Four novel mutations in the androgen receptor gene from Vietnamese patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome

Nguyen Thu Hien,Nguyen Duc Quan,Kim Lien Nguyen Thi,Thi Thanh Ngan Nguyen,Nguyen Thi Phuong Mai,Tran Ngoc Dung,Nguyen Huy Hoang 한국유전학회 2023 Genes & Genomics Vol.45 No.4

Background Androgens and androgen receptor (AR) are critical regulators of the masculinization process in male sexual development. The absence of a functioning AR results in the development of the androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), a rare disorder of sexual development (DSD) characterized by the external genitalia feminization, gynecomastia, and impaired spermatogenesis. Objective To determine the AR gene mutations associated with male DSD in four unrelated Vietnamese patients. Methods To detect the disease-causing mutations, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on four patients diagnosed with AIS. Sanger sequencing was then used for validation of the identified mutations. Finally, 12 web-based tools, three-dimensional protein modeling software, and the guidelines issued by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics were used to assess the potential pathogenicity of these mutations. Results Four distinct novel mutations, namely c.1834T > A (p.Cys612Ser), c.2122 C > G (p.Leu708Val), c.2630T > G (p.Phe877Cys), and c.2641 C > A (p.Leu881Met) in the AR gene, were identified in four AIS patients using WES. The in silico analysis results revealed that the Cys612, Leu708, Phe877, and Leu881 sites are important for an appropriate response to androgens of the AR, and mutation at these sites can have adverse effects on the AR functions, androgen–AR interaction, and AR signaling pathway. Conclusions WES and in silico analyses strongly suggested that four novel AR mutations are pathogenic and have led to the development of AIS in the four Vietnamese patients under consideration.

Rural Communication in the Covid-19 Pandemic: an Empirical Analysis from Thua Thien Hue Province, Central Vietnam

Nguyen, Hien Thi Dieu,Nguyen, Chung Van,Pham, Chung,Nguyen, Phong Thanh,Le, Cuong Chi Hung,Pham, Nhung Thi,Tran, Nguyet Thi Anh World Association for Triple Helix and Future Stra 2022 Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia Vol.21 No.1

The world has witnessed the outbreak of the Covid-19 epidemic. Mainstream and social media are playing an important role in Covid-19 pandemic prevention. This research explores awareness, communication channels and effectiveness of communication in the Covid-19 pandemic in rural areas of Thua Thien Hue province, Central Vietnam. Primary information was collected from 181 respondents, who are farmers, non-farmers and students. Secondary information was collected from reports and statistical data. Television, word of mouth and local loudspeakers are the main channels of mainstream media while social media mentions the role of Facebook and Zalo to transfer Covid-19 pandemic information. Mainstream media is still the main channel of farmers and old people while non-farmers and young people tend to access information through social media. Communication has significantly contributed to improving awareness and action of rural people in the Covid-19 epidemic prevention.

The Impact of International Integration on the Inequality of Income between Rural and Urban Areas in Vietnam

NGUYEN, Thi Thanh Huyen,NGUYEN, Thi Thu Hien,NGUYEN, Thi Le Hang,NGUYEN, Van Cong Korea Distribution Science Association 2020 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.7 No.3

The study examines the impact of international integration on Vietnam's rural and urban income inequalities using the regression model. The data used for this study is based on the results of the Vietnam Household Living Standards survey from 2008 to 2016 of the General Statistics Office. These surveys conducted nationwide with a sample size of 46,995 households in 3,133 communes/wards which were representative at national, regional, urban, rural and provincial levels. The level of international economic integration used in the study is the proportion of import and export turnover of GDP, the proportion of FDI and GDP by province. Due to the heterogeneity and unobservableness of the single observant in the data set, we selected the models of random and fixed effects. The research results show that during the economic integration process, the Export/GDP factor is negatively related to income inequality. The remaining factors (GDP per capita, FDI/GDP, Educational level of households, Percentage of internet users, Aggregation of foreign cash inflow and GDP of the province) are all positively related to income inequality. The findings help assess the impact of international integration on rural-urban income inequality, but also provides a concrete basis to help policymakers address income inequality in the integration process.

Sn Doping into Hematite Nanorods for High-Performance Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Hien, Truong Thi,Quang, Nguyen Duc,Hung, Nguyen Manh,Yang, Haneul,Chinh, Nguyen Duc,Hong, Soonhyun,Hieu, Nguyen Minh,Majumder, Sutripto,Kim, Chunjoong,Kim, Dojin The Electrochemical Society 2019 Journal of the Electrochemical Society Vol.166 No.15

