Ovarian Status Research Articles

Ulipristal Acetate for Unscheduled Bleeding in Etonogestrel Implant Users: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate whether ulipristal acetate reduces the number of bleeding days in etonogestrel implant users in a 30-day period as compared with placebo. We performed a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eligible participants were women aged 18-45 years with an etonogestrel implant in place for greater than 90 days and less than 3 years who reported greater than one bleeding episode in a 24-day period. Enrolled participants were randomized to receive 15 mg ulipristal acetate compared with an identical-appearing placebo daily for 7 days. Participants completed daily bleeding diaries using automated text messaging to evaluate whether ulipristal acetate reduces the number of bleeding days as compared with placebo. Secondary outcomes included participant satisfaction with bleeding and the effect of ulipristal acetate on ovulation status. A sample size of 52 per group (n=104) was planned, calculated with an effect size of a 30% reduction in bleeding days, SD of 10 days, and dropout of 15%. Our study was terminated early (N=65) as a result of a U.S. Food and Drug Administration hold, but power was sufficient for analysis. The effect of ulipristal acetate on ovulatory potential was evaluated in a subset with weekly serum progesterone. From May 2017 to January 2018, 65 women were allocated to receive 15 mg ulipristal acetate (n=32) or placebo (n=33) daily for 7 days. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. Women randomized to ulipristal acetate reported 5 fewer days of bleeding over a 30-day reference period after treatment (P=.002). At the conclusion of the 30-day follow-up period, women in the ulipristal acetate group were more satisfied with their bleeding profile than the placebo group (87.5% vs 60%, respectively; P<.001). Serum progesterone levels were nonovulatory in a subset of each group (placebo group range: less than 0.2-1.3 ng/mL; ulipristal acetate group range: less than 0.2-4.4 ng/mL). Ulipristal acetate is well-tolerated and reduced the number of bleeding days in etonogestrel implant users in our study. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03118297.

Peri-follicular blood flow in the follicle from which ovulation occurs in cows

The hypothesis of the study was that the vascularity of ovulatory follicles (OF) determines the ovulatory status. The peri-follicular blood flow characteristics of OF were sequentially recorded using Color Doppler Imaging ultrasonography from the onset of induced estrus (Day 0) to ovulation at 12 h intervals. The OFs were categorized into two groups based on the timing of ovulation (i) Normal ovulation (OFN) - When ovulation occurred within 36 h after the onset of estrus (n = 18) and (ii) Delayed ovulation (OFD) - When ovulation occurred after 36 h (n = 15). The blood flow velocity, Doppler pulse duration (DPD) and Pulsatility index (PI) of the OF were recorded during each examination. The OF was well vascularized with a detectable blood flow signals, while the subordinate or atretic follicles were devoid of detectable blood flow. On Day 0, the DPD (874.33 ± 56.99 ms) and PI (0.62 ± 0.01) values were less in the OFN when compared to OFD (1140.56 ± 27.54 ms and 1.28 ± 0.15 respectively) group. In the OFD group, ovulation occurred between 36 and 60 h after onset of estrus when the DPD value reduced to 878.17 ms. Based on ROC analysis, it was evident that the DPD value of < 929 ms is a necessary factor for induction of ovulation. The decreased DPD and PI values of the OF on the day of estrus are positive indicators of a normal ovulation process.

Risk of ovarian torsion is reduced in GnRH agonist triggered freeze-all cycles: a retrospective cohort study

