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Food cravings are common post-bariatric surgery, suggested as predictors of relapse and weight regain, but relatively unstudied, especially in the longer term. The present study investigated the frequency and nature of food craving experiences after gastric surgery in comparison with non-surgical control participants. Participants were 21 women, 4-38 months post-surgery (mean age = 44 years, 9 following gastric banding, 12 after Roux-en- Y gastric bypass), and two comparison samples of 39 overweight dieters and 33 normal weight non-dieters. They completed a food craving record after every food craving, a daily mood assessment and a food diary over a 7-day period. Over the 299 craving episodes, savoury foods were the most commonly craved (40% of craving events), followed by chocolate (31%). Post-bariatric patients reported more and stronger cravings than normal weight non-dieters but at a similar frequency and strength to overweight dieters. Neither hunger nor negative mood distinguished the food cravings of post-bariatric patients from those of comparison participants, nor did the proportion that led to eating (58%). Food cravings should be anticipated post-bariatric surgery but no more so at 12 months post-surgery than by other overweight or obese individuals. Food cravings are not the product of extreme hunger nor do they have the connection with negative mood seen in disordered eating. In addition, the ability to fulfil cravings by eating the craved food is reduced by the surgery itself, although the duration of surgical restraint is uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Part of the reduction in boar sperm motility and fertility associated with hypothermic liquid storage and cryopreservation may be due to membrane lipid peroxidation. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by the shift from red to green fluorescence emission of the lipophilic probe 4, 4-difluoro-5-(4-phenyl-1,3-buta- dienyl)-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-undecanoic acid, C11B0D1PY5811591 (BODIPY), as measured by fluorescence-activated flow cytometry in live sperm (negative for propidium iodide). Experiments were conducted with Percoll-washed sperm to determine the specificity of BODIPY oxidation in the presence of different reactive oxygen species generators and metal chelators. Compared with no FeSO4 and Na ascorbate, the combination of FeSO4 and Na ascorbate (FeAc) increased (P < 0.01) the percentage of sperm containing oxidized BODIPY from ≤1 to >70% and increased (P < 0.05) BODIPY fluorescence intensity/cell by 5- to 10-fold after a 30-mm incubation. Motility was depressed (P < 0.05) after exposure to FeAc, but viability was not affected. Of the reactive oxygen species generators tested, BODIPY oxidation was specific for FeAc, because menadione and H2O2 had little or no effect. The oxidization of hydroethidine to ethidium was specific for menadione and H2O2; FeAc had no effect. The presence of the metal chelators EDTA or deferoxamine mesylate at 3 and 9 µM inhibited FeAc-induced BODIPY oxidation and maintained motility. Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of liquid storage at 17°C for 1 and 5 d and the effect of freeze-thawing on basal and FeAc-induced BODIPY oxidation. Basal BODIPY oxidation (no FeAc) was low in liquid stored and thawed viable sperm (1.3 and 3.4%, respectively). Although the incidence of basal or spontaneous membrane lipid peroxidation was low during liquid storage and after freeze-thawing, viable boar sperm were susceptible to FeAc-induced lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of frozen semen in the swine industry is limited by problems with viability and fertility compared with liquid semen. Part of the reduction in sperm motility and fertility associated with cryopreservation may be due to oxidative damage from excessive or inappropriate formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chemiluminescence measurements of ROS are not possible in live cells and are problematic because of poor specificity. An alternative approach, flow cytometry, was developed to identify viable boar sperm containing ROS utilizing the dyes hydroethidine and 2′, 7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate as oxidizable substrates and impermeant DNA dyes to exclude dead sperm. The percentage of sperm with high mitochondrial transmembrane potential was determined by flow cytometry using the mitochondrial probe 5, 5′, 6, 6′-tetrachloro-1, 1′, 3, 3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide with propidium iodide staining to exclude nonviable cells. Sperm were incubated with and without ROS generators and free radical scavengers. Basal ROS formation was low (less than 4%) and did not differ (P = 0.26) between viable fresh and frozen-thawed boar sperm. In addition, fresh and frozen-thawed viable sperm were equally susceptible (P = 0.20) to intracellular formation of ROS