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An annotated checklist of the terrestrial molluscs from Dong Van District is presented. The checklist combines data from all material collected from March 2018 to December 2020 and previous studies. The checklist provides an overview of the diversity of the terrestrial molluscs occurring in the Dong Van area. A total of 59 species representing 16 families are documented. Three species (or 5.08%) of these species are endemic to Ha Giang Province. A species recorded for Northern Vietnam and 28 species of the terrestrial molluscs for Ha Giang Province are herein published for the first time. We also briefly discuss the extent of diversity and endemism in the terrestrial molluscs of the Dong Van area.

Gac Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour) Spreng, in Which Black-hybrid Gac and high-yield hybrid Gac are high-productivity, good quality, planted once for many harvesting years, contributing to improving economic efficiency. Research on trial planting of black-hybrid and high-yield hybrid Gac varieties in Tuyen Quang has initially shown positive results, plants grow and develop well, with a planting density of 500 trees/ha; well implement techniques of planting and making solid trusses; timely monitoring and control of pests and diseases. The results are more efficient and efficient than the local gac sticky variety (The real yield in the first year of the black-hybrid gac is 133,5 quintals/ha, the efficiency is 50.298.000 VND/ha; high-yield hybrid Gac reached 144,2 quintals/ha and the efficiency is 49.408.000 VND/ ha).

Meloidogyne graminicola, also known as the rice root-knot nematode, is one of the most damaging plant-parasitic nematode, especially on rice. This obligate soilborne parasite induces the formation of galls that disturb the root morphology and physiology. Its impact on the root microbiome is still not well described. Here, we conducted a survey in Northern Vietnam where we collected infected (with galls) and non-infected root tips from the same plants in three naturally infested fields. Using a metabarcoding approach, we discovered that M. graminicola infection caused modifications of the root bacterial community composition and network structure. Interestingly, we observed in infected roots a higher diversity and species richness (+24% observed ESVs) as well as a denser and more complex co-occurrence network (+44% nodes and +136% links). We identified enriched taxa that include several hubs, which could serve as potential indicators or biocontrol agents of the nematode infection. Moreover, the community of infected roots is more specific suggesting changes in the functional capabilities to survive in the gall environment. We thus describe the signature of the gall microbiome (the ‘gallobiome’) with shifting abundances and enrichments that lead to a strong restructuration of the root microbiome.

A survey conducted on newly cultivated lowland rice fields by direct seeding method in Hai Duong Province, Viet Nam, in March 2017 revealed high devastation of the field. In these fields, farmers used an annual crop rotation cycle of rice-scallion-rice. Investigations on the devastated fields revealed that the chemical and physical soil properties were appropriate for rice cultivation. On the other hand, observations done on the root systems showed that the dead plants have symptomatic root galls suggesting the presence of plant parasitic nematodes. Sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA genes of the nematodes showed that the root nematodes extracted from the infested fields belonged to Meloidogyne graminicola. The reproductive factor of the isolated M. graminicola population on the IR64 rice variety (Oryza sativa indica) was normal, suggesting that the impact of this plant pest was not due to the emergence of an unusual virulent population. The combination of the three factors (wrong cropping choice for rotation, using rice variety susceptible to M. graminicola and direct seeding) were obviously promoting the nematode infection and its high proliferation in the surveyed fields. Meloidogyne graminicola could parasitize and propagate in scallions of Vietnam. Since this plant is annually cultivated on a paddy field for crop rotation, preventive measures or alternative plant for crop rottion is necessary.

RSV infection induces a clearly different host response pattern compared with hRV and induced strong innate immune responses both locally and systemically. B cell lymphoma (BCL6) is a hub gene that positively correlates with RSV load and disease severity., Background Most insights into the cascade of immune events after acute respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection have been obtained from animal experiments or in vitro models. Methods In this study, we investigated host gene expression profiles in nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs and whole blood samples during natural RSV and rhinovirus (hRV) infection (acute versus early recovery phase) in 83 hospitalized patients

