A. Georgieva, D. Pavlov, M. Tzaneva, M. Novaković, V. Tešević, M. Reyzov, M. Eftimov, M. Todorova, M. Nikolova, N. Stefanova, S. Valcheva-Kuzmanova
Abstract Gastric ulcer is a common health issue. Cotinus coggygria heartwood extracts rich in the flavonoids fustin and sulfuretin have shown protective effects in a rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. Fustin itself has been protective in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. In the present study we aimed to reveal the effect of the flavonoid fustin isolated from Cotinus coggygria heartwood in a rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. Fustin was isolated from Cotinus coggygria heartwood and purified. The experiment was performed on 30 male Wistar rats allocated to three groups – Control, Indo and F10. F10 group was pretreated with fustin (10 mg/kg b.w. for 7 days). Rats were sacrificed and macroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the stomachs were performed. Indomethacin caused severe mucosal damage, proven by the macroscopic, microscopic and immunohistochemical gastric mucosa investigation. Fustin pretreatment slightly reduced the macroscopic indices for gastric damage (ulcer number, area, score and index), and significantly alleviated the severity of the microscopic indices (mucosal erosions, necrosis, hemorrhages and inflammation). In fustin-pretreated rats, the expression of NF-κB was reduced in comparison with indomethacin-treated animals. In conclusion, fustin exerted a gastroprotective action in an indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration model, probably due to its anti-inflammatory activity.
{"title":"Gastroprotective effect of the flavonoid fustin isolated from Cotinus coggygria heartwood in a rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration","authors":"A. Georgieva, D. Pavlov, M. Tzaneva, M. Novaković, V. Tešević, M. Reyzov, M. Eftimov, M. Todorova, M. Nikolova, N. Stefanova, S. Valcheva-Kuzmanova","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0012","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0012","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Gastric ulcer is a common health issue. Cotinus coggygria heartwood extracts rich in the flavonoids fustin and sulfuretin have shown protective effects in a rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. Fustin itself has been protective in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. In the present study we aimed to reveal the effect of the flavonoid fustin isolated from Cotinus coggygria heartwood in a rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. Fustin was isolated from Cotinus coggygria heartwood and purified. The experiment was performed on 30 male Wistar rats allocated to three groups – Control, Indo and F10. F10 group was pretreated with fustin (10 mg/kg b.w. for 7 days). Rats were sacrificed and macroscopic, histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations of the stomachs were performed. Indomethacin caused severe mucosal damage, proven by the macroscopic, microscopic and immunohistochemical gastric mucosa investigation. Fustin pretreatment slightly reduced the macroscopic indices for gastric damage (ulcer number, area, score and index), and significantly alleviated the severity of the microscopic indices (mucosal erosions, necrosis, hemorrhages and inflammation). In fustin-pretreated rats, the expression of NF-κB was reduced in comparison with indomethacin-treated animals. In conclusion, fustin exerted a gastroprotective action in an indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration model, probably due to its anti-inflammatory activity.","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"25 - 38"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48444561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The traditional educational paradigm is increasingly giving way to active learning and the various possibilities for its application, which methodological basis is constructivism. They are all part of integrative learning, expressed in the creation of sustainable interdisciplinary connections. Constructivism is associated with key competencies for lifelong learning, necessary for ensuring a sustainable and adaptable to changes educational environment. This in turn requires a change in the teaching model and the application of technologies and approaches adjusted to these changes in the learning process. Part of these methods, that are successfully applied in problem-based, ecological education is project-based, and cooperative learning.
{"title":"Teaching methods based on constructivism in environmental education","authors":"Klaida Doychinova","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0017","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The traditional educational paradigm is increasingly giving way to active learning and the various possibilities for its application, which methodological basis is constructivism. They are all part of integrative learning, expressed in the creation of sustainable interdisciplinary connections. Constructivism is associated with key competencies for lifelong learning, necessary for ensuring a sustainable and adaptable to changes educational environment. This in turn requires a change in the teaching model and the application of technologies and approaches adjusted to these changes in the learning process. Part of these methods, that are successfully applied in problem-based, ecological education is project-based, and cooperative learning.","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"97 - 108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43812121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Education is defined as a major tool for raising awareness of the principles and functions of sustainable development. The problem of sustainable development, environmental and health education is subject to standards defining both content parameters in subject areas, overlapping integral fields, and options for implementation in pedagogical practice. The article presents an analysis of the problem of climate and energy efficiency, which is present only implicitly within the State educational standard for general education and curricula within the framework of the key competence common to all subjects - skills to support sustainable development and healthy lifestyle and sport.
