Thyroid hormone regulates proximodistal patterning in fin rays.

Processes that regulate size and patterning along an axis must be highly integrated to generate robust shapes; relative changes in these processes underlie both congenital disease and evolutionary change. Fin length mutants in zebrafish have provided considerable insight into the pathways regulating fin size, yet signals underlying patterning have remained less clear. The bony rays of the fins possess distinct patterning along the proximodistal axis, reflected in the location of ray bifurcations and the lengths of ray segments, which show progressive shortening along the axis. Here, we show that thyroid hormone (TH) regulates aspects of proximodistal patterning of the caudal fin rays, regardless of fin size. TH promotes distal gene expression patterns, coordinating ray bifurcations and segment shortening with skeletal outgrowth along the proximodistal axis. This distalizing role for TH is conserved between development and regeneration, in all fins (paired and medial), and between Danio species as well as distantly related medaka. During regenerative outgrowth, TH acutely induces Shh-mediated skeletal bifurcation. Zebrafish have multiple nuclear TH receptors, and we found that unliganded Thrab-but not Thraa or Thrb-inhibits the formation of distal features. Broadly, these results demonstrate that proximodistal morphology is regulated independently from size-instructive signals. Modulating proximodistal patterning relative to size-either through changes to TH metabolism or other hormone-independent pathways-can shift skeletal patterning in ways that recapitulate aspects of fin ray diversity found in nature.

Substitution Effect of a Single Nitrogen Atom on π-Electronic Systems of Linear Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Theoretically Visualized Coexistence of Mono- and Polycyclic π-Electron Delocalization.

We theoretically investigated the nitrogen substitution effect on the molecular structure and π-electron delocalization in linear nitrogen-substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (N-PAHs). Based on the optimized molecular structures and magnetic field-induced parameters of fused bi- and tricyclic linear N-PAHs, we found that the local π-electron delocalization of subcycles (e.g., mono- and bicyclic constituent moieties) in linear N-PAHs is preserved, despite deviation from ideal structures of parent monocycles. The introduction of a fused five-membered ring with a pyrrolic N atom (N-5MR) in linear N-PAHs significantly perturbs the π-electronic condition of the neighboring fused six-membered ring (6MR). Monocyclic pyrrole exhibits substantial bond length alternations, strongly influencing the π-electronic systems of both the fused N-5MR and 6MR in linear N-PAHs, depending on the location of shared covalent bonds. A fused six-membered ring with a graphitic N atom in an indolizine moiety cannot generate monocyclic π-electron delocalization but instead contributes to the formation of polycyclic π-electron delocalization. This is evidenced by bifurcated diatropic ring currents induced by an external magnetic field. In conclusion, the satisfaction of Hückel's 4n + 2 rule for both mono- and polycycles is crucial for understanding the overall π-electron delocalization. It is crucial to consider the unique characteristics of the three types of substituted N atoms and the spatial arrangement of 5MR and 6MR in N-PAHs.

Facile preparation of porphyrin@g-C3N4/Ag nanocomposite for improved photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in aqueous solution.

In the quest of improving the photocatalytic efficiency of photocatalysts, the combination of two and more semiconductors recently has garnered significant attention among scientists in the field. The doping of conductive metals is also an effective pathway to improve photocatalytic performance by avoiding electron/hole pair recombination and enhancing photon energy absorption. This work presented a design and fabrication of porphyrin@g-C3N4/Ag nanocomposite using acid-base neutralization-induced self-assembly approach from monomeric porphyrin and g-C3N4/Ag material. g-C3N4/Ag material was synthesized by a green reductant of Cleistocalyx operculatus leaf extract. Electron scanning microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, and UV-vis spectrometer were utilized to analyse the properties of the prepared materials. The prepared porphyrin@g-C3N4/Ag nanocomposite showed well integration of porphyrin nanostructures on the g-C3N4/Ag's surface, in which porphyrin nanofiber was of the diameter in nanoscales and the length of several micrometers, and Ag NPs had an average particle size of less than 20 nm. The photocatalytic behavior of the resultant nanocomposite was tested for the degradation of Rhodamine B dye, which exhibited a remarkable RhB photodegrading percentage. The possible mechanism for photocatalysis of the porphyrin@g-C3N4/Ag nanocomposite toward Rhodamine B dye was also proposed and discussed.

