Building a Relationship Between Vocational Training Institutions and Enterprises in Vietnam in the Integration Period

In recent years, with the policy of international economic integration of Vietnamese government, vocational training has made many positive changes. The quality and efficiency of vocational training have been improved and trained workers have participated in almost all sectors of the national economy. The effective cooperation model between the vocational training institution (the schools) and the enterprises is the key for this sucess. We used both qualitative and quantitative approaches for analysis data. The results of descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha analysis have identified and measured 7 attributes of building a relationship between vocational training institutions and enterprises. The paper discusses the relationship between the schools and enterprises in vocational training in Vietnam and make some recommendations for effectively enhancing this relationship in the coming time. Keywords: vocational training, schools, businessess, relationships DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-12-06 Publication date: April 30th 202

Expression and activity of 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C1) in abdominal subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue in women

We have examined the expression and activity of 20a-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20a-HSD) in abdominal adipose tissue in women. This recently-characterized enzyme from the aldoketoreductase 1C family (AKR1C1) is responsible for the conversion of progesterone into 20a-hydroxyprogesterone. Abdominal subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) adipose tissue biopsies were obtained from a sample of 32 women aged 47.7+-5.9 years (BMI: 27.6+-5.0 kg/m2 ) undergoing abdominal hysterectomies. Body composition and body fat distribution measurements were performed before the surgery by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography respectively. The expression of 20a-HSD was determined by real-time RT-PCR, and its activity was measured in whole tissue homogenates. Messenger RNA and activity of the enzyme were detected in both the SC and OM fat depots, the two measures being significantly higher in the SC compartment. Women characterized by a visceral adipose tissue area greater than or equal to 100 cm2 had an increased 20a-HSD conversion rate in their omental adipose tissue compared to women without visceral obesity (13.99+-2.07 vs. 7.92+-0.83 fmol/ug protein/24h, p<0.05). Accordingly, a positive correlation was found between omental adipose tissue 20a-HSD activity and computed tomography-measured visceral adipose tissue area (r=0.36, p<0.05). Significant positive correlations were also found between omental 20a-HSD activity and omental adipocyte diameter (r=0.49, p<0.05) and omental adipose tissue LPL activity (r=0.36, p=0.06). In conclusion, 20a-HSD activity and mRNA were detected in SC and OM adipose tissue in women, and omental 20a-hydroxylation of progesterone was highest in women with visceral obesity. Further studies are required to establish whether local conversion of progesterone may impact on the metabolism and function of adipocytes located within the abdominal cavity

Expression and localization of estrogenic type 12 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the cynomolgus monkey

BACKGROUND: We have recently discovered that human type 12 17β-HSD (h17β-HSD12), a homolog of type 3 17β-HSD, is a new estrogen-specific 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase involved in the production of estradiol (E2). To further characterize this estradiol-producing enzyme, we have isolated the corresponding cDNA in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis), characterized its enzymatic activities and performed cellular localization using in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Using HEK-293 cells stably expressing Macaca fascicularis type 12 17β-HSD (mf17β-HSD12), we have found that the mf17β-HSD12 catalyzes efficiently and selectively the transformation of El into E2, in analogy with the h17β-HSD12. We have also quantified the mf17β-HSD12 mRNA expression levels in a series of Macaca fascicularis tissues using Quantitative RealTime PCR. The Macaca fascicularis 17β-HSD12 mRNA is widely expressed with the highest levels tissues found in the cerebellum, spleen and adrenal with moderate level observed in all the other examined, namely the testis, ovary, cerebral cortex, liver, heart, prostate, mammary gland, myometrium, endometrium, skin, muscle and pancreas. To gain knowledge about the cellular localization of the mf17β-HSD12 mRNA expression, we performed in situ hybridization using a (35)S-labeled cRNA probe. Strong labeling was observed in epithelial cells and stromal cells of the mammary gland. In the uterus, the labeling is detected in epithelial cells and stromal cells of the endometrium. CONCLUSION: These results strongly suggest that the Macaca fascicularis 17β-HSD12 is an essential partner of aromatase in the biosynthesis of estradiol (E2). It strongly suggests that in the estradiol biosynthesis pathway, the step of 17-ketoreduction comes after the step of the aromatization (the aromatization of 4-androstendione to estrone followed by the conversion of estrone into estradiol by estrogen specific l7β-HSDs) which is in contrast with the hypothesis suggesting that 4-androstenedione is converted to testosterone followed by the aromatization of testosterone

