Molecular Epidemiology of Escherichia coli Resistant to Carbapenems, Fluoroquinolones, and Aminoglycosides Isolated from One of the Largest Hospitals in Vietnam in 2014-2019.

Introduction: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli including carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) threaten global health. Little is known, however, about the distribution of antimicrobial resistance genes in MDR isolated from patients in Vietnamese hospitals. In this study, we collected MDR Escherichia coli, defined as E. coli resistance against all fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems. Aim: This study was designed to clarify the molecular epidemiology of Escherichia coli isolates resistant to carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides isolated from patients admitted to one of the largest hospitals in Vietnam in 2014-2019 based on both whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phenotypic data. Methodology. Sixty-seven Vietnamese isolates screened by drug resistance by the disk test were subjected to WGS, and their sequences were analyzed to determine their multilocus sequence type (MLST), O-types, H-types, distribution of drug resistance genes, plasmid types, pathogenicity islands (PIs), virulence factor distribution, and phylogenetic evolution using the WGS data. Results: Among the STs detected, ST410 was relatively dominant. Dominant O-types and H-types were O102 and H9 and showed some links, such as those between O102 and H8. The most dominant plasmid type and carbapenemase type were 4 and NDM-5, respectively. MLST, O-types, H-types, plasmid types, and types of carbapenemases were very heterogeneous among the isolates, with no clear correlation between them. Dominant plasmid type carrying drug resistance gene was IncQ1_1. The percentage of isolates positive for drug resistance genes, such as anti-beta-lactams and aminoglycosides, was relatively high because the isolates screened were resistant to carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, and aminoglycosides. Conclusions: MDR E. coli isolates isolated at a high-volume Vietnamese hospital were very heterogeneous, suggesting that they were acquired from different sources, including nosocomial infection, animals, and water. Eradication of MDR E. coli from hospitals and other clinical environments is very challenging because a single measure may be ineffective.

Development and Performance Evaluation of Photovoltaic (PV) Evaluation and Fault Detection System Using Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation for PV Applications.

This paper originally presents a photovoltaic (PV) evaluation and fault detection (PVEFD) system for PV applications based on the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The PVEFD system consists of an STM32F103C8T6 chip with a 32-bit Arm Cortex-M3 reduced instruction set computer (RISC) and 12-bit resolution analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to measure important parameters of PV applications, such as solar irradiance as well as the back-surface cell temperature, operating voltage, and output current of PV devices. The measured data of irradiance as well as back-surface cell temperature and operating voltage of PV devices are then fed into a built-in PV model in the on-chip Arm Cortex-M3 RISC for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation to obtain the simulated output current and power of PV devices. The resulting data are transmitted to a cloud server for remote monitoring and automatic warning function through a Raspberry PI 3 module and WiFi network. The simulation results are compared with in-field measurement data from PV modules and displayed on a human-machine interface (HMI) and an Android app. The results of the study illustrated that the proposed system features high accuracy and sufficient confidence. Furthermore, the fault detection function through the built-in HIL simulation function in PV systems was validated. Therefore, the proposed system is a small, compact, and cost-effective HIL-on-chip machine for remote surveillance of PV power systems.

Epidemiology of Enterobacter cloacae strains producing a carbapenemase or metallo-beta-lactamase in Vietnamese clinical settings in 2014-2017.

Introduction. Little is known about the epidemiology of Enterobacter cloacae strains producing a carbapenemase or metallo-beta-lactamase in Vietnamese hospitals.Aim. This study analysed E. cloacae strains resistant to imipenem or meropenem that had been isolated from patients admitted to one of the largest hospitals in Vietnam in 2014-2017.Methodology. Eighteen Vietnamese (VN) strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing and their sequences compared with those of 17 E. cloacae strains carrying a carbapenemase or metallo-beta-lactamase in the database (db strains).Results. Although the distribution of virulence factors did not differ significantly between VN and db strains, all 18 VN isolates harboured blaNDM-1, phylogenetic analysis revealed a high clonality of the VN strains. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis suggested that the VN strains speciated relatively recently.Conclusions. Several prevalent clones of carbapenem-resistant E. cloacae have circulated within Vietnamese hospitals. Adequate measures are needed to prevent their further spread.

