Vinculin haploinsufficiency impairs integrin-mediated costamere remodeling on stiffer microenvironments.

Vinculin (VCL) is a key adapter protein located in force-bearing costamere complexes, which mechanically couples the sarcomere to the ECM. Heterozygous vinculin frameshift genetic variants can contribute to cardiomyopathy when external stress is applied, but the mechanosensitive pathways underpinning VCL haploinsufficiency remain elusive. Here, we show that in response to extracellular matrix stiffening, heterozygous loss of VCL disrupts force-mediated costamere protein recruitment, thereby impairing cardiomyocyte contractility and sarcomere organization.

Novel biallelic MCMDC2 variants were associated with meiotic arrest and nonobstructive azoospermia.

Nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), one of the most severe types of male infertility, etiology often remains unclear in most cases. Therefore, this study aimed to detect four biallelic detrimental variants (0.5%) in the minichromosome maintenance domain containing 2 (MCMDC2) genes in 768 NOA patients by whole-exome sequencing (WES).

Health systems responsiveness towards needs of pregnant women in Vietnam.

Background: Health systems that are responsive to maternal mental health recognise the importance of integrating mental health services into maternal care. Studies from Vietnam have reported particularly high rates of common perinatal mental health disorders (CPMDs) in both rural and urban areas of the country. Despite the increasing burden of maternal mental health conditions, there is currently no guidance on the screening for CPMDs within maternal care, both antenatal and postnatal.

Bacillus bombysepticus, an Entomopathogen in Yellow-Spined Bamboo Locust with Biocontrol Potential.

Ceracris kiangsu (Tsai) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is a severe pest of the bamboo Dendrocalamus barbatus Hsuch & D.Z. Li that is widely grown in plantations in Vietnam.

Notes on Endoclita C. & R. Felder (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) feeding on Eucalyptus in Vietnam, with new records and a new species.

A new species of Endoclita C. & R. Felder from Yen Lap district, Phu Tho province, Vietnam, E.