A Vietnamese human genetic variation database.

Large scale human genome projects have created tremendous human genome databases for some well-studied populations. Vietnam has about 95 million people (the 14th largest country by population in the world) of which more than 86% are Kinh people. To date, genetic studies for Vietnamese people mostly rely on genetic information from other populations. Building a Vietnamese human genetic variation database is a must for properly interpreting Vietnamese genetic variants. To this end, we sequenced 105 whole genomes and 200 whole exomes of 305 unrelated Kinh Vietnamese (KHV) people. We also included 101 other previously published KHV genomes to build a Vietnamese human genetic variation database of 406 KHV people. The KHV database contains 24.81 million variants (22.47 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 2.34 million indels) of which 0.71 million variants are novel. It includes more than 99.3% of variants with a frequency of >1% in the KHV population. Noticeably, the KHV database revealed 107 variants reported in the human genome mutation database as pathological mutations with a frequency above 1% in the KHV population. The KHV database (available at https://genomes.vn) would be beneficial for genetic studies and medical applications not only for the Vietnamese population but also for other closely related populations.

Interfacial Engineering of Nanoporous Architectures in Ga2O3 Film toward Self-Aligned Tubular Nanostructure with an Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity on Water Splitting.

The present work demonstrates the formation of self-aligned nanoporous architecture of gallium oxide by anodization of gallium metal film controlled at -15 °C in aqueous electrolyte consisting of phosphoric acid. SEM examination of the anodized film reveals that by adding ethylene glycol to the electrolyte and optimizing the ratio of phosphoric acid and water, chemical etching at the oxide/electrolyte interfaces can be controlled, leading to the formation of aligned nanotubular oxide structures with closed bottom. XPS analysis confirms the chemical composition of the oxide film as Ga2O3. Further, XRD and SAED examination reveals that the as-synthesized nanotubular structure is amorphous, and can be crystallized to ß-Ga2O3 phase by annealing the film at 600 °C. The nanotubular structured film, when used as photoanode for photoelectrochemical splitting of water, achieved a higher photocurrent of about two folds than that of the nanoporous film, demonstrating the rewarding effect of the nanotubular structure. In addition, the work also demonstrates the formation of highly organized nonporous Ga2O3 structure on a nonconducting glass substrate coated with thin film of Ga-metal, highlighting that the current approach can be extended for the formation of self-organized nanoporous Ga2O3 thin film even on nonconducting flexible substrates.

Endovascular Intervention for Acute Superior Mesenteric Artery Occlusion Following COVID-19 Pneumonia: Two Case Reports.

COVID-19 patients may experience acute mesenteric ischaemia. Identifying acute mesenteric ischaemia is challenging, particularly as initial symptoms are often vague and easily overlooked. Early detection and immediate intervention to restore blood flow can prevent these severe consequences. Presented in this report are two cases of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. CT scans demonstrated SMA thrombosis in both patients, with no evidence of bowel necrosis. Endovascular intervention with self-expanding stent placement was performed after angiographic confirmation of the diagnosis. At 6-month follow-up, both patients remained asymptomatic on dual antiplatelet therapy. Atypical gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19 patients should raise suspicion for uncommon complications, such as SMA thrombosis. For SMA occlusion without associated bowel necrosis, endovascular therapy represents a viable treatment approach.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention of Left Main Disease: Outcome After 1-year Follow-up at a Tertiary Hospital in Vietnam.

Background: Left main (LM) coronary artery disease (CAD) is a severe condition that can lead to severe outcomes. Treatment options include medication, coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent advancements in PCI techniques position it as a viable alternative to CABG for LM revascularisation. Methods: This prospective observational study evaluated outcomes after PCI for LM CAD, encompassing in-hospital and post-discharge mortality, in a single-centre registry in Vietnam. Results: Our research involved 59 patients who underwent PCI for LM lesions, with an average age of 66.7 ±1.5 years, who were divided into two groups based on presentation diagnosis - acute coronary syndrome or chronic coronary syndrome. After PCI, one individual was diagnosed with contrast-induced nephropathy and one with cardiac shock. There were two cases of in-hospital mortality in the acute coronary syndrome group and one in the chronic coronary syndrome group giving a rate of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) of 5.1%. After a 12-month follow-up, the MACCE rate increased to 18.6%. Triple vessel coronary artery disease and troponin I elevation exhibited significant associations with adverse in-hospital outcomes (p<0.05). Conclusion: PCI for LM coronary artery disease is considered a safe treatment option, demonstrating relatively favourable in-hospital and mid-term outcomes. It presents a viable alternative for patients in need of revascularisation, particularly in cases where CABG is not the preferred choice. Clinical indicators, such as triple vessel coronary artery disease and elevated troponin I levels, may serve as predictors of adverse outcomes during hospitalisation.

