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Cymbopogon martinii is an aromatic crop cultivated for the production of its essential oil (EO) which has different applications. Bearing in mind that C. martinii EO (CMEO) has already been proved for high antibacterial potential the aim of this study was to formulate stable CMEO nanoemulsions, being capable to combat Enterococcus faecalis biofilm, especially within infected tooth’s root canal. Ten emulsions with variable CMEO content (2.5–10 % v/v) and Tween 80 (T80, 2.5–15 % v/v) were formulated (designated as ECMEO:T80) and screened for volume-weighted mean diameter (D4,3) and stability, using dynamic light scattering measurements. Chemical composition of stable nanoemulsions was monitored by UV–VIS and FTIR, while their antibacterial activity was estimated in microdilution assay. Antibiofilm properties of selected nanoemulsions were tested in vitro (cristal violet assay) and ex vivo (within root canals of the extracted teeth). Results showed that formulations containing 10 % of T80 and CMEO volume ≤ 6 %, as well as those having constant 2.5 % of CMEO and variable T80 volume (≤ 10%), namely E2.5:2.5, E2.5:5, E2.5:7.5, E2.5:10, E4:10, and E6:10, were stable and nanosized (D4,3 <100 nm). FTIR and UV–VIS analyses confirmed successful encapsulation of the CMEO by T80 and showed that nanoemulsification did not affect CMEO composition. Evaluation of antibacterial potential showed that the most efficient were E6:10, E2.5:2.5 and E4:10 (MIC values 0.37–1.97 mg mL−1). Analysis of dependency of determined MICs on mean diameter and CMEO volume showed that antibacterial potential increased with both parameters. E6:10, E2.5:2.5 and E4:10 also reduced in vitro biofilm (inhibitory range 17.6–58.4 %), as well as intracanal biofilm (reduction ~2Log CFU). Presented results suggest E6:10, E4:10 and E2.5:2.5 as the good candidates for further research.

The aim of the study was to investigate the potency of Cinnamomum camphora cineoliferum and Melaleuca ericifolia essential oils (EOs) against facultative and obligate anaerobes isolated from teeth’ infected root canals. Biocompatibility of the EOs was also in the study focus. Chemical composition of the EOs was determined by GC/MS analysis. Their antibacterial potential and cytotoxicity were evaluated by microdilution and MTT assays, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by Student’s t-test and one way ANOVA. Two the most abundant constituents of C. camphora cineoliferum EO were 1,8-cineole and sabinene, while in M. ericifolia EO the dominant were linalool and 1,8-cineole. MICs achieved against all tested strains were in the ranges 0.95±0.50 - 22.50±0.00 mg/mL and 0.65±0.00 - 23.35±7.80 mg/mL for the C. camphora cioneoliferum and M. ericifolia EOs, respectively. Statistical analysis showed that response to both oils has not differed between facultative and obligate anaerobes. Sensitivity pattern of the tested strains was different for the EOs and the positive control triple antibiotic paste (TAP): while E. faecalis and certain strains of S. salivarius were among the most sensitive to the oils, they were the least susceptible to the conventional antimicrobial TAP. Although the observed cytotoxicity of the EOs after 30 min of cell exposition was high (50.78-66.35% and up to 70% for C. camphora cioneoliferum and M. ericifolia EOs, respectively) it was lower than that of positive control (1.5% NaOCl, p<0.05). To conclude, both EOs showed promising antibacterial potential and achieved at least the same or even better biocompatibility than the conventional intracanal antimicrobials. Obtained results strongly encourage future research with an aim to formulate C. camphora cioneoliferum and M. ericifolia EO- based irrigants and medicaments, that could be used in endodontic practice.

