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Motor Vehicle Crashes with Large Trucks Present Unique Legal Challenges

Justinian & Associates

New research from the U.S. Department of Transportation reinforces the fact that most injuries and deaths in commercial truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. Add to that the fact that urban and suburban roadways are increasingly becoming the place where major commercial truck accident injuries and deaths occur — according to the U.S. Department of Transportation data, 51% of deaths in large truck crashes occurred on major roads other than interstates and freeways. This trend highlights the challenges drivers face in negotiating what to do after an accident with a commercial truck. “There are many differences between a car accident and a commercial vehicle accident,” said Kevin Johnson, associate attorney at Austin, Texas-based personal injury firm Justinian & Associates and an expert in truck accident law. “For one, are you're dealing with a much bigger vehicle. And, you're dealing potentially with multiple entities that are responsible for that vehicle, as well as a driver that has professional driving rules that he should be following. These differences can make resolving a commercial truck accident much more complex and time-consuming.” Johnson has six primary tips for drivers who have been in an accident with a commercial truck. The first tip is to call the police immediately after the accident occurs. “The police are going to make sure that the proper entities in the crash are established,” said Johnson. “They're going to file a report and they're going to get the names of the company and the driver so that you can and have that information for later.” The second tip is to take photos of the scene while everything is still fresh, and while both vehicles are where they were after the crash. “These photos will be admissible evidence in court,” said Johnson. “If you don’t have photos and the other vehicle gets repaired right away, you could be in a tough spot regarding possible claims.” The third tip is to get the trucking company’s name, as well as the driver’s information, including address, phone number, email address, insurance company name, and policy number. “Many times when you're dealing with a commercial vehicle, there could be different entities,” said Johnson. “For example, the truck and the trailer could be owned by two different parties. The driver could be an independent contractor. So it's very important to get as much information as you can to lessen the chance of getting the runaround later on.” The fourth tip is to get the names and contact information of any witnesses. “This is someone who could possibly be on your side and vouch for you later in court, so it’s important to get this information at the scene,” said Johnson. The fifth tip is to get a medical evaluation. “Even if you don’t think you were hurt, go and get checked out,” said Johnson. “Some injuries can take weeks to manifest themselves, so having a documented visit to a doctor right after the accident will help protect your right to seek a claim later.” The sixth tip is to avoid posting about the accident on social media. “Don’t post pictures of the crash or even things like ‘I was just in a crash, but I’m OK,’” said Johnson. “Anything you post on social media becomes public, and this can be used later in court to counter a claim or statement.” As the trend in commercial truck accidents continues to grow, it’s important that drivers know the differences between navigating a car-to-car accident and a car-truck accident. “When you’re dealing with a commercial vehicle, there’s a whole different claims process that takes place,” said Johnson. “It’s important that people know the differences and know what steps to take.” Listen to a podcast interview with Kevin Johnson on six things to do after a commercial truck accident. Justinian & Associates is an Austin personal injury law firm with offices in Round Rock and San Antonio, Texas. www.justinian.com -###- Contact Details Bill Threlkeld bill@threlkeldcomm.com Company Website https://www.justinian.com

June 02, 2022 09:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Panasonic Connect Introduces New Offerings to Enhance Engagement and Collaboration in Higher Education and Corporate Environments

