An epigenomic shift in amygdala marks the transition from pup-aversive to maternal-like behaviors in alloparenting virgin female mice

In many species, adults will care for young offspring that are not their own, a phenomenon called alloparenting. However, most nonparental adults experience an initial aversion to newborns, which must be overcome before a robust display of parental-like behaviors can begin. To capture neurogenomic events underlying this dramatic behavioral transition, we analyzed brain gene expression and chromatin profiles of virgin female mice co-housed with mothers during pregnancy and after birth. After an initial display of agonistic behaviors and a surge of defense-related gene expression, we observed a dramatic shift in the chromatin landscape specifically in amygdala, accompanied by a dampening of the defense-related genes. This shift coincided with the emergence of behaviors and gene expression classically associated with maternal care. The results reveal the outlines of a neurogenomic program associated with this dramatic aversive-to-affiliative behavioral switch, and suggest molecular networks that may be relevant to human postpartum mental health.

A School Library Program Based on Information Literacy: A Case Study of National Experimental High School at Hsinchu Science Park

Known as IC design and other electronic device center, Science-Based Industrial Park recruits outstanding professionals, scholars, and engineers in high technologies in Hsinchu, Taiwan. The National Experimental High School at Hsinchu Science Park (abbreviated as NEHS) was established for their young offspring. Enrolled with various students from greater Science Park Area and overseas, this school engaged in experimental teaching and educational research which was supported by the government. With bountiful educational resources, library is playing a key role in information literacy. This article stresses the importance of the information literacy and Big6 model, and introduces the school library program in information literacy at NEHS. Finally, remodeling the school library program of NEHS with Big6 model is discussed

Does Prenatal Exposure to CNS Stimulants Increase the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Adult Offspring?

Prenatal exposure to an adverse uterine environment can have long lasting effects on adult offspring through DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and other epigenetic effects that alter gene expression and physiology. It is well-known that consumption of CNS stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, and cocaine during pregnancy can adversely impact the offspring. However, most work in this area has focused on neurological and behavioral outcomes and has been limited to assessments in young offspring. The impact of prenatal exposure to these agents on the adult cardiovascular system has received relatively little attention. Evidence from both animal and human studies indicate that exposure to CNS stimulants during the gestational period can negatively impact the adult heart and vasculature, potentially leading to cardiovascular diseases later in life. This review discusses our current understanding of the impact of prenatal exposure to cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine, and caffeine on the adult cardiovascular system.

Maternal diet with sea urchin gangliosides promotes neurodevelopment of young offspring via enhancing NGF and BDNF expression

Sea urchin gangliosides are superior to GM1 and sialic acid in promoting neuronal differentiation and synapse function of postnatal 15-day mice, via up-regulating the expressions of BDNF and NGF.