Identification of Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibitors from the Seeds of Passiflora edulis Cultivated in Vietnam

To Dao Cuong,Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh,Tran Thu Huong,Pham Ngoc Khanh,Vu Thi Ha,Tran Manh Hung,김영호,Nguyen Manh Cuong 한국생약학회 2019 Natural Product Sciences Vol.25 No.4

Soluble epoxide hydrolases (sEH) are enzymes present in all living organisms, metabolize epoxy fatty acids to 1,2-diols. sEH in the metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids plays a key role in inflammation. In addition, the endogenous lipid mediators in cardiovascular disease are also broken down to diols by the action of sEH that enhanced cardiovascular protection. In this study, sEH inhibitory guided fractionation led to the isolation of five phenolic compounds trans-resveratrol (1), trans-piceatannol (2), sulfuretin (3), (+)-balanophonin (4), and cassigarol E (5) from the ethanol extract of the seeds of Passiflora edulis Sims cultivated in Vietnam. The chemical structures of isolated compounds were determined by the interpretation of NMR spectral data, mass spectra, and comparison with data from the literature. The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitory activity of isolated compounds was evaluated. Among them, trans-piceatannol (2) showed the most potent inhibitory activity on sEH with an IC50 value of 3.4 mM. This study marks the first time that sulfuretin (3) was isolated from Passiflora edulis as well as (+)-balanophonin (4), and cassigarol E (5) were isolated from Passiflora genus.

A Partial Least Squares Path Model of Repurchase Intention in Smartphone-based Ride Hailing Service

Nguyen,Ngoc Duy Phuong,Tran,Thi Dai Trang 한국유통과학회 2019 KODISA ICBE (International Conference on Business Vol.2019 No.-

The aims of this study are applying the Perceived value model and employing the three factors defining service quality of information system from DeLone and McLean’s success model to identify the key factors affecting repurchase intention in smartphone-based ride hailing service. The research framework was examined with 427 valid respondents from Grab and Uber customers in Vietnam. Partial Least Square (PLS) employed to analyze the measurement and structural model. The statistical results support all seven proposed hypotheses. The study confirm that service quality and electronic service quality of information system are significant predictors of overall perceived service quality. In addition, when customer perceives the service quality outweighs their sacrifices, the perceived value increase, subsequently results in higher repurchase intention towards smartphone-based ride-hailing service. Overall, other variables account for 51.1% of variance of repurchase intention. The study confirms the relationships of the three variables represent the electronic service quality and service quality with the overall service quality, which directly effects to perceived value, considering a more comprehensive model for service in m-commerce context.

An improvement of real-time polymerase chain reaction system based on probe modification is required for accurate detection of African swine fever virus in clinical samples in Vietnam

Tran Ha Thi Thanh,Dang Anh Kieu,Ly Duc Viet,Vu Hao Thi,Hoang Tuan Van,Nguyen Chinh Thi,Chu Nhu Thi,Nguyen Vinh The,Nguyen Huyen Thi,Truong Anh Duc,Pham Ngoc Thi,Dang Hoang Vu 아세아·태평양축산학회 2020 Animal Bioscience Vol.33 No.10

Objective: The rapid and reliable detection of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) plays an important role in emergency control and preventive measures of ASF. Some methods have been recommended by FAO/OIE to detect ASFV in clinical samples, including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, mismatches in primer and probe binding regions may cause a false-negative result. Here, a slight modification in probe sequence has been conducted to improve the qualification of real-time PCR based on World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) protocol for accurate detection of ASFV in field samples in Vietnam. Methods: Seven positive confirmed samples (four samples have no mismatch, and three samples contained one mutation in probe binding sites) were used to establish novel real-time PCR with slightly modified probe (Y = C or T) in comparison with original probe recommended by OIE. Results: Both real-time PCRs using the OIE-recommended probe and novel modified probe can detect ASFV in clinical samples without mismatch in probe binding site. A high correlation of cycle quantification (Cq) values was observed in which Cq values obtained from both probes arranged from 22 to 25, suggesting that modified probe sequence does not impede the qualification of real-time PCR to detect ASFV in clinical samples. However, the samples with one mutation in probe binding sites were ASFV negative with OIE recommended probe but positive with our modified probe (Cq value ranked between 33.12-35.78). Conclusion: We demonstrated for the first time that a mismatch in probe binding regions caused a false negative result by OIE recommended real-time PCR, and a slightly modified probe is required to enhance the sensitivity and obtain an ASF accurate diagnosis in field samples in Vietnam.

