Abstract: The scientific interest in wild mushrooms continuously increases worldwide. In the present review article, the results from some recent investigations by Bulgarian and foreign authors devoted to the current distribution of some edible, toxic and medicinal wild mushroom species in Bulgaria and some European countries are summarized. Some newly-recognized mushrooms are indicated. The examinations of wild mushroom safety under the conditions of environmental contamination deserve special attention, too. The scientists from European countries and Bulgaria have essential contributions to the field of the mushroom identification and distribution. PubDate: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The species of the genus Platanus L. are widely used in urban green infrastructure in Bulgaria and abroad, but are proven to be a serious source of allergen pollen emissions. The number of people, affected by pollinosis, is increasing every year and this affects the world economy and health of the population in a high level. The pollen of the plane tree is light, very small and spreads anemophilically. This is one of the genera that produce the largest amount of pollen per inflorescence. This makes Platanus a tree of a high allergy potential that has the tendence to get higher in time, because of its increasing use in urban green spaces. The aim of this study is to collect data for allergy potential of the three species of plane tree in some of the European countries, where the allergy is a significant problem, and to compare the sensitization of patients to its pollen in Bulgaria. PubDate: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: In the present study, experiments were performed to characterize the effectiveness of kaolinite in Cr(III) removal from water in the absence and in the presence of Cr(VI). The results of batch experiments, show that the efficiency of Cr(III) removal by kaolinite increases with the increase of pH and temperature in both cases. The effect of the presence of Cr(VI) on the adsorption of Cr(III) by kaolinite depends on the solution pH and on the concentrations of the two ions. Whatever the system, the removal kinetic of Cr(III) is well described by the pseudo-second order model. Spectroscopic analyses reveal that Cr(III) interaction with kaolinite is mainly electrostatic. PubDate: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: During the recent years, there is an increased interest in the problems of wild mushrooms and medicinal plants in all over the world. An intensive research is currently performed in order to further clarify the peculiarities of numerous edible, toxic and cultivated wild mushrooms and medicinal plants. Both traditional and contemporary knowledge of the population is assessed by means of a variety of ethnomycological and ethnobotanical methods. The manners of usage by the population of wild edible mushroom and medicinal plants are intensively studied in many countries, too. In the present review article, the results from some recent investigations by Bulgarian and foreign authors devoted to the knowledge and use of some popular wild mushrooms and medicinal plants are summarized. The necessity for the intensification of the collaborative ethnomycological and ethnobotanical research in Europe is outlined. PubDate: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Medicinal plants have several therapeutic properties; they have been used for a long time to treat different diseases. Lantana camara L. has been widely used by man for healing these diseases. In this study, four leaves extracts of L. camara were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening to determine the presence and/or the absence of phytochemical constituents; In addition, they were tested for hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes. This activity is performed using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer method at 520 nm and at five different concentrations (125 µg/ml, 250 µg/ml, 500 µg/ml, 750 µg/ml, and 1000 µg/ml). The phytochemical screening showed the presence of various phytochemical groups such as phenolic compounds, saponins, sterols, tannins, flavonoids, reducing compounds and the absence of alkaloids in the four extracts. These same extracts showed average hemolytic activity sequentially: chloroformic extract, petroleum ether extract, aqueous extract and then methanolic extract. This activity is dependent on the concentration of the extract. PubDate: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: 26 species of invasive alien plant species enter the arable land in Bulgaria as weeds. Some of these species are already causing economic damage and are included in the list of the 100 most economically important weeds. For others, it is only a matter of time before they are included in this list. Possessing a complex of qualities, they spread quickly and aggressively, occupying new areas and settling permanently in them. As artificial habitats in which there is no permanent vegetation, arable land is one of the easiest terrains to invade. The study examines the biological characteristics that determine the invasive nature of this group of plants, their origin, distribution routes, weed crops and control measures that can be taken. Particular attention shall be