Dendrogram Analysis Research Articles

TAXONOMICAL IMPLICATIONS OF NATURAL COMPONENTS IN DELIMITATION OF SOME SPECIES OF ASTERACEAE FAMILY IN BAGHDAD

This study aimed to investigate the taxonomical relationship among eight species belonging to Asteraceae based on natural products as fresh leaves of eight species (Carthamus tinctorius L., Centaurea iberica Trevir. ex Spreng., Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronquist, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Launaea mucronata (Forssk.) Muschl., Senecio glaucus L., Sonchus asper (L.) Hill, and Sonchus tenerrimus L.) have been collected from different regions of Baghdad. The phytochemical screening of hexane extracts from eight plants showed different secondary metabolites in the studied species. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of eight hexane extracts showed the existence of eighty-one chemical compounds of eight taxa of Asteraceae, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, organic acids, esters, amines, and heterocyclic compounds. The agglomerative hierarchical clustering analysis dendrogram was carried out depending on 81 chemical compounds of the eight taxa of Asteraceae, gained by Euclidean distance using Ward's method. The HCA dendrogram showed the closeness of Sonchus asper and Sonchus tenerrimus and a divergence between Conyza canadensis and Conyza bonariensis and their affinity to Launaea mucronata while Carthamus tinctorius is the most divergent species from the rest of the species.

Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure analysis in Himalayan garlic genotypes from Sikkim using SSR markers.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an important crop with significant medicinal and culinary uses. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of Himalayan garlic genotypes from Sikkim is crucial for effective breeding and conservation efforts. This study aims to analyze the genetic diversity among 60 Himalayan garlic genotypes collected from various altitudinal locations of Sikkim, India, using 27 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers. The genetic diversity was assessed using SSR markers, which revealed substantial variation among the genotypes. The number of alleles (Na) ranged from 1.13 to 2.00, while the major allele frequency (MAF) varied from 0.672 to 0.963. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.0667 to 0.475, indicating moderate genetic diversity. Population structure analysis using STRUCTURE software grouped the genotypes into three distinct sub-populations, suggesting genetic differentiation not solely based on leaf morphology. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation was more significant among individuals within populations (41%) than among populations (16%). UPGMA dendrogram and Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) further confirmed the genetic relationships among the genotypes. This study reveals significant genetic diversity among Himalayan garlic genotypes from Sikkim, with clear genetic differentiation observed within and between populations. The results highlight the importance of both leaf morphology types and genetic structure in understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in garlic. The finding provides valuable insights for future breeding programs and conservation strategies, emphasizing the need to consider morphological and genetic data for effective germplasm management and improvement of garlic cultivars.

Analysis of Bacterial Diversity In Temple Bricks Using Phenetic Numeric Taxonomy Method

Temple bricks-based constructions are known to often face various challenges, including physical, chemical, and biological weathering. Previous studies identified various biological factors contributing to brick weathering including exudate produced by microorganisms, such as bacteria. In addition, bacteria often live synergistically and antagonistically with other species, exhibiting diverse morphological and physiological traits (bacterial diversity). Various methods have been developed to explore bacterial diversity, with phenetic numerical taxonomy being the most popular. Therefore, this study aims to determine bacterial diversity on the surfaces of temple bricks using phenetic numerical taxonomy method. Bacterial isolation was carried out aseptically, followed by labeling and transferring the isolate to the laboratory for further tests. The tests carried out included morphological characterization, biochemical assays, physiological reactions, and potential enzymatic activities. Subsequently, dendrogram was constructed using MVSP (Multi-Variate Statistical Package) software with isolated grouping based on the Unweighted Pair Group Method Averages (UPGMA) algorithm. The similarity between isolates was analyzed using the Simple Matching Coefficient (SSM) similarity value. The dendrogram analysis revealed the presence of 3 clusters namely A (4 isolates), B (1 isolate), and C (2 isolates), with a similarity index of 0,543 to 0,857. Clusters A, B, and C had a similarity index of ≤0.700, indicating the occurrence of distinct species in each cluster. Based on the profile-matching results of key characters, the 7 bacterial isolates were identified as belonging to the genera Bacillus, Corynebacterium, and Mycobacterium.

