Genetic characterization of bovine coronavirus strain isolated in Inner Mongolia of China.

BACKGROUND: Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is implicated in severe diarrhea in calves and contributes to the bovine respiratory disease complex; it shares a close relationship with human coronavirus. Similar to other coronaviruses, remarkable variability was found in the genome and biology of the BCoV. In 2022, samples of feces were collected from a cattle farm. A virus was isolated from 7-day-old newborn calves. In this study, we present the genetic characteristics of a new BCoV isolate. The complete genomic, spike protein, and nucleocapsid protein gene sequences of the BCoV strain, along with those of other coronaviruses, were obtained from the GenBank database. Genetic analysis was conducted using MEGA7.0 and the Neighbor-Joining (NJ) method. The reference strains' related genes were retrieved from GenBank for comparison and analysis using DNAMAN. RESULTS: The phylogenetic tree and whole genome consistency analysis showed that it belonged to the GIIb subgroup, which is epidemic in Asia and America, and was quite similar to the Chinese strains in the same cluster. Significantly, the S gene was highly consistent with QH1 (MH810151.1) isolated from yak. This suggests that the strain may have originated from interspecies transmission involving mutations of wild strains. The N gene was conserved and showed high sequence identity with the epidemic strains in China and the USA. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic characterization suggests that the isolated strain could be a new mutant from a wild-type lineage, which is in the same cluster as most Chinese epidemic strains but on a new branch.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with helicobacter pylori infection and mortality among US population.

BACKGROUND: Limited research has been conducted on the potential relationship between the dietary inflammation index (DII) and mortality, particularly in individuals with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. This study aimed to investigate the association between the DII and H. pylori infection, as well as their respective impacts on all-cause mortality in a cohort of individuals with or without H. pylori infection. METHODS: Data from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were utilized for this study, with a final of 4370 participants included. Both univariable and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses were employed to explore the relationship between H. pylori infection and pertinent covariates. Cox regression analysis, as well as restricted regression cubic spline analysis, were utilized to assess the association between DII and all-cause mortality among individuals with or without H. pylori infection. RESULTS: The findings demonstrated a positive correlation between DII scores and H. pylori infection, even after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Moreover, higher DII scores were significantly associated with an elevated risk of mortality exclusively in individuals with H. pylori infection, while no such association was observed in the uninfected population. Additional analysis using restricted cubic spline modeling revealed a positive linear relationship between DII scores as a continuous variable and the adjusted risk of all-cause mortality specifically in H. pylori-infected patients. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that DII was positively correlated with an increased risk of H. pylori infection and was associated with a heightened risk of all-cause mortality solely in individuals with H. pylori infection. Consequently, DII might serve as a useful tool for risk stratification in the H. pylori-infected population among U.S. adults. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential clinical implications of these findings.

Biological activity of recombinant bovine IFN-α and inhibitory effect on BVDV in vitro.

Type I interferon has great broad-spectrum antiviral ability and immunomodulatory function, and its receptors are expressed in almost all types of cells. Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important pathogen causing significant economic losses in cattle. In this study, a recombinant expression plasmid carrying bovine interferon-α(BoIFN-α)gene was constructed and transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3) competent cells. SDS-PAGE and Westernblotting analysis showed that the recombinant BoIFN-α protein (rBoIFN-α) was successfully expressed. It is about 36KD and exists in the form of inclusion body. When denatured, purified and renatured rBoIFN-α protein stimulated MDBK cells, the expression of interferon stimulating genes (ISGs) such as ISG15, OAS1, IFIT1, Mx1 and IFITM1 were significantly up-regulated, and reached the peak at 12 h (P< 0.001). MDBK cells were infected with BVDV with moi of 0.1 and 1.0, respectively. The virus proliferation was observed after pretreatment with rBoIFN-α protein and post-infection treatment. The results showed that the denatured, purified and renatured BoIFN-α protein had good biological activity and could inhibit the replication of BVDV in MDBK cells in vitro, which provided a basis for BoIFN-α as an antiviral drug, immune enhancer and clinical application of BVDV.

Effects of sorbitol on porcine oocyte maturation and embryo development in vitro.

