Hierarchical Grouping Analysis Research Articles

Exploring Evolutionary Relationships within Neodermata Using Putative Orthologous Groups of Proteins, with Emphasis on Peptidases

The phylogenetic relationships within Neodermata were examined based on putative orthologous groups of proteins (OGPs) from 11 species of Monogenea, Trematoda, and Cestoda. The dataset included OGPs from BUSCO and OMA. Additionally, peptidases were identified and evaluated as phylogenetic markers. Phylogenies were inferred using the maximum likelihood method. A network analysis and a hierarchical grouping analysis of the principal components (HCPC) of orthologous groups of peptidases were performed. The phylogenetic analyses showed the monopisthocotylean monogeneans as the sister-group of cestodes, and the polyopisthocotylean monogeneans as the sister-group of trematodes. However, the sister-group relationship between Monopisthocotylea and Cestoda was not statistically well supported. The network analysis and HCPC also showed a cluster formed by polyopisthocotyleans and trematodes. The present study supports the non-monophyly of Monogenea. An analysis of mutation rates indicated that secreted peptidases and inhibitors, and those with multiple copies, are under positive selection pressure, which could explain the expansion of some families such as C01, C19, I02, and S01. Whilst not definitive, our study presents another point of view in the discussion of the evolution of Neodermata, and we hope that our data drive further discussion and debate on this intriguing topic.

Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks under Agrosilvopastoral Systems with Different Arrangements in a Transition Area between Cerrado and Caatinga Biomes in Brazil

Production systems that promote the accumulation of soil organic matter (SOM) must be implemented to maintain the sustainability of agriculture, livestock, and forestry. Since increases in MOS content contribute to improving the chemical, physical, and biological quality of the soil, as well as helping to reduce carbon emissions to mitigate climate change. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) stocks after the implementation of agrosilvopastoral (ASP) systems in a Cerrado-Caatinga transition zone in Brazil. Native vegetation of Cerrado-Caatinga (NV), regenerating stratum of Cerrado-Caatinga (RS), two arrangements of ASP systems cultivating Cenchrus ciliaris L. intercropped with Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. × Eucalyptus tereticornis Sm. hybrid (ASP1 and ASP2), and intercropped with Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake × Eucalyptus grandis W. Mill ex Maiden hybrid (ASP3 and ASP4) were evaluated. Soil C and N stocks and the C content in the humic fractions of SOM were evaluated at 0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm soil depths. The introduction of ASP2, ASP3, and ASP4 systems in an area previously occupied by low productivity pasture increased and restored SOC stocks to levels found in NV, at a depth of 0–30 cm. N stocks were higher in ASP systems, regardless of the arrangement studied. As a result, the ASP systems provided accumulations that ranged from 1.0 to 4.31 Mg SOC ha−1 yr−1 and from 0.33 to 0.36 Mg N ha−1 yr−1. The carbon contents in humic fractions remained higher in NV. The hierarchical grouping and principal component analysis showed that the implementation of the ASP systems was efficient in increasing soil C and N stocks over time. In conclusion, the present study identified that integrated production systems can support land use intensification strategies based on sustainable and low-carbon agriculture in a transition area between the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes in Brazil.

Potentially toxic metals and metalloids in surface water intended for human consumption and other uses in the Mantaro River watershed, Peru

The concentration of Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn and As in the surface water intended for human consumption and other uses in the Mantaro River basin were analysed using multivariate methods. The water samples were collected from seven water bodies in the Junín region in June 2019, in the low discharge period. In each body of water, a sector with six sampling sites was established. The Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn and As contents were determined by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. The correlation analysis revealed positive and significant correlations (P < 0.05) for the Zn/Pb, Pb/Fe and Zn/Fe pairs with a good association, higher than 0.80 and for the Pb/Cu, Fe/Cu, As/Pb and As/Zn pairs a weak degree of association (P < 0.05). The analysis of the main components showed three components with their own values > 1. The hierarchical grouping analysis classified the evaluated water bodies into three groups according to the concentration of the Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn and As. The high concentrations of heavy metals and arsenic recorded in the CIMIRM and MERIS irrigation channels reveal that the Mantaro River continues to be a sink for mine wastewater discharges and runoff from mining liabilities at the headwaters of the Mantaro basin. It is, therefore, necessary to implement urgent management policies to control and reduce the levels of contamination by potentially toxic metals and metalloids in the Mantaro River.

