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VFS Partners with Blackbird Interactive, East Side Games, and Timbre Games for $200,000 Indigenous Scholarship in Video Games Fund

Vancouver Film School

Announcement Highlights: The fund features three full-tuition scholarships for VFS’s Game Design program and one full-tuition scholarship for VFS’s 3D Animation & Visual Effects program. The total fund is valued at over US$200,000. Scholarship winners will be selected by Blackbird Interactive, East Side Games, and Timbre Games. Winners will also receive monthly mentorship from VFS instructors and design professionals from either Blackbird Interactive, East Side Games, or Timbre Games, as well as a four to six-month paid design contract at their respective game studio upon graduation. Submission process is currently open and closes on June 8, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. PDT. (Vancouver, BC) May 9, 2022 - Vancouver Film School (VFS), in partnership with Blackbird Interactive, East Side Games, and Timbre Games Studio is pleased to present the 2022 Indigenous Scholarship in Video Games, including mentorship and a paid internship. The scholarship fund, valued at over US$200,000, is open to applicants 18 years of age and older who identify as First Nations (status or non-status), Inuit, or Métis, and who are looking to enter the game industry as developers. The deadline to apply is June 8, and winners will be announced on National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21. The Indigenous Scholarship in Video Games is a collaborative initiative between VFS and Vancouver-based game studios Blackbird Interactive ( Homeworld 3, Hardspace: Shipbreaker ), East Side Games ( The Office: Somehow We Manage, RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, Trailer Park Boys: Greasy Money ), and Timbre Games Studio (part of The Sumo Group). Three full-tuition scholarships for VFS’s Game Design program and one full-tuition scholarship for the 3D Animation & Visual Effects program will be awarded and may be applied to either the October 24, 2022, or January 3, 2023 intakes. Winners will be selected directly by top-tier AAA studios Blackbird Interactive, East Side Games, and Timbre Games, the latter of which will also select the winner who will enrol in the 3D Animation & Visual Effects program. Additionally, all winners will receive private mentorship by design professionals from Blackbird Interactive, East Side Games or Timbre Games, as well as by their instructors at VFS. Upon graduation, these winners will also receive a paid four to six-month work contract at their respective studio. Finally, each of the winners will be provided with a laptop for use during the program and to keep. The winner chosen by Blackbird Interactive will also receive a $5,000 housing stipend while studying at VFS. "Blackbird Interactive (BBI) is honoured to be collaborating with local gaming studios and VFS on the Indigenous Scholarship in Video Games. We are working to create impactful opportunities that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students can explore, fulfilling their creative technology aspirations in meaningful ways. An education from VFS helps open the door to careers in film, games, 3D animation, and VR/AR design, among other fields. We believe that actions speak louder than words and that young people are the future. There is a lot more that needs to be done, but this is a small and important step for just one of our many local industries.” -Rob Cunningham – CEO & Co-Founder, Blackbird Interactive "Communities thrive on diversity. Whether we’re talking about games, entertainment, or film, we need to ensure we’re including voices and perspectives representative of the community around us. The Indigenous Scholarship in Video Games through Vancouver Film School can do just that. As a member of the Métis community, it is an honour to be able to support a program taking a step in the right direction towards a more inclusive creative landscape. While there's much work to be done, this is a good start." -Josh Nilson – Co-Founder, Studio Head and General Manager, East Side Games “At Timbre Games, our mission is driven by the idea that ‘culture drives creative’. The opportunity to support and collaborate with VFS, Blackbird Interactive and East Side Games on the Indigenous Scholarship in Video Games is a small first step to removing systemic barriers in entering the game industry for the Métis, Inuit, and First Nations people. All of us at Timbre are thrilled to be a small part of creating space in the games industry for these communities. I believe these students will play a significant role in the world of interactive entertainment in the years to come and we are grateful to have the opportunity to support their careers along the way. There is more hard work to be done in this space and Timbre is committed to listening and learning as we embark on our own journey.” -Joe Nickolls – President and Co-Founder, Timbre Games “It is a pleasure for VFS to be joining forces with three outstanding Vancouver studios to offer the 2022 Indigenous Scholarship in Video Games. This scholarship aims to foster more diversity and more inclusion in the game industry with the aim to have more Indigenous developers actively designing the next generation of games. At VFS, we are proud of the many Indigenous graduates from our programs who now have successful careers both in Vancouver and globally, and this scholarship is Vancouver Film School’s privilege and opportunity to play a role in emerging Indigenous developers building their creative careers.” -Christopher Mitchell – Head of Game Design and Programming for Games, Web & Mobile, VFS Vancouver Film School is committed to fostering and growing Indigenous representation in the video game industry. Indigenous artists, performers, and storytellers are a foundational thread in the fabric of the Canadian narrative, continuing to grow stronger as key voices within our country’s multidimensional creative landscape. For more information about the 2022 Indigenous Scholarship in Video Games, or to apply, visit https://vfs.edu/scholarships/indigenous-scholarship-2022. About Vancouver Film School In 1987, Vancouver Film School introduced the world’s first true immersion film program. Today, VFS is Canada’s premier post-secondary entertainment arts institution, offering an immersive curriculum in film, animation, design, and beyond. VFS is known for providing high-quality education in accelerated time frames and offers 15 industry-integrated programs in which students graduate in 12 months as an in-demand, industry-ready creative professional. VFS alumni are consistently credited on the highest grossing films, television shows, and games worldwide, in a global industry set to generate US$2.1 trillion in revenue in 2022. VFS Media Contact: Evan Biswanger Creative Director & Head of Marketing Vancouver Film School Follow VFS on Social Media: www.VFS.edu YouTube: www.youtube.com/VancouverFilmSchool Facebook: www.facebook.com/vancouverfilmschool Twitter: www.twitter.com/VFS Instagram: www.instagram.com/vancouverfilmschool Contact Details ebiswanger@vfs.com ebiswanger@vfs.com Company Website https://vfs.edu/

