Metabolic Engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for the Production of Flavonoids and Stilbenoids.

Flavonoids and stilbenoids, crucial secondary metabolites abundant in plants and fungi, display diverse biological and pharmaceutical activities, including potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. However, conventional production methods, such as chemical synthesis and plant extraction, face challenges in sustainability and yield. Hence, there is a notable shift towards biological production using microorganisms like Escherichia coli and yeast. Yet, the drawbacks of using E. coli and yeast as hosts for these compounds persist. For instance, yeast's complex glycosylation profile can lead to intricate protein production scenarios, including hyperglycosylation issues. Consequently, Corynebacterium glutamicum emerges as a promising alternative, given its adaptability and recent advances in metabolic engineering. Although extensively used in biotechnological applications, the potential production of flavonoid and stilbenoid in engineered C. glutamicum remains largely untapped compared to E. coli. This review explores the potential of metabolic engineering in C. glutamicum for biosynthesis, highlighting its versatility as a cell factory and assessing optimization strategies for these pathways. Additionally, various metabolic engineering methods, including genomic editing and biosensors, and cofactor regeneration are evaluated, with a focus on C. glutamicum. Through comprehensive discussion, the review offers insights into future perspectives in production, aiding researchers and industry professionals in the field.

Spatial photoluminescence and lifetime mappings of quasi-2D perovskites coupled with a dielectric metasurface.

Light-matter interaction between quantum emitters and optical cavities plays a vital role in fundamental quantum photonics and the development of optoelectronics. Resonant metasurfaces are proven to be an efficient platform for tailoring the spontaneous emission (SE) of the emitters. In this work, we study the interplay between quasi-2D perovskites and dielectric TiO2 metasurfaces. The metasurface, functioning as an open cavity, enhances electric fields near its plane, thereby influencing the emissions of the perovskite. This is verified through angle-resolved photoluminescence (PL) studies. We also conducted reflectivity measurements and numerical simulations to validate the coupling between the quasi-2D perovskites and photonic modes. Notably, our work introduces a spatial mapping approach to study Purcell enhancement. Using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), we directly link the PL and lifetimes of the quasi-2D perovskites in spatial distribution when positioned on the metasurface. This correlation provides unprecedented insights into emitter distribution and emitter-resonator interactions. The methodology opens a new (to the best of our knowledge) approach for studies in quantum optics, optoelectronics, and medical imaging by enabling spatial mapping of both PL intensity and lifetime, differentiating between uncoupled quantum emitters and those coupled with different types of resonators.

Recent advancements in modifications of metal-organic frameworks-based materials for enhanced water purification and contaminant detection.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a key focus in water treatment and monitoring due to their unique structural features, including extensive surface area, customizable porosity, reversible adsorption, and high catalytic efficiency. While numerous reviews have discussed MOFs in environmental remediation, this review specifically addresses recent advancements in modifying MOFs to enhance their effectiveness in water purification and monitoring. It underscores their roles as adsorbents, photocatalysts, and in luminescent and electrochemical sensing. Advancements such as pore modification, defect engineering, and functionalization, combined synergistically with advanced materials, have led to the development of recyclable MOF-based nano-adsorbents, Z-scheme photocatalytic systems, nanocomposites, and hybrid materials. These innovations have broadened the spectrum of removable contaminants and improved material recyclability. Additionally, this review delves into the creation of multifunctional MOF materials, the development of robust MOF variants, and the simplification of synthesis methods, marking significant progress in MOF sensor technology. Furthermore, the review addresses current challenges in this field and proposes potential future research directions and practical applications. The growing research interest in MOFs underscores the need for an updated synthesis of knowledge in this area, focusing on both current challenges and future opportunities in water remediation.

LiOtBu-promoted synthesis of bis(3-indolyl)methanes by the alkylation of indoles with alcohols under air.

Bis(3-indolyl)methanes (BIMs) are known for their important bioactivities, which include anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. In this study, we are disclosing a metal catalyst-free synthesis of BIMs in high yields via the alkylation reaction of indoles and alcohols in the presence of lithium tert-butoxide base. Notably, oxygen in air played an important role as an oxidant for the facilitation of this transformation. Interestingly, unactivated aliphatic alcohols could be successfully used as alkylating reagents in the alkylation reactions of indole. Especially, several chemical intermediates detected by GC-MS gave important information about the mechanism insights. This method demonstrated cost and environmental advantages for the development of green processes.