produced by xanthine/ xanthine oxidase (94.4 and 87.9% of sperm, respectively). Menadione increased (P < 0.05) ROS formation, decreased (P < 0.05) JC-1-aggregate fluorescence intensity, and decreased (P < 0.05) motion variables by 25 to 60%. The mechanism of inhibition of motility by ROS formation may be related to a decrease in mitochondrial charge potential below a critical threshold. Catalase and superoxide dismutase treatment in the presence of xanthine/xanthine oxidase indicated that hydrogen peroxide was the primary intracellular ROS measured. Further, catalase, but not superoxide dismutase, was capable of attenuating ROS-induced inhibition of motility. Whereas basal intracellular hydrogen peroxide formation was low in viable fresh and frozen-thawed boar sperm, both were quite susceptible to external sources of hydrogen peroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Quantification of ATP content in spermatozoa is a useful assay for evaluating sperm function; however, most detection methodology relies on assessing single samples. We have developed and validated a highly repeatable assay that permits simultaneous measurement of up to 78 samples. A key feature of this assay includes combination of a phosphatase inhibition and ATP extraction step that permits maximal detection of ATP and sample storage at −20°C prior to assay. The assay was validated for spermatozoa from three different species, including turkey, rooster and boar. The sensitivity of the assay differed between avian and mammalian spermatozoa, with 2.5×106 spermatozoa being the lowest number of turkey and rooster spermatozoa that could be assayed compared to 2.5×105 boarspermatozoa. Concentrations of ATP in fresh turkey semen ranged from 2.14 to 15.6nmol/109 spermatozoa; similarly, freshly collected rooster semen contained from 2.16 to 21.4nmolATP/109 spermatozoa. Evaluation of turkey semen that had been stored at 4°C for 24h revealed a decline in ATP concentrations (2.35±0.34nmolATP/109 spermatozoa). Likewise, cryopreserved rooster spermatozoa contained lower concentrations of ATP (0.05±0.01nmolATP/109 spermatozoa) than non-stored spermatozoa. Boar spermatozoa contained similar concentrations of ATP, whether fresh (74.2±8.1pmolATP/106 spermatozoa), stored for 1 day (77.0±8.1pmolATP/106 spermatozoa) or 5 days (81.96±8.1pmolATP/106 spermatozoa). For all three species, assay variation was low (inter-assay, 0.66–1.9% CV; intra-assay, 1.3% CV). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Discusses the abstract of the study 'Increasing the holding time of boar spermatozoa at 15 degrees Celsius before freezing decreases fertility,' presented at the American Society of Animal Science's Midwestern Branch conference on March 17-19, 2003, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Abstract: Two studies were conducted to understand sperm cryosensitivity in an endangered equid, the Przewalski’s horse (Equus ferus przewalski), while testing the cryoprotectant ability of formamides. The first assessed the toxicity of permeating cryoprotectants (glycerol, methylformamide [MF] and dimethylformamide [DMF]) to Przewalski’s horse spermatozoa during liquid storage at 4°C. The second examined the comparative influence of three diluents (with or without formamides) on cryosurvival of sperm from the Przewalski’s versus domestic horse. When Przewalski’s horse spermatozoa were incubated at 4°C in INRA 96 with differing concentrations of glycerol, MF or DMF or a combination of these amides, cells tolerated all but the highest concentration (10% v/v) of MF alone or in combination with DMF, both of which decreased (P <0.05) motility traits. There was no effect of cryoprotectants on sperm acrosomal integrity. In the cryosurvival study, average sperm motility and proportion of cells with intact acrosomes in fresh ejaculates were similar (P >0.05) between the Przewalski’s (67%, 84%, respectively) and domestic (66%, 76%) horse donors. Sperm from both species were diluted in lactose–EDTA–glycerol (EQ), Botu-Crio (BOTU; a proprietary product containing glycerol and MF) or SM (INRA 96 plus 2% [v/v] egg yolk and 2.5% [v/v] MF and DMF) and then frozen over liquid nitrogen vapor. After thawing, the highest values recovered for total and progressive sperm motility, acrosomal integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential were 42.4%, 21.8%, 88.7% and 25.4CN (CN=mean JC-1 fluorescence intensity/cell on a channel number scale), respectively, in the Przewalski’s and 49.3%, 24.6%, 88.9% and 25.8CN, respectively, in the domestic horse. Although sperm progressive motility and acrosome integrity did not differ (P >0.05) among treatments across species, mitochondrial membrane potential was higher (P <0.05) in both species using EQ compared to BOTU or SM media. Additionally, Przewalski’s stallion sperm expressed higher (P <0.05) post-thaw total motility in BOTU and SM compared to EQ, whereas there were no differences among freezing diluents in