Im-B Group Research Articles

Multi-omics analysis of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas reveals distinct molecular subgroups with prognostic and treatment response significance.

Adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) is the commonest pediatric sellar tumor. No effective drug is available and interpatient heterogeneity is prominent. This study aimed to identify distinct molecular subgroups of ACP based on the multi-omics profiles, imaging findings, and histological features, in order to predict the response to anti-inflammatory treatment and immunotherapies. Totally 142 Chinese cases diagnosed with craniopharyngiomas were profiled, including 119 ACPs and 23 papillary craniopharyngiomas. Whole-exome sequencing (151 tumors, including recurrent ones), RNA sequencing (84 tumors), and DNA methylome profiling (95 tumors) were performed. Consensus clustering and non-negative matrix factorization were used for subgrouping, and Cox regression were utilized for prognostic evaluation, respectively. Three distinct molecular subgroups were identified: WNT, ImA, and ImB. The WNT subgroup showed higher Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity, with a greater number of epithelial cells and more predominantly solid tumors. The ImA and ImB subgroups had activated inflammatory and interferon response pathways, with enhanced immune cell infiltration and more predominantly cystic tumors. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MEK/MAPK) signaling was activated only in ImA samples, while IL-6 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition biomarkers were highly expressed in the ImB group, mostly consisting of children. The degree of astrogliosis was significantly elevated in the ImA group, with severe finger-like protrusions at the invasive front of the tumor. The molecular subgrouping was an independent prognostic factor, with the WNT group having longer event-free survival than ImB (Cox, P = 0.04). ImA/ImB cases were more likely to respond to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy than the WNT group ( P <0.01). In the preliminary screening of subtyping markers, CD38 was significantly downregulated in WNT compared with ImA and ImB ( P = 0.01). ACP comprises three molecular subtypes with distinct imaging and histological features. The prognosis of the WNT type is better than that of the ImB group, which is more likely to benefit from the ICB treatment.

Bioactive nutraceuticals oligo-lactic acid and fermented soy extract alleviate cognitive decline in mice in part via anti-neuroinflammation and modulation of gut microbiota.

Cognition decline is associated with aging and certain diseases, such as neurodegenerative or neuropsychiatric disorders, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Inflammation/neuroinflammation is considered an important causal factor, and experimental evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory natural compounds may effectively prevent cognitive decline. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of two natural bioactive agents, oligo-lactic acid (LAP) and fermented soy extract (ImmunBalance, IMB), on cognition in an adenine-induced cognitive impairment mouse model and to investigate the modulation of related biomarkers. Male C57 black mice were randomly assigned into the following experimental groups and received the corresponding treatments for 2 weeks before the use of adenine for model development: (1) negative control; (2) model control: injection of adenine at 50 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks; (3, 4) IMB groups: adenine injection and IMB oral gavage at 250 and 1,000 mg/kg BW, respectively; and (5) LAP group: adenine injection and LAP oral gavage at 1,000 mg/kg BW. One week after the model was developed, mice were evaluated for cognitive performances by using Y maze test, novel object recognition test, open field test, and Barnes maze tests. At the end of the experiment, brain tissues and cecum fecal samples were collected for analysis of gene expression and gut microbiota. Mice treated with LAP or IMB had significantly improved spatial working memory, spatial recognition memory (LAP only), novel object recognition, and spatial learning and memory, compared with those in the model group. Gene expression analysis showed that, among a panel of cognition related genes, six of them (ELOVL2, GLUT4, Nestein, SNCA, TGFB1, and TGFB2) were significantly altered in the model group. LAP treatment significantly reversed expression levels of inflammatory/neuroinflammatory genes (SNCA, TGFB1), and IMB significantly reversed expression levels of genes related to inflammation/neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and energy metabolism (ELOVL2, GLUT4, Nestin, TGFB1, and TGFB2). The altered microbiome was attenuated only by IMB. In conclusion, our data showed that LAP improved cognition associated with regulating biomarkers related to neuroinflammation and energy metabolism, whereas IMB improved cognition associated with regulating biomarkers related to neuroinflammation, energy metabolism, and neurogenesis, and modulating gut microbiota. Our results suggest that LAP and IMB may improve cognitive performance in mice via distinct mechanisms of action.

THE EFFECTS OF MELATONIN, FLUOXETINE AND THEIR COMBINATIONS ON STRESS INDUCED BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENTS IN MICE

Objective: Melatonin (Mel) is a hormone with anti-depressant and anti-oxidant features. It is well known that melatonin protects brain cells from reactive oxygen species and that the brain's high oxygen consumption and lipid content make it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress caused by prolonged stress. This study aims to investigate the effects of melatonin, fluoxetine and their combinations on emotional memory, depression, and anxiety-like behavioral changes induced by immobilization (Imb) stress. Material and Method: 48 male Balb/c mice were divided into eight groups: Cnt (control), Imb, Imb+Mlt, Imb+Flx (fluoxetine), Imb+Mlt+Flx, Mlt, Flx and Mlt+Flx. For seven days in a row, the mice underwent daily immobilization stress for 6 hours. Mice were treated with Mlt (10 mg/kg) and Flx (20 mg/kg). All animals were subjected to the behavioral tests; forced swimming test (FST), open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), passive avoidance test (PAT) and hot plate (HP) test. After all behavioral tests, brain tissues were obtained for malondialdehyde level analysis. Result and Discussion: OFT test data showed the time spent in the central zone and the number of entrances to the central area were significantly lower in the Imb group compared to the Cnt group, these were higher in the Imb+Flx, Imb+Mlt, Imb+Mlt+Flx groups compared to the Imb group. Also, according to the data obtained from FST, immobile time was significantly higher in the Imb group compared to the Cnt group, it was lower in the Imb+Flx, Imb+Mlt, Imb+Mlt+Flx groups compared to the Imb group. Besides, it was demonstrated that the emotional memory index was statistically higher in the Imb group compared to the Cnt group, and the increasing of memory index returned to normal in the Imb+Mlt and Imb+Mlt+Flx groups with PAT. And also, lipid peroxidation level, which increased in the Imb group, decreased significantly in the Imb+Flx, Imb+Mlt, and Imb+Mlt+Flx groups. As a result, it was observed that melatonin has anti-depressant, anxiolytic, antioxidant effects and normalized emotional memory. Also, melatonin, fluoxetine and their combinations exert similar effects in the present study.

The effect of an information, motivation, and behavioral skills model intervention on young women’s intention to get an HPV vaccine

ABSTRACT This study aims to examine the effect of the information, motivation, and behavioral skills (IMB) model intervention on young women’s intention to get the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine. An intervention study that has a pre-test, post-test design was conducted with IMB and control groups. An intervention based on the IMB model, focusing on developing motivation and proper behavioral skills, was applied to the IMB group. A traditional approach was applied to the control group. In this study, the significant post-test differences within groups were information (both groups improved significantly, p < 0.01), individual motivation (the control group decreased significantly, p < 0.01), behavioral skills (both groups improved significantly, p < 0.01), self-management behavior (the IMB group increased significantly, p < 0.01), objective health outcome (the control group decreased significantly, p < 0.01), and subjective health outcome (the IMB group increased significantly, p < 0.0125). IMB-based interventions can help young women acquire new sexual health behaviors to prevent cervical cancer.

