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.

The Effect of the Ratio of C45 Carbon to Graphene on the Si/C Composite Materials Used as Anode for Lithium-ion Batteries

Hoang Anh Nguyen,Thi Nam Pham,Le Thanh Nguyen Huynh,Tran Ha Trang Nguyen,Viet Hai Le,Nguyen Thai Hoang,Thi Thom Nguyen,Thi Thu Trang Nguyen,Dai Lam Tran,Thi Mai Thanh Dinh The Korean Electrochemical Society 2024 Journal of electrochemical science and technology Vol.15 No.2

Due to its high theoretical capacity, Silicon (Si) has shown great potential as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the large volume change of Si during cycling leads to poor cycling stability and low Coulombic efficiency. In this study, we synthesized Si/Carbon C45:Graphene composites using a ball-milling method with a fixed Si content (20%) and investigated the influence of the C45/Gr ratio on the electrochemical performance of the composites. The results showed that carbon C45 networks can provide good conductivity, but tend to break at Si locations, resulting in poor conductivity. However, the addition of graphene helps to reconnect the broken C45 networks, improving the conductivity of the composite. Moreover, the C45 can also act as a protective coating around Si particles, reducing the volume expansion of Si during charging/discharging cycles. The Si/C45:Gr (70:10 wt%) composite exhibits improved electrochemical performance with high capacity (~1660 mAh g^-1 at 0.1 C) and cycling stability (~1370 mAh g^-1 after 100 cycles). This work highlights the effective role of carbon C45 and graphene in Si/C composites for enhancing the performance of Si-based anode materials for LIBs.

Drug resistance and the genotypic characteristics of rpoB and katG in rifampicin- and/or isoniazid-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in central Vietnam

Thi Binh Nguyen Nguyen,Thi Kieu Diem Nguyen,Van Hue Trương,Thi Tuyet Ngoc Tran,van Bao Thang Phan,Thi Tuyen Nguyen,Hoang Bach Nguyen,Viet Quynh Tram Ngo,Van Tuan Mai,Paola Molicotti 질병관리본부 2023 Osong Public Health and Research Persptectives Vol.14 No.5

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) are national health burdens in Vietnam. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of rifampicin (RIF) and/or isoniazid (isonicotinic acid hydrazide, INH) resistance in patients with suspected TB, and applied appropriate techniques to help rapidly target DR-TB. Methods: In total, 1,547 clinical specimens were collected and cultured using the BACTEC MGIT system (Becton Dickinson and Co.). A resazurin microtiter assay (REMA) was used to determine the proportions of RIF and/or INH resistance. A real-time polymerase chain reaction panel with TaqMan probes was employed to identify the mutations of rpoB and katG associated with DR-TB in clinical isolates. Genotyping of the identified mutations was also performed. Results: A total of 468 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were identified using the REMA. Of these isolates, 106 (22.6%) were found to be resistant to 1 or both antibiotics. Of the resistant isolates, 74 isolates (69.8%) were resistant to isoniazid (INH) only, while 1 isolate (0.94%) was resistant to RIF only. Notably, 31 isolates (29.24%) were resistant to both antibiotics. Of the 41 phenotypically INH-resistant isolates, 19 (46.3%) had the Ser315Thr mutation. There were 8 different rpoB mutations in 22 (68.8%) of the RIF-resistant isolates. The most frequently detected mutations were at codons 531 (37.5%), 526 (18.8%), and 516 (6.3%). Conclusion: To help prevent new cases of DR-TB in Vietnam, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the genotypic DR-TB isolates.

Identification of anti-osteoclastogenic compounds from <i>Cleistocalyx operculatus</i> flower buds and their effects on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis

Tran, Phuong Thao,Ngo, Thi Quynh-Mai,Lee, Suhyun,Kim, Okwha,Tran, Huynh Nguyen Khanh,Hwangbo, Cheol,Min, Byung Sun,Lee, Jeong-Hyung ELSEVIER SCIENCE B.V.; AMSTERDAM 2019 JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS Vol.60 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P> <I>Cleistocalyx operculatus</I> flower buds are used as a main ingredient in various beverages and herbal tea in tropical areas. The present study was conducted to investigate anti-osteoclastogenic effects of ethanol extract of <I>C. operculatus</I> flower buds (ECB) and to identify anti-osteoclastogenic compounds in these buds. ECB significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and decreased RANKL-induced the activation of NFATc1. We isolated nineteen compounds from <I>C. operculatus</I> flower buds and found that eight compounds, including maslinic acid (<B>6</B>) and its two coumaroyl analogs (<B>7</B> and <B>8</B>), significantly inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation. Among these, 3-O-<I>trans</I>-<I>p</I>-coumaroyl maslinic acid (<B>8</B>) showed the most potent inhibitory effect on RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via impairment of c-Fos and NF-κB activation, and subsequently, NFATc1 activation. These results suggested that identification of the anti-osteoclastogenic compounds from <I>C. operculatus</I> flower buds may extend our understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying biological activities of <I>C. operculatus</I> flower buds for osteoclast-related diseases.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The anti-osteoclastogenic effect of <I>Cleistocalyx operculatus</I> is demonstrated. </LI> <LI> Ethanol extract of <I>C. operculatus</I> flower buds (ECB) inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. </LI> <LI> Eight compounds are identified as anti-osteoclastogenic compounds from ECB. </LI> <LI> Maslinic acid and its two coumaroyl analogs inhibit RANKL-induced NFATc1 activation. </LI> <LI> The mechanism explains the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of C. operculatus flower buds. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Composites derived from synthetic clay and carbon sphere: Preparation, characterization, and application for dye decontamination

