Journal of BioScience and Biotechnology (JBB)
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p-ISSN: 1314-6238 / e-ISSN: 1314-6246
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Item Lichenized fungi (Ascomycota) from Dupkata Reserve (Rhodopi Mts, Bulgaria)(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Stoykov, Dimitar Y.Results from the study on lichens in the Dupkata protected area, Rhodopi Mts are presented. Fifty-one species of lichen-forming fungi were reported for the first time from the Reserve. Among them, Arthopyrenia analepta s.l. and Lecanora argentata were new records from the Rhodopi Mts. Data on some rarely recorded and less common species in Bulgaria were briefly discussed.Item Studying the solid-liquid extraction of enzyme amylase: influence of type of solvent, temperature, contact time and their interrelationship(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Matongorere, Marcia; Goto, Noble Kudakwashe; Chidzwondo, Farisai; Mangoyi, RumbidzaiAmylases are one of the most essential and widely used enzymes in a number of industries, including food, fermentation, paper, textile and pharmaceutical. The industrial production of enzyme amylase is carried out using two methods which are submerged fermentation and solid-state fermentation. The important factors that affect the fermentation process are pH, temperature, carbon and nitrogen sources, and metal ions. This study aims at investigating the solid-liquid extraction of amylase from Aspergillus niger, focusing on the influence of solvent type, temperature, contact time, and their interrelationship. The effects of different solvents, temperatures, and contact times on the extraction efficiency and activity of amylase were examined using solvents of different polarity (water, methanol, ethanol, glycerol and acetone), varying temperatures (15 °C, 30 °C and 45 °C) and varying contact times (15, 30 and 90 minutes). The results provided insights into optimizing the extraction process parameters for enhanced amylase yield and activity. Polar solvents like glycerol extracted amylase with the highest enzyme activity levels compared to less polar solvents. A temperature of 30 °C was identified as the optimum for amylase extraction. The results showed that the majority of the amylase was recovered within the first 90 minutes of the process, with diminishing returns for longer contact times. Thus, this research concluded that the interplay between solvent type, temperature, and extraction time is complex, and further optimization through a systematic experimental design would be necessary to identify the ideal combination of these factors for maximizing amylase extraction efficiency and yield.Item Isolation and screening of phytase-producing fungi for phytase production by solid state fermentation using agro wastes(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Afolabi, Folake T.; Atunwa, Samuel O.Phytases are phosphatase enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phytic acid and its salts. This study aimed to isolate and screen for phytase-producing fungi from cereals, fruits, palm kernel cake and soil samples by solid state fermentation. Isolation and identification was done using standard methods. The fungal isolates were screened for phytase production using phytase screening medium (PSM) agar. The isolates with the highest and consistent zone of hydrolysis were used. Eightyseven (87) fungal isolates were obtained while eighteen showed consistent zone of hydrolysis. These were screened to five (5) isolates: Aspergillus niger PKruw7, Aspergillus awamori Pkruw5, Aspergillus flavus PBDJ7, Aspergillus niger MOJ5b and Penicillium chrysogenum OBDJ1.They were used for solid state fermentation using rice bran, soy bean and wheat bran for phytase production. The optimized conditions for phytase production were: 40ºC temperature, 5.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w yeast extract by both Aspergillus niger PKruw7 and Aspergillus flavus PBDJ7, 40ºC, 4.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w NH4NO3: Aspergillus awamori Pkruw5, 25ºC, 6.5 pH, 1% w/w fructose and 0.5% w/w NH4NO3: Aspergillus niger MOJ5b and 40ºC, 4.5 pH, 1% w/w sucrose and 0.5% w/w (NH4) 2SO4: Penicillium chrysogenum OBDJ1with incubation period of 120 hours optimal for all the isolates. Maximum phytase production from optimized culture conditions include; incubation period of 5 days, temperature of 40°C, pH of 4.5 to 6.5, fructose (1% w/w), yeast extract and ammonium nitrate (0.5% w/w). Phytase can be applied in animal feed to enhance digestibility and nutrient availability.Item Effect of single and co-inoculation of rhizobia and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria isolates on chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) under greenhouse condition(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Abrham, Andargachew; Degefa, Atsede; Awlachew, ZewduThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of single and co-inoculation of rhizobia and PGPR isolates on the symbiotic effectiveness of chickpea under greenhouse conditions. Three rhizobia isolates were chosen based on ecophysiological tolerance, antibiotic resistance, PGP, biocontrol properties and symbiotic