Percentage Of Abortions Research Articles

Dry-season irrigation and fertilisation affect the growth, reproduction, and seed traits of Plukenetia volubilis L. plants in a tropical region

SummaryBased on a field study in a tropical region of China, the effects of dry-period irrigation and fertiliser application on seed quality, leaf, whole-plant, and reproductive (flower and seed) traits of Plukenetia volubilis L. plants were examined.The results showed that leaf photosynthetic capacity and stomatal conductance, measured in the middle and at the end of the dry season, were significantly improved by irrigation, but not by fertilisation. Dry-season irrigation increased adaxial stomatal density, fine-root volume, leaf area index, total biomass, and fruit biomass during that season, but decreased water-use efficiency. Plants grown under natural drought conditions had lower numbers of female flowers, male flowers, and fruit per plant, and a higher percentage of fruit abortion at the end of the dry season compared to plants which had been well-watered. Although the effects of irrigation and fertilisation, applied during the dry season, on leaf traits and on the numbers of reproductive organs were not apparent in the wet season, pods that had initiated in the dry season were more likely to abort in the wet season, reducing yields at a late stage. Both irrigation and fertilisation increased the protein content of seeds collected at the end of the dry season, but they did not significantly affect the oil content or fatty acid profile of seeds. We conclude that dry-season irrigation can enhance plant growth, affecting overall yields in that year and possibly in subsequent years. However, irrigation and fertilisation did not seem to affect seed quality directly.

Maternal sepsis during pregnancy or the postpartum period requiring intensive care admission

Background Previous studies on severe maternal sepsis during pregnancy or the postpartum period are rare and have focused on septic abortion. Voluntary abortion was legalized in France in 1975. This study was conducted to reassess the characteristics of maternal sepsis that have been managed in a French intensive care unit. Methods A retrospective study of 66 women admitted to an intensive care unit for sepsis from 1977–2008 was performed. Data on sources of infection, microbial agents and maternal and fetal outcomes were collected. Data from 1977–1992 and 1993–2008 were compared. Results Over time, the rate of intensive care admission for maternal sepsis did not change (0.75 episodes per 1000 deliveries in 1977–1992 versus 0.72/1000 in 1993–2008, P = 1.0). The percentage of septic abortions decreased from 14% to 0%, whereas that of antepartum infections increased from 50% to 79% ( P < 0.01). The percentage of non-bacterial infections increased from 0% to 19% ( P = 0.04), and the percentage of pelvic infections had a tendency to decrease from 54% to 27% ( P = 0.06). Pelvic infections were due to enterobacteriaceae (50%), gram-positive cocci (45%), and/or anaerobes (23%). Maternal and fetal mortality rates were 6% and 33%, respectively. Conclusions Over time, our intensive care unit has seen fewer cases of septic abortion. However, maternal sepsis remained a cause of intensive care admission and both maternal and fetal death. The percentages of antepartum and non-bacterial infections have increased over time. A prospective multicentre study is required to confirm these results and to investigate questions such as the effect of maternal sepsis on long-term fetal outcome.

Surgical and medical second trimester abortion in South Africa: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundA high percentage of abortions performed in South Africa are in the second trimester. However, little research focuses on women's experiences seeking second trimester abortion or the efficacy and safety of these services.The objectives are to document clinical and acceptability outcomes of second trimester medical and surgical abortion as performed at public hospitals in the Western Cape Province.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of women undergoing abortion at 12.1-20.9 weeks at five hospitals in Western Cape Province, South Africa in 2008. Two hundred and twenty women underwent D&E with misoprostol cervical priming, and 84 underwent induction with misoprostol alone. Information was obtained about the procedure and immediate complications, and women were interviewed after recovery.ResultsMedian gestational age at abortion was earlier for D&E clients compared to induction (16.0 weeks vs. 18.1 weeks, p < 0.001). D&E clients reported shorter intervals between first clinic visit and abortion (median 17 vs. 30 days, p < 0.001). D&E was more effective than induction (99.5% vs. 50.0% of cases completed on-site without unplanned surgical procedure, p < 0.001). Although immediate complications were similar (43.8% D&E vs. 52.4% induction), all three major complications occurred with induction. Early fetal expulsion occurred in 43.3% of D&E cases. While D&E clients reported higher pain levels and emotional discomfort, most women were satisfied with their experience.ConclusionsAs currently performed in South Africa, second trimester abortions by D&E were more effective than induction procedures, required shorter hospital stay, had fewer major immediate complications and were associated with shorter delays accessing care. Both services can be improved by implementing evidence-based protocols.