Ovarian torsion (OT) in IVF is rare, however, the consequences are significant, which include ovariotomy. In the present study, it was aimed for the first time to compare the incidence of OT between hCG triggered cycles with ICSI and fresh transfer and GnRH-agonist triggered cycles with the ICSI-freeze-all and frozen embryo transfer (FET). In total, 15,577 ICSI cycles performed between 2001 and 2016 were categorised into two groups (Group 1, n: 9978): cycles with controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and hCG-triggered (Group 2, n: 5599) and COS, with GnRH-agonist only triggered and freeze-all. Thirteen patients (0.13%) were diagnosed with OT and corrected by laparoscopy (12) and laparotomy (1) in Group 1. One patient (0.018%) was diagnosed with OT and corrected by laparotomy in Group 2 (Group 1 vs. Group 2, p = .049). The incidence of severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was 2.4% in Group 1 and 0.05% in Group 2 (p < .001). The use of freeze-all with GnRH agonist trigger in ART significantly reduced the incidence of OT and concomitantly OHSS, with no effect on the reproductive outcome.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Adnexal ovarian torsion (OT) is a well-known gynaecological event that constitutes a surgical emergency. Assisted reproduction technologies (ART) may result in ovarian conditions that predispose patients to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) and torsion.What the results of this study add? The combined use of GnRH agonist trigger for final oocyte maturation after OS with freeze-all and frozen embryo transfer (FET) significantly reduces the incidence of OT, as well as OHSS.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The treatment strategy of GnRH agonist trigger with freeze-all significantly reduces the risks of adverse complications.

The Growth and Ovarian Development Pattern of Pond-Reared Swimming Crab Portunus trituberculatus

The most common method for farming swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus in China is pond culture; however, their growth performance and ovarian development under these conditions are unclear. This study was conducted to investigate growth parameters, gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index, and monthly variation in the ovarian development of pond-reared female P. trituberculatus. The results showed (1) a significant increase in body weight (BW) and carapace width (CW) of female P. trituberculatus mainly during June to October, and the highest growth rate and specific growth rate of BW and CW were found during June to July. In addition, a significantly positive correlation was also found between BW and CW for pond-cultured P. trituberculatus females; (2) GSI increased significantly during ovarian development of pond-reared female P. trituberculatus and the mean GSI of ovarian stage I was 0.32%, whereas the mean GSI of ovarian stage V reached 7.92%; (3) Female P. trituberculatus started their pubertal molt at the end of July and the peak pubertal molt occurred from mid-August to early September; females nearly completed their pubertal molt in mid-October. Before pubertal molt, ovarian development of pond-reared P. trituberculatus was mainly at ovarian stage I during July to August; after the pubertal molt, females developed their ovaries quickly, with more than 80% at ovarian stage III inOctober. A second period of rapid ovarian development occurred at the end of January to the end of February, with a mean GSI reaching 5.25% at the end of February. From February to the end of March, no significant GSI changes were observed in female P. trituberculatus, indicating that the ovarian status of pond-reared female P. trituberculatus matured by the end of February.

Evolution of Caste-Specific Chemical Profiles in Halictid Bees.

Chemical communication is crucial for the maintenance of colony organization in eusocial insects and chemical signals are known to mediate important aspects of their social life, including the regulation of reproduction. Sociality is therefore hypothesized to be accompanied by an increase in the complexity of chemical communication. However, little is known about the evolution of odor signals at the transition from solitary living to eusociality. Halictid bees are especially suitable models to study this question as they exhibit considerable variability in social behavior. Here we investigated whether the dissimilarities in cuticle chemical signals in females of different castes and life stages reflect the level of social complexity across halictid bee species. Our hypothesis was that species with a higher social behavior ergo obligate eusocial species possess a more distinct chemical profile between castes or female life stages. We analyzed cuticular chemical profiles of foundresses, breeding females and workers of ancestrally solitary species, facultative and obligate eusocial halictid species. We also tested whether social complexity was associated with a higher investment in chemical signals. Our results revealed higher chemical dissimilarity between castes in obligate than in facultative eusocial species, especially regarding macrocyclic lactones, which were the single common compound class overproduced in queens compared with workers. Chemical dissimilarities were independent of differences in ovarian status in obligate eusocial species but were dependent on ovarian status in facultative eusocial species, which we discuss in an evolutionary framework.