In the present study, a porcine system was supplemented with sorbitol during in vitro maturation (IVM) or in vitro culture (IVC), and the effects of sorbitol on oocyte maturation and embryonic development following parthenogenetic activation were assessed. Porcine immature oocytes were treated with different concentrations of sorbitol during IVM, and the resultant metaphase II stage oocytes were activated and cultured in porcine zygote medium-3 (PZM-3) for 7 days. No significant difference was observed in cumulus expansion and the nuclear maturation between the control and sorbitol-treated groups, with the exception of the 100 mM group, which showed significantly decreased nuclear maturation and cumulus expansion. There was no significant difference in the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels between oocytes matured with 10 or 20 mM sorbitol and control groups, but 50 and 100 mM groups had significantly higher ROS levels than other groups. The 20 mM group showed significant increases in intracellular glutathione and subsequent blastocyst formation rates following parthenogenetic activation compared with the other groups. During IVC, supplementation with sorbitol significantly reduced blastocyst formation and increased the apoptotic index compared with the control. The apoptotic index of blastocysts from the sorbitol-treated group for entire culture period was significantly higher than those of the partially sorbitol-exposed groups. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the addition of a low concentration of sorbitol (20 mM) during IVM of porcine oocytes benefits subsequent blastocyst development and improves embryo quality, whereas sorbitol supplement during IVC has a negative effect on blastocyst formation.

Halogenated nucleotide labeling of nascent RNAs reveals dynamic transcription in growing pig oocytes.

BACKGROUND: Germ cells differentiate into oocytes in females and are arrested at the first meiotic prophase. However, during arrest, oocytes undergo a growth phase leading to a dramatic increase in size, which is under control of transcription events. In the current study, we examined the transcriptional activity of growing pig oocytes using an immunocytochemical approach. Our data showed that fluorouridine (FU), a halogenated nucleotide, can be successfully incorporated into synthesizing RNAs and detected using a specific monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: Using this method, we identified dynamic changes in transcriptional activity patterns in growing pig oocytes. Oocytes obtained from small follicles exhibited the highest level of transcription, while at the final phase of growth, transcription was no longer detected. These transcriptional changes were concomitant with chromatin compaction resulting in a tightly packed ring-like chromatin conformation surrounding the nucleolar structure. Also, FU incorporation appeared sensitive to the biochemical manipulation of transcription, because transcriptional inhibitors induced a decrease in signal intensity from FU labeling and transcriptional activation caused an increase in FU signal intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Our data collectively support that a direct link exists between chromatin configuration and transcriptional activity in pig oocytes, and support the suitability of FU for studies on transcription-related events in mammalian oocytes.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory effect by dammarane-type triterpenes from hydrolyzate of total Gynostemma pentaphyllum saponins.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is an important factor in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type-2 diabetes), and a promising target for treatment of diabetes and obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the inhibitory activities of constituents (three new together with twelve known triterpenes compounds) isolated from the hydrolyzate of total saponins from Gynostemma pentaphyllum. Their structures were accomplished mainly base on the spectroscopic methods, and then were further confirmed by X-ray crystal diffraction. All the compounds were evaluated for inhibitory activity against PTP1B. Current data suggested that the compounds 1, 3, 12, 13 and 14 were considered to be potential as antidiabetic agents, in which they could significantly inhibit the PTP1B enzyme activity in a dose-dependent manner.

Effect of endoplasmic reticulum stress on porcine oocyte maturation and parthenogenetic embryonic development in vitro.

X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) is an important regulator of a subset of genes active during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In the present study, we analyzed XBP1 level and location to explore the effect of ER stress on oocyte maturation and developmental competency of porcine embryos in an in vitro culture system. First, we examined the localization of XBP1 at different meiotic stages of porcine oocytes and at early stages of parthenogenetic embryo development. Fluorescence staining showed that expression of functional XBP1 was weak in mature oocytes and at the 1-, 2-, and 8-cell stages of embryos but abundant at the germinal vesicle (GV), 4-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages. In addition, RT-PCR revealed that both spliced XBP1 (XBP1-s) and unspliced XBP1 (XBP1-u) were expressed at the GV, 4-cell, morula, and blastocyst stages. Tunicamycin, an ER stress inducer, induced active XBP1 protein in nuclei of 4-cell embryos. Next, porcine embryos cultured in the presence of tauroursodeoxycholate, an ER stress inhibitor, were studied. Total cell numbers and the extent of the inner cell mass increased (P < 0.05), whereas the rate of nuclear apoptosis decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, expression of the antiapoptotic gene BCL2 increased, whereas expression of the proapoptotic genes BCL2L1 (Bcl-xl) and TP53 decreased. The results indicated that inhibition of ER stress enhanced porcine oocyte maturation and embryonic development by preventing ER stress-mediated apoptosis in vitro.