Cross-Sectional Study on Hematological Variation Associated with Advance Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in a CKDu Endemic Area in Sri Lanka

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate the etiology and disease progression in terms of CKD (chronic kidney disease)-initiation risk factors (IRF) and hematology in Nachchaduwa, a CKDu (CKD of unknown etiology)-endemic area in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Whole blood, spot urine and risk factor history were obtained following informed consent from all medically confirmed CKD/CKDu cases in the area. CKDu was substantiated when medically accepted IRFs did not exist prior to CKD diagnosis. The disease progression stage (G1-G5) was established by kidney dysfunction markers, eGFR (MDRD, and CKD-EPI-sCr) and UACR using serum creatinine (sCr), urine creatinine (uCr) and urine (uAlb) measured in the study. Hematology variables were compared between early (G2-G3b) and advance (G4-G5) stages to reveal changes over disease progression and assessed for linear associations to disease progression in terms of kidney dysfunction markers and renal outcomes. Multivariate dendrogram and principal component analyses were utilized to study inter-variable relations. The results showed that advance disease (G4-G5) in Nachchaduwa had significantly declined RBC counts and RDW-CV, amid unchanged MCV, MCH, MCHC, hematocrit and total hemoglobin suggesting predominantly normocytic anemia. RBC depletion was further evident in its positive associations to eGFRs, and negative association to sCr (p<0.05, rho stronger than ±0.45). Multivariate analyses revealed that RDW-CV was following the decreasing eGFRs and uCr over disease progression. Results showed the potential utility of erythrocyte count and RDW-CV as markers of advance disease in CKDu endemic areas of Sri Lanka. IRF distribution in Nachchaduwa pointed to a minor fraction of unknown etiology among total CKD, and the major IRFs that led to chronic renal failure did not include Diabetes Mellitus.

Preliminary XRF Analysis of Coal Ash from Jurassic and Carboniferous Coals at Five Kazakh Mines: Industrial and Environmental Comparisons

This study analyzes 105 coal ash samples from Jurassic and Carboniferous coals from five mines in Kazakhstan, Lenin, Saradyr, Bogatyr, Maikuben, and Shubarkol, focusing on the inorganic elemental compositions, their occurrence, and industrial and environmental implications. Methods include coal ash yield and volatile matter analysis, mineralogical characterization via low-temperature ash X-ray diffraction (LTA-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). High-temperature ash (HTA) was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), highlighting XRF’s potential for rapid multi-elemental analysis. Nine major elements (Al, Si, P, S, Fe, K, Ca, and Ti) and eleven trace elements (As, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, V, Ga, Mn, Ni, Y, Yb, and Zr) were identified in HTA samples through EDXRF. SEM and dendrogram analysis confirm their co-occurrence with quartz, kaolinite, pyrite, and accessory minerals such as chalcopyrite, zircon, rutile, and REE-bearing apatite. The elemental content of samples enhances industrial suitability by reducing emissions. Only Yb shows slight enrichment for economic benefits, along with La, Ce, and Nd, while concentrations of potentially toxic elements indicate minimal environmental risk. EDXRF demonstrates its efficiency for large-scale investigations, with all samples analyzed in a few days using automated overnight measurements. This approach shows promise for future studies focusing on trace elements, including REE.

A Computer Vision‐Based Methodology to Estimate Fruit Colour Diversity in Ornamental Pepper (Capsicum spp.)

ABSTRACTFruit colour diversity within different ripening stages confers ornamental value for pepper plants. Using images can be helpful in analysing the fruit colour‐related genetic diversity and enable selecting accessions for ornamental purposes by avoiding subjectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic diversity among accessions of ornamental pepper using image processing techniques to identify fruit colours. Photos from 40 fruits from each of 12 accessions were captured by a camera from a smartphone. Separate channels and colour indices were extracted from the images to analyse the accessions using both dendrogram and principal components analysis. Dendrogram analysis allowed separating accessions with predominance of dark fruits from those whose fruits showed lighter and more vivid colours, with a cophenetic correlation coefficient of 0.811. The VARI and NGRDI vegetation indices were efficient in discriminating fruits with a predominance of green colour, and the BGI could be used to discriminate accessions with predominantly reddish‐brown fruits. The proposed method can be used in small‐scale breeding programs for accurately assessing the development of varieties regarding their fruit colour diversity.