Genetic variability in populations of Pilosocereus catingicola (Gürke) Byles & Rowley subsp. salvadorensis (Werderm.) Zappi (Cactaceae)

Studies on genetic diversity of cacti are important to elucidate evolutionary events and ecological characteristics of populations vulnerable to genetic erosion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity among individuals of Pilosocereus catingicola subsp. salvadorensis occurring in three populations located in the Caatinga do Agreste region of Paraiba, using RAPD markers. For the extraction of DNA, tissues of the parenchyma and cladodium of the stem of the individuals were used by the 2% CTAB method and amplified using 05 primers. The obtained marks were converted into a binary matrix, from which the matrix of genetic dissimilarity was constructed using the arithmetic complement of the Jaccard coefficient and the construction of the dendrogram, by the UPGMA method. All markers tested amplified, being 82.4% polymorphic locus and 10.6% monomorphic for the Arara population; 84.4% polymorphic and 15.6% monomorphic for the Areial population, the Boa Vista population did not show monomorphism, resulting in 100% polymorphism. The averages of heterosigose observed (0.372, 0.492 and 0.135) show that there are genetic divergences within the populations. The primers used were effective in identifying polymorphism in the species. The populations evaluated in this study showed high genetic diversity, both within and between the population, originating fifteen groups among the 120 individuals from the UPGMA hierarchical grouping analysis, and it was possible to discriminate the populations.

Identification and Geographical Delimitation of a Local Productive Arrangement of Forestry Basis

Abstract Local Productive Arrangements nowadays are targets for local and regional development politics. This study aimed to identify, qualify and geographically limit the municipalities that are part of a potential Local Productive Arrangement of Forestry Base in the southeast of Rio Grande do Sul. The hierarchical grouping analysis was used to identify the existence of groups and the analysis of main components to qualify them. Afterwards, industrial cluster indicators were used to quantify the specificity of a sector within a region for the formed groups. The hierarchical grouping analysis established four groups of municipalities, presenting different levels of development referring to the forestry sector. It is concluded that there is a Local Productive Arrangement of Forestry Base in the studied area limited by the municipalities of Cachoeira do Sul, Pantano Grande, Dom Feliciano, Amaral Ferrador, Encruzilhada do Sul, Piratini and Cangucu.

Compostagem orgânica do resíduo de caranguejo-uçá no cultivo de coentro

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho agronômico do coentro e as características químicas do solo sob diferentes adubações orgânicas com resíduo do caranguejo–uçá. Para o desempenho agronômico foram coletadas a altura, massa verde e seca das plantas. Na análise química foram determinadas o pH e as concentrações de 〖Ca〗^(2+), 〖〖Ca〗^(2+)+Mg〗^(2+), 〖Al〗^(3+),〖Na〗^+, Acidez potencial (H^++〖Al〗^(3+)), Matéria Orgânica (M.O), Nitrogênio (N) e Potássio (P). Os tratamentos adubados com os compostos orgânicos que possuíam gliricídia, folhas secas e 5% de resíduos do caranguejo apresentaram melhor desempenho agronômico. No que diz respeito às características químicas a Análise de Agrupamento Hierárquica (AAH) permitiu identificar a formação de três grupos, que se uniram de acordo com as quantidades de resíduos do caranguejo presente nos tratamentos. E com a Análise de Componentes Principais (ACP) foi possível identificar que a adição de resíduos do caranguejo-uçá contribuiu para o aumento nos teores de 〖Ca〗^(2+), 〖〖Ca〗^(2+)+Mg〗^(2+),〖Na〗^+e pH alcalino, e na inexistência de 〖Al〗^(3+)e Acidez potencial (H^++〖Al〗^(3+)) no solo.