U ovom radu prikazana je ekstrakcija latica hibrida Paeonia lactiflora "Činija lepote" i Calendula officinalis L. pomoću mikrotalasnog reaktora i ultarazvuka u sistemu etanol-voda, kao i izolacija etarskog ulja latica Calendula officinalis L. hidrodestilacijom. Određen je ukupan sadržaj fenola i flavonoida u ekstraktima i ulju, i procenjena je antioksidativna aktivnost. Antioksidativna aktivnost je određena korišćenjem standardnih, antioksidativnih in vitro DPPH • i ABTS •+ testova. Najveći ukupni sadržaj fenola utvrđen je kod ekstrakata P. lactiflora i C. officinalis L. dobijenih ultrazvučnom ekstrakcijom (83,16 i 114,47 mg GA/g, redom), dok je najveći sadržaj flavonoida dobijen ekstrakcijom uz pomoć mikrotalasnog reaktora (123,48 i 65,29 mg QE/g, redom). Najveća antioksidativna aktivnost za ekstrakt hibrida Paeonia lactiflora "Činija lepote" dobijena je mikrotalasnom ekstrakcijom (79% i 83%), dok je za ekstrakt Calendula officinalis L. dobijena ultrazvučnom ekstrakcijom (45% i 49%) u DPPH • i ABTS •+ , redom. U cilju poboljšanja antioksidativne aktivnosti oba tipa ispitivanih analita (ekstrakta i etarskog ulja), pektinski biopolimerni film, (u formi nosača), u procesu enzimski potpomognute katalize, je pripremljen. Za karakterizaciju dobijenih filmova korišćena je optička mikroskopija i FTIR spektroskopija. Filmovi sa esencijalnim uljem C. officinalis L. i galnom kiselinom, pokazali su značajno povećan procenat inhibicije u DPPH • i ABTS •+ testu (91% i 95%, redom) nakon 10 minuta. Rezultati su, takođe, pokazali da se sve formulacije pektinskog biopolimernog filma, modifikovanog galnom kiselinom, mogu uspešno primenjivati kao nosač za oba tipa ingredijenata., In this study, the petals collected from peony hybrid Paeonia lactiflora "Bowl of Beauty" and Calendula officinalis L. were extracted using an ethanol-water mixture assisted with microwave and ultrasonic treatment. The isolation of Calendula officinalis L. essential oil was done by hydrodistillation as well. The total phenolic and flavonoids content in the extracts and oil were determined and their antioxidant activity was evaluated. The highest total phenolic content was found for the extracts of hybrid Paeonia lactiflora and Calendula officinalis L. obtained by ultrasound extraction (83.16 and 114.47 mg GA/g, respectively), while the flavonoid content obtained by microwave-assisted extraction was relatively high (123.48 and 65.29 mg QE/g, respectively). The highest antioxidant activity was obtained in DPPH • and ABTS •+ assay for the microwave-assisted extraction of hybrid P. lactiflora (79% and 83%) and ultrasound-assisted extraction of C. officinalis L. (45% and 49%), respectively. To improve antioxidant activity of both types of examined analytes (extracts and essential oil), the pectin biopolymer film (as a carrier) was prepared in the process of enzymatically assisted catalysis. Optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy were used for the characterization of obtained materials. The films, with essential oil of C. officinalis L. and gallic acid, showed significantly increased percentage inhibition in DPPH • and ABTS •+ test (91% and 95%, respectively) after 10 minutes. The results, also, showed that all formulations of pectin biopolymer film, modified with gallic acid, can be successfully applied as a carrier for both types of ingredients.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an annual herb with medicinal, edible and economical values. To reach a yield potential, among other things, seed high germination percentage and seed vigor are required. The aim of the study was to discover the most efficient biopreparations with a beneficial effect on basil seed vigor, germination and seed health. Testing was conducted with two plant protection products, permitted in organic production ('Exstrasol F', Polyversum'), and three herbal preparations (fermented valerian extract, fermented extract of yarrow, and fermented LAB mix). Seed germination testing followed the standard procedure suggested by the Rule book on seed quality control, while seed health was examined by the filter paper method. The seeds were treated with 15 ml of bio-product solution, while the same amount of distilled water was used as a control. The experiment was conducted in three replications, and the seeds were observed on the 4th and 14th day following the treatment. The seed germination was increased in all treatments, in comparison to control. The treatments with fermented extract of yarrow had the highest effect on seed vigor. Based on the symptoms, the presence of Alternaria sp. was confirmed on the seed surface. Compared to control, the infection of seeds was reduced in all treatments, but the fermented extract of yarrow had the highest effect on disease reduction.

