Gut-brain connection moves into MS territory
Your gut’s what you eat, too Previous investigations have suggested a connection between the gut microbiome and brain inflammation, but how the two are linked and how diet and microbial products influence their connection has remained largely unknown. To explore this, Quintana and colleagues performed genome-wide transcriptional analyses on astrocytes — star-shaped cells that reside in the brain and spinal cord — in a mouse model of MS, identifying a molecular pathway involved in inflammation. They found that molecules derived from dietary tryptophan (an amino acid famously found in turkey and other foods) act on this pathway, and that when more of these molecules are present, astrocytes are able to limit brain inflammation. In blood samples from MS patients, the team found decreased levels of the tryptophan-derived molecules.“Deficits in the gut flora, deficits in the diet or deficits in the ability to uptake these products from the gut flora or transport them from the gut — any of these may lead to deficits that contribute to disease progression,” said Quintana.The research team plans to investigate this pathway and the role of diet in future studies to determine if the new findings can be translated into targets for therapeutic intervention and biomarkers for diagnosing and detecting the advancement of disease.This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, the German Research Foundation, the International Academy of Life Sciences, the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and by a fellowship from CAPES, Brazil. Changing diet can quickly shift makeup of important microbes there, research says Related A team of investigators at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) has found evidence that suggests that bacteria living in the gut may remotely influence the activity of cells in the brain that are involved in controlling inflammation and neurodegeneration.“For the first time, we’ve been able to identify that food has some sort of remote control over central nervous system inflammation,” said Francisco Quintana, an investigator in the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at BWH and corresponding author on the study. “What we eat influences the ability of bacteria in our gut to produce small molecules, some of which are capable of traveling all the way to the brain. This opens up an area that’s largely been unknown until now: how the gut controls brain inflammation.”Using pre-clinical models for multiple sclerosis (MS) and samples from MS patients, the team found evidence that changes in diet and gut flora may influence astrocytes in the brain, and, consequently, neurodegeneration, pointing to potential therapeutic targets. The results of their study will be published this week in Nature Medicine.
Successful gardeners know that a bountiful harvest in the summer begins with proper planning in the spring. When the weather is still too cold to till the soil, seasoned gardeners are indoors ordering specialty seeds and planning what to plant and where.Veteran gardeners know the key to success is keeping accurate records, University of Georgia Extension consumer horticulturist Bob Westerfield said. “You need to know where everything is planted, how much you planted, the varieties you planted, the dates you planted them and when you fertilized,” he said. “All of this information will help you solve problems, and avoid them, down the road.”Select vegetables to consume, and plant only enough to fill predetermined needs. Westerfield learned from his past mistake of planting too much zucchini squash. “We had so many, we gave to all our friends and everyone at church and then we start looking for cracked car windows to slip them into,” he said. To reap a hearty harvest, create a garden plan before putting hoe to soil. When guiding home gardeners across the state, Westerfield recommends planting in an east-west direction.“Sunlight is key to healthy garden plants. They need from six to eight hours of sunlight per day,” he said. “Sunlight is also essential for growth and disease control because keeping the plants dry helps fight disease.”Keeping accurate records also helps gardeners rotate crops. It’s what Westerfield calls “an ancient method that helps break the disease cycle.” This means not planting the same family of vegetables in the same spot every year. “It’s not a magic cure, but it’s one more (tip) in an arsenal of help,” he said.An example would be, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers are in the same plant “family,” he said. Avoid planting any of these in the same location of each other for up to three seasons. Plant another “family” of vegetables in that spot.To extend the garden’s harvest, stagger planting, too. For example, plant a few new squash plants every two or three weeks. This method also helps with pest control.“Squash borers are a tremendous problem. I just keep planting more squash to try and stay ahead of them,” Westerfield said. “Some for them and some for us.”Also, don’t plant too many plants and overcrowd your garden. Plants need space for ventilation and to keep disease pressure down. Taller crops like okra, corn and sunflowers grow tall and will shade other crops. Keep this in mind when designing plant rows early in the season. Vegetables also mature at different times and rates. “Radishes take just 28 days from seed to harvest while corn takes 60 days or so. Other crops fall anywhere in between,” he said.Keep notes on the varieties planted, taste and whether plant performed to expectations. Next winter, consult these notes before ordering seeds for the next garden.For more information on home gardening, see the UGA Extension publication website at extension.uga.edu/publications/.
