Multivariate Statistical Software Research Articles

Polymorphism and Forensic Application of 11 Y-SNP in Guizhou Shui Ethnic Group

Objective To investigate the frequency distribution features of 11 Y-SNP of Guizhou Shui ethnic group, explore its genetic relationship with other ethnic groups and evaluate its forensic application value. Methods Multiplex amplification of the 11 Y-SNP of samples of 180 unrelated male individuals from Guizhou Shui ethnic group was performed with microsequencing technique. The frequency of haplogroup was calculated by direct counting method, and principal component analysis （PCA） of Guizhou Shui ethnic group and reference ethnic groups was performed by using Multi-variate statistical package （MVSP）. The Fst genetic distance between Guizhou Shui ethnic group and other ethnic groups was calculated with Arlequin v3.5. The phylogenetic tree was established with MEGA 4.0 software according to the Fst value. Results Six types of Y chromosome haplogroups were observed in total. Among which, the distribution frequency of O-M175 haplogroup was the highest （71.11%）, followed by C-M130 （25.00%）, and D-M174 （3.89%）. O1b-M268 （31.11%） and O2a2-IMS-JST021354 （28.33%） had a relatively high distribution frequency in O haplogroup. The paternal relationship between Guizhou Shui ethnic group and Guizhou Gelao ethnic group in the same language group was the closest. Conclusion The distribution of Y-SNP haplogroup of the Shui ethnic group in Guizhou has certain specificity, which can provide basic data for forensic biogeographic inference.

Taxonomic significance of leaves in family Aizoaceae.

Aizoaceae is one of the most important and widespread succulent plant families in both tropical/subtropical regions and arid zones. In this study, 27 species were collected from various floristic regions in Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and cactus farms (Kalupia – Egypt). The morphological characteristics of every taxon were recorded. The important morphological features included: the number of leaves per plant; leaf types; leaf position (cauline or radical; the latter indicates leaves arising from, or near, the roots); leaf arrangement; petiolate or sessile leaves; leaf sheath present or absent; leaf shape; leaf margin; leaf tip; presence of leaf ‘window area’; leaf texture; and presence of white or dark miniscule dots (white miniscule dots from calcium carbonate and dark miniscule dots from tannin sacs). The investigated anatomical features were as follows: shape of the transverse section; the type of epidermal cells; the presence of large epidermal cells (bladder cells); presence of papilla and simple hairs; presence of tannin sacs; shapes of calcium oxalate crystals; shape of the xylem vessels; and the presence of Kranz unit (the unit that constitutes the vascular bundle/s, parenchyma sheath, and surrounding mesophyll) or collenchyma sheath. All data were recorded in a data matrix (as either text or numerical data), which was used to construct the identification key and phylogeny tree using a multi-variate statistical package. The results of our analysis may open the possibility of using the morphological and anatomical features of leaves to distinguish between the subfamilies, genera, and species of Aizoaceae.

Habitat Preferences of PokeA (Batissa violacea var. celebensis von Martens, 1897) Basic on Substrat Characterisation in Pohara River Southeast Sulawesi

This research is motivated by the lack of information about the habitat preferences of pokea clams in Pohara River, Southeast Sulawesi. This study aims to determine the density, distribution pattern and habitat preferences of pokea clams in the Pohara River, Southeast Sulawesi. This research was conducted for 6 months (April-September 2011). Sampling of pokea, water quality, and sediment texture was carried out in the Pohara River and analyzed at the FPIK UHO Laboratory. The density and distribution of pokea were calculated using a standard formula and analyzed using Mann Whitney and Chi Square respectively, while the habitat preferences based on different substrate textures were analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) in the Multivariate Statistical Package (MVSP). The results showed that the density of pokea clams ranged from 117±96.78-816±594.84 ind/m2 which was distributed in cluster over the entire cross-section of the river. Pokea clams were found in all substrate textures from gravel to clay. The habitat preference of pokea clams indicated by the highest density was found in the clay texture. Pokea clams relatively do not like the habitat of coarse sand and gravel texture which is characterized by pokea population with the lowest density