Gonadal maturity assessment of buttercatfish (Ompok bimaculatus) from Indian major rivers and tributaries during spawning season

The present work focused to explore reproductive biology of fish from different Indian major rivers and its tributaries by comparing ovarian protein, fecundity, oocyte weight, oocyte diameter and condition factor during the spawning period. Correlation between fish reproductive parameter of different Indian major rivers and its tributaries showed a significant relationship. Among studied parameters fecundity showed highest correlation with ovarian protein level and oocyte weight in Major River where as in tributaries it was highly correlated with ovarian protein. The results from a wild population showed that the fecundity and ovarian protein level was significantly higher in Narmada, and lowest for river Ganga (U.P.). Among the tributaries, maximum ovarian fecundity noticed from river Hooghly with highest protein concentration. The condition factor (K) in female O. bimaculatus reported significant high in major river Cauveri and Sharda tributary. The oocyte weight was significantly higher in major river Krishna and lowest from river Godavari. The fish samples collected from tributaries, Sone River showed a highest oocyte diameter and Betwa river showed a lowest oocyte diameter. It can be concluded that the local area aquatic atmosphere plays important role in the species specification and can affect their reproductive performance so as to their survival.

Combating anestrous problem in crossbred cattle by nutritional interventions in field conditions of Odisha

Through a survey in Kakatpur block, Odisha, twenty-one numbers of anestrous cattle were selected and equally divided in to three groups (T0, T1 and T2, n=7) for the experiment. T0 was kept as control (farmer’s practice), while T1 and T2 were provided with area specific mineral mixture (Ca, P, Mn, Cu, Zn) at 50g/day/animal and bypass fat at 100 g/day/animal, respectively for 60days. Average daily gain was significantly higher in T1 and T2 as compared to that of T0. Significant improvement in blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and SGPT status was observed after various treatments. Due to mineral supplementation, all blood mineral status was improved. T1 and T2 groups exhibited better ovarian status and conception rate after treatment. Although, highest conception rate was observed in T2 group. Therefore, it can be concluded that supplementation of mineral mixture and bypass fat improved reproductive efficiency of anestrous animals along higher daily gain.

Overwintering aggregations are part of Hippodamia undecimnotata's (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) mating system.

Aggregation during diapause is a common phenomenon in arthropods that nevertheless remains poorly understood. The most commonly claimed benefit is that survival is higher in aggregations but animal aggregations could also be driven by sexual selection. In this perspective, we investigated whether aggregations in insects could be part of their mating system. We studied the overwintering aggregations of the ladybird Hippodamia undecimnotata (Schneider), an aphidophagous species from Southern and Eastern Europe as well as Asia. We collected ladybirds at three aggregation sites in Southwest France, during two overwintering periods (2013–2014 and 2014–2015). We checked their reproductive status by counting the viable sperm cells in the sperm storage organs of both males and females, and by assessing the ovarian status of females. We also investigated if mating behaviour occurred in these aggregations. We found that males have a high quantity of viable sperm cells (70–95%) in their reproductive organs throughout the overwintering periods. In contrast, although most females (85–95%) had empty spermatheca at the onset of the aggregations in autumn, the majority (65–91%) had numerous viable sperm in their spermatheca at the time of dispersal from the aggregation in early spring. Furthermore, frequent copulations were observed towards the end of the overwintering period, few weeks before dispersal. These results suggest that finding sexual mates may have been involved in overwintering aggregations in H. undecimnotata.

Steroid Hormones and Their Action in Women's Brains: The Importance of Hormonal Balance.

Sex hormones significantly impact women's lives. Throughout the different stages of life, from menarche to menopause and all stages in between, women experience dramatic fluctuations in the levels of progesterone and estradiol, among other hormones. These fluctuations affect the body as a whole, including the central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, sex hormones act via steroid receptors. They also have an effect on different neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. Additionally, studies show that sex hormones and their metabolites influence brain areas that regulate mood, behavior, and cognitive abilities. This review emphasizes the benefits a proper hormonal balance during the different stages of life has in the CNS. To achieve this goal, it is essential that hormone levels are evaluated considering a woman's age and ovulatory status, so that a correct diagnosis and treatment can be made. Knowledge of steroid hormone activity in the brain will give women and health providers an important tool for improving their health and well-being.