Panasonic Professional Imaging & Visual Systems

Panasonic Connect North America, today announced several collaboration-focused solutions to its professional audiovisual (AV) portfolio to create interactive experiences for students, educators and professionals across in-person and remote environments. The new audio and display solyutions join Panasonic's holistic ecostystem of professional AV technology on display at InfoComm in booth #N1629, aimed at improving work and leanring experiences. “Flexible technology that creates opportunities for workers, educators and students to engage more seamlessly and create deeper connections is no longer a nice to have, but a necessity across corporate environments and college and university venues,” said John Kaloukian, Director of Solutions and Services at Panasonic Connect. “We continue to prioritize the needs of customers with the development of a portfolio of audiovisual solutions aimed at increasing knowledge sharing and collaboration to drive meaningful experiences no matter where that communication is happening.” More about Panasonic Connect's New Tools for Work and Learning Environments Next Generation Audio Technology: Audio solutions that can adjust to any size meeting space, classroom, lecture hall or auditorium to ensure sound is clear for effective communication in-person or remote is critical. Panasonic Connect’s new microphone and receiver additions to Panasonic’s 1.9 GHz digital wireless microphone system provide durable technology that delivers crisp audio and a variety of connectivity options for added flexibility: WX-SR202DN 2-channel Dante ® [1] and WX-SR204DN 4-channel Dante ® Digital Wireless Microphone Receivers: Building on Panasonic’s digital wireless microphone ecosystem, two Dante-enabled additions are added to its wireless microphone receiver line up. The WX-SR202DN 2-channel Dante digital wireless microphone receiver supports two wireless microphone channels and the WX-SR204DN 4-channel Dante digital wireless microphone receiver supports up to four wireless microphone channels. Both solutions feature Dante primary and secondary outputs, support AES67 mode over Dante, connections for up to eight external adjustable-range antennas (WX-SA250) and an Ethernet network connection for wired integration with third party control systems. WX-SE200DN Dante ® Expansion Receiver: The new WX-SE200DN Dante® Expansion Receiver allows for up to four additional wireless microphone channels to an existing Panasonic WX-SR204DN Dante-enabled 4-channel system without the need to add another antenna in the room. WX-ST700 DECT Wireless Boundary Microphone: This new addition to the portfolio expands the range of applications to corporate meeting spaces such as boardrooms, conference rooms or even smaller huddle spaces. The WX-ST700 has two modes of operation that are selectable on the device – Always ON or Push-to-Talk, a 4-level LED indicator for volume and a 3.5mm audio input for transmission of external sound sources over Panasonic’s wireless microphone system. WX-ST600 DECT Wireless Desktop transmitter and WM-KG645 Gooseneck Microphone: As speaker locations can fluctuate based on the type of meeting, flexibility to place a microphone and base anywhere in the room is key. The new WX-ST600 wireless transmitter has a XLR3M connection designed for Panasonic’s new WM-KG645 18-inch gooseneck microphone. The base also has two modes of operation selectable on the device – Always ON or Push-to-Talk. The 18-inch gooseneck microphone securely inserts into the WX-ST600 thanks to the XLR3M Cannon connection and is optimized for speech with a cardioid condenser microphone that eliminates background noise. The Dante Digital Wireless Microphone Receivers will be available July 2022. The Boundary and Gooseneck Microphone portfolios will be available October 2022. 'PressIT360' 360 Degree Camera Speakerphone (TY-CSP1): As hybrid work and learning continues to grow, audio and visual technology must work together to ensure no matter where a user is, they can clearly see, hear and engage during a lesson or meeting. PressIT360 combines four integrated 360-degree cameras with a microphone and speaker and enables users of any technological background to engage with those in the room and joining remotely. While offices and classrooms can have challenging architectures and layouts, voice is recognized in a radius of more than 16 feet, meaning a presenter can move around the room while speaking. Its slim design also makes it easy to move around a classroom or conference space. PressIT360 captures the session with five different views that can be transmitted back to a PC using a single USB cable for quick plug-and-play set up. Shipments are scheduled to begin August 2022. EQ2U Series 4K LCD Professional Displays: Windows and natural lighting can often inhibit the ability to see clear visuals.The EQ2U Series 4K LCD Professional Displays’ 4K resolution with brightness of 500 cd/m2 ensures clear, crisp high-quality visibility due to an anti-glare panel to suppress bright light. This can make the difference between a visually appealing, impactful presentation versus a dimly lit, unreadable presentation. These displays integrate into a range of environments to meet an organization’s needs for in-room presentations and come equipped with three HDMI input terminals and a built-in USB pass through function to provide multiple options for display content. Functionality can be expanded through support of the Intel® SDM specification. There is also a built-in whiteboard function to annotate the display screen and zoom in/out using a mouse. The ability to position the display in portrait or landscape mode, with up to a 20-degree tilt angle and 18 hours continuous operation makes the EQ2U Series displays perfect for digital signage applications. The EQ2U Series offers six (6) screen sizes, in choices from 86/75/65/55/50/43-inches and shipments are scheduled to begin June 2022. PT-FRQ60 1-Chip DLP® 4K SOLID SHINE Laser Projector: Meeting the rising demand for ultra-fine detailed resolution, Panasonic has added Quad Pixel Drive to its proven 1-Chip DLP™ SOLID SHINE laser projection technology to create the 6,000lm PT-FRQ60U projector, producing extraordinarily detailed 4K images that retain natural sharpness and clarity. The PT-FRQ60 delivers smooth and richly detailed 4K images ideal for education, corporate, art and museum exhibitions, while also supporting high-speed frame rates with minimal latency – widening the scope for applications such as simulation and esports. The projector creates an impressive sense of realism with the finest details and textures resulting in smooth, grid-less images. The PT-FRQ60 includes two HDMI inputs supporting CEC commands from compatible devices; an easy-to-integrate DIGITAL LINK connection for 4K video and control-signal transmission over long distances. Pre-activated Geometry Manager Pro upgrade kits enable sophisticated masking functions and automatic, simultaneous multi-screen calibration, streamlining the most complex edge-blending and projection-mapping installations. The projector will be available in black (PT-FRQ60BU7) or white (PT-FRQ60WU7) cabinets starting in July 2022. Also on display at InfoComm will be Panasonic’s recently announced Lecture Capture and Auto Tracking Solution for recording and sharing lessons, meetings and presentations where cameras, advanced auto-tracking software and servers work together to create an easy-to-use content and video management platform. With a trend for more frequent and smaller meetings rooms and collaboration spaces, show attendees can also see the PT-VMZ71 Series Portable LCD Laser Projector that meets the emerging needs of education, business and other environments. Offering both WUXGA and WXGA resolution models ranging from 5200-7000lm, the PT-VMZ71 Series is ideal for well-lit classrooms and hybrid learning environments, as well as workspaces and meetings rooms needing interactive, simple and easy collaboration. For more information about Panasonic’s professional imaging, visual systems and professional audio portfolio, visit https://na.panasonic.com/us/audio-video-solutions [1] Dante is a registered trademark of Audinate Pty., Ltd. About Panasonic Connect North America Established on April 1, 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system, Panasonic Connect North America is a B2B company offering device hardware, software and professional services to provide value to customers across the public sector, federal government, education, immersive entertainment, food services and manufacturing industries. With the mission to “Change Work, Advance Society, Connect to Tomorrow,” Panasonic Connect North America works closely with its community of partners, innovators and integrators to provide the right technologies to address customers’ ever-evolving needs in today’s connected enterprise. Connect with Panasonic Professional Imaging & Visual Systems: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram Contact Details Racepoint Global Lauren Klug +1 415-694-6714 PanasonicVisual@racepointglobal.com

