Potential and application of abortive transcripts as a novel molecular marker of cancers

Abortive transcript(AT)is a 2-19 nt long non-coding RNA that is produced in the abortive initiation stage.Abortive initiation was found to be closely related to RNA polymerase through in vitro experiments.Therefore,the distribution of AT length and the scale of abortive initiation are correlated to the promoter,discriminator,and transcription initiation sequence,and can be affected by transcription elongation factors.AT plays an important role in the occurrence and development of various diseases.Here we summarize the discovery of AT,the factors responsible for AT formation,the detection methods and biological functions of AT,to provide new clues for finding potential targets in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancers.

Populational change of CD4^(+)CD25^(+)Treg cells is responsible for the synergistic effect of the combination of RAMP2 with baicalin in treating recurrent spontaneous abortion mouse models

Background: The absence of a safe and effective therapy for recurrent spontaneous abortion due to a maternofetal failure in immunological tolerance remains an intractable clinical obstacle for surgeons. Recently, traditional Chinese medicine has become a feasible alternative for certain diseases, including recurrent spontaneous abortion. However, because of the complex composition of the traditional Chinese medicine formula, its action mechanism remains unclear. Methods: We selected two isolated active ingredients (RAMP and baicalin) from the traditional Chinese medicine formula and used an abortion-prone CBA/J × DBA/2 model to simulate human RSA and compared the changes in fetal resorption rate, Treg cell percentage, and relevant cytokines before and after combination therapy. In addition, The mechanisms were preliminarily discussed using in vitro differentiation models. Results: In CBA/J × DBA/2 abortion-prone mice, the combination therapy resulted in a lower embryo resorption rate compared to that obtained with individual delivery of either RAMP or baicalin, thereby playing an embryo-protective role through the increase in Treg cells for the maintenance of maternal-fetal immune tolerance. In in vitro primary cell differentiation experiments, the concentration of Treg cells significantly increased from 11% to 17.9% after the combination therapy compared to that of the single administration group. Conclusion: the synergistic effects of RAMP and baicalin were responsible for Treg differentiation. The present study provides a solid basis for improving the applicability of traditional Chinese herbs in the treatment of recurrent spontaneous abortion.

Prevalence of Induced Abortion among Female Students in Selected Tertiary Learning Institutions in Gaborone City, Botswana

Induced abortion signifies that pregnancy has been tempered with. Abortion is the removal of an embryo or fetus weighing less than 500 grams from its mother. It can either be spontaneous (unprompted) or induced. Abortion remains one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in developing countries with induced abortion being the key cause. In 2014 from January to August, 9 abortion related deaths occurred in Botswana. There are several reasons female students in tertiary institutions resort to seeking induced abortion which include the socio-demographics like age and socio-economic factors like financial instability. Parental fears, unintended pregnancy and pressure from the partner also force females to terminate pregnancy. Induced abortion has claimed many women’s lives especially in developing countries with very restrictive abortion laws like Botswana as women do not access safe abortion care services. The study intends to establish the determinants of induced abortion among female students in selected tertiary learning institutions in Gaborone City, Botswana. It concentrated primarily on determining the prevalence of induced abortion. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Systematic random sampling technique was used to come up with 278 participants. Prior to commencement of data collection, all ethical and logistical prerequisites were satisfied. Informed consent was solicited from all the study participants and the purpose of the study was fully explained. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Microsoft Excel spread sheet was used to code, clean, and enter the data, which was then exported for analysis to the statistical package for social sciences version 24. Frequency distribution tables, percentages graphs, and pie charts were used to illustrate the descriptive information. The study revealed that prevalence of induced abortion among female students in Gaborone City is 7.9%. They even suggested that induced abortion be liberalized. Age was the only socio-demographic factor associated with induced abortion with p = 0.047 using Chi Square test χ2 = 7.609, df = 3. The study findings concluded that female students resort to induced abortion as a result of pressure from both parents and male partners especially when the pregnancy is unintended. The study recommends that the abortion law in Botswana be made liberal to ease access to safe abortion care services. It also recommends that contraceptive commodities should consistently be available in public health facilities.