Induced pluripotent stem cell therapies in heart failure treatment: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

Background: Heart failure (HF) causes over 266,400 deaths annually. Despite treatment advancements, HF mortality remains high. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer promising new options. This review assesses iPSC-based treatments for HF.Method: the review included studies from PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science.Results: Analysis of 25 studies with 553 animals showed a baseline ejection fraction (EF) of 39.2 ± 8.9%. iPSC treatment significantly improved EF (MD = 8.6, p < 0.001) and fractional shortening (MD = 6.38, p < 0.001), and reduced ventricular remodeling without increasing arrhythmia risk.Conclusion: iPSC-based therapy improves heart function and reduces ventricular volumes in HF animal models, aligning with promising early clinical trial outcomes.

Heart failure is a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to severe health problems. Traditional treatments often fall short, and many patients don't survive long-term. Our study explores a new treatment using induced pluripotent stem cells, which can become any type of cell, including heart cells. The results showed that iPSC treatment significantly improved heart function and reduced heart damage without increasing the risk of irregular heartbeats. In general, iPSC therapy holds promise for treating heart failure by enhancing heart function and reducing damage. More research is needed to confirm its benefits and safety in humans, but this approach could offer new hope for heart failure patients.

Osteosarcoma patient with Li-Fraumeni syndrome: the first case report in Vietnam.

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary disorder characterized by an increased risk of developing multiple early-onset cancers, primarily due to germline TP53 mutations. Women and men with this mutation face lifetime cancer risks of 90% and 70%, respectively. This report describes the first documented case of LFS with clinical information in Vietnam involving a 9-year-old child diagnosed with osteosarcoma who had multiple first- and second-degree relatives with cancer. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed a heterozygous, pathogenic, autosomal dominant TP53 variant NM_000546.6:c.733G>A (p.Gly245Ser) and a translocation in the 3'UTR of the ATMIN gene with unknown pathogenicity in both the patient and her mother. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of the TP53 c.733G>A mutation, which was subsequently detected in extended family members. Of the 17 family members invited for testing, only 8, none of whom currently have cancer, agreed to participate: all tested negative for the mutation. This case highlights the importance of genetic testing for the early detection and management of cancers in LFS patients. It also underscores significant barriers to genetic screening in Vietnam, including limited access and the psychosocial consequences of testing, which emphasize the need for improved genetic counseling and surveillance strategies that are tailored to local contexts.

De novo copy number variations in candidate genomic regions in patients of severe autism spectrum disorder in Vietnam.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with a prevalence of around 1% children worldwide and characterized by patient behaviour (communication, social interaction, and personal development). Data on the efficacy of diagnostic tests using copy number variations (CNVs) in candidate genes in ASD is currently around 10% but it is overrepresented by patients of Caucasian background. We report here that the diagnostic success of de novo candidate CNVs in Vietnamese ASD patients is around 6%. We recruited one hundred trios (both parents and a child) where the child was clinically diagnosed with ASD while the parents were not affected. We performed genetic screening to exclude RETT syndrome and Fragile X syndrome and performed genome-wide DNA microarray (aCGH) on all probands and their parents to analyse for de novo CNVs. We detected 1708 non-redundant CNVs in 100 patients and 118 (7%) of them were de novo. Using the filter for known CNVs from the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) database, we identified six CNVs (one gain and five loss CNVs) in six patients (3 males and 3 females). Notably, 3 of our patients had a deletion involving the SHANK3 gene-which is the highest compared to previous reports. This is the first report of candidate CNVs in ASD patients from Vietnam and provides the framework for building a CNV based test as the first tier screening for clinical management.

Mitigating the Environmental Impacts from Pig and Broiler Chicken Productions: Case Study on a Citrus Extract Feed Additive.

