This continuing series gathers and presents original research results on the leading edge of medicine and biology. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial topical data across a broad spectrum. Topics discussed include knowledge management within emergency medical services; treatment and prevention of parastomal hernia; acupuncture in dentistry; histopathology of experimental autoimmune myocarditis; herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia; endovascular therapy in chronic type B aortic dissections; varicella zoster virus skin lesions; the role of chlamydia trachomatis in prostate cancer and the use of ceramic bearings in total hip arthroplasty.