effectiveness. The PGPR isolates were selected based on PGP, biocontrol properties, stress tolerance and antibiotic resistance abilities. In single inoculation, the three rhizobia isolates induced nodule numbers ranging from 37-46 /plant in Dembia soil and 35-42/plant in Adet soil. Co-inoculation treatments generally showed an average increase in nodule numbers by 21-125% compared to single inoculation treatments. The highest nodule dry weight, 301 and 237 mg/p was accumulated by plants inoculated with the consortium on Dembia and Adet soils, respectively. Regarding the shoot dry weight, in Dembia soil the highest shoot dry weight (4.323 g/p) was accumulated by plants inoculated with consortium, followed by 3.817 g/p and 3.536 g/p co-inoculated with GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB21 (Enterobacter mori) and GUCR-19 (Mesorhizobium amorphae B19) + GUCRB76 (Serratia marcescens). Chickpea inoculated with consortium followed by GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB21 (Enterobacter mori) in Dembia soil and GUCR-30 (Mesorhizobium sp. HKG230) + GUCRB76 (Serratia marcescens) in Adet soil displayed the highest shoot total nitrogen content. Co-inoculation of rhizobia and PGPR isolates led to a significant increase in nodule number, nodule dry weight, shoot dry weight and shoot total nitrogen compared to single inoculations and controls. A further field experiment is recommended for upgrading these isolates into chickpea inoculants.Item Callus induction and plant regeneration in five Bangladeshi rice landraces(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Lasker, Tahera; Parvez, Samaun Nasaba; Hasan, Md. Nazmul; Karim, Md. Mobarok; Prodhan, Shamsul H.; Islam, Md. SharifulA successful callus induction and in vitro plant regeneration method has tremendous potential to regenerate rice landraces, which could be used for further genetic improvement. Research on rice landraces is scarce, and these landraces are becoming extinct in nature. Therefore, the study aimed to create an optimized plant regeneration protocol using plant growth regulators (PGRs) on N6 media for five Bangladeshi rice landraces: Hingairmanik, Moynashail, Haloi, Noyaraz, and Prabini. N6 media were enhanced with various concentrations and combinations of PGRs to find out the greatest PGR composition for callusing and regeneration. Hingairmanik, Moynashail, and Haloi showed maximum calli formation on N6 medium supplemented with 2.5 mg/l 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid), achieving 80%, 90%, and 76.67% callus induction, respectively. In contrast, the largest callus induction was found in Noyaraz (76.67%) and Prabini (66.67%) on N6 medium having 3.0 mg/l 2,4-D. For complete plant regeneration from embryogenic calli, N6 medium supplemented with three different combinations of NAA (1-naphthalene acetic acid) and BA (6- Benzylaminopurine) concentrations was employed. In the case of Moynashail, Prabini, and Haloi, the highest rates of regeneration were obtained on N6 medium amended with 1.5 mg/l NAA and 3.0 mg/l BA, resulting 70%, 55%, and 60% of regeneration, respectively. In addition, both Hingairmanik and Noyaraz showed maximum regeneration frequency (65%) at medium having 1.5 mg/l NAA and 3.5 mg/l BA. This study has the potential to contribute significantly to future genetic research on these Bangladeshi rice landraces.Item Assessment of mycological profile and heavy metal concentrations of Romi River, Kaduna - Nigeria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Musa, Nomsu; Musa, Fatima M.; Aliyu, Aishatu M.Waste water discharged from petrochemical plants and petroleum refinery contains many pollutants including heavy metals. The objective of this study was to assess macro-morphological and microscopic characteristic of fungal isolates and levels of heavy metals from a petrochemical and petroleum refinery industry effluent and water from River Romi in Kaduna State Nigeria using standard methods. Isolation and identification of fungi was carried using standard method, the atomic absorption and spectroscopy method was used for the analysis of heavy metals. The results obtained from this study revealed that the fungal population isolated was predominantly native of the genera Aspergillus (30.69%). The mean and ± std. of the total heterotrophic fungal count of the river were found to be Upstream Mean (4.9x10-4 ±3.8x10-4 CFU/mL) Downstream Mean: (4.9x10-4±4.3x10-4 CFU/mL). The percentage occurrence of the fungal species in respect to their sampling sites shows that the upstream part of the river had lower count than the downstream part of the river. Majority of the heavy metals assessed also shows that their concentrations were above the recommended value set by World Health Organization as standard for their presence in environmental samples. There was a significant different (p < 0.05) between the 1st and 6th month, and also between the 3rd and 6th month respectively. From the values of the analysis of heavy metals, it can be deduced that Romi River is highly contaminated with the aforementioned metals, and as such, immediate respond on the high occurrence of these metals should be addressed.Item The probiotics for the treatment of allergic rhinitis : A systematic review of randomized controlled trials(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Sardar, Dipankar; Banerjee, Pallobe; Alam, Ashraful; Shahidul, Md IslamThe goal of this meta-analysis is to comprehensively assess the efficacy of probiotics in treating allergic rhinitis (AR). Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Subsequently, they utilized RevMan 5.3 software to perform meta-analysis, aiming to observe the effects of probiotics on various parameters such as RQLQ scores, RTSS, blood eosinophil count, total and antigen specific IgE levels. The pooled risk was calculated using either the fixed- or random-effects model depending on the presence of significant heterogeneity. The meta-analysis encompassed 36 randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 7,400 patients. The results revealed that the RQLQ global scores (mean difference [MD] = -9.43; P < 0.00001), RQLQ nasal scores (MD = -1.52; P = 0.03), and RTSS nasal scores (MD = -1.96; P = 0.02) showed significant enhancements. However, there were no significant differences observed in blood eosinophil count (MD = -0.09; P = 0.82), RQLQ eye scores (MD = -1.45; P = 0.07), RTSS global scores (MD = -2.24; P = 0.26), RTSS eye scores (MD = -0.39; P = 0.31), total serum IgE levels (MD = -0.04; P = 0.7), or antigen-specific serum IgE levels (MD = -0.08; P = 0.81) between the probiotic and placebo groups. Patients with AR who received probiotics saw significant improvements in their quality of life and symptoms when compared to the placebo group. This suggests a new possible application strategy for probiotics in AR.Item Pseudocholinesterase levels and atherogenic indices as indicators of invasive and non-invasive bladder cancer(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-07-15) Smeasm, Hasan N.; Al-Timimi,Raid J. M.; Mohammed, Saif HameedBackground. Bladder cancer (BC) is the most prevalent cancer found in the bladder system and is the tenth most common carcinoma worldwide. Pseudocholinesterase (PChE) is one of the serum proteins. Serum PChE has been recognized as an indicator of outcomes in several cancers; nevertheless, its correlation with oncological results in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) remains largely unexamined. The study aims to assess the association of the PChE levels and lipid indices, including the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), Castelli's risk index II (CRI-II), and the atherogenic coefficient (AC), with the development of MIBC and to use them as indicators of the development of MIBC in the Iraqi population. Methods: The present case-control research involved 160 patients (80 with NMIBC and 80 with MIBC) from the Central Hospital of Tumor in Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The serum PChE level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while lipid profile parameters were measured using colorimetric assay techniques. Results: The estimation of demographic and biochemical data revealed significant differences in smoking, PChE, AIP, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), highdensity lipoprotein (HDL), Triglyceride (TG), and Total cholesterol (TC) in NMIBC patients compared to those in the MIBC group. The logistic regression analysis of AIP, CRI-I, CRI-II, and AC levels revealed a significant association with MIBC at 4, 3, and 1 fold, respectively, while no association was found with PChE levels. Conclusion: In the present study, the lipid indices' levels of AIP, CRI-II, and AC are associated with the development of MIBC and could be used to help physicians assess and confirm the presence of MIBC, while PChE failed to associate with the development of the disease.Item Synergistic Effect of Meropenem and Vancomycin Antibiotics with Ecballium elaterium and Senna italica Extracts(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Abdallah, Lubna; Odeh, Hiba; Salem, Huda; Barham, Thanaa; Nazzal, Samah; Kokaly, Rahaf; Aldeen, Hana Sa’d; Holuo, AmalThe aim of this study is to determine whether the use of plant extracts like Ecballium elaterium and Senna italica leaf aqueous extracts helps support the activity of meropenem and vancomycin antibiotics against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermis bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) were used to find out the antibacterial effect of E. elaterium and S. italica extracts in combination with meropenem and vancomycin antibiotics by employing microbroth dilution assay and checkerboard assay. According to the obtained results, all combinations showed a synergistic effect against S. aureus except vancomycin and S. italica combinations which exhibited an additive effect. Moreover, all combinations exhibited an additive effect against S. epidermis except vancomycin and E. elatenium, which showed a synergistic effect. In conclusion, E. elaterium and S. italica leaf aqueous extracts have great potential as sources of antibacterial compounds against microorganisms and they can be used to treat infectious diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.Item Analgesic effect of ethylacetate fraction of the methanol leaf extract of Hannoa klaineana in rats(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Abubakar, Ibrahim; Gusau, Mu’azu Abubakar; Danyaya, Jabir Aliyu; Ibrahim, Shehu; Abdullahi, Zayyanu; Zubairu, Abdulhakim; Sahabi, Abdulsalam UmarPain remains a major health, social, and economic problem worldwide. Hannoa klaineana Pierre & Engl. is a medicinal plant found in many African countries and used for the treatment of many diseases including pain-associated disorders. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic effect of the ethylacetate fraction of methanol leaf extract of Hannoa klaineana in rats. The analgesic effect of the ethylacetate fraction of methanol leaves extract of Hannoa klaineana (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg b.wt) was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail flick (immersion), and hot plate model. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the number of writhes with maximum percentage inhibition (75.61%) at 600 mg/kg dose of the extract. In tail flick and hot plate tests, the extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg b.wt) exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in rats’ response with a steady increase in reaction time. Findings from this study show that ethylacetate fraction of the methanol leaves extract of Hannoa klaineana possessed analgesic activity which provided justification for the local use of the plant in the treatment of pain.Item Characterization and evaluation of antioxidant properties of leaf extracts from Rhododendron arboreum(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Mehra, Shobha; Afoma, Ufondu Maryann; Dudha, Namrata; Singh, Shilpy; Sharma, Shweta; Verma, Ved Vrat; Zuhaib, Mohammad; Sharma, Varun KumarPhytochemicals have been known to suppress the microbial activity and oxidative stress, which indicates the significance of plant material as anti-microbial and antioxidant agent. In this light the current study is worked out to screen the phytochemicals from the Rhododendron arboretum leaf extract and characterize it using HPLC. The alkaloids and flavonoids are the major secondary metabolites found during screening. Further, anti-oxidant properties of leaf extract of R. arboreum prepared in different solvent (methanol, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, and chloroform) were analyzed using DPPH and FRAP assay. Observation of the present study indicates that methanolic extracts was found to show significant anti-oxidant activity with the IC50 value of 241.2 µg/ml and 163.6 µg/ml in DPPH and FRAP assay respectively. In conclusion, the leaf extracts of R. arboretum can be one of the better natural source of antioxidant source and could be used for therapeutic purpose in the treatments of different diseases.Item Phytochemical screening and anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Precious, Egharevba; Emilia, Igue; Kingsley, Enerijiofi; Orhue, AmengialueHelicobacter pylori, a common gastrointestinal bacterial pathogenic isolate infects 50% and 90% of the global and developing nations population respectively. This study aimed at evaluating the bioactive components and therapeutic potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina plants extracts against Helicobacter pylori infection using standard physicochemical, in-vitro and in-vivo microbiological methods. Five (5) stool samples were collected from patients who presented with symptoms of gastrointestinal distress and diagnosed of ulcer at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, for the isolation of Helicobacter pylori. Phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of the test plants revealed the presence of bioactive constituents such as flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponin, steroids, phenols, alkaloids and terpenoids. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the plant’s extracts were determined at concentrations of 125, 250, 500, and 1000 μg/ml. While the different plants extract demonstrated a better anti-Helicobacter pylori activity as well as MIC when compared to the commonly used antibiotic amoxicillin, and other conventional antibiotics, the anti-Helicobacter pylori activity and MIC of Vernonia amygdalina was higher, followed by Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum. The in-vivo study as carried out using Wistar albino rats demonstrated the promising therapeutic effect of the plants extract against Helicobacter pylori infection. This study therefore suggests that Vernonia amygdalina, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum extracts possess anti-Helicobacter pylori properties, offering safe, effective, and cost-effective treatment options for the treatment of ulcer, caused by Helicobacter pylori.Item Response surface methodological approach for optimizing the enzyme activity and еnzymatically mediated bioprecipitation of heavy metals by alkaline phosphatase(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Vaishnav, Virendra K.; Chatterjee, Tanushree; Agrawal, ManishaThis study investigates using an alkaline phosphatase enzyme isolated from Bacillus cereus to decontaminate heavy metals. The experiments were performed with several process parameters, including substrate concentration, pH, and temperature. To optimize the best experimental conditions, they were