Phosphorylation Status of RNA Polymerase II Carboxyl-terminal Domain in Porcine Oocytes and Early Embryos.

Fertilization of the oocyte commences embryogenesis during which maternally inherited mRNAs are degraded and the embryonic genome is activated. Transcription of embryonic mRNA is initiated by embryonic genome activation (EGA). RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) is responsible for the synthesis of mRNAs and most small nuclear RNAs, and consists of 12 subunits, the largest of which characteristically harbors a unique C-terminal domain (CTD). Transcriptional activity of RNA Pol II is highly regulated, in particular, by phosphorylation of serine residues in the CTD. Here, we have shown the presence of RNA Pol II CTD phosphoisoforms in porcine oocytes and preimplantation embryos. The distribution pattern as well as phosphorylation dynamics in germinal vesicles and during embryogenesis differed in developmental stages with these isoforms, indicating a role of RNA Pol II CTD phosphorylation at the serine residue in transcriptional activation during both oocyte growth and embryonic genome activation. We additionally examined the effects of the RNA Pol II inhibitor, α-amanitin, on embryo development. Our results show that inhibition of polymerase, even at very early stages and for a short period of time, dramatically impaired blastocyst formation. These findings collectively suggest that the functionality of maternal RNA Pol II, and consequently, expression of early genes regulated by this enzyme are essential for proper embryo development.

[Effect of ulinastatin in traumatic brain injury with multiple injuries].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ulinastatin (UTI) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) with multiple injuries. METHODS: A prospective analysis of TBI patients with multiple injuries was performed. Sixty cases of cranial trauma with multiple injuries patients were randomly divided into two groups. There were 28 cases in control group while 32 cases in treatment group. Control group underwent conventional treatment while intravenous infusion of UTI was performed in treatment group. The dose of UTI was 200 kU every 8 hours. Patients' intracranial cerebral pressure (ICP) were monitored at admission and 10 days after treatment. At the same time levels of white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate amino transfer enzymes (AST), creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL-2, IL-6) were detected. RESULTS: ICP was down trend after treatment in UTI group, but there was no statistical difference compared with the control group. Hepatic and renal function and inflammation factor levels were significantly decreased in both groups. WBC, CRP, PCT, ALT, AST, Cr, BUN, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6 were significantly lower in UTI group than those in control group (WBC:12.3±4.5×10(9)/L vs. 15.9±6.3×10(9)/L, CRP:46.12±11.47 mg/L vs. 64.24±18.31 mg/L, PCT:4.51±1.27 µg/L vs. 10.51±4.27 µg/L, ALT:47.26±8.23 U/L vs. 60.94±8.39 U/L, AST:42.67±7.63 U/L vs. 68.51±10.17 U/L, Cr:79.62±15.36 µmol/L vs. 102.36±16.82 µmol/L, BUN:6.35±2.36 mmol/L vs. 8.39±1.67 mmol/L, TNF-α:93.6±31.5 µg/L vs. 195.8±23.9 µg/L, IL-2:12.3±4.5 µg/L vs. 15.9±6.3 µg/L, IL-6:52.36±12.46 µg/L vs. 69.34±26.13 µg/L, all P<0.05). The incidence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in UTI group were significantly lower than those in control group (21.88% vs. 46.43%, 9.38% vs. 28.57%, both P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Application of UTI treatment in TBI with multiple trauma patients can potentially protect the brain, liver and other organ function, thus significantly reduce incidence rate of SIRS and MODS by reducing the release of inflammatory mediators and systemic reaction to the trauma invasion.

Hsa_circ_0000285 knockdown inhibits the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by sponging miR-582-3p to regulate CCNB2 expression.