June 02, 2022 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Sarah Magin Named College of DuPage Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member

COD Newsroom

College of DuPage English instructor Sarah Magin is the College-Wide Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member for the 2021-2022 academic year. Magin is a COD alumna who found her way back home when she became an adjunct faculty member in 2012. Most recently she teaches English Composition 1101 and 1102. Representing the Liberal Arts Division, Magin will receive a $500 award from the College of DuPage Foundation, which annually recognizes outstanding teaching achievement. Magin studied English Literature at COD, then she graduated Knox College with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, and Gender and Women’s Studies. Magin went on to earn a master’s degree in English Literature from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While she was working as a teaching assistant, she decided to pursue a career in teaching. “Once I started actually doing it in graduate school, I very quickly realized that I really liked teaching English composition,” said Magin. “I like interacting with students and supporting student success, development and progress.” Magin embraces her role as a facilitator, and her definition of success is for her students to further develop themselves as readers, writers and critical thinkers, in all its forms. “As a learner-centered teacher, my ultimate goal is to create a safe, inclusive classroom community, where students are active agents of their own progress,” she said. “It’s a process of mutual cooperation and respect, working together.” The students who nominated Magin for the outstanding teaching award said she stands out because of how hard she works to make her students feel heard and comfortable in her classroom. Magin says a safe and inclusive learning community is key to helping students gain confidence. “I want to help students realize their input is a valuable contribution to the success of the entire classroom,” Magin said. “To succeed, you need to rely on those around you for support, knowledge and inspiration, and that goes both ways, as a teacher and a student.” Magin also serves on the editorial board of COD’s student anthology publication, ESSAI, which features some of COD’s students’ best academic writing of all majors and studies. Magin says the work is very rewarding, and it includes writing projects of all types, from business plans to cover letters to lab reports. “No matter what job you have, you need to be able to clearly present ideas, and as needed, support them with research,” said Magin. “Critical thinking is a very important, powerful skill that you use all the time no matter what you do.” Students said Magin strives to prepare her students for their future in both academia and beyond, and Magin says she believes it’s important to support students even after they’ve left the classroom. “I look forward to interacting with my students and supporting them,” she said. “In a classroom community, the students are active agents of their own progress, and it’s essential to prioritize each student’s distinct path for success.” Learn more about the English programs at College of DuPage. Contact Details Jennifer Duda +1 773-490-4077 dudajen@cod.edu