The rapid expansion of the livestock production sector to meet the world population's demand is posing a big challenge to environmental sustainability. Plant-based feed additives extracted from agro-food byproducts could potentially result in multiple outcomes: reducing food-processing wastes and improving animal growth performances, hence mitigating environmental impacts of meat production chains. This presented study was carried out to assess the environmental impacts of the use of a commercial citrus extract feed additive (CEFA) in swine and broiler chicken farming. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) was applied to assess the impact of manufacturing and distributing one 25 kg bag of CEFA and its use in feed in broiler chicken and swine productions. With regards to CEFA manufacturing and distribution, results showed that most of the impact came from the production of CEFA ingredients, accounting for 70% of the impact generated. The remaining 30% effect was divided between transportation to the customer (25%), CEFA packaging (3%), and CEFA manufacturing and production loss (2%). When enlarging the scope, the use of the CEFA in pigs and broilers' diets was shown to improve the measured environmental indicators, compared to such standard systems. Indeed, CEFA-added feeds have demonstrated enhanced growth performances, hence reducing the required amount of consumed feed to achieve the same level of growth. Consequently, this helped reduce environmental issues from animal feed ingredients' agriculture. To be more specific, the use of one 25 kg bag of CEFA in feed at 250 g per ton of feed led to a reduction of 6 tons of CO2 equivalent (CO2 eq) emitted along the life cycle of poultry production and 5 tons in the case of fattening pigs. The inclusion of this CEFA in the diet also led to a reduction in the land use footprint by 0.7 hectares and reductions in water consumption by 201 m3 and 82 m3 for broiler chicken and swine production, respectively. The environmental performance assessment thus showed the interest in using this CEFA in swine and broiler chicken diets to mitigate the environmental impacts.

Escalating Catalytic Activity for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction on MoSe2@Graphene Functionalization.

Developing highly efficient and durable hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts is crucial for addressing the energy and environmental challenges. Among the 2D-layered chalcogenides, MoSe2 possesses superior features for HER catalysis. The van der Waals attractions and high surface energy, however, stack the MoSe2 layers, resulting in a loss of edge active catalytic sites. In addition, MoSe2 suffers from low intrinsic conductivity and weak electrical contact with active sites. To overcome the issues, this work presents a novel approach, wherein the in situ incorporated diethylene glycol solvent into the interlayers of MoSe2 during synthesis when treated thermally in an inert atmosphere at 600 °C transformed into graphene (Gr). This widened the interlayer spacing of MoSe2, thereby exposing more HER active edge sites with high conductivity offered by the incorporated Gr. The resulting MoSe2-Gr composite exhibited a significantly enhanced HER catalytic activity compared to the pristine MoSe2 in an acidic medium and demonstrated a superior HER catalytic activity compared to the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst, particularly at a high current density beyond ca. 55 mA cm-2. Additionally, the MoSe2-Gr catalyst demonstrated long-term electrochemical stability during HER. This work, thus, presents a facile and novel approach for obtaining an efficient MoSe2 electrocatalyst applicable in green hydrogen production.

1-D arrays of porous Mn0.21Co2.79O4 nanoneedles with an enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the oxygen evolution reaction.

Developing effective electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) that are highly efficient, abundantly available, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly is critical to improving the overall efficiency of water splitting and the large-scale development of water splitting technologies. We, herein, introduce a facile synthetic strategy for depositing the self-supported arrays of 1D-porous nanoneedles of a manganese cobalt oxide (Mn0.21Co2.79O4: MCO) thin film demonstrating an enhanced electrocatalytic activity for OER in an alkaline electrolyte. For this, an MCO film was synthesized via thermal treatment of a hydroxycarbonate film obtained from a hydrothermal route. The deposited films were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In contrast to a similar 1D-array of a pristine Co3O4 (CO) nanoneedle film, the MCO film exhibits a remarkably enhanced electrocatalytic performance in the OER with an 85 mV lower overpotential for the benchmark current density of 10 mA cm-2. In addition, the MCO film also demonstrates long-term electrochemical stability for the OER in 1.0 M KOH aqueous electrolyte.

Advanced cell-based products generated via automated and manual manufacturing platforms under the quality by design principle: Are they equivalent or different?