Bluetongue virus serotype 8: Abortion and transplacental transmission in cattle in the Burgundy region, France, 2008–2009

During the incursion of bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 8 in France in 2007, an increase in the number of abortions in cattle was observed, but the cause was not clearly established. A survey of all the reported cases of abortion in cattle from November 2008 to April 2009 was conducted in the Nièvre district (Burgundy region) to determine the percentage of abortions as a result of BTV-8 and to study factors that could have played a role in BTV-8 transplacental transmission. BTV-8 was present in 16% of the fetuses or newborn calves that died within 48 h, from 780 dams. Dams inseminated before the BTV epizootic peak recorded from July to September 2008 were more likely to have BTV-positive abortions (OR=5.7, P<0.001) and those vaccinated in May or June 2008 were less likely to have BTV-positive abortions (OR=0.3, P=0.01 and OR=0.4, P=0.001, respectively). The gestational month was not a predictor of BTV abortion. In blood or spleen, fetuses/calves from RT-PCR-positive dams had significantly higher RNA concentrations than fetuses/calves from RT-PCR-negative dams. Of the 128 dams that had BTV-positive fetuses or calves, 60% were RT-PCR-negative. BTV-8-positive fetuses/calves were significantly more frequent (n=42 vs n=21, P=0.082) amongst those showing clinical signs or lesions suggestive of cerebral damage.

Baseline determination in social, health, and genetic areas in communities affected by glyphosate aerial spraying on the northeastern Ecuadorian border

The northeastern Ecuadorian border has undergone aerial spraying with an herbicide mix that contains surfactants and adjuvants, executed by the Colombian Government. The purpose of this study was to diagnose social, health, and genetic aspects of the people affected by glyphosate. For this objective to be achieved, 144 people were interviewed, and 521 medical diagnoses and 182 peripheral blood samples were obtained. Genotyping of GSTP1 Ile105Val, GPX-1 Pro198Leu, and XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphisms were analyzed, using PCR-RFLP technique. The assessment of chromosomal aberrations was performed, obtaining 182 karyotypes. Malnutrition in children was 3%. Of the total population, 7.7% had children with malformations, and the percentage of abortions was 12.7%. Concerning genotyping, individuals with GSTP1 Val/Val obtained an odds ratio of 4.88 (p < 0.001), and Ile/Val individuals, together with Val/Val individuals, had an odds ratio of 2.6 (p < 0.05). In addition, GPX-1 Leu/Leu individuals presented an odds ratio (OR) of 8.5 (p < 0.05). Regarding karyotyping, the 182 individuals had normal karyotypes. In conclusion, the study population did not present significant chromosomal and DNA alterations. The most important social impact was fear. We recommend future prospective studies to assess the communities.

ISOLATION OF CAMPYLOBACTER FETUS INFECTION IN SHEEP IN NORTH AREA OF SYRIA

This study has been carried out on 171 aborted ewes in 13 sheep folds in 3 Syrian provinces (Aleppo-Alraqa -Der alzor). The culture of these samples has been done, then the biochemical tests have been carried out on the positive samples to distinguish Campylobacter fetus. It has been proved that 15 samples have shown positive results for Campylobacter fetus which equals 8.77%. The highest percentage of abortions caused by Campylobacter in Aleppo was 10.5%, whereas it was 6.9% in Alraqa, the percentage was 5.4% in Der alzor. The research included the scientific discussion of this result, and the conclusions.