Correlation of Abortus Imminence Cases in the First Trimester with Biochemical Markers

Objective: In this study, we compared the biochemical markers of imminent abortion, missed abortion, and healthy pregnant women in the first trimester to see if there were any differences. Materials and Methods: The study method is prospective. Pregnant women who applied to the obstetrics clinic of Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between 01.04.22 and 31.10.22 were diagnosed with abortion imminens or missed abortion between 6 weeks and 12 weeks or had normal pregnancy follow-up, had no chronic diseases, and did not take magnesium and calcium supplements were included in the study. 20 pregnant women with missed abortion, 20 pregnant women with abortion imminens diagnosis and 20 normal pregnant women who met the criteria were included in the study. Magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and hemogram (CBC) levels were checked in pregnant women included in the study. Results: The Mg, Cu, Zn, and CBC values of the study participants’ women did not differ in a statistically significant way. When compared to pregnant women who had a normal pregnancy process, the difference in Ca value was found to be statistically substantially smaller in pregnant women who were diagnosed with abortion imminens and missed abortion. The findings of our study suggest that serum Ca levels be measured prior to conception or at the initial visit. Conclusion: Serum Ca levels were found to be significantly lower in the missed abortion group than in the abortus imminens and normal pregnant groups in our study (p 0.05).

Morbi-Mortality Linked to Unsafe Abortions—Difficulties in Accessing Safe Abortions in Cameroon: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background: Unsafe abortions are one of the leading causes of maternal mortality, especially in developing countries. In Cameroon, the maternal mortality rate remains high, and the scarcity of data on abortions leads to a lack of solid evidence to advocate on the extent of the abortions related complications. Our objective was to evaluate the unsafe abortions related complications, and to assess the difficulties of accessing safe abortions in our setting. Methods: We carried out a meta-analytic and systematic review in the biomedical databases MEDLINE (Pubmed), Google Scholar and African Journal Online concerning unsafe abortions and/or difficulties in accessing safe abortions in Cameroon. The keywords used for the search are seen in table I. Selection of studies was simultaneously done by two authors. Data were extracted through a form designed on Google Form. We used a random-effect model for proportion estimation, and The I2 and Q statistics to assess the extent of heterogeneity. Results: A total of 430 studies were identified, from which 28 were included and analysed. About 5% (95% CI: 3 - 7) of unsafe abortions leads to death. The contribution of unsafe abortions in maternal deaths was 23% (95% CI: 20 - 27). The rate of severe bleeding and/or anemia were 40% (95% CI: 18 - 63) and the rate of infection was 17% (95% CI: 7 - 28), dominated by pelvic infections, pelviperitonitis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Case reports described uterine perforations, uterine rupture during the following pregnancy. Abortion was performed in the practitioner’s or patient’s home in 41.4% of cases, in a health center in 35.1% of cases, in a private clinic in 21.2% of cases, drugs selling places and in traditional healer clinics. The restriction of abortion laws, the stigma surrounding abortion and its consequences at any level of the society, lead to the underreporting of unsafe abortions and a deep reluctance to advocate for safe abortion services. Conclusion: The strengthening of awareness campaigns for provider behavior change communication, family planning, the de-stigmatization of abortions, the training of health personnel in post-abortion care, a multidisciplinary and multicentric action would contribute to the reduction in morbidity and mortality due to abortions.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding due to Retention of Fetal Bones after Abortion: A Case Report

Background: Retention of fetal bones is a rare cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Others may present as subfertility, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, menometrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and spontaneous expulsion of bony fragments. Incidence is 0.26% among patients undergoing hysteroscopy. Aim: To document a pattern of presentation of retained fetal bone and its management. Case Presentation: Our patient is an 18-year old who presented with vaginal bleeding of four weeks duration and managed for abnormal uterine bleeding due to retained fetal bone following second trimester abortion. Conclusion: The use of transvaginal ultrasound in making diagnosis of retained fetal bone is effective. Treatment by removal of bones through evacuation by dilatation and curettage or hysteroscopy brings about resolution of symptoms. Use of pelvic ultrasonography to confirm complete evacuation of the uterus after abortion especially second trimester abortion could aid in early diagnosis and management of incomplete abortion.

Clandestine Abortions and Its Complications at the University Hospital Center of the Sino-Central African Friendship