MicroStrain of Williston continues to be at the forefront of energy harvesting wireless sensor networks.This past Wednesday, March 2nd, MicroStrain President and CEO, Steve Arms was presented with the Best Paper Award at the prestigious 7th DSTO International Conference on Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS), taking place in conjunction with the Australian International Air Show at the Fourteenth Australian International Aerospace Congress (AIAC14).The AIAC conference objective was to present key innovations and achievements in aeronautic technologies and systems, and their current and future aerospace applications. Increasingly, land vehicles, marine vehicles (including submarines), and aircraft (including helicopters), are being managed using Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) approaches. All these approaches rely on HUMS to ensure the availability, reliability, and safety of critical, high-value assets.Arms’ paper, Flight Testing of Wireless Sensing Networks for Rotorcraft Structural HUMS, describes MicroStrain’s work with the US Navy to flight test an advanced, next generation sensing system for structural loads monitoring of the critical rotating components on a Sikorsky MH-60S helicopter. This represents the first successful system demonstration in flight of a wireless data acquisition system, capable of autonomous self-configuration and data aggregation. The system features energy harvesting capabilities to eliminate battery maintenance, using the helicopter’s ambient strains and vibrations to power the wireless nodes.”We’re honored to be recognized with “Best Paper” at the AIAC14 HUMS Conference,” says Steve Arms, “and we are grateful to the US Navy/NAVAIR for their support under the Navy BAA program to conduct our work.”The work conducted by MicroStrain represents break-through wireless sensing technology, not only for helicopters but also in condition based monitoring across a range of industries. Such systems can be used to monitor a wide variety of machines and structures including fixed wing aircraft, wind turbines, heavy equipment, and rotating machinery. Embedded energy harvesting wireless sensors can detect potential failures before they occur, extend the life of machines and structures, significantly reduce operating costs, and enhance safety.MicroStrain is a leading manufacturer of inertial measurement systems, micro-displacement transducers, wireless sensor networks, and energy harvesting technologies. MicroStrain’s sensors are used in a variety of industrial, defense, and medical applications including testing of new designs, controlling critical manufacturing processes, navigating unmanned vehicles, platform stabilization, wearable tracking systems and extending the operating life of machines and structures. Recognized as a leader in the sensor industry, MicroStrain has received multiple awards for product innovation. Williston, Vermont ‘ MicroStrain
512SHARESShareShareSharePrintMailGooglePinterestDiggRedditStumbleuponDeliciousBufferTumblr,Wendy Moody Wendy Moody is a Senior Editor with CUInsight.com. Wendy works with the editorial team to help edit the content including current news, press releases, jobs and events. She keeps … Web: www.cuinsight.com Details We all know there are certain things your boss never wants to hear. But, what about your coworkers? The fact is you spend more time with your colleagues than you do your own family, so it’s important you take them into account when it comes to your office behaviors. Below are four commonly used phrases you should leave out of your workplace vernacular.“I really don’t feel like it.”You will be asked to take on many tasks at work that you honestly have no desire to tackle. Guess what? Your colleagues don’t care that you aren’t in the mood or don’t feel like getting the job done. No one likes a lazy worker and chances are if you come across as sluggish and uncooperative, you’ll get a bad reputation and it will be communicated to your superior.“That’s not fair.”Unfortunately, sometimes life just isn’t fair but what’s critical is how you overcome obstacles and challenges. Instead of vocalizing the issues you have with something in the office, be positive and enthusiastic. An employee that is always airing their grievances will be looked at as a complainer and a pessimist.“Did you hear about…”No matter if your office is large or small, there will always be opportunity for you to get caught up in gossip. Don’t be the instigator in such situations; instead, when gossip starts, remove yourself from the conversation and get back to work. A gossip can’t be trusted, so unless you want to burn bridges, avoid catty communications.“I don’t make enough money for this.”One surefire way to not get a promotion is to complain to colleagues about your pay. Your coworkers will view you as unappreciative and distracted, and your boss will get wind of your money complaints. If you feel strongly that you deserve a raise, instead of casually complaining to others, schedule a more formal sit-down with your boss and discuss with them reasons why you feel your compensation does not reflect your job performance.
