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Objectives This study aims to: (1) identify the information required by family caregivers of people with dementia to be targeted within our dementia family caregiver intervention and (2) test the feasibility of the intervention and methodology to underpin a fully powered randomized controlled trial. Methods The study setting will be the Department of Geriatrics at Gia Dinh People's Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Inclusion criteria will be the family caregivers of people with dementia living in the community, who attend the Department and use smartphones. In phase 1, we will identify the intervention content with family caregivers of people with dementia through 20 in-depth interviews to determine what information and skills they need. In phase 2, a pilot randomized control trial design will be conducted, with 60 family caregivers of people with dementia being assigned to the intervention or control group by the block randomization method with a ratio of 1:1. The intervention will include weekly, online, psycho-educational, group sessions hosted on the Zalo app. The participants will complete questionnaires at baseline, immediately postintervention, and 3-month postintervention. The feasibility of the intervention and methodology will be assessed, including the rates of recruitment, retention, completion of assessments, and acceptability of the intervention. Results The required information and skills in phase 1 may include dealing with worrying behavior changes in people with dementia, emotional support, and seeking support sources. The rates of recruitment, retention, completion of assessments, and acceptability of the intervention will be obtained in phase 2. The scores of symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety in the intervention group may be lower than those in the control group at postintervention and 3-month postintervention. Conclusion The study will provide a foundation for a fully powered clinical trial for the smartphone app-based intervention to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety among family caregivers of people with dementia in Vietnam.

Abstract Background Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface proteins 1 (PfMSP1) and 2 (PfMSP2) are potential candidates for malaria vaccine development. However, the genetic diversity of these genes in the global P. falciparum population presents a significant challenge in developing an effective vaccine. Hence, understanding the genetic diversity and evolutionary trends in the global P. falciparum population is crucial. Methods This study analyzed the genetic variations and evolutionary changes of pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 in P. falciparum isolates from the Central Highland and South-Central regions of Vietnam. DNASTAR and MEGA7 programs were utilized for analyses. The polymorphic nature of global pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 was also investigated. Results A total of 337 sequences of pfmsp1 and 289 sequences of pfmsp2 were obtained. The pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 from Vietnam revealed a higher degree of genetic homogeneity compared to those from other malaria-endemic countries. Remarkably, the allele diversity patterns of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 differed significantly from those of neighboring countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Declines in allele diversity and polymorphic patterns of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2 were observed. Conclusions The Vietnam P. falciparum population might be genetically isolated from the parasite populations in other neighboring GMS countries, likely due to geographical barriers and distinct evolutionary pressures. Furthermore, bottleneck effects or selective sweeps may have contributed to the genetic homogeneity of Vietnam pfmsp1 and pfmsp2.

Background: Selecting embryos with the highest implantation potential is crucial for in vitro fertilization (IVF) success.Both the timing of blastulation, day 5 (D5) or D6, and the embryo quality have been suggested as influentialfactors in determining the clinical outcome of single euploid blastocyst transfers. However, evidence supporting thesuperiority of D5 over D6 blastocysts remains inconclusive. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomesfollowing the transfer of euploid blastocysts with different quality and timing of blastulation.Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at our Assisted Reproductive Center, analyzingthe outcome of 774 transfers with D5 euploids and 155 transfers with D6 euploids performed between January 2019and February 2022.Results: The live birth rate was significantly lower in the euploid D6 group compared to the euploid D5 group (38.71vs.55.04%, P=0.001). The outcome was significantly influenced by the quality of the embryos. Live birth rates were 62.14and 53.61% following transfers of D5 and D6 excellent embryos respectively, 45.18 and 32.21% following transfer ofD5 and D6 good embryos but only 28.64 and 19.32% following transfer of D5 and D6 fair embryos. The outcome differencewas statistically significant across embryo quality categories (P=0.001). The adjusted risk ratios (RR) of clinicaloutcomes indicated that excellent euploid D5 embryos consistently outperformed other types of embryo quality.Conclusion: The timing of blastulation and embryo quality are crucial factors in determining the success of singleeuploid blastocyst transfers. Excellent euploid D5 transfers yielded superior clinical outcomes, providing valuableinsights for IVF teams and patients when selecting embryos to be transferred.