May 10, 2022 03:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Dartmouth Innovation & Technology Festival Celebrates Completion of Dartmouth’s West End District Focused on Solving the World’s “Wicked Problems”

Dartmouth

With $500 Million in capital and programming investments, expanded district combines Dartmouth’s liberal arts focus with entrepreneurial spirit, technological and scientific expertise to create future leaders; Festival program will include a range of speakers and topics focused on creating a sustainable, equitable future Former Dartmouth president, John Sloan Dickey, famously implored students to apply their education for the benefit of humankind—because “there is nothing wrong with the world that better human beings cannot fix.” That’s the spirit behind the recently completed West End District at Dartmouth, which will be celebrated at the Dartmouth Innovation & Technology Festival, May 12-14, 2022. The festival will gather leading alumni, global technology experts, public policy leaders, faculty, and students for provocative discussions about innovation, collaboration, and the art of the possible. Dartmouth President Philip J. Hanlon said of the West End District, “Solving society’s greatest challenges requires that students, faculty, and staff have the necessary cutting-edge infrastructure to do their best work." Dartmouth’s West End began with the idea that organizing scholarship by research areas, rather than by departments, works better to break down the silos that have kept scientists, business leaders, and innovators looking at complex problems only from within their own disciplines. Interdisciplinary, inter-school, and intergenerational collaboration will prepare future leaders to tackle the world’s most wicked issues. The West End District includes the Tuck School of Business, Thayer School of Engineering, and two new state-of-the-art buildings, the Arthur L. Irving Institute for Energy and Society and the Class of 1982 Engineering and Computer Science Center, which houses the Department of Computer Science, Magnuson Center for Entrepreneurship, and the Digital Applied Learning and Innovation Lab. Key Points The West End District changes the way teaching and learning happens. It allows faculty and students to think systemically and holistically about society’s challenges—and is where big ideas become bold realities at the intersections of science, technology, business, and the liberal arts. The West End was a top priority of Dartmouth’s The Call to Lead campaign and is the largest building project in Dartmouth’s 253-year history. The Dartmouth Innovation & Technology Festival will feature a range of events, including: The presentation of the first annual McGuire Family Prize for Societal Impact, awarded to Jason McLellan, a structural biologist whose groundbreaking coronavirus research conducted at the Geisel School of Medicine laid the foundation for COVID-19 vaccines that have saved countless lives. Keynote and panel conversations about a range of topics, including sustainability, whether crypto currency can deliver long-term value, women’s health, artificial intelligence, transportation, and increasing diversity in STEM. Interactive experiences in makerspaces led by faculty and Dartmouth students. About Dartmouth Founded in 1769, Dartmouth is a member of the Ivy League and consistently ranks among the world’s greatest academic institutions. Dartmouth has forged a singular identity for combining its deep commitment to outstanding undergraduate liberal arts and graduate education with distinguished research and scholarship in the Arts and Sciences and its four leading graduate schools—the Geisel School of Medicine, the Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business. Contact Details Racepoint Global Madison Everts dartmouth@racepointglobal.com