paid to the additional effects that these species may have on human health, on cultivated crops and on natural habitats located in the neighborhood. PubDate: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The oxidative stress is one of the known and discussed culprits for development and progression of the disturbances in Metabolic syndrome (MetS). In our study, we are investigating the effects of antioxidant additives as additional treatment and prophylaxis in a model of MetS.We are using a fructose-induced metabolic syndrome rat model to examine the effects of antioxidant preparation ZellSchutz. Four experimental groups were formed using male Wistar rats (n = 60). The control group received standard rat chow, the other groups received either ZellSchutz (Z), fructose (F), or fructose and ZellSchutz (ZF).Our results showed an unexpected increase in the RBC indices in rats with dual treatment. There was a significant increase in hemoglobin concentration, MCHC, and MCV in those animals (p<0.001).The preliminary data shows the important role of antioxidants as supplementary therapy in metabolic syndrome. Further investigations will be carried on to reveal the molecular mechanisms of the observed changes. PubDate: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Rhodope Tourist Region is one of the most attractive tourist regions in Bulgaria and one of the few that stand out with almost uniform year-round development of tourist activities. The outlines of the tourist area largely coincide with the outlines of the mountain of the same name. This fact predetermines the exceptional richness and diversity of natural tourist resources. Here are the largest coniferous forests in the country, some of the largest dams, the largest number of caves used for tourist purposes, many mineral springs, bizarre rock formations, etc. The relatively well-preserved natural environment is a prerequisite for the presence of extremely high biodiversity, as well as a large number of protected areas. The region is specialized in mountain tourism, incl. ski tourism and hiking. In connection with the available natural tourist resources, the tourism product is increasingly enriched with various specialized types of tourism, incl. balneotherapy tourism, ecotourism, rural tourism, etc. In connection with the increasingly intensive tourist load, the problem of protecting the natural tourist resources from the growing anthropogenic pressure, as well as the prospects for sustainable development of the tourist industry in the region are becoming especially relevant. The aim of the present paper is to valorize the natural tourist resources of the Rhodope tourist region and to give guidelines for their sustainable use. PubDate: Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: During the period 2019 - 2020, a study was conducted on soil type calcic chernozem with Venka 1 common winter wheat variety. The experiment is based on the block method, in four replications with a size of the experimental plot of 10 m2. Sowing was carried out in October with a sowing rate of 500 sprouts/m2 after the predecessor sugar beet. In the appropriate periods, treatments were made in 4 variants: 1) Control - untreated variant, 2) Treatment with biodynamic preparations: 500 + Fladen preparation + preparation 501, 3) Treatment with biological preparations: Heliosulfur + Free N. 4) Combined treatment with the same biodynamic and biological preparations.Preparation 500 was applied in the phase of autumn and spring wheat tillering - 5% solution. Preparation 501 was applied in the phase ear formation - 1.5 g for 30 l of water/da. Fladen preparation is applied in the phase of autumn and spring tillering - 1.5% solution. Heliosulfur was applied in the ear formation phase - flowering at a dose of 50 ml/da, at an appropriate date on the biodynamic calendar. Free N was applied to the soil in the phase of autumn and spring tillering at a dose of 50 ml/da, at an appropriate date on the biodynamic calendar.The analysis of the technological qualities is made according to the respective ISO methodology. The statistical data processing was performed with the STATGRAPH program.The application of biodynamic and biological preparations and their joint use leads to an increase in the yield of wet gluten, as well as an increase in the content of N, P, K and protein in wheat grain. It has been proven that the combined use of biodynamic and biological preparations increases the content of dry matter, organic matter and the content of nitrogen-free extracts in wheat grain. The content of crude proteins has been shown to increase only in the varieties treated with biodynamic and biological preparations. PubDate: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The aim of the present study is to identify medicinal plants used for decorative purposes by the local population along the Northern Black Sea coast (Bulgaria). A survey was conducted in the period 2014-2020. The interviews with the local population were conducted “face to face” with the help of pre-prepared original questionnaires. The surveyed locals are 709 people from 32 settlements. Respondents were randomly selected. They are of different age groups, gender, ethnicity, education and employment. The folk names of the used medicinal plants are recorded. The