Host Genetic Risk Factors Associated with COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity in Vietnamese.

Since the emergence and rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2, numerous scientific reports have searched for the association of host genetic variants with COVID-19, but the data are mostly acquired from Europe. In the current work, we explored the link between host genes (SARS-CoV-2 entry and immune system related to COVID-19 sensitivity/severity) and ABO blood types with COVID-19 from whole-exome data of 200 COVID-19 patients and 100 controls in Vietnam. The O blood type was found to be a protective factor that weakens the worst outcomes of infected individuals. For SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, rs2229207 (TC genotype, allele C) and rs17860118 (allele T) of IFNAR2 increased the risk of infection, but rs139940581 (CT genotype, allele T) of SLC6A20 reduced virus sensitivity. For COVID-19 progress, the frequencies of rs4622692 (TG genotype) and rs1048610 (TC genotype) of ADAM17 were significantly higher in the moderate group than in the severe/fatal group. The variant rs12329760 (AA genotype) of TMPRSS2 was significantly associated with asymptomatic/mild symptoms. Additionally, rs2304255 (CT genotype, allele T) of TYK2 and rs2277735 (AG genotype) of DPP9 were associated with severe/fatal outcomes. Studies on different populations will give better insights into the pathogenesis, which is ethnic-dependent, and thus decipher the genetic factor's contribution to mechanisms that predispose people to being more vulnerable to COVID-19.

The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in quarantine workers and high-risk communities in Vietnam.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies in high-risk communities and quarantine workers in Vietnam. Methods: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was measured in household contacts, close contacts, community members, and migrant workers from two sub-communes in which COVID-19 outbreaks occurred in early 2021: Bac Ma 1 and Tien. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was also evaluated among quarantine workers at two facilities responsible for quarantining of contacts of COVID-19 cases. Results: Among 2069 participants from the two sub-communes, six individuals (0.3%) had detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies despite no history of COVID-19. This included one Vietnamese migrant worker, two community members, two household contacts, and one close contact of known COVID-19 cases. Among 50 workers at two COVID-19 quarantine facilities, including 15 health care workers (HCWs), one of the HCWs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (1/50, 2.0%) despite no known disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was low in Vietnamese 'hotspots', suggesting limited community transmission.

Species discrimination of novel chloroplast DNA barcodes and their application for identification of Panax (Aralioideae, Araliaceae).

Certain species within the genus Panax L. (Araliaceae) contain pharmacological precious ginsenosides, also known as ginseng saponins. Species containing these compounds are of high commercial value and are thus of particular urgency for conservation. However, within this genus, identifying the particular species that contain these compounds by morphological means is challenging. DNA barcoding is one method that is considered promising for species level identification. However, in an evolutionarily complex genus such as Panax, commonly used DNA barcodes such as nrITS, matK, psbA-trnH, rbcL do not provide species-level resolution. A recent in silico study proposed a set of novel chloroplast markers, trnQ-rps16, trnS-trnG, petB, and trnE-trnT for species level identification within Panax. In the current study, the discriminatory efficiency of these molecular markers is assessed and validated using 91 reference barcoding sequences and 38 complete chloroplast genomes for seven species, one unidentified species and one sub-species of Panax, and two outgroup species of Aralia L. along with empirical data of Panax taxa present in Vietnam via both distance-based and tree-based methods. The obtained results show that trnQ-rps16 can classify with species level resolution every clade tested here, including the highly valuable Panaxvietnamensis Ha et Grushv. We thus propose that this molecular marker to be used for identification of the species within Panax to support both its conservation and commercial trade.