Cost and affordability of healthy diets in Vietnam.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the cost and affordability of healthy diets recommended by the 2016-2020 Vietnamese food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG). DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. The Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) indicator was used to estimate the lowest cost of healthy diets and compare the cost differences by food group, region and seasonality. The affordability of healthy diets was measured by further comparing the CoHD to food expenditures and incomes. SETTING: Food prices of 176 food items from January 2016 to December 2020 were derived using data from monthly Consumer Price Index databases nationally and regionally. PARTICIPANTS: Food expenditures and incomes of participants from three latest Vietnam Household Living Standard Surveys were used. RESULTS: The average CoHD between 2016 and 2020 in Vietnam was 3·08 international dollars using 2017 Purchasing Power Parity (24 070 Vietnamese Dongs). The nutrient-rich food groups, including protein-rich foods, vegetables, fruits and dairy, comprised approximately 80 % of the total CoHD in all regions, with dairy accounting for the largest proportion. Between 2016 and 2020, the cheapest form of a healthy diet was affordable for all high-income and upper-middle-income households but unaffordable for approximately 70 % of low-income households, where adherence to the Vietnamese FBDG can cost up to 70 % of their income. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions in local food systems must be implemented to reduce the cost of nutrient-rich foods to support the attainment of healthier diets in the Vietnamese population, especially for low-income households.

ALS/FTD-associated mutation in cyclin F inhibits ER-Golgi trafficking, inducing ER stress, ERAD and Golgi fragmentation.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a severely debilitating neurodegenerative condition that is part of the same disease spectrum as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Mutations in the CCNF gene, encoding cyclin F, are present in both sporadic and familial ALS and FTD. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration remain unclear. Proper functioning of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus compartments is essential for normal physiological activities and to maintain cellular viability. Here, we demonstrate that ALS/FTD-associated variant cyclin FS621G inhibits secretory protein transport from the ER to Golgi apparatus, by a mechanism involving dysregulation of COPII vesicles at ER exit sites. Consistent with this finding, cyclin FS621G also induces fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus and activates ER stress, ER-associated degradation, and apoptosis. Induction of Golgi fragmentation and ER stress were confirmed with a second ALS/FTD variant cyclin FS195R, and in cortical primary neurons. Hence, this study provides novel insights into pathogenic mechanisms associated with ALS/FTD-variant cyclin F, involving perturbations to both secretory protein trafficking and ER-Golgi homeostasis.

MXene Hybrid Nanosheet of WS2/Ti3C2 for Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction.

Designing low-cost hybrid electrocatalysts for hydrogen production is of significant importance. Recently, MXene-based materials are being increasingly employed in energy storage devices owing to their layered structure and high electrical conductivity. In this study, we propose a facile hydrothermal strategy for producing WS2/Ti3C2 nanosheets that function as electrocatalysts in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). WS2 provides a high surface area and active sites for electrocatalytic activity, whereas MXene Ti3C2 facilitates charge transfer. As a result, the synthesized WS2/Ti3C2 offers an increased surface area and exhibits an enhanced electrocatalytic activity in acidic media. The WS2/Ti3C2 (10%) catalyst exhibited a low onset potential of -150 mV versus RHE for the HER and a low Tafel slope of ∼62 mV dec-1. Moreover, WS2/Ti3C2 (10%) exhibited a double-layer capacitance of 1.2 mF/cm-2, which is 3 and 6 times greater than those of bare WS2 and Ti3C2, respectively. This catalyst also maintained a steady catalytic activity for the HER for over 1000 cycles.

Penalized variable selection in multi-parameter regression survival modeling.

Standard survival models such as the proportional hazards model contain a single regression component, corresponding to the scale of the hazard. In contrast, we consider the so-called "multi-parameter regression" approach whereby covariates enter the model through multiple distributional parameters simultaneously, for example, scale and shape parameters. This approach has previously been shown to achieve flexibility with relatively low model complexity. However, beyond a stepwise type selection method, variable selection methods are underdeveloped in the multi-parameter regression survival modeling setting. Therefore, we propose penalized multi-parameter regression estimation procedures using the following penalties: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, smoothly clipped absolute deviation, and adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. We compare these procedures using extensive simulation studies and an application to data from an observational lung cancer study; the Weibull multi-parameter regression model is used throughout as a running example.