AIM: Hsa_circ_0000285, a novel circular RNA, has been proven to extensively take part in the pathogenesis of numerous tumors. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), very little is known about hsa_circ_0000285 until now. Hence, this research aims to determine hsa_circ_0000285's functional role and underlying mechanisms in HCC. METHODS: The expressions of miR-582-3p, hsa_circ_000028, and cyclin B2 (CCNB2) among the HCC cells and tumor samples were determined by performing western blotting and qRT-PCR analyses. The impacts of hsa_circ_000028 on the proliferative and migratory abilities of HCC cells were examined through the execution of CCK-8 and wound-healing assays. Meanwhile, the expressions of the proteins Bcl-2 and Bax were detected via western blotting. Tumor xenograft models were established to examine how hsa_circ_000028 functions during the mediation of HCC tumor growth in vivo. RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter experiments were performed for the validation of the interactions of miR-582-3p, hsa_circ_000028, and CCNB2 with each other. RESULTS: Elevated hsa_circ_0000285 and CCNB2 expressions, and a decreased miR-582-3p expression were observed among the HCC cell lines and tumors. Hsa_circ_0000285 bound to miR-582-3p competitively to improve CCNB2 levels. Silencing of hsa_circ_0000285 promoted apoptosis and repressed proliferation and migration among HCC cells. Moreover, silencing hsa_circ_0000285 also impeded the growth of HCC tumors in vivo. Inhibiting hsa_circ_0000285 or CCNB2 reversed the miR-582-3p-knockdown-mediated promotion of malignant HCC cell phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Our study has demonstrated that hsa_circ_0000285 fosters the development of malignant HCC cells phenotypes through the modulation of the miR-582-3p/CCNB2 axis. Thus, these results suggest that hsa_circ_0000285 is a prospective target for HCC treatment.

The Effects of Oncolytic Pseudorabies Virus Vaccine Strain Inhibited the Growth of Colorectal Cancer HCT-8 Cells In Vitro and In Vivo.

Oncolytic viral therapy is a promising treatment approach for a variety of tumor forms. Although a number of studies have demonstrated that the pseudorabies virus (PRV) may be applied as an oncolytic carrier, the anti-colorectal cancer impact of the virus and the mechanism of its cytotoxic effect remain elusive. In this study, the replication capacity and cell activity of PRV attenuated live vaccines Bartha K61 and HB98 in HCT-8 cells in vitro were investigated. Next, the antitumor ability and safety were evaluated in a mouse model of HCT-8 tumor transplantation. Both PRV strains were able to suppress tumor growth and HB98 showed higher safety and efficiency than the Bartha K61 strain. Finally, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry examination were performed to investigate its possible cytotoxic mechanism. The results showed that PRV inhibited tumor proliferation both in vitro and in vivo by inducing apoptosis. In summary, our study discovered for the first time that the live attenuated PRV has an oncolytic effect on HCT-8 cells with high efficacy and safety.

The CDK9/cyclin T1 subunits of P-TEFb in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos: a possible role in embryonic genome activation.

BACKGROUND: Two stages of genome activation have been identified in the mouse embryo. Specifically, minor transcriptional activation is evident at the one-cell stage and a second major episode of activation occurs at the two-cell stage. Nuclear translocation of RNA polymerase II and phosphorylation of the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the largest enzyme subunit are major determinants of embryonic genome activation. P-TEFb, the Pol II CTD kinase, regulates transcriptional elongation via phosphorylation of the serine 2 residues of the CTD. RESULTS: Here, we show that the CDK9 and cyclin T1 subunits of P-TEFb are present in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos. Both proteins translocate to pronuclei at the late one-cell stage and are predominantly localized in nuclei at the two-cell stage. We additionally examine the effects of the CDK9-specific inhibitor, flavopiridol, on mouse preimplantation development. Our data show that treatment with the drug results in mislocalization of CDK9, cyclin T1, and phosphorylated Pol II, as well as developmental arrest at the two-cell stage. CONCLUSIONS: A change in CDK9 localization from the cytoplasm to the pronucleus occurs at the time of minor embryonic genome activation, and CDK9 accumulation at the two-cell stage is evident, concomitant with major transcriptional activation of the embryonic genome. Moreover, CDK9 inhibition triggers a developmental block at the two-cell stage. Our findings clearly indicate that CDK9 is essential for embryonic genome activation in the mouse.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonist ubrogepant for the treatment of acute migraine: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist ubrogepant for the treatment of acute migraine. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ubrogepant for treatment of acute migraine were identified in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from database establishment to June 2020; we also searched ClinicalTrials.gov manually during the same period. Then, RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform a meta-analysis on each outcome measure. RESULTS: A total of 5 RCTs involving 4903 patients were included; there were 3358 cases in the ubrogepant group and 1545 cases in the placebo group. The meta-analysis showed the following results: at 2 hours postdose, the percentages of participants reporting pain relief and the absence of photophobia, nausea, and phonophobia were significantly higher in the ubrogepant group than in the placebo group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.48-1.97, P < .00001; OR = 1.33, 95%CI: 1.22-1.45, P < .00001; OR = 1.07, 95%CI: 1.03-1.11, P = .0006; OR = 1.21, 95%CI: 1.14-1.28, P < .00001). The incidence of common adverse events was similar between the 2 groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Ubrogepant is effective and safe for the treatment of acute migraine. REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019145286.

