Dynamic GABAergic afferent modulation of AgRP neurons

Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) promote homeostatic feeding at times of caloric insufficiency, yet they are rapidly suppressed by food-related sensory cues prior to ingestion. Here we identify a highly selective inhibitory afferent to AgRP neurons that serves as a neural determinant of this rapid modulation. Specifically, GABAergic projections arising from the ventral compartment of the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (vDMH) contribute to the pre-consummatory modulation of ARCAgRP neurons. In a manner reciprocal to ARCAgRP neurons, ARC-projecting leptin receptor (LepR)-expressing GABAergic DMH neurons exhibit rapid activation upon availability of food that additionally reflects the relative value of the food. Thus, DMHLepR neurons form part of the sensory network that relays real-time information about the nature and availability of food to dynamically modulate ARCAgRP neuron activity and feeding behavior

Sexual Behavior and Intention to Engage in Sexual Behavior Among Young Adolescents in Hong Kong: Findings Based on Four Waves of Data

This study examined the growth trajectories of sexual behavior and intention to engage in sexual behavior among young adolescents in Hong Kong across 4 years. Besides, the impact of family structure and economic disadvantage on the rate of change in adolescent sexual behavior and intention was studied, and the concurrent and longitudinal impact of family functioning and positive youth development on adolescent sexual behavior and intention was explored. Four waves of data were collected from adolescents (n = 3328 at Wave 1) in 28 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Individual growth curve models generally showed that adolescents from economically disadvantaged and non-intact families increased their sexual behavior at a faster rate than their counterparts, but they did not affect the rate of acceleration in intention to engage in sexual behavior. Multiple regression analyses revealed that family functioning and positive youth development influenced adolescent sexual behavior and intention.Department of Applied Social Science

Children’s Resilience-Related Beliefs as a Predictor of Positive Child Development in the Face of Adversities: Implications for Interventions to Enhance Children’s Quality of Life

Adversity, Resilience, Positive child development, Behavioral quality of life, Chinese children,