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Considering the poor prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the objective of this study was to examine the potential of plasma-derived vesicles as a source of lung cancer-specific proteins. Extracellular vesicle (EV) cargos are specific to the source cells, hence they have the potential of being a source of cancer-specific proteins. Methods: The proteins differently expressed in cancer were determined and derived from EVs isolated from the plasma of NSCLC patients at the National Lung Hospital. To this end, purification was done using gel filtration chromatography and ultracentrifugation. In addition, nano liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for analyzing.Fifty-seven EV-derived proteins related to NSCLC were highlighted in this research. Some of them have not been addressed before, such as EEF1A1 (elongation factor 1-α1), KPNB1 (Importin subunit beta 1), SRC (proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase) and ACTC1 (actin, alpha cardiac muscle 1). This list was further confirmed through a comparison with ExoCarta and Vesiclepedia.This study is the first work to show the involvement of several novel proteins of small EV (EEF1A1, KPNB1, SRC, and ACTC1) in the progression of NSCLC. The results suggested that they could serve as novel biomarkers for non-small cell lung cancer in the future.br /.

Papaya is one of the most important fruits in tropical and subtropical countries. However, genetic improvement has had limited success to date due to time-consuming and complex transformation and regeneration technologies, as well as a lack of reproducible and efficient transient gene expression assays. Here, we report the development of a highly efficient Rhizobium rhizogenes-based in vivo hairy root system for evaluating transgene expression and activity including CRISPR/Cas gene editing reagents in the Vietnamese papaya cultivar Linhan. To optimize the papaya transformation parameters, we introduced the R. rhizogenes strain K599 into papaya hypocotyls at 1-, 5- and 10-mm below the cotyledon nodes by a needle using 5-, 7- and 10-day old seedlings and then monitored the frequency of hairy root formation at 18 days post infection. We found that the age of the seedlings and the distance of the infection site from the cotyledon node were inversely correlated with the efficacy of hairy root induction, being 5-day-old plants and 1-mm distance the best parameters. The established protocol was then employed to investigate transformation frequency using the GUS reporter gene. Of the tested hairy roots, 47.22% were positive for GUS staining, which indicates high level of transgene transfer and stability. Finally, we introduced a dual guide RNA CRISPR/Cas9 cassette targeting eukaryotic translation initiation factor isoform 4E (eIF(iso)4E) gene into papaya by R. rhizogenes and then screened for gene editing events by heteroduplex analysis and Sanger sequencing. Our analysis revealed that 50% of induced roots contained the expected mutations in the eIF(iso)4E gene, which makes our system ideal for testing transgene activity prior making stable transgenic papaya lines.

The hydrothermal alteration zones are the important sign for mineral exploration and can be identified by remote sensing images completely, but this is limited due to the effect of vegetable. We address this problem by a method called “Directed Principal Component Analysis” (DPCA) that involves calculating principal components on two input band ratio images. One ratio is a geological discriminant, confused by the presence of vegetation; the second ratio is chosen for its suitability as a vegetation index. DPCA applied on Landsat 8 image in Pu Sam Cap area, Lai Châu characteristied by argilic alteration, sericite alteration, etc., with the typical minerals like kaolinite, illite, etc., and pyrite, chalcopyrite, magnetite; specularite, etc., The results have identified Fe - rich zones in Bai Bang and Nam Tra areas; clay minerals are concentrated mainly in Nam Tra area and along the main faults. The results are also compared with previous research data and fieldtrip data that shows similarity and feasibility. This paper indicated limitation of Landsat image such as spatial resolution, spectral resolution, etc., when applied in the tropical area.

Mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by deleterious mutations in the α‑L‑iduronidase (IDUA) gene. Until now, MPS I in Vietnamese has been poorly addressed. Five MPS I patients were studied with direct DNA sequencing using Illumina technology confirming pathogenic variants in the IDUA gene. Clinical characteristics, additional laboratory results, and family history were collected. All patients have presented with the classical characteristic of MPS I, and α‑L‑iduronidase activity was low with the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans. Three variants in the IDUA gene (c.1190‑10C&gt, A (Intronic), c.1046A&gt, G (p.Asp349Gly), c.1862G&gt, C (p.Arg621Pro) were identified. The c.1190‑10C&gt, A variant represents six of the ten disease alleles, indicating a founder effect for MPS I in the Vietnamese population. Using biochemical and genetic analyses, the precise incidence of MPS I in this population should accelerate early diagnosis, newborn screening, prognosis, and optimal treatment

This study was performed to evaluate the sequential transformation for soybean genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system as well as to show a strategy for examining the activity of CRISPR/Cas9 constructs, especially the designed guide RNAs (gRNAs). The gRNAs for targeted mutations of an exogenous gene and multiple endogenous genes were constructed and transferred into a stably-overexpressed-Cas9 soybean line using

Melia azedarach L. is a multipurpose timber tree that is important in forestry plantations. Genetic modification to improve the growth rate and wood quality is important to produce new cultivars of M. azedarach. In this study, the effects of AtGA20ox gene expression on plant growth, wood formation, and biomass production in transgenic M. azedarach plants were investigated. AtGA20ox was inserted into the binary vector pBI101 under the control of the xylem specific promoter CAD4 and transferred to M. azedarach via Agrobacterium-mediated method. The integration and expression of the transgenes were confirmed using PCR, RT-PCR, and Southern blotting. The specificity of CAD4 in the xylem was indicated by the higher expression of the AtGA20ox gene in the stem tissues compared to the leaves. The larger stem diameter resulted from higher xylem cell numbers and a wider xylem zone in all the transgenic plants. In addition, the transgenic plants also grew more quickly. Consequently, transgenic M. azedarach increased its biomass production 2- to 4-fold compared to the wild-type plants at 90 days under greenhouse conditions. Our results suggest that the expression of ectopic AtGA20ox under the control of a xylem-specific promoter is an appropriate method to improve plant growth, biomass production, and wood formation in M. azedarach and other forestry plants.

Overexpression of GA20 oxidase gene has been a recent trend for improving plant growth and biomass. Constitutive expression of GA20ox has successfully improved plant growth and biomass in several plant species. However, the constitutive expression of this gene causes side-effects, such as reduced leaf size and stem diameter, etc. To avoid these effects, we identified and employed different tissue-specific promoters for GA20ox overexpression. In this study, we examined the utility of At1g promoter to drive the expression of GUS (β-glucuronidase) reporter and AtGA20ox genes in tobacco and Melia azedarach. Histochemical GUS assays and quantitative real-time-PCR results in tobacco showed that At1g was a root-preferential promoter whose expression was particularly strong in root tips. The ectopic expression of AtGA20ox gene under the control of At1g promoter showed improved plant growth and biomass of both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants. Stem length as well as stem and root fresh weight increased by up to 1.5-3 folds in transgenic tobacco and 2 folds in transgenic M. azedarach. Both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants showed increases in root xylem width with xylem to phloem ratio over 150-200% as compared to WT plants. Importantly, no significant difference in leaf shape and size was observed between At1g::AtGA20ox transgenic and WT plants. These results demonstrate the great utility of At1g promoter, when driving AtGA20ox gene, for growth and biomass improvements in woody plants and potentially some other plant species.

Background: Overexpression of the GA20 oxidase gene has been a recent trend for improving plant growth and biomass. Constitutive expression of GA20ox has successfully improved plant growth and biomass in several plant species. However, the constitutive expression of this gene causes side-effects, such as reduced leaf size and stem diameters. To avoid these effects, different tissue-specific promoters were identified and employed for GA20ox overexpression. In this study, we demonstrated the potential of At1g, a root-preferential promoter, for GA20ox expression to enhance plant biomass in tobacco and Melia azedarach.Results: We examined the utility of the At1g promoter to drive the expression of a GUS (β-1,4-glucuronidase) reporter and the GA20ox gene in tobacco and Melia azedarach. Histochemical GUS assays in tobacco showed that At1g was a root-preferential promoter whose expression was particularly strong in root tips. The ectopic expression of the AtGA20ox gene under the control of the At1g promoter showed improved plant growth and biomass of both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants compared to wild-type (WT) control plants. Stem length as well as stem and root fresh weights increased by up to 1.5-3 folds in transgenic tobacco and 2-fold in transgenic M. azedarach. Both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants showed increases in the root xylem width and xylem over phloem ratio by 50%–100% compared to WT plants. Importantly, no significant differences in the leaf shape or size were observed between the At1g::AtGA20ox transgenic and WT plants. Moreover, transgenic M. azedarach showed a 135% increase in stem diameter although no change was found in transgenic tobacco.Conclusions: These results demonstrate the great utility of the At1g promoter for driving the AtGA20ox gene to induce growth and biomass improvements in woody plants and potentially some other plant species.