Coxiella burnetii shedding and environmental contamination at lambing in two highly naturally-infected dairy sheep flocks after vaccination

Abortion due to Coxiella burnetii was confirmed in the 2007/08 season in two naturally-infected dairy sheep flocks. Proportion of C. burnetii shedders and bacterial loads in vaginal mucus were high among aborted or lambed ewes, as was within-flock seroprevalence. Before the next reproductive season (2008/09) 75% of ewes and 50% of replacement lambs were vaccinated (Coxevac, CEVA Santé Animale) keeping the remaining as untreated controls. Compared with the previous year results when abortion outbreak started, a great reduction in the percentage of abortions, in the number of shedders and in the bacterial burden excreted by the ewes was found in both flocks. However, seroconversion in non-vaccinated yearlings from both flocks and the presence of C. burnetii DNA in bioaerosols taken at sheep premises at lambing indicated that infection was still active. No differences were observed between vaccinated and control groups in terms of proportion of C. burnetii shedders. These results suggest that optimal results of vaccination in heavily infected flocks may not be obtained in a short-term period.

Detection of Brucella antigen in the aborted ovine fetal stomach contents using a modified ELISA test

This study was conducted on two flocks of sheep suffering from abortion in Mosul city, Iraq. The clinical findings in ewes were abortion during the 3-4 months of gestation period in the both flocks. The total percentage of abortion was 11.7 %, whereas stillbirth percentage was 4 %. Brucella spp. was isolated from four (33.3 %) of the 12 samples (stomach contents of the aborted fetuses). All culture – positive samples had also positive with direct smears. By a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Brucella antigens were detected in the fetal stomach contents of 5 samples. The sensitivity and specificity of the modified ELISA were 100 % and 87.5 % respectively. The test had a good negative predictive value but only a moderate positive predictive value. Therefore, the test would be useful for confirming the existence of suspect disease. Comparison of modified ELISA with bacterial isolation demonstrated a close agreement (Kappa value = 0.92). Of the 12 serum samples from aborted ewes, eight samples were positive with Rose Bengle test (66.7 %), more than 10 samples (83.3 %) were detected by indirect ELISA test.

Effects of shading and thidiazuron + oil treatment on dormancy breaking, blooming and fruit set in apricot in a warm-winter climate

Overcoming dormancy represents one of the major limitations to fruit tree production in warm areas. High temperatures during the chilling period have a negative effect on breaking of dormancy. Shading of trees reduces the incidence of radiation and the temperature. Previous works on shading did not take into account the stage of dormancy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of shading during different periods of endodormancy, in an area having relatively warm winters, and the effects of a treatment of thidiazuron ([TDZ] N-phenyl-N-1,2,3-thiodiazol-5-il-urea) and winter oil, on apricot blooming, fruit set and ripening. The study was carried out during three years which showed marked differences regarding chilling accumulation. Autumn shading did not affect blooming or harvesting. Regarding harvest date, 2–3 days of precocity were achieved by shading during endodormancy, relative to the control. The TDZ + oil treatment increased blooming percentage, made blooming more uniform and brought forward the blooming (by 7–14 days) and ripening (3–8 days) dates. However, pistil abortion percentage was strongly increased by using TDZ and winter oil when there was low chilling accumulation, which led to reduce fruit set percentage. Shading during late endodormancy produced 5 days precocity for the harvest date in the year with lower chill accumulation. Shading of trees during endodormancy and TDZ + oil treatment could be suitable for increasing precocity in warm-winter climates. Significant year-to-year variation has been shown for blooming, pistil abortion, fruit set and fruit/bud percentages. Correlations among these variables are also discussed. Under conditions of marginal chill accumulation, the distribution of chilling during autumn and winter had an important role in the overcoming of dormancy, blooming and fruit set.