the domestic horse. In summary, Przewalski’s stallion sperm benefit from exposure to either MF or DMF as an alternative cryoprotectant to glycerol. Overt sperm quality appears similar between the Przewalski’s and domestic horse, although the total motility of cells from the former appears more sensitive to certain freezing diluents. Nonetheless, post-thaw motility and acrosomal integrity values for Przewalski’s horse spermatozoa mimic findings in the domestic horse in the presence of INRA 96 supplemented with 2% (v/v) egg yolk and a combined 2.5% concentration of MF and DMF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Morton''s neuroma is a mechanically induced degenerative neuropathy. Methods: We compared clinical and MRI findings in 76 feet treated operatively for Morton''s neuroma and 40 feet with different pathologies (controls). Results: In the ‘treatment group’ web space tenderness (WST) was positive in 95%, foot squeeze (SQU) in 88%, plantar percussion (PLP) in 61%, and toe tip sensation deficit (TTSD) in 67%. MRI identified neuromata in 97%. Histological examination confirmed neuroma excision in 99%. Frequency of positive tests was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to controls. MRI revealed (asymptomatic) neuromata in 10/40 (25%) feet in the control group. TTSD was similarly positive in asymptomatic and symptomatic neuromata. TTSD in association with any other test being positive, was significantly more frequent in symptomatic neuromata. Conclusions: The diagnosis of Morton''s neuroma, based on clinical and imaging findings, was accurate. Positive clinical testing was more frequent in the ‘treatment’ group compared to the ‘control’ group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To compare the pharmacokinetic (PK) [area under the curve (AUC, C)] and pharmacodynamic (PD) (AUC, GIR) properties of single-dose insulin detemir in the presence or absence of steady-state liraglutide (1.8 mg dose) in subjects with type 2 diabetes to determine whether co-administration affected the PK and PD profiles of either therapeutic agent. Following a 3-week washout of oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) other than metformin, PK and PD assessments during three euglycaemia clamps were conducted: day 1 following a single dose of insulin detemir alone (0.5 U/kg), day 22 after 3 weeks of once-daily liraglutide with weekly dose escalation to 1.8 mg daily, and day 36 after 2 weeks of steady-state liraglutide maintenance at the 1.8 mg dose following co-administration with a single dose of insulin detemir (0.5 U/kg). The study population (N = 33; age 49.6 (±8.5) years) had diabetes for an average of 6.5 (±4.1) years, BMI 33 (±6.4) kg/m, FPG 9.7 (±1.6) mmol/l and HbA1c 8.3% (±0.9). PK: The PK profiles of insulin detemir were similar with and without steady-state liraglutide. Liraglutide did not affect AUC or C of insulin detemir and vice versa. The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for ratios of insulin detemir AUC [1.03; CI (0.97, 1.09)] and C [1.05; CI (0.98, 1.13)] and liraglutide AUC [0.97; CI (0.87, 1.08)] and C [1.03, CI (0.93, 1.13)] were all within the no-effect boundary (0.80, 1.25) (bioequivalence criterion). A stable mean insulin detemir concentration with and without liraglutide was maintained at the end of the 24-h PK sampling period. PD: The sum of AUC for liraglutide (1982 mg/kg) and insulin detemir (1058 mg/kg) when given alone was similar to that obtained when the two were co-administered (2947 mg/kg). No serious adverse events were reported and no adverse events led to study withdrawal. Co-administration of liraglutide 1.8 mg at steady state and insulin detemir produces an additive glucose-lowering effect without affecting the PK profile of either therapeutic agent suggesting that the addition of insulin detemir to patients treated with liraglutide will not require titration algorithms different from when insulin is added to OADs. The co-administration of insulin detemir and liraglutide was well tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The size of the CAG tract at the Huntington's disease (HD) locus upon transmission depends on the gender of the parent. However, the basis for the parent-of-origin effect is unknown. To test whether expansion and contraction in HD are ’imprinted’ in the germ cells, we isolated the X- and Y-bearing sperm of HD transgenic mice. Here we show that CAG repeat distributions in the X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa of founding fathers do not differ. These data show that gender-dependent changes in CAG repeat length arise in the embryo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study that characterized gallium arsenide metal-semiconductor field effect transistors and other integrated-circuit elements by including extensive process test sites on wafers with digital logic and memory circuits. Overview of vertical structure; Process characterization test results Summary.