Updated survey of the steroid-converting enzymes in human adipose tissues

Over the past decade, adipose tissues have been increasingly known for their endocrine properties, that is, their ability to secrete a number of adipocytokines that may exert local and/or systemic effects. In addition to these hormonal peptides, adipose tissues have long been recognized as significant sites for steroid hormone transformation and action. We hereby provide an updated survey of the many steroid-converting enzymes that may be detected in human adipose tissues, their activities and potential roles. In addition to the now well-established role of aromatase and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 1, many enzymes have been reported in adipocyte cell lines, isolated mature cells and/or preadipocytes. These include 11βHSD type 2, 17β-HSDs, 3β-HSD, 5α-reductases, sulfatases and glucuronosyltransferases. Some of these enzymes are postulated to bear relevance for adipose tissue physiology and perhaps for the pathophysiology of obesity. This elaborate set of steroid-converting enzymes in the cell types of adipose tissue deserves further scientific attention. Our work on 20α-HSD (AKR1C1), 3αHSD type 3 (AKR1C2) and 17β-HSD type 5 (AKR1C3) allowed us to clarify the relevance of these enzymes for some aspects of adipose tissue function. For example, AKR1C2 expression down-regulation in preadipocytes seems to potentiate the inhibitory action of dihydrotestosterone on adipogenesis in this model. Many additional studies are warranted to assess the impact of intra-adipose steroid hormone conversions on adipose tissue functions and chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cancer

Biocontrol of Alternaria alternata YZU, a causal of stem end rot disease on pitaya, with soil phosphate solubilizing bacteria

Stem end rot is the most destructive disease caused by Alternaria alternata YZU in pitaya-growing regions of Vietnam. This study was conducted to characterize antagonistic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) from rhizosphere soil for their biocontrol activities against A. alternata YZU and evaluate the effect of temperature, pH, and water activity on that antagonism. Among seven PSB isolated from 45 rhizosphere soil samples, PSB31 (identified as Bacillus sp. strain IMAU61039, Accession number: MF803700.1) exhibited the highest antagonistic activity against A. alternata YZU with an average inhibition diameter of 0.65 ± 0.05 cm. The results also show that the strain PSB31 controlled the mycelial growth of A. alternata YZU by secreting antifungal metabolites. The most potent inhibitory activity was identified under in vitro conditions of 25 °C, pH 7, and aw 1. The isolated PSB31 could be a potential biological control agent against A. alternata YZU

17β-HSD type 2 activity and localization in human adipose tissue

Testosterone can be converted into androstenedione (4-dione) by 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) activity likely performed by 17β-HSD type 2. Our objective was to evaluate the rate of testosterone conversion to 4-dione as well as expression and localization of 17β-HSD type 2 in omental (OM) vs. subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissues of men. Formation of 4-dione from testosterone was significantly higher in homogenates (p ≤ 0.001) and explants (p ≤ 0.01) of OM than SC tissue. Microscopy analyses and biochemical assays in cell fractions localized the enzyme in the vasculature/endothelial cells of adipose tissues. Conversion of testosterone to 4-dione was weakly detected in most OM and/or SC preadipocyte cultures. Positive correlations were found between 17β-HSD type 2 activity in whole tissue and BMI or SC adipocyte diameter. We conclude that conversion of testosterone to 4-dione detected in abdominal adipose tissue is caused by 17β-HSD type 2 which is localized in the vasculature of the adipose compartment

Genetic association study of UCMA/GRP and OPTN genes (PDB6 locus) with Paget's disease of bone

We performed a genetic association study of rare variants and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of UCMA/GRP and OPTN genes, in French-Canadian patients with Paget's disease of bone (PDB) and in healthy controls from the same population. We reproduced the variant found in the UCMA/GRP basal promoter and tested its functionality using in vitro transient transfection assays. Interestingly, this SNP rs17152980 appears to affect the transcription level of UCMA/GRP. In addition, we have identified five rare genetic variants in UCMA/GRP gene, four of them being population-specific, although none were found to be associated with PDB. Six Tag SNPs of UCMA/GRP gene were associated with PDB, particularly the SNP rs17152980 (uncorrected P = 3.8 x 10(-3)), although not significant after Bonferroni's correction. More importantly, we replicated the strong and statistically significant genetic association of two SNPs of the OPTN gene, the rs1561570 (uncorrected P = 5.7 x 10(-7)) and the rs2095388 (uncorrected P = 4.9 x 10(-3)), With PDB. In addition, we identified a very rare variant found to be located close to the basal promoter of the OPTN gene, at -232 bp from its distal transcription start site. Furthermore, depending on the type of allele present (G or A), the binding of several important nuclear factors such as the vitamin D or the retinoic acid receptors is predicted to be altered at this position, suggesting a significant effect in the regulation of transcription of the OPTN gene. In conclusion, we identified a functional SNP located in the basal promoter of the UCMA/GRP gene which provided a weak genetic association with PDB. In addition, we replicated the strong genetic association of two already known SNPs of the OPTN gene, with PDB in a founder effect population. We also identified a very rare variant in the promoter of OPTN, and through bioinformatic analysis, identified putative transcription factor binding sites likely to affect OPTN gene transcription. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Fonds de la Recherche du Quebec - Sante (FRQS), Canada; Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Portugal [SFRH/BPD/48206/2008]; Catalyst Grant (Bone Health) from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (Canada); CHUQ Foundation (Canada); Groupe de Recherche en Maladies Osseuses (Canada); Canadian Foundation for Innovation (Canada); FRSQ (Canada); Laval University (Canada); CHUQ (CHUL) Research Centre (Canada); Centre of Marine Sciences (CCMAR) (Portugal)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