Reproductive barriers in the intergeneric hybridization between Chrysanthemum grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. and Ajania przewalskii Poljak. (Asteraceae)

In order to reveal the causes of low seed set in the intergeneric cross between Chrysanthemum grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam. ‘Zhongshanjingui’ (female parent) and Ajania przewalskii Poljak. (male parent), we systematically investigated megasporogenesis and megagametogenesis of female parents, pollen germinability of male parents, pollen–pistil interaction and hybrid embryo development using paraffin section and light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that development of megagametophyte of female parent belongs to Polygonum type and 84.6% ovules developed to normal 8-nucleate embryo sac at the stage of pollination; the pollen germinability in vitro of male parent was 39.3%; a large number of pollen grains germinated normally and no callose deposited on the female stigmas within 24 h after pollination. Furthermore, about 75% ovules were fertilized, whereas only 17.2% ovules developed to normal maturing embryos at 15 days after pollination due to abortion at various developmental stages. Taken together, these results suggest that sterile ovules of female parent, pollen viability and pollen–pistil interaction have no significant influence on seed set in the cross. A high percentage of embryo abortion or degeneration, i.e. post-fertilization barrier, may be the main factor for low seed yield.

Antiovulatory and abortifacient effects of Areca catechu (betel nut) in female rats

Objectives:To study the antiovulatory and abortifacient effects of ethanolic extract of Areca catechu in female rats.Materials and Methods:For antiovulatory effect, ethanolic extract of A. catechu at 100 and 300 mg/kg doses was administered orally for 15 days. Vaginal smears were examined daily microscopically for estrus cycle. Rats were sacrificed on 16th day. Ovarian weight, cholesterol estimation, and histopathological studies were done. Abortifacient activity was studied in rats at 100 and 300 mg/kg doses administered orally from 6th to 15th day of pregnancy. Rats were laparotomised on 19th day. The number of implantation sites and live fetuses were observed in both horns of the uterus.Results:The extract of A. catechu showed a significant decrease in the duration of estrus at 100 mg/kg (P = 0.015) and 300 mg/kg doses (P = 0.002) as compared with control. Metestrus phase was also significantly reduced at 100 mg/kg (P = 0.024) and 300 mg/kg doses (P = 0.002). There was a significant increase in proestrus (P < 0.001) phase. However, diestrus phase was unchanged. Histopathological study of the ovaries showed mainly primordial, primary, and secondary follicles in the test groups as compared to control. There was also a significant (P = 0.002) decrease in ovarian weight and a significant (P = 0.021) increase in ovarian cholesterol level at 100 mg/kg dose. In the study to evaluate abortifacient effect, the mean percentage of abortion with 100 and 300 mg/kg doses were 75.5% and 72.22%, respectively, which was significantly (P = 0.008 and P = 0.006, respectively) increased when compared with control.Conclusion:The ethanolic extract of A. catechu at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg has antiovulatory and abortifacient effects.

Reproductive toxicity of the endocrine disrupters vinclozolin and bisphenol A in the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber (Latreille, 1804)

Endocrine Disruptor Compounds (EDCs) have been largely studied concerning their effects on vertebrates. Nevertheless, invertebrates as targets for these chemicals have been neglected and few studies are available. Specifically for edaphic invertebrates, data concerning the effects of EDCs is residual. Influences of EDCs on the reproduction systems of these organisms, with consequences at the population level, are expected but have not been confirmed. This work aimed to study the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) and vinclozolin (Vz) on the reproduction of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber. Isopods were coupled and exposed to increasing concentrations of Vz and BPA and the females’ reproductive cycle followed for 56 d. Both compounds elicited reproductive toxicity. Vz and BPA decreased female reproductive allocation. Vz reduced pregnancy duration; increased the abortion percentage; decreased the number of pregnancies; and decreased the number of juveniles per female while BPA increased abortions at the lowest and highest test concentrations. The reproductive endpoints presented in here are indicative of the possible impact that this type of compounds might have on isopod population dynamics, which may eventually lead to population decline.