Phyla nodiflora is a valuable medicinal plant growing in coastal areas, hypothesizing its adaptability to salinity; however, it has not been investigated. This study, for the first time, elucidated responses in the growth of the shoots and its physiology to different soil salinity of 50–400 mM NaCl. The data showed that the shoot’s dry biomass was not affected by the salinity levels up to 100 mM, and it only decreased 33.50–56.33% compared to the control under 200–400 mM NaCl, indicating that P. nodiflora is a salt-tolerant plant that could survive under high salinity. In addition, the plant also had physiological responses which indicated its salt-induced injuries and adaptation to the salt stress. The chlorophyll a content was increased while the chlorophyll b remained unchanged under the salt stress. The proline and salt accumulation increased under the salinity, but the K+ and NO3− accumulation decreased. Moreover, increases in malondialdehyde and electrolyte leakage were observed, indicating salt-induced membrane damages. These responses suggested that the plant might evolve adaptive mechanisms to salinity. Our findings are useful information for further research in order to elucidate the salt-tolerant mechanisms and develop this plant for saline agriculture.

Abstract Grangea maderaspatana is a valuable medicinal plant growing in salt-affected areas, but its tolerance capability, physiological and biochemical responses to salinity is still unclear. To understand these traits, this study examined effects of salinity at different levels (50-400 mM NaCl) on plant growth and its responses. The results shown that the plant’s dry biomass decreased with increasing salinity levels of 100-400 mM NaCl, but its growth was maintained at 400 mM NaCl level with a dry biomass equal to 0.45 times that of the control, indicating that G. maderaspatana had a tolerance ability to high salinity. The plant also had adaptive responses to the salinity. The content of leaf chlorophylls and carotenoids were retained, even enhanced by 50-200 mM NaCl, suggesting a high adaptation of photosynthesis. Proline, Na+, and Cl- was highly accumulated while the accumulation of K+ and NO3 - was maintained with 200-400 mM NaCl, indicating that the plant had adaptive mechanisms for osmotic adjustment and ion homeostasis. Antioxidative activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase were enhanced by the salinity. These findings are useful information for understanding salt tolerance mechanisms and for utilization of this medicinal plant in saline agriculture.

Lức dây (Phyla nodiflora) là loài cây thuốc có nhiều giá trị y học và có tiềm năng chịu mặn. Tuy nhiên, khả năng chống chịu của cây đối với mặn vẫn chưa được làm rõ. Mục tiêu của bài báo này là làm rõ khả năng chịu mặn và những thay đổi trong sinh trưởng, tình trạng nước và hàm lượng sắc tố quang hợp của cây ở các điều kiện mặn đất khác nhau (50, 100, 200, 400 mM NaCl). Kết quả cho thấy Lức dây có thể duy trì sự sinh trưởng với nồng độ mặn lên tới 400 mM NaCl. Sinh khối tươi và khô của cây không thay đổi đáng kể ở nồng độ 50–100 mM NaCl so với đối chứng, nhưng giảm tương ứng 51,68–71,15% và 34,96–58,03% ở các nồng độ 200–400 mM NaCl. Hàm lượng nước tương đối cũng đã giảm khi nồng độ muối tăng lên, tuy nhiên, hàm lượng các sắc tố quang hợp đã có xu hướng tăng có ý nghĩa ở nồng độ muối 400 mM. Điều này chứng tỏ sự tồn tại của những cơ chế chống chịu mặn ở cây Lức dây

Primary cardiac lymphoma is an exceedingly rare malignant tumor, with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) being the most prevalent histological subtype. This disease has non-specific clinical manifestations, making early diagnosis crucial. However, DLBCL diagnosis is commonly delayed, and its prognosis is typically poor. Herein, we report the case of a 51-year-old male patient with DLBCL who presented with recurrent chest tightness for 4 months as the primary clinical symptom. The patient was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction and left ventricular hypertrophy with heart failure. Echocardiography revealed a progression from left ventricular thickening to local pericardial thickening and adhesion in the inferior and lateral walls of the left ventricle. Finally, pathological analysis of myocardial biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of DLBCL. After treatment with the R-CHOP chemotherapy regimen, the patient’s chest tightness improved, and he was discharged. After 2 months, the patient succumbed to death owing to sudden ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and decreased blood pressure despite rescue efforts. Transthoracic echocardiography is inevitable for the early diagnosis of DLBCL, as it can narrow the differential and guide further investigations and interventions, thereby improving the survival of these patients.