Introduction: In developed countries in general and particularly in the Central African Republic, clandestine abortions constitute a real health problem. The aim of our work was to study the method of carrying out clandestine abortions, to describe the profile of the providers and the complications that result from it. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients hospitalized at the University Hospital Center for Sino-Central African Friendship (CHUASC) from 2015 to 2019 on 236 cases. Results: We identified a total of 254 patients for 8039 live births in the same period, a frequency of 3.16%. The age of the patients was between 15 years old and 48 years old with an average of 25 years old. Singles accounted for 42.5%. Induced abortions were more performed among students (32.6%) and the unemployed 53.6%. Contraception was used in 11.5% of cases. The methods used were numerous: misoprostol (32%), the traditional method (18%), the mechanical method (50%). In this method, we note the dilation of the cervix by the cassava stem;Hegar’s candles;the probes, which are infusion tubes cut and introduced into the cervix, of which 2 cases had escaped at the level of the uterine muscles and emerged under the skin at the pubis part two years later. The practice of induced abortions in our series was done by medical students in 37.3% followed by unqualified staff in 49.7%. It took place either at home or in centers managed by Non-Governmental Organizations. The aseptic conditions were not perfect. Some patients (43.2%) were aware of the ensuing complications. All complications were present: hemorrhage (60.7%), pelviperitonitis (23.6%), uterine perforation (6.6%), peritonitis (2.8%) and death (2%) related to sepsis. Conclusion: Clandestine abortion remains a real health problem for young Central African women.

Advances of Genetic Testing Technology in Etiology Diagnosis of Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a complex and heterogeneous disorder with multiple etiologies. Genetic factors are thought to play an important role in the etiology of RSA. With recent advances in genetic testing technologies, there has been an increasing interest in using these tools to diagnose the etiology of RSA. This review discusses the different types of genetic testing methods, such as karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis, next-generation sequencing, and their applications in the diagnosis of the etiology RSA. The use of genetic testing in the diagnosis of RSA has the potential to improve the accuracy of diagnosis and the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the disorder, which could lead to better management and treatment of affected individuals.

Medication Rules of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treating Threatened Abortion in the Early Stage of Pregnancy with Subchorionic Haematoma Based on Data Mining

Objective:Using data mining technology to explore the rules of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in the treatment of threatened abortion in the early stage of pregnancy with sub-chorionic haematoma(SCH).Methods:Literature of TCM in the treatment of threatened abortion in the early stage of pregnancy with SCH were retrieved from CNKI,VIP,WANFANG and Pubmed,EMBASE.The literature information database was established to be used for descriptive analysis,association rule analysis and cluster analysis of relevant data.Results:A total of 100 literatures were included,involving 114 Chinese herbs.The efficacy of Chinese herbs were mainly tonic drugs,hemostatic drugs,heat-clearing drugs,dissolving blood stasis and hemostatic drugs.The medicinal properties were mostly mild and warm,and the taste of the drug was mainly sweet,bitter and pungent.The liver meridian,spleen meridian and kidney meridian were frequently used.The commonly used drug pair combination was"Xu duan(Radix dipsaci,续断)-Tusizi(Semen Cuscutae,菟丝子)",and the core combination was"Tusizi-Xu duan-Ejiao(Donkeyhide gelatin,阿胶)-Baizhu(Atractylodes macrocephala,白术)-Dangshen(Codonopsis pilosula,党参)".Commonly used drugs for removing blood stasis and hemostasis were with Sanqi(Panax notoginseng,三七),Puhuang(cattail pollen,蒲黄),and Qiancao(Radix Rubiae,茜草).Conclusion:Data mining traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of threatened abortion in the early stage of pregnancy with SCH clinically commonly used drug efficacy,taste,meridian,commonly used drug pairs,core combination and commonly used blood stasis hemostatic drugs,has important reference significance for the treatment of threatened abortion in the early stage of pregnancy combined with SCH.

Research Priorities for Preventing Unsafe Abortions in the WHO Africa Region

Background: Unsafe abortion is a commonly neglected sexual and reproductive health and rights issue despite the serious health problems it causes to women and girls in their reproductive ages. It is classified as a main cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. This paper has considered questions that have the greatest potential to successfully reduce unsafe abortions in the resource poor settings. Methods: We adapted the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) to identify and prioritize many competing sexual and reproductive health and rights research ideas that impact the health of the populations. The implementation was done in three phases which included generation and collection of research ideas from various experts virtually in August 2019 consolidation of the potential questions through thematic analysis conducted in September 2019. Finally, scoring and ranking of the research questions was done in a workshop of experts. Results: Out of a list of 45 priority research questions, two questions were ranked the highest scoring 28 out of the possible 30. The research priorities include: “The effectiveness of interventions (e.g. counseling or incentives or home visits) to increase post abortion uptake and continuance”, “Reducing repeat abortion on improving maternal health outcomes” and “Evaluation of community-based awareness programs to reduce unwanted pregnancies and encourage women to seek help early”. Conclusions: Ten key research priorities in preventing unsafe abortion were identified. The priority list covers areas of focus that could effectively impact preventing unsafe abortions while also acting as a knowledge base for researchers, policy makers and other interested stakeholders who would want to invest in this area.

A Review of the Development and Effect of Contraceptive Counseling After Abortion

Objective To introduce the background and development of post-abortion services such as contraceptive counseling at home and abroad,and its important role for women so as to provide a reference for the further popularization of this service in China.Methods Chinese and English databases such as CNKI,WanFang Database,VIP,PubMed,and Web of Science were searched to find relevant studies on the implementation of post-abortion service,including post-abortion family planning and post-abortion contraceptive counseling in China.And then the literature on the implementation effect of post-abortion contraceptive counseling and related services was reviewed in China.Results and Conclusion The post-abortion contraceptive counseling service can effectively improve the reproductive health of the patients with induced abortion and the level of knowledge about contraception and birth control,so as to change the contraceptive behavior and adverse psychological state of the patients.Besides.it can guide patients to use more long-term and effective contraceptive measures,thereby reducing the occurrence of unintended pregnancy and repeated abortion.Standardized contraceptive counseling and related services can also improve patient satisfaction.According to the development and implementation effect of post-abortion service and post-abortion contraceptive counseling at home and abroad,it is necessary to further promote post-abortion contraceptive counseling service in the future.Much consideration should be given to carrying out a health technical assessment of the standardized post-abortion contraceptive counseling service as well as its implementation costs.Therefore,medical institutions will have a reference to carry out standardized post-abortion contraceptive counseling service.

Clinical Observation of Misoprostol before and after Painless Induced Abortion

Background: Though painless abortion is a safe, effective and excellent method of artificial abortion, intravenous anesthesia cannot effectively expand the cervix. Hard and tight cervix often affects the operation and easily inducesabortion complications. Misoprostol can induce uterine contraction and soften the cervix. Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of misoprostol on abortion before and after painless induced abortion. Methods: 600 case pregnant women were divided into three groups: A, B and C, 200 case in each group. All patients were anesthetized. In group A, misoprostol 0.2 ug was placed in the posterior fornix of vagina 2 hours before the operation of induced abortion;in group B, misoprostol 0.2 ug was not only placed in the posterior fornix of vagina 2 hours before the operation of induced abortion but also taken orally 2 hours and 6 hours after the operation;in group C, misoprostol was not used before and after the operation. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative bleeding, the percentage of cervical relaxation and the rate of incomplete abortion among the three groups were compared. Results: Compared with group A and group B, the operation time of group C was longer and the amount of bleeding was more (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group A and group B (P > 0.05). The duration of bleeding in group B was less than that in group A (P < 0.05). The percentage of cervical relaxation in group A and B was higher than that in group C (P < 0.05). The rate of incomplete abortion in group B < group A < group C (P < 0.05), and there was no residual uterine cavity in group B. Conclusion: The use of misoprostol before and after painless induced abortion can not only shorten the time of operation, reduce intraoperative and postoperative vaginal bleeding, but also has not incurred incomplete abortion(primary outcome).

Implementation and Follow-Up of Medical Abortion in Catalonia (2010-2014)

In 2011 a protocol for medical abortions (MA) up to 49 days of pregnancy was approved by the Ministry of Health of Catalonia’s autonomous government and it was progressively introduced through the public network of the Sexual and Reproductive Health Units (SRHU). In 2014, a new protocol extended to 63 days of pregnancy was set up. Data come from the official abortion registry held by the Ministry of Health, which collects statistical data from all abortions performed in Catalonia. Since 2011, the number and rate of abortions in Catalonia have decreased while the number of health centers providing abortions has increased, especially the SRHU. The proportion of MA abortions went from 0.4% (2010) to 36.9% (2014), while the percentage of early abortions (up to 7 weeks) surged by 14.7%. SRHU reported 73.4% of all MA and hospitals performed 18.7% of the total, while outpatient centers accounted for the remaining 7.9%. Compared to surgical abortions, women having had MA have higher levels of education and lower rates of unemployment. Furthermore, they have more living offspring and fewer previous terminations as well as more frequent attendance to a public family planning center.

The Relationship between Activated Protein C-Resistance and Recurrent Abortion

The activated protein C-resistance (APC-R) method based on APTT was used in 40 nonpregnant multiparas (control group) and 55 patients with abortion of unknown origin (experimental group) in order to explore the relationship between APC-R and recurrent abortion. A significant difference in APC-R-positive rate was found (P<0. 01 ) between control group and experimental group, with the rate being 5 % in the controls and 25. 5 % in the experimental group. And the APC-R-pos- itive rates in the patients with only twice abortions and the patients over-3-time abortions were 22. 6 % and 29. 2 %, respectively (P>0. 05). The APC-R-positive rate, which was 37. 9 % in the patients of late abortion, was much higher than that in the patients of early abortion. It is concluded that APC-R has something to do with recurrent abortion, and is closely related to late abortion, but bears no obvious relationship with times of abortions.

Studies on Expression of IGF-II Gene in Deciduas Derived from Medical Abortion Patients

To determine the effect of insulin like growth factor Ⅱ(IGF Ⅱ) upon the maintenance of decidua in early pregnancy and its relationship with progesterone, as well as its role in medical abortion. Materials & Methods Decidua tissue was obtained from 28 women who undergoing surgical abortion and 39 for medical abortion respectively at 5~7 weeks of gestation. The extracted total RNA was reversely transcripted and amplified by PCR with specific primers (IGF Ⅱ and β actin). The products were semi quantitated by MIAS 300 system and qualitatively analyzed by southern blotting. Results The expression of IGF Ⅱ gene in decidua from surgical abortion was significantly higher than that from medical abortion (P<0.05). The average IGF Ⅱ gene transcription values were 1.54±0.79 and 0.72±0.39 respectively. The results of southern blotting proved qualitatively that the RT PCR products were IGF Ⅱ cDNA. Conclusion IGF Ⅱ plays a role in the maintenance of decidua in early pregnancy. It may act as a mediator of progestin. It's also involved in the molecular mechanism of mifepristone.

A case study investigating the efects of emergency vaccination with Brucella abortus A19 vaccine on a dairy farm undergoing an abortion outbreak in China

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis that results in substantial economic losses to the livestock industry through abortions and reduced milk yield.This study investigated an abortion outbreak in a dairy herd and then explored the efects of emergency vaccination with Brucella abortus A19 vaccine on the incidence of abortion and milk yield.A full dose of vaccine(6×10^(10)—12×10^(10)colony forming units,CFU)was administered subcutaneously to calves and non-pregnant heifers,and a reduced dose(6×10^(8)—12×10^(8)CFU)to adult cows and pregnant replacement heifers.Rose Bengal Test was used to screen Brucella infection status and then positive samples were tested with a C-ELISA.Animals that tested positive for both tests were considered positive to Brucella spp.The animal-level seroprevalence of brucellosis was 23.1%(95%CI:17.0,30.2),and the attributable fraction of abortions in seropositive animals was 89.1%(95%CI:64.3,96.7).The odds of seropositivity were signifcantly higher in cows that aborted compared to cows that calved normally(OR=21.4,95%CI:4.4,168.4).Cows in sheds A2 and C1 were 10.2(95%CI:1.4,128.0)and 17.0(95%CI:2.8,190.3)times more likely to be seropositive than cows in shed B1.Antibodies were not detectable in most heifers 12 months post-vaccination.The efectiveness of the vaccine in preventing abortions was estimated to be 56.8%(95%CI:15.8,77.8)for the entire herd,but increased to 86.7%(95%CI:4.4,98.1)when only primiparous heifers were considered.Furthermore,a signifcant increase in the average herd 305-day milk yield one-year after vaccination was also observed relative to that in the previous three years.It is concluded that emergency vaccination of a dairy herd undergoing an abortion outbreak with the A19 vaccine efectively reduced the incidence of abortion and indirectly increased milk yield one-year after vaccination.

Study on prevention effect of Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone for threatened abortion in rats