estimated by using a central composite experimental design combined with response surface methodology (RSM). Variables were concentration of substrate ((p-NPP 14 to 17 mM), pH 8 to 10.5, and temperature (35 to 45oC). Statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to classify the competence of the developed model and revealed a good understanding between the experimental data and the proposed model. The highest enzymatic activity 25.73 units/ml was identified by the RSM with the following optimal set of parameters: concentration of substrate 15.5 mM, pH 9.25, and temperature 34oC. The accuracy of the predicted model optimum parameters was confirmed by experimenting under the same parameters. It was found that the experimental enzyme activity efficiency under optimum conditions was very close (less than a 3% error) to the model-predicted value. The removal efficiency of each heavy metal was found to be in the following order: Hg >Pb>As.Item Frugal Method for Extracting DNA from Saliva Suitable for Low-Budget Labs and Usable in PCR Assays(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Kamar, Shayah; Joseph, Shenekji; Lana, Karnoub; Sana, Wohbeh; Hagar, HamshoBlood is the preferred source of DNA as it yields large quantities of high-quality DNA. However, there are challenges associated with this process, including difficulty in finding small and thin veins, rigid veins due to aging, and individuals with phlebotomy aversion, especially children. Therefore, obtaining DNA from saliva is considered a suitable alternative that requires minimal resources and is usable in DNA assays without the need for a phlebotomist, at a lower cost compared to most DNA extraction kits that require expensive materials. The suggested frugal method relies on providing a new solution for extracting DNA from human saliva without the need for enzymes or high grade reagents or columns, which makes suitable for low budget laboratories in developing countries to manufacture it locally, it uses a phase separation with technical skills to extract the DNA from the saliva achieving safety by not using hazardous reagents, and it is a sustainable eco-friendly method that gives decent yield of good quality DNA in ~20 minutes to be used in PCR applications with a cost that is estimated to be 10 times cheaper than current used methods.Item Cloning, characterization and expression pattern of the ovarian cytochrome P450 Cyp19a1a gene in gonadal developmental period of cobaltcap silverside Hypoatherina tsurugae(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Bej, Dilip KumarThe upregulation of cyp19a1a transcription factor required for granulosa cell differentiation and ovarian maintenance. 1630 bp of cyp19a1 mRNA transcript of Hypoatherina tsurugae was cloned and sequenced. It consists of open reading frame (ORF) of 1551 bp that encodes a 517 aa protein, found to be identical to the sequence of other fish species. A phylogenetic tree was constructed by comparing the mRNA sequence of 41 different fishes across various taxa available in the NCBI database and using as outgroup as Acipenser sinensis. The tree shows a high homology of cyp19a1a from H. tsurugae with cyp19a1a of Maelanotaenia boesemani, the two forming a single clade. The qRT expression of cyp19a1a was studied in both amhy+ (male) and amhy- (female) individuals. In amhy- (female) individuals, the expression was begins from 0 wah and peak at 6 wah then sharply decreases whereas in amhy+ (male) individuals expression was very low and it is in base line. The histological sections of gonads were studied in different stages of biweekly collected larvae during the sex determination/differentiation period and it showed that differentiation of gonads male/female was decided at 6 wah. In this stage the primary oocytes are recognized. These finding add to the knowledge for a better understanding of molecular mechanisms of sex determination and differentiation period in fishes.Item Optimization and Validation of a Real-time PCR Method for the Simultaneous Detection of Lactococcus garvieae and Streptococcus agalactiae in Fish(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Zinyakasa, Taona R.; Chidzwondo, Farisai; Makawa, Tatenda; Sibanda, Sitokozile; Gomo, Exnevia; Musa, Tivapasi; Gori, ElizabethBackground: Lactococcus garvieae and Streptococcus agalactiae infections contribute to heavy losses in aquaculture farms worldwide. Currently, available pathogen diagnostic tools use biochemical and microbiological methods beleaguered by very low accuracy, reproducibility and specificity. Aim: To optimize and validate a rapid, sensitive and specific real-time PCR (qPCR) method for detecting L. garvieae and S. agalactiae in fish. Methods: Pairs of Streptococcus-specific (IGS-s/IGS-a) and Lactococcus-specific (CAU12F/CAU15R) primers were tested for specificity and sensitivity in the qPCR. qPCR was carried out at different temperatures and primer concentrations. The optimal conditions were determined to be the temperature and primer concentration with the lowest CT values. Results: For both primer sets, the optimal annealing temperature was 60oC, and the optimal primer concentration was 500 nM. The detection limit for L. garvieae was at dilution factor 10-3, with a