A service learning subject cultivates university freshmen’s social responsibility through a health ambassador scheme : mentoring health ambassadors in school communities

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A mutational signature in gastric cancer suggests therapeutic strategies

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Synthesis of wurtzite ZnSe nanorings by thermal evaporation

In this study, free standing crystalline ZnSe nanorings and nanowires have been fabricated on Au coated Si substrates by simple thermal evaporation of ZnSe powders. Ring- or wirelike morphology can be achieved in a controllable manner by using different reactor pressures during growth, while all the other conditions remain the same. Our results show that the ZnSe nanorings are wurtzite phase instead of the zinc-blende phase, observed in typical one-dimensional ZnSe nanostructures. The growth mechanism of the nanorings has been discussed, and the cathodoluminescence of the nanorings has been described. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.published_or_final_versio

Synthesis and analysis of abnormal wurtzite ZnSe nanowheels

An abnormal structure of the ZnSe nanowheels composed of teethlike extended patterns on nanoring bases has been successfully synthesized by thermal evaporation method. It is interesting to note that the as-synthesized ZnSe nanowheels are metastable wurtzite phase with the dominant exposed surfaces of ± (2 1- 1- 0) while the stable ZnSe is typically zinc blende phase. A full picture of the growth mechanism of the metastable wurtzite phase ZnSe nanostructures will be proposed from the thermodynamic point of view. Meanwhile, the formation of the nanowheels is also explained by a two-stage mechanism. In the first stage, the base of the nanowheel begins to form by vapor-solid mechanism, while in the second stage, the teethlike extended structures grow through the self-catalyzed growth process. The cathodoluminescence spectrum of ZnSe nanowheel exhibited a band edge transition at about 460 nm and a strong self-activated luminescence at 610 nm. It is important to note that the discussions of the nanostructure thermodynamics and stability can be applied to understand the growth mechanism of other nanostructures which are critical for optimization of the nanostructures. © 2007 American Institute of Physics.published_or_final_versio

An integrated particle sampler and lung radiation dosimeter

A lung dosimeter that can record the nonradiological hazard of aerosol particles to the lung as well as the radiological hazard of air borne radionuclides that are attached to aerosol particles has been developed. The dosimeter is capable of recording aerosol particles of diameters from 10-2 μm to 102 μ by electrostatic collection in a specially designed dosimeter body. The aerosol size distribution is recorded on a mylar strip and the activity size distribution of α, β, and γ radiation emitting aerosols recorded on another strip coated with α-Al2O3:C. Both strips can be read by a specially built reader, the output of which can be used to calculate the nonradiological hazard and radiological hazard, respectively, and to give an overall picture of the exposure.published_or_final_versio

An H5N1-based matrix protein 2 ectodomain tetrameric peptide vaccine provides cross-protection against lethal infection with H7N9 influenza virus

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A Smart Card-Based Electronic School Absenteeism System for Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance in Hong Kong: Design, Implementation, and Feasibility Assessment

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Pandemic A/H1N1 2009 Influenza Virus-like Particles Elicited Higher and Broader Immune Responses than the Commercial Panenza Vaccine

Objectives: The aim was to construct 2009 pandemic A/H1N1 influenza VLPs (virus-like particles) and compare the immunogenicity and protection efficacy with the commercial Panenza vaccine in BALB/c mouse model. Methods: VLPs derived from influenza A/Hong Kong/01/2009 (H1N1) virus were constructed by Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system. VLPs were purified by sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation and then characterized by Western blotting analysis and transmission electron microscopy. After single dose vaccination with 3 µg of VLPs and equal amount of Panenza vaccine, the immune responses and efficacy of protection induced by VLPs were compared with those elicited by the Panenza vaccine in 6-8 week female BALB/c mice. Key findings: VLPs could induce higher antibody titer as determined by hemagglutinin inhibition and microneutralization assay. Furthermore, we demonstrated that VLPs induced better antibody response to neuraminidase. In addition, VLP vaccinated mice had stronger cell-mediated immune response. As a result, our VLPs conferred 100% protection while the Panenza vaccine only conferred 67% protection. Conclusion: From the results, we concluded that influenza VLPs are highly immunogenic and they are promising to be developed as an alternative strategy to vaccine production in order to control the spread of influenza viruses.published_or_final_versio

The clinical longevity of 239 cantilever resin-bonded prostheses

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Neutralisation of SARS-CoV-2 by monoclonal antibody through dual targeting powder formulation

Neutralising monoclonal antibody (mAb) is an important weapon in our arsenal for combating respiratory viral infections. However, the effectiveness of neutralising mAb has been impeded by the rapid emergence of mutant variants. Early administration of broad-spectrum mAb with improved delivery efficiency can potentially enhance efficacy and patient outcomes. WKS13 is a humanised mAb which was previously demonstrated to exhibit broad-spectrum activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this study, a dual targeting formulation strategy was designed to deliver WKS13 to both the nasal cavity and lower airways, the two critical sites of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Dry powders of WKS13 were first prepared by spray drying, with cyclodextrin used as stabiliser excipient. Two-fluid nozzle (TFN) was used to produce particles below 5 μm for lung deposition (C-TFN formulation) and ultrasonic nozzle (USN) was used to produce particles above 10 μm for nasal deposition (C-USN formulation). Gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography studies showed that the structural integrity of mAb was successfully preserved with no sign of aggregation after spray drying. To achieve dual targeting property, C-TFN and C-USN were mixed at various ratios. The aerosolisation property of the mixed formulations dispersed from a nasal powder device was examined using a Next Generation Impactor (NGI) coupled with a glass expansion chamber. When the ratio of C-TFN in the mixed formulation increased, the fraction of particles deposited in the lung increased proportionally while the fraction of particles deposited in the nasal cavity decreased correspondingly. A customisable aerosol deposition profile could therefore be achieved by manipulating the mixing ratio between C-TFN and C-USN. Dual administration of C-TFN and C-USN powders to the lung and nasal cavity of hamsters, respectively, was effective in offering prophylactic protection against SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Viral loads in both the lung tissues and nasal wash were significantly reduced, and the efficacy was comparable to systemic administration of unformulated WKS13. Overall, dual targeting powder formulation of neutralising mAb is a promising approach for prophylaxis of respiratory viral infections. The ease and non-invasive administration of dual targeting nasal powder may facilitate the widespread distribution of neutralising mAb during the early stage of unpredictable outbreaks