De novo copy number variations in candidate genomic regions in patients of severe autism spectrum disorder in Vietnam

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder with a prevalence of around 1% children worldwide and characterized by patient behaviour (communication, social interaction, and personal development). Data on the efficacy of diagnostic tests using copy number variations (CNVs) in candidate genes in ASD is currently around 10% but it is overrepresented by patients of Caucasian background. We report here that the diagnostic success of de novo candidate CNVs in Vietnamese ASD patients is around 6%. We recruited one hundred trios (both parents and a child) where the child was clinically diagnosed with ASD while the parents were not affected. We performed genetic screening to exclude RETT syndrome and Fragile X syndrome and performed genome-wide DNA microarray (aCGH) on all probands and their parents to analyse for de novo CNVs. We detected 1708 non-redundant CNVs in 100 patients and 118 (7%) of them were de novo. Using the filter for known CNVs from the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) database, we identified six CNVs (one gain and five loss CNVs) in six patients (3 males and 3 females). Notably, 3 of our patients had a deletion involving the SHANK3 gene–which is the highest compared to previous reports. This is the first report of candidate CNVs in ASD patients from Vietnam and provides the framework for building a CNV based test as the first tier screening for clinical management

Two plant-associated Bacillus velezensis strains selected after genome analysis, metabolite profiling, and with proved biocontrol potential, were enhancing harvest yield of coffee and black pepper in large field trials

Elimination of chemically synthesized pesticides, such as fungicides and nematicides, in agricultural products is a key to successful practice of the Vietnamese agriculture. We describe here the route for developing successful biostimulants based on members of the Bacillus subtilis species complex. A number of endospore-forming Gram-positive bacterial strains with antagonistic action against plant pathogens were isolated from Vietnamese crop plants. Based on their draft genome sequence, thirty of them were assigned to the Bacillus subtilis species complex. Most of them were assigned to the species Bacillus velezensis. Whole genome sequencing of strains BT2.4 and BP1.2A corroborated their close relatedness to B. velezensis FZB42, the model strain for Gram-positive plant growth-promoting bacteria. Genome mining revealed that at least 15 natural product biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs) are well conserved in all B. velezensis strains. In total, 36 different BGCs were identified in the genomes of the strains representing B. velezensis, B. subtilis, Bacillus tequilensis, and Bacillus. altitudinis. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated the potential of the B. velezensis strains to enhance plant growth and to suppress phytopathogenic fungi and nematodes. Due to their promising potential to stimulate plant growth and to support plant health, the B. velezensis strains TL7 and S1 were selected as starting material for the development of novel biostimulants, and biocontrol agents efficient in protecting the important Vietnamese crop plants black pepper and coffee against phytopathogens. The results of the large-scale field trials performed in the Central Highlands in Vietnam corroborated that TL7 and S1 are efficient in stimulating plant growth and protecting plant health in large-scale applications. It was shown that treatment with both bioformulations resulted in prevention of the pathogenic pressure exerted by nematodes, fungi, and oomycetes, and increased harvest yield in coffee, and pepper.Peer Reviewe

Facile Synthesis of Carbon Quantum Dots by Plasma-liquid Interaction Method

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a novel type of fluorescent nano-materials with various unique properties. They are recently attracting enormous interest due to their superiority in water solubility, chemical inertness, low toxicity, ease of functionalization as well as resistance to photo-bleaching and potential applications in biomedical indication, photo-catalysis, energy conversion, optoelectronics, and sensing. In this work, we present a facile and environmentally friendly synthesis of CQDs based on plasma - liquid interaction method. This is a single-step method and does not use toxic chemicals. The size distribution of obtained CQDs is rather uniform at approximately 3 nm. The emission peak of CQDs shifts from 427 nm to 523 nm as the excitation wavelength is varied from 340 nm to 460 nm. The non-equilibrium reactive chemistry of plasma liquid interaction is responsible for acceleration of the CQDs formation process

PRODUCTION AND CIRCULATION PROCESS IN THE AVOCADO VALUE CHAIN – A CASE STUDY IN BAO LOC CITY, VIETNAM

This study aims to analyze the avocado value chain in Bao Loc city to find out the existing challenges weakening the value chain. From there, answer how to enhance long-term, sustainable competitive position for the avocado value chain in Bao Loc city and maximize value and benefits for chain actors. Applying Michael Poster\u27s value chain model, Kaplinsky, and Morris\u27s analytical method and collected data, the study has exhaustively identified the actors involved in the chain and described the avocado value chain in detail. Research results have found four main market channels of the avocado value chain. To grow 1 hectare of avocado, the farmer has to invest a cost of 6,145.75 USD. Avocado was produced that reach the final consumer need to go through an intermediary stage, a collector. Traders who collect avocados from farmers needed an average money requirement of 8,847.82 USD/spell. This result showed that collectors are an essential player in the current avocado value chain

