Human papillomavirus prevalence and genotype distribution in Vietnamese male patients between 2016 and 2020.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in men is a serious issue because it is associated with genital warts, anogenital cancers, and HPV transmission to their sex partners. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genotypes of HPVs in Vietnamese male patients hospitalized with sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms between 2016 and 2020 by using polymerase chain reaction and reverse dot blot hybridization analysis. HPV DNA was detected in 191/941 (20.3%) penile cell samples. The HPV patient's mean age was 30.3 in the range of 16- and 69-year-old. The highest HPV prevalence (84.7%) was found in patients between 20- and 39-year-old. A total of 313 HPV genotypes were identified. The multiple-infection rate was 42.9%. The most common high-risk (HR)-HPV genotypes were HPV-16 (8.0%), HPV-51 (7.7%), HPV-52 (4.8%), HPV-56 (4.2%), and HPV-18 (3.8%). Furthermore, HPV-11 and HPV-6 genotypes were the two most common low-risk (LR)-HPV genotypes with the rate of 36.7% and 21.4%, respectively. Notably, HPV-52 was found circulating in Vietnam for the first time. In conclusion, this study results showed that HPV prevalence in Vietnamese male patients was common and diverse. In addition, regarding public health and cancer prevention, the inclusion of the HPV vaccination into the national vaccination program for both men and women is recommended.

A novel signature predicts recurrence risk and therapeutic response in breast cancer patients.

Acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of melatonin. Although melatonin has been shown to exhibit anticancer activity and prevents endocrine resistance in breast cancer, the role of ASMT in breast cancer progression remains unclear. In this retrospective study, we analyzed gene expression profiles in 27 data sets on 7244 patients from 11 countries. We found that ASMT expression was significantly reduced in breast cancer tumors relative to healthy tissue. Among breast cancer patients, those with higher levels of ASMT expression had better relapse-free survival outcomes and longer metastasis-free survival times. Following treatment with tamoxifen, patients with greater ASMT expression experienced longer periods before relapse or distance recurrence. Motivated by these results, we devised an ASMT gene signature that can correctly identify low-risk cases with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.997 and 0.916, respectively. This signature was robustly validated using 23 independent breast cancer mRNA array data sets from different platforms (consisting of 5800 patients) and an RNAseq data set from TCGA (comprising 1096 patients). Intriguingly, patients who are classified as high-risk by the signature benefit from adjuvant chemotherapy, and those with grade II tumors who are classified as low-risk exhibit improved overall survival and distance relapse-free outcomes following endocrine therapy. Together, our findings more clearly elucidate the roles of ASMT, provide strategies for improving the efficacy of tamoxifen treatment and help to identify those patients who may maximally benefit from adjuvant or endocrine therapies.

Evolutionary phylodynamics of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotypes O and A circulating in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is one of the highest risk factors that affects the animal industry of the country. The virus causes production loss and high ratio mortality in young cloven-hoofed animals in Vietnam. The VP1 coding gene of 80 FMDV samples (66 samples of the serotype O and 14 samples of the serotype A) collected from endemic outbreaks during 2006-2014 were analyzed to investigate their phylogeny and genetic relationship with other available FMDVs globally. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the serotype O strains were clustered into two distinct viral topotypes (the SEA and ME-SA), while the serotype A strains were all clustered into the genotype IX. Among the study strains, the amino acid sequence identities were shared at a level of 90.1-100, 92.9-100, and 92.8-100% for the topotypes SEA, ME-SA, and genotype IX, respectively. Substitutions leading to changes in the amino acid sequence, which are critical for the VP1 antigenic sites were also identified. Our results showed that the studied strains are most closely related to the recent FMDV isolates from Southeast Asian countries (Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Laos), but are distinct from the earlier FMDV isolates within the genotypes. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides important evidence of recent movement of FMDVs serotype O and A into Vietnam within the last decade and their genetic accumulation to be closely related to strains causing FMD in surrounding countries.

