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Plasmopara viticola is a destructive oomycete that affects grapevines, causing significant economic losses worldwide. This study highlights how the plant Glechoma hederacea might be at the basis for the development of biofungicides to control P. viticola. The aqueous extract obtained from G. hederacea aerial parts showed strong inhibition activity against P. viticola, comparable to that of copper hydroxide. The bioguided purification of the extract by chromatographic techniques led to the isolation of six pure metabolites, identified as the aromatic compounds carvacrol, caffeic acid and methyl caffeate, the flavonoids cirsimaritin and apigenin and the polyphenolic acid rosmarinic acid by spectroscopic methods. This is the first report about the isolation of methyl caffeate and cirsimaritin from G. hederacea. Caffeic acid and methyl caffeate showed the highest disease severity reduction, while carvacrol, cirsimaritin and apigenin also showed moderate activity against P. viticola. The inhibitory activity of the aqueous extract could suggest synergetic or additive action of caffeic acid and methyl caffeate together with other compounds contained in the extract. This study provides insights into the potential of G. hederacea as an allelopathic tool for developing control methods against P. viticola, revealing the combined action of different metabolites involved in the mechanism of action of the active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate diagnosis of the onset of labor remains a problem in obstetrics. Criteria commonly used to diagnose labor have never been scientifically evaluated. This prospective study involved 423 pregnant women who presented themselves with uterine contractions to 2 Italian hospitals (248 nulliparous patients total and 175 multiparous total) and who were either admitted or advised to return home. The obstetrician on duty collected data using a standardized form that listed common criteria for labor diagnosis. Multivariate analysis showed that a reduction of the interval between consecutive uterine contractions, odds ratio [OR] = 1.42; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.06-1.90); abdominal pain of increasing intensity (OR = 1.42; 95% CI 1.01-2.02); cervical effacement (OR = 1.4; 95%CI 1.12-1.77); and cervical dilation (OR = 1.91; 95% CI 1.53-2.38) were significant markers of the onset of labor. On the other hand, backache had a negative diagnostic value (OR = 0.78; 95% CI 0.61-0.99). The value of criteria such as regular uterine contractions, loss of mucous plug, changes in intestinal habits, vomiting, pain that is relieved by walking, and changes in breathing pattern did not reach statistical significance.