RESEARCH ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE CONVERSION OF CROP COMPOSITION ON RICE-LAND IN HAU GIANG PROVINCE – VIET NAM

Research on factors affecting the conversion of crop composition on rice-land was carried out from April to September 2017 to study the outcomes of the conversion of crop composition on rice-land as well as to identify the reasons why farmers decided to change their crop composition. Data were collected from May 2017 by conducting questionnaire interviews with 180 farming households. Results show that households who grow 2 rice crops and 1 other crop can earn more profits as compared to those who grow 3 rice crops a year. Profit margin (net income/revenue) earned by farming households who grow 2 rice crops and 1 other crop is 0.49 and this is higher than that (0.41) earned by farming households who grow 3 rice crops a year. Households growing leaf vegetable can earn higher profits as compared to that earned by households who grow other crops on rice land. Testing the difference of costs, profits and profit margin between the two compositions show that there\u27s a difference with α=5%. Factors affecting the outcomes of crop composition conversion include: financial resources, effects from FFS training course, support from the Government and Local authorities, irrigation system (canals) and water quality. Among these factors, financial resources variable has the biggest impact on the outcome of crop composition conversion

PLANT DIVERSITY AND FOOD SECURITY AT HOUSEHOLDS IN MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

The research aims at collecting basic data with the participation of farmers in the Mekong Delta – Viet Nam; then proposes solutions to enhance farmers\u27 capability in bio-diversity management, which help ensure household food security for the future. Also in the research, the group of researchers has focused on agricultural manufacturing efficiency, food security and plant diversity at household level. The PRA - Participatory Rural Appraisal and Questionnaires method were used in this research. The result of research showed that the main resource of farmers\u27 income within is from grain rice production, accounted for 95.2% in An Giang province, 74.4% in Hau Giang province and 87.9% in Soc Trang province. The division of labor in terms of gender is relatively reasonable. It has also found out that farmers have considerable knowledge of household food security; that plant diversity is decreasing as agricultural products are subjected to change towards market needs (24.3% in An Giang province, 27.1% in Hau Giang province and 33.3% in Soc Trang province). Besides, the research results also showed the fact of food insecurity and how households to react in case of food insecurity

IMPACTS OF WATERING METHOD AND FREQUENCY ON SEVERAL BIOPHYSICS CHARACTERISTICS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF WAXY MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

Cultivation technique is one of the important factors that helps improve plant productivity. Of which, using proper watering method can not only help plants grow faster but also help reduce water usage in the context of severe weather conditions that lead to water shortage for irrigation in agriculture. The research was conducted on rice land during Spring-Summer season in Chau Thanh A district, Hau Giang province and it aims at finding out suitable watering methods and frequency for maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation. The research includes 2 factors with 4 formal solutions with 4-time repetition. According to test results, plant height in A2B1 formal solution (method of bottom watering, once a day) is the highest one. Also, watering once a day makes the growing speed achieve the fastest one. Corncob weight and diameter, weight of 1000 kernels, productivity in theory and in reality of A1B2 (formal solution of sprinkler watering, once every 3 days) are the highest. Based on physiological maturity observation, A1B2 (formal solution of sprinkler watering, once every 3 days) and A2B2 (formal solution of bottom watering, once every 3 days) have the shortest physiological maturity. According to calculation of efficiency on the tested crops, investment cost is 1.044,22 USD while the profit is 857,13. It is also found out that using sprinkler watering once every 3 days can help maize crops in Spring-Summer season achieve higher productivity in Hau Giang province

Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emission from Seedless Lime Cultivation Using Organic Fertilizer in a Province in Vietnam Mekong Delta Region

This study aimed to evaluate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from conventional cultivation (S1) of seedless lime (SL) fruit in Hau Giang province, in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. We adjusted the scenarios by replacing 25% and 50% of nitrogen chemical fertilizer with respective amounts of N-based organic fertilizer (S2 and S3). Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect primary data. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology with the “cradle to gate” approach was used to estimate GHG emission based on the functional unit of one hectare of growing area and one tonnage of fresh fruit weight. The emission factors of agrochemicals, fertilizers, electricity, fuel production, and internal combustion were collected from the MiLCA software, IPCC reports, and previous studies. The S1, S2, and S3 emissions were 7590, 6703, and 5884 kg-CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per hectare of the growing area and 273.6, 240.3, and 209.7 kg-CO2e for each tonnage of commercial fruit, respectively. Changing fertilizer-based practice from S1 to S2 and S3 mitigated 887.0–1706 kg-CO2e ha–1 (11.7–22.5%) and 33.3–63.9 kg-CO2e t–1 (12.2–25.6%), respectively. These results support a solution to reduce emissions by replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers