High throughput small RNA and transcriptome sequencing reveal capacitation-related microRNAs and mRNA in boar sperm.

BACKGROUND: Capacitation, a prerequisite for oocyte fertilization, is a complex process involving series of structural and functional changes in sperms such as membrane modifications, modulation of enzyme activities, and protein phosphorylation. In order to penetrate and fertilize an oocyte, mammalian sperms must undergo capacitation. Nevertheless, the process of sperm capacitation remains poorly understood and requires further elucidation. In the current study, via high throughput sequencing, we identified and explored the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs involved in boar sperm capacitation. RESULTS: We identified a total of 5342 mRNAs and 204 miRNAs that were differentially expressed in fresh and capacitated boar sperms. From these, 12 miRNAs (8 known and 4 newly identified miRNAs) and their differentially expressed target mRNAs were found to be involved in sperm capacitation-related PI3K-Akt, MAPK, cAMP-PKA and Ca2+signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is first to provide the complete miRNA and transcriptome profiles of boar sperm. Our findings provide important insights for the understanding of the RNA profile in boar sperm and future elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanism relevant to mammalian sperm capacitation.

Aspiration Thrombectomy Versus Stent-Retriever Thrombectomy for the First-Pass Therapy of Intracranial Atherosclerosis-Related Large Vessel Occlusion: A Post Hoc Analysis of The Endovascular Treatment With Versus Without Tirofiban for Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to scrutinize the clinical outcomes associated with first-pass mechanical thrombectomy strategies in the management of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS)-related large vessel occlusion (LVO). METHODS: Within this post-hoc analysis of the The Endovascular Treatment With vs Without Tirofiban for Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke (RESCUE BT) trial, we compared data pertaining to patients with ICAS-LVO situated in the anterior circulation who underwent initial therapeutic interventions utilizing either aspiration thrombectomy or stent-retriever thrombectomy. The analysis encompassed the assessment of intraprocedural recanalization, rescue procedures involving balloon angioplasty or stenting, 48-hour reocclusion rates, occurrences of cerebral hemorrhagic complications, and 90-day Modified Rankin Scale scores. RESULTS: Among the 948 patients encompassed in the RESCUE BT trial, a total of 230 patients with ICAS-LVO in the anterior circulation were enrolled in the study. Of these, 111 underwent aspiration thrombectomy as the first-pass therapy, while 119 patients underwent stent-retriever thrombectomy as the initial intervention. The difference in first pass recanalization rates between aspiration thrombectomy and stent-retriever thrombectomy was not statistically significant (17.1% vs. 14.3%, P = 0.555), and mechanical thrombectomy success rates (90.1% vs. 90.8%, P = 0.864), the use of balloon angioplasty or stenting for rescue therapy (54.6% vs. 45.9%, P = 0.189; 23.4% vs. 25.2%, P = 0.752), and favorable 90-day Modified Rankin Scale outcomes (53.2% vs. 40.3%, P = 0.051) showed no statistically significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Both aspiration thrombectomy and stent-retriever thrombectomy can be considered as primary therapeutic options for patients presenting with ICAS-LVO in the anterior circulation.

Effects of recombinant human intestinal trefoil factor on trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid induced colitis in rats.

Intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) has been proved to be effective in treatment of ulcerative colitis. However, the mechanisms of it remain unclear. In this study, we observed the effects of combined treatment with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and recombinant human ITF (rhITF) on the expression of Myeloperoxidase (MPO), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis in rats. Forty Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rats which were induced to distal colitis by the colonic administration of TNBS, were randomly divided into four groups and colonically treated with normal saline (A), 5-ASA (B), rhITF (C), respectively. The macroscopic and histological changes of the colon, activities of MPO, expressions of serum EGF and tissue NF-κB were detected. The results showed that manifestation, colonic damage score and MPO activities of the rats treated with 5-ASA or/and rhITFs were improved, serum EGF production was augmented and expression of tissue NF-κB was down-regulated. Single usage of 5-ASA or rhITF had no significant difference, but combined using of them had more significant and noticeable effects compared to any single treatment. It could be concluded that topical treatment with 5-ASA and rhITF had beneficial effects in treating TNBS-induced colitis of rats and combined treatment was better than single treatment. It was possibly related to suppression of neutrophil infiltration, down-regulation expression of NF-κB and up-regulation expression of EGF.

Symptomatic and optimal supportive care of critical COVID-19: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity is classified as asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe, and critical. Mild cases account for a large percentage of cases in the epidemic and typically exhibit a favorable prognosis. However, a 49%-67% mortality is noted in critical cases. No COVID-19-specific drug has been reported to date, and symptomatic and optimal supportive care, including oxygenation, anti-coinfection treatments, and ventilation, represent the mainstay of treatment for this disease, especially in critical patients. CASE SUMMARY: In the above-mentioned context, we share our experience with the treatment of one critical COVID-19 case and review the relevant literature. CONCLUSION: Timely tracheal intubation, reasonable mechanical ventilation support, appropriate anti-infection treatment, and early anticoagulation and immunity support are key factors in the successful treatment of this case.