Elicitation of Diosgenin Production in Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek) Seedlings by Methyl Jasmonate.

The effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), an elicitor of plant defense mechanisms, on the biosynthesis of diosgenin, a steroidal saponin, were investigated in six fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) varieties (Gujarat Methi-2, Kasuri-1, Kasuri-2, Pusa Early Branching, Rajasthan Methi and Maharashtra Methi-5). Treatment with 0.01% MeJA increased diosgenin levels, in 12 days old seedlings, from 0.

Rapid Bioassay-Guided Isolation of Antibacterial Clerodane Type Diterpenoid from Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jaeq.

Plant extracts are complex matrices and, although crude extracts are widely in use, purified compounds are pivotal in drug discovery. This study describes the application of automated preparative-HPLC combined with a rapid off-line bacterial bioassay, using reduction of a tetrazolium salt as an indicator of bacterial metabolism. This approach enabled the identification of fractions from Dodonaea viscosa that were active against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which, ultimately, resulted in the identification of a clerodane type diterpenoid, 6β-hydroxy-15,16-epoxy-5β, 8β, 9β, 10α-cleroda-3, 13(16), 14-trien-18-oic acid, showing bacteriostatic activity (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 64-128 µg/mL) against test bacteria.

Composition, Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activities of Satureja intermedia C.A.Mey Essential Oil.

In this study, the essential oil (EO) constituents from the aerial parts of Satureja intermedia C.A.Mey were detected by GC and GC/MS.

Essential Oil from Berries of Lebanese Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb Displays Similar Antibacterial Activity to Chlorhexidine but Higher Cytocompatibility with Human Oral Primary Cells.

Chlorhexidine (CHX), one of the most effective drugs administered for periodontal treatment, presents collateral effects including toxicity when used for prolonged periods; here, we have evaluated the bactericidal potency and the cytocompatibility of Juniperus excelsa M. Bieb essential oil (EO) in comparison with 0.05% CHX.

Phytochemical compositions and biological activities of essential oil from Xanthium strumarium L.

The chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) from fresh cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) leaves was investigated by GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the EO was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.

Antimicrobial Synergic Effect of Allicin and Silver Nanoparticles on Skin Infection Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus spp.

Background: Today, the commonly used antibiotics may more and more frequently be ineffective against multiple pathogens, due to the selection of resistant microbial strains. As a result, an effort to find a new approach for solving this issue has been considered.

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate antimicrobial properties of allicin, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their combination again skin infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains in an animal model.

Melatonin in Mediterranean diet, a new perspective.

The health-promoting properties of the Mediterranean diet have been attributed, at least in part, to the chemical diversity of plant foods. Among phytochemicals, polyphenols represent the paradigm of the relationship between healthy foods and reduced risk of chronic-degenerative diseases, although, in the past few years, a new element has enriched this scenario. Melatonin, and possibly other indoleamines recently discovered in some relevant Mediterranean foods, may represent a new factor contributing to the elucidation of the protective effects of diets rich in plant products.

In-vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Xanthium strumarium L. extracts on methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Background And Aims: The excessive and repeated use of antibiotics in medicine has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus whose emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains has reduced the number of antibiotics available to treat clinical infections caused by this bacterium. In this study, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of methanolic extract of Xanthium strumarium L. leaves were evaluated on methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) spp.

Chitosan-induced antiviral activity and innate immunity in plants.

Immunity represents a trait common to all living organisms, and animals and plants share some similarities. Therefore, in susceptible host plants, complex defence machinery may be stimulated by elicitors. Among these, chitosan deserves particular attention because of its proved efficacy.

Biotransformation of finasteride by Ocimum sanctum L., and tyrosinase inhibitory activity of transformed metabolites: experimental and computational insights.

Transformation of Finasteride (I) by cell suspension cultures of Ocimum sanctum L. was investigated. Fermentation of compound (I) with O.