Abstract Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding antigen 175 (PfEBA-175) plays essential role in erythrocyte invasion by the parasite and is a leading vaccine candidate. However, its genetic diversity in global isolates is a concern in developing an universal vaccine incorporating this protein. This study aimed to investigate genetic polymorphisms and natural selection of pfeba-175 region II (RII) in Myanmar and Vietnam P. falciparum isolates. Vietnam pfeba-175 RII displayed a low genetic polymorphism, while Myanmar pfeba-175 RII showed high levels of genetic diversity across the region. Point mutations, deletion, and recombinations were main factors contributing to genetic diversities in P. falciparum populations. Global pfeba-175 RII revealed similar, but not identical, genetic polymorphisms and natural selection profiles. Despite profiles of amino acid substitutions differed among populations, five major amino acid changes (K279E, E403K, K481I, Q584K, and R664) were commonly detected in global pfeba-175 RII populations. Haplotype network and genetic differentiation analyses of global pfeba-175 RII populations demonstrated no geographical relationships. Non-neglectable level of genetic diversity was observed in global pfeba-175 RII populations, emphasizing the need to consider this when designing an effective vaccine based on this protein. This study underscores the importance of the continuous monitoring of genetic diversity of pfeba-175 RII in the global P. falciparum populations.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a sight-threatening and difficult-to-treat ocular infection. The significant side effects of current AK treatments highlight the urgent need to develop a safe and effective AK medication. In this study, the amoebicidal activity of Iris setosa Pall. ex Link extract (ISE) against Acanthamoeba was examined and its specific amoebicidal mechanism was explored. ISE induced significant morphological changes in Acanthamoeba trophozoites and exhibited amoebicidal activity against A. castellanii and A. polyphaga. ISE was further fractionated into five subfractions by sequential extraction with n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water, and their amoebicidal activities and underlying amoebicidal mechanisms were investigated. The n-butanol subfraction of ISE (ISE-BuOH) displayed selective amoebicidal activity against the Acanthamoeba species with minimal cytotoxicity in human corneal cells (HCE-2). ISE-BuOH triggered apoptosis-like programmed cell death (PCD) in amoebae, characterized by DNA fragmentation, increased ROS production, and caspase-3 activity elevation. ISE-BuOH also demonstrated a partial cysticidal effect against the amoeba species. ISE-BuOH could be a promising candidate in the development of therapeutic drugs for AK.

Abstract It is challenging to regenerate periodontal tissues fully. We have previously reported a heparan sulfate variant with enhanced affinity for bone morphogenetic protein-2, termed HS3, that enhanced periodontal tissue regeneration in a rodent model. Here we seek to transition this work closer to the clinic and investigate the efficacy of the combination HS3 collagen device in a non-human primate (NHP) periodontitis model. Wire-induced periodontitis was generated in ten Macaca fascicularis, and defects were treated with Emdogain or collagen (CollaPlug) loaded with (1) distilled water, (2) HS low (36 µg of HS3), or (3) HS high (180 µg of HS3) for 3 months. At the endpoint, microscopic assessment showed significantly less epithelial down-growth, greater alveolar bone filling, and enhanced cementum and periodontal ligament regeneration following treatment with the HS-collagen combination devices. When evaluated using a periodontal regeneration assessment score (PRAS) on a scale of 0–16, collagen scored 6.78 (± 2.64), Emdogain scored 10.50 (± 1.73) and HS low scored 10.40 (± 1.82). Notably, treatment with HS high scored 12.27 (± 2.20), while healthy control scored 14.80 (± 1.15). This study highlights the efficacy of an HS-collagen device for periodontal regeneration in a clinically relevant NHP periodontitis model and warrants its application in clinical trials.

This study examines the effects of news events related to the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) on the Vietnam stock market from 2010 to 2020. We calculate sectoral abnormal returns prior to, during, and after announcements and find that the Vietnamese stock market is susceptible to these events. We discovered that the announcement had a negative impact on the market, which might diminish the effectiveness of the Agreement. The findings show that more than half of Vietnam's sectors had an immediate reaction to EVFTA announcements, with fourteen reacting negatively and six responding positively. Two of the ten events did not have any immediate impact on these industries but all events resulted in either early or delayed reactions. We also find market scepticism and major changes in the deal led to the emergence of a diamond risk structure. We run multiple robustness tests to account for market integration and other factors that may affect stock returns. In addition, we explore potential sectoral systematic risk changes following these occurrences using different ARCH-type models. These additional tests confirm the robustness of our findings.