Joint hemorrhage accelerates cartilage degeneration in a rat immobilized knee model

BackgroundJoint hemorrhage is caused by trauma, ligament reconstruction surgery, and bleeding disorders such as hemophilia. Recurrence of hemorrhage in the joint space induces hemosiderotic synovitis and oxidative stress, resulting in both articular cartilage degeneration and arthropathy. Joint immobilization is a common treatment option for articular fractures accompanied by joint hemorrhage. Although joint hemorrhage has negative effects on the articular cartilage, there is no consensus on whether a reduction in joint hemorrhage would effectively prevent articular cartilage degeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of joint hemorrhage combined with joint immobilization on articular cartilage degeneration in a rat immobilized knee model.MethodsThe knee joints of adult male rats were immobilized at the flexion using an internal fixator from 3 days to 8 weeks. The rats were randomly divided into the following groups: immobilized blood injection (Im-B) and immobilized-normal saline injection (Im-NS) groups. The cartilage was evaluated in two areas (contact and non-contact areas). The cartilage was used to assess chondrocyte count, Modified Mankin score, and cartilage thickness. The total RNA was extracted from the cartilage in both areas, and the expression of metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-13, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsThe number of chondrocytes in the Im-B group significantly decreased in both areas, compared with that in the Im-NS group. Modified Mankin score from 4 to 8 weeks of the Im-B group was significantly higher than that of the Im-NS group only in the contact area. The expression of MMP-8 and MMP-13 from 2 to 4 weeks and TNF-α from 2 to 8 weeks significantly increased in the Im-B group compared with those in the Im-NS group, but there was no significant difference in IL-1β expression.ConclusionsThe results showed that joint hemorrhage exacerbated immobilization-induced articular cartilage degeneration. Drainage of a joint hemorrhage or avoidance of loading may help prevent cartilage degeneration during joint immobilization with a hemorrhage.

Effectiveness of a brief information, motivation and behavioral skills program on stage transitions and lapse for individuals who use ketamine

ObjectiveChronic ketamine use is a significant public health and social problem in East and South East Asia and may lead to impairments in health and cognitive functioning. The study evaluated effects of an information, motivation and behavior skills (IMB) program on changes in motivational stage and ketamine use. MethodsKetamine using individuals residing in the City of Taipei were recruited (N = 395): 279 selected an IMB program consisting of a 1-day workshop of six 50-minute interactive sessions provided in small groups. The remaining 116 participants selected an education-as-usual (EAU) program consisting of a 1-day workshop of six 50-minute didactic lectures provided in a large group format. Motivational stage of change and ketamine knowledge were assessed before and after the interventions. Participants were followed one year later to assess their ketamine use status. ResultsNo significant difference in knowledge increase between the IMB and EAU groups (p = .59). The proportion of participants who transitioned from the contemplation to preparation motivational stages was greater in the IMB group than in the EAU group (p < .01). A significant difference in the rates of ketamine lapse during a one-year post intervention follow up was observed between the IMB (50%) and EAU (75%) groups (p < .01). ConclusionsInterventions based on IMB principles may be more effective in supporting motivational stage transition and in prevention of lapses to ketamine use as compared to currently offered standard drug education programs. Policy makers should consider including IMB interventions in their rehabilitation programs addressing ketamine use problems.

Effects of Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill Model-based continuing care on stroke patients after thrombolytic therapy

Objective To investigate the application value of Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill Model (IMB)-based continuing care on the recovery of nerve function and life quality in patients with stroke after thrombolytic therapy. Methods Stroke patients who underwent thrombolytic therapy were randomly assigned to IMB group(35 cases) and control group(35 cases) according to the method of random number table. The control group recieved routine thrombolysis nursing, IMB group was given IMB-based continuing care. After six months of intervention, nerve function was evaluated by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) and Modified Rankin Scale(MRS), the active ability was performed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale(FMA) and Barthel Index(BI), the quality of life was assessed by the item short from health survey(SF-36), respectively. Results Before intervention, the scores of NIHSS, MRS, FMA, BI, SF-36 between two groups was no significant difference (P>0.05). After three and six months of nursing, the NIHSS, MRS was (7.84±2.20), (5.00±1.60) points and (3.48±0.84), (3.07±0.69) points in IMB group, and (9.75±1.82), (8.21±1.37) points and (4.06±1.08), (3.91±0.71) points in control group, there was significant difference between two groups (t =2.417-8.647, P<0.01 or 0.05). After one, three and six months of intervention, FMA was (65.86±5.67), (76.41±8.47), (78.79±8.58) points, BI was (46.29±7.29), (58.09±10.20), (67.50±9.44) points, SF-36 was (33.13±4.64), (43.09±6.70), (49.83±8.56) points in IMB group, (58.53±8.92), (64.47±7.56), (71.81±8.90) points, (42.47±5.67), (48.74±5.39), (56.03±6.55) points and (29.63±4.06), (35.91±5.93), (41.02±9.05) points in control group, there was significant difference between two groups (t =2.333-5.972, P< 0.05). Moreover, in the repeated measures ANOVA showed the differences of NIHSS, MRS, FMA, BI, SF-36 were statistically significant for the group by time interaction(F=13.556-133.994, P<0.05). Conclusions IMB-based continuing care can promotes the recovery of nerve function and improves the quality of life in patients with stroke after thrombolytic therapy. Key words: Quality of life; Stroke; Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skill Model; Continuing care; Thrombolysis

Atlantic salmon post-smolts adapted for a longer time to seawater develop an effective humoral and cellular immune response against Salmonid alphavirus

Salmonid alphavirus (SAV) causes pancreas disease (PD) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and disease outbreaks are mainly detected after seawater transfer. The influence of the smoltification process on the immune responses, specifically the adaptive response of Atlantic salmon after SAV infection, is not fully understood. In this study, Atlantic salmon post-smolts were infected by either bath immersion (BI) or intramuscular injection (IM) with SAV subtype 3, 2 weeks (Phase A) or 9 weeks (Phase B) after seawater transfer. The transcript levels of genes related to cellular, humoral and inflammatory responses were evaluated on head kidney samples collected at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-infection (dpi). Corresponding negative control groups (CT) were established accordingly. Significant differences were found between both phases and between the IM and BI groups. The anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was up-regulated in Phase A at a higher level than in Phase B. High mRNA levels of the genes RIG-1, SOCS1 and STAT1 were observed in all groups except the BI-B group (BI-Phase B). Moreover, the IM-B group showed a higher regulation of genes related to cellular responses, such as CD40, MHCII, and IL-15, that indicated the activation of a strong cell-mediated immune response. CD40 mRNA levels were elevated one week earlier in the BI-B group than in the BI-A group (BI-Phase A). A significant up-regulation of IgM and IgT genes was seen in both IM groups, but the presence of neutralizing antibodies to SAV was detected only in Phase B fish at 21 and 28 dpi. In addition, we found differences in the basal levels of some of the analysed genes between non-infected control groups of both phases. Findings suggest that Atlantic salmon post-smolts adapted for a longer time to seawater before they come into contact with SAV, developed a stronger humoral and cell-mediated immune response during a SAV infection.

A Video-Based Measure of Preservice Teachers’ Abilities to Predict Elementary Students’ Scientific Reasoning

In this mixed methods study, the researchers developed a video-based measure called a ―Prediction Assessment‖ to determine preservice elementary teachers’ abilities to predict students’ scientific reasoning. The instrument is based on teachers’ need to develop pedagogical content knowledge for teaching science. Developing a knowledge base for aiding teachers in their abilities to predict students’ scientific reasoning promotes student learning because it enables teachers to understand students’ current conceptions and to be able to build lessons to improve upon those ideas. To determine whether preservice teachers are improving in their abilities to predict scientific reasoning it is necessary to have an instrument that can measure their current abilities and then to measure whether those abilities improve through instruction. In the second part of this study the authors used the prediction assessment to determine whether the traditional or new (Iterative Model Building, or IMB) field experience improved preservice elementary teachers’ abilities to make reasonable predictions of student scientific reasoning. It was found that though preservice teachers in both the traditional and IMB field experience approaches improved their abilities to make predictions, there was a greater number in the IMB group who made reasonable predictions and based those predictions on student reasoning.