Effects of floral resources on the longevity and parasitism of Cotesia vestalis Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) in Vietnam.

Parasitoids are important biological control of crop pests. In Vietnam, Cotesia vestalis is a native wasp species that has demonstrated its applicability as a natural insect pest enemy. Many adult parasitoids require food resources such as nectar and pollen to optimize their life cycles. Potential effects of yellow cosmos (Cosmos sulphureus), shrub verbena flower (Lantana camara), common zinnia (Zinnia elegans), and coriander flower (Coriandrum sativum L.) on the longevity and parasitism of C. vestalis were investigated. Results showed that nutrition resources from yellow cosmos (C. sulphureus) and shrub verbena flower (Lantana camara) significantly increased the longevity of C. vestalis in comparison with water (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival functions of female Cotesia vestalis exposed to different food sources indicated a significant difference in the treatments (P < 0.01). Male and female wasps feeding on Cosmos sulphureus, Lantana camara, and Coriandrum sativum survived significantly longer than wasps fed on water or Zinnia elegans. Parasitism efficiency of C. vestalis was tested on diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) larvae for different food resources. Cosmos sulphureus, Lantana camara, Coriandrum sativum treatments gave the different mean number of emergence parasitoids per day compared to water treatment. Results implied that food resources from flowers benefitted the longevity of C. vestalis.

Diagnostic Performance of Dengue Virus Envelope Domain III in Acute Dengue Infection.

Dengue, one of the most prevalent illnesses caused by dengue viruses that are members of the genus Flavivirus, is a significant global health problem. However, similar clinical symptoms and high antigenic homologies with other Flaviviruses in the endemic area pose difficulties for differential diagnosis of dengue from other arbovirus infections. Here, we investigated four types of recombinant envelope protein domain III (DV-rED III) derived from four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes for diagnostic potential in detecting IgM in acute phase (mainly 2-3 days after onset of fever). Each independent DV-1, -3, and -4-rED III-ELISA showed less than 60% sensitivity, but the combined results of DV-1, -3, and -4-rED III-ELISA led to sensitivity of 81.82% (18/22) (95% CI, 59.72 to 94.81) and 100% specificity (46/46) (95% CI, 92.29 to 100.00) as each antigen compensated the other antigen-derived negative result. In conclusion, the independent combination of data derived from each recombinant antigen (DV1-, DV3-, and DV4-rED III) showed comparable efficacy for the detection of IgM in patients with acute-phase dengue infection.

Simultaneous chloroplast, mitochondria isolation and mitochondrial protein preparation for two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis of Ice plant leaves under well watered and water-deficit stressed treatments.

This paper presents a simultaneous isolation of pure, intact chloroplasts and mitochondria from mature leaves of Ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) and mitochondrial protein preparation for two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) analysis under well watered and water -deficit stressed treatments. The washed chloroplasts and mitochondria were purified with Percoll gradients prepared using a Master flex R pump. The chloroplast and mitochondrial proteins were extracted in lysis buffer containing a protease inhibitor mix supplemented with 1 µM Leupeptin and 1 µM E64, followed by precipitation with ice-cold acetone. The protein contents were determined by an EZQ protein quantitation kit. The results show that chloroplast and mitochondria isolated from Ice plant leaves via this protocol have pure and intact. The shape of chloroplast and mitochondria observed by microscopy were clear and sharp. This procedure was employed for assessing the significant differences in mitochondrial protein expression patterns from the well watered and water-deficit stressed treatment leaves collected at dawn (6 a.m.) and dusk (6 p.m.). The results showed 71 and 20 differentially abundant spots between control and CAM for 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. In addition, 32 protein spots were differentially abundant for 6 a.m. control compared with 6 p.m. control, and 45 protein spots were differentially abundant for 6 a.m. CAM compared with 6 p.m. CAM. Spots that displayed differential abundance for control compared with CAM likely included proteins involved in mitochondrial processes necessary for CAM function. Through further analysis, these proteins will be identified and characterized in the near future using mass-spectrometry-based techniques.