mean CT value of 25.0, for S. agalactiae, 10-4 with a mean CT value of 29.8. The PCR efficiencies were 97% for L. garvieae and 91% for S. agalactiae, with linear slopes (R2 = 0.999). The assay demonstrated high repeatability and reproducibility. Conclusion: The optimum conditions established for the qPCR method enable rapid, highly sensitive and specific diagnosis of L. garvieae and S. agalactiae infection in fish.Item Exploring the Coordination, Anti-oxidant, and Bacterial Behavior of a New Azo Ligand Derived from 4,5-Dimethylimidazole with Copper and Zinc Divalent Ions(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2025-01-10) Mubarak, Husham M.; Witwit, Israa N.; Salman, Hussein A. Ali; Al Rufaie, Mohauman M.New azo ligand synthesized from 4, 5-dimethylimidazole, focusing on its coordination properties with copper and zinc divalent ions. The experimental findings confirmed the formation of octahedral geometrical complexes, where the coordination occurs through one nitrogen atom of azo and an N3 atom of imidazole. Evidence from spectroscopic techniques (13-CNMR, Mass, FT-IR, and UV-Vis), conductivity measurements, and magnetic susceptibility supported the structural integrity of the complexes. Biological evaluation showed that the ligand and its complexes possess notable antibacterial properties, particularly the zinc complex, which exhibited stronger inhibitory effects against both Staphylococcus and E. coli bacteria. Antioxidant tests using the DPPH assay indicated that the ligand effectively scavenges free radicals, achieving 70% inhibition at 25 ppm, making it a promising candidate when compared to ascorbic acid. The results underscore the potential of this ligand and its complexes for applications in medicinal chemistry, especially in the development of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.Item Study on biological and environmental factors for azoospermia(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Dzhoglov, Spas; Ivanova, EvgeniyaThe absence of sperm in the seminal fluid is known as azoospermia. This medical condition is in a direct association with male's infertility. A complete medical history, physical examination, tests of selected hormones and tests for male fertility (including sperm analysis) are used for the diagnosis of azoospermia. The number of 1314 men, with fertility problems, at age between 20 and 67 years, were included in this investigation. The data obtained in the study showed that azoospermia occurred in 5.25% of the group studied. The Klinefelter syndrome was cytogenetically diagnosed in 2.9% of the male individuals. There was found that 44.3% of males with azoospermia have been smokers, 7.1% of them – addicted to drugs, 17.1% have taken different medicaments, 4.35% – have had radiation therapy, 4.35% have had a diagnosis "varicocele". The volume of the ejaculate was less than 2 ml in 37.68% of the men and more than 7 ml in 2.89% of them.Item Atmospheric pollution assessment with mosses in Western Rhodopes, Bulgaria(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Gecheva, Gana; Gribacheva, Nikolina; Yurukova, Lilyana; Stefanova, Violeta; Kmetov, Veselin; Frontasieva, Marina; Popgeorgiev, GeorgiThe moss analysis technique was applied to monitor 10 heavy metals and toxic elements deposition. Our study was the first attempt to assess spatial patterns in a border mountain region (area 8732 km2) with a low population density and high proportion of protected territories. The obtained results did not correlate to the results from areas with low air pollution and could be linked to the impact of old and open mines.Item Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants of Mirab-Badwacho district, Ethiopia(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2016-05-05) Temam, Tamru; Dillo, AsalfewEthnobotanical investigation on medicinal plants was conducted in Mirab-Badawacho District of Ethiopia. Sixty traditional healers participated in the study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks and key informant interviews. Voucher specimens of the medicinal plants were collected during guided field walks. Ethnobotanical techniques such as informant consensus factor (ICF) and preference ranking were used to analyse the data. A total of 57 medicinal plants belonging to 40 families were recorded. The most commonly used plant families include Euphorbiaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Lamiaceae, Rosaceae and Brassicaceae. Medicinal plants were mostly collected from the wild habitats. Herbs accounted for the lion's share of the medicinal plants. The medicinal plants of the study site were used to treat 31 ailments. About 42% of the plants were used to treat stomach ache, diarrhea and intestinal worms. Leaves (41%) and roots (20.3%) were the most frequently used medicinal plant parts. Flowers were least used plant parts for medicinal purpose. Routes of administration of the traditional remedies were mouth, skin, nose and eye. The study area has considerable diversity of medicinal plants. However, expansion of agricultural land, over grazing and deforestation are major threats to the medicinal plants. Hence, proper conservation measures need to be practiced for sustainability of the medicinal plants.