Contamination of large-scale microalgal cultures by grazers can cause huge losses in biomass productivity. Here we propose the use of a quaternary ammonium salt cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to eradicate three types of commonly occurring grazers in microalgal cultures: the rotifer Brachionus, the ciliate Sterkiella and the flagellate Paraphysomonas. Low, premicellar doses (≤3 μM) of CTAB rapidly eradicated (within 1–2 d) all three tested grazers from microalgal cultures without significant losses (p

Bacillus subtilis(B. subtilis) cells were placed in various environmental conditions to study the effects of aeration, water activity of the medium, temperature, pH, and calcium content on spore formation and the resulting properties. Modification of the sporulation conditions lengthened the growth period of B. subtilis and its sporulation. In some cases, it reduced the final spore concentration. The sporulation conditions significantly affected the spore properties, including germination capacity and resistance to heat treatment in water (30 min at 97°C) or to high pressure (60 min at 350 MPa and 40°C). The relationship between the modifications of these spore properties and the change in the spore structure induced by different sporulation conditions is also considered. According to this study, sporulation conditions must be carefully taken into account during settling sterilization processes applied in the food industry.

We analyzed the gene expression profiles of clinical lung carcinomas using a cDNA microarray containing 27,648 genes or expressed sequence tags, and identified CDCA5 (cell division cycle associated 5) to be upregulated in the majority of lung cancers. Tumor tissue microarray analysis of 262 non–small cell lung cancer patients revealed that CDCA5 positivity was an independent prognostic factor for lung cancer patients. Suppression of CDCA5 expression with siRNAs inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells; concordantly, induction of exogenous expression of CDCA5 conferred growth-promoting activity in mammalian cells. We also found that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase phosphorylated CDCA5 at Ser79 and Ser209 in vivo. Exogenous expression of phospho-mimicking CDCA5 protein whose Ser209 residue was replaced with glutamine acid further enhanced the growth of cancer cells. In addition, functional inhibition of the interaction between CDCA5 and ERK kinase by a cell-permeable peptide corresponding to a 20-amino-acid sequence part of CDCA5, which included the Ser209 phosphorylation site by ERK, significantly reduced phosphorylation of CDCA5 and resulted in growth suppression of lung cancer cells. Our data suggest that transactivation of CDCA5 and its phosphorylation at Ser209 by ERK play an important role in lung cancer proliferation, and that the selective suppression of the ERK-CDCA5 pathway could be a promising strategy for cancer therapy. Cancer Res; 70(13); 5337–47. ©2010 AACR.

Reactions of five major components (citral, α- and β-pinene, limonene and γ-terpinene) of lemon oil in the presence of Cu catalysts and air have been shown to lead to significant oxidation of α- and β-pinene and γ-terpinene, even when the catalyst concentration was comparable to that present in copper-plumbed tap water. Addition of commercial antioxidants (BHA and tocopherol) generally led to suppression of oxidation. UV degradation of these compounds in the presence of air was most significant for γ-terpinene and limonene which gave products similar to those obtained from the Cu-catalysed thermal reactions. Citral gave different products, mainly photocitrals, in contrast to the thermal reactions. The sensitivity of lemon oil to temperature and the presence of air was confirmed.

Air-drying of banana slabs has been investigated and the influence of experimental parameters such as temperature, relative humidity and slab thickness has been studied. This was in part re-investigated because of inconsistencies in previous studies, particularly in relation to derived water diffusion coefficients. In addition, it is shown that harvest season and hence initial moisture content has a very marked influence on the drying kinetics. By contrast banana maturity (ripeness) has little influence on the kinetics despite there being significant differences in morphology and chemical composition between green and ripe bananas. The effect of these two variables on the drying kinetics has not previously been studied.