Background: Overexpression of GA20 oxidase gene has been a recent trend for improving plant growth and biomass. Constitutive expression of GA20ox has successfully improved plant growth and biomass in several plant species. However, the constitutive expression of this gene causes side-effects, such as reduced leaf size and stem diameters, etc. To avoid these effects, different tissue-specific promoters had been identified and employed for GA20ox overexpression. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of At1g, a root-preferential promoter, for GA20ox expression to enhance plant biomass in tobacco and Melia azedarach.Results: We examined the utility of At1g promoter to drive the expression of GUS (β-1,4-glucuronidase) reporter and GA20ox genes in tobacco and Melia azedarach. Histochemical GUS assays in tobacco showed that At1g was a root-preferential promoter whose expression was particularly strong in root tips. The ectopic expression of AtGA20ox gene under the control of At1g promoter showed the improved plant growth and biomass of both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants compared to wild-type (WT) control plants. Stem length as well as stem and root fresh weights increased by up to 1.5-3 folds in transgenic tobacco and 2 folds in transgenic M. azedarach. Both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants showed increases in the root xylem width, xylem over phloem ratio by 50%-100% as compared to WT plants. Importantly, no significant difference in the leaf shape and size was observed between At1g::AtGA20ox transgenic and WT plants. Moreover, transgenic M. azedarach showed a 135% increase in stem diameter even though no change was found in transgenic tobacco.Conclusions: These results demonstrate the great utility of At1g promoter, when driving AtGA20ox gene, for growth and biomass improvements in woody plants and potentially some other plant species.

Background: Overexpression of GA20 oxidase gene has been a recent trend for improving plant growth and biomass. Constitutive expression of GA20ox has successfully improved plant growth and biomass in several plant species. However, the constitutive expression of this gene causes side-effects, such as reduced leaf size and stem diameters, etc. To avoid these effects, different tissue-specific promoters had been identified and employed for GA20ox overexpression. In this study, we demonstrate the potential of At1g, a root-preferential promoter, for GA20ox expression to enhance plant biomass.Results: We examined the utility of At1g promoter to drive the expression of GUS (b-glucuronidase) reporter and GA20ox genes in tobacco and Melia azedarach. Histochemical GUS assays in tobacco showed that At1g was a root-preferential promoter whose expression was particularly strong in root tips. The ectopic expression of AtGA20ox gene under the control of At1g promoter showed the improved plant growth and biomass of both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants compared to wild-type (WT) control plants. Stem length as well as stem and root fresh weights increased by up to 1.5-3 folds in transgenic tobacco and 2 folds in transgenic M. azedarach. Both tobacco and M. azedarach transgenic plants showed increases in the root xylem width, xylem over phloem ratio by 50%-100% as compared to WT plants. Importantly, no significant difference in the leaf shape and size was observed between At1g::AtGA20ox transgenic and WT plants. Moreover, transgenic M. azedarach showed a 135% increase in stem diameter even though no change was found in transgenic tobacco.Conclusions: These results demonstrate the great utility of At1g promoter, when driving AtGA20ox gene, for growth and biomass improvements in woody plants and potentially some other plant species.

In situ SEM observation of fatigue crack growth behavior of low carbon steel under mechanically large grain condition, and EBSD analysis were carried out to investigate mechanisms of crack deflection and branching and effects of crystal orientation on them. It is found that the crack propagates along the activated slip bands in the present material and the crack deflection can be formed when a new activated slip band is created in a different direction from the growing crack. The crack branching can be formed by the following process: (1) the slip band along the crack cannot be activated further due to the restraint by such as grain boundary or strain hardening, (2) the crack cannot propagate further in the same direction, and (3) the secondary slip plane is activated to form a new slip band behind the crack tip. Not the stress intensity factors Kdef for deflected crack and ΔKeff for crack closure but rather the ΔKeff,tip is the intrinsic fracture mechanics parameter for controlling fatigue crack growth behavior of the material with crack deflection and branching.

