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Recent Submissions
Response to economically important fungal diseases of plum cultivar-rootstock combinations
(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Stefanova, Boryana; Popski, Georgi; Todorova, Silvena; Mihova, Teodora
The present study was conducted during the period 2020–2023 under the agroecological conditions of the Troyan plum-growing region, with the aim of assessing the susceptibility of plum cultivar–rootstock combinations to three economically important fungal diseases: rust (Tranzschelia pruni-spinosae), shot hole disease (Stigmina carpophila), and red leaf spot (Polystigma rubrum). Four widely grown plum cultivars (Сacanska Lepotica, Hanita, Jojo, and Stanley), grafted onto six rootstocks (Brompton, GF 655-2, SJ A, Wavit, Wangenheim, and Prunus cerasifera), were evaluated under natural infection conditions.
Climatic parameters were recorded annually to determine their influence on pathogen development. Significant differences in disease severity were observed among cultivars and rootstocks. The highest incidence of shot hole disease was recorded in the Hanita/Wavit combination (44.66% in 2022), while the cultivar Stanley showed pronounced susceptibility to rust when grafted on Brompton and Wavit rootstocks (31-37%). In contrast, combinations Cacanska Lepotica involving GF 655-2 and Wavit rootstocks exhibited the lowest overall disease susceptibility.
These results highlight the critical role of rootstock selection in reducing disease pressure and improving the resilience and sustainability of plum orchards under changing climatic conditions.
Highlights
This study presents a comprehensive multi-year evaluation of the response of plum cultivar–rootstock combinations to major fungal diseases under variable climatic conditions.
Rootstock selection significantly influenced disease severity and yield stability across all studied cultivars.
Integration of long-term climatic data with disease assessments provides new insights for climate-resilient plum production.
Ozone therapy in organ preservation and ischemia–reperfusion injury: mechanistic and translational perspectives
(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Karadeli, Umit; Cicekliyurt, Meliha M.
Kidney transplantation remains the best method for kidney failure. However, ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) is one of the main problems in graft survival. The University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, which made history with great hope, has shown its protective effect, but coping with oxidative stress is not easy. Ozone, which is frequently used in alternative medicine, has been studied as a potential adjunctive strategy in solid organ transplantation, particularly to improve organ preservation and reduce ischemia-induced damage. This review summarizes the current experimental and translational evidence regarding the potential role of ozone therapy in organ protection, organ transplantation, and the regulation of oxidative stress. Examples of transplantation and clinical applications are provided, highlighting the effects of ozone.
Biphasic haematological response to nitrocellulose thinner vapour exposure and withdrawal in male Wistar rats
(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Adebayo, Oluwatobi P.; Aletan, Uduak; Oplekwu, Inalegwu R.; Akueshi, Chinenye M.; Odeh, Chibueze; Egbung, Godwin E.; Uboh, Friday E.
Background: Nitrocellulose thinner, a commonly used industrial solvent mixture, contains aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to have toxicological effects.
Objective: There is a dearth of information on haematological effects due to subchronic exposure and the extent of recovery following withdrawal. In this study, the effects of subchronic inhalation of nitrocellulose thinner vapour (NCTV) and its withdrawal on haematological parameters in male Wistar rats were evaluated.
Methods: Twenty-four male rats divided into 3 groups (n=8) were used for the study. Group I (control, no exposure), Group II (90-day NCTV exposure), Group III (90-day exposure with 90-day withdrawal). Haematological indices (white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT) counts, haemoglobin (HGB), haematocrit (HCT), and erythrocyte indices (MCH and MCHC) were evaluated using automated haematological analysis.
Results: Exposure to NCTV led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in WBC count (19.85 ± 7.64). Following withdrawal, WBC levels reduced (13.56 ± 4.30). In contrast, there was no significant (p < 0.05) change in RBC and PLT counts due to exposure, but withdrawal led to a significant (p < 0.05) decline in both parameters. Also, MCH and MCHC were not significantly affected due to exposure, but withdrawal led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in both parameters.
Conclusion: Subchronic NCTV exposure induces a biphasic haematological response characterised by transient inflammation and delayed suppression of erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis. These findings highlight the persistence of toxic effects beyond exposure and underscore the importance of post-exposure monitoring in solvent-exposed populations.
In vitro polyphenol content and antioxidant properties of Corchorus olitorius stored at 4 °C for 3, 6, and 9 days
(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Ikuerowo, Boluwatife; Abdulganiyu, Fatimah; Dada, Ikeoluwa; Ogunleye, Oluwagbemisola; Olarewaju, Delight; Omokhuale, Deborah; Ademola, Oluwaseyi; Ogunbamibi, Favour
Medicinal plants are recognized as rich sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential, particularly due to their antioxidant properties, which are important in combating oxidative stress. Corchorus olitorius L., commonly known as jute mallow, is widely consumed as a vegetable and traditional remedy because of its high antioxidant content. This study investigated the in vitro antioxidant activity of C. olitoriusstored under refrigeration (4 °C) for 3, 6, and 9 days. Standard assays, including total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were used to evaluate antioxidant and polyphenol content. The results showed a gradual, time-dependent increase in antioxidant activity and polyphenol content during storage, highlighting the impact of short-term refrigeration on the bioactive properties of C. olitorius. These findings suggest that refrigerated C. olitoriusmay serve as a valuable source of natural antioxidant compounds with potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Unveiling anti-aspergillosis and anti-mucormycosis potential of fruit extracts from naturally growing Chamaedorea seifrizii: Chemical profiling, in silico studies, pharmacokinetics and wet lab validation
(Plovdiv University Press “Paisii Hilendarski”, 2026-07-14) Sharma, Arun; Kaur, Inderjeet; Chauhan, Amrita
Chamaedorea seifrizii is a bamboo plant that is mainly used for its air-purifying properties and ornamental value. Due to the absence of reports on its phytochemical constitutes, this study was aimed at chemical profiling, and evaluation of its in vitro anti-aspergillosis and anti-mucormycosis potential of acetone extracts of fruits of Chamaedorea seifrizii accompanied by in silico analysis. In this study, the chemical profile of Chamaedorea seifrizii fruit acetone extract (CFE) was determined, and major component hinokione was molecularly docked against fungal enzymes involved in the cell wall synthesis, specifically lanosterol 14α-demethylase (LD), chitin synthase(CS) and 1,3-beta-glucan synthase (GS), followed by with in vitro validation. Bioactive compounds in fruit extracts were studied using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The CB-dock 2 tool was used for molecular docking. Using the poisoned food approach, antifungal activity was assessed against three test pathogens. Since hinokione was found to be a significant component of CFE by GC-FID, it was utilized for docking analysis. According to docking study, hinokione binds actively to the fungal enzymes LD, CS and GS. According to docking experiments, ligand hinokione interacted via H-bonds with the fungal enzymes 3 with vina score ranged from -9.0 to -10.6 kcal/mol. Hinokione complied with the LIPINSKY criteria. According to wet lab studies, CFE mitigated the growth of test pathogens. Chamaedorea seifrizii may be used in this study to produce new herbal remedies to cure for a range of illnesses including aspergillosis and mucormycosis. However, it needs further validation by in vivo and clinical studies.