The root-knot nematode effector MiEFF12 targets the host ER quality control system to suppress immune responses and allow parasitism.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are microscopic parasitic worms able to infest the roots of thousands of plant species, causing massive crop yield losses worldwide. They evade the plant's immune system and manipulate plant cell physiology and metabolism to transform a few root cells into giant cells, which serve as feeding sites for the nematode. RKN parasitism is facilitated by the secretion in planta of effector molecules, mostly proteins that hijack host cellular processes. We describe here a conserved RKN-specific effector, effector 12 (EFF12), that is synthesized exclusively in the oesophageal glands of the nematode, and we demonstrate its function in parasitism. In the plant, MiEFF12 localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). A combination of RNA-sequencing analysis and immunity-suppression bioassays revealed the contribution of MiEFF12 to the modulation of host immunity. Yeast two-hybrid, split luciferase and co-immunoprecipitation approaches identified an essential component of the ER quality control system, the Solanum lycopersicum plant bap-like (PBL), and basic leucine zipper 60 (BZIP60) proteins as host targets of MiEFF12. Finally, silencing the PBL genes in Nicotiana benthamiana decreased susceptibility to Meloidogyne incognita infection. Our results suggest that EFF12 manipulates PBL function to modify plant immune responses to allow parasitism.

Characterization of zoonotic hepatitis E virus in domestic pigs and wild boar in Vietnam: Implications for public health.

Vietnam's unprecedented demand for meat from livestock, including pigs and farmed wildlife, underscores the importance of understanding zoonotic reservoirs for hepatitis E virus (HEV). This study aimed to identify and characterize circulating zoonotic HEV in domestic pigs and wild boar to understand genotype frequencies, transmission dynamics, and associated human health burdens. Rectal swabs, feces, and liver samples from 415 pigs and 102 wild boars were collected across various farms and slaughterhouses in central and southern Vietnam and screened for HEV RNA using nested PCR. HEV RNA-positive samples underwent sanger sequencing and genotyping. Overall, 10% (n = 54/517) of samples were HEV RNA-positive, with wild boars exhibiting the highest HEV positivity rate at 25%, followed by domestic pigs at 7%. Southern Vietnam showed a higher HEV RNA positivity rate (20%) compared to central Vietnam (7%). Notably, rectal swabs demonstrated the highest positivity rate (15%), followed by feces (8%) and liver (4%). HEV-3a was the predominant genotype at 85%, followed by HEV-4b at 9% and HEV-3f at 6%. While HEV-3a was distributed across both central and southern Vietnam, HEV-3f was exclusively detected in central Vietnam, and HEV-4b was identified in wild boar in southern Vietnam. These findings underscore the substantial prevalence of HEV in wild boars, emphasizing their potential as crucial zoonotic reservoirs alongside domestic pigs. Further investigations involving occupationally exposed individuals in high-prevalence areas are warranted to evaluate the human health impact of zoonotic hepatitis E and inform preventive measures. Regular epidemiological studies are imperative for assessing the prevalence and transmission of zoonotic HEV infections among common reservoirs, thereby aiding in the prevention of spillover events within the community.

Genomic characterization of Aeromonas spp. isolates from striped catfish with motile Aeromonas septicemia and human bloodstream infections in Vietnam.

Aeromonas spp. are commonly found in the aquatic environment and have been responsible for motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) in striped catfish, resulting in significant economic loss. These organisms also cause a range of opportunistic infections in humans with compromised immune systems. Here, we conducted a genomic investigation of 87 Aeromonas isolates derived from diseased catfish, healthy catfish and environmental water in catfish farms affected by MAS outbreaks in eight provinces in Mekong Delta (years: 2012-2022), together with 25 isolates from humans with bloodstream infections (years: 2010-2020). Genomics-based typing method precisely delineated Aeromonas species while traditional methods such as aerA PCR and MALDI-TOF were unable identify A. dhakensis. A. dhakensis was found to be more prevalent than A. hydrophila in both diseased catfish and human infections. A. dhakensis sequence type (ST) 656 followed by A. hydrophila ST251 were the predominant virulent species-lineages in diseased catfish (43.7 and 20.7 %, respectively), while diverse STs were found in humans with bloodstream infections. There was evidence of widespread transmission of ST656 and ST251 on striped catfish in the Mekong Delta region. ST656 and ST251 isolates carried a significantly higher number of acquired antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and virulence factors in comparison to other STs. They, however, exhibited several distinctions in key virulence factors (i.e. lack of type IV pili and enterotoxin ast in A. dhakensis), AMR genes (i.e. presence of imiH carbapenemase in A. dhakensis), and accessory gene content. To uncover potential conserved proteins of Aeromonas spp. for vaccine development, pangenome analysis has unveiled 2202 core genes between ST656 and ST251, of which 78 proteins were in either outer membrane or extracellular proteins. Our study represents one of the first genomic investigations of the species distribution, genetic landscape, and epidemiology of Aeromonas in diseased catfish and human infections in Vietnam. The emergence of antimicrobial resistant and virulent A. dhakensis strains underscores the needs of enhanced genomic surveillance and strengthening vaccine research and development in preventing Aeromonas diseases in catfish and humans, and the search for potential vaccine candidates could focus on Aeromonas core genes encoded for membrane and secreted proteins.