Nguyen Duy Dat,Ton That Loc,Mai Thuan Trieu,Dong Thanh Nguyen,Khuong Quoc Nguyen,My Linh Nguyen,Anh Duy Duong Le,Hai Nguyen Tran 한국화학공학회 2022 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.39 No.4

Two new composites from synthetic clay-like materials and carbon spheres were developed. Layered doubledhydroxides (LDH) were synthesized from the coprecipitation of Mg2+ and Al3+ ions. Spherical hydrochar (SH) wasprepared from pure glucose through hydrothermal carbonization at 190 oC. The composite LDH–SH was synthesizedthrough a simple hydrothermal method of the mixture of LDH and SH. Another composite, LDO-SB, was directly preparedthrough the carbonization of LDH-SH at 500 oC. Under such high temperature, LDH was converted to layereddoubled oxides (LDO), and SH was transferred to spherical biochar (SB). Those materials were characterized by chemicalstability, surface morphology and element composition, crystal structure, surface functional group, and texturalcharacteristic. They were applied for removing cationic dye (methylene blue; MB) and anionic dye (Congo red; CR)under different pH solutions. Three adsorption components—kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics—were conductedunder batch experimenters. Results demonstrated that the LDH or LDO particles were assembled on the surfaceof SH or SB, respectively. The surface area, total pore volume, and average pore width of LDH–SH and LDO-SBwere 58.5 and 198m2/g, 0.319 and 0.440 cm3/g, and 21.8 and 8.89 nm, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacityof the materials, calculated from the Langmuir model, at 30 oC for CR and MB dyes was 1589 and 78.6mg/g (LDOSB)and 499 and 226mg/g (LDH-SH), respectively. The composites exhibited a higher affinity to anionic than cationicdyes, which resulted from the great contribution of the clay-like materials. Therefore, they can serve as a promisingcomposite for the decolorization of wastewater.

Numerical Analysis of Dielectrophoresis-Based Microfluidic Chip with a Facing-Electrode Design for Cell Separation

Nguyen Thu Hang,Nguyen Mai Chi,Nguyen Hoang Trung,Thi Y Van Tran,Vu Ngoc Trung,Thu Hang Bui,Duc Trinh Chu,Bui Tung Thanh,Jen Chun-Ping,Quang Loc Do 한국농업기계학회 2024 바이오시스템공학 Vol.49 No.1

Purpose Circulating tumor cell separation and analysis have played a critical role in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this work, we aim to design and investigate a novel biochip that integrates dielectrophoresis, microfl uidic technology to separate circulating tumor cells from blood cells. To create a dielectrophoresis-induced non-uniform electric fi eld, a facing-electrode design was proposed and utilized, in which a slanted electrode array and a simple rectangular ground electrode are placed parallel on the top and bottom parts of the microfl uidic channel, respectively. This design can reduce the particle position dependence in the microchannel and the complexity of the microfabrication process. Methods The separation process, effi ciency, and optimization of the proposed device were numerically investigated using the fi nite element method. Parametric research was conducted to comprehensively examine the impact of various operating and design factors on the cell movement and trajectories in the microfl uidic device. Results The results indicated the potential of the proposed biochip to ensure cancer cell separation from blood cells with high effi ciency, high purity in a label-free, non-invasive, easy integration, and low-cost manner. Under the optimal conditions, the separation effi ciency reached 92%, 88%, and 96% for human colon cancer cells (HT-29), red blood cells, and white blood cells, respectively. Conclusions In this study, a novel DEP-based microfl uidic chip was proposed to separate HT-29 tumor cells from blood cells and numerically investigated to verify the performance of the biochip design. Our fi ndings could provide a foundation for further theoretical and practical investigations. The proposed system can separate cancer cells from red blood cells and white blood cells as well as off ers numerous advantages, such as compact size, low voltage, high effi ciency, non-invasiveness, and label-free nature. The tumor cell enrichment platform has the potential for application in cancer detection, analysis, and assessment.