Marine cetacean patterns in eastern part of Andaman waters, India: Biodiversity and environmental correlation

This study explores the spatio-temporal distribution of marine cetaceans in Andaman waters and their correlation with environmental parameters, addressing the historical lack of regular marine mammal monitoring in Indian waters. A vessel-based visual survey conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 in the eastern Andaman waters identified 5 cetacean species from 65 sightings and 469 individuals, with spinner dolphins dominating (74.84 %). The Sighting per Unit Effort (SPUE) was 0.069 per unit time over 948 h. The survey area, divided into 8 sites, revealed varying diversity indices. Site 5 showed the highest diversity, richness, and dominance, while sites 4 and 8 exhibited the highest abundance and species evenness, respectively. Bray-Curtis dendrogram analysis indicated the highest similarity (83 %) between sites 2 and 3. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Redundancy Analysis (RDA), showed no significant variation in species distribution (p > 0.05) and positive correlations between species presence and air pressure, vessel speed, and depth. Environmental parameters were within standard ranges for the season. This preliminary assessment provides valuable baseline data on marine mammals in Andaman waters within the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Regular studies of this kind will contribute to stock assessments and conservation strategies for marine mammals in the region.

Development of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick, 1917) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) in tomato genotypes

Tomato plants are the most widely cultivated fruit vegetables globally. The tomato leaf miner (Tuta absoluta) is the leading pest of this crop and can cause up to 100% loss of production. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the development and resistance of antibiosis and non-preference types (antixenosis) for oviposition and feeding of T. absoluta in commercial tomato hybrids in choice and no-choice tests. For the experiments, an open-pollinated tomato cultivar was used as a control: ‘Santa Clara’ cultivar - susceptible - Italian type, along with eight commercial tomato hybrids were used: ‘Compack’ - salad type, ‘Caniati’ - Italian type, ‘Grazianni’ - Italian type, ‘Sweet Heaven’ - grape type, ‘Cascade’ - cherry type, ‘Ellen’ - salad type, ‘Bento’ - Italian type, and ‘Dominador’ - salad type, all having an indeterminate growth habit. According to the evaluated biological parameters (dendrogram and principal component analysis - PCA), the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid showed a negative effect on the development of T. absoluta, with an increase in the duration of the larval, adult, and total phases, and low larval and total viability. The tomato hybrid ‘Cascade’ exhibited lower attractiveness for T. absoluta oviposition in no-choice tests. The tomato hybrids 'Sweet Heaven', 'Compack', and ‘Cascade’ showed a lower percentage of leaf area consumed. However, ‘Dominador’, ‘Santa Clara’, and ‘Ellen’ were the tomato genotypes that showed higher susceptibility to the development of T. absoluta, encompassing high larval, pupal, and total viability (larva-adult period). Concluding that the ‘Sweet Heaven’ hybrid negatively affected the development cycle of T. absoluta, while the ‘Cascade’ hybrid exhibited lower attractiveness for oviposition.

The Impact of International Cooperation on the Development of Renewable Energy Sources in Kazakhstan

In recent decades, renewable energy sources (hereinafter - RES) have become an increasingly important component of global energy policy, especially in the context of the need for sustainable development and the fight against climate change. This study analyzes the role of international cooperation in the development of RES in Kazakhstan and assesses its impact on national strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy. The research employs cluster analysis to identify groups of partner countries with similar energy and environmental profiles, complemented by Ward’s dendrogram and scenario analysis to predict the future directions of international cooperation. Data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, including greenhouse gas emissions, the share of renewable energy in total energy consumption, water resource availability, fuel exports, and energy intensity, were utilized. Three main clusters were identified: countries with advanced technologies in the field of RES, countries with emerging RES markets, and countries focused on hydrocarbon exports but seeking to diversify their energy resources. Cluster analysis revealed that Kazakhstan falls into the group with high energy intensity and a low share of RES in the energy balance (1.8%). Scenario analysis demonstrated that with active international cooperation, the share of RES in Kazakhstan could increase to 10-12% by 2030, and energy intensity could decrease, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions. For future research, an in-depth analysis of Kazakhstan’s international cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources with an emphasis on regional specifics is recommended.

Biogeography of the Iranian snakes.