<P>Photoelectrochemical water splitting is of great attention due to its environmental friendly generation of clean fuels. Hematite (α-Fe<SUB>2</SUB>O<SUB>3</SUB>) is considered one of the promising candidates due to its intrinsic properties for the high performance photoelectrochemical electrode such as favourable bandgap (2.0–2.2 eV), a suitable energy band position, non-toxicity, low cost, and excellent chemical stability. Herein, we report about Sn-doped hematite nanorods and their implementation as photoanodes for photoelectrochemical water splitting. We provide the simple but efficient route to incorporate the Sn into the hematite without structural damage in the nanostructure and scrutinize the effect of Sn dopant on the photoelectrochemical activity of the hematite. By the two-step heat-treatment process, Sn can be successfully incorporated into the hematite, which reveals the enhanced photoelectrochemical responses compared with undoped hematite. We elaborate the effect of Sn dopant in the hematite on the photoelectrochemical activities, thereby the optimum concentration of Sn dopant can be suggested. In addition, the catalyst layer of the cobalt phosphate is introduced to further increase the photoelectrochemical performance of Sn-doped hematite nanorods.</P>

Enhanced carrier collection efficiency in hierarchical nano-electrode for a high-performance photoelectrochemical cell

Hien, Truong Thi,Van Lam, Do,Kim, Chunjoong,Vuong, Nguyen Minh,Quang, Nguyen Duc,Kim, Dahye,Chinh, Nguyen Duc,Hieu, Nguyen Minh,Lee, Seung-Mo,Kim, Dojin Elsevier 2016 Journal of Power Sources Vol.336 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The photoelectrochemical properties of CdS-sensitized ZnO nanorods grown on Pt-coated WO<SUB>3</SUB> nanoplates are investigated to evaluate their effectiveness in hydrogen production. WO<SUB>3</SUB> nanonanoplates are synthesized on glass substrates, followed by atomic layer deposition of Pt thin films as the terminal electrode to efficiently collect the photo-carriers generated from the ZnO/CdS absorption layers. Optimization of the fabrication process for the 3D hierarchical structure is performed, and the morphology and its effect on the photoelectrochemical performance of the electrodes are carefully studied using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and measurements of the photocurrent density and photo-conversion efficiencies. The enhanced PEC performance is elucidated by the 3D hierarchical geometry of the electrode. The optimized electrode shows a photocurrent density of ∼ 13 mA cm<SUP>−2</SUP> and a conversion efficiency of ∼8.0% at −0.83 V (<I>vs</I>. SCE) in 0.5 M Na<SUB>2</SUB>S solution under the illumination of simulated solar light.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Fabrication of 3D hierarchical nanostructure by 2D WO<SUB>3</SUB> combined with 1D ZnO/CdS. </LI> <LI> Pt layer insertion to enhance current collecting capability of the electrode. </LI> <LI> Optimized nanostructural electrode design for the maximum performance. </LI> <LI> Extract the ultimate performance of CdS as a water-splitting photoanode. </LI> </UL> </P>

A highly sensitive fluorescent chemosensor for simultaneous determination of Ag(I), Hg(II), and Cu(II) ions: Design, synthesis, characterization and application

Hien, Nguyen Khoa,Bao, Nguyen Chi,Ai Nhung, Nguyen Thi,Trung, Nguyen Tien,Nam, Pham Cam,Duong, Tran,Kim, Jong Seung,Quang, Duong Tuan Elsevier 2015 Dyes and pigments Vol.116 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A fluorescent chemosensor based on dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde-aminothiourea (DA) has been designed, synthesized, and applied with a combined theoretical and experimental study. The synthetic path, optimized molecular structure and characteristics of DA were carried out using the calculations at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level of theory. The experimental investigations have a good agreement with the theoretical results. DA can be used as a chemosensor for simultaneous quantification of silver, copper, and mercury ions in aqueous solution at the ppb level. The stable geometric structures of the complexes between DA and Ag<SUP>+</SUP>, Hg<SUP>2+</SUP>, Cu<SUP>2+</SUP> with stoichiometry of 1:1, 2:1, and 2:1, have been found and investigated for electronic properties and fluorescence quenching phenomena by using Atoms in Molecules (AIM) and Natural Bond Orbitals (NBO) analyses.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A chemosensor has been studied with a combined theoretical and experimental study. </LI> <LI> Suitable for detecting trace amounts of Ag(I), Hg(II), Cu(II) ions at the ppb concentration level. </LI> <LI> High water solubility, simplicity, rapid analysis time, wide range of pH. </LI> <LI> The stable geometric structures of the complexes have been found and investigated. </LI> <LI> The fluorescence quenching of complexes is studied by using AIM and NBO analyses. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

The Determinants of Environmental Information Disclosure in Vietnam Listed Companies

NGUYEN, Thi Le Hang,NGUYEN, Thi Thu Hien,NGUYEN, Thi Thanh Huyen,LE, Thi Hong Anh,NGUYEN, Van Cong Korea Distribution Science Association 2020 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.7 No.2

Environmental pollution and climate change in Vietnam are now becoming a major concern. This situation is increasing the pressure on the companies to improve their social responsibility in production and business activities and disclose the environmental information to meet the requirements of stakeholders. This study investigates the internal and external factors of the company that affects the environmental information disclosure of listed companies on the Vietnam stock market as business sector, firm size, corporate manager perceptions, profitability, financial leverage, community pressure, pressures from stakeholders, government pressure influencing environmental information disclosure. Analytical data collected through the survey of 120 listed companies on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HOSE). By testing Cronbach's Alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and logistic regression analysis, the results of the study show that the level of environmental information disclosure of listed companies on the stock market in Vietnam depends heavily on government regulations, followed by the pressure from stakeholders, community pressure, views of business managers, companies size, business sector, and particularly profitability and financial leverage factors that have a negative relationship with environmental information disclosure.