The Numerical Phenetic of Taxonomy Vibrio in Shellfish (Meretrix meretrix) at Edu-Tourism Mangrove Cengkrong Beach Trenggalek

HighlightIdentify the Vibrio bacteriaDiversity of shellfish Vibrio bacteria (Meretrix Meretrix)Relationship similarity of Vibrio bacteria with MVSP 3.1 Program produces DendogramAbstract Meretrix meretrix is one type of shellfish that is potential, and economic value, which high animal protein content as well as seafood that is widely consumed in Indonesia. This study aims to determine the diversity and similarity of Vibrio in M. meretrix at eduwisata mangrove Cengkrong Beach, Trenggalek. Isolation and identification of Vibrio was conducted by using the media TCBSA (Thiosulfate Citrate Bile Salt Sucrose Agar) streat plate through morphological observation, physiological and biochemical tests based Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology conducted in the laboratory of Microbiology Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gajah Mada. Data analysis was performed using the MVSP (Multivariate Statistical Package) 3.1 in the form of a dendrogram showing the similarity relationship Vibrio bacteria. The results of the identification of Vibrio bacteria in M. Meretrix are V. herveyi, V. parahemolyticus, V. nereis and V. proteolyticus. V. herveyi has similarities with V. parahemolyticus 66% and 62% with V. proteolyticus while with V. nereis bacterium 54%.

<p><strong>Pollen grain micromorphology in some genera of Ornithogaleae (Asparagaceae, Scilloideae) and its relative significance</strong></p>

In this research, the pollen micromorphology of nine species belonging to Honorius, Loncomelos, Ornithogalum and Stellarioides are observed by LM (Light Microscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and two species by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). Lately, the phylogenetic studies have determined nineteen monophyletic genera in subfamily Ornithogaloideae (=tribe Ornithogaleae). Our results show that the pollen grains characters such as shape, size, exine ornamentation on equatorial surface, sulcus margin exine ornamentation, sulcus membrane ornamentation and lumina number on exine surface are varied among all studied genera. The dendrogram of palynological characters analyzed on LM and SEM observation by MVSP (Multi Variate Statistical Package) software partly supports the monophyletic genera. According to the obtained palynological dendrogram, Loncomelos arcuatum and Ornithogalum sintenisii are placed in one subtype. Based on the sporoderm structure (exine thickness and the endexine type), L. arcuatum differs from O. sintenisii. Finally, the palynological characters can be useful for clarifying the taxonomic relationship in this subfamily.

Analisis Keanekaragaman Isolat Bacillus thuringiensis yang Patogenik terhadap Serangga Hama Kubis (Crocidolomia binotalis) dengan Pendekatan Sistematika Numerik

Diversity of B. thuringiensis (Bt.) isolates pathogenic to C. binotalis was determined by using Numerical Systematic Method. Ten isolates were taken to represent 34 pathogenic isolates along with two reference strains namely B. thuringiensis serovar kurstaki and B. thuringiensis serovar israelensis. The test isolates were examined for 89 phenotypic characters by using convensional method for colonial and cell morphology (37 characters) as well as physiological characteristics (3 characters) but biochemical characterization (49 characters) was conducted by using commercial API-50 CHB procedures. All phenotypic characters existed in one of two mutually exclusive states and were either scored plus (1) of minus (0). The binary data were prepared in Programmer’s File Editor (PFE) software. The data then were analysed by using the Multi Variate statistical Package (MVSP) Plus-Version 3.1 using the Simple Matching Coefficient (SSM). Clustering was achieved using the UPGMA algorithm. The results were presented as dendrograms. It was obtained that the test isolates were clearly assigned to two distinct multimembered clusters defined by 79.6 similarity level (S-level) in the SSM, UPGMA analysis. The two distinct clusters represented by each of two widely known different group of Bt. strains, namely serovar israelensis and serovar kurstaki. The first cluster contained reference strain of B. thuringiensis serovar israelensis, and two of the isolates (Slk2.3, and YPPA1) and the second cluster contained another reference strain of B. thuringiensis serovar kurstaki, and 8 of the isolates. Therefore, it strongly suggested that the application of numerical-fenetic analysis could provide a tool to unravel the strain diversity belong to B. thuringiensis.