May 10, 2022 01:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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100 Teachers to Win Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises in Celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week

YourUpdateTV

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 – 6) Norwegian Cruise Line is relaunching its award-winning Norwegian’s Giving Joy TM contest, rewarding 100 teachers across the U.S. with a sailing aboard its newest groundbreaking ship, Norwegian Prima. In addition, the top three grand prize winners will receive a seven-day cruise for two and up to a $25,000 donation for their school. Recently, Senior Vice President of Branding and Communications at Norwegian Cruise Line, Christine Da Silva, participated in a nationwide satellite media tour to discuss the initiative and why it’s so important to recognize the work of our teachers. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/4ldobDA3veo Norwegian’s Giving Joy TM campaign serves to recognize and celebrate educators for their relentless dedication to inspiring students every day, and unwavering commitment to bringing joy to the classroom. In addition to honoring these often-under-valued teachers, this campaign highlights the intersection of travel and education, two areas that Norwegian Cruise Line is extremely passionate about. Travel is one of the most immersive means of education. It broadens our perspective, encourages us to discover, adapt and accept new cultures and experiences. The month-long campaign is now live and runs through June 3, 2022. Norwegian Cruise Line is encouraging nominations of certified or accredited teachers in the U.S. and Canada who strive to bring joy into their classrooms and inspire their student’s day-in and day-out. The top 100 teachers across North America will win an exclusive invitation to the inaugural sailing of NCL’s newest innovative ship, Norwegian Prima, from Galveston, TX from Oct. 27-31, 2022. The top three winners will also receive a seven-day cruise for two on voyages departing from the U.S. and Canada through Dec. 31, 2023, as well as $25,000, $15,000 or $10,000 respectively for their school. To nominate a beloved teacher, to vote and for the contest terms and conditions, please visit www.nclgivingjoy.com. About Christine Da Silva: Christine Da Silva is the Senior Vice President of Branding and Communications for Norwegian Cruise Line, responsible for the development and execution of the brand’s global branding strategy as well as its external and internal communications and events. Overseeing branding and communication, she leads the development of the brand narrative; is responsible for reputation, crisis and issue management; and has been instrumental in the launch of engagement initiatives including the game-changing Norwegian’s Giving Joy TM and Encore Moments campaigns as well as the debut of the Company’s latest vessels. Da Silva has over 25 years of experience guiding brands and businesses in delivering authentic and impactful messages through integrated communication and marketing strategies that drive growth, sales and awareness. She is based in the Company’s head office in Miami, Florida. About Norwegian Cruise Line: As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 55 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionized the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 17 contemporary ships sail to over 300 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo traveler staterooms, club balcony suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 05, 2022 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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ThreatModeler Recognized as Silver Stevie® Award Winner for Best Cloud Platform by the 2022 American Business Awards®