Evaluating the Combination of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Clomiphene Citrate in Treatment of Male Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we evaluated MHH patients who wished to preserve fertility, assessing the efficacy of a short course (12 months) of a combined hCG +clomiphene citrate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional study included 19 patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism who were admitted to the Andrology and Fertility Hospital of Hanoi between March 2016 and March 2018. Using hCG every three days in combination with clomiphene citrate 25mg per day until normal testosterone levels are reached, maintain the dose until spermatozoa are present. RESULTS: The mean age was 30.2 ± 5.6. Differences in penis length between the time before and after treatment were significant (p=0.005). The average dose of hCG using in our study was 5579 ± 1773.7 IU. After treatment 6 months and 12 months, the changes in clinical features in all patients and the total hypogonadotropic hypogonadism group were statistically significant (p<0.001). In particular, the differences in testosterone hormone levels in the partial hypogonadotropic hypogonadism group were also statistically significant (p=0.03). No adverse event was observed in our study. The number of patients appearing sperm in the semen is 9 patients (47.4%) after 12 months, but most of the sperm were completely deformed (<1%), and the average motility in the progressive motility group was below 8%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a combination of hCG and clomiphene citrate may be an option for MHH patients who desired fertility. After 12 months, 47.4% of patients have sperm in semen but almost all of them were deformity. Hormone profile and secondary sexual characteristics improved significantly. There was no adverse event in our study that considered it as safe therapy.

Effects of nano-copper on maize yield and inflammatory response in mice.

OBJECTIVES: Copper (Cu) is an essential dietary supplement in animal feeds, which plays an important role in maintaining the balance of all living organisms. Copper nanoparticles (nCu) participate in catalysing activities of multiple antioxidant/defensive enzymes and exerts pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic effects on systemic organs and tissues. The present study explored whether nCu affects maize growth and yield and grain mineral nutrients as well as physiological functions in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maize seeds were treated with nCu (20 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg dry weight (DW)) and their grain productions were used for mouse feed. For testing of autoimmune response, mice were treated with nCu at concentration of 2 mg/l and 1000 mg/l and ultimately serum biochemical indicators, numbers and activation of immune cells infiltrated in mouse spleens were examined. RESULTS: Treatment of maize seeds with nCu at dose of 20 mg/kg DW, but not 1000 mg/kg DW enhanced germination rate, plant growth and grain yield as well as grain mineral nutrients as compared to control group. Importantly, administration of mice with 1000 mg/l nCu resulted in their morphological change due to excessive accumulation of nCu in liver and blood, leading to inflammatory responses involved in upregulated expression of serum biochemical indicators of liver and kidney as well as increased infiltration and activation of splenic immune cells. CONCLUSION: nCu concentration at 20 mg/kg DW facilitated the morphological and functional development of maize plants, whose production was safe to feed mice.

Complete human mtDNA genome sequences from Vietnam and the phylogeography of Mainland Southeast Asia.

Vietnam is an important crossroads within Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA) and a gateway to Island Southeast Asia, and as such exhibits high levels of ethnolinguistic diversity. However, comparatively few studies have been undertaken of the genetic diversity of Vietnamese populations. In order to gain comprehensive insights into MSEA mtDNA phylogeography, we sequenced 609 complete mtDNA genomes from individuals belonging to five language families (Austroasiatic, Tai-Kadai, Hmong-Mien, Sino-Tibetan and Austronesian) and analyzed them in comparison with sequences from other MSEA countries and Taiwan. Within Vietnam, we identified 399 haplotypes belonging to 135 haplogroups; among the five language families, the sequences from Austronesian groups differ the most from the other groups. Phylogenetic analysis revealed 111 novel Vietnamese mtDNA lineages. Bayesian estimates of coalescence times and associated 95% HPD for these show a peak of mtDNA diversification around 2.5-3 kya, which coincides with the Dong Son culture, and thus may be associated with the agriculturally-driven expansion of this culture. Networks of major MSEA haplogroups emphasize the overall distinctiveness of sequences from Taiwan, in keeping with previous studies that suggested at most a minor impact of the Austronesian expansion from Taiwan on MSEA. We also see evidence for population expansions across MSEA geographic regions and language families.

Whole genome sequencing and mutation rate analysis of trios with paternal dioxin exposure.