Background Bien Hoa and Da Nang airbases were bulk storages for Agent Orange during the Vietnam War and currently are the two most severe dioxin hot spots. Objectives This study assesses the health risk of exposure to dioxin through foods for local residents living in seven wards surrounding these airbases. Methods This study follows the Australian Environmental Health Risk Assessment Framework to assess the health risk of exposure to dioxin in foods. Forty-six pooled samples of commonly consumed local foods were collected and analyzed for dioxin/furans. A food frequency and Knowledge–Attitude–Practice survey was also undertaken at 1000 local households, various stakeholders were involved and related publications were reviewed. Results Total dioxin/furan concentrations in samples of local “high-risk” foods (e.g. free range chicken meat and eggs, ducks, freshwater fish, snail and beef) ranged from 3.8 pg TEQ/g to 95 pg TEQ/g, while in “low-risk” foods (e.g. caged chicken meat and eggs, seafoods, pork, leafy vegetables, fruits, and rice) concentrations ranged from 0.03 pg TEQ/g to 6.1 pg TEQ/g. Estimated daily intake of dioxin if people who did not consume local high risk foods ranged from 3.2 pg TEQ/kg bw/day to 6.2 pg TEQ/kg bw/day (Bien Hoa) and from 1.2 pg TEQ/kg bw/day to 4.3 pg TEQ/kg bw/day (Da Nang). Consumption of local high risk foods resulted in extremely high dioxin daily intakes (60.4–102.8 pg TEQ/kg bw/day in Bien Hoa; 27.0–148.0 pg TEQ/kg bw/day in Da Nang). Conclusions Consumption of local “high-risk” foods increases dioxin daily intakes far above the WHO recommended TDI (1–4 pg TEQ/kg bw/day). Practicing appropriate preventive measures is necessary to significantly reduce exposure and health risk.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children

In Vietnam, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), such as that caused by H5N1 viruses, is the most highly contagious infectious disease that has been affecting domestic poultry in recent years. Vietnam might be an evolutionary hotspot and a potential source of globally pandemic strains. However, few studies have reported viruses circulating in the south-central region of Vietnam. In the present study, 47 H5N1-positive samples were collected from both vaccinated and unvaccinated poultry farms in the South Central Coast region of Vietnam during 2013-2014, and their genetic diversity was analyzed. A common sequence motif for HPAI virus was identified at HA-cleavage sites in all samples: either RERRRKR/G (clades 2.3.2.1c and 2.3.2.1a) or REGRRKKR/G (clade 1.1.2). Phylogenetic analysis of HA genes identified three clades of HPAI H5N1: 1.1.2 (n=1), 2.3.2.1a (n=1), and 2.3.2.1c (n=45). The phylogenetic analysis indicated that these Vietnamese clades may have evolved from Chinese and Cambodian virus clades isolated in 2012-2013 but are less closely related to the clades detected from the Tyva Republic, Bulgaria, Mongolia, Japan, and Korea in 2009-2011. Detection of the coexistence of virus clades 2.3.2.1 and the very virulent 1.1.2 in the south-central regions suggests their local importance and highlights concerns regarding their spread, both northwards and southwards, as well as the potential for reassortment. The obtained data highlight the importance of regular identification of viral evolution and the development and use of region-specific vaccines.

Genome-wide gene expression profile analyses using a cDNA microarray containing 27,648 genes or expressed sequence tags identified MMS22L (methyl methanesulfonate-sensitivity protein 22-like) to be overexpressed in the majority of clinical lung and esophageal cancers, but not expressed in normal organs except testis. Transfection of siRNAs against MMS22L into cancer cells suppressed its expression and inhibited cell growth, while exogenous expression of MMS22L enhanced the growth of mammalian cells. MMS22L protein was translocated to the nucleus and stabilized by binding to C-terminal portion of NFKBIL2 [nuclear factor of kappa (NFKB) light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor-like 2]. Expression of a C-terminal portion of NFKBIL2 protein including the MMS22L-interacting site in cancer cells could reduce the levels of MMS22L in nucleus and suppressed cancer cell growth. Interestingly, reduction of MMS22L by siRNAs in cancer cells inhibited the TNF-α-dependent activation of RelA/p65 in the NFKB pathway and expression of its downstream anti-apoptotic molecules such as Bcl-XL and TRAF1. In addition, knockdown of MMS22L expression also enhanced the apoptosis of cancer cells that were exposed to DNA-damaging agents including 5-FU and CDDP. Our data strongly suggest that targeting MMS22L as well as its interaction with NFKBIL2 could be a promising strategy for novel cancer treatments, and also improve the efficacy of DNA damaging anticancer drugs.