ThreatModeler Software, Inc

ThreatModeler, a leader in securing cloud infrastructure from design to deployment, today announced that CloudModeler has earned a Silver Stevie® Award for Best Cloud Platform as part of the 20th Annual American Business Awards®. Optimizing ThreatModeler’s automated capabilities, CloudModeler enables organizations to implement true DevSecOps, providing actionable insights through continuous monitoring and empowering teams to discover unknown flaws in real-time. Designed with cloud migration in mind, CloudModeler enables DevOps teams to detect security flaws before they become code vulnerabilities, enabling instant remediation, mitigating risk and ensuring compliance post-deployment. “ThreatModeler is dedicated to creating a collaborative platform where security experts or non-security professionals alike can visualize design flaws within a few hours or minutes instead of weeks,” said Archie Agarwal, Founder and CEO, ThreatModeler. “This award highlights the value we have been able to deliver with CloudModeler, enabling enterprises to develop and deploy cloud architectures quickly, confidently and compliantly.” The American Business Awards are the U.S.A.’s premier business awards program. All organizations operating in the U.S.A. are eligible to submit nominations – large and small. More than 230 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this year’s American Business Awards® winners. ThreatModeler’s distinction as a best cloud platform was clear to the ABA judges, who provided the following comments as part of their assessment of the CloudModeler solution: “A product designed with the specific pain point or niche market needs in mind, and solutioning implemented in a way that is easy to use, light to implement and maintain, brings efficiency and cuts cost from day one! ThreatModeler fits every category of this type of product. With the cloud being the top platform and destination for services and cybersecurity being the top priority and concerns of almost all businesses with a presence in cloud, threat modeling is a crucial part of the development cycle that ensures the product is secure and robust enough to protect both the business and the customers. I am impressed by the result metrics and statistics provided in the submission demonstrating how ThreadModeler has helped shorten the whole development efforts, cut costs, and avoid cyber risk and threats for its customers.” “[This submission] clearly demonstrates the success and growth of the company. ThreatModeler’s suite of products empowers DevOps to measure, design and validate threat drift from development to deployment within a fraction of the time and cost tied to other tools. Optimizing ThreatModeler’s automated capabilities, CloudModeler enables organizations to implement true DevSecOps, providing actionable insights through continuous monitoring, empowering teams to discover unknown flaws in real-time.” To learn more about ThreatModeler, CloudModeler and more, click here. Details on The American Business Awards and the list of Stevie winners are available here. About ThreatModeler Software, Inc. ThreatModeler Software, Inc.’s suite of products empowers DevOps to measure their threat drift from code to cloud. With a fraction of the time and cost tied to other tools, users can design, build and validate threat drift from development to deployment. Teams can instantly visualize their attack surface, understand security requirements and prioritize steps to mitigate threats. CISOs can make critical security-driven business decisions to scale their infrastructure for growth. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. Contact Details Clayton Murtle ThreatModeler@luminapr.com

May 05, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Volatus Aerospace Expands Pipeline Inspection with Acquisition of Canadian Air National

Volatus Aerospace Corp.

Volatus Aerospace Corp. (TSXV: VOL) (OTCQB: VLTTF) ("Volatus" or "the Company") is pleased to announce the acquisition of Canadian Air National, a commercial aircraft operator specializing in contracted pipeline inspections for the oil and gas industry. Seth Moffat, President and CEO of Canadian Air National, will continue to lead the company. "The oil and gas sector has enormous growth potential as drone and AI-enhanced solutions are added to the mix of traditional crewed aircraft providing aerial patrol and inspections," says Luc Masse, Volatus Executive Vice President. "We are looking forward to supporting Seth and his team. They are a welcome addition to Volatus. Seth is a well-respected aviation professional who pilots for a major national airline in addition to being Vice Chair of the Flight Operations Specialist Group with the Royal Aeronautical Society." Seth Moffat stated: “I am exceptionally proud of the quality air operator that Canadian Air National has become, and recognize Volatus Aerospace as the right opportunity for future growth, development and technological advancement. The strength that Volatus brings to the company will significantly benefit our clients moving forward and ensure Canadian Air National remains part of the Canadian aviation landscape for years to come.” Canadian Air National is organized to conduct airborne inspections and patrols in Canada and the USA. Volatus intends to use this new capability to supplement and expand larger drone project opportunities. Wherever possible, Volatus will dronify operations to improve efficiencies. About Volatus Aerospace: Volatus Aerospace Corp. is a leading provider of integrated drone solutions throughout Canada, the United States, and Latin America. Operating a vast pilot network, Volatus serves commercial and defense markets with imaging and inspection, security and surveillance, equipment sales and support, training, and design, manufacturing, and R&D. Through its subsidiary Volatus Aviation, Volatus carries on the business of aircraft management, charter sales, and cargo services using piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous aircraft. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Corporation with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes” or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or statements formed in the future tense or indicating that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” (or other variations of the foregoing) be taken, occur, be achieved, or come to pass. Forward-looking information includes information regarding (i) the business plans and expectations of the Corporation; and (ii) expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is based on currently available competitive, financial and economic data and operating plans, strategies or beliefs as of the date of this news release, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Corporation to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors may be based on information currently available to the Corporation, including information obtained from third-party industry analysts and other third-party sources, and are based on management’s current expectations or beliefs. Any and all forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Forward-looking information reflects the Corporation’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to it and on assumptions it believes to be not unreasonable in light of all of the circumstances. In some instances, material factors or assumptions are discussed in this news release in connection with statements containing forward-looking information. Such material factors and assumptions include, but are not limited to: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Corporation; meeting the continued listing requirements of the TSXV; and anticipated and unanticipated costs and other factors referenced in this news release and the Circular, including, but not limited to, those set forth in the Circular under the caption “Risk Factors”. Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release and, other than as required by law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Source: Volatus Aerospace Corp. TSXV: VOL Contact Details Rob Walker +1 514-447-7986 rob.walker@volatusaerospace.com Company Website https://volatusaerospace.com