results show that a significant proportion of respondents (52.89%) use medicinal plants for decorative purposes. The medicinal plants used for decorative purposes by the locals are 73 species, belonging to 61 genera from 30 families. The present study is part of a larger ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in the region of the North Black Sea coast. PubDate: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The current ethnobotanical study summarizes the use of medicinal plants by locals in the region of the Northern Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria. The survey was conducted in the period between 2014 and 2020. After prior informed consent, 709 local residents from 32 settlements were interviewed. The interviews with the local population were conducted using the “face to face” technique with the help of pre-prepared original questionnaires. The study presents quantitative ethnobotanical information on the use of medicinal plants in the study area. The results were analyzed using quantitative indices: Respondent Consensus Ratio (FIC), Loyalty Level Index (FL) and Significance Value Index (IVs). A total of 332 species of medicinal plants belonging to 250 genera of 90 families have been identified for the region of the Northern Black Sea Coast. The largest number of citations are registered for the use of medicinal plants for culinary purposes and for use in human medicine. The use of medicinal plants in other household applications has been studied. PubDate: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Ophrys sphegodes subsp. helenae (Renz) Soó & D.M.Moore is a Balkan endemic, for which so far there are data for distribution only on the territory of 2 countries: Greece and Albania. During a study of the flora of the Voyvodsko plateau, located in the northeastern part of the Republic of Bulgaria, in April 2019 a locality of this species was discovered. The development of the population in the period April 2019 - May 2021 was monitored. The population consists of 3 individuals located on an area of 0.5 m2. Of these, 2 individuals are in a generative state and 1 individual is in a vegetative state. The abiotic and biotic conditions in the habitat are described. It is characterized by a rich floristic diversity: the associated species are 60 in number. Anthropogenic impact has been reported. The prospects for the existence of the population are indicated. It is proposed to declare the territory around the locality a protected area in order to preserve the habitat from negative anthropogenic impacts. PubDate: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The study was conducted in the laboratory of the Agricultural Institute of Shumen. The germination energy and germination of winter wheat variety Venka 1 are reported following the adopted methodology. The germination energy was recorded on the fourth day of the experiment, and the germination and measurement of the coleoptile – on the eighth day. 10 granules of the following homeopathic preparations are pre-dissolved in distilled water: Calcium sulfuricum 6 D, Thallium sulfuricum 6 D, Sulfur, Graphites 6 D, Selenium, Ferrum metallicum 10 D, Magneziun fluoratum 10 D, Arsenicum album 12 D, Causticum Hanenmanni 30 D, Zincum metalicum 30 D.The tested homeopathic preparations have no proven effect on the germination energy and germination of seeds in wheat variety Venka 1. The variants treated with the homeopathic preparations Thallium sulfuricum and Sulfur have been proven to exceed the standard one in terms of coleoptile length. Тhis work will serve as a basis the study of other homeopathic preparations to determine their impact on uniform germination and their aftereffect on plant growth. PubDate: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The present work focuses on evaluation of the toxic effects of an exposure to lead (Pb) on the liver mitochondria function in Wistar rats and the protective role of the fennel essential oils (FEO).The experiments were conducted on Wistar rats, which were treated daily through orally gavages during 21 days. 24 animals were divided into four groups of 6 rats each one: the control group received water, while group II received FEO (0.5 mg/kg); group III received Pb (25 mg/kg), and group IV received Pb + FEO in the doses of (0,5 + 25 mg/kg). The mitochondrial dysfunction induced by lead is expressed by reducing mitochondrial respiration (O2 consumption) associated with an increase in mitochondrial swelling and permeability compared to the control group. A disturbance in the rates of oxidative stress biomarkers was also observed. This disturbance was expressed by an increase of the MDA rate and the Cytochromes C activity associated with depletion in the GSH rate and GPx activity compared to the control group. The rat’s co-treatment with FEO restored all these parameters to values similar to the Control.The whole of these results shows well that the exposure to the lead causes disturbances on the level mitochondrion, which are attenuated by fennel essential oils. PubDate: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: In this study we developed well validated thermodynamic models for solution behavior and solid-liquid equilibrium for all fluoride binary systems, for which activity data are available. The