In vitro biological evaluation and in silico studies of linear diarylheptanoids from Curcuma aromatica Salisb. as urease inhibitors.

Plants of the Zingiberaceae family, specifically those belonging to the Curcuma species, are commonly under consideration as potential therapeutic agents for the management of gastrointestinal diseases. In this study, we carried out a phytochemical study on Curcuma aromatica Salisb. (or so-called "Nghe trang" in Vietnamese) grown in Vietnam, which yields three newly discovered 3,5-diacetoxy diarylheptanoids (1-3) and six known 3,5-dihydroxyl diarylheptanoids (4-9). The bioactivity assessment shows that all isolated compounds, except compounds 3, 7, and 8, could inhibit urease. Compounds 4 and 9 significantly inhibit urease, with an IC50 value of 9.6 and 21.4 µM, respectively, more substantial than the positive control, hydroxyurea (IC50 = 77.4 µM). The structure-activity relationship (SAR) of linear diarylheptanoids was also established, suggesting that the hydroxyl groups at any position of skeleton diarylheptanoids are essential for exerting anti-urease action. Through a comparative analysis of the binding sites of hydroxyurea and diarylheptanoid compounds via our constructed in silico model, the mechanism of action of diarylheptanoid compounds is predicted to bind to the dynamic region close to the dinickel active center, resulting in a loss of catalytic activity. Such insights certainly help design and/or find diarylheptanoid-based compounds for treating gastric ulcers through inhibiting urease.

Analyzing the correlation between protein expression and sequence-related features of mRNA and protein in Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 model.

It was necessary to have a tool that could predict the amount of protein and optimize the gene sequences to produce recombinant proteins efficiently. The Transim model published by Tuller et al. in 2018 can calculate the translation rate in E. coli using features on the mRNA sequence, achieving a Spearman correlation with the amount of protein per mRNA of 0.36 when tested on the dataset of operons' first genes in E. coli K-12 MG1655 genome. However, this Spearman correlation was not high, and the model did not fully consider the features of mRNA and protein sequences. Therefore, to enhance the prediction capability, our study firstly tried expanding the testing dataset, adding genes inside the operon, and using the microarray of the mRNA expression data set, thereby helping to improve the correlation of translation rate with the amount of protein with more than 0.42. Next, the applicability of 6 traditional machine learning models to calculate a "new translation rate" was examined using initiation rate and elongation rate as inputs. The result showed that the SVR algorithm had the most correlated new translation rates, with Spearman correlation improving to R = 0.6699 with protein level output and to R = 0.6536 with protein level per mRNA. Finally, the study investigated the degree of improvement when combining more features with the new translation rates. The results showed that the model's predictive ability to produce a protein per mRNA reached R = 0.6660 when using six features, while the correlation of this model's final translation rate to protein level was up to R = 0.6729. This demonstrated the model's capability to predict protein expression of a gene, rather than being limited to predicting expression by an mRNA and showed the model's potential for development into gene expression predicting tools.

Markers of prolonged hospitalisation in severe dengue.