May 04, 2022 07:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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The Alliance for Education Releases Annual Report Demonstrating Support for Seattle Students

Alliance for Education

The Alliance for Education (the Alliance), Seattle’s only local education fund, released their 2021 annual report today. The report highlights the success of Alliance programs that support students, families, and teachers across all 106 Seattle public schools. According to the annual report, one program in particular, the Right Now Needs Fund, fulfilled 12,617 individual requests for support for students and families at Seattle Public Schools in the past year. The Right Now Needs Fund works directly at the school level to provide funding for clothing, food, health, internet, and housing costs for students and families across Seattle Public Schools, allowing students to focus on learning by supporting their success within and beyond the classroom. According to the report, of the requests fulfilled from September 2020 to August 2021, 56 percent provided food, 31 percent went toward shelter for students and families, six percent provided school supplies, six percent for clothing, and one percent funded internet costs. Since its launch in 2018 with a generous donation from Amazon, the Right Now Needs Fund has reported more than 35,000 individual instances of support for students and families across all 106 schools. “Our students succeed when they have access to an education system that equitably supports every student in Seattle’s diverse community. As an independent, local education fund, we act quickly to convene community partners to address these challenges by developing, investing, and partnering in programs and pathways that increase equity for Seattle students. We rely on the generous donations of our community to design, implement, and fund the programs and pathways that make Seattle Public Schools an equitable school system where our students thrive,” said Lisa Chick, CEO of the Alliance for Education. In addition to the Right Now Needs Fund, the Alliance raises funds and develops programs that address existing inequities preventing students from receiving the education they deserve. The 2021 annual report demonstrates the impact of its fundraising for the following programs that support Seattle teachers, students, and their families. The Seattle Teacher Residency program was developed in partnership with the University of Washington, Seattle Education Association, and Seattle Public Schools to train educators to teach in culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The program places diverse cohorts of highly-qualified teachers in Title I schools which are most impacted by poverty. Currently, 155 Seattle Teacher Residency graduates teach in Seattle Public Schools. The Education Equity Fund was created by the Alliance to serve Seattle students, families, and teachers during times of crisis. During the pandemic, the fund provided 10,000 laptops, 24/7 tech support, teacher training for remote learning, 25,000 meals for students, and more. The Alliance supported the creation of the Office of African American Male Achievement at Seattle Public Schools by raising $2.5 million to fuel its first three years of work. The Office of African American Male Achievement is the first of its kind in Washington, creating a framework that aligns strategy and practices across the district to ensure Seattle Public Schools has the culture, conditions, staff competencies, and community connections in place for all Black boys and teens to excel in their education. Together these programs offer necessary support to help Seattle students receive an excellent and equitable education to reach their fullest potential. Learn more about the Alliance’s philanthropic partnerships and programming impacts in the recently released annual report. ### The Alliance for Education works in close partnership with Seattle Public Schools and other community partners to convene stakeholders, create programs and raise funds designed to advance educational justice and racial equity in Seattle’s public school system. To learn more about the Alliance for Education, visit www.alliance4ed.org. Contact Details Elle Carlos +1 951-217-5380 ecarlos@wearerally.com Company Website https://www.alliance4ed.org/