June 02, 2022 08:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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AltaMed Health Services’ Youth Champions Program Awards $80,000 in College Scholarships to Eight Los Angeles-Based High School Students

Lee & Associates - Los Angeles Downtown

During the AltaMed Health Services’ Youth Champions Donor Appreciation Dinner on May 25, eight $10,000 college scholarships were awarded to students who excelled in this year’s program. It was also announced the AltaMed Youth Champions program will operate as an educational internship for the 2022-2023 school year where students will earn a stipend for hours spent completing this unique personal development program. The AltaMed Youth Champions program empowers youth to enhance their life skills, focusing on a positive mindset, leadership, communication, financial literacy, goal setting, and most importantly, determination to work hard and excel in every category of their lives. Founded four years ago by Cambria Cline and Jack Cline, President of Lee & Associates - Los Angeles Downtown and an AltaMed board of trustee member, the main goal of the Youth Champions program is to build courage, perseverance, creativity and problem-solving skills in their students, grades 10-12. The program offers students weekly afterschool classes, virtual panel events, field trips, book clubs, video contests, unique teambuilding opportunities, professional development, networking events as well as an annual job fair. This school year the program served approximately 200 students from seven high schools throughout Los Angeles. Instructors are provided by CommandReady, a corporate leadership training company. “My wife, Cambria, and I are truly honored to be able to work with such amazing students who continuously surprise us with their determination and commitment,” said Cline. “Our Youth Champion students come from underserved communities throughout Los Angeles and many have endured incredible hardships, including homelessness and poverty. These students have chosen to participate in this after-school program and are motivated to learn life skills that will help them succeed in college and beyond. It is our honor to recognize and reward these eight deserving students who were engaged and participated at the highest level throughout this past year!” Congratulations to the following eight students who earned $10,000 scholarships: Emeli Andrade (Grade 12) Huntington Park Emeli will be graduating from Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine High School and is planning to attend University of California Los Angeles and study medicine and biosciences. She is the oldest in her family and will be the first family member to attend college. Over the past few years, her number one goal was to attend her dream school, UCLA. Emeli’s main motivation and drive is to make her family proud. Diana Gomez (Grade 12) Los Angeles Diana will be graduating from Ortho Medical Magnet High School and is planning to attend University of California Irvine and study nursing. She comes from an immigrant household where there is a lot of love but also many hardships. Her parents constantly remind her to take advantage of all the privileges and opportunities that they did not have as kids. As a young child, she didn’t understand what they meant by this but now she does. Diana thanks the Youth Champions program for giving her the skills needed to get into a great college. Stacy Hu (Grade 12) Los Angeles Stacy will be graduating from Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School and will be attending University of California Riverside and study business. Since her parents have their own business and work long hours, Stacy is a role model to her younger sister. After school, Stacy makes lunch and takes care of her sister while also completing her schoolwork. This dedication to her family resulted in a strong sense of self. She learned that she can only reach certain goals if she sets high standards for herself. This pushed her inner drive to work harder every day. Madelyn Prado (Grade 12) Los Angeles Madelyn will be graduating from Bright Star Secondary Charter Academy and will attend Santa Monica College and study medicine and biochemistry. Since Madelyn is the oldest child and her parents had to work full-time, she was responsible for taking care of her three younger siblings. This role gave her confidence and leadership skills which she’s now utilizing within her career aspirations. Throughout her life, she has seen women in her family rise in the most desperate times in life and persevere. She is looking forward to making her family proud. Krisalyn del Refugio (Grade 12) Huntington Park Krisalyn will be graduating from Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine High School and will attend University of California Irvine and study medicine and biosciences. Due to her accomplishments in school and in the home, her family has always set high expectations for her. She is truly excited to be the first person in her family to attend college. Attending college will give Krisalyn the opportunity to be independent, self-sufficient and will help her obtain a job that will help keep her family financially stable. Jesus Angel Rodriquez (Grade 12) Los Angeles Jesus will be graduating from Huntington Park Institute of Applied Medicine High School and is planning on attending University of California Los Angeles and study political science. Throughout his life, he has been motivated by his passion of creating change not just within himself but also in his local community. Even though he has encountered adversities, he decided to take control of his own well-being. This is one of the reasons why he joined the Youth Champions program. Henry Tan (Grade 12) Los Angeles Henry will be graduating from Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School and will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and study engineering. He dedicates his passion for learning to his sister and parents. His sister is his inspiration because when he was in elementary school, she graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering and is now an aerospace engineer. She convinced Henry to try robotics which led him along the engineering career path. Without his family’s support and trust in him, he wouldn’t be the person he is today. Audrey Zuniga (Grade 12) Los Angeles Audrey will be graduating from Esperanza College Prep High School and will attend Marymount Manhattan College in New York and study International Business. Audrey has come across a lot of mentors in her life but her true role model is her mother. Her mother is one of the most hard-working people she knows and has achieved a lot compared to dire circumstances she had encountered over the years. She admires her mother for her ability to constantly achieve more for herself. Audrey believes that her confidence in herself and her achievements will set her up for a successful college experience. Funding for the 2021-2022 Youth Champions program was provided by: Jacky Dilfer, Business Financial Capital (BFC) Jack and Cambria Cline Vera R. Campbell Foundation Supo Foundation Friese Family Foundation Sheila Dave and Sherry Gold Foundation Asante Bayrooti, Lifetime Flooring Eduardo and Reyna Valadez, Val-Air Conditioning & Heating “We are so proud of all our students who demonstrate the ability to pursue and achieve goals with a positive mindset to work hard and persevere,” said Ana Cortez, Program Supervisor, AltaMed Youth Champions. “We strive to encourage our Youth Champions to become lifelong learners and leaders.” For additional information about the AltaMed Youth Champions program, visit https://altamedfoundation.org/youth-champions-program/. About Youth Champions In partnership with AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Youth Champions program was founded in 2018 by Cambria and Jack Cline. The Youth Champions program empowers high school students to enhance their life skills through personal development, including leadership, communication, financial literacy, positive mindset, determination to work hard, and GRIT. Students who demonstrate a willingness to work hard will build courage, perseverance, creativity and problem-solving skills. About AltaMed Health Services AltaMed understands that when people receive care that considers their individualhealth needs and respects their cultural preferences; they grow healthy—and help theirfamilies do the same. Since 1969, we have delivered complete medical services to communities across Southern California. Our team of qualified multicultural and bilingual professionals—from these same communities— is focused on eliminating barriers to primary care services, senior care programs, and essential community services. With nearly 50 accredited health centers and service facilities, we remain committed and ready to help you grow healthy at any age. Contact Details The Hoyt Organization Cinnamon Thompson +1 310-373-0103 cthompson@hoytorg.com