BACKGROUND: Dengue is one of the most common diseases in the tropics and subtropics. Whilst mortality is a rare event when adequate supportive care can be provided, a large number of patients get hospitalised with dengue every year that places a heavy burden on local health systems. A better understanding of the support required at the time of hospitalisation is therefore of critical importance for healthcare planning, especially when resources are limited during major outbreaks. METHODS: Here we performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data from over 1500 individuals hospitalised with dengue in Vietnam between 2017 and 2019. Using a broad panel of potential biomarkers, we sought to evaluate robust predictors of prolonged hospitalisation periods. RESULTS: Our analyses revealed a lead-time bias, whereby early admission to hospital correlates with longer hospital stays - irrespective of disease severity. Importantly, taking into account the symptom duration prior to hospitalisation significantly affects observed associations between hospitalisation length and previously reported risk markers of prolonged stays, which themselves showed marked inter-annual variations. Once corrected for symptom duration, age, temperature at admission and elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were found predictive of longer hospitalisation periods. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the time since dengue symptom onset is one of the most significant predictors for the length of hospital stays, independent of the assigned severity score. Pre-hospital symptom durations need to be accounted for to evaluate clinically relevant biomarkers of dengue hospitalisation trajectories.

High Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Seroprevalence and No Evidence of HEV Viraemia in Vietnamese Blood Donors.

The prevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in the Vietnamese population remains underestimated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of HEV IgG/IgM antibodies and the presence of HEV RNA in blood donors as a part of epidemiological surveillance for transfusion-transmitted viruses. Serum samples from blood donors (n = 553) were analysed for markers of past (anti-HEV IgG) and recent/ongoing (anti-HEV IgM) HEV infections. In addition, all serum samples were subsequently tested for HEV RNA positivity. The overall prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 26.8% (n = 148/553), while the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgM was 0.5% (n = 3/553). Anti-HEV IgG seroprevalence in male and female donors was similar (27.1% and 25.5%, respectively). A higher risk of hepatitis E exposure was observed with increasing age. None of the blood donors were HEV RNA positive, and there was no evidence of HEV viraemia. Although the absence of HEV viraemia in blood donors from Northern Vietnam is encouraging, further epidemiological surveillance in other geographical regions is warranted to rule out transfusion-transmitted HEV.

Engineered 3D Immuno-Glial-Neurovascular Human Brain Model.

Patient-specific, human-based cellular models that integrate biomimetic BBB, immune, and myelinated neuron components are critically needed to enable translationally relevant and accelerated discovery of neurological disease mechanisms and interventions. By engineering a brain-mimicking 3D hydrogel and co-culturing all six major brain cell types derived from patient iPSCs, we have constructed, characterized, and utilized a multicellular integrated brain (miBrain) immuno-glial-neurovascular model with in vivo- like hallmarks. As proof of principle, here we utilized the miBrain to model Alzheimer's Disease pathologies associated with APOE4 genetic risk. APOE4 miBrains differentially exhibit amyloid aggregation, tau phosphorylation, and astrocytic GFAP. Unlike the co-emergent fate specification of glia and neurons in organoids, miBrains integrate independently differentiated cell types in a modular system with unique utility for elucidating cell-type specific contributions to pathogenesis. We here harness this feature to identify that risk factor APOE4 in astrocytes promotes tau pathogenesis and neuronal dysregulation through crosstalk with microglia. One-Sentence Summary: A novel patient-specific brain model with BBB, neuronal, immune, and glial components was developed, characterized, and harnessed to model Alzheimer's Disease-associated pathologies and APOE4 genetic risk.

A novel diphenylbutenoid-type compound from the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. (Zingiberaceae).

From the EtOAc-soluble extract of the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr., a novel diphenylbutenoid, montadinin A (1) and a previously unreported phenylbutenoid compound, 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-ol (7), in natural source were isolated. Additionally, seven known phenylbutenoids were also identified. The structures of all compounds were elucidated through NMR spectroscopic interpretation. Compounds cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (2), cis-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]-3-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)cyclohex-1-ene (3), trans-3-(3,4,-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-2,4,5-trimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (5), and cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(Z)-2,4,5-trimethoxylstyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (6) showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 122.9, 127.3, 257.5, and 168.5 µM, respectively.

Interferon-Gamma Increases the Immune Modulation of Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells but Decreases Their Chondrogenic Potential.