The events of the Cenozoic era such as mountain formation caused Iran to become one of the most amazing biodiversity hotspots in the world today. This pioneering study on Iranian snake biogeography integrates historical and ecological analyses. A phylogeographic review traces speciation and dispersal, while cluster analysis with a new snake checklist assesses faunistic similarities within Iran and its surroundings. Jaccard and Sorenson indices generate similarity dendrograms, Indicator Species Analysis pinpoints regional key species, and Endemism index calculates regional endemism rates, enriching our knowledge of Iran's species diversity. Phylogeographic analyses identify four biogeographical corridors for snake ingress into Iran: the Arabian region through southwestern Iran, the Western Asian mountainous transition zone via northwestern Iran, the Turanian region into northeastern Iran, and the Indus River Valley into southeastern and eastern Iran. Dendrogram analysis divides snake fauna into three groups. The first group associates western Zagros and Khuzestan fauna with the Sahara and Arabian regions. The second group links Kopet Dagh and Turkmen Steppe fauna with the Turanian region, and Central Plateau and Baluchistan fauna with the Iranian region. The third group connects northwest highlands, Alborz and Zagros mountains, and Caspian Sea coasts with the Western Asian Mountain transition zone. The study validates broad biogeographic patterns via ecoregional associations and indicator species analysis, providing finer resolution. Species like Platyceps najadum in Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests exemplify ecoregional alignment, while Zagros and Alborz mountains exhibit unique faunal indicators, indicating species-level divergence. Shared indicators among widespread ecoregions reflect habitat continuity; exclusive indicators emphasize regional distinctiveness. Despite endemic species prevalence, they seldom act as significant indicators due to various factors. Our research confirms the Zagros Mountains, Khuzestan Plain, Alborz Mountains, and Persian Gulf coasts as snake diversity hotspots, marked by higher species richness compared to other Iranian regions.

Morphological diversity and taxonomic implications of seedling structures in selected species of Fabaceae from Karachi (Pakistan)

Seedling morphology is a valuable tool for plant identification and classification, particularly in early growth stages. This study investigates the morphological characters of seedlings from randomly selected taxa within the Fabaceae family, focusing on cotyledons, first two leaves, and subsequent leaves to support taxonomic differentiation. Not all subfamilies within Fabaceae are fully represented in this study. Seedlings from 14 randomly selected taxa were analyzed using morphological traits such as cotyledon shape, phyllotaxy, leaf shape, and venation patterns. An artificial key was constructed, and three dendrograms were developed based on cotyledon morphology, first two leaves, and subsequent leaves to illustrate taxonomic relationships. Statistical analyses were employed to assess clustering patterns among the taxa. The artificial key categorized the taxa into subfamilies within Fabaceae, including Caesalpinoideae, Mimosoideae, and Papilionoideae, based on cotyledon shape and leaf morphology. Dendrogram analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns, grouping species according to key morphological features. Not all subfamilies of Fabaceae were covered, but the analysis provided clear separation among the species studied. The morphological traits observed were consistent with previous taxonomic findings and offered a reliable basis for classification. The morphological features of seedlings, especially cotyledons and eophylls, serve as reliable taxonomic markers for identifying and classifying species within Fabaceae. Although the study does not encompass all subfamilies, the randomly selected taxa demonstrated clear taxonomic distinctions. Dendrograms combined with artificial keys provided a useful framework for classification. Further studies should expand the scope to include more taxa, covering all subfamilies of Fabaceae. Integrating molecular and other taxonomic tools such as anatomy, cytology, and chemistry can enhance the precision of classification frameworks and provide deeper insights into the evolutionary relationships within the family.

Whole genome sequence and comparative genomic analysis of novel Rickettsia koreansis strain CNH17-7 isolated from human.

To determine the genomic feature of novel spotted fever-causing Rickettsia koreansis strain CNH17-7, which is different from R. japonica that is a causative agent for Japanese spotted fever (JSF), and to perform its comparative genomic analysis. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on R. koreansis strain CNH17-7 by using the Illumina Miseq system. After WGS, assembly and annotation were done by SPAdes. Then, its genomic features were compared with 19 different Rickettsia species. Based on the average nucleotide identity (ANI) value, an unweighted pair group method with an arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram was generated. Following the dendrogram analysis, pan-and core-genome analysis was performed. Then additional comparative analyses with two genetically closest Rickettsia species were conducted based on gene repertoire. R. koreansis strain CNH17-7 has a chromosome consisting of 1,392,633bp with GC content of 32.4%. The ANI-derived UPGMA showed that R. koreansis strain CNH17-7 is genetically close to R. japonica YH and R. heilongjiangensis 054 but is distinctively differentiated. The ANI value of R. koreansis strain CNH17-7 to R. japonica YH and R. heilongjiangensis 054 are 98.14% and 98.04% respectively, indicating R. koreansis strain CNH17-7 is sufficient to be classified as a new species. Other than ANI, R. koreansis strain CNH17-7 also contains novel CDS and its COG functional category proportion which is distinct compared to R. japonica YH and R. heilongjiangensis 054. We have revealed genomic features of the novel R. koreansis strain CNH17-7. Hence, we propose R. koreansis strain CNH17-7 as new Rickettsia species.