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that can be isolated from bone marrow, adipose tissue, the umbilical cord, dental pulp, etc. These cells have unique properties that give them excellent therapeutic potential, including immunoregulation, immunomodulation, and tissue regeneration functions. MSC-based products are considered advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) under European regulations (1394/2007); thus, they must be manufactured under good manufacturing practices and via effective manufacturing methods. The former can be achieved via a proper laboratory design and compliance with manufacturing protocols, whereas the latter requires an approach that ensures that the quality of the products is consistent regardless of the manufacturing procedure. To meet these daunting requirements, this study proposes an exchangeable approach that combines optimized and equivalent manufacturing processes under the Quality by Design (QbD) principle, allowing investigators to convert from small laboratory-scale to large-scale manufacturing of MSC-based products for clinical applications without altering the quality and quantity of the cell-based products.

Self-standing SnS nanosheet array: a bifunctional binder-free thin film catalyst for electrochemical hydrogen generation and wastewater treatment.

Hydrogen generation during wastewater treatment has remained a long-standing challenge for the environment preservation welfare. In the present work, we have fabricated a promising bifunctional thin film-based catalyst for hydrogen generation with concurrent wastewater treatment. The prepared catalyst film is a vertically oriented thin SnS (tin monosulfide) nanosheet array on a Ni-foam (SnS/NF) obtained via a solution process, demonstrating a promising electrocatalytic activity towards the generation of green H2 fuel at the cathodic side and the decomposition of urea waste at the anodic side. Notably, while assembling two identical electrodes as cathode and anode together with a reference electrode (i.e., SnS/NF∥SnS/NF vs. RHE assembly) in 1 M KOH aqueous electrolyte containing 0.33 M urea, the electrolyzer electrolyzed urea at a lower cell potential of 1.37 and 1.43 V (vs. RHE) to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and 50 mA cm-2, respectively, for the decomposition of urea at the anodic SnS/NF electrode and green hydrogen fuel generation at the cathodic SnS/NF electrode. This activity on electrocatalytic urea decomposition lies within the best performance to those of the previously reported sulfide-based and other catalytic materials. The promising catalytic activities of the SnS catalyst film are attributed to its combined effect of self-standing nanosheet array morphology and high crystallinity, which provides abundant active sites and a facile charge transfer path between the nanosheet arrays and the electrolyte. Thus, the present work offers a green avenue to the waste-urea treatment in water and sustainable hydrogen energy production.

Impacts of effluent from different livestock farm types (pig, cow, and poultry) on surrounding water quality: a comprehensive assessment using individual parameter evaluation method and water quality indices.

Water pollution within and nearby different livestock farm types was assessed comprehensively for the first time in Vietnam. The samples of wastewater, ground water, and surface water were collected from 130 pig farms, 80 poultry farms, and 40 cow farms. Water quality was first assessed by individual parameter evaluation method in which measured values of water quality parameters were compared with the permissible limits in the national technical regulations on livestock's effluent (QCVN 62), surface water quality, and ground water quality. Subsequently, the overall quality of surface and ground water samples was evaluated by mean of water quality index (WQI). The results showed the large variations in effluent's quality, implying the considerable differences in wastewater treatment efficiency within and among farm types. Effluent from livestock farms was highly polluted by organic matters (expressed as BOD5 and COD) and especially by microorganisms (expressed as total coliform-CF). Almost all wastewater samples contained higher number of CF than QCVN 62 (3900 MPN/100ml), with mean concentration of CF in effluent from cow farms, pig farms, and poultry farms were 1.2e+07 ± 5.0e+07 MPN/100ml, 8.8e+04 ± 7.1e+04 MPN/100ml, 1.5e+06 ± 4.2e+06 MPN/100ml, respectively. Improperly treated livestock's waste was likely to have impacts on quality of ground water and receiving surface water bodies. High CF contamination in effluent leads to 70% of the ground water samples in cow farms and poultry farms classified as unsuitable for drinking water supply by WQI values. Although effluent from poultry farms had smaller quantity and better quality, their receiving surface water bodies exhibited the worst quality, with average WQI of 37.5 ± 16.2 compared to 49.9 ± 12 of pig farms and 50.3 ± 20.8 of cow farms. This result suggests that livestock's effluent was not only pollution source of surface water bodies nearby livestock farms.