June 01, 2022 08:40 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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Communication Service for the Deaf Welcomes Shireen Hafeez to its Board of Directors

Communication Service for the Deaf

Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is proud to announce the addition of Shireen Hafeez to its Board of Directors. Hafeez joins eight other board members who guide CSD’s overall strategies, promote innovative thinking about the future of CSD, and strategize ways to unleash transformational impact in the Deaf and hard of hearing community. Shireen Hafeez is the founder of Deaf Kids Code, a first-of-its-kind nonprofit that teaches Deaf and hard of hearing children computer and technology skills so they can be economically and socially successful in life. The national outreach organization has worked with more than 9,000 children in over 40 locations around the United States. Hafeez founded Deaf Kids Code to support future generations of Deaf children, including her son, so they can thrive in ways that previous generations couldn’t due to societal and linguistic barriers. “It is the greatest honor to join the board of directors,” said Hafeez. “The most important and exciting part of this role is creating meaningful learning and workforce experiences. It is the greatest privilege to be able to work with like-minded people and create new pathways that didn’t exist before.” Deaf Kids Code is founded on the belief that the digital age is the great equalizer. The organization empowers Deaf and hard of hearing children by equipping them with the technology and design skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive workforce. By teaching them the universal language of computing, students have more substantial opportunities to enter top-tier colleges and pursue fulfilling careers in technology. “Deaf Kids Code is a tremendous success and an important resource for our community to promote and advance STEM education and career pathways,” said CSD CEO Chris Soukup. “Shireen’s experience and expertise aligns beautifully with the outcomes CSD aspires to achieve.” Together, Hafeez and CSD will continue developing strategies to further their shared missions of expanding access to technology and economic opportunities for children and adults who are Deaf or hard of hearing. “Shireen is a longtime ally of the Deaf community, and we are excited to have her join us,” said Board Chair Rogelio Fernandez. “Her unique and valuable perspective will help us shape the future of our organization and community for generations to come.” About Communication Service for the Deaf Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) is the largest Deaf-led social impact organization in the world. For more than four decades, CSD has been a leader in creating and providing accessible and innovative solutions for the Deaf community. Today, CSD continues its work to create opportunities for personal and economic growth within the Deaf community, specifically addressing leadership and employment. For more information, please visit CSD and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Contact Details Leila Eltouny leltouny@csd.org Company Website https://www.csd.org/