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) or dioxin, is commonly considered the most toxic man-made substance. Dioxin exposure impacts human health and diseases, birth defects and teratogenesis were frequently observed in children of persons who have been exposed to dioxin. However, the impact of dioxin on human mutation rate in trios has not yet been elucidated at the whole genome level. To identify and characterize the genetic alterations in the individuals exposed to dioxin, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) of nine Vietnamese trios whose fathers were exposed to dioxin. In total, 846 de novo point mutations, 26 de novo insertions and deletions, 4 de novo structural variations, and 1 de novo copy number variation were identified. The number of point mutations and dioxin concentrations were positively correlated (P-value < 0.05). Considering the substitution pattern, the number of A > T/T > A mutation and the dioxin concentration was positively correlated (P-value < 0.05). Our analysis also identified one possible disease-related mutation in LAMA5 in one trio. These findings suggested that dioxin exposure might affect father genomes of trios leading to de novo mutations in their children. Further analysis with larger sample sizes would be required to better clarify mutation rates and substitution patterns in trios caused by dioxin.

Isolation and characterization of the 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase (4CL1) promoter from Eucalyptus camaldulensis.

The most important enzyme of the phenylpropanoid pathway, 4-coumarate:coenzyme A ligase (4CL), is encoded by several homologous genes including 4CL1. The 4CL1 promoter is a tissue-specific gene expression element, particularly active in the secondary xylem or older stems. In this study, the 1127 bp 5'- upstream region of the 4CL1 coding sequence from Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Euc4CL1, was isolated and characterized. Essential putative cis-elements in the Euc4CL1 promoter included: a TATA-box at -22/-28 position, two CCAAT-boxes at -256/-260 and -277/-281 positions, respectively, an AC-element at -328/-336 and A-boxes at -115/-120 and -990/-995 positions. To investigate the effect of the Euc4CL1 promoter on gene expression, a plant transformation vector, pEuc4CL1p, containing the reporter gene for ß-glucuronidase (GUS) under the control of Euc4CL1 promoter was constructed based on the pBI101 backbone and introduced in tobacco plants. Stable expression of the GUS gene in transgenic lines was analysed by a histochemical GUS assay. The results indicated the specific expression of the GUS gene in the stem xylem cells of transgenic tobacco lines was controlled by the Euc4CL1 promoter. The observations suggest the isolated Euc4CL1 promoter is a potential candidate for driving the expression of a foreign gene in plant xylem tissues.

Tobacco and poverty: evidence from Vietnam.

This review examined existing evidence to investigate the link between tobacco and poverty in Vietnam, to assess the impact of tobacco control policies on employment related to tobacco consumption and to identify information gaps that require further research for the purposes of advocating stronger tobacco control policies. A Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar search identified studies addressing the tobacco and poverty association in Vietnam using extensive criteria. In all, 22 articles related either to tobacco and health or economics, or to the potential impact of tobacco control policies, were identified from titles, abstracts or the full text. 28 additional publications were identified by other means. PHA, LTT and LTTH reviewed the publications and prepared the initial literature review. There is extensive evidence that tobacco use contributes to poverty and inequality in Vietnam and that tobacco control policies would not have a negative impact on overall employment. Tobacco use wastes household and national financial resources and widens social inequality. The implementation and enforcement of a range of tobacco control measures could prove beneficial not only to improve public health but also to alleviate poverty.

Effectiveness of a capacity-building program for community leaders in a healthy living environment: a randomized community-based intervention in rural Vietnam.

This randomized controlled study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational program entitled 'Capacity building for community leaders in a healthy living environment,' and to assess the usefulness of a participatory style of education and the applicability of an intersectoral approach in the educational process. An intervention group and a control group (consisting of 150 and 154 community leaders, respectively) were both evaluated, after the intervention group took part in a 5-day participatory-style educational program. Healthy living environment promotion competency (HPC) was evaluated by an instrument consisted of four competency areas: identifying the steps required for a healthy living environment; understanding the principles to reduce potential health risks; providing public health management to improve the living environment; and applying the principles of health communication skills. Scores between the intervention and control groups were examined to identify changes between the baseline and post-intervention periods. A qualitative evaluation of the educational program by participants and facilitators was conducted to assess the appropriateness of the intervention. The results indicated significant increases in the total HPC score and scores of individual HPC competency areas in the intervention group. Thus, the effectiveness of a capacity building program for community leaders in a healthy living environment was demonstrated. Qualitative evaluation revealed that the participatory-style and intersectoral collaboration approach facilitated the educational process. Community leaders, who are representatives of various sectors and mass organizations within the community, can be important implementers in the promotion of a healthy living environment.