Soy protein improves tibial whole-bone and tissue-level biomechanical properties in ovariectomized and ovary-intact, low-fit female rats

BackgroundOsteoporosis and related fractures, decreased physical activity, and metabolic dysfunction are serious health concerns for postmenopausal women. Soy protein might counter the negative effects of menopause on bone and metabolic health due to the additive or synergistic effects of its bioactive components. ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and a soy-protein diet (SOY) on bone outcomes in female, low-capacity running (LCR) rats selectively bred for low aerobic fitness as a model of menopause. MethodsAt 27 weeks of age, LCR rats (N = 40) underwent OVX or sham (SHAM) surgery and were randomized to one of two isocaloric and isonitrogenous plant-protein-based dietary treatments: 1) soy-protein (SOY; soybean meal); or, 2) control (CON, corn-gluten meal), resulting in four treatment groups. During the 30-week dietary intervention, animals were provided ad libitum access to food and water; body weight and food intake were measured weekly. At completion of the 30-week intervention, body composition was measured using EchoMRI; animals were fasted overnight, euthanized, and blood and hindlimbs collected. Plasma markers of bone formation (osteocalcin, OC; N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen, P1NP) and resorption (tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, TRAP5b; C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTx) were measured using ELISA. Tibial trabecular microarchitecture and cortical geometry were evaluated using μCT; and torsional loading to failure was used to assess cortical biomechanical properties. Advanced glycation end-product (AGE) content of the femur was measured using a fluorimetric assay, and was expressed relative to collagen content measured by a colorimetric OH-proline assay. Two-factor ANOVA or ANOVCA was used to test for significant main and interactive effects of ovarian status (OV STAT: OVX vs. SHAM) and DIET (SOY vs. CON); final body weight was included as a covariate for body-weight-dependent cortical geometry and biomechanical properties. ResultsOVX had significantly greater CTx than SHAM; SOY did not affect bone turnover markers. OVX adversely affected trabecular microarchitecture as evidenced by reduced BV/TV, trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), trabecular number (Tb.N), and connectivity density (Conn.D), and by increased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and structural model index (SMI). SOY increased BV/TV only in ovary-intact animals. There was no effect of OVX or SOY on tibial cortical geometry. In SHAM and OVX rats, SOY significantly improved whole-bone strength and stiffness; SOY also increased tissue-level stiffness and tended to increase tissue-level strength (p = 0.067). There was no effect of OVX or SOY on AGE content. ConclusionSoy protein improved cortical bone biomechanical properties in female low-fit rats, regardless of ovarian hormone status.

Quantification of Müllerian Inhibiting Substance/Anti-Müllerian Hormone polypeptide by isotope dilution mass spectrometry

Measurement of serum concentrations of Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), also known as anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) by immunoassay is gaining clinical acceptance and widespread use for the diagnosis of ovarian conditions and for prediction of the response to ovarian stimulation protocols as part of assisted reproductive therapies. Provision of an International Standard to harmonize immunoassay methods is required. It is desirable for the content of a future International Standard to be assigned in mass units for consistency with the units reported by current methods. Isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS), a physicochemical method with traceability to the SI (Système International d'Unités) unit of mass, is a candidate approach to provide orthogonal data to support this mass assignment.Here, we report on the development of an IDMS method for quantitation of AMH using three peptides from different regions of the AMH monomer as surrogates for the measurement of AMH. We show the sensitivity and linearity of the standard peptides and demonstrate the reproducibility and consistency of the measurement amongst the three peptides for determining the AMH content in buffered preparations and in trial preparations of recombinant AMH, lyophilised in the presence of an excess of bovine casein.

Behavior and Electrophysiological Response of Gravid and Non-Gravid Lucilia cuprina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) to Carrion-Associated Compounds.