Outcomes of bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with interventional education for autism spectrum disorder.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation combined with educational intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder. An open-label clinical trial was performed from July 2017 to August 2019 at Vinmec International Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam. Thirty children who fulfilled the autism criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, and had Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) scores >37 were selected. Bone marrow was harvested by anterior iliac crest puncture under general anesthesia. The volume collected was as follows: 8 mL/kg for patients under 10 kg (80 mL + [body weight in kg - 10] × 7 mL) for patients above 10 kg. Mononuclear cells were isolated with a Ficoll gradient and then infused intrathecally. The same procedure was repeated 6 months later. After the first transplantation, all patients underwent 8 weeks of educational intervention based on the Early Start Denver Model. There were no severe adverse events associated with transplantation. The severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was significantly reduced, with the median CARS score decreasing from 50 (range 40-55.5) to 46.5 (range 33.5-53.5) (P < .05). Adaptive capacity increased, with the median Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales score rising from 53.5 to 60.5. Social communication, language, and daily skills improved markedly within 18 months after transplantation. Conversely, repetitive behaviors and hyperactivity decreased remarkably. Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation in combination with behavioral intervention was safe and well tolerated in children with ASD (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03225651).

Type 2 diabetes mellitus duration and obesity alter the efficacy of autologously transplanted bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells.

Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BM-MSCs) represent promising stem cell therapy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the results of autologous BM-MSC administration in T2DM patients are contradictory. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that autologous BM-MSC administration in T2DM patient is safe and that the efficacy of the treatment is dependant on the quality of the autologous BM-MSC population and administration routes. T2DM patients were enrolled, randomly assigned (1:1) by a computer-based system into the intravenous and dorsal pancreatic arterial groups. The safety was assessed in all the treated patients, and the efficacy was evaluated based on the absolute changes in the hemoglobin A1c, fasting blood glucose, and C-peptide levels throughout the 12-month follow-up. Our data indicated that autologous BM-MSC administration was well tolerated in 30 T2DM patients. Short-term therapeutic effects were observed in patients with T2DM duration of <10 years and a body mass index <23, which is in line with the phenotypic analysis of the autologous BM-MSC population. T2DM duration directly altered the proliferation rate of BM-MSCs, abrogated the glycolysis and mitochondria respiration of BM-MSCs, and induced the accumulation of mitochondria DNA mutation. Our data suggest that autologous administration of BM-MSCs in the treatment of T2DM should be performed in patients with T2DM duration <10 years and no obesity. Prior to further confirming the effects of T2DM on BM-MSC biology, future work with a larger cohort focusing on patients with different T2DM history is needed to understand the mechanism underlying our observation.

Additional knowledge respecting taxonomy of the social wasp genus Ropalidia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Polistinae) from Vietnam, with new records of three species and an updated key to species.

Species composition of social wasps of the genus Ropalidia from Vietnam is reported, with 24 species having been recorded. Of those, three species are newly recorded for the Vietnamese fauna, namely Ropalidia binghami van der Vecht, 1941, R. parartifex Tan van Achterberg, 2014 and R. variegata (Smith, 1852). The presence of R. sumatrae (Weber, 1801) in Vietnam is confirmed. An updated key to all recorded species of the genus Ropalidia from Vietnam is also provided.

Genetic landscape of autism spectrum disorder in Vietnamese children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex disorder with an unclear aetiology and an estimated global prevalence of 1%. However, studies of ASD in the Vietnamese population are limited. Here, we first conducted whole exome sequencing (WES) of 100 children with ASD and their unaffected parents. Our stringent analysis pipeline was able to detect 18 unique variants (8 de novo and 10 ×-linked, all validated), including 12 newly discovered variants. Interestingly, a notable number of X-linked variants were detected (56%), and all of them were found in affected males but not in affected females. We uncovered 17 genes from our ASD cohort in which CHD8, DYRK1A, GRIN2B, SCN2A, OFD1 and MDB5 have been previously identified as ASD risk genes, suggesting the universal aetiology of ASD for these genes. In addition, we identified six genes that have not been previously reported in any autism database: CHM, ENPP1, IGF1, LAS1L, SYP and TBX22. Gene ontology and phenotype-genotype analysis suggested that variants in IGF1, SYP and LAS1L could plausibly confer risk for ASD. Taken together, this study adds to the genetic heterogeneity of ASD and is the first report elucidating the genetic landscape of ASD in Vietnamese children.