Characterization of RotaTeq® vaccine-derived rotaviruses in South Korean infants with rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Genotyping of human rotaviruses was performed in 191 rotavirus-positive fecal samples collected from infants with acute gastroenteritis, 3 years after the introduction of two rotavirus vaccines in South Korea. Among these samples, the most prevalent rotavirus genotype was G3P[8] (30.9%), followed by G1P[8] (27.7%), G4P[6] (15.2%), and G9P[8] (5.8%). Sequence analysis identified RotaTeq® vaccine-derived strains in 12 samples (6.3%), comprising 11 G1P[8] human-bovine double reassortant rotaviruses and 1 G1P[5] human-bovine single reassortant rotavirus. It is of note that cross-reactivity between the current G4-specific typing primer and RotaTeq®-specific G1 genotypes was found. A trace of the clinical and environmental routes of the rotavirus vaccine strains revealed unexpected complexity, and the diagnostic protocol for rotaviruses may require modification by using either another typing primer set or nucleotide sequence analysis.

Whole genomic characterization of a Korean human parechovirus type 1 (HPeV1) identifies recombination events.

A human parechovirus (HPeV) strain CAU10-NN was detected from a stool sample of a 2-year-old healthy female infant in South Korea using a metagenomic approach. The CAU10-NN virus was isolated using a cell culture system and its whole genome was analyzed. The RNA genome of the CAU10-NN strain consists of 7,348 nucleotides (nt), excluding a poly(A) tail. A large open reading frame of 6,540 nt that encodes a putative polyprotein precursor of 2,180 amino acids is flanked by a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 708 nt and 3'-UTR of 88 nt followed by a poly(A) tail. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the CAU10-NN strain belongs to HPeV1. SimPlot and Bootscan analyses reveal that the virus genome is composed of regions related to corresponding genomic regions of other HPeVs. Recombination analysis indicates that the CAU10-NN strain might be a product of more than one genomic recombination event that occurred among HPeV1, HPeV3, and HPeV4 strains.

RNA therapeutics in cancer treatment.

RNA therapeutics are a class of drugs that use RNA molecules to treat diseases, including cancer. RNA therapeutics work by targeting specific genes or proteins involved in the disease process, with the aim of blocking or altering their activity to ultimately halt or reverse the disease progression. The use of RNA therapeutics in cancer treatment has shown great potential, as they offer the ability to specifically target cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact. This is in contrast to traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments, which can damage healthy cells and cause unpleasant side effects. The field of RNA therapeutics is rapidly advancing, with several types of RNA molecules being developed for cancer treatment, including small interfering RNA, microRNA, mRNA, and RNA aptamers. Each type of RNA molecule has unique properties and mechanisms of action, allowing for targeted and personalized cancer treatments. In this chapter, we will explore the different types of RNA therapeutics used in cancer treatment, their mechanisms of action, and their potential applications in treating different types of cancer. We will also discuss the challenges and opportunities in the development and research of RNA therapeutics for cancer, as well as the future outlook for this promising field.

Recent applications of RNA therapeutic in clinics.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) therapy has been extensively researched for several decades and has garnered significant attention in recent years owing to its potential in treating a broad spectrum of diseases. It falls under the domain of gene therapy, leveraging RNA molecules as a therapeutic approach in medicine. RNA can be targeted using small-molecule drugs, or RNA molecules themselves can serve as drugs by interacting with proteins or other RNA molecules. While several RNA drugs have been granted clinical approval, numerous RNA-based therapeutics are presently undergoing clinical investigation or testing for various conditions, including genetic disorders, viral infections, and diverse forms of cancer. These therapies offer several advantages, such as high specificity, enabling precise targeting of disease-related genes or proteins, cost-effectiveness, and a relatively straightforward manufacturing process. Nevertheless, successful translation of RNA therapies into widespread clinical use necessitates addressing challenges related to delivery, stability, and potential off-target effects. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the general concepts of various classes of RNA-based therapeutics, the mechanistic basis of their function, as well as recent applications of RNA therapeutic in clinics.

RNA therapeutics for infectious diseases.

Ribonucleic acids (RNAs), including the messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA), play important roles in living organisms and viruses. In recent years, the RNA-based technologies including the RNAs inhibiting other RNA activities, the RNAs targeting proteins, the RNAs reprograming genetic information, and the RNAs encoding therapeutical proteins, are useful methods to apply in prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current application of the RNA therapeutics, especially on mRNA vaccines which have potential for prevention and treatment against human and animal infectious diseases.