May 03, 2022 08:03 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Hong Kong Baptist University joint research reveals that gut microbial enzymes reactivate triclosan which induces colitis

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 3 May 2022 - A Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) collaborative research study has revealed that certain gut microbial enzymes mediate the reactivation of triclosan (TCS) from its inactive glucuronide metabolite. TCS is an antimicrobial agent commonly used in a wide range of consumer products, and it is associated with the development of colitis. Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, points out that according to the research results specific gut microbial enzymes drive the conversion of TCS metabolites to TCS which increases the chance of developing colitis. The research results have been published in Nature Communications, an international scientific journal. Mechanism of TCS exposure leading to colitis previously unclear TCS is widely used as an antimicrobial agent in consumer products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitisers, cosmetics and toys. It is a major environmental contaminant, and it has been shown that TCS exposure increases the risk of colitis. Once TCS enters the human body, it is rapidly metabolised to form the biologically inactivemetabolite TCS-glucuronide (TCS-G), which is easily eliminated from the body. Due to this characteristic, the mechanism of how environmental exposure to TCS leads to gut toxicity in the human body has previously remained unclear. To answer this question, a research team co-led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU; Professor Matthew R Redinbo from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Professor Zhang Guodong from the University of Massachusetts Amherst conducted a research study based on the hypothesis that certain gut microbial enzymes act on TCS-G in the gut, leading to the reactivation of TCS and the subsequent development of colitis. TCS concentration uniquely high in the gut To begin with, the research team sought to determine whether the gut has a different TCS metabolic profile compared to other body tissues. A group of mice were fed food that contained TCS. After four weeks, it was found that the biologically inactive TCS-G was dominant in their liver, bile, heart and small intestine, while the colitis-inducing TCS was dominant in the gut (cecum and colon). The results showed that the gut has a uniquely high concentration of TCS compared to other body tissues. The research team then analysed the relationship between TCS-containing products and the concentration of TCS in the human body. In a group of human subjects who used TCS-containing personal care products for four months, both TCS and TCS-G were detected in their stool and urine samples, with TCS being dominant in stool and TCS-G being dominant in urine. However, TCS and TCS-G were not detected in the control group who used TCS-free personal care products. The results showed that the use of TCS-containing products leads to a high level of TCS, specifically in the human gut. Gut microbiota significant in TCS-G conversion The question remains why the human gut has a uniquely high TCS concentration. To answer this, the research team put forth the hypothesis that gut microbiota participate in the conversion of TCS-G to TCS, leading to the accumulation of TCS in the gut. To test this hypothesis, the researchers observed that in an in vitro setting, cultured gut bacteria from both mice and humans were able to catalyse the conversion of TCS-G to TCS. To investigate whether the same phenomenon appears in an in vivo setting, the research team found that the inhibition of gut bacteria from mice by applying an antibiotic treatment almost reduced the concentration of TCS in their guts by half, and it increased the concentration of TCS-G by six-fold. The results affirmed that gut microbiota play a significant role in the conversion of TCS-G to TCS in the gut. Specific enzymes catalyse TCS-G conversion To investigate the mechanism by which gut microbiota catalyse TCS-G conversion, the research team focused on the intestinal β - glucuronidase (GUS) enzymes produced by gut bacteria in both mice and humans, because they have been shown to catalyse a wide range of metabolite conversions. Using a series of screening techniques, two types of GUS, namely “Loop 1” and “flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-binding” GUSs, were found to be most effective at converting TCS-G to TCS in vitro. The research team then applied a GUS inhibitor, a drug that inhibits the function of Loop 1 and FMN-binding GUSs, to TCS-exposed and TCS-free mice. It was found that the GUS inhibitor could curb the conversion of TCS-G to TCS by the GUS enzymes. Colitis in TCS-exposed mice was also relieved after the application of the GUS inhibitor. The results support the notion that specific microbial GUS enzymes drive the conversion of TCS-G to TCS, and as a result, the chance of developing colitis is increased. More stringent TCS controls needed Professor Cai said: “Our research results clearly defined the mechanism by which gut microbiota are involved in the metabolism and toxicology of TCS, and the study offers a way to prevent the development of colitis following environmental exposure to chemicals. “Regulatory bodies should consider imposing more stringent controls on the use of TCS. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the marketing of TCS in over-the-counter antiseptic products in 2016, the chemical remains approved for use in a wide range of products. Transparency on TCS ingredients in product labelling and illustrations should also be improved so that consumers can be aware of the potential risks and make informed choices.” #HongKongBaptistUniversity #HKBU Contact Details Winnie Shum of the Communication and Public Relations Office +852 3411 5262 hkbunews@hkbu.edu.hk Company Website https://www.hkbu.edu.hk/