Dynamical accretion flows

Context. Investigating the flow of material along filamentary structures towards the central core can help provide insights into high-mass star formation and evolution. Aims. Our main motivation is to answer the question of what the properties of accretion flows are in star-forming clusters. We used data from the ALMA Evolutionary Study of High Mass Protocluster Formation in the Galaxy (ALMAGAL) survey to study 100 ALMAGAL regions at a ∼1″ resolution, located between ∼2 and 6 kpc. Methods. Making use of the ALMAGAL ∼1.3 mm line and continuum data, we estimated flow rates onto individual cores. We focus specifically on flow rates along filamentary structures associated with these cores. Our primary analysis is centered around position velocity cuts in H2CO (30, 3–20, 2), which allow us to measure the velocity fields surrounding these cores. Combining this work with column density estimates, we were able to derive the flow rates along the extended filamentary structures associated with cores in these regions. Results. We selected a sample of 100 ALMAGAL regions, covering four evolutionary stages from quiescent to protostellar, young stellar objects (YSOs), and HII regions (25 each). Using a dendrogram and line analysis, we identify a final sample of 182 cores in 87 regions. In this paper, we present 728 flow rates for our sample (4 per core), analysed in the context of evolutionary stage, distance from the core, and core mass. On average, for the whole sample, we derived flow rates on the order of ∼10−4 M⊙ yr−1 with estimated uncertainties of ±50%. We see increasing differences in the values among evolutionary stages, most notably between the less evolved (quiescent and protostellar) and more evolved (YSO and HII region) sources and we also see an increasing trend as we move further away from the centre of these cores. We also find a clear relationship between the calculated flow rates and core masses ∼M2/3, which is in line with the result expected from the tidal-lobe accretion mechanism. The significance of these relationships is tested with Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Mann-Whitney U tests. Conclusions. Overall, we see an increasing trend in the relationships between the flow rate and the three investigated parameters, namely: evolutionary stage, distance from the core, and core mass.

Effects of stellar feedback on cores in STARFORGE

Stars form in dense cores within molecular clouds, and newly formed stars influence their natal environments. How stellar feedback impacts core properties and evolution has been the subject of extensive investigation. We performed a hierarchical clustering (dendrogram) analysis of a STARFORGE (STAR FORmation in Gaseous Environments) simulation, modelling a giant molecular cloud to identify gas overdensities (cores) and study changes in their radius, mass, velocity dispersion, and virial parameter with respect to stellar feedback. We binned these cores on the basis of the fraction of gas affected by protostellar outflows, stellar winds, and supernovae and analysed the property distributions for each feedback bin. We find that cores that experience more feedback influence are smaller. Feedback notably enhances the velocity dispersion and virial parameter of the cores, more so than it reduces their radius. This is also evident in the linewidth–size relation, according to which cores in higher-feedback bins exhibit higher velocities than their similarly sized pristine counterparts. We conclude that stellar feedback mechanisms, which impart momentum to the molecular cloud, simultaneously compress and disperse the dense molecular gas.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics of wild red-fleshed apples (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana) in the North and Northeast of Iran