The Australian blow fly, Lucilia cuprina Wiedmann (Diptera: Calliphoridae), is a major cause of myiasis (flystrike) in Merino sheep in Australia and New Zealand and, as a primary colonizer of fresh carrion, also an important species in forensic investigations. Olfaction is considered the most important cue for insects to rapidly locate carrion over long distances, so the first carrion visitors are predicted to be very sensitive to carrion-related volatile compounds. We studied the responses of the Australian blow fly, Lucilia cuprina, to the carrion-associated compounds dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), butyric acid, 1-octen-3-ol and indole. We also tested 2-mercaptoethanol, a compound commonly used in fly traps in Australia. We investigated whether responses of the flies are affected by their ovarian status by comparing responses of gravid and non-gravid L. cuprina in electroantennography (EAG) and two-choice laboratory bioassays. All four compounds evoked an EAG response, while only DMTS evoked responses in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry electroantennographic detection (GCMS-EAD) analyses and two-choice bioassays. Gravid flies detected lower doses of the test compounds than non-gravid flies. Our results indicate that DMTS is an important semiochemical for L. cuprina to locate carrion resources, and has potential for use in fly traps for flystrike control. Our observations also suggest that the greater sensitivity of gravid L. cuprina allows them to find fresh carrion quickly to maximize reproductive success by avoiding unsuitable degraded carrion.

Current Energy Availability Is Not Associated With The Menstrual Status Among Japanese Female Athletes

PURPOSE: Energy availability (EA) is defined as dietary total energy intake (TEI) minus exercise energy expenditure (EEE) normalized to fat-free mass (FFM). It is well known that chronic reduction in EA, below 30 kcal/kg FFM/day, is associated with impairments of a variety of body function such as menstrual disorder, endocrine dysfunction and decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Little is known regarding EA and the physiological parameters of Japanese female athletes classified according to menstrual status. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the current EA status, hormonal status and BMD in Japanese female athletes. METHODS: Eighteen female collegiate athletes were classified into two groups; the eumenorrheic group (EU, 22±1 years, n = 7) and the menstrual disorder group (MD, 20±1 years, n = 11). The ovulation status was checked before the experimental period using an ovulation test kit, and the date were collected during the early follicular phase in EU group. TEI was assessed using 7-days dietary records, EEE was measured via HR-VO2 methods, and hormonal status was measured from a fasting blood sample. Body composition and BMD were measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. The eating attitude test (EAT-26) was used to assess susceptibility to eating disorders. RESULTS: EA was not significantly different between EU and MD groups (32.2±9.6 kcal/kg FFM/day vs 32.6±8.1 kcal/kg FFM/day). Further, no significant differences were observed in terms of body composition, BMD, and EAT-26 score between the two groups. However, triiodothyronine (T3; 84±14 ng/dL vs 114±21 ng/dL, p<0.01) and progesterone (P4; 0.2±0.1 ng/mL vs 0.4±0.1 ng/mL, p<0.05) were significantly lower in MD group than those in EU group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggested that the menstrual status is not associated with current EA, but may be related to chronic energy deficiency among Japanese female athletes.

Restoring Function with Neonatal Fluid Allograft in Cases of Endometriosis or Other Ovarian Destructive Conditions [23Q

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis, in particular endometriomas, can cause impairments in folliculogenesis or other damage to ovarian tissue in patients trying to achieve pregnancy. These patients are often tested for levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone, and antral follicle counts to assess “ovarian reserve” and fertility potential. Here we present use of a fluid neonatal allograft in laparoscopy to improve AMH levels and chances of conception. The allograft has a multi-specialty indication for the correction of soft tissue defects, and current research suggests it may have the potential to aid in restoration of ovarian function. METHODS: Three patients with moderate to severe endometriosis underwent laparoscopic resection of endometriosis and ovariolysis. Patients’ fallopian tubes were patent and fimbria intact. An amniotic fluid allograft was injected in the areas of tissue defects. Patients had blood work tested pre-operatively and 1 and 3mo post-operatively. Ultrasound was also performed pre- and post-operatively to assess antral follicle count in the beginning and middle of menstruation cycle. RESULTS: One patient had a rise of AMH level from 0.5ng/ml (pre-op) to 1.5ng/ml (post-op). This patient also had mature follicle on day 12 of her cycle whereas pre-operatively there was no evidence of folliculogenesis by ultrasound even with Clomid therapy. Assessments of two other patients are on-going. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings show an improvement in AMH levels and folliculogenesis after ovarian treatment with a neonatal-derived fluid allograft, suggesting that this treatment may aid in restoration of ovarian function and achievement of a successful pregnancy.