Ni, Co, Zn, and Cu metal-organic framework-based nanomaterials for electrochemical reduction of CO2: A review.

The combustion of fossil fuels has resulted in the amplification of the greenhouse effect, primarily through the release of a substantial quantity of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The imperative pursuit of converting CO2 into valuable chemicals through electrochemical techniques has garnered significant attention. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have occured as highly prospective materials for the reduction of CO2, owing to their exceptional attributes including extensive surface area, customizable architectures, pronounced porosity, abundant active sites, and well-distributed metallic nodes. This article commences by elucidating the mechanistic aspects of CO2 reduction, followed by a comprehensive exploration of diverse materials encompassing MOFs based on nickel, cobalt, zinc, and copper for efficient CO2 conversion. Finally, a meticulous discourse encompasses the challenges encountered and the prospects envisioned for the advancement of MOF-based nanomaterials in the realm of electrochemical reduction of CO2.

Metal-organic framework-based nanomaterials for CO2 storage: A review.

The increasing recognition of the impact of CO2 emissions as a global concern, directly linked to the rise in global temperature, has raised significant attention. Carbon capture and storage, particularly in association with adsorbents, has occurred as a pivotal approach to address this pressing issue. Large surface area, high porosity, and abundant adsorption sites make metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) promising contenders for CO2 uptake. This review commences by discussing recent advancements in MOFs with diverse adsorption sites, encompassing open metal sites and Lewis basic centers. Next, diverse strategies aimed at enhancing CO2 adsorption capabilities are presented, including pore size manipulation, post-synthetic modifications, and composite formation. Finally, the extant challenges and anticipated prospects pertaining to the development of MOF-based nanomaterials for CO2 storage are described.

FAS and SREBP-1c Inhibition via AMPK Activation in HepG2 Cells by Biovip, Tox-off, and Traphanoside GO1 from Glinus oppositifolius.

Glinus oppositifolius is an endemic herbaceous plant found in tropical Asian countries and is native in Vietnam. It is used in traditional folk medicine because of its flavor and antiseptic and laxative effects. In the current research, the effects of Tox-off, Biovip, and the purified compounds isolated from G. oppositifolius in the previous study were evaluated on the activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC) in C2C12 myoblasts. In addition, the most potent active compounds, traphanoside-GO1 (TRA-GO1) and TRA-GO5 have validated the reduction of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP)-1c in HepG2 cells. We found that Tox-off and Biovip significantly increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in C2C12 myoblasts. Furthermore, TRA-GO1 and TRA-GO5 significantly increased the AMPK activation and phosphorylation of its downstream substrate ACC in a concentration-dependent way compared to the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control. Besides, the protein level of FAS and SREBP-1c decreased by TRA-GO1 and TRA-GO5 in a concentration-dependent manner. Taken together, our results showed that the increased AMPK and ACC phosphorylation by active components of G. oppositifolius may activate the AMPK signaling pathways, which are useful for the anti-obesity and its related metabolic disorders.

Potent, Selective, and Membrane Permeable 2-Amino-4-Substituted Pyridine-Based Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors.

A series of potent, selective, and highly permeable human neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors (hnNOS), based on a difluorobenzene ring linked to a 2-aminopyridine scaffold with different functionalities at the 4-position, is reported. In our efforts to develop novel nNOS inhibitors for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, we discovered 17, which showed excellent potency toward both rat (Ki 15 nM) and human nNOS (Ki 19 nM), with 1075-fold selectivity over human eNOS and 115-fold selectivity over human iNOS. 17 also showed excellent permeability (Pe = 13.7 × 10-6 cm s-1), a low efflux ratio (ER 0.48), along with good metabolic stability in mouse and human liver microsomes, with half-lives of 29 and >60 min, respectively. X-ray cocrystal structures of inhibitors bound with three NOS enzymes, namely, rat nNOS, human nNOS, and human eNOS, revealed detailed structure-activity relationships for the observed potency, selectivity, and permeability properties of the inhibitors.

