Neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental roles for bulk lipid transporters and in movement disorders.

Background: Bridge-like lipid transfer proteins (BLTPs) mediate bulk lipid transport at membrane contact sites. Mutations in BLTPs are linked to both early-onset neurodevelopmental and later-onset neurodegenerative diseases, including movement disorders. The tissue specificity and temporal requirements of BLTPs in disease pathogenesis remain poorly understood.

Metal-Free C-X Functionalization in Solid-State via Photochemistry in Ball Mills.

We report the first metal- and catalyst-free protocol for the facile cross-coupling of aryl halides towards C-B, C-P and C-S bonds under solid-state ball milling conditions via UV light irradiation. The reactions can be performed in the absence of bulk solvents at room temperature in a mixer mill, yielding up to 99 % and being tolerant towards various functionalized aryl halides (X=I or Br). Furthermore, we developed a novel photoreactor design increasing the light intensity.

Butyrate-producing bacteria as probiotic supplement: beneficial effects on metabolism and modulation of behaviour in an obesity mouse model.

Obesity is a risk factor for cardio-metabolic and neurological disease. The contribution of gut microbiota to derangements of the gut-brain axis in the context of obesity has been acknowledged, particularly through physiology modulation by short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Thus, probiotic interventions and administration of SCFAs have been employed with the purpose of alleviating symptoms in both metabolic and neurological disease.

Frequent Dietary Multi-Mycotoxin Exposure in UK Children and Its Association with Dietary Intake.

Mycotoxins are potent fungal toxins that frequently contaminate agricultural crops and foods. Mycotoxin exposure is frequently reported in humans, and children are known to be particularly at risk of exceeding safe levels of exposure. Urinary biomonitoring is used to assess overall dietary exposure to multiple mycotoxins.