Prevalence and genotype distribution of cervical human papillomavirus infection in Macao.

Population-specific epidemiological data on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are essential for formulating strategies to prevent cervical cancer. The age-specific prevalence of HPV infection was determined among 1,600 women enrolled for cervical screening in Macao. A U-shaped age-specific prevalence curve with a first peak (prevalence rate, 10%) at 20-25 years and a second peak (13%) at 51-55 years was observed.

Cell adhesion and spreading behavior on vertically aligned silicon nanowire arrays.

In this report, we studied the interactions between biological cells and vertically aligned silicon nanowire (SiNW) arrays and focused on how SiNW arrays affected cellular behaviors such as cell adhesion and spreading. We observed that SiNW arrays could support cell adhesion and growth and guide cell adhesion and spreading behaviors. The results also showed that SiNW arrays could not only enhance the cell-substrate adhesion force but also restrict cell spreading.

Biofunctional organic nanocrystals for quantitative detection of pathogen deoxyribonucleic acid.

Advances in nanotechnology have had significant impacts in the field of biodiagnostics. In this study, we describe the novel application of dissolvable, organic and biofunctional nanocrystals for the quantitative detection of a PCR product. Fluorescein diacetate (FDA), a fluorogenic precursor of fluorescein, was milled in a solution of a polymeric surfactant to create a stable, nanosized colloid with an interface for coupling streptavidin molecules.