Safety of an amino-acetonitrile derivative (AAD), monepantel, in ewes and their offspring following repeated oral administration

AIM: To demonstrate the clinical and reproductive safety in ewes and their offspring of repetitive oral doses of monepantel, an amino-acetonitrile derivative (AAD), when administered at three times the proposed maximum recommended dose (MRD) over an entire reproductive cycle. METHODS: A randomised controlled blinded study design was used. One hundred and twelve primi- or multi-parous ewes and 28 rams were randomly allocated into control and treated groups (n=56 for groups of ewes, n=14 for groups of rams). Two control ewes and two treated ewes were randomly selected to form 28 subgroups. A control or treated ram was then randomly allocated to each subgroup, to form control ram/treated ewe, control ram/control ewe, treated ram/treated ewe, and treated ram/control ewe ‘treatment/mating’ units. Control animals were treated with saline, and treated animals given three times the MRD (11.25 mg/kg) of monepantel. Treatments were administered orally every 5 days during an entire reproductive cycle, including oestrus and mating, gestation, and post-lambing to weaning. Detailed recording at multiple time points were made of veterinary examinations; observations for adverse events; bodyweight measurements; faecal scores; and haematology, clinical chemistry and coagulation variables. Reproductive indices determined included percent pregnant, number of failed embryos, abortion percentage, number of lambs with teratogenic defects, length of gestation, percentage of stillbirths, number of ewes experiencing reproductive problems, lambing percentage, and pre-weaning mortality. Post-mortem examination, including measurement of organ weights, was performed on randomly selected ewes (n=40) and lambs (n=40) at the completion of the study. RESULTS: All ewes treated with monepantel and those in the control group thrived and behaved normally to the end of the study. No treatment-related, toxicologically relevant adverse events, clinical observations or gross post-mortem changes were observed. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in bodyweight or organ weights, and haematological, clinical chemistry or coagulation variables between ewes treated with monepantel and control ewes. No significant differences were observed in any of the reproductive indices measured. No significant clinical differences were noted between lambs born from treated ewes and those from controls. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Repeated oral administration of monepantel at three times the MRD every 5 days over an entire reproductive cycle was not associated with any treatment-related adverse effects on the reproductive performance of ewes nor on the viability of their offspring, and was systemically very well tolerated. This study demonstrated that this population of ewes could tolerate accidental overdoses of up to three times the MRD of monepantel or prolonged repetitive administration of overdoses. Thus, those so treated entering a breeding programme would have normal reproductive indices, mating behaviour, and health, and their lambs would suffer no ill effects.

Pollination, Fertilization and Floral Traits Co-Segregating with Autofertility in Faba Bean

Heterotic autofertility in faba bean has been investigated in cultivars, inbred lines and F1 populations but not in segregating generations. This study evaluated the association between autofertility and floral components in the presence of different levels of heterosis in segregating generations, derived from two inbred lines – autofertile line Kristall 25 (K25) and autosterile line Diana 07 (D07). The autofertile populations had fewer pollen grains, greater style-ovary angle, longer style, lower papillae density than autosterile ones. The rate of flower bud growth and the release of exudate were considered to be related to protogyny of autofertile materials. Pod setting and fertilization values of autosterile bulks were significantly lower than those of autofertile ones, however, the latter had higher percentage of seeds and inbred embryos abortion. Autofertility was due to a range of complex components, not just one or two, the inheritance of which should be taken into consideration when developing sel...