Genetic variation and characterization of the sucrose synthase 2 gene (Sus2) in sugarcane based molecular markers

Abstract. Kasiamdari RS, Febiansi D, Prabowo H, Aristya GR, Musthofa A. 2019. Genetic variation and characterization of the sucrose synthase 2 gene (Sus2) in sugarcane based molecular markers. Biodiversitas 20: 3087-3096. Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) genotype is one of the sugar-producing plants and an important commodity to support the community’s economy. Plant breeders continuously cross-breed these plants to obtain cultivars with desirable traits to produce a variety of new phenotypes. An analysis of variation at gene-level is carried out as an important step in plant breeding programs. The purpose of the present study was to determine genetic variation and characterize the sucrose synthase 2 gene (Sus2) based on molecular markers. Twenty sugarcane cultivars were sampled from Indonesian Sweetener and Fiber Crops Research Institute (BALITTAS) Malang and four sugarcane cultivars from PT. Madu Baru in Polosio A Plantation, Poncosari, Srandakan, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. DNAs were amplified using two primer pairs, i.e. AI and SMC226CG. The genetic variations of the twenty-four sugarcane cultivars were analyzed by constructing a dendrogram of the Amplified DNA using Multi-Variate Statistical Package (MVSP) software. The results showed that there were three large clusters, namely Cluster A consisting of ‘PS 865’, ‘PS 951’, ‘PS 921’, and ‘PS 58’, with a similarity index of 57%; Cluster B consisting of the sugarcane ‘Kentung’, with a similarity index of 33%; and cluster C consisting of the sugarcane ‘PSDK 923’, ‘PSBM 901’, ‘TLH 2’, ‘BL’, ‘PSJT 941’, ‘KK’, ‘PS 80.1649’, ‘PSCO 902’, ‘PS 80,910’, ‘PS 882’, ‘PS 862’, ‘PS 851’, ‘PS 881’, ‘PS 865’, ‘PS 384’, ‘VMC 76-16’, ‘BZ 132’, ‘PS 891’, ‘PS 41’ with a similarity index of 60%. Polymorphisms occurred after the DNAs were amplified and after the bands appeared in heterozygous and homozygous individuals. In sugarcane, the Sus2 gene when detected by the molecular marker primer AI showed high-sucrose sugarcane; whereas the Sus2 gene detected by the primer SMC226CG showed low-sucrose sugarcane. Results of the present study showed that all sugarcane samples were detected as having low sucrose except Bulu Lawang and Kentung cultivars.

Morphological and anatomical studies on some taxa of family Apocynaceae

Apocynaceae is one of the important families that is present all over the world. The aim of this study is to provide some anatomical features of 7 species that represent 7 genera belonging to 4 subfamilies (Apocynoideae, Asclepiadoideae, Periplocoideae and Rauvolfioideae) related to Apocynaceae. The species samples were collected from different areas in Egypt. The study was focus on the morphological and anatomical characters of stems and leaves. The results were recorded in the form of comparison between the examined plants. Most of these plants are perennial herbs as in Cynanchum acutum L. but some are shrubs as in Carissa spinarum L. and trees as in Alstoniascholar is R.Br. The stem is woody in some of the investigated plants as in Alstoniascholaris R.Br. and succulent in some plants as in Pachypodium lamerei. The leaves are simple, spirally, opposite and opposite decussate. Leaves shape are ovate, elliptic, oblong-lanceolate or cordate with entire margin. The vascular bundles in all of the examined plants are bicollateral. From the analysis of all the available data by using the Multi Variate Statistical Package (MVSP) Program it could be stated that Apocynaceaeand Asclepiadaceae are very similar to each other which could be ranked in one large family Apocynaceae. In conclusion, we emphasize the previous recommendations to merge both Apocynaceae and Asclepiadaceae families in one large family, that is Apocynaceae.

