended an advisory board meeting to develop guidelines for its use in volumetric tissue augmentation.Discussions included details of the blunt-cannula injection technique currently recommended for administration of large-particle NASHA-based gel.

Use of FTA card for dry collection, transportation and storage of cervical cell specimen to detect high-risk HPV.

Background: The FTA elute micro card, which enable the collection, transport, and archiving of DNA could be an attractive alternative to a liquid based collection system for detection of human papillomavirus (HPV).

Objectives: To develop a method based on the FTA elute micro card for dry collection of cervical epithelial cell samples, suitable for subsequent PCR-based HPV testing.

Study Design: The method was evaluated by a comparison of the DNA collected by cytobrush and the regular FTA elute micro card from 50 cervical cell samples.

Efficacy of HPV DNA testing with cytology triage and/or repeat HPV DNA testing in primary cervical cancer screening.

Background: Primary cervical screening with both human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing and cytological examination of cervical cells with a Pap test (cytology) has been evaluated in randomized clinical trials. Because the vast majority of women with positive cytology are also HPV DNA positive, screening strategies that use HPV DNA testing as the primary screening test may be more effective.

Methods: We used the database from the intervention arm (n = 6,257 women) of a population-based randomized trial of double screening with cytology and HPV DNA testing to evaluate the efficacy of 11 possible cervical screening strategies that are based on HPV DNA testing alone, cytology alone, and HPV DNA testing combined with cytology among women aged 32-38 years.

Human papillomavirus and Papanicolaou tests to screen for cervical cancer.

Background: Screening for cervical cancer based on testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the sensitivity of detection of high-grade (grade 2 or 3) cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, but whether this gain represents overdiagnosis or protection against future high-grade cervical epithelial neoplasia or cervical cancer is unknown.

Methods: In a population-based screening program in Sweden, 12,527 women 32 to 38 years of age were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to have an HPV test plus a Papanicolaou (Pap) test (intervention group) or a Pap test alone (control group). Women with a positive HPV test and a normal Pap test result were offered a second HPV test at least 1 year later, and those who were found to be persistently infected with the same high-risk type of HPV were then offered colposcopy with cervical biopsy.

HIV-related lipodystrophy and facial lipoatrophy: the role of Restylane SubQ in reversing facial wasting.

HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome affects approximately 50% of HIV-positive patients, particularly those receiving antiretroviral therapy based on nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors. Growing evidence suggests that certain antiretroviral drugs may precipitate or exacerbate lipoatrophy and associated metabolic abnormalities, and this is an important consideration when selecting appropriate treatment regimens. However, because of problems of cross-resistance among antiretroviral drug classes and other treatment-related toxicities, it is likely that, at some stage, the HIV-infected patient will have to take drugs that confer a risk of development of lipodystrophy syndrome.

Restylane SubQ, a non-animal stabilized hyaluronic acid gel for soft tissue augmentation of the mid- and lower face.

For people requiring large volumes to shape facial contours, add volume to a sunken midface, or correct asymmetry, the options today are limited. Fat injections for adding volume, solid implants for cheeks and chin enhancement, face lift and injectable permanent or semi-permanent products are some of the alternatives used. With the trend towards less invasive and nonpermanent alternatives to plastic surgery, the use of injectable filler materials for facial rejuvenation and correction of soft-tissue defects is becoming increasingly popular.

Colposcopic and histopathologic evaluation of women participating in population-based screening for human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid persistence.

Objective: Evaluation of colposcopic and histopathological findings in women screened for cervical human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid persistence.

Study Design: A total of 12 527 women, aged 32 to 38 years old, attending the population-based cervical cancer screening program in Sweden were randomized 1:1 to mock testing or human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid testing by general primer 5+/6+ polymerase chain reaction and subsequent typing. Human papillomavirus deoxyribonucleic acid-positive women with a normal Papanicolaou smear (n=341) and an equal number from the control group were human papillomavirus tested on average 19 months later.

Reduced loss of hand bone density with prednisolone in early rheumatoid arthritis: results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Bone damage in rheumatoid arthritis presents as osteoporosis and joint erosions. Prednisolone has been shown to reduce the rate of hand joint destruction as seen on radiography but has not been shown to reduce the rate of hand bone loss.

Methods: In a double-blind study comparing oral prednisolone (7.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection and persistence of human papillomavirus.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence is the major cause of cervical cancer, but most HPV infections will not persist and risk factors for HPV persistence are not well known. Chlamydia (C.) trachomatis infection seems to also be associated with cervical cancer.

Duplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay for detection and quantification of herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2 in genital and cutaneous lesions.

Background: A sensitive and specific method for detecting herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is important for diagnosing genital and cutaneous infections.

Goal: The goal of this study was to compare quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) with virus culture for diagnosis of genital and cutaneous HSV-1 and HSV-2.

Study Design: A duplex qPCR system for quantification of DNA from HSV-1 and HSV-2 was developed.

Cytologic screening and human papilloma virus test in women undergoing artificial fertilization.

Background: Infertile women in Sweden are offered in vitro fertilization (IVF) within the frame of the social security system. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of genital human papilloma virus (HPV) infection in relation to the results of cytologic screening and to the infertility in these women.

Material And Methods: Two hundred and fourteen women, mean age 32 years (range 20-40), admitted to the Center for Reproduction at Uppsala University Hospital for investigation of infertility and IVF were studied.

Population-based type-specific prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus infection in middle-aged Swedish women.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing can be used to identify women at risk of the development of cervical cancer. The cost-effectiveness of HPV screening is dependent on the type-specific HPV prevalence in the general population. The present study describes the prevalence and spectrum of high-risk HPV types found in a large real-life population-based HPV screening trial undertaken entirely within the cervical screening program offered to middle-aged Swedish women.