May 31, 2022 11:42 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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College of DuPage Men’s Track and Field Win Second Consecutive NJCAA Title

COD Newsroom

Defending National Junior College Athletic Association men’s track and field champion College of DuPage left no doubt about repeating the national title with an outstanding display of depth and personal achievement May 14. Behind Josh Rivers, who won two individual titles, and a superb supporting cast that scored in 17 events, the Chaps won the men's title with 118.5 points, followed by Mineral Area College with 96. It marks the sixth title in school history, and is the first time since the 2003 season that the Chaps successfully defended their title. "It took a total team effort to come here and perform and win,'' said Chaparral Track and Field Head Coach Robert Cervenka. "We had a superstar performance from Josh, and with Anthony Eddy, Diego Villalobos, John Sassan, and Max Szul and Axel Huerta making the most of their talents. I'm in awe of what they were able to accomplish and bring a home a title for a second straight year.'' Rivers won both the long jump and high jump with season-best efforts Friday, and then added to his point total in both the 100- and 200-meter and in the 4x100 meter relay. Eddy finished second in the 1500 on Saturday, and gutted out a seventh place showing in the 800. "This was a big week for Anthony, who really showed his ability,'' Cervenka said. "He was a big leader for us in cross country and showed it again this week.'' Sassan, who sustained an injury during Friday's long jump, ran the opening leg on the 4x100 relay, and along with Villalobos and Rivers, secured 23 team points in the long jump. "Josh really shined all week,'' Cervenka said. "He took advantage of his talents and proved it.'' Szul placed third in the high hurdles and added a fifth-place effort in the 400 hurdles, along with running on the 4x100 relay. "Max is running faster than he did in high school,'' Cervenka said. "We don't win if we don't have everyone pulling their weight and competing in multiple events. They bought in and great things happened because of their willingness to put team first.'' Villalobos scored fourth in the 100, second in the 4x100 relay, second in long jump and third in the triple jump. He piled up 21 points including two from the eight-point 4x100 relay. Huerta, who ran the steeplechase just once prior to this week, placed fourth in that event and sixth in the 5,000. "He and Diego were such key guys for stepping up and giving us points.'' Cervenka said. Cervenka was named the NJCAA men's coach of the year for the second straight year. Learn more about Chaparral Athletics. Contact Details Mark Reinhiller +1 630-942-3761 reinhillerm@cod.edu

May 31, 2022 08:00 AM Central Daylight Time

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Hong Kong Baptist University-led research identifies new regulatory mechanism of satiety and therapeutic target for obesity

