The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of the Mentha arvensis L. essential oil (EO). The biological activity of M. arvensis EO depended on the analyzed variable and the tested oil concentration. Higher concentrations of EO (20 and 30 µg mL-1) showed a moderate inhibitory effect on the germination and growth of seedlings of tested weed species (Bellis perennis, Cyanus segetum, Daucus carota, Leucanthemum vulgare, Matricaria chamomilla, Nepeta cataria, Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium repens and Verbena × hybrida). The results obtained also indicate that the EO of M. arvensis has some genotoxic, cytotoxic and proliferative potential in both plant and human in vitro systems. Similar results were obtained for antimicrobial activity against eight bacteria, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains [Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL) E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis], with the effect on multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Research indicates that the EO of M. arvensis shows phytotoxic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects, as well as its potential application as a herbicide and against various human diseases.

Origanum vulgare L. has been proven to be the strongest herbal antiseptic in the world, native to the Mediterranean region, but is widely naturalized elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. This study aimed to estimate the phytotoxic effect of three different concentrations of oregano essential oil (O. vulgare) on three selected plant species namely, wheat, tomato and mint using biotest germination and effects on seedling growth, as well as its toxicological properties using Allium test. Our results revealed that oregano essential oil exhibits allelopathic effect on selected species. All three tested concentrations of oregano essential oil caused a significant inhibition of Allium cepa L. root growth, as well as a reduction in the mitotic index values in A. cepa meristem cells. O. vulgare essential oil demonstrated phytotoxic and antiproliferative effects. Further research is needed to confirm our results.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate antioxidative features using 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging method, bovine serum albumin (BSA)-binding properties with usage of spectrofluorimetric method, proliferative and cyto/genotoxic status by use of chromosome aberration test, and antimicrobial potential using broth microdilution method, followed by resazurin assay of benzyl-, isopropyl-, isobutyl and phenylparaben in vitro. Our results showed that all parabens had significant antiradical scavenger activity compared to p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) precursor. Higher mitotic index for benzyl-, isopropyl and isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) in comparison with control was demonstrated. An increase in the frequency of acentric fragments in lymphocytes treated with benzylparaben and isopropylparaben (125 and 250 µg/mL), and isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) was observed. Isobutylparaben (250 µg/mL) induced higher number of dicentric chromosomes. An increased number of minute fragments in lymphocytes exposed to benzylparaben (125 and 250 µg/mL) was found. A significant difference in the frequency of chromosome pulverization, between phenylparaben (250 µg/mL) and control, was detected. Benzylparaben (250 µg/mL) and phenylparaben (62.5 µg/mL) caused an increase in the number of apoptotic cells, while isopropylparaben (62.5, 125 and 250 µg/mL) and isobutylparaben (62.5 and 125 µg/mL) induced higher frequency of necrosis. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tested parabens ranged 15.62–250 µg/mL for bacteria, and 125–500 µg/mL for the yeast. Minimum microbiocidal concentration ranged 31.25 to 500 µg/mL, and 250 to 1000 µg/mL in bacteria and fungi respectively. The lowest MICs for bacteria were observed for phenyl- (15.62 µg/mL) and isopropylparaben (31.25 µg/mL) against Enterococcus faecalis.

Purpose Chromosomal instability is a hallmark of gastric cancer (GC). It can be driven by single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in cell cycle genes. We investigated the associations between SNVs in candidate genes, PLK2, PLK3, and ATM, and GC risk and clinicopathological features. Materials and Methods The genotyping study included 542 patients with GC and healthy controls. Generalized linear models were used for the risk and clinicopathological association analyses. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. The binding of candidate miRs was analyzed using a luciferase reporter assay. Results The PLK2 Crs15009-Crs963615 haplotype was under-represented in the GC group compared to that in the control group (Pcorr=0.050). Male patients with the PLK2 rs963615 CT genotype had a lower risk of GC, whereas female patients had a higher risk (P=0.023; P=0.026). The PLK2 rs963615 CT genotype was associated with the absence of vascular invasion (P=0.012). The PLK3 rs12404160 AA genotype was associated with a higher risk of GC in the male population (P=0.015). The ATM Trs228589-Ars189037-Grs4585 haplotype was associated with a higher risk of GC (P<0.001). The ATM rs228589, rs189037, and rs4585 genotypes TA+AA, AG+GG, and TG+GG were associated with the absence of perineural invasion (P=0.034). In vitro analysis showed that the cancer-associated miR-23b-5p mimic specifically bound to the PLK2 rs15009 G allele (P=0.0097). Moreover, low miR-23b expression predicted longer 10-year survival (P=0.0066) in patients with GC. Conclusions PLK2, PLK3, and ATM SNVs could potentially be helpful for the prediction of GC risk and clinicopathological features. PLK2 rs15009 affects the binding of miR-23b-5p. MiR-23b-5p expression status could serve as a prognostic marker for survival in patients with GC.