STATISTICAL MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS APPLIED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL IN SEMIARID REGION1

ABSTRACT Soil is a dynamic and complex system that requires a considerable number of samples for analysis and research purposes. Using multivariate statistical methods, favorable conditions can be created by analyzing the samples, i.e., structural reduction and simplification of the data. The objective of this study was to use multivariate statistical analysis, including factorial analysis (FA) and hierarchical groupings, for the environmental characterization of soils in semiarid regions, considering anthropic (land use and occupation) and topographic aspects (altitude, moisture, granulometry, PR, and organic-matter content). As a case study, the São José Hydrographic Microbasin, which is located in the Cariri region of Ceará, was considered. An FA was performed using the principal component method, with normalized varimax rotation. In hierarchical grouping analysis, the “farthest neighbor” method was used as the hierarchical criterion for grouping, with the measure of dissimilarity given by the “square Euclidean distance.” The FA indicated that two factors explain 75.76% of the total data variance. In the analysis of hierarchical groupings, the samples were agglomerated in three groups with similar characteristics: one with samples collected in an area of the preserved forest and two with samples collected in areas with more anthropized soils. This indicates that the statistical tool used showed sensitivity to distinguish the most conserved soils and soils with different levels of anthropization.

CHEMOMETRIC TOOLS AND FTIR-ATR SPECTROSCOPY APPLIED IN MILK ADULTERATED WITH CHEESE WHEY

Brazilian law forbids the addition of cheese whey in milk. However, adulteration with cheese whey is one of the most applied fraud due to its low cost. The detection of this fraud is the quantification of Caseinomacropeptide (CMP). The CMP is a constituent of the whey that can be used as adulteration marker. Thus, an analytical method capable of identifying CMP by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FTIR) was developed using chemometrics methods. Firstly, we attempted to develop an exploratory analysis model by Hierarchical Grouping Analysis (HCA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) that indicated similarity between samples of raw milk and semi-skimmed milk. Moreover, in the PCA scores, it was possible to observe a tendency of separation between samples with different concentrations of CMP. Afterwards, multivariate regression models were used for Partial Least Squares (PLS), Partial Least Square with Interval Synergism (siPLS) and Supporting Machines with Least Squares (LS-SVM) to quantify the adulteration in different types of milk by Cheese serum through the CMP. All the models were then compared to each other and the results of the official method with Liquid Chromatography Tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS/MS) analysis used by the Ministry of Livestock and Supply (MAPA). The model LS-SVM, employing the full spectrum, obtained the best result compared to the other models (PLS and siPLS) to quantify the CMP in the milk samples.

Intakes of Zinc, Potassium, Calcium, and Magnesium of Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Relationship with Glycemic Control.

The role of the concomitant intake of zinc, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in the glycemic control of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been extensively discussed. We evaluated the relationship between the dietary intake of these micronutrients and glycemic markers in 95 individuals with T2DM (mean age 48.6 ± 8.4 years). Hierarchical grouping analysis was used to divide the individuals into two clusters according to their micronutrient intake, and differences between clusters were statistically assessed. Effects of individual and combination intake of micronutrients on glycated hemoglobin percentage (%HbA1c) were assessed using multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression analysis. We observed a high likelihood of inadequate intake of the four micronutrients. The group with lower micronutrient intake (cluster 1) displayed higher %HbA1c (p = 0.006) and triglyceride (p = 0.010) levels. High %HbA1c showed an association with cluster 1 (odds ratio (OR) = 3.041, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.131; 8.175) and time of T2DM diagnosis (OR = 1.155, 95% CI = 1.043; 1.278). Potassium (β = −0.001, p = 0.017) and magnesium (β = −0.007, p = 0.015) intakes were inversely associated with %HbA1c. Reduced concomitant intake of the four micronutrients studied proved to be associated with risk of increased %HbA1c in individuals with T2DM, which was particularly predicted by magnesium and potassium intakes.