Hong Kong Baptist University

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 30 May 2022 - A research team led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has found that a proteolytic enzyme called membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase ( MT1-MMP) plays an important role in the regulatory mechanism of fullness, or satiety, and it could serve as a promising potential drug target for the management of obesity. Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine (left), and Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Director of the Clinical Division of the School of Chinese Medicine and Tsang Shiu Tim Endowed Chair of Chinese Medicine Clinical Studies at HKBU (right), identified a proteolytic enzyme called MT1-MMP which could serve as a promising potential drug target for the management of obesity. The research findings were published in the internationally-renowned scientific journal Nature Metabolism. The study has also been featured as a research highlight in multiple high-impact journals, including Nature Reviews Endocrinology, Nature Metabolism and Science Signaling. Half of Hong Kong’s population obese or overweight Being overweight, especially to the extent of obesity, exposes people to a higher risk of life-threatening diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. According to the Population Health Survey conducted in 2014/15 by the Department of Health, about 30% of people in Hong Kong aged 15 to 84 were obese, and another 20% were overweight. The most effective way to tackle obesity is to reduce food consumption, but obese people often encounter difficulties in regulating their dietary habits as they lose their sense of satiety. Identifying a factor that specifically controls body weight, and investigating how it regulates our sense of satiety, is crucial for the development of therapeutic approaches for obesity. Identification of new regulator of satiety signals A research team led by Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine (SCM), and Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Director of the Clinical Division of SCM and Tsang Shiu Tim Endowed Chair of Chinese Medicine Clinical Studies at HKBU, identified a proteolytic enzyme called MT1-MMP which regulates the mechanism of issuing satiety signals in the human brain. Growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a hormone that sends out satiety signals by binding with the neuron receptor in the hindbrain called GDNF-family receptor α-like (GFRAL). Mediation of GFRAL can therefore affect the ability of GDF15 to send satiety signals, and thus help regulate food intake. From this starting point, the research team conducted a series of experiments to investigate the mediation effects of MT1-MMP on GFRAL. Depletion of MT1-MMP reduces obesity The research team generated an obesity mouse model by feeding a fat-rich diet to a group of transgenic mice with a depletion of MT1-MMP in their satiety neurons, as well as a control group of ordinary mice. After 16 weeks, the mice with depleted MT1-MMP ate 10% less food, gained 50% less weight, and exhibited reduced glucose and plasma insulin levels compared to the control group. The results show that depletion of MT1-MMP protects mice from obesity induced by a high-fat diet. Following analysis with western blots, a widely used analytical technique that can detect specific proteins, the research team also found that the obese mice displayed an increased activity of MT1-MMP in the Area Postrema and Nucleus of the Solitary Tract, the brain regions involved in appetite and weight regulation. The finding suggests that increased MT1-MMP activity in the brain of obese mice could be a risk factor causing sustained weight gain. To understand the mechanism by which MT1-MMP suppresses GDF15 satiety signalling, the research team conducted a series of molecular biology experiments involving animal models and cell culture. The results show that in cells with active MT1-MMP, a significant reduction of GFRAL and thus GDF15 signalling were observed. It could be explained by MT1-MMP clipping GFRAL from the surface of the brain neurons, which blocks GDF15 from binding to GFRAL and thus reduces the number of satiety signals. This in turn keeps the neurons from transmitting the satiety signals sent by GDF15. MT1-MMP as a therapeutic target for obesity The researchers also explored the therapeutic potential of targeting MT1-MMP for obesity management, in particular through pharmacological inhibition of its activity in vivo. With the application of a specific neutralising antibody that inhibits MT1-MMP, significant improvements in metabolic parameters including food intake, glucose tolerance and body weight in obese mice were observed. The results suggest that MT1-MMP is a potential therapeutic target that could be used in the development of innovative drug treatments for obesity. Dr Wong said: “The research findings have established the role played by MT1-MMP in regulating satiety, and they have provided preliminary indications that the proteolytic enzyme is a promising target for the treatment of obesity. Pharmacological inhibition of MT1-MMP could be a viable strategy for the development of effective pharmacotherapy for the treatment of obesity.” Apart from researchers from HKBU, the research team included scientists from The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and the University of Helsinki. #HongKongBaptistUniversity #HKBU Contact Details Christina Wu from the Communication and Public Relations Office +852 3411 7828 christinawu@hkbu.edu.hk Company Website https://www.hkbu.edu.hk/

May 30, 2022 04:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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COD Women’s Track and Field Win Second NJCAA Championship

COD Newsroom

Defending NJCAA champion College of DuPage women’s track and field team are repeat national champions. Under the direction of Head Coach Robert Cervenka and his coaching staff, Michelle Stratton and Rachael Ramon, each member of the Chaps squad earned points at the Hudson Valley Community Track and Field Complex. The team title is COD's sixth in school history and is the first time it has repeated since the Chaps won three straight championships from 2000 to 2002. Sprinter Kiara Carter won both the 100- and 200-meter sprints, and Alexandra Ochab added to her long jump title with a victory in the 400-meter as the Chaps totaled 138 points to out-distance runner-up RC Gloucester, which finished with 111. Carter and Ochab each added a title in their one and only relays with Carter in the 4x100 meter and Ochab the 4x400. "Maximum efforts across the board and we could not be happier,'' said Cervenka. "Kiara is so talented and I think Alexandra's experience from a year ago was pivotal. Every one of our nine athletes scored in more than one event. That speaks volumes about their buy-in to the team and winning the title going away.'' The 2022 championship marks the second straight national event where the Chaps won all three relays; a point Cervenka emphasized. "It's a pride thing where we demonstrated skill and those relays capped our week,'' he said. "All nine ran at least one leg on a relay. That really says it all.'' Carter won the 100 in 12.40 seconds and added the 200 title in 25.88 seconds. "So proud of Kiara and for her to get the job done,'' said Cervenka. "Her maturity picked up. She's always had the talent and was such a big contributor for us.'' Ochab ran in just the 400, a day after winning the long jump by improving 30 centimeters over her previous best. "What can you say,'' said Cervenka. "She's another one who got the job done in spectacular fashion.'' The effort of Akira Lebron throughout the week was vital. She competed and scored in five individual events and ran on the winning 4x100 relay. "Akira is such a phenomenal athlete,'' said Cervenka. "We asked a lot of her and she responded so well. Her efforts in those five events took points away from the competition and she excelled.'' Lillian Buzani added a runner-up finish in the 800 and placed third in the 1500, while her distance teammate Bella Adduci was fourth in each event. Both ran on the 4x800 title relay. "Both Lillian and Belle showed their best when it mattered the most,'' said Cervenka. "Again, we really got the most of our nine athletes.'' Morgan Clifford was seventh in the 100 hurdles and sixth in the 400 hurdles. Alyssa Gaski was the only Chap who ran on all three relays, and Mya Mangan added to her pole vault title with a leg on the 4x100 relay. Paulina Stachura tied for fourth in the high jump and ran on the 4x400 relay. Cervenka was named NJCAA coach of the year upon conclusion of the event Learn more about Chaparral Athletics. Contact Details Mark Reinhiller +1 630-942-3761 reinhillerm@cod.edu