BackgroundRed-flesh apples (Malus sieversii f. niedzwetzkyana) have attracted attention from consumers and researchers due to their pleasant appearance and taste. These exotic apples are rich sources of nutrients and health-promoting polyphenols and phenolics. This study aimed to investigate morphological (40 quantitative and 13 qualitative traits) and biochemical (5 traits) characteristics of four socioeconomically important red-fleshed apple populations in North and Northeast region of Iran, which are understudied and under serious extinction risk.ResultsThe examined characters exhibited wide and statistically significant variations, especially in leaf color (68.86%) and the number of seeds per fruit (61.61%), and more dramatically in the total flavonoids (146.64%) and total phenolics contents (105.81%). There were also strong variations in fresh fruit weight and fruit length, diameter, and flesh thickness. Red, with 34 accessions, was the dominant ripe fruit skin color. All biochemical traits also showed high variations, particularly in total flavonoid content. Red-fleshed Gavramak and Kalateh Khij apples contained the highest biochemical and morphological values, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the first five principal components together accounted for more than 60.83% variation of the total observed variations. Moreover, the cluster dendrogram analysis based on Ward’s method indicated three different clusters based on the characters measured, indicating high variation among the accessions.Conclusionred-flesh apples can be considered suitable sources of natural antioxidants with great potential as healthy foods and nutraceutical applications. Based on the commercial characters, Red-fleshed Gavramak and Kalateh Khij apples showed the highest fruit quality with proper size and thus can be suggested as superior for cultivation or use in breeding programs due to having higher quality fruits.

Characterization of some local and commercial bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes with allele-specific DNA markers

Landraces play a significant role as genetic reservoirs in wheat breeding endeavors. Advances in functional marker technology have facilitated early and more precise selection processes. This study involved the characterization of a total of 96 bread wheat genotypes, comprising 76 landraces and 20 registered cultivars, utilizing allele-specific DNA markers targeting various genes including those for gluten strength, yellow rust resistance, stem rust resistance, dwarfism, rye translocation, hardness, and softness. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of 148 alleles, with an average of 21.14 alleles per marker, and an average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.5625. Specific genes such as the rye translocation gene were identified in genotypes 161 and 884, while the hardness gene was found in genotypes 672, 3088, 3384, 3414, and 3541. Stem rust resistance gene was detected in the cultivar Adana-99, yellow rust resistance gene in genotypes 1635 and 2115, and the softness gene in 31 genotypes including the cultivar Masaccio. Based on the dendrogram analysis, genotype 3652 exhibited around 93% genetic similarity with the cultivar Masaccio, while genotypes 2190, 2715, and 2897 showed similarity to genotype 2946. Genotypes 2959 and 2960 and genotypes 3334 and 3359 shared approximately 91% genetic similarity.

PHYLOGENETIC (DENDROGRAM) ANALYSIS OF THREE INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF GOAT IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Phylogenetic (Dendrogram) Analysis of three indigenous breeds of goat in northern Nigeria namely Red Sokoto, Borno White and West African Dwarf goats (40 animals each) were evaluated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker. This study was conducted in three states of northern Nigeria namely Jigawa, Yobe and Nasarawa States. Ten RAPD markers were initially used for the analysis, 1 of the 10 markers was discarded based on the band pattern quality. The Laboratory analysis was conducted at the Molecular Laboratory, National Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Kaduna. Results were analyzed using GenALEX 6.5 software. Phylogenetic tree constructed using the boostrapped data and neighbor-joining method grouped all the three breeds into two clusters indicating an agreement with phenotypic similarities. The result indicated that West African dwarf goat is most genetically distant from Red Sokoto and Borno white. The information obtained indicates that these breeds are genetically different which provide a good background about the breeds for genetic improvement and conservation of our local goat breed in the feature. The present study suggests that RAPD-PCR can effectively be used to determine the Phylogenetic relationship among the goat breeds.

Comparison of Beta-Lactamase Profiles and Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates in Southwest Turkey: 2011 vs. 2019 Study

Background: The most significant problem encountered with hospital infections caused by multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates is the difficulty in treatment. Defining resistance mechanisms is important for the development of treatment strategies. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the beta-lactamase genes and clonal relationship in multi-drug resistant A. baumannii isolates in Mugla, Turkey, as no data are currently available for this province. Methods: Total 96 multi-drug resistant A. baumannii isolates obtained from hospitalized patients, between 2011 - 2012 period (n = 61) and in year 2019 (n = 35) were investigated and compared for antibiotic susceptibilities, beta-lactamase enzyme encoding genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) PCR was made for dendrogram analysis to illustrate hierarchical relationship between isolates. Results: Overall, 74.0% of the isolates were obtained from patients in intensive care units. All multi-drug resistant isolates were found resistant to ciprofloxacin, piperacillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, and imipenem by the disk diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration values indicated that all isolates were resistant to imipenem, while colistin resistance was determined as 21.9%. The ISAba-I insertion element was present in all isolates. BlaOXA-23-like was present in 96.9%, and blaOXA-24-like was detected in three (3.1%) isolates. blaNDM positivity was shown in 5.2% of isolates. The indistinguishable or closely related isolates ratio was detected as 29.5% for the 2011 - 2012 period and 80% for 2019. Conclusions: Our findings showed that antibiotic resistance rates were high in A. baumannii, particularly isolated from intensive care unit patients in Mugla province. The prevalence of beta-lactamase and metallo-beta-lactamase genes has been increasing year by year, with the blaOXA-23-like gene region being the most prevalent. Additionally, the co-existence of these genes among strains is also on the rise. These findings from two different periods may provide useful reference data for future studies.