Evaluation of the tolerability and safety of a 0.015% ingenol mebutate gel compared to 5% 5-fluorouracil cream for the treatment of facial actinic keratosis: a prospective randomized trial.

Five per cent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream is a well-established treatment for actinic keratosis (AK), and ingenol mebutate gel (IMB) is a novel topical field-directed therapy. To compare the tolerability and safety of IMB with that of 5-FU for the treatment of facial AK. An open-label, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial with 100 patients with AKs within a 25-cm(2) contiguous field on the face was conducted. IMB was applied daily for three consecutive days. 5-FU was applied twice a day for 4 weeks. The treatment effect and the adverse events were evaluated at baseline and on days 2, 3, 4, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43 for intent-to-treat populations. The mean (± SD) maximum local skin reactions (LSR) for patients treated with IMB was 10.85 (± 3.12), compared with 10.86 (± 3.55) for those who received 5-FU. Patients in the IMB group presented LSR that peaked at day 4 and almost completely regressed after 15 days. Differently, in the 5-FU group, the LSR peaked at day 29 and lasted until visit 36. Additionally, the area under the curve (LSR × visit) was significantly smaller for IMB. No differences between the treatments for pruritus, pain, tearing, conjunctival hyperaemia or headaches were noted, but the eyelid oedema rate was higher for IMB group. No significant difference in the proportion of dropouts was observed between groups. Both treatments demonstrated a suitable safety profile. For treating AKs, the local skin reactions in the IMB group were more short-lived compared with those of 5-FU, but both treatments seemed to be safe and tolerable.

The role of proficiency and social context on the Grade-6 students' acquisition of French as a second official language in Canada

In this paper, I report on the findings of a study that compared the French as a second official language (FSOL) proficiency of three groups of Grade-6 students in English-dominant Canada: Canadian-born monolingual English-speaking students, Canadian-born bilingual students and immigrant bilingual students (IMBs). The goal of the study was to examine if and how proficiency in previously known languages impacts students' FSOL proficiency while taking into account the broader societal context of English-dominant Canada as well as the observed classroom contexts. Analysis of variances showed IMBs to have higher FSOL proficiency scores. Multiple regression analysis determined that membership in the IMB group is advantageous even when considering language of origin proficiency.

Joint haemorrhage partly accelerated immobilization-induced synovial adhesions and capsular shortening in rats

To elucidate the effects of intra-articular haemorrhage on the joint capsule of immobilized knees in rats. The unilateral knee joints were immobilized using a plastic plate and screws. Sham operated rats had only screws inserted. A single injection of fresh autologous blood was given postoperatively into the knee joints of the immobilized blood injection (Im-B) and the Sham blood injection (Sm-B) groups. Normal saline was administered for the immobilized-saline injection (Im-S) group. Sagittal sections were prepared from the medial midcondylar region of the knee and assessed with histological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical methods. The range of motion (ROM) was measured, and the mechanical property of the capsule was assessed by scanning acoustic microscope. Absorption of the injected blood was delayed and made severe adhesions in the Im-B group. The length of the synovial membrane in the Im-B group was significantly shorter than that of the other groups. The ROM was significantly restricted in the Im-B group compared with the other groups. The elasticity of the posterior capsule in the Im-B group was significantly lower than that in the Sm-B group. Iron deposition was observed in the Im-B and Sm-B groups. Strong immunoreactivities of CD68, TGF-β1, and α-SMA were observed in the adhesion area of the Im-B group. Joint immobilization with blood injection caused severe capsular adhesion and limited range of motion. Immunostaining related to fibrosis increased with joint haemorrhage. Intra-articular haemorrhage with joint immobilization might be an accelerated risk factor for joint contracture. It is likely that leaving a haematoma inside an immobilized joint should be avoided.