Beta-ketothiolase (T2) deficiency is an inherited disease of isoleucine and ketone body metabolism caused by mutations in the ACAT1 gene. Between 2005 and 2016, a total of 41 patients with T2 deficiency were identified at a medical center in northern Vietnam, with an estimated incidence of one in 190,000 newborns. Most patients manifested ketoacidotic episodes of varying severity between 6 and 18 months of age. Remarkably, 28% of patients showed high blood glucose levels (up to 23.3 mmol/L). Ketoacidotic episodes recurred in 43% of patients. The age of onset, frequency of episodes, and identified genotype did not affect patient outcomes that were generally favorable, with the exception of seven cases (five died and two had neurological sequelae). Custom-tailored acute and follow-up management was critical for a positive clinical outcome. Two null mutations, c.622C>T (p.Arg208*) and c.1006-1G>C (p.Val336fs), accounted for 66% and 19% of all identified ACAT1 mutant alleles, respectively. Most patients showed characteristic biochemical abnormalities. A newborn screening program could be expected to have a high yield in Vietnam. Investigation findings of haplotypes linked to the most common ACAT1 mutation (c.622C>T) are consistent with an ancient common founder of mutation-bearing chromosomes belonging to the Kinh ethnic population. The direct management and long-term follow-up of a large number of T2-deficient patients enabled us to study the natural history of this rare disease.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a family of endopeptidases also known as gelatinases, have been reported to affect the acquisition of the cell proliferative, cell invasive and metastatic phenotype of several types of cancer. In particular, the gelatinases MMP-2 and −9 have been revealed to facilitate tumor growth and invasion in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it is not known whether the gelatinase activity of MMP-2 and −9 is also elevated in Vietnamese patients with CRC. The activity of MMP-2 and −9 in the tissue samples of 103 patients with CRC was evaluated by gelatin zymography and quantified using ImageJ. The association between the level of activity of MMP-2 and −9 and various clinicopathological factors was analyzed, and Chisio BioPAX Editor software was used to visualize the biological pathways regulating the activity of the MMPs. The present study noticed significantly increased activity of active MMP-2 and MMP-9 in tumor tissues (P

Background Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment has shown beneficial effects on wound healing treatment. Methods A patient had a lesion on the middle finger of the left hand that was indicated to skin flap grafting. The patient then received the CAP treatment using a plasma device with a dose of 30 s/cm2/day. The patient's ulcer was treated according to standard procedure, and the ulcer's size, infection status, and sensation at the irradiation area were recorded each week. Results After five weeks of this CAP treatment, the ulcer was completely epithelialized. Infection status and sensory abnormalities were not detected in the area of irradiation. Conclusion CAP treatment may be a viable choice to treat patients wherein skin-grafting has failed and where the lesions have tendon and bone exposure.

Background Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) caused by deficiency of a specific lysosomal enzyme, consisting of seven subtypes. In MPSs, the breakdown of the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), heparan sulfate (HS), keratan sulfate (KS), and/or hyaluronan is disrupted.

Mitochondrial acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (12) deficiency is an inborn error of metabolism affecting isoleucine catabolism and ketone body utilization. This disorder is clinically characterized by intermittent keto-acidotic episodes with no clinical symptoms between episodes. In general, 12 gene mutations are heterogenous. No common mutations have been identified and more than 70 mutations have been identified in 70 patients with 12 deficiency (including unpublished data). We herein identified a common mutation, R208X, in Vietnamese patients. We identified R208X homozygously in six patients and heterozygously in two patients among eight Vietnamese patients. This R208X mutation was also identified heterozygously in two Dutch patients, however, R208X mutant alleles in the Vietnamese have a different haplotype from that in the Dutch, when analyzed using Msp I and Tag I polymorphisms in the T2 gene. The R208X mutant allele was not so frequent in the Vietnamese since we could not find that mutant allele in 400 healthy Vietnamese controls using the Nla III restriction enzyme assay. DNA diagnosis of 12 deficiency may be applicable to the Vietnamese population. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.