INTRODUCTION: The pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is reported to be an agent that boosts the immune modulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the effects of IFN-γ on the chondrogenic potential of treated MSCs have not been evaluated in depth. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IFN-γ on the immune modulation and chondrogenic potential of human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs). METHODS: UC-MSCs were isolated and expanded following published protocols. They were characterized as MSCs before their use in further experiments. The UC-MSCs were treated with IFN-γ at 10 ng/mL for 48 h. Changes in phenotype were investigated based on changes in MSC markers, immunomodulatory genes (TGF-ß, IL-4, and IDO) for immune modulation, and cartilage-related genes during the induction of differentiation (Col1a2, Col2a1, Sox9, Runx2, and Acan) for chondrogenic potential. RESULTS: IFN-γ-treated UC-MSCs maintained MSC markers and exhibited decreased expression of transcriptional regulatory factors in chondrogenesis (Sox9 and Runx2) and the extracellular matrix-specific genes Col1a2 and Acan but not Col2a1 compared to non-treated cells (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the immunomodulatory capability of IFN-γ-treated UC-MSCs was clearly revealed through their increased expression of IDO and IL-4 and decreased expression of TGF-ß compared to non-treated cells (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that UC-MSCs treated with IFN-γ at 10 ng/mL had reduced expression of chondrocyte-specific genes; however, they maintained multi-lineage differentiation and exhibited immunomodulatory properties.

Taxotrophises A and B, two new polyphenols from the stems of Taxotrophis ilicifolius.

From the EtOAc extract of the wood of the stems of Taxotrophis ilicifolius (Moraceae), two new secondary metabolites, named taxotrophises A (1) and B (2), were isolated, together with five known compounds (3-7). Their chemical structures have been elucidated by extensive NMR spectroscopic analysis. All isolated compounds have been evaluated for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In the present work, compounds 1 and 4 showed the strongest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 6.5 and 1.5 µM, respectively, and stronger than that of a positive control, acarbose (IC50; 214.5 µM).

Low Risk of Occult Hepatitis B Infection among Vietnamese Blood Donors.

Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) is characterized by the presence of low levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and undetectable HBsAg in the blood. The prevalence of OBI in blood donors in Asia ranges from 0.013% (China) to 10.9% (Laos), with no data available from Vietnam so far. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of OBI among Vietnamese blood donors. A total of 623 (114 women and 509 men) HBsAg-negative blood donors were screened for anti-HBc and anti-HBs by ELISA assays. In addition, DNA from sera was isolated and nested PCR was performed for the HBV surface gene (S); a fragment of the S gene was then sequenced in positive samples. The results revealed that 39% (n = 242) of blood donors were positive for anti-HBc, and 70% (n = 434) were positive for anti-HBs, with 36% (n = 223) being positive for both anti-HBc and anti-HBs. In addition, 3% of blood donors (n = 19) were positive for anti-HBc only, and 34% (n = 211) had only anti-HBs as serological marker. A total of 27% (n = 170) were seronegative for any marker. Two of the blood donors (0.3%) were OBI-positive and sequencing revealed that HBV sequences belonged to HBV genotype B, which is the predominant genotype in Vietnam.

A New abeo-Icetexane-Type Diterpenoid from the Stem Barks of Taxus wallichiana.

From a CH2 Cl2 -soluble fraction of the stem barks of Taxus wallichiana, one new abeo-icetexane-type diterpenoid, taxamairin I (1), was isolated. Its absolute configuration was elucidated based on spectroscopic interpretation and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculation of optical rotation. In addition, the plausible biosynthesis pathway for the formation of the new abeo-icetexane-type diterpenoid was proposed. Taxamairin I (1), at a concentration of 100 µM, did not show cytotoxicity against Hep3B human liver cancer cell lines.

Paratrimerin Z, an undescribed chromene derivative from the roots of Paramignya trimera.

From an EtOAc-soluble fraction of the roots of Paramignya trimera, one undescribed chromene derivative, paratrimerin Z (1), was isolated. Its structure was elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic interpretation. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by the specific rotation analysis of its acid-catalyzed hydrolysis product. Paratrimerin Z (1), at a concentration of 100 µM, did not show cytotoxicity against Hep3B human liver cancer cell line.

SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics of the first 1000 sequences from Vietnam and neighbouring ASEAN countries.