Identification of three novel mutations in PCNT in vietnamese patients with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II

Thu Hien Nguyen,Ngoc‑Lan Nguyen,Chi Dung Vu,Can Thi Bich Ngoc,Ngoc Khanh Nguyen,Huy Hoang Nguyen 한국유전학회 2021 Genes & Genomics Vol.43 No.2

Background Primordial dwarfsm (PD) is a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders related to developmental disabilities occurring in the uterus and prolongs during all stages of life, resulting in short stature, facial deformities and abnormal brain. Objective To determine the exact cause of the disease in two Vietnamese patients priory diagnosed with PD by severe preand postnatal growth retardation with marked microcephaly and some bone abnormalities. Methods Whole-exome sequencing was performed for the two patients and mutations in genes related to PD were screened. Sanger sequencing was applied to examine the mutations in the patients of their families. Results Three novel mutations in the PCNT gene which have not been reported previously were identifed in the two patients. Of which, two frameshift mutations (p.Thr479Profs*6 and p.Glu2742Alafs*8) were detected in patient I and one stop-gained mutation (p.Gln1907*) was detected in the patient II. These mutations may result in a truncated PCNT protein, leading to an inactivated PACT domain corresponding to residue His3138–Trp3216 of PCNT protein. Therefore, the three mutations may cause a defciency of protein functional activity and result in the phenotypes of primordial dwarfsm in the two patients. Conclusions Clinical presentations in combination with genetic analyses supported an accurate diagnosis of the two patients with microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfsm type II (MOPD II). In addition, these results have important implications for prenatal genetic screening and genetic counseling for the families.

Whole-exome sequencing identifies two novel missense mutations (p.L111P and p.R3048C) of RYR3 in a Vietnamese patient with autism spectrum disorders

Thu Hien Nguyen,Thi Thanh Ngan Nguyen,Bac Viet Le,Ngoc Minh Thanh,Thi Kim Lien Nguyen,Van Hai Nong,Huy Hoang Nguyen 한국유전학회 2017 Genes & Genomics Vol.39 No.3

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by ritualistic- repetitive behaviors and impaired verbal and non-verbal communication. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ASD than girls. Genetics have been shown to play a key role in the etiology of autism. Many genes were found to be implicated in the inheritance of idiopathic autism. Analysis of mutation abnormalities associated with autism contributes significantly to the identification of autism candidate genes. Whole-exome sequencing has been shown as an application of the next generation sequencing technology used to determine the variations of all coding regions, or exons of the known genes. In the present study, we have found two novel heterozygous missense mutations (p.L111P and p.R3048C) on the RYR3 gene, which was located in the autism susceptibility region (15q14-q15) in a 9-year-old boy with ASD. Therefore, the sequence missense mutations provide the first suggestive link between a genetic abnormality in the RYR3 gene and a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Preliminary study of doxycycline adsorption from aqueous solution on alkaline modified biochar derived from banana peel

Van-Truc Nguyen,Thanh-Binh Nguyen,Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo,Nguyen Duy Dat,Thi-Kim Quyen Vo,Xuan Cuong Nguyen,Viet-Cuong Dinh,Thi-Ngoc-Chau Le,Thi-Giang-Huong Duong,Manh-Ha Bui,Xuan-Thanh Bui 대한환경공학회 2023 Environmental Engineering Research Vol.29 No.3

This study explores the adsorption of doxycycline (DOX) from aqueous solutions onto biochar derived from banana peel, which was prepared using a potassium hydroxide activation method (KOH-BPB). The biochar properties were characterized based on morphology, surface area (SBET of 710.241 ㎡ g<SUP>−1</SUP>), functional groups, and surface charge (pHPZC = 7.7). Parameters, including initial pH, DOX concentration, and ionic strength, that influenced the DOX adsorption capacity of KOH-BPB were examined. Adsorption equilibrium of DOX on KOH-BPB was assessed through four isothermal models: the Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The obtained data were most compatible with the Langmuir model (R² = 0.9879). KOH-BPB has a maximum DOX absorption capacity of 121.95 mg g<SUP>-1</SUP> which exceeds that of many comparable absorbents. The maximum DOX removal was 96.7% at pH 6, a DOX concentration of 20 mg L<SUP>-1</SUP>, and a KOH-BPB dose of 1.0g L<SUP>-1</SUP>. These findings reveal that biochar from banana peel effectively removes antibiotic residues from water. This study provides a potential, low-cost, and environmentally friendly adsorbent.