To enhance endodontics, the search for new antibacterials that can improve infected tooth root canal treatment is ongoing. As potent antibacterial and antibiofilm agents, essential oils (EOs) have been suggested as novel endodontic materials. Several studies indicate that EO-based irrigants and medicaments show promising reductive potential against the most important intracanal pathogen, Enterococcus faecalis, and notably contribute to intracanal biofilm eradication. In terms of additional benefits that EO-based endodontic materials can provide, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential are also important, but they have only scarcely been explored in research. Investigations into the benefits of EO-based endodontic materials together with their biocompatibility are needed. The results presented in this review strongly encourage further research on this topic.

Without being aware of its chemical makeup, many ancient societies have used Steppe peony in their traditional medicine. Given that modern phytopreparation intended for use on human skin requires, above all, knowledge of its chemical composition, the goal of this study was to make a screening of the composition of aqueous and methanolic extracts of the petals of P. tenuifolia L. and to examine them for various skin-beneficial properties. The extracts were prepared by maceration, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted extraction procedures. The chemical profiling was conducted by the use of UHPLC-LTQ-OrbiTrap MS and UHPLC/MS, and spectrophotometric methods for the determination of total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents. The biological activities entailed antioxidant ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC (Cupric Ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity), and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) assays, antimicrobial (antibacterial and antifungal) and antibiofilm activities, cytotoxicity, wound healing potential, as well as the adhesion and invasion of Staphylococcus lugdunensis. The results showed that the petals are rich in phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are commonly associated with numerous biological activities. The aqueous extracts were more efficient in the majority of the bioactivity assays then the methanolic ones, whereas the optimal extraction method varied between the assays. This study is the first step towards the safe use of the aqueous extracts of P. tenuifolia petals for therapeutic skin treatments.

Mirođija (Anethum graveolens L.) je jednogodišnja začinska i lekovita biljka iz familije Apiaceae. Visoka energija klijanja i procenat klijavosti su potrebni za postizanje visokog prinosa. Cilj ovog istraživanja je bio utvrđivanje najefikasnijeg biopreparata sa blagotvornim dejstvom na energiju klijanja, ukupnu klijavost i zdravstveno stanje semena mirođije. Ispitivanja su sprovedena sa dva sredstva za zaštitu bilja, dozvoljena u organskoj proizvodnji (‟Extrasol F” i ‟Polyversum”) i tri biljna preparata (‟Fermentisani ekstrakt hajdučke trave”, ‟Fermentisani ekstrakt čička” i ‟Fermentisana mešavina LAB mix”). Klijavost semena je povećana u svim tretmanima u odnosu na kontrolu. Tretmani preparatom ‟Fermentisana mešavina LAB mix” ispoljili su najveći uticaj na energiju klijanja i ukupnu klijavost semena. Na osnovu simptoma i znakova bolesti, prisustvo Alternaria sp. je potvrđeno na površini semena mirođije. U poređenju sa kontrolom, zaraza semena je smanjena u tretmanima sa preparatima ‟Fermentisana mešavina LAB mix” i ‟Fermentisani ekstrakt čička”., Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is an annual herb and medicinal plant from the Apiaceae family. High energy germination and germination percentage are required to achieve high yield. The aim of the study was to discover the most efficient biopreparations with a beneficial effect on dill seed energy germination, total germination and seed health. Testing was conducted with two plant protection products, permitted in organic production (‟Extrasol F” and ‟Polyversum”), and three herbal preparations (‟Fermented extract of yarrow”, ‟Fermented burdock extract” and ‟Fermented LAB mix”). The seed germination was increased in all treatments, in comparison to control. The treatments with the preparation ‟Fermented LAB mix” manifested the greatest influence on energy germination and total seed germination. Based on the symptoms and signs of the disease, the presence of Alternaria sp. was confirmed on the surface of dill seeds. The seed infection was reduced in treatments with ‟Fermented LAB mix” and ‟Fermented Burdock Extract” compared to the control treatment.

Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea ssp. symphyandra (Murb.) Hayek) is a high-mountainous perennial spontaneously growing on meadows and open slopes of the Eastern part of the Alps and the Balkan Peninsula. While the excessive exploitation endangered its survival in the nature in many European countries, the orientation to its large-scale production enables its protection at natural stands and satisfaction of increasing market demands for its roots, a highly-valuable herbal drug (Gentianae radix). During the six-year field trial established with Yellow gentian nursery plants on black water-air permeable and biodegradable film, in dry farming conditions of Mountain Tara (Serbia), the influence of a sigle basal application of farm yard manure and mineral fertilizer, at different planting densities (11.1, 13.3 and 16 plants m(-2)) on produced yield (roots), has been investigated. Single dose fertilization positively influenced the yields but did not provide optimal supplies for cultivated crop in the second part of experiment. It depended on crop age, planting density but also the climatic conditions. In the second part of plant production period, particulary in denser establishemnts, additional fertilization should be applied. Providing the appropriate amounts of fertilizers, Yellow gentian can be successfully grown even in the densest planting model (16 plants m(-2)), which is quite important in respect to the economic feasibility of cultivation. Similar yields achieved in mineral and organic treatments (4.51 kg m(-2) and 4.85 kg m(-2) of fresh root, respectively), suggest the roots might be successfully produced in both, conventional and organic cultivation model. In attempt to estimate impact of fertilization treatments on chemical quality of produced raw material (Gentianae radix) the content of several pharmacological constituents (loganic acid, swertiamarin, gentiopicroside, sweroside, amarogentin and isogentisin) was evaluated; gentiopicroside and loganic acid were

Aim: The objective was to formulate and characterize the nanoemulsion based on Cymbopogon citratus oil, intended for use in infected teeth root canal therapy. The investigation of the antioxidant and antibiofilm potential toward Enterococcus faecalis was aimed as well. Materials & methods: Characterization of oil (by GC/MS analysis) and nanoemulsion (by dynamic light scattering instrument), and determination of antibacterial (by microdilution assay), antibiofilm (by crystal violet assay) and antioxidant properties (by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate and thiobarbituric acid assay methods) were provided. Antibiofilm efficacy of irrigation procedure including nanoemulsion was screened on extracted teeth (by CFU-counting assay). Results: Notable antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, both against forming and preformed biofilms of oil, was observed. Irrigation involved nanoemulsion showed remarkable antibiofilm potential. Both substances induced some antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Results encourage further research with the aim of application of the nanoemulsion in dental practice.

The study aimed to investigate the potency of Leptospermum petersonii, Eucalyptus citriodora, Pelargonium graveolens, and Pelargonium roseum essential oils (EOs) against Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus salivarius dental isolates. To examine the variation in sensitivity among strains of different origin, isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic root canal infections, as well as the reference, strains S. sanguinis ATCC 10556 and S. salivarius ATCC 9222 were used in the study. EOs were chemically characterised (GC/MS). Their antibacterial and antibiofilm properties were detected by microdilution and CV assay respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by One way ANOVA. Examined bacterial strains, regardless clinical or ATCC, exhibited the highest sensitivity to L. petersonii and E. citriodora EOs (MIC ranged 0.53±0.00 - 5.88±1.27 mg/ml and 0.08±0.03 - 9.37±1.25 mg/ml respectively), while two other EOs were less efficient. Comparison of MIC values showed that sensitivity of the isolates recovered from symptomatic infections was the least, while the susceptibility of asymptomatic isolates and especially of reference strains were higher. EO inhibition of biofilm formation differed between clinical isolates of S. salivarius and their reference strain. Inhibition was higher in the case of S. salivarius ATCC 9222 (84 %-89 %) in comparison to that of clinical isolates (24 %-75 %). Regardless of the strains tested, E. citriodora exhibited the highest antibiofilm potential. To conclude: L. petersonii induced notable antibacterial potential, while E. citriodora EO proved promising antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. Due to the variable sensitivity of the isolates to EOs, it is suggested to screen activity on a large number of strains, especially from symptomatic infections.