Comparative efficacy and acceptability of antidepressants and benzodiazepines for the treatment of panic disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and acceptability of the different types of antidepressants and benzodiazepines for the treatment of panic disorder (PD) in adult patients. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 1995 and 2020 on the use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines for the treatment of PD. A systematic review and network meta-analysis were performed. RESULTS: 42 RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis, with a comparison of 11 interventions.Escitalopram (odds ratios OR 1.52, 95 % credible interval CI 1.09-2.10), venlafaxine (OR 1.33, 95 % CI 1.16-1.51) and benzodiazepines (OR 1.50, 95 % CI 1.29-1.75) had greater efficacy and acceptability than the placebo. Imipramine(OR 1.43, 95 % CI 1.15-1.79) was also demonstrated to be efficacious and tolerated but the results were restricted to small sample size. Moreover, paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram and clomipramine (OR 1.37, 1.36, 1.45, 1.33 and 1.36, respectively) were more efficacious, although the acceptability of paroxetine and sertraline were significantly less tolerated than benzodiazepines. Notably, the efficacy of reboxetine and fluvoxamine were merely as equal as that of the placebo. OUTCOMES: This is the first systematic review of antidepressants and benzodiazepines for the treatment of PD to use a network analysis. Escitalopram and venlafaxine as well as benzodiazepines may be effective choices as treatments for PD with relatively good acceptability, which still needs to be confirmed byhigh-quality RCTs.

Supplementation with asiatic acid during in vitro maturation improves porcine oocyte developmental competence by regulating oxidative stress.

Asiatic acid is a natural triterpene found in Centella asiatica that acts as an effective free radical scavenger. Our previous research showed that asiatic acid delayed porcine oocyte ageing in vitro and improved preimplantation embryo development competence in vitro; however, the protective effects of asiatic acid against oxidative stress in porcine oocyte maturation are still unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of asiatic acid on porcine oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) and subsequent embryonic development competence after parthenogenetic activation (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). The results of the present research showed that 10 µM asiatic acid supplementation did not affect the expansion of cumulus cells or polar body extrusion of porcine oocytes, while asiatic acid application significantly increased the subsequent blastocyst formation rate and quality of porcine PA and IVF embryos. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induces oxidative stress in porcine oocytes. As expected, asiatic acid supplementation not only decreased intracellular ROS levels but also attenuated H2O2-induced intracellular ROS generation. Further analysis revealed that asiatic acid supplementation enhanced intracellular glutathione production, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP generation at the end of IVM. In summary, our results reveal that asiatic acid supplementation exerts beneficial effects on porcine oocytes by regulating oxidative stress during the IVM process and could act as a potential antioxidant in porcine oocytes matured in vitro production systems.

Asiatic acid supplementation during the in vitro culture period improves early embryonic development of porcine embryos produced by parthenogenetic activation, somatic cell nuclear transfer and in vitro fertilization.

Asiatic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene enriched in the medicinal herb Centella asiatica, and it has been suggested to possess free radical scavenging and anti-apoptotic properties. The purpose of the current study was to explore the effects of asiatic acid on porcine early-stage embryonic development and the potential mechanisms for any observed effects. The results showed that 10 µM asiatic acid supplementation during the in vitro culture period dramatically improved developmental competence in porcine embryos derived from parthenogenetic activation (PA), somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Further analysis revealed that asiatic acid attenuated H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Notably, asiatic acid not only enhanced intracellular GSH levels but also attenuated mitochondrial dysfunction. Gene expression analysis revealed that asiatic acid upregulated expression of the antioxidant-related gene Sod-1 and the blastocyst formation related gene Cox-2, while downregulating expression of the apoptosis-related gene Caspase-9 in SCNT blastocysts. These results suggest that asiatic acid exerts beneficial effects on early embryonic development in porcine embryos and that asiatic acid may be useful for improving the in vitro production of porcine embryos.

