Conceptual framework for defining disease modification in systemic lupus erythematosus: a call for formal criteria.

Disease modification has become a well-established concept in several therapeutic areas; however, no widely accepted definition of disease modification exists for SLE.We reviewed established definitions of disease modification in other conditions and identified a meaningful effect on 'disease manifestations' (ie, signs, symptoms and patient-reported outcomes) and on 'disease outcomes' (eg, long-term remission or progression of damage) as the key principles of disease modification, indicating a positive effect on the natural course of the disease. Based on these findings and the treatment goals and outcome measures for SLE, including lupus nephritis, we suggest a definition of disease modification based on disease activity indices and organ damage outcomes, with the latter as a key anchor.

Natural history of oral HPV infection: Longitudinal analyses in prospective cohorts from Australia.

Oral infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is likely to underpin the rapidly rising incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma; however, there are few data describing the natural history of oral HPV infection. We recruited 704 participants aged 20 to 70 years from worksites, universities and primary care practices in Brisbane, Australia. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline, 12 and 24 months and donate four saliva samples at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 months for HPV polymerase chain reaction testing and typing.

Surface waters as a sink and source of atmospheric gas phase ethanol.

This study reports the first ethanol concentrations in fresh and estuarine waters and greatly expands the current data set for coastal ocean waters. Concentrations for 153 individual measurements of 11 freshwater sites ranged from 5 to 598 nM. Concentrations obtained for one estuarine transect ranged from 56 to 77 nM and levels in five coastal ocean depth profiles ranged from 81 to 334 nM.