An 8-Year Breeding Program for Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer: Genetic Evaluation, Experiences, and Challenges.

Selective breeding for marine finfish is challenging due to difficulties in reproduction, larval rearing, and on-growth in captive environments. The farming of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) has all these problems and our knowledge of the quantitative genetic information (heritability and correlations) of traits necessary for commercial exploitation is poor. The present study was conducted to address this knowledge gap and to provide information that can be applied to sea bass and other aquaculture species. We carried out a comprehensive genetic evaluation for three traits (body weight, total length, and survival) collected from a breeding population for Asian seabass over an eight-year period from 2010 to 2017. Statistical analysis was carried out on 4,567 adult fish at 105, 180, 270, 360, 450, and 570 days post-hatch (dph). The heritabilities (h2) estimated for body weight and length using linear mixed model were moderate to high (0.12 to 0.78 and 0.41 to 0.85, respectively) and they differed between the measurement periods. Survival during grow-out phase was analyzed using threshold logistic and probit models. The heritability estimates for survival rate on the underlying liability scale ( hL2 ) varied from 0.05 to 0.21. When the observed heritability obtained from the linear mixed model was back-transformed to the liability scale, they were similar but not significant. In addition, we examined effects of genotype by environment (G × E) interaction on body traits. The genetic correlation for body weight between tank and sea cage cultures were high (0.91-0.94) in the first and second rearing periods (180 and 270 dph) but the correlation was decreased to 0.59 ± 0.33 at 360 dph. This suggests that the genotype by environment interaction is important for body traits in this population. Furthermore, the genetic correlations of body weights between different measurement periods were moderate but different from one. This suggests that body weights measured at different time points may be different traits and selection for improved early weight may not capture all genetic expressions in subsequent rearing periods in Asian seabass. Selection of the nucleus in sea cages may produce genotypes that do not perform equally well in tanks, although this deserves further studies to determine a suitable selection environment and optimize the breeding program. This paper discusses challenges encountered during implementation of the selection program for L. calcarifer.

Trichoderma asperellumChi42 Genes Encode Chitinase.

Four Trichoderma strains (CH2, SH16, PQ34, and TN42) were isolated from soil samples collected from Quang Tri and Thua Thien Hue provinces in Vietnam. The strains exhibited high chitinolytic secretion. Strain PQ34 formed the largest zone of chitinase-mediated clearance (> 4 cm in diameter) in agar containing 1% (w/v) colloidal chitin. Analysis of the internal transcribed spacer regions of these strains indicated that they were Trichoderma asperellum. The molecular weights of the chitinases were approximately 42 kDa. Chitinase genes (chi42) of T. asperellum strains TN42, CH2, SH16, and PQ34 were 98~99% homologous to the ech42 gene of T. harzianum CB-Pin-01 (accession No. DQ166036). The deduced amino acid sequences of both T. asperellum strains SH16 and TN42 shared 100% similarity.

Synthesis and antifungal activities of phenylenedithioureas.

A total of 20 new phenylenedithiourea derivatives was synthesized by reaction of phenylenediisothiocyanates with aromatic amines as aminobenzoic, aminosalicylic acid and their derivatives. Their chemical structures were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR spectrometry and 1H NMR. The compounds were screened for in vitro antifungal, antibacterial activities and some of them have strong antifungal activities comparable to the activity observed for ketoconazole.