ALS-linked CCNF variant disrupts motor neuron ubiquitin homeostasis.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are fatal neurodegenerative disorders that share pathological features, including the aberrant accumulation of ubiquitinated protein inclusions within motor neurons. Previously, we have shown that the sequestration of ubiquitin (Ub) into inclusions disrupts Ub homeostasis in cells expressing ALS-associated variants superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), fused in sarcoma (FUS) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). Here, we investigated whether an ALS/FTD-linked pathogenic variant in the CCNF gene, encoding the E3 Ub ligase Cyclin F (CCNF), also perturbs Ub homeostasis. The presence of a pathogenic CCNF variant was shown to cause ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) dysfunction in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons harboring the CCNF  S621G mutation. The expression of the CCNFS621G variant was associated with an increased abundance of ubiquitinated proteins and significant changes in the ubiquitination of key UPS components. To further investigate the mechanisms responsible for this UPS dysfunction, we overexpressed CCNF in NSC-34 cells and found that the overexpression of both wild-type (WT) and the pathogenic variant of CCNF (CCNFS621G) altered free Ub levels. Furthermore, double mutants designed to decrease the ability of CCNF to form an active E3 Ub ligase complex significantly improved UPS function in cells expressing both CCNFWT and the CCNFS621G variant and were associated with increased levels of free monomeric Ub. Collectively, these results suggest that alterations to the ligase activity of the CCNF complex and the subsequent disruption to Ub homeostasis play an important role in the pathogenesis of CCNF-associated ALS/FTD.

Taxane-Induced Neuropathy and Its Ocular Effects-A Longitudinal Follow-up Study in Breast Cancer Patients.

A common severe neurotoxic side effect of breast cancer (BC) therapy is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) and intervention is highly needed for the detection, prevention, and treatment of CIPN at an early stage. As the eye is susceptible to neurotoxic stimuli, the present study aims to determine whether CIPN signs in paclitaxel-treated BC patients correlate with ocular changes by applying advanced non-invasive biophotonic in vivo imaging. Patients (n = 14, 10 controls) underwent monitoring sessions after diagnosis, during, and after therapy (T0-T3). Monitoring sessions included general anamnesis, assessment of their quality of life, neurological scores, ophthalmological status, macular optical coherence tomography (OCT), and imaging of their subbasal nerve plexus (SNP) by large-area confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM). At T0, no significant differences were detected between patients and controls. During treatment, patients' scores significantly changed while the greatest differences were found between T0 and T3. None of the patients developed severe CIPN but retinal thickenings could be detected. CLSM revealed large SNP mosaics with identical areas while corneal nerves remained stable. The study represents the first longitudinal study combining oncological examinations with advanced biophotonic imaging techniques, demonstrating a powerful tool for the objective assessment of the severity of neurotoxic events with ocular structures acting as potential biomarkers.

Evidence of internal structure of the transactional eHealth literacy among Vietnamese youth: An instrument validation study.

Background: The progression into the Digital Age has brought an array of novel skill requirements. Unlike traditional literacy, there are currently few measures that can reliably measure eHealth literacy. The Transactional Model of eHealth Literacy and subsequent Transactional eHealth Literacy Instrument may provide a feasible option for measuring eHealth literacy. Objective: This instrument has yet to be validated, which is the aim of this study. In particular, this article was conducted to validate the TeHLI to see which components of the tool (how many and which components included) would be the best fit statistically and whether the tool applies to groups of different characteristics. Methods: We conducted an online cross-sectional study among 236 Vietnamese young people. A exploratory factor analysis was used to identify the best fit model of the Transactional eHealth Literacy Instrument. A confirmatory factor analysis tested measurement invariance at four levels: configural, metric, scalar, and strict invariance. Only metric invariance was partially invariant, while the rest tested fully invariant. Even with partial metric invariance, there is reason to assume that functional, communicative, critical, and translational eHealth literacy (the four levels according to the transactional model) are consistently measured when deploying the Transactional eHealth Literacy Instrument across groups. Results: The study findings substantiate that the most optimal composition of the TeHLI consists of four factors: functional, communicative, critical, and translational eHealth literacy, with RMSEA = 0.116; CFI = 0.907, and the highest internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91, 0.92, 0.88, and 0.92 for each factor respectively). After using measurement invariance, that gender, education, marital status, age, location, and household economy do not influence the way participants to respond to the TeHLI to the point that would introduce measurement bias. In other word, using TeHLI across population groups should not produce error margins that substantially differ from each other. Conclusions: This study suggests the instrument can be used for comparisons across groups and has the potential to generate high-quality data usable for informing change agents as to whether a particular population is proficient enough to adopt novel eHealth innovations.

