Viral infections during pregnancy and in early life.

There is evidence that fetal antigenic stimulation and intrauterine infection is much more frequent in developing rural populations than in industrialized societies. A similar contrast is observed for postnatal intestinal infection that is significantly greater in the less developed areas. The differences are explained by the divergence in environmental sanitation and personal hygiene. Intestinal infection is important in that diarrheal disease is one of the main factors leading to malnutrition. It is apparent that for developing nations to attain better nutrition, much of the present burden of intestinal infection needs to be controlled.

[Effect of aqueous extracts of Tamus communis L. leaves on the germination of seeds of various species]. / Azione di estratti acquosi di foglie di Tamus Communis L. su semi germinanti di specie diverse.

The different influence of germination and growth inhibitors in aqueous extracts, at the same concentration, of Tamus communis L. leaves, on germinating seeds and seedlings of nigra L., Lactuca sativa L., Medicago sativa L., has been shown. This action, very marked at the experimental concentrations, is not toxic, as the seeds and seedlings, if immersed in deionized water after treatments, recover their germination and growth. This recovery occurs however differently in the plants investigated.

[Anatomical and cytohistological changes caused by aqueous extracts of Tamus communis L. leaves]. / Modificazioni anatomiche e cariologiche indotte da estratti acquosi di foglie di Tamus communis L.

Aqueous extracts of Tamus communis leaves induce root tip swelling of Medicago seedlings and disrupt the mitotic process of Allium root tips. The cells of the swollen roots of Medicago treated seedlings are much wider an shorter than the homologous control cells. In the treated roots of Allium prophases prevail and some cells contain vacuolated nuclei or micronuclei.