{"title":"Education for sustainable development - analysis and findings","authors":"Klaida Doychinova","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0016","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Education is defined as a major tool for raising awareness of the principles and functions of sustainable development. The problem of sustainable development, environmental and health education is subject to standards defining both content parameters in subject areas, overlapping integral fields, and options for implementation in pedagogical practice. The article presents an analysis of the problem of climate and energy efficiency, which is present only implicitly within the State educational standard for general education and curricula within the framework of the key competence common to all subjects - skills to support sustainable development and healthy lifestyle and sport.","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"80 - 96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48518788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial Note: Rhodopes Mountains - a fairy tale in green – Part II (Central Rhodopes)","authors":"D. Zahariev.","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0010","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":" ","pages":"I - VIII"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47737314","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haw. (Cactaceae) is the smallest and most cold-hardy species of genus Opuntia in North America. In Bulgaria it is grown as an ornamental plant, but in 2019 a population of this species was discovered by other researchers in natural habitats in Lozenska Mt (Western Bulgaria) at 630–660 m a.s.l. on an area (extent of occurrence) of ca. 100 m2. In July 2020, we established a population of this species on the Black Sea coast near the town of Primorsko (Eastern Bulgaria) at 5 m a.s.l. on an area of ca. 300 m2. The distance between the two populations is 360 km in a straight line and their origins are independent of each other. The two localities of this species are so far the only ones described not only for the territory of Bulgaria, but also for Europe. Data are given on the conditions characterizing each of the localities. The possible reasons for the appearance in natural habitats of this alien plant species for the Bulgarian flora are considered. The impacts and threats this species may have on biodiversity in natural habitats are indicated. Measures have been proposed to control the populations of the species.
{"title":"Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haw. (Cactaceae) in the Bulgarian flora","authors":"D. Zahariev.","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0004","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Opuntia fragilis (Nutt.) Haw. (Cactaceae) is the smallest and most cold-hardy species of genus Opuntia in North America. In Bulgaria it is grown as an ornamental plant, but in 2019 a population of this species was discovered by other researchers in natural habitats in Lozenska Mt (Western Bulgaria) at 630–660 m a.s.l. on an area (extent of occurrence) of ca. 100 m2. In July 2020, we established a population of this species on the Black Sea coast near the town of Primorsko (Eastern Bulgaria) at 5 m a.s.l. on an area of ca. 300 m2. The distance between the two populations is 360 km in a straight line and their origins are independent of each other. The two localities of this species are so far the only ones described not only for the territory of Bulgaria, but also for Europe. Data are given on the conditions characterizing each of the localities. The possible reasons for the appearance in natural habitats of this alien plant species for the Bulgarian flora are considered. The impacts and threats this species may have on biodiversity in natural habitats are indicated. Measures have been proposed to control the populations of the species.","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"37 - 46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46535849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Editorial Note: Rhodopes Mountains - a fairy tale in green – Part I (Eastern Rhodopes)","authors":"D. Zahariev.","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"I - VIII"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46513529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The purpose of the present study was to gather information about the effects of the herb Levisticum officinale (lovage) and of its phenolic ingredients and to elucidate the potential health benefits of the plant in relation to its polyphenolic content. The study was performed by searching different internet-based databases (Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, etc.). Levisticum officinale (lovage) is a perennial aromatic plant from the Apiaceae family. This herb is rich in essential oil and is widely used as a seasoning for culinary purposes. Lovage contains up to 860 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight phenolic substances as well. Polyphenols in L. officinale belong to the classes of flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol and anthocyanins) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, ferulic, gallic, ellagic). They contribute to potent antioxidant properties of the plant. Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and other properties of L. officinale extracts have also been demonstrated. Phenolic substances abundant in lovage have shown to be protective in models of osteoporosis and different cardiovascular diseases as well. The information confirms our assumption that Levisticum officinale is not only an useful and pleasant-tasting Mediterranean-cuisine seasoning but also a herb that can contribute to the healthy lifestyle.
{"title":"Potential health benefits of the plant Levisticum officinale (lovage) in relation to its polyphenolic content","authors":"A. Georgieva","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0003","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The purpose of the present study was to gather information about the effects of the herb Levisticum officinale (lovage) and of its phenolic ingredients and to elucidate the potential health benefits of the plant in relation to its polyphenolic content. The study was performed by searching different internet-based databases (Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, etc.). Levisticum officinale (lovage) is a perennial aromatic plant from the Apiaceae family. This herb is rich in essential oil and is widely used as a seasoning for culinary purposes. Lovage contains up to 860 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight phenolic substances as well. Polyphenols in L. officinale belong to the classes of flavonoids (quercetin, rutin, kaempferol and anthocyanins) and phenolic acids (chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, ferulic, gallic, ellagic). They contribute to potent antioxidant properties of the plant. Anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and other properties of L. officinale extracts have also been demonstrated. Phenolic substances abundant in lovage have shown to be protective in models of osteoporosis and different cardiovascular diseases as well. The information confirms our assumption that Levisticum officinale is not only an useful and pleasant-tasting Mediterranean-cuisine seasoning but also a herb that can contribute to the healthy lifestyle.","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"16 - 36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41321861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Bulgaria is a country with an extremely diverse nature. Unlike a number of European countries, Bulgarian nature is relatively well preserved. For the purposes of its protection, a network of protected areas was created, which occupy 5.3% of the country’s territory. Bulgaria also participates in a number of international initiatives, which put about 1/3 of the territory of Bulgaria under protection of the natural environment. According to the Protected areas Act in Bulgaria, 6 categories are distinguished - national parks, natural parks, reserves, maintained reserves, protected localities, natural attractions. Among them, important resources for the development of tourism are national parks, natural parks, protected localities and natural attractions. They represent unique sites for the development of alternative forms of tourism such as ecological, cultural-cognitive, route-cognitive tourism, etc. On the other hand, reserves and maintained reserves prohibit tourism activities. The network of protected areas is unevenly developed throughout the country. It is better represented in the mountainous areas, and in the plain parts of the country it is more limited due to the strong anthropogenic changes and the pressure from various human activities. In connection with the preserved nature, the mountains are preferred sites for tourism. The contribution of the protected areas in this regard is significant. Stara planina tourist region is among the country’s tourist areas with well-defined mountainous characteristics. This is an important prerequisite both for the preservation of nature and for the formation of a suitable environment for recreation and tourism, and the mentioned directions are mutually bound. The purpose of this article is to valorize the protected areas in Stara Planina tourist region and to highlight the possibilities for their current and future use for the development of tourism.