subject of modeling study are 5 fluoride systems of the type 1-1 (HF-H2O, NaF-H2O, KF-H2O, RbF-H2O, and CsF-H2O) and one of 1-2 type (H2SiF6-H2O) from low to very high concentration at 298.15 K. Models are developed on the basis of Pitzer ion interactions approach. The recommendations on mean activity coefficients (γ±) have been used to construct the model for HF-H2O system. To parameterize models for all other 5 binary systems we used all available raw experimental osmotic coefficients data (φ) for whole concentration range of solutions, and up to saturation point. The predictions of new developed here models are in excellent agreement with experimental osmotic coefficients data, and with recommendations on activity coefficients in binary solutions from low to very high concentration: up to 20 mol. kg−1 in HF-H2O, and up to 35.6 mol.kg−1 in CsF-H2O. The Deliquescence Relative Humidity (DRH (%)) and thermodynamic solubility products (as ln Kosp) of 4 solid phases [NaF(s), KF.2H2O(s), RbF(s), and CsF(s)] have been determined on the basis of evaluated model parameters and using experimental m(sat) solubility data. PubDate: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: During the period 2019 - 2020, a study was conducted on soil type calcic chernozem with Kolorit triticale variety. The experiment is based on the block method, in four replications with a size of the experimental plot of 10 m2. Sowing was carried out in October with a sowing rate of 500 sprouts/m2 after the predecessor sugar beet. In the appropriate periods, treatments were made in 4 variants: 1) Control - untreated variant, 2) Treatment with biodynamic preparations: 500 + Fladen preparation + preparation 501, 3) Treatment with biological preparations: Heliosulfur + Free N, 4) Combined treatment with the same biodynamic and biological preparations.Preparation 500 was applied in the phase of autumn and spring triticale tillering - 5% solution. Preparation 501 was applied in the phase of ear formation - 1.5 g for 30 l of water/da. Fladen preparation was applied in the phase of autumn and spring tillering - 1.5% solution. Heliosulfur was applied in the ear formation phase - flowering at a dose of 50 ml/da, on an appropriate date on the biodynamic calendar. Free N was applied to the soil in the phase of autumn and spring tillering at a dose of 50 ml/da, on an appropriate date on the biodynamic calendar.The analysis of the technological qualities is made according to the respective ISO methodology. The statistical data processing was performed with the STATGRAPH program.The application of biodynamic and biological preparations and their joint use leads to an increase in the content of Nitrogen-free Extracts, an increase in the content of Minerals and Ca in the variant treated with a combination of biodynamic and biological preparations. Treatment with biodynamic preparations has been shown to increase the dry matter and organic matter content of the grain, while when compared to the control one, a difference in the same indicators has been observed only in the second year of the experiment with biological preparations. Treatment with biodynamic and biological preparations and their joint use did not affect the content of N, P and K. PubDate: Thu, 05 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of season, age, sex, parity and gestation status on some biochemical parameters in local cross-bred goats raised in Tiaret, Algeria. Ninety cross bred local goats, from 2019 to 2020, aged between nine and seventy-two months at different physiological stage were used. Animals belong to different farms in Tiaret located at the north-west Algeria (35°22’ N, 1°19’ E). The mean values of triglycerides, creatinine and calcium were significantly (p<0,05) higher in winter than in spring. The physiological state of the goat had a significant influence (p<0,05) on cholesterol, urea, total proteins, calcium and phosphorus, with a high average values in non-pregnant goats, while triglycerides and globulin had significant higher values in postpartum and pregnant femals, respectively. In our work, parity had a significant influence (p<0,05) on cholesterol, calcium and phosphorus, with high average values in young goats and a significant influence (p<0,05) on triglycerides and creatinine with high average values in primiparous ones. Age significantly influenced (p<0,05) cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, calcium and globulin. The results obtained from this study could serve as reference values for the local goats and other regions or countries with similar climatic and nutritional conditions. PubDate: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the condition of a collection of Bulgarian common wheat varieties under ex situ controlled storage after a ten-year period. The studied materials are characterized by high vitality, without negative changes that will lead to the loss of original germplasm. The established moisture in the seeds is high for the purpose of controlled storage. When it rises above 12,5%, a decrease in the values of germination energy is observed. Higher control of initial moisture and germination is required prior to entering the seeds for storage under ex situ conditions. PubDate: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT
Open Access journal