Carbon and Nitrogen Stock Under Different Types of Land Use in a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest

The aim of this study, was to analyse the effect of cover vegetation change on stocks of Total Organic Carbon (ST.TOC) and Total Nitrogen (ST.TN) in soils of a Seasonally Dry Tropical Forest in the Brazilian semi-arid region. The study was carried out on three farms located on a typical Orthic Chromic Luvisol in an SDTF. Soil samples were collected from trenches, 70 × 70 cm in size, in the 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-60 and 60-80 cm layers, under four types of land use: dense Caatinga (DC), open Caatinga (OC), agriculture (AG) and pasture (PA). The following attributes were evaluated: bulk density, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), ST.TOC and ST.TN. The data were compared using the Mann-Whitney test (p ≤ 0.05). Hierarchical Grouping Analysis (HGA) was used to understand the behaviour of the attributes evaluated between cover vegetation types. Using HGA resulted in the formation of three distinct groups for the types of land use under investigation. The highest mean values for ST.TOC (11.29 Mg ha-1) and ST.TN (3.36 Mg ha-1) were found in CD and CA. The changes in land use in the SDTF had an effect on ST.TOC and ST.TN. It is therefore necessary to adopt strategies and strengthen conservation practices in areas of agricultural and pasture, and reduce the process of degradation and further the process of recovery in these areas. Such action will reduce the loss of C and N, and increase the levels and stocks of TOC and TN.

Phenotypic and chemical variation of black mulberry (Morus nigra) genotypes

It is believed that black mulberry (Morus nigra) is a healthier fruit among mulberry species due to its high bioactive content. In the present study, the morphological and chemical variabilities of this species were investigated. There were statistical differences in terms of the morphological and chemical traits between the genotypes. Out of 37 morphological and seven chemical characters, 20 morphological and five chemical traits showed a coefficient of variation (CV) greater than 20.00%, indicating a high variability between the genotypes for these traits. The fruit weight varied between 1.79 and 5.69 g with an average of 3.85 g. The highest TSS content was 24.80%, while the lowest TSS was 11.20%, with an average of 18.42. The content of total anthocyanins was found between 57.62 and 475.65 mg CGE 100 g−1 FrWe. Total phenols ranged from 232.27 to 1777.73 mg GAE 100 g−1 FrWe. The fruit weight showed positive correlations with tree growth vigor, leaf length and leaf width. In addition, fruit weight was positively correlated with fruit length and fruit width. Furthermore, TSS was positively correlated with phenolic content and flavonoid content. The results obtained from the hierarchical grouping analysis separated genotypes into three and two main groups based on morphological and chemical characters, respectively. The present study increased knowledge about the phenotypic variation and phytochemical properties of black mulberry fruits and can be useful for producers, breeders, and processors.

Divergência nutricional de clones de Brachiaria ruziziensis

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional diversity of Brachiaria ruziziensis clones through chemical composition and in vitro kinetics of ruminal fermentation. Twenty three clones of Brachiaria ruziziensis were used (15, 16, 46, 174, 411, 590, 651, 670, 768, 776, 844, 859, 950, 965, 970, 975, 1067, 1093, 1296, 1765, 1806, 1894 and 1972) and Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. ‘Kennedy’, Brachiaria brizantha cv. ‘Marandu’ and Brachiaria decumbens cv. ‘Basilisk’ as controls within 27 days of harvesting. The experimental design used randomized blocks with 26 treatments (genotypes) and three replications. Evaluation of the nutritional divergence was performed using principal components analysis, based on the following discriminatory variables: in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), lignin, crude protein (CP), degradation rate of non-fibrous carbohydrates (KdNFC) and degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates (KdFC). The evaluation of the nutritional diversity of Brachiaria genotypes was based on the two main components (IVDMD and NDF), which explains 96.2% of the total variance Variables of lower contribution to the discrimination of the clones were as degradation rates of the fibrous and non-fibrous carbohydrates. In the agglomerative hierarchical grouping analysis, five distinct groups were identified, where V group, formed by clones 46, 768 and 1067 have higher values of IVDMD compared to the other clones.

