A role for TSPO in mitochondrial Ca2+ homeostasis and redox stress signaling

The 18 kDa translocator protein TSPO localizes on the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). Systematically overexpressed at sites of neuroinflammation it is adopted as a biomarker of brain conditions. TSPO inhibits the autophagic removal of mitochondria by limiting PARK2-mediated mitochondrial ubiquitination via a peri-organelle accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here we describe that TSPO deregulates mitochondrial Ca2+ signaling leading to a parallel increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ pools that activate the Ca2+-dependent NADPH oxidase (NOX) thereby increasing ROS. The inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by TSPO is a consequence of the phosphorylation of the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC1) by the protein kinase A (PKA), which is recruited to the mitochondria, in complex with the Acyl-CoA binding domain containing 3 (ACBD3). Notably, the neurotransmitter glutamate, which contributes neuronal toxicity in age-dependent conditions, triggers this TSPO-dependent mechanism of cell signaling leading to cellular demise. TSPO is therefore proposed as a novel OMM-based pathway to control intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and redox transients in neuronal cytotoxicity

Precautionary labelling of foods for allergen content: are we ready for a global framework?

© 2014 Allen et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.Food allergy appears to be on the rise with the current mainstay of treatment centred on allergen avoidance. Mandatory allergen labelling has improved the safety of food for allergic consumers. However an additional form of voluntary labelling (termed precautionary allergen labelling) has evolved on a wide range of packaged goods, in a bid by manufacturers to minimise risk to customers, and the negative impact on business that might result from exposure to trace amounts of food allergen present during cross-contamination during production. This has resulted in near ubiquitous utilisation of a multitude of different precautionary allergen labels with subsequent confusion amongst many consumers as to their significance. The global nature of food production and manufacturing makes harmonisation of allergen labelling regulations across the world a matter of increasing importance. Addressing inconsistencies across countries with regards to labelling legislation, as well as improvement or even banning of precautionary allergy labelling are both likely to be significant steps forward in improved food safety for allergic families. This article outlines the current status of allergen labelling legislation around the world and reviews the value of current existing precautionary allergen labelling for the allergic consumer. We strongly urge for an international framework to be considered to help roadmap a solution to the weaknesses of the current systems, and discuss the role of legislation in facilitating this

Addressing Food Insecurity in College: Mapping a Shared Conceptual Framework for Campus Pantries in Michigan

The first known university food pantry started at Michigan State University in 1993. Since then, campus food pantries are more widespread, although little is known about them. The current study examined how college pantries best serve students and foster their success. Twentyâ eight food pantry directors and staff from across sixteen Michigan college campuses engaged in concept mapping, a technique used to examine the interrelationships among concepts understood by stakeholders. Analyses identified six concepts, examined importance of each concept as assigned by participants, and evaluated variation among institutions. Implications for findings and future research directions are discussed.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147046/1/asap12161_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/147046/2/asap12161.pd

Atomic data from the IRON Project. I. Electron-impact scattering of Fe17+ using <I>R</I>-matrix theory with intermediate coupling

We present results for electron-impact excitation of F-like Fe calculated using R-matrix theory where an intermediate-coupling frame transformation (ICFT) is used to obtain level-resolved collision strengths. Two such calculations are performed, the first expands the target using 2s2 2p5, 2s 2p6, 2s2 2p4 3l, 2s 2p5 3l, and 2p6 3l configurations while the second calculation includes the 2s2 2p4 4l, 2s 2p5 4l, and 2p6 4l configurations as well. The effect of the additional structure in the latter calculation on the n=3 resonances is explored and compared with previous calculations. We find strong resonant enhancement of the effective collision strengths to the 2s2 2p4 3s levels. A comparison with a Chandra X-ray observation of Capella shows that the n=4 R-matrix calculation leads to good agreement with observation</p

Consumption of a High-Fat Meal Alters Post-Prandial SIRT mRNA Expression in Blood Leukocytes

Introduction. Sirtuins (SIRT) are protein deacetylases, hypothesized to regulate the transcription of various genes involved in the prevention of atherogenesis and diet induced obesity. Previous research from our laboratory has demonstrated that consumption of a single, high-fat meal increases various CVD risk factors for up to 5-h post-prandial. Given the importance of SIRT to metabolic disorders, it is reasonable to speculate that a single, high-fat meal also disrupts SIRT. Methods. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a high-fat meal (75% of daily kcals & 80% of daily fat needs), on SIRT mRNA expression in blood leukocytes during a 5-h post-prandial period. Men and women (N=17) were recruited to report to the lab following an overnight fast. Venous blood samples were collected prior to the meal, 1, 3, and 5-h post-meal. White buffy coat aliquot was frozen in RNALater solution. At the end of the study samples were thawed and RNA was isolated using a phenol/chloroform method. RNA was reverse transcribed and mRNA expression for SIRT 1-7 was determined using a Taqman qPCR technique with 18S rRNA as a normalizer, under standard PCR cycling conditions. An additional aliquot of serum was used to measure triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose responses were measured using enzymatic assays on an automated chemistry analyzer (ChemWell T; P.C., FL). Data was analyzed using a RM ANOVA with P\u3c0.05. Results. Consistent with previous results, the meal caused an increase in triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose that reached peaked values at 3-h post-prandial. We also observed significant expression changes in the mRNA of the SIRT 1 (P=0.02) and SIRT 6 (P=0.03) during the 5-h post-prandial period. Both SIRT 1 and SIRT 6 showed the greatest decreased expression at 3-h post-prandial compared to baseline, 51.8% and 46.2% respectfully. Conclusion. To our knowledge, this is the 1st study to report that consumption of a high-fat meal transiently alters SIRT mRNA expression consistent with changes in serum triglyceride and glucose concentration. More research is needed to understand how transient, post-prandial changes in SIRT mRNA expression contribute to increased disease risk

The value of community based performing arts organisations for young people

This study funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council took place in six community-based organisations in four contrasting localities in different geographical areas. A total of 258 interviews were conducted with168 young people aged between 16 and 25 years old who were participating in a range of different art forms including drama, music production, dance and slam poetry. Of these young people, 96 were young men and 72 young women, 50% were White British, 25% Black African, Black British and Black Caribbean, 14% Dual Heritage, and other young people were Asian, South American, and Middle Eastern. Participation in the research was voluntary and all young people received vouchers. Tutors, managers and policy makers in the local areas and some national organisations were interviewed to gain a better understanding of the activities provided and how policies were working in practice

The context and nature of the evidence for metalworking from mid 4th Millennium Yali (Nissyros)

Two crucibles with copper adhering (and one lead rivet) have been found on Yali (Nissyros) dating to the Final Neolithic, mid-4th millennium BCE. This is important and rare evidence for the earliest phase of Aegean metallurgy, now recognized as emerging in circumstances of high mobility and variable technological preference and practice. The finds are presented here through a study of their context, typology and chemical and lead isotope analysis. The results show that the crucibles come from the main settlement on the island; they were locally made, using a clay recipe deliberately tailored to the needs of metalworking. The copper was pure, with low levels of naturally occurring arsenic. The copper and lead came from the same source which, on current evidence, appears to be to Kythnos. The community on Yali was in contact with a broader Aegean where multiple metallurgical technologies are known. The presence of tin ore, or its product, might be indicated. Though small in scale, there are some parallels with the nature and technology of metallurgical activities in the succeeding Early Bronze Age