CSA: Thực hành nông nghiệp thông minh với khí hậu ở Việt Nam

During the last five years, Vietnam has been one of the countries most affected by climate change. Severe typhoons, flooding, cold spells, salinity intrusion, and drought have affected agriculture production across the country, from upland to lowland regions. Fortunately for Vietnam, continuous work in developing climate-smart agriculture has been occurring in research organizations and among innovative farmers and entrepreneurs. Application of various CSA practices and technologies to adapt to the impact of climate change in agriculture production have been expanding. However, there is a need to accelerate the scaling process of these practices and technologies in order to ensure growth of agriculture production and food security, increase income of farmers, make farming climate resilient, and contribute to global climate change mitigation. This book aims to provide basic information to researchers, managers, and technicians and extentionists at different levels on what CSA practices and technologies can be up scaled in different locations in Vietnam

Redondoviridae: High Prevalence and Possibly Chronic Shedding in Human Respiratory Tract, But No Zoonotic Transmission

Redondoviridae is a recently discovered DNA virus family consisting of two species, vientovirus and brisavirus. Here we used PCR amplification and sequencing to characterize redondoviruses in nasal/throat swabs collected longitudinally from a cohort of 58 individuals working with animals in Vietnam. We additionally analyzed samples from animals to which redondovirus DNA-positive participants were exposed. Redondoviruses were detected in approximately 60% of study participants, including 33% (30/91) of samples collected during episodes of acute respiratory disease and in 50% (29/58) of baseline samples (with no respiratory symptoms). Vientovirus (73%; 24/33) was detected more frequently in samples than brisaviruses (27%; 9/33). In the 23 participants with at least 2 redondovirus-positive samples among their longitudinal samples, 10 (43.5%) had identical redondovirus replication-gene sequences detected (sampling duration: 35–132 days). We found no identical redondovirus replication genes in samples from different participants, and no redondoviruses were detected in 53 pooled nasal/throat swabs collected from domestic animals. Phylogenetic analysis described no large-scale geographical clustering between viruses from Vietnam, the US, Spain, and China, indicating that redondoviruses are highly genetically diverse and have a wide geographical distribution. Collectively, our study provides novel insights into the Redondoviridae family in humans, describing a high prevalence, potentially associated with chronic shedding in the respiratory tract with lack of evidence of zoonotic transmission from close animal contacts. The tropism and potential pathogenicity of this viral family remain to be determined

Redondoviridae: High Prevalence and Possibly Chronic Shedding in Human Respiratory Tract, But No Zoonotic Transmission

Redondoviridae is a recently discovered DNA virus family consisting of two species, vientovirus and brisavirus. Here we used PCR amplification and sequencing to characterize redondoviruses in nasal/throat swabs collected longitudinally from a cohort of 58 individuals working with animals in Vietnam. We additionally analyzed samples from animals to which redondovirus DNA-positive participants were exposed. Redondoviruses were detected in approximately 60% of study participants, including 33% (30/91) of samples collected during episodes of acute respiratory disease and in 50% (29/58) of baseline samples (with no respiratory symptoms). Vientovirus (73%; 24/33) was detected more frequently in samples than brisaviruses (27%; 9/33). In the 23 participants with at least 2 redondovirus-positive samples among their longitudinal samples, 10 (43.5%) had identical redondovirus replication-gene sequences detected (sampling duration: 35–132 days). We found no identical redondovirus replication genes in samples from different participants, and no redondoviruses were detected in 53 pooled nasal/throat swabs collected from domestic animals. Phylogenetic analysis described no large-scale geographical clustering between viruses from Vietnam, the US, Spain, and China, indicating that redondoviruses are highly genetically diverse and have a wide geographical distribution. Collectively, our study provides novel insights into the Redondoviridae family in humans, describing a high prevalence, potentially associated with chronic shedding in the respiratory tract with lack of evidence of zoonotic transmission from close animal contacts. The tropism and potential pathogenicity of this viral family remain to be determined