Molecular characterization of serotype G9 rotaviruses circulating in South Korea between 2005 and 2010.

A total of 18 rotavirus G9 strains in South Korea were collected during five rotavirus seasons between 2005 and 2010. The relationship between these strains was examined by analyzing the genetic variation of two major structural genes, VP7 and VP4. All the rotavirus isolates were of the G9P[8] genotype. The VP7 phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all of the G9 rotaviruses circulating in South Korea belonged to lineage IIId and were within three single clusters. The amino acid comparison of the antigenic regions of the VP7 gene suggests possible common progenitors of these strains. Phylogenetic analysis of P[8] VP4 genotypes indicated three lineages, P[8]-2, P[8]-3, and P[8]-4, with P[8]-3 being the most common. The results of this study provide information on the genetic relatedness of rotavirus G9 strains circulating in South Korea over recent years and can be utilized for the development of effective vaccines and the identification of reference strains for future efficacy studies.

Full genomic characterization of a group C rotavirus isolated from a child in South Korea.

During an epidemiological survey of human rotavirus infection in Seoul, Korea, from 2010 to 2011, one isolate of group C rotavirus (GCRV), named CAU10-312, was detected in a 5-year-old child admitted to the hospital with acute gastroenteritis, and its complete genomic sequence was determined. The 11 gene segments of the strain possessed G4-P[2]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T2-E2-H2 genotypes. The genotype of strain CAU10-312 appears to be closely related to strains from Bangladesh (DhakaC13 and BS347), India (v508), and England (Bristol), but distinct from Far East Asian strains, Chinese (Wu82 and YNR001) and Japanese (OH567 and BK0830). These findings may clarify the relationship of the genetics, evolutionary biology, and epidemiology of GCRVs and suggest that two very distinct genotype strains are in circulation in the world.

Whole genomic analysis reveals the co-evolutionary phylodynamics of Korean G9P[8] human rotavirus strains.

Three human rotavirus G9P[8] strains, RVA/Human-tc/KOR/CAU05-202/2005/G9P[8], RVA/Human-tc/KOR/CAU09-371/2009/G9P[8], and RVA/Human-tc/KOR/CAU09-376/2009/G9P[8], were isolated from female pediatric patients with diarrhea from 2005 to 2009 using a cell culture system, and their complete genomic sequences were analyzed. The 11 gene segments of the three Korean strains possessed the G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 genotype, which is closely related to the Wa-like genotype 1 constellation. Interestingly, the NSP2 and the NSP3 genes of strain RVA/Human-tc/KOR/CAU09-376/2009/G9P[8] were related to the G9 porcine or human-porcine reassortant strains, providing evidence for porcine-to-human interspecies transmission.

Whole-genome sequence analysis of a Korean G11P[25] rotavirus strain identifies several porcine-human reassortant events.

A rare rotavirus, RVA/Human-wt/KOR/CAU12-2/2012/G11P[25], was isolated from a 16-year-old female with fever and diarrhea during the 2012 rotavirus surveillance in South Korea using a cell culture system, and its full genome sequence was determined and analyzed. Strain CAU12-2 exhibited a G11-P[25]-I12-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 genotype constellation. Phylogenetic analysis of this strain revealed that it is a human-porcine reassortant of two distant relatives of the G11 strains circulating in the world. The VP7 and VP4 genes are most closely related to those of human G11P[25] viruses (Dhaka6, KTM368, and N-38 strains) identified in South Asia, whereas the VP1 gene originated from a porcine G11P[7] virus (YM strain) that was identified in South America. The VP6 gene was found to belong to the new genotype I12. This study indicates that the G11-P[25]-I12 genotype was introduced into the South Korean population by interspecies transmissions of human and animal rotaviruses, followed by multiple reassortment events.

Molecular characterisation of the current high prevalence of the new CPV-2c variants in the Southern Vietnamese dogs signifies a widespread in the worldwide dog population.

