Genetic modifications of Mecr reveal a role for mitochondrial 2-enoyl-CoA/ACP reductase in placental development in mice.

Mitochondrial fatty acid synthesis (mtFAS) is an underappreciated but highly conserved metabolic process, indispensable for mitochondrial respiration. It was recently reported that dysfunction of mtFAS causes childhood onset of dystonia and optic atrophy in humans (MEPAN). To study the role of mtFAS in mammals, we generated three different mouse lines with modifications of the Mecr gene, encoding mitochondrial enoyl-CoA/ACP reductase (Mecr).

Dual use of cigarettes and Swedish snuff (snus) among young adults in Northern Finland.

Background: The sale of smokeless tobacco has been totally banned in Finland since the country joined the European Union in 1995. Adolescents have continued to use smokeless tobacco even after the sales ban. The objective was to describe dual use of Swedish snuff (snus) and cigarettes in young adults living in Northern Finland.