Asiatic acid protects oocytes against in vitro aging-induced deterioration and improves subsequent embryonic development in pigs.

As a pentacyclic triterpene in Centella asiatica, asiatic acid (AA) is a powerful antioxidant with many bioactivities. In the present research, we investigated whether AA has the potential to rescue the decrease in porcine oocyte quality that occurs during in vitro aging (IVA). Mature porcine oocytes were collected and then continuously cultured for an additional 24 h or 48 h with or without AA in maturation medium as an IVA model. The results revealed that AA supplementation reduced the percentage of abnormal aged porcine oocytes during IVA. Furthermore, AA supplementation effectively maintained aged porcine oocyte developmental competence, both parthenogenetic activation and in vitro fertilization. The number of sperm that bound to the zona pellucida on aged porcine oocytes was higher in the AA-supplemented group than in the non-supplemented group. Moreover, AA supplementation not only blocked IVA-induced oxidative stress but also maintained intracellular GSH levels and reduced the percentage of early apoptosis aged porcine oocytes. Mitochondrial functions were disordered during the IVA process. The intracellular ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential in aged porcine oocytes were dramatically increased by AA supplementation. Therefore, AA has beneficial effects on porcine oocyte quality and developmental potential maintenance during IVA.

Intravenously Infusing the Secretome of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorates Neuroinflammation and Neurological Functioning After Traumatic Brain Injury.

The secretome of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) offers a series of immunoregulatory properties and is regarded as an effective method of mitigating secondary neuroinflammation induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI). The secretome of adipose-derived MSCs (ASC-ST) was collected under hypoxia conditions. Proteomics data were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and concentrations of major components were tested. After the TBI caused by an electric cortical contusion impactor, rats were injected ASC-ST through caudal veins for 7 days. The neurological functional prognosis of TBI rats was significantly improved, and the vasogenic edema of brain tissues that was measured 14 days after TBI was relieved by ASC-ST, corresponding to brain water content levels. ASC-ST ameliorated TBI-induced neuroinflammatory environments that caused the edema, the apoptosis of the neural cells, and the nerve fiber damage by increasing the number of M2 phenotypes present while reducing the number of M1 phenotype microglia present. Furthermore, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels were reduced, whereas transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-ß) and tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene 6 protein (TSG-6) levels were increased after secretome treatment. Altogether, ASC-ST is capable of improving neural functioning by modulating TBI-induced neuroinflammation and its related secondary insults. ASC-ST may be one of the most promising candidates for regulating the secondary inflammatory reactions of central nervous systems for clinical use.

A novel threefold-interpenetrating primitive cubic network based on a dinuclear Zn2 node.

In the mixed-ligand metal-organic polymeric compound poly[[mu(2)-1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)benzene](mu(2)-terephthalato)dizinc(II)], [Zn(2)(C(8)H(4)O(4))(2)(C(12)H(10)N(4))](n) or [Zn(2)(bdc)(2)(bib)](n) [H(2)bdc is terephthalic acid and bib is 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-yl)benzene], the asymmetric unit contains one Zn(II) ion, with two half bdc anions and one half bib molecule lying around inversion centers. The Zn(II) ion is in a slightly distorted tetrahedral environment, coordinated by three carboxylate O atoms from three different bdc anions and by one bib N atom. The crystal structure is constructed from the secondary building unit (SBU) [Zn(2)(CO(2))(2)N(2)O(2)], in which the two metal centers are held together by two bdc linkers with bis(syn,syn-bridging bidentate) bonding modes. The SBU is connected by bdc bridges to form a two-dimensional grid-like (4,4)-layer, which is further pillared by the bib ligand. Topologically, the dinuclear SBU can be considered to be a six-connected node, and the extended structure exhibits an elongated primitive approximately cubic framework. The three-dimensional framework possesses a large cavity with dimensions of approximately 10 x 13 x 17 A in cross-section. The potential porosity is filled with mutual interpenetration of two identical equivalent frameworks, generating a novel threefold interpenetrating network with an alpha-polonium topology [Abrahams, Hoskins, Robson & Slizys (2002). CrystEngComm, 4, 478-482].

(E)-4-Bromo-N'-(2-chloro-benzyl-idene)benzohydrazide.

In the title compound, C(14)H(10)BrClN(2)O, the dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 11.4 (2)°. In the crystal structure, mol-ecules are connected via inter-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into one-dimensional chains running parallel to the c axis.