Presents information on a study which described the utilization of tungsten silicon to form gates for gallium arsenide (GaAs) metal semiconductor field-effect transistors (FET). Discussion on diode fabrication and measurements; Film characteristics; Examination of the GaAs surface using x-ray photoemission spectroscopy; Analysis of the electrical properties of large Schottky diodes; Fabrication of various FET properties.

The sperm storage tubules (SST) of the turkey hen, which are located in the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) of the oviduct, maintain viable sperm for up to 10 wk after a single insemination. The mechanisms of this in vivo sperm storage are poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate mRNA and protein expression of avidin and 2 avidin-associated factors, avidin- related protein-2 (AVR2) and progesterone receptor, in the oviducts of 2 different lines to determine the extent to which they were sperm responsive and tissue specific. At 38 wk of age, Hybrid Grade Maker and Converter turkey hens were artificially inseminated with diluted semen (AT) or were sham-inseminated with extender alone (SI). Forty-eight hours after insemination, total RNA was extracted from the UVJ epithelium (containing SST) and vaginal epithelium (VGE) of SI and AI hens. Real time-polymerase chain reaction data showed a clear tissue region-specific effect on gene expression in the turkey hen oviduct, with much greater (P < 0.0001) expression in the UVJ compared with VGE region for avidin and AVR2 mRNA in both lines and for progesterone receptor mRNA in the Converter line. In contrast to real-time PCR data, in situ hybridization of SI and Al tissues showed that the presence of sperm increased avidin mRNA in the SST and UVJ surface epithelium in the Converter hens. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of avidin protein in the epithelium of the UVJ in both lines; however, whereas avidin protein was localized in the SST of SI-Grade Maker hens, this protein was not detected in the SST of Converter hens. The upregulation of avidin and AVR2 mRNA within the sperm storage region indicates the involvement of avidin, and perhaps avidin analogs, in the sustained storage of sperm in the SST, possibly through the binding of biotin to avidin. The absence of avidin protein in the SST and VGE of Converter hens in the presence of increased mRNA may indicate a rapid turnover of protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of adaptive sex ratio variation assumes that parents can increase their fitness by investing in the offspring sex that will gain the greatest lifetime reproductive success. Many adaptive sex ratio hypotheses imply or predict a female-mediated physiological mechanism that facilitates parental control. However, the ability of females to control offspring sex ratio could be significantly affected if males provided X- or Y-chromosome-biased ejaculates, as was recently discovered in domestic artiodactyls. To determine whether this occurs in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), we examined semen sex ratio of captive deer using DNA fluorescence flow cytometry. We also used microsatellite markers to assign paternity of fawns sired in previous years to determine if temporal patterns existed in fawn sex relative to conception date. The ratio of X- and Y-sperm did not differ from an expected 1:1 among deer or between collection periods. Median conception dates of male and female fawns sired in previous years were similar, and there were no apparent temporal trends in offspring sex. We find no evidence that skewed ejaculates occur in white-tailed deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]