{"title":"Protected areas in the Stara planina tourist region – current state and prospects for tourism development","authors":"V. Vasileva, Sevdzhan Sabrieva","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0007","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Bulgaria is a country with an extremely diverse nature. Unlike a number of European countries, Bulgarian nature is relatively well preserved. For the purposes of its protection, a network of protected areas was created, which occupy 5.3% of the country’s territory. Bulgaria also participates in a number of international initiatives, which put about 1/3 of the territory of Bulgaria under protection of the natural environment. According to the Protected areas Act in Bulgaria, 6 categories are distinguished - national parks, natural parks, reserves, maintained reserves, protected localities, natural attractions. Among them, important resources for the development of tourism are national parks, natural parks, protected localities and natural attractions. They represent unique sites for the development of alternative forms of tourism such as ecological, cultural-cognitive, route-cognitive tourism, etc. On the other hand, reserves and maintained reserves prohibit tourism activities. The network of protected areas is unevenly developed throughout the country. It is better represented in the mountainous areas, and in the plain parts of the country it is more limited due to the strong anthropogenic changes and the pressure from various human activities. In connection with the preserved nature, the mountains are preferred sites for tourism. The contribution of the protected areas in this regard is significant. Stara planina tourist region is among the country’s tourist areas with well-defined mountainous characteristics. This is an important prerequisite both for the preservation of nature and for the formation of a suitable environment for recreation and tourism, and the mentioned directions are mutually bound. The purpose of this article is to valorize the protected areas in Stara Planina tourist region and to highlight the possibilities for their current and future use for the development of tourism.","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"69 - 83"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46801755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries of the new millennium. Bulgaria is a destination with an extremely large variety of natural and anthropogenic tourism resources and a relatively well-developed tourism sector of the economy, which brings significant income to the country’s economy. Varna tourist region is one of the leaders in the development of tourism, both for sea vacations and specialized types of tourism. Despite the great potential of the country and the researched tourist areas in particular, there are a number of problems related to uneven tourist development, seasonality, deteriorated tourist infrastructure and the quality of the services offered. The purpose of this paper is to study the current state of tourism and the opportunities for its development in the region.
{"title":"Tourism in Varna Black sea area – current situation and prospects for development","authors":"Sevdzhan Sabrieva","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0008","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries of the new millennium. Bulgaria is a destination with an extremely large variety of natural and anthropogenic tourism resources and a relatively well-developed tourism sector of the economy, which brings significant income to the country’s economy. Varna tourist region is one of the leaders in the development of tourism, both for sea vacations and specialized types of tourism. Despite the great potential of the country and the researched tourist areas in particular, there are a number of problems related to uneven tourist development, seasonality, deteriorated tourist infrastructure and the quality of the services offered. The purpose of this paper is to study the current state of tourism and the opportunities for its development in the region.","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"84 - 96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41810078","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abstract The concept of sustainable development can play a key role for various knowledge-based sectors, a major factor in the educational system, focused on addressing the problems that exist and preventing new social, economic and environmental ones. The article examines the definition of sustainability, the point of learning aimed at environmental sustainability. The new European Sustainability Competence Framework that outlines the competencies necessary for the ecological transition, including critical thinking, initiatives, conservation of nature and taking responsibility for the negative impact of everyday actions and decisions on the environment and climate worldwide, has been examined here.
{"title":"Learning for sustainability - competences and expectations","authors":"K. Doichinova","doi":"10.2478/asn-2023-0005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/asn-2023-0005","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The concept of sustainable development can play a key role for various knowledge-based sectors, a major factor in the educational system, focused on addressing the problems that exist and preventing new social, economic and environmental ones. The article examines the definition of sustainability, the point of learning aimed at environmental sustainability. The new European Sustainability Competence Framework that outlines the competencies necessary for the ecological transition, including critical thinking, initiatives, conservation of nature and taking responsibility for the negative impact of everyday actions and decisions on the environment and climate worldwide, has been examined here.","PeriodicalId":7171,"journal":{"name":"Acta Scientifica Naturalis","volume":"10 1","pages":"47 - 56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49061729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}