Metro Sport ReporterSunday 7 Apr 2019 5:23 pmShare this article via facebookShare this article via twitterShare this article via messengerShare this with Share this article via emailShare this article via flipboardCopy link Comment Advertisement Phil Jagielka calls Arsenal ‘so-called bigger boys’ after their defeat to Everton Advertisement Phil Jagielka called Arsenal ‘so-called bigger boys’ after their loss to Everton (Sky Sports)Phil Jagielka has labelled Arsenal ‘so-called big boys’ following their defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.Jagielka’s goal in the 10th minute was enough to secure victory for Marco Silva’s side and put a dent in the Gunners’ top-four hopes.The 1-0 defeat has left Arsenal in fourth place in the Premier League and they could be overtaken by Chelsea as they face West Ham at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening.‘It feels great, especially keeping a clean sheet as well,’ Jagielka told Sky Sports after Everton beat Arsenal.ADVERTISEMENT Jagielka scored Everton’s early winner against Arsenal (Getty Images)More: FootballRio Ferdinand urges Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to drop Manchester United starChelsea defender Fikayo Tomori reveals why he made U-turn over transfer deadline day moveMikel Arteta rates Thomas Partey’s chances of making his Arsenal debut vs Man City‘We are trying to build a little bit of momentum towards the end of the season and the boys did fantastic all over the pitch.AdvertisementAdvertisement‘They are a very good team and they’ve proved it all season.‘We beat Chelsea as well not too long ago so it’s nice to keep the momentum going and beat one of the so called bigger boys at home.’More: Arsenal FCArsenal flop Denis Suarez delivers verdict on Thomas Partey and Lucas Torreira movesThomas Partey debut? Ian Wright picks his Arsenal starting XI vs Manchester CityArsene Wenger explains why Mikel Arteta is ‘lucky’ to be managing Arsenal
12 Union St, Taringa.Mr Smith said the buyer was an owner-occupier who particularly liked the location for its convenience to local schools.“Their initial plans are to renovate the property and move in themselves,” he said.“The house itself was also a real charmer with plenty of unique character features that buyers fell in love with throughout the auction process.”Mr Smith said there were 12 registered bidders, with 77 bids made.Other character features throughout the home include sash windows, VJ walls, French terracotta tiles, high ceilings and hardwood floors. The spacious home at 12 Union St, Taringa.A southeast Queensland home has sold at auction for $200,000 above the reserve price due to the extreme scarcity of large blocks of land in the area.LJ Hooker Brisbane West selling agent Brock Smith said the early 1900s four-bedroom, one-bathroom home, at 12 Union St, Taringa sold for $1,220,000 on February 15. 12 Union St, Taringa.More from newsDigital inspection tool proves a property boon for REA website3 Apr 2020The Camira homestead where kids roamed free28 May 2019This property, on a 985sq m block, is on the border of Toowong and Taringa, featuring a northerly aspect and views over a park. It is also within walking distance to prestigious local schools, shops, and multiple public transport options. 
Bartholomew County, In. — A vintage camper rally is planned Friday, October 5 & Saturday, October 6 at CERAland Campground on County Road 525 East in the Columbus area. The event is open to any camper from 1975 and older.Two-person campsites for the weekend are $30, $8 for each additional person. The campsite fee is $30-per-night.The event includes pitch-in dinners, hayrides and an open house Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. For more information please contact 
EAST MOLINE, Ill. (May 4) – Justin Kay was challenged but never caught in Sunday’s Hershel Roberts Memorial Deery Brothers Summer Series feature at Quad City Speedway.Kay started on the pole and led all 58 laps of the IMCA Late Model tour event, held in memory of the popular East Moline driver and car owner.Sticking to the lower line all around the oval, the tour point leader took the $3,000 checkers in front of a very full grandstand and ahead of Jeff Aikey, hard charger Joel Callahan, Mike Murphy Jr. and defending series champion Brian Harris.Jason Rauen nipped at Kay’s heels before falling back. Aikey came from 12th starting and Callahan from 17th to join Murphy and Harris in their pursuit of the leader.Restarts gave each the opportunity to challenge Kay but none could catch up after the green flag came back out. Tyler Bruening took a provisional and also advanced 14 spots, to eighth. Aikey won the $250 Sunoco Race Fuels feature qualifier drawing. Random tire samples were taken following the race and results remain unofficial; samples will be taken periodically throughout the season, Tour Director Kevin Yoder noted. Sunday’s feature marked the 300th occasion Aikey and Darrel DeFrance were both on the starting grid for a Deery Series feature. DeFrance finished 15th while extending his perfect tour attendance mark to 424 consecutive events. Next up on the Deery Brother Summer Series schedule is the Memorial Day program at Boone Speedway. IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks and mod lites are also on the Monday, May 26 card. Racing starts at 