Objective:To observe preventive and therapeutic effects and the mechanism of actions on Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone on threatened abortion in rats.Methods:After pregnancy,50 SPF female SD rats were selected and divided into control group,model group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group,and progesterone plus Zishen Yutai pill group(combination group),with 10 rats in each group.The rats of control group and abortion model group were lavaged with 2 mL/kg normal saline on pregnancy day 1 for continuous 10 days.Rats in Zishen Yutai pill group were given 1.575 g/kg/d of Zishen Yutai pill for intragastric administration for continuous 10 days.Rats in progesterone group were given intramuscular injection treatment of 0.1 mL/d progestin,continuous for 10 days.Rats in combination group were given injection therapy of aqueous solution of Zishen Yutai pill for continuous 10 days,and other treatments were the same as previous two groups.Abortion model were established then and live births,numbers of abortion and average rate of abortion were compared between the five groups.Peripheral blood was collected to detect the estradiol(E2) and progestational hormone(P),and obtain ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines(IL-2,INF-γ,IL-4,IL-10).Results:Significant more live births of rats were found in the control group compared with other four groups(P<0.05).The numbers of live births of the rats in abortion model group were significantly less than that of progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group(P<0.05).The numbers of live births of rats in joint group were significant more than that of progesterone group and Zishen Yutai pill group.The serum E2 level of P of rats in the control group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were significant higher than that of abortion model group(P<0.05).Serum levels of E2 and P of rats in the control group,progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were not significant different(P>0.05) but these levels in the control group and Zishen Yutai pill group were significant lower than that of progesterone group and joint group(P<0.05).The maternal-fetal interface IL-4/IL-2,IL-10 / IL-2 of model group were balanced deviating to Th1,while the IL-4/IL-2,IL-10/IL-2 of progesterone group,Zishen Yutai pill group and joint group were balanced deviating to Th2,and joint group' deviation was better than progesterone group and Zishen Yutai pill group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Zishen Yutai pill combined with progesterone has a significant control effect for threatened abortion,which can obviously increase contents of maternal serums E2 and P,and regulate the Thl/Th2 balance with a remarkable effect.

Changes of Oxidative Stress and Soluble Sugar in Anthers Involve in Rice Pollen Abortion Under Drought Stress

Two rice maintaining lines with different drought tolerances, viz., Jin 23B （tolerant） and Zhenshan 97B （sensitive）, were used to study the oxidative stress and soluble sugar in rice anthers and pollen viability under drought stress during flowering stage. Higher antioxidant enzyme activities and lower malonaldehyde （MDA） content in rice anthers were observed in Jin 23B than in Zhenshan 97B under drought stress. Further, a great increase in the content of soluble sugar in rice anthers of Jin 23B was observed across the whole drought exposure, while Zhenshan 97B showed significant decrease in soluble sugar during 9-12 d after drought stress （DADS）. Accordingly, a marked decline of pollen fertility and activity, pollen numbers in an anther and pollen numbers on a stigma was observed in Zhenshan 97B, whereas little difference was found in Jin 23B. Thus, we suggest that pollen abortion caused by drought stress may be related with the reciprocity between oxidative stress and soluble sugar content in rice anthers.

Abortive Process of a Novel Rapeseed Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Line Derived from Somatic Hybrids Between Brassica napus and Sinapis alba

Somatic hybridization is performed to obtain significant cytoplasmic male sterility （CMS） lines, whose CMS genes are derived either from the transfer of sterile genes from the mitochondrial genome of donor parent to the counterpart of receptor or production of new sterile genes caused by mitochondrial genome recombination of the biparent during protoplast fusion. In this study, a novel male sterile line, SaNa-IA, was obtained from the somatic hybridization between Brassica napus and Sinapis alba. The normal anther development of the maintainer line, SaNa-IB, and the abortive process of SaNa-IA were described through phenotypic observations and microtome sections. The floral organ of the sterile line SaNa-IA was sterile with a shortened filament and deflated anther. No detectable pollen grains were found on the surface of the sterile anthers. Semi-thin sections indicated that SaNa-IA aborted in the pollen mother cell （PMC） stage when vacuolization of the tapetum and PMCs began. The tapetum radically elongated and became highly vacuolated, occupying the entire locule together with the vacuolated microspores. Therefore, SaNa-IA is different from other CMS lines, such as ogu CMS, pol CMS and nap CMS as shown by the abortive process of the anther.

Anatomical Study on the Multi-Ovule Development and Abortion of Hanfu Apple

The terminal flower buds of 6-yr-old Hanfu apple were used to study the ovule development, ovular characteristics, cell death of abortive ovules, and dynamic change of starch grain quantity in the embryo sac with paraffin slices and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated fluorescein deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling （TUNEL） system. Four anatropous ovules in each ventricle could be observed before flowering. With the developing of floral organ, the bulk of normal ovules enlarged in each ventricle, the mature embryo sac differentiated into nucellus, and the egg cell developed into zygote by double fertilization. A large number of starch grains were observed during pollen tube growth and double fertilization, which guaranteed basic nutrient supply in the normal development of ovules. Moreover, abortion phenomenon of runtish ovules emerged at the stages of mature embryo sac, double fertilization and zygote development. The abortion characteristics included deformity of ovule development, degradation of nucellus tissue, separation between funiculus and ovule, abnormality of four-nucleate embryo sac, as well as development interruption of mature embryo sac. TUNEL analysis proved that ovule abortion was programmed cell death.