Study of Imatinib Cardiotoxicity In Adult Male Rabbits

Imatinib (Imb) mesylate is fully approved for the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) in chronic phase after failure of interferon- therapy in blast crisis and in accelerated phase. Cardiotoxicity is an important consideration in the evaluation of cancer chemotherapy, because chemotherapy- induced myocardial damage might be irreversible and lethal. The aim of this work is to evaluate the cardiotoxicity of Imatinib mesylate following repeated administration of different doses and periods in adult male rabbits. fifty four adult male rabbits were utilized and divided equally into 3 groups: control group (group I), low dose Imb group (group II); received orally Imatinib mesylate (50 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks and high dose Imb group (group III); received orally Imatinib mesylate (100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Cardiotoxicity was evaluated by electrocardiograph (ECG), biochemical and histopathological examination. Specimens and samples were taken 2 and 4 weeks from the start of the experiment and 2 weeks after drug withdrawal. ECG revealed left ventricular contractile dysfunction and mild diastolic dysfunction. Imb treated groups resulted in significant increases (≤ 0.001) in serum creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), cardiac troponin T (cTnc T), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity levels. Cardiac tissue of rats treated with imatinib showed significantly increased cardiac MDA production level and significant decreased (≤ 0.001) glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity level and Total nitrate/nitrite (Nox) content. Those changes were proportional increase with increase dose and time of Imb and irreversible after stoppage of drugs. Imatinib mesylate have significant cardiotoxicity that alarming oncologists to avoid medication errors with Imb either large dose or for long periods administration that may have resulted in fatalities.

WebWise: guide to the Institute of Molecular Biology Genome Sequencing Center-Jena web site.

the web site and the JENA bioinformatics program is included at the bottom of this page. A timely, thorough answer was received when questions were submitted to this contact point. Additional information about other research groups at the IMB Jena is available on the IMB Groups page. An extensive collection of links can be accessed via the side column navigation links. For example, the Learning, Spotlight, and Biolinks pages include many useful links to bioinformatics, molecular biology, bibliography, database, and analysis resources. The links on these pages are organized into general categories and the pages are easy to browse. Although it is somewhat inconvenient to go to three separate pages to review all of the available links, a collection of this size does need added organization as effected by splitting into different web pages. Click on the Learning button to access links to general informational resources concerning bioinformatics and molecular biology, including guides, tutorials, and manuals. The Spotlight page includes meeting reports, announcements of significant scientific results, and a few links to additional human genome-related web sites (e.g., links to genome sequencing statistics and NCBI’s Gene Map of the Human Genome). The Biolinks page (http://genome.imb

Total energy of the neutrino burst from the supernova 1987A and the mass of the neutron star just born

From the data of the neutrino burst detected by the Kamiokande-II and IMB groups we calculated the total neutrino energy carefully taking into account the efficiency of their water Čerenkov counters. By using this result, we discussed the neutron star mass which was formed by this supernova explosion. We conjectured that the mass is 1.0–1.7 M ⊙ and a black hole was not formed, assuming that the distance to the supernova is 50 kpc. If the distance is 56 kpc, the mass range turns into 1.0–1.8 M ⊙ and the possibility of black hole formation is also ruled out.

Proposed test of a strange matter pulsar by observation of the neutrino flux from Cygnus X-3

High energy γ's observed from Cygnus X-3 have been explained by assuming that protons emitted by a pulsar are accelerated to 10 17 eV in its polar field and then collide with the atmosphere of its companion star. Recognizing that ν's are produced by this mechanism the IMB and other experimental groups are currently searching for them. It is shown how the hypothesis of the pulsar being strange matter might be tested by observation of the ν flux. Metastable strange droplets stripped from the pulsar (and accelerated) by electrodynamic fields yield ν's, by decay and by collisions with the companion's atmosphere, with qualitatively different details than those produced by the proton collisions. Further, searching is suggested for ν's produced by this decay mechanism from nearby pulsars with no companion in future, large detectors. The decays may be rapid enough to see the pulsar frequency in the neutrino signal.