Objective: The regional distribution and transmissibility of existing COVID-19 variants of concern (VOC) has led to concerns about increasing transmission, given the ability of VOCs to evade immunity as breakthrough infections become more prevalent. Methods: SARS-CoV-2 genomes (n = 277) were sequenced and analysed alongside all available genomes from Vietnam and ASEAN countries to understand the phylodynamics. The observed lineages were assigned using Pangolin nomenclature, and spread patterns were investigated. Results: Between January and November 8, 2021, VOCs, including alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), gamma (P.1), and delta (B.1.617.2), were observed across the ASEAN countries. While alpha and delta were the major VOCs in nine ASEAN countries, delta was predominant. The alpha VOC was first reported by Singapore, beta by Malaysia, gamma by the Philippines, and delta by Singapore. Of the first 1000 genomes analysed from Vietnam, alpha and delta were the most represented, with delta being the dominant VOC from May 2021. The delta variant was introduced in early January 2021, and formed a large cluster within the representative genomes. Conclusion: Spatial and temporal monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 variants is critical to the understanding of viral phylodynamics, and will provide useful guidance to policy makers for infection prevention and control.

Silencing the conserved small nuclear ribonucleoprotein SmD1 target gene alters susceptibility to root-knot nematodes in plants.

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) are among the most damaging pests of agricultural crops. Meloidogyne is an extremely polyphagous genus of nematodes that can infect thousands of plant species. A few genes for resistance (R-genes) to RKN suitable for use in crop breeding have been identified, but virulent strains and species of RKN have emerged that render these R-genes ineffective. Secretion of RKN effectors targeting plant functions mediates the reprogramming of root cells into specialized feeding cells, the giant cells, essential for RKN development and reproduction. Conserved targets among plant species define the more relevant strategies for controlling nematode infection. The EFFECTOR18 (EFF18) protein from M. incognita interacts with the spliceosomal small nuclear ribonucleoprotein D1 (SmD1) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), disrupting its function in alternative splicing regulation and modulating the giant cell transcriptome. We show here that EFF18 is a conserved RKN-specific effector that targets this conserved spliceosomal SmD1 protein in Solanaceae. This interaction modulates alternative splicing events produced by tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in response to M. incognita infection. The alteration of SmD1 expression by virus-induced gene silencing in Solanaceae affects giant cell formation and nematode development. Thus, our work defines a promising conserved SmD1 target gene to develop broad resistance for the control of Meloidogyne spp. in plants.

Selfish personalities influencing start-up intention and motivation: a study of Vietnam.

This research explores the influences of selfish personalities of the Dark Triad on start-up intention and motives based on a sample of 400 university students in Vietnam, discovering mixed effects of narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. A high level of narcissism and Machiavellianism leads to high start-up intention. There is a negative relationship of Machiavellianism with pro-social motive and a positive association with selfish entrepreneurship. In addition, narcissism is positively associated with pro-social start-up motives. This study has found no effect of psychopathy but a positive link to selfish entrepreneurial motivation. Implications have been suggested for educators and investors.

δ-Tocopherol derivatives from the leaves of Muntingia calabura L.

From an ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the leaves of Muntingia calabura, one new trimeric δ-tocopherol derivative named as tocomuntin A (1), together with three known δ-tocopherol derivatives (2-4) were isolated. Their structures were elucidated based on the interpretation of NMR and MS spectroscopic data. In this work, δ-tocopherol (3) was found to have α-glucosidase inhibitory activity for the first time (IC50, 47.3 µM).

A new diphenylheptanoid from the rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria.

A phytochemical investigation of the rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria was carried out, leading to the isolation of a new diphenylheptanoid, zedoaroxane A (1), together with four known compounds (2-5). Their structures were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic data. All isolated compounds possessed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with the IC50 values ranging from 35.2 to 89.0 µM, more potent than that of the positive control acarbose (IC50, 214.5 µM).

Strebluses E-H, four new stilbene-like derivatives from the stems of Streblus ilicifolius.

Following bioactivity-guided isolation, four new stilbene-like derivatives, named Strebluses E-H, were isolated from the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the stems of Streblus ilicifolius (Moraceae). Their chemical structures were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic data interpretation and optical rotation calculation. Streblus E possesses potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.1 µM. Oxy-tyrosinase has two bound Cu2+ ions and a peroxide group in the binding site, which has a role in the catalytic oxidation. Thus, a docking study of Streblus E with oxy-tyrosinase was performed to analyze the ligand-protein interactions. With in silico modelling, the S value and the ligand-protein interactions suggested that Streblus E showed lower binding affinity for oxy-tyrosinase than that of Streblus C.