Efekat različitih malčeva na korove se ogleda u mehaničkom pritisku na površinu zemljišta onemogućavajući prodiranje svetlosti što utiče na klijanje i nicanje korova, a samim tim i na njihovo suzbijanje. Pored toga, malč utiče i na vlažnost, temperaturu i pH reakciju zemljišta, kao i na aktivnost mikroorganizama u površinskom sloju, čime se daje prednost pitomoj nani da se brže razvije u odnosu na korov, koji predstavlja jedan od glavnih problema u zasadu. Efikasnost malčeva zavisi od vrste materijala, kao i debljine korišćenog sloja. S obzirom da u našoj zemlji ne postoji lista registrovanih herbicida u ovom zasadu, mere suzbijanja korova se uglavnom sprovode korišćenjem agrotehničkih, mehaničkih i fizičkih mera. Poljski ogled je zasnovan na oglednom polju Instituta za proučavanje lekovitog bilja "Dr Josif Pančić", južni Banat. Korišćeno je 14 malčeva i to 9 organskih (slama, kora bora, piljevina bagrema, karton, iglice bora, kukuruzovina, kora bagrema, kompost 1, kompost 2) i 5 sintetičkih (biorazgradiva vodopropusna folija, pvc crna vodopropusna folija, pvc srebrno-crna folija, pvc crna folija i tkana folija). Pitoma nana je zasnovana u jesen, sadnjom stolona u redove (razmak od 0,7 m). Malčevi su postavljeni u rano proleće naredne godine u vreme nicanja pitome nane. Organski malčevi su postavljani međuredno, u širini od 0,5 m, a njihova debljina je varirala (između 5-10 cm) u zavisnosti od konzistencije malča (osim kartona koji je postavljan u neprekidnom jednoslojnom nizu). Sintetičke folije su prvo perforirane u prečniku od 10 cm, na svakih 10 cm reda i postavljene duž redova u širini od 0,7 m. Primenjen je potpuno randomizirani faktorijalni plan, u 6 ponavljanja, pri čemu je svaki bio podeljen u dva podtretmana: a) korovi u zoni reda pitome nane su uklanjani plevljenjem tokom trajanja ogleda i b) korovi uklonjeni tek pred žetvu nane. Površina jednog tretmana je iznosla 7,2 m2. U ogledu su bile uključene i tri kontrole; K1 – korov plevljen i redno i međuredno

Korovi su jedan od glavnih problema u proizvodnji lekovitog bilja, usled toga što smanjuju prinos i otežavaju žetvu, a pojedine vrste svojim prisustvom mogu narušiti i kvalitet krajnjeg proizvoda ukoliko sadrže štetne i nepoželjne materije. Suzbijanje korova u ovim usevima je otežano usled ograničenih mogućnosti primene herbicida iuglavnom se svodi na primenu agrotehničkih mera. Stoga, proučavanje korovske flore lekovitog bilja treba da usmeri odabir raspoloživih mera na njihovo što efikasnije suzbijanje. U ovom radu je analiziran floristički sastav korova zastupljenih u konvencionom modelu gajenja lekovitog bilja na proizvodnim površinama Instituta za proučavanje lekovitog bilja "Dr Josif Pančić" u južnom Banatu (Pančevo). Pregled i popis prisutnih korovskih vrsta je obavljen početkom vegetacione sezone 2020. godine (mart-april), u pitomoj nani (Mentha x piperita L. na 2 ha), moraču (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. na 2,5 ha), bokvici (Plantago lanceolata L. na 1 ha), kamilici (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rausch. na dve parcele od 8 ha i 4 ha), artičoki (Cynara scolymus L. na 0,3 ha) i matičnjaku (Melissa officinalis L. na 0,5 ha). Na analiziranom lokalitetu ukupno je utvrđeno prisustvo 50 korovskih vrsta (u pitomoj nani 22, u moraču 12, u bokvici 24, u kamilici 34, atričoki 24 i matičnjaku 20), koje uključuju 31 jednogodišnju i 19 višegodišnjih vrsta. U biološkom spektru analizirane flore dominirale su terofite (62%), dok je učešće terohemikriptofita (14%), hemikriptofita (14%) i geofita (10%) bilo znatno manje. Prisutnost vrsta i nivo zakorovljenosti je zavisio od lekovite vrste, pri čemu je u pitomoj nani, kamilici i matičnjaku dominirala Veronica hederifolia L. (> 50% površine), dok su u moraču najzastupljeniji bili Rumex crispus L. i Taraxacum officinale Weber. Vrsta Veronica persica Poir. je bila najrasprostranjenija u usevu bokvice, dok su u usevu artičoke pored visoke zastupljenosti ove vrste u velikom broju bile prisutne i Avena fatua L. i Capsella bursa-pastoris L.