5 p.m. Kay became the fourth different winner in as many tour events so far this season on Sunday. The victory was also his career fourth.Fifty-eight was the number of the car Roberts drove. Greg Durbin was the IMCA Xtreme Motor Sports Modified winner at East Moline.Feature results – 1. Justin Kay, Wheatland, Iowa; 2. Jeff Aikey, Cedar Falls, Iowa; 3. Joel Callahan, Dubuque, Iowa; 4. Mike Murphy Jr., Colona; 5. Brian Harris, Davenport, Iowa; 6. Mike Zemo Jr., Davenport, Iowa; 7. Todd Malmstrom, Silvis; 8. Tyler Bruening, Decorah, Iowa; 9. Andy Eckrich, Oxford, Iowa; 10. Matt Ryan, Davenport, Iowa; 11. Ray Guss Jr., Milan; 12. Tommy Elston, Keokuk, Iowa; 13. Mike Cothron, Moline; 14. Scott Fitzpatrick, Urbandale, Iowa; 15. Darrel DeFrance, Marshalltown, Iowa; 16. Jay Johnson, West Burlington, Iowa; 17. Mike Garland, Morrison; 18. Andy Nezworski, Buffalo, Iowa; 19. Milo Veloz, Colona; 20. Dean Wagner, Evansdale, Iowa; 21. Jason Rauen, Farley, Iowa; 22. Rob Toland, Colona; 23. Travis Denning, Sterling; 24. Ryan Dolan, Lisbon, Iowa. 1st heat (top three) – 1. Zemo; 2. Rauen; 3. Elston; 4. Veloz; 5. Joe Zrostlik, Long Grove, Iowa; 6. Ron Klein, Sherrill, Iowa; 7. Callahan; 8. Ryan Claeys, Morrison. 2nd heat – 1. Kay; 2. Dolan; 3. Harris; 4. Ryan; 5. Nate Beuseling, Silvis; 6. Wagner; 7. Kyle Neels, Freeport; 8. Garland. 3rd heat – 1. Malmstrom; 2. Murphy; 3. Guss; 4. Toland; 5. Nezworski; 6. Gary Webb, Blue Grass, Iowa; 7. Kory Peterson, Silvis; 8. Cothron. 4th heat – 1. Aikey; 2. Eckrich; 3. Denning; 4. Johnson; 5. Fitzpatrick; 6. DeFrance; 7. Bruening. 1st “B” feature (top four) – 1. Toland; 2. Veloz; 3. Callahan; 4. Nezworski; 5. Webb; 6. Cothron; 7. Peterson; 8. Zrostlik; 9. Klein; 10. Claeys.2nd “B” feature – 1. Ryan; 2. Fitzpatrick; 3. Johnson; 4. Garland; 5. Wagner; 6. Neels; 7. Bruening; 8. DeFrance; 9. Beuseling.Hard charger was Cothron. Point provisionals – Bruening, DeFrance and Wagner.
Press Association United boss Van Gaal is still without a win after three Premier League matches following Saturday’s uninspiring 0-0 draw at Burnley. Van Gaal’s misery was compounded by a calf injury to Angel di Maria, although the United manager stressed the British record signing’s problem was not serious after the final whistle. “I think that in the first half we did the same thing as Burnley, we fought,” he said. “You have to play the ball against teams like Burnley, we did that better in the second half and created chances. “But you have to score from those chances, and we didn’t do that. It’s a disappointing result.” Van Persie, who lacked energy, communicated poorly with Wayne Rooney throughout. Van Gaal is sure his compatriot will soon be back to his best though. “He played 60 minutes in his first game back, and 70 today, so I think it’s a case of building up his game time,” Van Gaal said. “That’s also frustrating, but that’s part of football, because of the World Cup. It’s a pity, but we have to do it because otherwise he wouldn’t be fit.” One crumb of comfort for Van Gaal is that Di Maria’s injury, which he suffered after a kick on the calf by Danny Ings, is not serious. “It was a precaution,” Van Gaal said when asked why he substituted the £59.7million man. “Today, we didn’t see the world-class player from Madrid, but you can’t expect that yet. “He has to adapt to the English culture and way of playing, but also to his fellow players. That needs time.” After losing his first two matches to Chelsea and Swansea, Burnley boss Sean Dyche was pleased to see his side get their first point on the board. ”I thought we were very productive first half, extremely productive against a very good side. Second half we started very brightly and as the game wore on they began to control it better and we just got on the back foot a little bit,’ he said. ”Overall we are happy with a point, we can’t be greedy, they’re a very good side. ”I don’t think there’s a lack or organisation or energy to the team, it’s that quality in the final third that wins you games and we were close again today.” Despite the odd flash of invention from Di Maria, United looked flat all afternoon against the Premier League newcomers, whose wealth and trophy collection are far inferior to the 20-time English champions. “When you have two points (out of) nine that is not good enough and that is disappointing,” said Van Gaal, who also saw his team lose 4-0 to MK Dons on Tuesday in the Capital One Cup. ”The progress is there, but you have to win, a club like Manchester United have to win.” Robin van Persie had a shot cleared off the line in the second half, but David de Gea was by far the busier of the two goalkeepers at Turf Moor. The United goalkeeper was called into action on two occasions after woeful errors from Jonny Evans and Antonio Valencia and David Jones also rattled the crossbar for the hosts in the third minute. Coming four days after the humiliating result at League One opposition, Van Gaal was in a glum mood post-match at Turf Moor. “At the moment it’s certainly not a world-class team, but we have to wait, and have belief that it will come,” Van Gaal added. Much has been made of United’s defensive deficiencies over the past three weeks, but Van Gaal was unhappy with his strikers on Saturday. Louis van Gaal admits his winless Manchester United side have made a completely unacceptable start to the season. 