MEDICATION ABORTION AS A QUALITY INDICATOR FOR REGIONAL COMPARISONS IN SWEDEN

We were surprised by the extremely low medication abortion rates in Canada as presented by Erdman et al. in the October 2008 issue of the Journal.1 Sweden has relatively high medication abortion rates, but in an effort to further improve abortion care, an indicator on medication and surgical abortion rates is currently used. In 2007, the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare, along with the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, published a report comparing 75 quality indicators of various medical outcomes among Sweden's 21 regions.2 One of the 5 indicators of maternal and prenatal care was the percentage of abortions performed before the 10th week of pregnancy. The percentage of medication abortions was included as supplemental data, though it is not specifically meant to indicate higher quality (Figure 1). In general, the higher the percentage of abortions performed before the 10th week of pregnancy, the higher the percentage of medication abortions. One way to interpret this is that the use of medication abortion increases access to abortion care. FIGURE 1 Medication and surgical abortions performed before the 10th week of pregnancy (with 95% confidence intervals) as percentages of all abortions: Sweden, 2005–2007. Fred Montgomery teaches preschool children in a Head Start class sponsored by the Coahoma Project on April 25, 1966, in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Photograph by Charles Kelly. Printed with permission of AP Wide World. The current Swedish law on abortion, which took effect in 1975, provides women with an essentially free abortion until the 18th week of pregnancy. It is wholly up to the woman to decide whether to have an abortion and request that it be performed. Sweden has 9 million citizens, of whom 1.8 million are women of childbearing age. Between 33 000 and 37 000 abortions (18–21 per 1000 women aged 15–44 years) are performed annually, with more than 70% of them done before the 10th week of pregnancy.3,4 Sweden's total fertility rate for 2007 was 1.88, among the highest in Europe. Sweden's personal identity number system enables linkage between the extensive national health care registers and social, economic, and demographic data.5 However, current legislation does not permit registration of a woman who has an abortion under her personal identity number, as it might discourage her from seeking care. Thus, it is not possible to analyze the social and economic patterns of either medication or surgical abortions—or the medical consequences for future pregnancy or health. There is no clear evidence that health care quality differs between medication and surgical abortions, though it has been shown that women prefer having the opportunity to choose among alternative procedures.6–10 However, there is no doubt that an early abortion is safer than a later one. Thus, we advocate the use of a quality indicator that measures the percentage of abortions performed before the 10th week, with supplemental data on the percentage of medication abortions.

Designs of devices: The vacuum aspirator and American abortion technology

In 1965, 71% of legal abortions in the United States were performed using the surgical procedure of dilation and curettage. By 1972, a mere seven years later, approximately the same percentage (72.6%) of legal abortions in the United States were performed using a completely new abortion technology: the electrical vacuum aspirator. This article examines why, in less than a decade, electric vacuum suction became American physicians' abortion technology of choice. It focuses on factors such as political and professional feasibility (the technology was able to complement the decriminalization of abortion in the US, and the interests, abilities, commitments, and personal beliefs of physicians); clinical compatibility (it met physician/patient criteria such as safety, simplicity and effectiveness); and economic viability (it was able to adapt to market factors such as production, cost, supply/demand, availability, and distribution).

Spore Fitness Components Do Not Differ Between Diploid and Allotetraploid Species of Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae)

Although allopolyploidy is a prevalent speciation mechanism in plants, its adaptive consequences are poorly understood. In addition, the effects of allopolyploidy per se (i.e. hybridization and chromosome doubling) can be confounded with those of subsequent evolutionary divergence between allopolyploids and related diploids. This report assesses whether fern species with the same ploidy level or the same altitudinal distribution have similar germination responses to temperature. The effects of polyploidy on spore abortion and spore size are also investigated, since both traits may have adaptive consequences. Three allotetraploid (Dryopteris corleyi, D. filix-mas and D. guanchica) and three related diploid taxa (D. aemula, D. affinis ssp. affinis and D. oreades) were studied. Spores were collected from 24 populations in northern Spain. Four spore traits were determined: abortion percentage, size, germination time and germination percentage. Six incubation temperatures were tested: 8, 15, 20, 25 and 32 degrees C, and alternating 8/15 degrees C. Allotetraploids had bigger spores than diploid progenitors, whereas spore abortion percentages were generally similar. Germination times decreased with increasing temperatures in a wide range of temperatures (8-25 degrees C), although final germination percentages were similar among species irrespective of their ploidy level. Only at low temperature (8 degrees C) did two allotetraploid species reach higher germination percentages than diploid parents. Allotetraploids showed faster germination rates, which would probably give them a competitive advantage over diploid parents. Germination behaviour was not correlated with altitudinal distribution of species. The results of this study suggest that (i) relative fitness of allopolyploids at sporogenesis does not differ from that of diploid parents and (ii) neither does allopolyploidization involve a change in the success of spore germination.