High-Frequency Electrical Modulation of the Superior Ovarian Nerve as a Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in the Rat.

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent ovarian pathology in women, with excessive sympathetic activity in the superior ovarian nerve (SON) playing an important role in inducing the PCOS symptoms in the rats and humans. Our previous studies have shown that surgical transection of the SON can reverse the disease progression, prompting us to explore the effect of the kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) modulation as a method of reversible non-surgical suppression of the nerve activity in the rodent model of PCOS. 56 animals were randomly allocated to three groups: the Control group (n = 18), the PCOS group (n = 15), and the PCOS + KHFAC group (n = 23). The physiological, anatomical, and biochemical parameters of ovarian function were evaluated during the progression of the experimentally-induced PCOS and during long-term KHFAC modulation applied for 2–3 weeks. The KHFAC modulation has been able to reverse the pathological changes in assessed PCOS parameters, namely the irregular or absent estrous cycling, formation of ovarian cysts, reduction in the number of corpora lutea, and ovarian norepinephrine concentration. The fertility capacity was similar in the PCOS and the PCOS + KHFAC groups, indicating the safety of KHFAC modulation approach. In summary, these results suggest that the KHFAC modulation approach of suppressing the SON activity could become a useful treatment modality for PCOS and potentially other pathological ovarian conditions.

Trapping system comparisons for and factors affecting populations of Drosophila suzukii and Zaprionus indianus in winter-grown strawberry.

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is a major fruit pest in temperate regions worldwide, but in subtropical Florida, winter-grown strawberries have not been severely affected. Zaprionus indianus Gupta is another invasive drosophilid species and a pest of some tropical fruits. To improve monitoring, trapping systems for D. suzukii and Z. indianus were tested. Morphology, ovarian status and the suitability and availability of non-crop hosts as possible D. suzukii population-limiting factors were assessed. Traps with commercial attractants captured more D. suzukii but fewer Z. indianus than those with a homemade mixture. In central and northern Florida, < 10% and 30-80% of D. suzukii, respectively, exhibited darker, winter morph coloration, and 55-75% of females from central Florida were carrying mature and/or immature eggs. Adult D. suzukii were reared from fruits of two of 28 potential hosts: elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and nightshade (Solanum americanum). Nightshade, but not elderberry, was common on field perimeters (21 and six of 36 fields, respectively). Traps placed in wooded or partially wooded field edges yielded the most D. suzukii. Florida strawberry is at risk of D. suzukii infestation, as flies were captured throughout the growing season. However, fly captures remained relatively low, peaking at 1.5 flies per trap per day. In central Florida, the low availability and suitability of non-crop hosts likely limit population growth. The finding of few flies in northern Florida may additionally be attributable to a greater proportion of flies displaying winter morph coloration than in central Florida. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Woman in Red: Examining the Effect of Ovulatory Cycle on Women's Perceptions of and Behaviors Toward Other Women.

Previous research has shown that during her monthly peak fertile window, a woman competes with other women for a suitable mate. Drawing upon research on ovulation and socially constructed meanings of the color red, we examine how a woman's fertility status and red clothing worn by a target woman change perceptions of the target, as well as behaviors toward the target. Following previous research on the ovulatory status and color red effects, we rely on both hormonal and self-reported fertility data. Across six studies, our research fails to provide support for the prediction that an ovulating woman is less likely to trust another woman wearing red compared with a nonovulating woman.