What are the results of embryo transfer cycles with low mosaic embryos? The clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates were 50%. The results of Amniocentesis were reported as normal karyotype for all the pregnant women. Many current studies, quote the rates of mosaicism in blastocyst biopsies to be higher at 20–30%. Embryonic mosaicism was found to result from mitotic errors occurring after fertilization, occasionally in the first cleavage but more commonly in the second or third cleavage. The increased reporting of mosaicism in embryos has given rise to new challenges in PGS results interpretation and patient counseling. Previously, embryos were diagnosed as either euploid or aneuploid, and in most cases only euploid embryos were considered for transfer. Now, if mosaic embryos are considered to represent a third category of results. Case Report for The results of 10 embryo Transfer Cycles with Low Mosaic Embryos Participants/materials, setting, methods: We are presenting the results of ten embryo transfer cycles with low mosaic embryos at Bahceci BIH IVF Center, Sarajevo BIH, between January 2019 – October 2020. All the patients have been informed by a written informed consent form, and had genetic counseling before embryo transfer. Amniocentesis has been performed for all the pregnant women between 14–18 weeks of the pregnancy as prenatal testing. Out of the total ten patients, 5 had pregnancy, and the 5 other were not pregnant. The average age of the whole group was; 34.0 ± 5.49 years. The average age of the pregnant women was ; 30.6 ± 5.54 years, and 37.40 ± 2.88 years who were not pregnant There are limited number of papers in literature about transferring of the low mosaic embryos. The strength of our presentation is, amniocentesis have been performed as prenatal testing for all the pregnancies. Wider implications of the findings: There were no correlation between the type of low mosaicism and pregnancy. Since all the pregnant women were 35 years of age or less, It was the only factor which is influencing the pregnancy.We hope that, the results of our cases will improve the management protocols for these cases. Not applicable

Abstract Lavender and immortelle essential oils (EOs) are widely used to treat a spectrum of human conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate cyto/genotoxic effects of lavender and immortelle EOs using plant cells (Allium cepa) and human lymphocytes, as well as their antimicrobial potential using nine strains of bacteria and fungi. Our results for lavender and immortelle EOs showed that the frequency of chromosome aberrations (CAs) was increased in comparison with controls. For both oils, increased frequency of apoptosis for all concentrations, as well as the frequency of necrosis (0.10/0.30 µl/ml for lavender/immortelle, respectively) was demonstrated. In human lymphocytes, differences for minute fragments between immortelle oil (0.10 µl/ml) and controls were observed. Increased frequency of apoptosis was detected for immortelle oil (0.20 µl/ml), while both oils (0.20; 0.30 µl/ml lavender, and immortelle at all concentrations) induced higher frequency of necrosis in comparison with controls. Lavender EO was effective against all tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, while immortelle EO inhibited only Gram-positive bacteria. Both oils exhibited antifungal effect. Our results demonstrated that lavender and immortelle EOs showed cyto/genotoxic effects in both, plant and human cells, as well as antimicrobial properties. Further studies are needed to strengthen these findings.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the cytogenotoxic effects of methylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben using battery of tests in plant cells (Allium cepa assay) and human lymphocytes (chromosome aberration test and alkaline comet assay). Our results for A. cepa assay showed that none of the tested parabens showed an inducing effect on root growth. Mitotic index values decreased with increasing parabens concentration. Ethylparaben (0.10 mg/L) induced a higher number of vagrants and multipolarity, as well as the number of sticky chromosomes (0.50 mg/L), while butylparaben (0.25 and 0.50 mg/L) increased the frequency of sticky chromosomes. Higher frequency of apoptosis and necrosis was observed for ethylparaben (0.50 mg/L) and methylparaben (0.10 and 0.50 mg/L). As for chromosome aberrations test in human lymphocytes, the mitotic index was reduced with an increase in the concentration of all three tested parabens. Differences between methylparaben (0.25 mg/L), ethylparaben (0.10 mg/L) and butylparaben (0.25 mg/L) and controls for acentric fragments, chromatid breaks and polyploidy were observed. Increased frequency of apoptosis was induced by methylparaben and ethylparaben at concentrations of 0.25 and 0.50 mg/L. Alkaline comet assay demonstrated that 0.25 and 0.50 mg/L of ethylparaben and butylparaben have genotoxic potential by increasing the tail intensity against controls. These results suggest that methyl-, ethyl- and butylparaben possess certain geno/cytotoxic potential.