Poznavanje i suzbijanje korova su jedan od ključnih izazova u proizvodnji lekovitog bilja, tako da se u poslednje vreme proučavanje korovske flore i vegetacije u ovim usevima sve više aktuelizuje. Determinacija i kvantifikacija korovskih vrsta u usevu lekovitog bilja olakšava odabir odgovarajuće metode za njihovo suzbijanje. Takođe, umanjuje rizik od smanjenja prinosa i prisustva štetnih aktivnih materija iz primenjenih herbicida koje bi se mogle naći u proizvedenoj lekovitoj biljnoj sirovini. U lekovitom bilju suzbijanje korova se uglavnom vrši mehaničkim putem sa tendencijom približavanja organskoj proizvodnji, a kada je primena herbicida neizbežna, pribegava se upotrebi minimalne doze pažljivo odabranih herbicida. U ovom radu ispitivane su kvalitativne i kvantitativne osobine korova u usevima/zasadima lekovitog bilja gajenih na proizvodnim površinama Instituta za proučavanje lekovitog bilja „Dr Josif Pančić“ u Pančevu (Južni Banat). Prisutnost korovskih biljaka određena je tokom leta 2015. godine, prema Braun-Blanquet-ovoj skali (r - 1 do 2 biljke, + – malo biljaka, 1- 1 do 10%, 2- 10 do 25%, 3- 25 do 50%, u odnosu na površinu na kojoj se gaji usev) u sledećim usevima, beli slez (Althaea officinalis L. na 0,5 ha), bokvica (Plantago lanceolata L. na 1,0 ha), izop (Hyssopus officinalis L. na 0,2 ha), lan (Linum usitatissimum L. na 1,0 ha), i zasadu matičnjaka (Melissa officinalis L. na 0,25 ha). Utvrđeno je prisustvo 71 korovske vrste, od toga je bilo 46 jednogodišnjih (terofite) i 25 višegodišnjih (pretežno geofite). U zavisnosti od gajene biljke, razlikovala se i prisutnost korova. Vrsta Erigeron canadensis (L.) Cronquist bila je najzastupljenija u usevu belog sleza (25-50%), dok je u zasadu matičnjaka to bila Agropyrum repens (L.) Beauv. (25-50%). Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (10-25%) je bila zastupljena u velikoj meri u usevu bokvice i lana, kao i Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. u lanu (10-25%). U usevu izopa i bokvice bio je prisutan veći broj korovskih vrsta, ali sa

The research was conducted at the end of February 2021 in the Institute for Medicinal Plant Research "Dr Josif Pančić" in Belgrade, with the aim of analyzing the impact of growth bioregulators on the seed germination potential of some medicinal and aromatic plant species. Germination potential of Ocimum basilicum, Levisticum officinale, Calendula officinalis and Coriandrum sativum were analyzed following the ISTA guidelines. The seeds were treated with liquid growth bioregulators Ekobuster 1 and Slavol S for 10 minutes, while seeds in the control were treated with distilled water. Seeds of Ocimum basilicum, Levisticum officinale, Calendula officinalis and Coriandrum sativum treated with three different treatments: Ekobuster1, SlavolS and distilled water, were sown in three different containers. The seeds were sown in styrofoam containers with 160 cells with a mixture of peat moss substrate. The experiment was performed in the laboratory conditions. Containers were placed inside a polythene tent for plant propagation under artificial lighting and kept under air temperature of 23 oC with occasional wetting of the substrate. During the experiment, seedling emergence and development control as well as their pathogenicity control were performed every seven days. There was no occurrence pathogenicity on the examined plants.Based on the obtained results, germination of Coriandrum sativum seeds treated with Ecobuster 1 was 85%, while in seeds of Ocimum basilicum, Levisticum officinale and Calendula officinalis the highest germination was recorded with the use of Slavol S 82.5%, 90% and 82%, respectively; in relation to control treatment

In this study, the optimal stratification duration of wild garlic (Allium ursinum) seeds was examined, in order to shorten the period of physiological dormancy. Collected, cleaned and dried seeds were subjected to the stratification method. Apart of the gathered seeds was placed in Petri dishes on dry filter paper, while the remaining fraction was placed in Petri dishes on wet filter paper. The previously mentioned seed placement had undergone treatments during the stratification period of 0, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 weeks. Each treatment contained four repetitions of hundred seeds respectively. Seeds in Petri dishes on dry filter paper had a higher percentage of germination (52%) in contrast to others, placed in Petri dishes on wet filter paper (31%). During the stratification period of 12 weeks, the highest percentage of germinated seeds was attained, as well as the shortest length of the average germination time, along with the highest synchronicity.

The gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L. (Lepidoptera: Erebidae)) is a serious pest of hardwood forests. In the search for an environmentally safe means of its control, we assessed the impact of different concentrations of essential oils (EOs) from the seeds of three Apiaceae plants (anise Pimpinella anisum, dill Anethum graveolens, and fennel Foeniculum vulgare) on behavior, mortality, molting and nutritional physiology of gypsy moth larvae (GML). EOs efficacy was compared with commercial insecticide NeemAzal(R)-T/S (neem). The main compounds in the Eos were trans-anethole in anise; carvone, limonene, and alpha-phellandrene in dill; and trans-anethole and fenchone in fennel seed. At 1% EOs concentration, anise and fennel were better antifeedants and all three EOs were more toxic than neem. Neem was superior in delaying 2nd to 3rd larval molting. In the 4th instar, 0.5%, anise and fennel EOs decreased relative consumption rate more than neem, whereas all three EOs were more effective in reducing growth rate, approximate digestibility and efficiency of conversion of food into body mass leading to higher metabolic costs to GML. Decrease in consumption and metabolic parameters compared to control GML confirmed that adverse effects of the EOs stem from both pre- and post-ingestive mechanisms. The results indicate the potential of three EOs to be used for gypsy moth control.

OBJECTIVE The objective was to determine the antibiofilm efficacy of Cymbopogon martinii and Thymus zygis essential oils and to estimate the disruption potential of oil-based endodontic irrigants on the multispecies biofilm formed in the root canals of extracted teeth. DESIGN The essential oils were characterized (GC-MS), while their antibacterial and cytotoxic properties were detected by microdilution and MTT assays. Particles sizes and polydispersity indices were determined for the irrigants. The isolates from root canals of pediatric patients were identified (MALDI-TOF). The multispecies biofilms were formed from Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguinis and Enterococcus faecalis. Antibiofilm properties of the essential oils and irrigants were determined by crystal violet and plate counting assay. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS The screening of biofilm biomass revealed a disruption potential of C. martinii essential oil. The plate counting assay showed the efficacy of both oils in diminishing cell viability: high in biofilms (reduction of log10CFU was 2.75-2.87) and moderate in the planktons formed above. The essential oil-based irrigants showed the same antibiofilm activity as in the control (1.5 % sodium hypochlorite) for C. martini and almost 2-fold higher for T. zygis. Successive irrigations with 1.5 % sodium hypochlorite, saline and an oil-based irrigant was more efficient for C. martini than for the control (reductions of log10CFU was 1.69 and 1.14, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Notable activities achieved by essential oils and oil-based irrigants, particularly regarding C. martini, against the biofilm consisting of S. mitis, S. sanguinis, and E. faecalis, are expected to encourage further research in endodontics.

Background/Aim: Understanding the composition of bacteria in infected root canals is important for ameliorating the treatment strategies that lead to the elimination of pathogens and infection control, but also prevent reinfection. Aim of this study was to investigate microbial composition of primary infected root canals with apical periodontitis of young permanent teeth, originating form school children in Serbia, and its association with clinical symptoms. Material and Methods: To determine the bacterial composition of infected root canals in children, 35 endodontic samples were obtained. The identification of cultured bacteria was performed by MALDI-TOF MS analysis. The presence or absence of clinical symptoms were recorded. Results: Facultative anaerobes were 2,2 times more frequent than obligate anaerobes. The most common facultative anaerobes belonged to following genera, Streptococcus (58 isolates), Actinomyces (10) and Enterococcus (8), while predominant obligate anaerobes, belonged to genera Veillonella (15), Prevotella (9) and Fusobacterium (8). The most common clinical isolates recovered from infected root canals with symptomatic apical periodontitis were Veillonella parvula (10) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (7), while from the asymptomatic ones, they were Streptococcus mitis/Streptococcus oralis (5). Prevalence of Parvimonas micra, Prevotella buccae and Streptococcus constellatus within the root canals might be associated to clinical symptoms. Conclusions: Species of genera Streptococcus and Veillonella were the most common isolates from primary infected root canals with apical periodontitis in Serbian school children. Facultative anaerobes were predominant over obligate anaerobes. The prevalence of obligate anaerobes was much higher in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic root canal infections. No specific bacterial strain might be associated to a single examined clinical symptom (pain, tenderness to percussion or swelling), but majority of the strains a