Distinctness of Brazilian common bean cultivars with carioca and black grain by means of morphoagronomic and molecular descriptors.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is one of the most important legumes for human consumption and is a staple food in the diet of the population of some countries of Latin America, Africa and Asia. The distinction between cultivars is based predominantly on morphological descriptors, which proved inefficient for the differentiation of some cultivars. This study had the objective of describing, distinguishing and evaluating the agronomic potential of 39 common bean cultivars of the carioca and black grain groups registered for cultivation in Brazil, based on 49 morphoagronomic descriptors and microsatellite (simple sequence repeat -SSR) markers. The morphoagronomic traits of each commercial group were characterized in four environments. Thirty-seven SSR markers were used for the molecular description. The morphological data, analyzed by the Shanonon-Weaver index, detected low variability among cultivars for qualitative data. On the other hand, the estimates of variance analysis, relative importance of the traits and hierarchical grouping analysis applied to the quantitative variables showed that the descriptors related to plant morphology were the most important for the carioca group, and those related to seed morphology were determining for the black group. The genetic parameters estimated for SSR markers by hierarchical and Bayesian cluster analysis identified 116 alleles, with 33 and 30 polymorphic loci and 24 and 22 private alleles for the carioca and black groups, respectively. The combined use of morphoagronomic and molecular descriptors improves the distinguishability of cultivars, contributing in a more efficient way to breeding and to the protection of cultivars.

Tuberculose: desigualdade de renda e interação da Estratégia Saúde da Família e Bolsa Família

Propôs-se verificar como a incidência e mortalidade por tuberculose (TB) se comportam em áreas cobertas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família e Bolsa Família, com ou sem desigualdade de renda. Estudo ecológico dos 26 Estados federados e o Distrito Federal do Brasil. Foram empregadas análises univariadas, multivariadas e análises espaciais. Na análise univariada, calculou-se a medida de posição (mediana) e a medida de dispersão (amplitude) das variáveis. Na análise multivariada, identificou-se sete grupos através da análise de agrupamento pelo método hierárquico. A construção dos mapas temáticos demonstrou uma distribuição heterogênea entre os grupos, devido às características particulares. O estudo evidenciou a realidade epidemiológica da TB no Brasil e seu comportamento em áreas cobertas pela Estratégia Saúde da Família e Programa Bolsa Família. Não observou diferenças no que se refere à incidência e mortalidade quando satisfatória cobertura desses programas, o que evidencia a relação da doença a outros determinantes.

HS-SPME/GC-MS Analysis of VOC and Multivariate Techniques Applied to the Discrimination of Brazilian Varieties of Mango

The present study analyzed the volatile compounds of three mango varieties (Tommy Atkins, Rosa and Espada) using the static headspace technique with SPME coupled to CG-MS. Multivariate methodologies, such as factorial design and response surface methodology, were used to optimize the conditions of adsorption and desorption of these substances. The data were evaluated by using principal components analysis (PCA) and hierarchical grouping analysis, in order to visualize grouping tendencies of volatile compounds. Thirty-seven volatile compounds belonging to different chemical classes, such as esters, terpenes, alcohols and others, were tentatively identified in the three varieties of mango. Amongst them, twenty-three presented chromatographic peaks with relative areas larger than 2%. The multivariate analysis made it possible to visualize the grouping tendencies of the mango samples, according to the presence of their respective volatile substances, and enabled the identification of the groups of substances responsible for the discrimination among the three varieties.

Dosage-dependent shift in the spore community of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi following application of tannery sludge

The controlled disposal of tannery sludge in agricultural soils is a viable alternative for recycling such waste; however, the impact of this practice on the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities is not well understood. We studied the effects of low-chromium tannery sludge amendment in soils on AMF spore density, species richness and diversity, and root colonization levels. Sludge was applied at four doses to an agricultural field in Rolândia, Paraná state, Brazil. The sludge was left undisturbed on the soil surface and then the area was harrowed and planted with corn. The soil was sampled at four intervals and corn roots once within a year (2007/2008). AMF spore density was low (1 to 49 spores per 50cm(3) of soil) and decreased as doses of tannery sludge increased. AMF root colonization was high (64%) and unaffected by tannery sludge. Eighteen AMF species belonging to six genera (Acaulospora, Glomus, Gigaspora, Scutellospora, Paraglomus, and Ambispora) were recorded. At the sludge doses of 9.0 and 22.6Mgha(-1), we observed a decrease in AMF species richness and diversity, and changes in their relative frequencies. Hierarchical grouping analysis showed that adding tannery waste to the soil altered AMF spore community in relation to the control, modifying the mycorrhizal status of soil and selectively favoring the sporulation of certain species.