The application of chitosan and benzothiadiazole in vineyard (Vitis vinifera L. cv Groppello Gentile) changes the aromatic profile and sensory attributes of wine.

This work reports the effects of resistance inducers on wine aroma compounds and sensory attributes. Resistance inducers are a class of products able to elicit the plant defence mechanisms against pathogens, incurring lower toxicological risks than conventional agrochemicals. Among them, chitosan (CHT) and benzothiadiazole (BTH) are particularly effective in stimulating the biosynthesis of bioactive phytochemicals.

Phytosterols in grapes and wine, and effects of agrochemicals on their levels.

To improve the knowledge on the chemical diversity and complexity of grapevine, we investigated the plant sterol content of berry and seed tissues at pre-véraison and véraison stages in 2009 and 2010. We also assessed the effects of benzothiadiazole and chitosan elicitors on content of sterols in grapes and their levels in the corresponding experimental wines. β-Sitosterol was the most abundant component in berry tissues, in both growth stages and years, with the highest amounts in the flesh and skin at pre-véraison and véraison, respectively.

Chemopreventive potential of flavonoids in oral squamous cell carcinoma in human studies.

Evidence available from nutritional epidemiology has indicated an inverse association between regular consumption of fruits and vegetables and the risk of developing certain types of cancer. In turn, preclinical studies have attributed the health-promoting effects of plant foods to some groups of phytochemicals, by virtue of their many biological activities. In this survey, we briefly examine the chemopreventive potential of flavonoids and flavonoid-rich foods in human oral carcinogenesis.

Contrast media syringe delivery systems.

The purpose of this article is to compare two methods of using a combination of drug and medical device-the administration of contrast medium through prefilled syringes versus administration via bottle filled syringes. This article compares findings from a literature review carried out on topics including safety of administration procedures, efficiency, regulatory aspects, and ethical considerations. It includes references to case reports and studies documenting infections and cross-infections in radiology departments where injecting contrast media was withdrawn from bottles.

Plant neurobiology, a fascinating perspective in the field of research on plant secondary metabolites.

In this Editorial, I comment on the exciting and original topic of plant neurobiology, focusing on natural products whose biosynthesis is shared by animal and plant organisms, i.e., indoleamines (melatonin and serotonin) and catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine).

Expressed emotion in wives of myocardial infarction patients: an exploratory feasibility study.

Introduction: We assessed the emotional components expressed by the spouses of patients at the first episode of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and considered potential underlying links among these components and the course of the cardiac symptoms over time. This was an exploratory prospective cohort study.

Methods: A sample of 50 consecutive male inpatients with a diagnosis of AMI and their wives was studied.

Haemato-oncology and burnout: an Italian survey.

This cross-sectional survey aimed to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and estimated psychiatric disorders among haemato-oncology healthcare professionals in Italy. The aspects of work that respondents perceive as stressful and satisfying have also been examined. The assessments were made using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), General Health Questionnaire and a study-specific questionnaire.

Psychological intervention in patients with poor compliance.

In this article, the authors examine the compliance of periodontal patients from a behavioral psychology perspective. The causes of non-compliance are analyzed along with the main methods of intervention. An experiment was carried out in which various behaviour modification techniques were compared.

New developments in visual acuity charts.

The Jackson optotype, similar to the illiterate Es, was selected among several orientable optotypes and is proposed for clinical trials. It is unequivocal and compact. Two optotype gradations were derived from the geometrical progression of ratio 4 square root of 2, thus obtaining size steps quite close to those of Monoyer and Snellen.

GABA-like immunoreactivity in the pedal ganglia of Mytilus galloprovincialis: light and electron microscopic study.

The distribution of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-like immunoreactivity was investigated in the pedal ganglia (PG) of Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mollusca, Bivalvia) with the aid of an antiserum raised against GABA coupled to bovine serum albumin. Examination of whole-mount preparations and serial vibratome and semithin sections showed the presence of different types of immunoreactive neurons. Small unipolar neurons were the most numerous, and were located mainly in the lateral ganglion cortex.