Maternal obesity increases hypothalamic miR-505-5p expression in mouse offspring leading to altered fatty acid sensing and increased intake of high-fat food.

In utero exposure to maternal obesity programs increased obesity risk. Animal models show that programmed offspring obesity is preceded by hyperphagia, but the mechanisms that mediate these changes are unknown. Using a mouse model of maternal obesity, we observed increased intake of a high-fat diet (HFD) in offspring of obese mothers that precedes the development of obesity. Through small RNA sequencing, we identified programmed overexpression of hypothalamic miR-505-5p that is established in the fetus, lasts to adulthood and is maintained in hypothalamic neural progenitor cells cultured in vitro. Metabolic hormones and long-chain fatty acids associated with obesity increase miR-505-5p expression in hypothalamic neurons in vitro. We demonstrate that targets of miR-505-5p are enriched in fatty acid metabolism pathways and overexpression of miR-505-5p decreased neuronal fatty acid metabolism in vitro. miR-505-5p targets are associated with increased BMI in human genetic studies. Intra-cerebroventricular injection of miR-505-5p in wild-type mice increased HFD intake, mimicking the phenotype observed in offspring exposed to maternal obesity. Conversely, maternal exercise intervention in an obese mouse pregnancy rescued the programmed increase of hypothalamic miR-505-5p in offspring of obese dams and reduced HFD intake to control offspring levels. This study identifies a novel mechanism by which maternal obesity programs obesity in offspring via increased intake of high-fat foods.

Biofunctionalized indigo-nanoparticles as biolabels for the generation of precipitated visible signal in immunodipsticks.

A novel class of organic nanoparticles as biolabels that can generate an instant visible signal was applied to immunodipsticks. A new principle for signal generation based on hydrolysis of colourless signal precursor molecules to produce coloured signal molecules followed by signal precipitation and localization was demonstrated. The nanoparticle biolabels were applied to sandwich immunoassays for the detection of mouse immunoglobulin G (M IgG). In the presence of M IgG, a nanoparticle-immunocomplex was formed and bound on the test zone immobilized with goat anti M IgG (Gt α M IgG). A blue line was developed on the test zone upon the addition of a signal developing reagent. An optical signal could be simply assessed using naked eyes or quantified using a reading device. The lowest visible signal that could be observed using naked eyes was found to be 1.25 µg L(-1) M IgG. The nanoparticle biolabel also showed a better sensitivity (signal-to-noise ratio) compared with the conventional colloidal gold biolabel. This novel class of organic nanoparticles offers an alternative biolabel system for the development of point-of-care immunodipsticks.

Environmental Noise and Community in Hong Kong.

In order to find out the attitude of the community towards environmental noise, community surveys were conducted over the territory of Hong Kong through telephone sampling. Specific surveys were also carried out for areas previously affected by severe aircraft noise. Main observations on the community's response towards noise are that noise pollution was ranked the third among five selected social concerns (after "air pollution" and "security", and higher than "traffic jam" and "cleanliness"); about 60% of the respondents found the territory "noisy"; the most annoying noise source was "traffic noise"; 40% of people found the most annoying noise not tolerable and that most people affected by noise suffered from "distraction". Nonetheless, many did nothing (e.g. did not complain) against the noise and still preferred an open-window life style.

Germinoma of the basal ganglia and thalamus--CT and MRI findings.

A case of germinoma originating in the basal ganglia and thalamus is presented. This tumour most commonly originates during childhood and adolescence, at pineal and suprasellar regions. In the early stages, the diagnosis of germinoma in the basal ganglion and thalamus is difficult because of its rarity and non-specific findings. The computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings though non-diagnostic, are discussed here. A few differential diagnoses had been discussed with radiological abnormality. Open biopsy done in this case proved to be two-cell pattern germinoma. Early detection of the tumour is desirable, since this tumour is highly sensitive to radio and chemotherapy and is potentially curable. Our patient was treated with combined chemotherapy and the response was well and no residual tumour or recurrence was seen on the repeated imaging modality, however his neurological deficits remained unchanged.

Post-translational processing of membrane-associated neu differentiation factor proisoforms expressed in mammalian cells.

Expression vectors constructed from human and rat pro-neu differentiation factor (NDF) cDNAs were transfected in Chinese hamster ovary cells for expression of recombinant NDF molecules. Soluble NDF forms were released into culture medium after post-translational processing of the membrane-bound pro-NDF forms. Different human and rat NDF isoforms, after being purified from the culture medium, were subjected to structural and biochemical characterizations. The isolated human and rat NDF isoforms have been proteolytically processed at a specific site at the N terminus, which is different from that observed for the processing of rat or human NDF molecule prepared from natural origins. The processing of each recombinant NDF isoform at its C terminus was heterogeneous but consistently occurred at nearby peptide bonds. Specific N- and C-terminal processing by Chinese hamster ovary cells has resulted in the production of two types (alpha and beta) of recombinant NDFs containing 222-225 amino acid residues. Both human and rat NDF molecules are heavily glycosylated at two of the three potential Asn-linked glycosylation sites and contain O-linked sugars at 11 of the Thr/Ser sites. Glycosylation occurs at a short, Ser/Thr-rich spacer region that connects the N-terminal immunoglobulin homology unit to the epidermal growth factor domain. Cellular phosphorylation assay indicated that these secreted forms contain similar biological activity in receptor tyrosine autophosphorylation of mammary tumor cells.

Effect of particle shape on the mixing of powders.

Mixtures were prepared containing 200 g of 600 microns lactose and 0.5 g of 3 microns calcium carbonate of different particle shapes using a Y cone mixer. Measurements were made of the time required to achieve the acceptable standard deviation of mixing sigma A and of the segregation that occurred on subsequently vibrating the mixtures. The time taken to achieve sigma A increased with the irregularity of the particles of both components and the mixtures containing irregular particles segregated less on vibration.

The effect of the shape of fine particles on the formation of ordered mixtures.

A study has been made of the effects of the shape of fine particles on the formation and stability of some ordered mixtures using a specially constructed Y mixer. Irregular particles adhere to indentations on the surface of the carrier particles and form stable ordered mixtures.

Applications of the biomechanical behavior of cartilage to nasal septoplastic surgery.

The biomechanics of septal cartilage as they apply to septoplasty are studied. The original investigations on septal cartilage are reviewed and summarized. Biomechanical principles of the behavior of cartilage are reviewed and applied to the principles of septoplasty surgery. Using pigs' ears, theoretical predictions are investigated and verified. Incorporating this information, an approach to septoplastic surgery is described.