Launaea sarmentosa is a valuable medicinal plant with adaptability in saline areas, but it is still unclear how it responds to salinity. For the first time, the present study examined the plant’s changes under different soil salinities generated by 50, 100, 200, and 400 mM NaCl in order to elucidate its responses in terms of growth, photosynthesis, water uptake, osmotic adjustment, ion homeostasis, and oxidative stress defense to salinity. The results showed that the plant’s growth was enhanced by 50 mM NaCl with an 18.07% increase in dry biomass compared to the control, whereas higher salinity levels reduced its growth with a 6.39–54.85% decrease in dry biomass. The plant’s growth response indicates that it had tolerance to salinity levels up to 400 mM NaCl. The accumulation of photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophylls (a + b) and carotenoids, was enhanced under salinity, except for a reduced accumulation under 400 mM NaCl. Relative water content decreased while proline content increased in the salt-stressed plants. Moreover, the salt-stressed plants reduced their K+ and NO3− content along with increases in Na+ and Cl− content. The high salt stress level also caused oxidative stress in the plants, which was revealed through the accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide content. In addition, the salt-stressed plants had increased total phenolic content and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. These physiological and biochemical changes suggest that L. sarmentosa evolved adaptive mechanisms in photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment, ion homeostasis, and antioxidant defense for growing under salt stress.

Abstract Background Coccidiosis is a poultry disease that occurs worldwide and is caused by Eimeria species. The infection is associated with reduced feed efficiency, body weight gain, and egg production. This study aimed to investigate the current status of coccidiosis and anticoccidial resistance to anticoccidial drugs used as part of control strategies for this disease in Korean chicken farms. Results An overall prevalence of 75% (291/388) was found. Positive farms contained several Eimeria species (mean = 4.2). Of the positive samples, E. acervulina (98.6%), E. maxima (84.8%), and E. tenella (82.8%) were the most prevalent species. Compared with cage-fed chickens, broilers and native chickens reared in free-range management were more at risk of acquiring an Eimeria infection. Sensitivities to six anticoccidial drugs (clopidol, diclazuril, maduramycin, monensin, salinomycin, and toltrazuril) were tested using nine field samples. Compared with untreated healthy control chickens, the body weight gains of infected chickens and treated/infected chickens were significantly reduced in all groups. Fecal oocyst shedding was significantly reduced in four clopidol-treated/infected groups, three diclazuril-treated/infected groups, two toltrazuril-treated/infected groups, one monensin-treated/infected group, and one salinomycin-treated/infected group, compared with the respective untreated/infected control groups. Intestinal lesion scores were also reduced in three clopidol-treated/infected groups, one monensin-treated/infected group, and one toltrazuril-treated/infected group. However, an overall assessment using the anticoccidial index, percent optimum anticoccidial activity, relative oocyst production, and reduced lesion score index found that all field samples had strong resistance to all tested anticoccidial drugs. Conclusion The results of this large-scale epidemiological investigation and anticoccidial sensitivity testing showed a high prevalence of coccidiosis and the presence of severe drug resistant Eimeria species in the field. These findings will be useful for optimizing the control of coccidiosis in the poultry industry.

AimsThe pathogenesis of disease progression targets for patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction was investigated by using plasma proteomics.MethodsThe plasma proteomes of acute myocardial infarction patients with (MI-HF) and without (MI-WHF) heart failure were compared. Each group consisted of 10 patients who were matched for age and sex. The peptides were analyzed by 2-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry in a high definition mode. Parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) verified the selected target proteins.ResultsWe identified and quantified 2,589 and 2,222 proteins, respectively, and found 117 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) (≥1.5-fold), when the MI-HF and MI-WHF groups were compared. Of these 51 and 66 were significantly up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively. The significant DEPs was subjected to protein–protein interaction network analysis which revealed a central role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the MI-HF patients. PRM verified that MB, DIAPH1, VNN1, GOT2, SLC4A1, CRP, CKM, SOD3, F7, DLD, PGAM2, GOT1, UBA7 and HYOU1 were 14 proteins which were highly expressed in MI-HF patients.ConclusionsThese findings showed a group of proteins related to the NF-κB signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of patients with poor outcomes after experiencing MI-HF. These proteins may be useful candidate markers for the diagnosis of MI-HF as well as help to elucidate the pathophysiology of this major cause of mortality in older patients.

BackgroundDiarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is a group of bacterial pathogens that causes life-threatening diarrhea in children in developing countries. However, there is limited information on the characteristics of DEC isolated from patients in these countries. A detailed genomic analysis of 61 DEC-like isolates from infants with diarrhea was performed to clarify and share the characteristics of DEC prevalent in Vietnam.Principal findingsDEC was classified into 57 strains, including 33 enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (54.1%), 20 enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) (32.8%), two enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) (3.3%), one enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and one ETEC/EIEC hybrid (1.6% each), and surprisingly into four Escherichia albertii strains (6.6%). Furthermore, several epidemic DEC clones showed an uncommon combination of pathotypes and serotypes, such as EAEC Og130:Hg27, EAEC OgGp9:Hg18, EAEC OgX13:H27, EPEC OgGp7:Hg16, and E. albertii EAOg1:HgUT. Genomic analysis also revealed the presence of various genes and mutations associated with antibiotic resistance in many isolates. Strains that demonstrate potential resistance to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, drugs recommended for treating childhood diarrhea, accounted for 65.6% and 41%, respectively.SignificanceOur finding indicate that the routine use of these antibiotics has selected resistant DECs, resulting in a situation where these drugs do not provide in therapeutic effects for some patients. Bridging this gap requires continuous investigations and information sharing regarding the type and distribution of endemic DEC and E. albertii and their antibiotic resistance in different countries.

Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a halophyte, consumed not only as an edible vegetable but also as a traditional medicine. This plant can adapt to extreme salinity and drought conditions and their effects on plant growth, yield and quality were elucidated, but the effects on seed germination was still unclear. Seed germination is an important stage for establishing P. oleracea seedlings that contribute to plant yield and productivity. Thus, the objective of the present study was to examine the individual effects of salinity and drought stress at different levels on the characteristics of seed germination, which the seeds suffered from −0.22, −0.45, −0.89, and −1.78 MPa osmotic stresses induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG), or from 50, 100, 200, and 400 mM NaCl stresses with equivalent osmotic pressures. The seeds sown in petri dishes containing filter paper layers that were flooded with NaCl or PEG-6000 solutions for the treatments and germination parameters were determined daily for 15 days. Data showed that germination percentage (GP), germination rate (GR), germination energy (GE), and mean germination time (MGT) were significantly decreased with increasing levels of salt and osmotic stresses, suggesting that the salinity and drought stress reduced the germination capability of seeds. Moreover, the seeds maintained germination with PEG osmotic pressure above −0.22 MPa, but not with NaCl concentration greater than 50 mM that induced a similar osmotic pressure, suggesting that the ion toxicity effect on the seed germination might be higher than the osmotic effects.

Transcatheter device closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants has been proven to be a feasible and safe technique with promising results when compared to surgical ligation. However, managing transport and anaesthesia in extremely premature infants with haemodynamically significant PDA and limited reserves presents unique challenges. This review article focuses on the key considerations throughout the clinical pathway for the PDA device closure, including referral hospital consultation, patient selection, intra- and inter-hospital transport, and anaesthesia management. The key elements encompass comprehensive patient assessment, meticulous airway management, optimised ventilation strategies, precise thermoregulation, patient-tailored sedation protocols, vigilant haemodynamic monitoring, and safe transport measures throughout the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases. A multidisciplinary approach enhances the chances of procedure success, improves patient outcomes, and minimises the risk of complications.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) of protozoan parasites have diverse biological functions that are essential for parasite survival and host–parasite interactions. In this study, we characterized the functional properties of EVs from Naegleria fowleri, a pathogenic amoeba that causes a fatal brain infection called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). N. fowleri EVs (NfEVs) have been shown to be internalized by host cells such as C6 glial cells and BV-2 microglial cells without causing direct cell death, indicating their potential roles in modulating host cell functions. NfEVs induced increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IFN-γ, MIP-1α, and MIP-2 in BV-2 microglial cells; these increases were initiated via MyD88-dependent TLR-2/TLR-4. The production levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in NfEVs-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells were effectively downregulated by inhibitors of MAPK, NF-κB, or JAK-STAT. Phosphorylation levels of JNK, p38, ERK, p65, JAK-1, and STAT3 were increased in NfEVs-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells but were effectively suppressed by each corresponding inhibitor. These results suggest that NfEVs could induce proinflammatory immune responses in BV-2 microglial cells via the NF-κB-dependent MAPK and JAK-STAT signaling pathways. Taken together, these findings suggest that NfEVs are pathogenic factors involved in the contact-independent pathogenic mechanisms of N. fowleri by inducing proinflammatory immune responses in BV-2 microglial cells, further contributing to deleterious inflammation in infected foci by activating subsequent inflammation cascades in other brain cells.