How Hormonal Contraceptive Use Impacts Laparoscopic Skill Acquisition in Biologically Female Medical Students

INTRODUCTIONHormonal contraceptive use is commonplace among biological females of reproductive age. Biological females typically have lower testosterone levels than males, and hormonal contraceptive use lowers that testosterone level even further. Higher testosterone levels are shown to be positively correlated with spatial ability and, ultimately, with better performance in surgical skill acquisition. Biological females, particularly those using hormonal contraceptives, may then be at a disadvantage for learning new surgical skills. However, the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and surgical skill acquisition is not yet understood, and will be examined in this study.METHODSParticipants (anticipated n=50) are students of Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and are participating under approval of the university's Institutional Review Board. This study makes use of laparoscopic box trainers and the peg transfer task from the MISTELS (McGill Inanimate System for Training and Evaluation of Laparoscopic Skills) battery of tests. The control and treatment groups are divided based on biologically female participants who do not use hormonal contraceptives, and those who do, respectively. Both groups perform several screening tasks regarding demographics, handedness, video game usage, mental rotation ability, and ovulation status. Participants then train on the peg transfer task, recording their times for each attempt until proficiency is reached. An ANCOVA, 2 (cycle/static) × 1 (frequency of repetitions) with spatial ability as a covariate, with appropriate post‐hocs as necessary, will be used to statistically analyze differences in the learning curves between naturally cycling participants and those using hormonal contraceptives.ANTICIPATED RESULTSCompared to the naturally cycling group, the group using hormonal contraceptives is expected to require greater time and number of attempts to reach proficiency on the peg transfer task.SIGNIFICANCEThe results are expected to support the hypothesis that hormonal contraceptive use is negatively correlated with surgical skill acquisition. This may have implications for informing contraceptive choices of biological females pursuing careers in surgery. In addition, it may inform future curriculum design for graduate medical programs, to maximize learning opportunities for aspiring surgeons.Support or Funding InformationDepartment of Biomedical Sciences Research Seed Fund, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Effect of Bali cattle ovarian status on oocytes nuclear maturation and in vitro fertilization rate

&lt;p&gt;The aim of this study was to investigate whether the reproductive status influences the nuclear maturation and fertilization rates of bali cattle oocytes in vitro. Several pairs of ovary were classified into four groups: 1) ovaries with Corpus Luteum (CL) and Dominant Follicle (DF), 2) ovaries without CL and with DF, 3) ovaries with CL and without DF, 4) ovaries without both CL and DF. In the first experiment, oocytes were collected by slicing method in Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS) medium supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) and 100 IU/ml penicillin streptomycin. Oocytes were matured in tissue culture medium (TCM)-199 supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), 10 IU/ml Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), 10 IU/ml Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and 50 μg/ml gentamycin. Oocytes were matured in 5% CO2 incubator, 38oC for 24 h. In the second experiment, oocytes were matured and then fertilized in vitro to observe pronuclear formation. The first experiment showed that the percentage of oocytes reached methaphase-II (MII) stage on ovaries with CL and without DF (89.47%) were higher (P&amp;lt;0,01) compared to ovaries without both CL and DF (75,47%), ovaries without CL and with DF (74.,41%), or ovaries with CL and DF (65,52%). The result of second experiment showed that the ovarian reproductive status was not significantly different (P&amp;gt;0.05) on fertilization rate.&lt;/p&gt;

Metabolomic profiling suggests long chain ceramides and sphingomyelins as a possible diagnostic biomarker of epithelial ovarian cancer

IntroductionEpithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a disease with a poor survival rate mostly due to its discovery in late stages. The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolomic profile of ovarian cancer with the intention of identifying and describing novel biomarkers with diagnostic potential. Material and methodsTargeted serum metabolomic profiling was performed on 15 patients with ovarian cancer, 21 healthy controls and 21 patients with benign ovarian conditions, using HPLC–TQ/MS. ResultsPanel of 49 top performing biomarkers shows separation between EOC and controls with 87% specificity and 87% sensitivity with AUC of 93% (CI 90%–95%). Using only 5 top biomarkers, specificity of 80% and sensitivity of 83% was achieved on extended sample set. Most significant biomarkers belong to sphingolipid classes, especially long chain ceramides and sphingomyelins. Different concentrations of various fatty acid chain lengths ceramides and sphingomyelins are also implying their respective roles in cell proliferation and growth inhibition. ConclusionLong chain ceramides and sphingomyelins may serve as a novel biomarker for epithelial ovarian cancer detection and may also offer insight into the role of sphingolipid metabolism in cell proliferation.