A comparative study of population structure and genetic diversity of commercial and indigenous chickens from different agro-ecological zones in Ghana using SilicoDArT and SNP markers

Chicken production, both in the local and commercial sectors, contributes significantly to human livelihood and food security. Precise use of diverse genetic resources is primary in breeding programs. The study analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of commercial chickens and indigenous chicken ecotypes from three different agro-ecological zones (Semi-Deciduous Rainforest Zone, Guinea Savannah, and Coastal Savannah) using SilicoDArT and SNP markers, utilizing whole-genome sequencing and phenotypic data. Phenotypic data were collected from 72 indigenous chicken ecotypes across the three AEZs, and 32 commercial birds kept at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). DNA samples used for sequencing were obtained from 88 chickens (62 indigenous chicken ecotypes and 26 commercial chickens). A total of 54,995 SilicoDArT and 85,396 SNPs markers were generated from DArTseq genotyping. After filtering, 44,784 SilicoDArT and 58,353 SNP were used for genetic diversity and population structure analysis. Both markers showed high reproducibility and call rate. Polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.00 to 0.50, while ≥ 50 % showed PIC values more than the median. Furthermore, we obtained FST values, Nei’s genetic distance, dendrogram analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) of commercial and indigenous chickens. The FST and Nei’s genetic distance showed that there is high genetic diversity between the commercial chickens and the indigenous chicken ecotypes. However, there was low genetic diversity among the indigenous chicken ecotypes. The PCA analysis indicated a clear separation between the commercial and indigenous chicken ecotypes, while no clear separation was observed between the indigenous chicken ecotypes. The phenotypic data and the dendrogram indicated that naked and frizzle genes do not markedly alter the genetics of indigenous and commercial birds, and their influence on economic traits may be solely determined by the prevailing environmental conditions. The results indicate that there is high genetic differentiation between commercial and indigenous chickens based on SilicoDArT and SNP markers. The indigenous chickens from the agro-ecological zones have low genetic diversity and might have a common origin. Naked neck and frizzle genes do not markedly alter the genetic performance of birds in terms of economic traits. Therefore, the superiority of birds carrying these genes in economic traits may be solely due to environmental variation.

Advanced approach combines integrated weight water quality index and potential toxic elements for environmental and health risk assessment supported by simulation technique in Oued Souf, Algeria

The current research study evaluated the health and environmental risks issues associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the complex terminal aquifer located in the Algerian desert. The methods used included principal component and cluster (dendrogram) analysis to estimate source of ions and contamination. Various indices such as the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Metal Index, hazard quotient, hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were applied to assess both environmental and human health risks. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo method was applied for probabilistic assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks through oral and dermal exposure routes in both adults and children. The results revealed that approximately 16% of the samples fell within the low pollution category (HPI < 100), indicating relatively lower levels of heavy metal contamination. However, the remaining 84% of the samples exhibited high pollution levels, indicating a significant presence of heavy metal pollutants in the northeastern part of the investigated area. The calculated average risk index (RI) for the collected samples was 18.99, with a range from 0.03 to 103.21. This indicates that a large portion, 82% of the samples, could cause low ecological risk (RI < 30), whereas the remaining 18% indicate a significant environmental pollution risk. The HI for oral ingestion showed that adults had HI values ranging from 0.231 to 1.54, while children exhibited higher values, ranging from 0.884 to 5.9 (Fig. 5a). For dermal exposure, HI values in adults ranged from 2.71E−07 to 8.74E−06 and in children, from 2.18E−06 to 7.03E−05. These findings highlight the potential non-carcinogenic risks associated with oral exposure to PTEs and underscore the increased vulnerability of children to metals such as Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cr. Most samples showed CR exceeding 1 × 10−4 for chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb), indicating a significant vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both children and adults.