May 03, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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UNO Pizzeria & Grill Honors Teachers with Free Pizza

UNO Pizzeria & Grill

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Uno Pizzeria and Grill is giving away a free pizza to teachers. In an effort to recognize the contributions of teachers over the last two years and all of their work in general, the historic pizza restaurant has decided to give a free individual deep dish or thin crust pizza to any teacher who comes in with a valid school or teacher ID. “We all appreciate the effort and dedication that teachers provide for our children. It’s great to be able to do something that shows our gratitude in a meaningful and widespread way. Everybody loves pizza and we love our teachers, so by offering them a free pizza, we can give them a small token of that appreciation” stated CEO Erik Frederick. The promotion with run from May 2 -May 4 and is valid for dine-in only. Available at participating locations. Present valid teacher id to redeem offer. About UNO Pizzeria & Grill Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Uno Restaurant Holdings Corporation includes approximately 80 company-owned and franchised UNO Pizzeria & Grill restaurants located in 18 states, and the District of Columbia, India, and Saudi Arabia. UNO is all about connecting people over pizza – from its famous Chicago Deep Dish, which UNO invented in 1943, to its Chicago Thin Crust, to its gluten-free and vegan pizzas. The Company also operates Uno Foods, a consumer packaged-foods business which supplies supermarkets, airlines, movie theaters, hotels, airports, travel plazas, and schools, with both frozen and refrigerated private-label foods and UNO branded products. For more information, visit www.unos.com. Contact Details Chris Dellamarggio cdellamarggio@unos.com Company Website https://www.unos.com/

May 02, 2022 01:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Youth Nicotine Vaping is a Mental Health Crisis

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/PzinsT6mmYA Two health crises among youth — a mental health crisis and a vaping epidemic — pose increasing threats to a generation of young people. A recently published study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) shows that youth depression and anxiety doubled during the pandemic, compared to pre-pandemic estimates. Meanwhile, youth vaping remains at epidemic levels with nearly 20% of high schoolers vaping nicotine, with nearly 40% of those who use e-cigarettes, doing so on a regular basis. Truth Initiative ®, the organization behind the highly effective truth ® youth smoking, vaping and nicotine public education campaign organized a Moment of Action for Mental Health as part of its latest Breath of Stress Air effort to bust the fantasy that vaping nicotine is a stress reliever. The Moment of Action for Mental Health comes on the heels of Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issuing an advisory on the state of mental health among young people as an “urgent public health crisis,” and coincides with the on-going youth e-cigarette epidemic. According to the latest December 2021 Monitoring the Future Survey (MTF) report, nearly 20% of high school seniors used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. A Truth Initiative survey found that 93% of e-cigarette users reported that vaping negatively affected their lives because it made them feel more stressed, depressed, or anxious, while 90% of those who quit said they felt less stressed, anxious, or depressed. Young people nationwide can text “ ACTION ” to 88709 to participate and join in the movement. Those looking to get help quitting e-cigarettes can get free and anonymous help from This is Quitting from truth. It is a free and anonymous, text-message based quit vaping program designed for young people. Teens and young adults can join for free by texting “ DITCHVAPE ” to 88709. Learn more about Truth Initiative, the Moment of Action for Mental Health and see get resources by visiting truthinitiative.org. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 02, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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