Aims : DNA sequencing is a powerful tool and less time-consuming for bacterial detection and identification. The aim of this study was to compare the application of the Oxford Nanopore MinION™ sequencing device for direct DNA sequencing from clinical specimens with the routine workup. Methodology and results : We used conventional bacteriological-based methods to detect and identify bacterial pathogens in 10 clinical specimens. In addition, the 16S metagenomic sequencing was performed by using a MinION™sequencing device with barcoded primers of a 16S Barcoding kit (Code N° SQK-RAB204, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK). The DNA was amplified by PCR using specific 16S primers (27F and 1492R) that contain barcodes and 5' tags which facilitate the ligase-free attachment of Rapid Sequencing Adapters of the 16S Barcoding kit. Data wasanalyzed with WIMP and EPI2ME to classify and identify species in real-time. Ten clinical specimens were processed for bacterial isolation. A total of 8 urine samples were subjected to culture-dependent methods, successfully identifying the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Out of the total eight urine samples, both methods successfully identified six bacterial pathogens. Escherichia coli were identified, and the others were detected as Salmonella enterica, Veillonella parvula and Streptococcus anginosus using MinION™ sequencing. Two urine samples had different results. Escherichia coli was detected directly through MinION™ sequencing, bypassing the need for culture results. Conclusion, significance and impact of study MinION™ sequencing of 16S rRNA genes could accurately detect diverse bacterial pathogens in clinical specimens. Additionally, the bacterial species classification generated by analyzing 16S rRNA gene sequences can be helpful for rapid identification. The whole procedure takes less than 8 h to complete; same-day diagnosis can be completed.

As part of our continued study on the chemical constituents of Willughbeia edulis stems, a new dimeric lignan named edulignan (1) was isolated from its EtOAc-soluble extract. Based on NMR spectroscopic interpretation, the planar structure of 1 has been suggested to have two 2-substituted 4-chromanone subunits with different stereochemical configurations. In addition, the MS/MS analysis of the products obtained by acidcatalyzed hydrolysis of 1 was supportive of its structure. Unfornatually, the new compound 1 did not show α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC 50 value > 250 μM.

Objective: In Viet Nam, tuberculosis (TB) prevalence surveys revealed that approximately 98% of individuals with pulmonary TB have TB-presumptive abnormalities on chest radiographs, while 32% have no TB symptoms. This prompted the adoption of the “Double X” strategy, which combines chest radiographs and computer-aided detection with GeneXpert testing to screen for and diagnose TB among vulnerable populations. The aim of this study was to describe demographic, clinical and radiographic characteristics of symptomatic and asymptomatic Double X participants and to assess multilabel radiographic abnormalities on chest radiographs, interpreted by computer-aided detection software, as a possible tool for detecting TB-presumptive abnormalities, particularly for subclinical TB. Methods: Double X participants with TB-presumptive chest radiographs and/or TB symptoms and known risks were referred for confirmatory GeneXpert testing. The demographic and clinical characteristics of all Double X participants and the subset with confirmed TB were summarized. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression modelling was used to evaluate associations between participant characteristics and subclinical TB and between computer-aided detection multilabel radiographic abnormalities and TB. Results: From 2020 to 2022, 96 631 participants received chest radiographs, with 67 881 (70.2%) reporting no TB symptoms. Among 1144 individuals with Xpert-confirmed TB, 51.0% were subclinical. Subclinical TB prevalence was higher in older age groups, non-smokers, those previously treated for TB and the northern region. Among 11 computer-aided detection multilabel radiographic abnormalities, fibrosis was associated with higher odds of subclinical TB. Discussion: In Viet Nam, Double X community case finding detected pulmonary TB, including subclinical TB. Computer-aided detection software may have the potential to identify subclinical TB on chest radiographs by classifying multilabel radiographic abnormalities, but further research is needed.