BACKGROUND: Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is known as the primary etiological agent cause of acute gastroenteritis, myocarditis and death of canids worldwide. In Vietnam, although CPV-2 infection and its outbreaks are the most important risk factors of the canine's health concern, lack of available information about the molecular epidemiology of the CPV-2. OBJECTIVES: In this study, the complete coding sequences of 10 CPV-2 strains collected from dogs vaccinated with CPV-2 vaccination were analysed to better understand the genomic characteristics of the current circulating CPV-2 in Vietnam. METHODS: Ten CPV-specific PCR-positive rectal swab samples were collected from dogs with acute symptoms of haemorrhagic diarrhoea and vomiting in Vietnam in 2019. The complete coding sequences of these CPV strains were analysed to determine their phylogeny and genetic relationship with other available CPV strains globally. RESULTS: Analysis of the VP2 gene sequences demonstrated that the studied strains belonged to the new CPV-2c variants with the unique mutations at amino acids 5Ala-Gly and 447Iso-Met . Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that the studied strains share a common evolutionary origin with the current CPV-2c strains circulating in dogs in Asia countries, including China, Thailand, Taiwan and Mongolia, in recent years. Low sequence identity between the studied strains and commercial vaccine strains was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides deep insights into the molecular characteristics, genetic diversity, and evolution of circulating CPV-2 strains in Vietnam. We recommend more studies to estimate the effectiveness of the CPV vaccine and the need to continue developing other effective vaccination essential to better control the widespread of these new CPV-2 variants.

Genomic characterization of a cell-culture-adapted Korean human G9P[8] rotavirus, CAU05-202.

The human rotavirus G9 strain is the fifth most common rotavirus worldwide. A human rotavirus G9P[8] strain CAU05-202 was isolated from a young child with diarrhea using a cell culture system, and its major gene sequences were determined. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP7 gene revealed that CAU05-202 clustered into genetic lineage III-d and was most closely related to G9 rotaviruses from Turkey (strain GUH13) and Sri Lanka (strain 05SLC056 and 05SLC057). VP4 and NSP4 gene analysis showed that CAU05-202 belongs to the P[8]-3 lineage and genotype B, respectively. In addition, CAU05-202 has a long RNA electropherotype, supported by VP6 gene analysis, which is clearly associated with subgroup II specificity. Analysis of the G9 rotavirus strain CAU05-202 provides information concerning the genetic relationships among global rotavirus G9 strains, suggesting that closely related G9 strains are persistent and widespread in Asian countries.

Complete genomic characterization of cell culture adapted human G12P[6] rotaviruses isolated from South Korea.

Two unusual human rotavirus G12 strains, CAU195 and CAU214, were isolated from female pediatric diarrhea patients under 12 months of age in 2006 using a cell culture system and their full genome sequences were analyzed. The 11 gene segments of both Korean G12 strains were classified as G12-P[6]-R1-C1-M1-I1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 genotypes. Notably, the Korean strains were of the same genotypes as previously reported strains isolated from Bangladesh in 2003 (Dhaka12-03), from the United States in 2005-2006 (US6597), and from Germany in 2008 (GER126-08 and GER172-08), suggesting that closely related G12P[6] strains are persistent and widespread.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor NVP­TAE684 suppresses the proliferation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is known to be an important therapeutic target in various types of cancer. NVP­TAE684, a well­known inhibitor of ALK, was revealed to exert antitumor effects in several different malignancies. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for these antitumor effects in cancer cells, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells, remain unknown. In the present study, NVP­TAE684 was investigated for its antitumor effects towards pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. MTT assay, western blot analysis, flow cytometry, caspase­3/7 activity assay and Trypan blue exclusion assay were used and it was revealed that NVP­TAE684 suppressed the proliferation of seven human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines (AsPC­1, Panc­1, MIA PaCa­2, Capan­1, CFPAC­1, Colo­357 and BxPC­3), and significantly increased G2/M arrest and apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, NVP­TAE684 inhibited the phosphorylation of ALK at Y1604, as well as that of downstream mediators such as AKT (S473) and ERK1/2 (Y202/T204). Notably, knocking down ALK with siRNAs also decreased proliferation and promoted G2/M arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of ALK with NVP­TAE684 or siRNA synergistically enhanced gemcitabine­induced cell death by inducing apoptosis. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that NVP­TAE684 exerted its antitumor effects by inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis via the inhibition of the ALK signaling pathway, and suggests its potential use as an antitumor agent against pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Direct colorimetric LAMP assay for rapid detection of African swine fever virus: A validation study during an outbreak in Vietnam.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly infectious viral disease with high mortality. The most recent ASF outbreak in Vietnam began in 2019, posing a threat to spread to the neighbouring Asian countries. Without a commercial vaccine or efficient chemotherapeutics, rapid diagnosis and necessary biosecurity procedures are required to control the disease. While the diagnostic method of ASF recommended by the World Organization of Animal Health is real-time PCR, the ideal diagnosis procedure including master mix setup, template extraction and a high-cost qPCR equipment for many samples being tested simultaneously is not portable. In this study, a colorimetric loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was modified and evaluated for ASF virus detection using crude serum samples collected from domestic pigs in Vietnam during the 2019 outbreak. The LAMP results can be readily visualized to the naked eye within 30 min without the requirement of DNA extraction and sophisticated equipment. The sensitivity, specificity and limit of detection of direct colorimetric LAMP assay were comparable to a commercial diagnostic real-time PCR kit. Results strongly indicate that the adapted colorimetric LAMP assay has a remarkable potential for the in-field diagnosis of ASF.

Bioinformatic identification and expression analysis of the chicken B cell lymphoma (BCL) gene.

BACKGROUND: B cell lymphoma (BCL) families play an important role in apoptosis as a growth factor, cell death programming, cytokine expression and immune-related genes expression. OBJECTIVES: In this study, to investigate the roles of BCLs, we performed genome-wide identification, expression and functional analyses of the BCL family in chicken. METHODS: Chicken BCLs genes were identified and analyzed by using bioinformatics approach. Expression profiles and Hierarchical cluster analysis of the BCLs genes in different chicken tissues were obtained from the genome-wide RNA-seq in the GEO, and Cluster and Java Treeview, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 16 BCLs genes were identified from the chicken genome, which could be further classified into five distinct groups in the phylogenetic tree. On the other hand, the interaction among BCLs proteins and between BCLs proteins with NF-κB subunits are limited, indicating that the remaining the functions of BCLs protein could be investigated in chicken. Moreover, KEGG pathway analysis indicated that BCL gene family was involved in regulation of apoptotic and immune response. Finally, BCL gene family was differentially expressed in chicken tissues, pathogen infection and growth stages of early chicken early embryo. CONCLUSION: This study provides significant insights into the potential functions of BCLs in chicken, including the regulation of apoptosis, cell death and expression of immune-related genes.

Torsion of Ileum Due To Giant Meckel's Diverticulum - A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Meckel's diverticulum (MD) is detected in approximately 2% of all individuals and only 2-4% MD patients may develop symptoms. Small intestinal obstruction is a frequent complication in adults. CASE REPORT: A 48-year-old male was admitted to emergency department for high intestinal obstruction symptoms. The imaging examinations were failed to detect the underlying causes. A median laparotomy revealed small bowel obstruction (SBO) due to a segment of ileum twisted around a giant MD axis. CONCLUSION: Thus, a giant MD generating torsion of ileum is an unusual complication. Preoperative diagnosis is challenging. Emergency surgery is preferred to make an accurate diagnosis and for treatment.

Isolation of Penicillium citrinum from Roots of Clerodendron cyrtophyllum and Application in Biosynthesis of Aglycone Isoflavones from Soybean Waste Fermentation.

Soybeans offer an abundant source of isoflavones, which confer useful bioactivities when existing in aglycone forms. The conversion of isoflavones into aglycones via fermentation of soybean products is often realized by ß-glucosidase, an enzyme produced by fungi. In this study, a filamentous fungus, Clerodendron cyrtophyllum, was isolated from root of Clerodendron cyrtophyllum Turcz, which was able to produce the highest activity of ß-glucosidase up to 33.72 U/mL at 144 h during fermentation on Potato Dextrose Broth (PDB). The obtained fungus was grown on isoflavones-rich soybean extract to produce genistein and daidzein, achieving the conversion rate of 98.7%. Genistein and daidzein were isolated and purified by column chromatography using hexane/acetone (29:1/1:1), reaching purities of over 90% of total isoflavones, as identified and determined by TLC, LC-MS/MS, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. These results imply that the isolated P. citrinum is a potential fungal strain for industrial-scale production of genistein and daidzein from isoflavones-containing soybean extracts. These products may serve as potential raw materials for manufacture of functional foods that are based on aglycones.