Transcriptomic comparison of ovarian granulosa cells between adult sheep and prepubertal lambs.

Background: The oocyte development ability of prepubertal animals is significantly lower than that of adult animals. Granulosa cells (GCs) have an important function on regulation of follicular and oocyte development. Therefore, analysis of GC characteristics can be used to explore the developmental mechanism of follicles and oocytes.

Antifreeze protein from Anatolia polita (ApAFP914) improved outcome of vitrified in vitro sheep embryos.

Embryo cryopreservation is an important tool to preserve endangered species. As a cryoprotectant for mouse oocytes, antifreeze protein from Anatolica polita (ApAFP914) has demonstrated utility. In the present study, the effects of controlled slow freezing and vitrification methods on the survival rate of sheep oocytes fertilized in vitro after freezing-thawing were compared.

The Effect of Medical Insurance on Outpatient Visits by the Elderly: An Empirical Study with China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Data.

Background: As the largest developing country in the world, China is still on its way towards building an adequate system of health insurance through continuous reforms. For the elderly in China, an effective medical security system might be especially helpful.

Objective: This study investigates the effect of medical insurance on outpatient visits by elderly Chinese in order to identify effective policies to improve the Chinese medical security system.