Pregnancy outcome during the bombing of Yugoslavia from Mart 24 to June 9, 1999

The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy outcome during the bombing of Yugoslavia in the period from March 24 to June 9, 1999. A retrospective study included a total of 81 spontaneous abortion following XII gestation week, and 1448 deliveries, hospitalized in the regional hospital. The analyzed were: the incidence of spontaneous abortion, Cesarean section, post-term delivery, vaginal delivery following the previous Cesarean section within the period from March 24 to June 9, 1999, and compared to the same periods in 1998 and 2000 by the use of chi2 and Kolgomorov-Smirnov tests. Under the conditions of a three-month stress imposed by the bombing, significantly increased were the incidence of spontaneous abortion and vaginal delivery following the previous Cesarean section, while the incidence of Cesarean section and post-term delivery were decreased, but the incidence of perinatal outcome was paradoxically improved. The analysis of findings on admittance revealed that iterative Cesarean section was performed electively, close to the expected term of delivery, and vaginal delivery following the previous Cesarean section mainly two weeks before that term with the admittance finding confirming a high active stage pregnancy. Within the bombing, statistically significantly was increased the percentage of abortions after XII gestation week, and the biological duration of pregnancy was reduced. The reduced duration of pregnancy complete with the accelerated fetal mutation (also caused by the stress) resulted in better perinatal outcome, and statistically significantly lower percentage of Cesarean section.

Floral biology and behavior of Africanized honeybees Apis mellifera in soybean (Glycine max L. Merril)

This research was carried out to evaluate the pollination by Africanized honeybees Apis mellifera, the floral biology and to observe the hoarding behavior in the soybean flowers (Glycine max Merril), var. BRS-133. The treatments were constituted of demarcated areas for free visitation of insects, covered areas by cages with a honeybee colony (A. mellifera) and also covered areas by cage without insects visitation. All areas had 24 m² (4m x 6m). The soybean flowers stayed open for a larger time (82.82 ± 3.48 hours) in covered area without honeybees. The stigma of the flowers was also more receptive (P=0.0021) in covered area without honeybees (87.3 ± 33.0%) and at 10:42 o'clock was the schedule of greater receptivity. The pollen stayed viable in all treatments, the average was 99.60 ± 0.02%, which did not present differences among treatments. The percentage of abortion of the flowers was 82.91% in covered area without honeybees, this result was superior (P=0.0002) to the 52.66% and 53.95% of the treatments uncovered and covered with honeybees, respectively. Honeybees were responsible for 87.7% of the pollination accomplished by the insects. The medium amounts of total sugar and glucose measured in the nectar of the flowers were, 14.33 ± 0.96 mg/flower and 3.61 ± 0.36 mg/ flower, respectively, not showing differences (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments. The total solids, measured through the manual refratometer were 21.33 ± 0.22% in uncovered area and 22.33 ± 0.38% in covered with honeybees and differed to each other (P=0.0001). The honeybees were the most frequent insect (95.18%). Other observed insects were the Lepidoptera with 3.51% and other bees with 1.32%, in uncovered area. Honeybees visited 2.24 flowers on average in uncovered area and 1.58 in covered with honeybees and presented behavior for nectar hoarding and hoarding nectar/pollen in this period. In uncovered area the time of nectar hoarding was 2.55 ± 0.07 seconds, this time was smaller (P=0.0039) than 2.87 ± 0.08 seconds observed in covered area with honeybees. The behavior for the hoarding type observed in honeybees foraging the soybean flowers, through the content of its honey stomach and pollen loads of its pollen basket showed that the nectar forager did not show a pattern for the nectar collection, but for the pollen collection the schedule of pollen peak of the forager was at 11:36 o'clock. The soybean flowers showed alteration in floral biology when exposed to honeybees.

Administration of 17α-ethinylestradiol during pregnancy elicits modifications of maternal behavior and emotional alteration of the offspring in the rat

Intraperitoneal administration of 17α-ethinylestradiol (15 μg.kg −1) in pregnant rats, every day from day 9 to day 14 of pregnancy, elicited a high percentage of abortions. Quantification of maternal behavior showed that treated dams took better care of their pups than control dams, injected with the vehicle only, did. Postnatal reflexes, which reflect maturational rate, were established more promptly in the offspring of treated dams than in the offspring of control dams. However, when adult, the rats born from treated dams developed anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. All these results are explained by the effects of the exogenous estrogen on the developing brain of the fetuses.