Hollow Ni/NiO/C composite derived from metal-organic frameworks as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constitute a class of crystalline porous materials employed in storage and energy conversion applications. MOFs possess characteristics that render them ideal in the preparation of electrocatalysts, and exhibit excellent performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, H-Ni/NiO/C catalysts were synthesized from a Ni-based MOF hollow structure via a two-step process involving carbonization and oxidation. Interestingly, the performance of the H-Ni/NiO/C catalyst was superior to those of H-Ni/C, H-NiO/C, and NH-Ni/NiO/C catalysts for the HER. Notably, H-Ni/NiO/C exhibited the best electrocatalytic activity for the HER, with a low overpotential of 87 mV for 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 91.7 mV dec-1. The high performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of the metal/metal oxide and hollow architecture, which is favorable for breaking the H-OH bond, forming hydrogen atoms, and enabling charge transport. These results indicate that the employed approach is promising for fabricating cost-effective catalysts for hydrogen production in alkaline media.

Associations between parent-child relationship, self-esteem, and resilience with life satisfaction and mental wellbeing of adolescents.

Purpose: Mental wellbeing and life satisfaction play an important role in the development of adolescents, yet factors potentially influencing these states have not been sufficiently studied, especially in Vietnam. This study aims to fill the research gaps by exploring the associations of the parent-child relationship, self-esteem, and resilience on the mental wellbeing and satisfaction with life of adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2020 on 1,023 adolescents from 10 to 18 years old living in Vietnam. To assess the satisfaction with life as well as the mental wellbeing of participants, this study used the Satisfaction with life and The World Health Organization-Five Wellbeing Index scale. Results: More than 70% of participants reported having conflicts with their parents (74.6% of those conflicted with their father ad 73.9% of those conflicted with their mother), while 26.3% stated dissatisfaction with life. The mean score of mental wellbeing was 61.5 (SD = 23.0). Higher academic performance, self-esteem, resilience, encounter loneliness and isolation within own family, and having support and sharing from family members had a positive effect on life satisfaction and mental wellbeing. Female participants had higher satisfaction with life score (Coef = 0.77; 95%CI = 0.10; 1.44) but they had a lower mental wellbeing score (Coef = -6.00; 95%CI = -8.57; -3.44) than male participants. High school students had lower both satisfaction with life and mental wellbeing scores than secondary students. Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of being aware of the influence that expectations (of higher grades) and bias (toward male children) imposed by parents, teachers, and society on the mental wellbeing of youths, especially in Asian cultures. Strengthening the family bond and encouraging young people to share their feeling is also crucial to enhancing the mental health condition of adolescents.

Association of Individual and Neighborhood Characteristics to Problematic Internet Use among Youths and Adolescents: Evidence from Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine latent profiles from the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire Short Form-6 (PIUQ-SF-6) score of Vietnamese youths and adolescents, which supports the diagnosis of problematic internet use among a large sample size. Moreover, it also explored factors that affect each latent profile of the PIUQ-SF-6 score among participants. METHODS: A sample of 1477 Vietnamese people, aged 14 to 24, across five provinces participated in the study. Multinomial logistic regression determined factors related to the levels of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire Short Form-6 (PIUQ-SF-6) after using latent profile analysis. RESULTS: Participants were divided into three profiles, including those at low, moderate, and high risk of internet addiction. The high-risk latent profile was obtained for 23.1% of adolescents, and the remaining percentages were, respectively, 40.2% and 36.7% of adolescents belonging to the moderate and low-risk groups. Moreover, factors including age, living alone, high Kessler psychological distress scale, excessive time on the internet, living in central cities, and high neighborhood disorder scores were found to be related to moderate- and high-risk internet addiction profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Factors analyzed according to individual and social characteristics further explore the reasons underlying increasing internet addiction among Vietnamese youths and inform early interventions.

Corrigendum to' Anxiolytic effect of Korean Red Ginseng through upregulation of serotonin and GABA transmission and BDNF expression in immobilized mice' [Journal of Ginseng Research Volume 46, Issue 6, November 2022, Pages 819-829].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2022.07.007.].