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.

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.

Isolation and Cytotoxic Potency of Endophytic Fungi Associated with Dysosma difformis, a Study for the Novel Resources of Podophyllotoxin

Hoa Thi Tran,Giang Thu Nguyen,Hong Ha Thi Nguyen,Huyen Thi Tran,Quang Hong Tran,Quang Ho Tran,Ngoc Thi Ninh,Phat Tien Do,Ha Hoang Chu,Ngoc Bich Pham 한국균학회 2022 Mycobiology Vol.50 No.5

Endophytic fungi are promising sources for the production of podophyllotoxin-an important anticancer compound, replacing depleted medical plants. In this study, the endophytes asso- ciated with Dysosma difformis-an ethnomedicinal plant species were isolated to explore novel sources of podophyllotoxin. Fifty-three endophytic fungi were isolated and identified by morphological observation and ITS-based rDNA sequencing, assigning them to 27 genera in 3 divisions. Fusarium was found the most prevalent genus with a colonization frequency of 11.11%, followed by Trametes (9.26%) and Penicillium (7.41%). Phylogenetic trees were constructed for the endophytic fungi community in two collection sites, Ha Giang and Lai Chau, revealing the adaptation of the species to the specific tissues and habitats. Cytotoxic activity of endophytic fungal extracts was investigated on cancer cell lines such as SK-LU-1, HL-60, and HepG2, demonstrating strong anti-cancer activity of six isolates belonging to Penicillium, Trametes, Purpureocillium, Aspergillus, and Ganoderma with IC50 value of lower than 10 mg/mL. The presence of podophyllotoxin was indicated in Penicillium, Trametes, Aspergillus and for the first time in Purpureocillium and Ganoderma via high-performance liquid chromatography, which implied them as a potential source of this anti- cancer compound.

Uptake of arsenic and heavy metals by native plants growing near Nui Phao multi-metal mine, northern Vietnam

Ha, Nguyen Thi Hoang,Ha, Nguyen Thi,Nga, Tran Thi Huyen,Minh, Nguyen Ngoc,Anh, Bui Thi Kim,Hang, Nguyen Thi An,Duc, Nguyen Anh,Nhuan, Mai Trong,Kim, Kyoung-Woong Elsevier 2019 Applied geochemistry Vol.108 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Phytoremediation is a plant-based, environment-friendly, and cost-effective technology that can be potentially used to remediate contaminated media. This study was conducted to evaluate the phytoextraction and phytostabilization potential, two common techniques of phytoremediation, of 21 plant species growing naturally at the largest tungsten (W) mine in Vietnam—the second largest production of W in the world. The average concentrations in different soil fractions were in the following order: residue > organically complexed, Fe- and Mn oxide-bound > carbonate bound > exchangeable. The total concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in the soil varied by 34–3390, 4.87–81.6, 14.3–2080, and 21.9–370 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the shoots ranged 0.71–2400, 0.05–5.55, 4.81–249, and 13.3–380 mg/kg-DW, respectively. The concentrations of As and Cd in all soil samples and Cu in 70% of soil samples collected around the mine fluctuated within 2–227, 3–54, and up to 21-folds higher than the maximum allowable limit for agricultural soils in Vietnam (QCVN 03-MT:2015/BTNMT). The results indicated that hyperaccumulation levels (mg/kg-DW) were obtained for only As in <I>Pityrogramma calomelanos</I> (2400) and <I>Pteris vittata</I> L. (1860). Based on the recorded hyperaccumulation levels, translocation and accumulation factors, biomass, and fast growth of these plants, <I>P. calomelanos</I> and <I>P. vittata</I> were considered to be promising native plants for the phytoextraction of As contaminated soils. <I>Bidens pilosa</I> L. also has great potential for phytostabilization of mining soils contaminated with As and heavy metals.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Soils near multi-metal (W–F–Cu–Au–Bi) mine were contaminated with As, Cd, Cu. </LI> <LI> Arsenic in shoots were in order of Fern > Monocotyledonae > Dicotyledonae. </LI> <LI> <I>Pityrogramma calomelanos</I> and <I>Pteris vittata</I> L. suggested for phytoextraction of As. </LI> <LI> <I>Bidens pilosa</I> L. suggested for the phytostabilization of mining contaminated soils. </LI> </UL> </P>