Influence of the Deformation on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TBF Steel

Nguyen Duong Nam,Tran Phap Dong,Tran The Nam,Nguyen Hong Hai,Pham Mai Khanh Korean Society for Precision Engineering 2020 한국정밀공학회지 Vol.37 No.8

The Impact of Organizational Commitment on Employee Motivation: A Study in Vietnamese Enterprises

NGUYEN, Hoai Nam,LE, Quoc Hoi,TRAN, Quang Bach,TRAN, Thi Hoang Mai,NGUYEN, Thi Hai Yen,NGUYEN, Thi Thuy Quynh Korea Distribution Science Association 2020 The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Busine Vol.7 No.6

The study examines direct and indirect impacts of organizational commitment on employee motivation through two mediating factors - opportunistic behavior and knowledge sharing - in Vietnamese enterprises. The samples were selected by the non-probability sampling method followed convenient sampling, relatively stratified by localities in Vietnam. The sample size was 636 employees in Vietnamese enterprises. The number of collected online questionnaires was 379, while the number of valid questionnaires was 329. In the direct survey, the number of distributed questionnaires was 750, while the number of collected questionnaires was 421 and the number of valid questionnaires was 307. The total number of valid questionnaires used for analysis was 636. The study used quantitative methods with structural equation modeling analysis. The results indicate that among the components of organizational commitment, normative commitment has both direct and indirect impacts on employee motivation through two mediating factors: opportunistic behavior and knowledge sharing. Meanwhile, affective commitment has only an indirect impact on employee motivation through these mediating factors. Continuance commitment has both direct and indirect impacts; however, it has only an indirect impact on employee motivation through opportunistic behavior. In addition, the results show opportunistic behavior has a negative impact on the knowledge sharing of employees in enterprises.

Cholinesterase Inhibitory Activities of Alkaloids from Corydalis Tuber

Tran Manh Hung,Phuong Thien Thuong,Nguyen Trung Nhan,Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai,Tran Le Quan,최재수,우미희,민병선,배기환 한국생약학회 2011 Natural Product Sciences Vol.17 No.2

Several isoquinoline alkaloids (1 - 18), which have basic chemical structures as protoberberine and aporphine skeletones, were evaluated for their inhibitory activities on AChE and BuChE. Among them, compounds 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 showed the potent AchE activity with the IC50 values ranging from 10.2 ? 0.5 mM to 24.5 ? 1.6 mM, meanwhile, compound 14 - 17 exhibited strong inhibitory activity with IC50 values from 2.1 ? 0.2 to 5.5 ? 0.3 mM. Compounds 14 - 17 exhibited selective inhibition for AChE compared with BuChE. The isoquinoline alkaloid possesses aromatic methylenedioxy groups and quaternary nitrogen atoms are crucial for the anti-cholinesterase inhibitory activity.

Fabrication of tubular ceramic-supported malic acid cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol)/ rice husk ash-silica nanocomposite membranes for ethanol dehydration by pervaporation

Tran Minh Ngoc,Tran Minh Man,Mai Thanh Phong,Mai Thanh Phong,Nguyen Huu Hieu 한국화학공학회 2019 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.36 No.4

Silica nanoparticles were prepared from rice husk ash (RHA-silica) by precipitation method. The characterization of RHA-silica was studied by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller specific surface area. Results showed that RHA-silica was successfully synthesized with a particle size of 5-15 nm and purity of 98.08%. The obtained RHA-silica was applied with different content for fabrication of tubular ceramic-supported poly(vinyl alcohol) membranes using malic acid as a cross-linking agent (RHA-silica/MA-PVA) by dip-coating and solvent evaporation methods. The tubular ceramic-supported RHA-silica/MA-PVA membranes were used for dehydration of 95 wt% ethanol solution by pervaporation (PV) technology. Results indicated membrane with 15 wt% RHA-silica (15RHA-silica/MA-PVA) was suitable for the dehydration with permeate flux of 0.0856 kg/m2·h, separation factor of 46.6, and pervaporation separation index of 3.9 kg/m2h. The tubular ceramic-supported 15RHA-silica/MA-PVA membrane was characterized using XRD, FTIR, scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, and contact angle measurement. Results showed that this membrane was 30 m thick, mechanical stable (swelling rate, 133.9%), hydrophobic (contact angle, 81o), and thermal stable (glass transition temperature, 138.7 oC). Therefore, the tubular ceramic-supported nanocomposite membrane could be considered as a potential alternative for PV dehydration of ethanol.