The causes of Bacillus spore resistance remain unclear. Many structures including a highly compact envelope, low hydration of the protoplast, high concentrations of Ca-chelated dipicolinic acid, and the presence of small acid-soluble spore proteins seem to contribute to resistance. To evaluate the role of internal protoplast composition and hydration, spores of Bacillus subtilis were produced at different osmotic pressures corresponding to water activities of 0.993 (standard), 0.970, and 0.950, using the two depressors (glycerol or NaCl). Sporulation of Bacillus subtilis was slower and reduced in quantity when the water activity was low, taking 4, 10, and 17 days for 0.993, 0.970, and 0.950 water activity, respectively. The spores produced at lower water activity were smaller and could germinate on agar medium at lower water activity than on standard spores. They were also more sensitive to heat (97 degrees C for 5-60 min) than the standard spores but their resistance to high hydrostatic pressure (350 MPa at 40 degrees C for 20 min to 4 h) was not altered. Our results showed that the water activity of the sporulation medium significantly affects spore properties including size, germination capacity, and resistance to heat but has no role in bacterial spore resistance to high hydrostatic pressure.

Root and tuber crops are the second most important food category after rice in Vietnam. Vietnam has especially rich root crop resources. Root crops play important roles as human food, animal fodder, medicinal material, spices and dyes. The collection and conservation of root and tuber crops germplasm is becoming increasingly urgent. During 1991-2005, many exploration trips were carried out by the Plant Resources Center (PRC) including collection of root and tuber crops germplasm. Examples of some of these crops are yams, taro, sweetpotato, cassava, and canna. This paper reports on the root and tuber crop diversity that is currently being maintained at PRC, and the preliminary results on yam germplasm collected in Vietnam. Cây co củ la cây lương thực quan trọng đứng hang thứ hai sau lua ở Việt Nam. Việt Nam co nguồn tai nguyen di truyền cây co củ đặc biệt phong phu. Cây co củ co thể được sử dụng lam lương thực cho con người, thức an chan nuoi, nguyen liệu lam thuốc, gia vị va nhuộm vải. Thu thập va bảo tồn nguồn gen cây co củ trở nen đặc biệt cấp thiết. Những chuyến điều tra va thu thập cây co củ ở Vi ệt Nam đa được Trung tâm Tai nguyen thực vật tiến hanh trong giai đoạn từ 1991 đến 2005. Tổng số 1699 số đang ký của khoai từ vạc, mon sọ, khoai lang va cây co củ khac đa được thu thập. Những thong tin về giống được nong dân đặt ten va phân bố của giống đa được thu thập va phân tich. Kết quả cho thấy Việt Nam co sự đa dạng cao về tai nguyen cây co củ. Người nong dân Việt Nam co kiến thức bản địa phong phu về canh tac, bảo quản va sử dụng cây co củ.

Facilities for the production of microalgal biomass often suffer large losses in productivity as a result of biological contamination of cultures by ciliates, unicellular protozoans that feed on microalgae. Garlic oil is a low-cost natural product that is known to be active against several protozoans. In this study, we investigated whether garlic oil can be used to control ciliate contamination in microalgal cultures, using the ciliate Oxytricha and the microalga Chlamydomonas as a model system. Low doses of garlic oil (5–10 mg L−1) were capable of eradicating the ciliate Oxytricha from a contaminated Chlamydomonas culture within 1 day without influencing the productivity of the Chlamydomonas culture. The LD50 of garlic oil to the ciliate (3 mg L−1) was 19 times lower than the LD50 to the microalgae, which implies a low risk to the microalgal culture in case of overdosing. Analysis of the garlic oil indicated that it was composed mainly of polysulfides, with the main compound being diallyl disulfide. Diallyl disulfide had a lower toxicity to the ciliate (LD50 14 mg L−1) than garlic oil, indicating that diallyl disulfide is not the main active compound in garlic oil against the ciliate. Because garlic oil has a low cost, is already approved for use in agri- and aquacultures, has a low toxicity to humans, and is biodegradable, it may offer a sustainable solution to control biological contamination by ciliates in microalgal cultures. We would like to thank Jan Czech (Hasselt University, TANC) for execution of the GC-MS analysis. The first author would like to acknowledge the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam for funding the PhD program. Funding information The authors thank KU Leuven University for funding this research through grant OT/14/065.