May 27, 2022 04:00 PM Central Daylight Time

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Jane Vatchev Named College of DuPage Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member

COD Newsroom

College of DuPage Physical Education Assistant Professor Jane Vatchev is the College-Wide Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Member for the 2021-2022 academic year. Representing the Physical Education, Social/Behavioral Sciences and the Library Division, Vatchev will receive a $1,000 award from the College of DuPage Office of the Provost, which annually recognizes outstanding teaching achievement. Vatchev said she is honored to receive the recognition at an organization filled with talented educators. “The past recipients of this honor have been excellent teachers so to be considered amongst that group is overwhelming and humbling,” she said. “This recognition truly reflects my entire department’s hard work and dedication. I feel blessed that I get to do what I’m passionate about every day with colleagues and students who inspire me.” Sports has always been a part of Vatchev’s life. “I grew up in an athletic family with three competitive brothers and a dad who was an amazing basketball player and golfer,” she said. “I also knew from about the age of 5 that I wanted to be a teacher. Combining those two passions was an obvious choice.” Her 37-year physical education teaching career started at John Deere Middle School in Moline, then as a graduate assistant at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she earned her master’s degree. Moving back to the Chicago area, Vatchev was an adjunct faculty member at Lewis University, where she coached full time; taught at Walther Lutheran High School in Melrose Park; and became a full-time faculty member at College of DuPage, where she has been for 22 years. Vatchev’s focal point of teaching is centered in the word “passion.” “I love the connection with students—the instilling of knowledge about themselves, the subject and how it connects to their future,” she said. “There is such great satisfaction when you know that students have learned and grown through the process of your time together. My goal is to light a fire in each of my students and help them find what they love.” Vatchev connects to students in the classroom by sharing stories that bring the subject matter to life. She creates real life projects and assignments, hoping to spark in them the passion of their future career. COD President Dr. Brian Caputo enthusiastically endorsed Professor Vatchev’s selection for the honor. “Jane is one of the most talented and effective faculty members on a campus that is replete with exceptionally skilled professors,” he said. “Unquestionably, she is a fantastic choice for this year’s award.” In addition to teaching, Vatchev was the head COD men’s and women’s track and field coach for 13 years, and her teams won eight National Junior College Athletic Association National Championships (four men and four women), while 118 athletes were individual NJCAA National Champions and 220 athletes became NJCAA All-Americans. In 2017, Vatchev developed the COD Athletic Hall of Fame to honor student athletes, coaches, and support staff whose actions and achievement in their sport brought distinction to the College. “We’ve had so many talented past athletes and coaches at COD, and I wanted to honor that,” she said. “It has been a joy to see that come to fruition.” As an educator, Vatchev said she is always learning and growing. “I’m constantly asking for feedback in everything I do because I want to be the best educator I can be,” she said. “One of the things I’m reminded, especially during COVID, is that my students have so much more going on than what’s in the classroom. Maybe they are struggling with illness or family issues, and we need to show compassion and understanding.” Looking forward, Vatchev is energized about the future of COD’s Physical Education, Fitness and Sports Studies program, including developing more articulation agreements for students. “We are really excited about our PE articulation agreements, like our new 2+2 in Athletic Training with Aurora University,” she said. “We now have other schools seeking us out for partnership. At the end of the day, I will continue to inspire students to take their education as far as they can.” Contact Details Jennifer Duda +1 773-490-4077 dudajen@cod.edu

May 27, 2022 03:17 PM Central Daylight Time

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