Abstract Background Circumsporozoite surface protein (CSP) of malaria parasites has been recognized as one of the leading vaccine candidates. Clinical trials of vaccines for vivax malaria incorporating Plasmodium vivax CSP (PvCSP) have demonstrated their effectiveness in preventing malaria, at least in part. However, genetic diversity of pvcsp in the natural population remains a major concern. Methods A total of 171 blood samples collected from patients infected with Plasmodium vivax in Myanmar were analysed in this study. The pvcsp was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, followed by cloning and sequencing. Polymorphic characteristics and natural selection of pvcsp population in Myanmar were analysed using DNASTAR, MEGA6 and DnaSP programs. The polymorphic pattern and natural selection of publicly accessible global pvcsp sequences were also comparatively analysed. Results Myanmar pvcsp sequences were divided into two subtypes VK210 and VK247 comprising 143 and 28 sequences, respectively. The VK210 subtypes showed higher levels of genetic diversity and polymorphism than the VK247 subtypes. The N-terminal non-repeat region of pvcsp displayed limited genetic variations in the global population. Different patterns of octapeptide insertion (ANKKAEDA in VK210 and ANKKAGDA in VK247) and tetrapeptide repeat motif (GGNA) were identified in the C-terminal region of global pvcsp population. Meanwhile, the central repeat region (CRR) of Myanmar and global pvcsp, both in VK210 and VK247 variants, was highly polymorphic. The high level of genetic diversity in the CRR has been attributed to the different numbers, types and combinations of peptide repeat motifs (PRMs). Interestingly, 27 and 5 novel PRMs were found in Myanmar VK210 and VK247 variants, respectively. Conclusion Comparative analysis of the global pvcsp population suggests a complex genetic profile of pvcsp in the global population. These results widen understanding of the genetic make-up of pvcsp in the global P. vivax population and provide valuable information for the development of a vaccine based on PvCSP.

Abstract A novel electrohydrodynamic (EHD) electrospray coating mechanism was proposed for the continuous fabrication of large-area quantum dot (QD) thin films for high-performance light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The size of QD droplets was systemically controlled using the stable EHD electrospray mode from a mixed solvent, which is a crucial factor for the formation of large and smooth QD thin films. The minimum amount of material consumption was achieved during the process by applying the unique coating system. A QD-LED device based on electrodeposited QDs showed a maximum luminance of 12,082 cd m−2, maximum current efficiency of nearly 4.0 cd A−1, and maximum EQE of 1.86%. This system demonstrates not only high reproducibility but could also pave the way for commercializing high-quality QD-LED devices.

Abstract Background Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-3 (PfMSP-3) is a target of naturally acquired immunity against P. falciparum infection and is a promising vaccine candidate because of its critical role in the erythrocyte invasion of the parasite. Understanding the genetic diversity of pfmsp-3 is important for recognizing genetic nature and evolutionary aspect of the gene in the natural P. falciparum population and for designing an effective vaccine based on the antigen. Methods Blood samples collected from P. falciparum-infected patients in Naung Cho and Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar, in 2015 were used in this study. The pfmsp-3 was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, cloned, and sequenced. Genetic polymorphism and natural selection of Myanmar pfmsp-3 were analysed using the programs DNASTAR, MEGA6, and DnaSP 5.10.00. Genetic diversity and natural selection of the global pfmsp-3 were also comparatively analysed. Results Myanmar pfmsp-3 displayed 2 different alleles, 3D7 and K1. The 3D7 allelic type was predominant in the population, but genetic polymorphism was less diverse than for the K1 allelic type. Polymorphic characters in both allelic types were caused by amino acid substitutions, insertions, and deletions. Amino acid substitutions were mainly occurred at the alanine heptad repeat domains, whereas most insertions and deletions were found at the glutamate rich domain. Overall patterns of amino acid polymorphisms detected in Myanmar pfmsp-3 were similar in the global pfmsp-3 population, but novel amino acid changes were observed in Myanmar pfmsp-3 with low frequencies. Complicated patterns of natural selection and recombination events were predicted in the global pfmsp-3, which may act as major driving forces to maintain and generate genetic diversity of the global pfmsp-3 population. Conclusion Global pfmsp-3 revealed genetic polymorphisms, suggesting that the functional and structural consequences of the polymorphisms should be considered in designing a vaccine based on PfMSP-3. Further examination of genetic diversity of pfmsp-3 in the global P. falciparum population is necessary to gain in-depth insight for the population structure and evolutionary aspect of global pfmsp-3.