Study on trace elements behaviour in cancerous and healthy tissues of colon, breast and stomach: Total reflection X-ray fluorescence applications

In this work Total-reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) was used to analyse healthy and cancerous tissues of the same individual along several contiguous thin sections of each tissue. Thirty two samples (16 pairs) of breast tissue, 30 samples (15 pairs) of intestine tissue and 10 samples (5 pairs) of stomach tissue were analysed. The samples were obtained in Civil Hospitals of Germany (Dortmund) and Portugal (Lisbon). The elemental distribution of P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr and Pb in these samples was studied. Descriptive statistics based on bar graphics and hypotheses tests and also an automatic classification based on hierarchical grouping analysis was used for the several analysed tissues. It was shown that the behaviour of the elements is tissue dependent. Some elements, like P and K exhibit the same behaviour in all the analysed tissue types. They have increased concentrations in all cancerous tissues. Unlike, other elements like Br show completely different behaviour depending on the tissue: similar concentration in healthy and cancerous stomach, decreased levels in colon cancerous tissues and enhanced concentrations in breast was observed. Moreover cancer tissues present decreased Se concentrations on colon and increased on breast.

Study of the mineral content of chocolate flavoured beverages

The concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and phosphorus (major elements) and iron, copper, zinc, selenium, molybdenum, chromium and manganese (minor elements) in chocolate-flavoured beverages from São Paulo State, Brazil, were determined. Different brands of this kind of beverage were analysed after digestion in a microwave oven and the quantification of the elements was done by inductively coupled argon plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Forty-four different samples from 13 different brands were studied, with significant differences in the contents of both major and minor elements formed between and within the different brands. However, it was possible to conclude that the samples analysed are good sources of K, Ca, Mg, S and P, and mainly those whose compositions included powdered milk. On the other hand, chocolate-flavoured beverages are shown to be poor sources of sodium. The data were examined by multivariate analysis with application of the method of pattern recognition (hierarchical grouping or cluster analysis).

Zonificación, caracterización y tipificación de los sistemas de producción de lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam) en el Eje Cafetero

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo general delimitar las zonas y los sistemas de producción óptimos para la producción de lulo a fin de contribuir a la planificación y organización de su producción en el Eje Cafetero (Departamentos de Caldas, Quindío y Risaralda, Colombia). Los objetivos específicos fueron identificar, espacializar, zonificar, caracterizar y tipificar los sistemas de producción de lulo en la región mencionada. Se tomó como marco muestral una población objeto de 253 productores de lulo, de acuerdo con información oficial suministrada por las Unidades Municipales de Asistencia Técnica –UMATA– de la región. El tamaño de la muestra a utilizar, 34 productores, se determinó por el método conocido como “muestreo aleatorio de proporciones”. La caracterización y tipificación se realizaron utilizando análisis multivariados, como el análisis factorial de correspondencias múltiples y el análisis de agrupamiento jerárquico. Basados en las características comunes de las fincas productoras de lulo, se identificaron cinco clases o sistemas de producción muy ligados a su ubicación geográfica. El concepto de sistema de producción, asumido como un espacio rural a nivel subregional, facilita las acciones necesarias para la formulación colectiva e integral de nuevos modelos de desarrollo agroindustrial. Los resultados del análisis económico demuestran que el sistema de producción de Lulo de Castilla intercalado con café, en la vertiente occidental de Risaralda y Caldas, tiene una tasa interna de retorno anual del 75% y constituye una alternativa rentable de diversificación ante la crisis cafetera.

Profiles of difficult psychiatric hospital patients.

In a study of 127 long-term psychiatric hospital patients perceived as difficult to treat, investigators used hierarchical grouping analysis to differentiate ten profile groups of patients. The groups are based on four dimensions or clusters of characteristics previously derived by factor analysis: withdrawn psychoticism, severe character pathology, suicidal-depressed behavior, and violence-agitation. The ten profile groups are described and are related to staff ratings of overall treatment difficulty, prognosis, sex, diagnosis, and other variables. The main conclusion is that treatment difficulty stems in large part from the compounding of different dimensions of severe psychopathology. Thus a pan-symptomatic group, with high scores on all four dimensions, ranks highest in overall treatment difficulty.