Eco-friendly Aqueous Binder-Based LiNi 0.4 Mn 1.6 O 4 Cathode Enabling Stable Cycling Performance of High Voltage Lithium-Ion Batteries with Biomass-Derived Silica

Ngoc Thi Bao Nguyen,Hoang Van Nguyen,Nhan Thanh Tran,Phat Tan Vu,Phung My Loan Le,Man Van Tran 대한금속·재료학회 2023 ELECTRONIC MATERIALS LETTERS Vol.19 No.3

High voltage cathode materials LiNi x Mn 2−x O 4 (x = 0.4; 0.5) have been attracting greater attention in developing high energydensity Li-ion battery technology for electrical vehicles and large-scale applications. The main challenge of high voltagecathodes is severe electrolyte decomposition leading to short cell cycle life. In addition, LiNi 0.4 Mn 1.6 O 4 cathode materialprocessed with polyvinylidene fl uoride (PVdF) binder generally suff ers an oxidation decomposition as well as cathodedelamination from current collectors during cycling. Herein, we suggest using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC),lithium polyacrylic acid (LiPAA) as water-soluble binders for replacing conventional PVdF in cathode processing to demonstratethe eff ectiveness on long-cycling of half-cell Li || LiNi 0.4 Mn 1.6 O 4 , full-cell SiO 2 -graphite || LiNi 0.4 Mn 1.6 O 4 and SiO 2|| LiNi 0.4 Mn 1.6 O 4 . In half-cell, the cells with water-soluble binders-based cathode exhibited a higher discharge capacity thanthe one using PVdF binder (CMC—126.0 mAh/g; LiPAA—125.7 mAh/g; PVdF—117 mAh/g at C/5, respectively). CMCand LiPAA also improve retention capacity up to 90% after 500 cycles at C/3. Interestingly, LiPAA based electrode exhibitsan excellent rate-capability with discharge capacity of 80 mAh/g at 8C. The stability of electrodes was also investigated byelectrode chemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). In full-cell, CMC and LiPAAbased cells showed eff ectiveness in decreasing transition metal dissolution and preventing the cathode degradation duringlong-cycling through its excellent capacity retention in 200 cycles at C/3.

A regional approach for health risk assessment of toxicants in plastic food containers

Nguyen Lan Binh Thi,Thanh Truc Nguyen Thi,Nguyen Ngoc Tran Thi,Vu Dinh Khang,Lee Byeong-Kyu 한국독성학회 2023 Toxicological Research Vol.39 No.4

Plastic food containers are being used popularly, generating a waste of about 115 million tons in Vietnam. Such waste is causing environmental and health issues. This study conducted a field survey with 250 local people and selected 59 samples out of 135 plastic food containers collected in Go Vap district, Vietnam. Collected plastic samples identified compositions were PET 13.6%, PP 28.8%, PS 16.9%, and 40.7% undefined plastics. Collected plastic samples were classified based on the plastic type using recycling code and quantitatively analyzed with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy method to assess concentrations of Cd, Sb, Pb, Hg, Sn, Cr, Br, Cl, and S. Most of these collected plastic samples (91.5%) were found to contain 8/9 hazardous substances and most elements contained in these plastics were below their standard thresholds. These elements in plastic samples could be divided as the result into three hazard groups: (1) high hazard group (Sb, Cl, and S); (2) medium hazard group (Cr, Br and Hg); and (3) low hazard groups (Cd, Pb and Sn). Among substances in the high hazard group, element Sb was assessed for its migration because only Sb is regulated in Vietnam in QCVN 12-1: 2011/BYT. Substances of Cl, S, Cr, Br, and Hg (group 1, 2) do not have regulations related to the method of decontamination. Thus, additional health risks need to be assessed using the USEtox model. Finally, this study proposed a screening process to assess the risk of toxicity of elements contained in plastic food containers through ISO 31000:2018.

A new naphthoquinone analogue and antiviral constituents from the root of <i>Rhinacanthus nasutus</i>

Ngoc, Tran Minh,Phuong, Nguyen Thi Thanh,Khoi, Nguyen Minh,Park, SeonJu,Kwak, Hee Jae,Nhiem, Nguyen Xuan,Trang, Bui Thi Thu,Tai, Bui Huu,Song, Jae-Hyoung,Ko, Hyun-Jeong,Kim, Seung Hyun Informa UK (TaylorFrancis) 2019 Natural product research Vol.33 No.3