Synthesis and antifungal and antibacterial activities of P-phenylen-Dithioure derivatives

p-phenylendiamin was obtained by the nitration, hydrolysis and reduction of acetanilide. The reaction between p-phenylendiamin and CS2 in ammoniac solution produced p-phenylen bis-dithiocarbamat, which was performed oxidatively with lead nitrat and was converted into p-phenylendiisothiocyanat. -Condensation of 1,4-phenylendiisothiocyanat with amine compounds (p-aminosalicylic acide, p-aminobenzoic acide and their derivatives to get 10 dithiourea dervatives. -The purity of products were controlled by thin layer chromatography. The structures of them were determined by elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. -The study indicated that all of them have strong antifunggal properpies but weak effect on bacteria

Synthesis and anti-fungal and antibiotic activities of chlorothioure derivatives

Condensation of 4-chlorophenylisocyanat with amine compounds (p-amino salicylic acide, phenyl hydrazine derivatives) gets 7 thiourea derivatives. The structures of the obtained products were determined by elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. The study indicated that all of them have strong effect on bacteris Gram(+) but weak on GR(-). Six compounds have affected on Microsporum gypseum and Tricophyton mentagrophytes. Two compounds have effects on Candida albicans.

Synthesis and antifungal - antibacterial properties of some chlothiourea and chlorothiosemicarbazide compounds

5 thiourea derivatives were synthesized by condensation of 4- chlorophenylisothiocyanat with p-aminobenzoic acide and its derivatives. Condensation of 4-chlorophenylisothiocyanat with phenylhydrazine derivatives to give 2 thiosemicarbazid derivatives. The structure of the obtained products was determined by elementary analysis and IR spectroscopy. The study indicated that all of them have effect on bacteria Gram (+) but this effect on Gram (-) bacteria was weaker. All most of them have effect on Microsporum gypseum and Tricophyton mentagrophytes. Two compounds have effect on candida albicans.

Study on cytotoxic and antimiotic effects of annona glabra

CHCl3 extracts of the stem cortex of Annona glabra L killed Artemia salina and inhibited mitosis of root meristem of Allium asca lonicum. Chromatographic fractionation of this extract led to the isolation of Pd1, Pd2, Pd3, Pd4 fractions. The purity of them were controlled by thin layer chromatography. Pd2 was controlled by GC- MS, 1H NMR, 13 C NMR, DEPT. It was not yet found in documents, so that was called anonacin. The study indicated that all of fractions showed cytotoxic activity in experimental tests

Antibacterial activity of ether extract of stem cortex of Binh bat- Annona glabra L.Annonaceac

Dry powder of stem cortex extracted by ethanol 96O. This solution was extracted by ether. The ether extraction had a good antimicrobial activity. 5 compounds TP2, TP3,TP4,TP5 and TP6 were isolated from ether extraction had a good anti microbial activity. Some parameters such as Rf, melting point, UV, IR of TP2, TP3, TP4 and TP5 were identified.

Synthesis and antifungal properties of m- and o-phenylendithiourea

O- and m-phenylen diamin obtained by nitration and reduction of aniline and nitrobenzene. From amin compounds and by dithiocarbamat method synthesized isothiocyanat derivatives: Condensation of phenylendiisothiocyanat derivatives with amine compounds (p-aminosalicylic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid and their derivatives) to get 11 dithiourea derivatives. The purity of the products were controlled by the layer chromatography. The structures of them were determined by elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy, 1HNMR. The study indicated that all of them have strong effect on fungal strains except Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Some are stronger than ketoconazol.

Synthesis and biological properties of chlorosalicylamide derivatives

4-chloroanilline, 5-chlorosalicylanilid and 3,5-dichlorosalicylic acid are obtained by chlorination aniline and salicylic acid in difference conditions. Condensation of the above compounds with aniline, salicylic acid and each other to get chlorosalicylanilid derivatives. Chlorosalicylanilid derivatives have high antibiotic and antifungal activity. All most of chlorosalicylanilid derivatives has low toxicity.