Emergence and spreading of antimalarial drug resistant malaria parasites are great hurdles to combating malaria. Although approaches to investigate antimalarial drug resistance status in Myanmar malaria parasites have been made, more expanded studies are necessary to understand the nationwide aspect of antimalarial drug resistance. In the present study, molecular epidemiological analysis for antimalarial drug resistance genes in Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax from the Mandalay region of Myanmar was performed. Blood samples were collected from patients infected with P. falciparum and P. vivax in four townships around the Mandalay region, Myanmar in 2015. Partial regions flanking major mutations in 11 antimalarial drug resistance genes, including seven genes (pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfmdr-1, pfcrt, pfk13, pfubp-1, and pfcytb) of P. falciparum and four genes (pvdhfr, pvdhps, pvmdr-1, and pvk12) of P. vivax were amplified, sequenced, and overall mutation patterns in these genes were analyzed. Substantial levels of mutations conferring antimalarial drug resistance were detected in both P. falciparum and P. vivax isolated in Mandalay region of Myanmar. Mutations associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance were found in pfdhfr, pfdhps, pvdhfr, and pvdhps of Myanmar P. falciparum and P. vivax with very high frequencies up to 90%. High or moderate levels of mutations were detected in genes such as pfmdr-1, pfcrt, and pvmdr-1 associated with chloroquine resistance. Meanwhile, low frequency mutations or none were found in pfk13, pfubp-1, pfcytb, and pvk12 of the parasites. Overall molecular profiles for antimalarial drug resistance genes in malaria parasites in the Mandalay region suggest that parasite populations in the region have substantial levels of mutations conferring antimalarial drug resistance. Continuous monitoring of mutations linked with antimalarial drug resistance is necessary to provide useful information for policymakers to plan for proper antimalarial drug regimens to control and eliminate malaria in the country.

The circumsporozoite surface protein of Plasmodium vivax (PvCSP) plays a critical role in parasite biology. It has been extensively studied as a leading vivax-malaria-vaccine candidate. In this study, the genetic polymorphism and natural selection of pvcsp in P. vivax isolates collected from the Central Highlands, Vietnam were analyzed to understand the genetic structure of the parasite circulating in the endemic area and to provide baseline information for effective vaccine development based on the protein. Only two major alleles, VK210 and VK247, were detected in Vietnamese pvcsp, with VK247 being the predominant one. The N-terminal and C-terminal regions of Vietnamese VK210 and VK247 variants showed a low genetic diversity. Amino acid substitutions, insertions of a single amino acid or octapeptide (ANKKAEDA in VK210 and ANKKAGDA in VK247), and tetrapeptide repeat motifs (GGNA) were the main factors generating genetic diversity in the two regions of the Vietnamese VK210 and VK247 variants. Interestingly, these two regions of Vietnamese pvcsp displayed a unique natural selection pressure distinct from global pvcsp, particularly with the neighboring Southeast Asian pvcsp population. Meanwhile, the central repeat region (CRR) in both the VK210 and VK247 variants showed a high degree of polymorphic characters, caused by varying numbers, types, and combinations of peptide repeat motifs (PRMs) in Vietnamese pvcsp. Highly complicated polymorphic patterns of the CRR were also detected in global pvcsp. These results expand our understanding of the genetic structure of Vietnamese pvcsp and the population dynamics of P. vivax in the Central Highlands, Vietnam.