ABSTRACT
From May to September 2013, monthly samples were collected from swine in a Vietnamese slaughterhouse for influenza virus isolation and serological testing. A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses and a novel H3N2 originating from reassortment between A(H1N1)pdm09 and novel viruses of the North American triple reassortant lineage were isolated. Serological results showed low seroprevalence for the novel H3N2 virus and higher seroprevalence for A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. In addition, serology suggested that other swine influenza viruses are also circulating in Vietnamese swine.
Subject(s)
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype , Influenza, Human/epidemiology , Influenza, Human/transmission , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary , Reassortant Viruses , Swine Diseases/virology , Animals , Antibodies, Viral/blood , Humans , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/immunology , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/isolation & purification , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Pandemics , Reassortant Viruses/genetics , Reassortant Viruses/immunology , Reassortant Viruses/isolation & purification , Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Swine , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Vietnam/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Decoration of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) on the surface of semiconducting metal oxide nanowires (NWs) to enhance material characteristics, functionalization, and sensing abilities has attracted increasing interests from researchers worldwide. In this study, we introduce an effective method for the decoration of Pd NPs on the surface of SnO2 NWs to enhance CO gas-sensing performance. Single-crystal SnO2 NWs were fabricated by chemical vapor deposition, whereas Pd NPs were decorated on the surface of SnO2 NWs by in situ reduction of the Pd complex at room temperature without using any linker or reduction agent excepting the copolymer P123. The materials were characterized by advanced techniques, such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The Pd NPs were effectively decorated on the surface of SnO2 NWs. As an example, the CO sensing characteristics of SnO2 NWs decorated with Pd NPs were investigated at different temperatures. Results revealed that the gas sensor exhibited excellent sensing performance to CO at low concentration (1-25ppm) with ultrafast response-recovery time (in seconds), high responsivity, good stability, and reproducibility.
Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Carbon Monoxide/analysis , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Nanowires/chemistry , Palladium/chemistry , Tin Compounds/chemistryABSTRACT
In this paper, a new method for permeability measurement of hydrophobic membranes used in Vacuum Membrane Distillation, instead of common measurement methods, was proposed. As VMD is a pressure and temperature driven process, the idea of this work is to propose a new water vapour permeability measurement method based on variation of feed temperature at a fixed vacuum pressure. This new method showed a greater stability and simplicity than the existing pressure variation method by not only allowing a wide range of feed temperature (25 °C ÷ 60 °C) to be scanned continuously, but also avoiding fluctuations of the system as observed in the pressure variation test. Permeabilities of two different kinds of hydrophobic membranes were measured by this new method and also by the existing pressure variation test. A comparison between these two methods was also presented to assess the feasibility and applicability of this new method.
Subject(s)
Materials Testing/methods , Membranes, Artificial , Polytetrafluoroethylene/chemistry , Polyvinyls/chemistry , Automation, Laboratory , Diffusion , Distillation , Feasibility Studies , Hot Temperature , Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions , Permeability , Pilot Projects , Steam , VacuumABSTRACT
A model for cost-benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis (CBA-CEA) of pharmaceutical intervention is presented, and CBA-CEA research methods reported in the literature are reviewed. The cost versus benefit and the cost effectiveness of drug therapy can be analyzed in societal as well as private terms. Since CBA measures costs and outcomes in monetary terms, it can be used to compare net benefits of all types of interventions. CEA, however, can be used only in comparing alternative interventions that can produce a similar health outcome. Research activities needed for identification of treatment protocols, alternative therapies and their respective outcomes, and resource use are described. Quantification of benefits and costs is discussed and inherent strengths and weaknesses of CBA-CEA are summarized. For the wide variety of research activities involved in CBA-CEA, the expertise of economists, physicians, clinical pharmacists and pharmacologists, epidemiologists, sociologists, and psychologists is needed. Inherent in CBA-CEA for drug therapy are judgments, either by analysts or by policy decision makers, about how to value life, pain, anxiety, and happiness and how to distribute health-care resources. When results of CBA-CEA are presented and interpreted with care, this analysis can be an important tool for policy decision makers.