Analisis Dimorfisme Kupu-Kupu Sayap Burung (Ornithoptera sp.) Endemik Papua

Ornitophera sp. is one of the groups of butterflies endemic in Papua and West Papua provinces. The significant morphological differences between male and female butterflies (dimorphism) are in the shape, size and color of the wings. Morphological characteristics are important sources of information. Based on the results of specimen collections at the Papua Insect Collection Laboratory (KSP) Jayapura, there are several species from various locations in Papua. The variation in dimorphism is likely to occur in this species which gives rise to new sub-species. The purpose of this study was to record the dimorphism of the endemic Bird Wing of Papua which had been stored in the Papua Insect Collection Laboratory (KSP) Jayapura. The method used is a direct measurement of the morphology of bird wing butterfly specimens stored in the KSP Laboratory, Cenderawasih University. Morphometric data were analyzed using the SPSS 20 and Multi Variate Statistical Package (MVSP 3.1) programs. The results obtained were 7 Ornithoptera species stored in the KSP Jayapura Laboratory, namely O. chiamera, O. goliath, O. meridionalis, O. paradisea, O. priamus, O. thitonus and O. rothschildi. Based on observations there are striking differences in color, shape and size between male and female in the same species.   Key words: birdwing butterfly, Ornithoptera sp., KSP Jayapura, dimorphisme. Â

I.V. NIRS off-pump coronary artery ischemia monitoring bypass surgery

Background: Spectroscopic data were compared with hemodynamic parameters, electrocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiography and laboratory findings. A conversion to extracorporeal circulation was not necessary. The mean number of grafts per patient was 3.1±0.6. An intraoperative myocardial ischemia was not evident, as indicated by electrocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiography.Methods: Continuous spectroscopic analysis showed reproducible absorption spectra of coronary sinus blood. Due to uneventful intraoperative courses, clear ischemia-related changes could be detected in none of the patients. Present initial results show that intravascular near-infrared spectroscopy can reliably be used for an online intraoperative ischemia monitoring in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.Results: In 15 elective patients undergoing off-pump myocardial revascularization, intravascular near-infrared spectroscopic analysis of coronary venous blood was performed. NIR signals were transferred through a fiberoptic catheter for signal emission and collection. For data analysis and processing, a miniature spectrophotometer with multivariate statistical package was used. Signal acquisition and analysis were performed before and after revascularization. However, the method has to be further evaluated and standardized to determine the role of spectroscopy in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. In off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, manipulations on the beating heart can lead to transient interruptions of myocardial oxygen supply, which can generate an accumulation of oxygen-dependent metabolites in coronary venous blood.Conclusions: The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of intravascular near-infrared spectroscopy as a monitoring method to detect possible ischemic events in off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures.

DESKRIPSI JAMUR ENDOFIT DARI TUMBUHAN RARU (Cotylelobium melanoxylon) GENUS BOTRYTIS

ABSTRA CK This study aims to identify the endophytic fungus from the bark of the plant raru (Cotylelobium melanoxylon). This study uses identification technique manually by viewing and comparing the macroscopic and microscopic morphological characteristics of each isolate endophytic fungi then seek to obtain dendogram similarity index which divides each isolate into several clusters/genus. Data were analyzed using cluster analysis Simple Matching Coefficient in the Multi Variate Statistical Package (MVSP) where each isolate that had ≥70 % similarity indices are grouped into one cluster/genus. The results of cluster analysis to get 8 cluster/genus endophytic fungi found in the bark of plants raru (Cotylelobium melanoxylon). Eighth genus included the genus Alternaria, Aspergillus, Botrytis, Debaromyces, Fusarium, Mycelia sterile, Nigrospora, and Scopulariopsis. This paper presents a description of the genus Botrytis. Kata Kunci: Identifikasi, Jamur Endofit, Cotylelobium Malanoxylon , Indeks Similiritas

Regulatory interplay between soybean root and soybean cyst nematode during a resistant and susceptible reaction.

BackgroundPlant–parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are obligate parasites that feed on the roots of living host plants. Often, these nematodes can lay hundreds of eggs, each capable of surviving without a host for as long as 12 years. When it comes to wreaking havoc on agricultural yield, few nematodes can compare to the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). Quantifying soybean (Glycine max) transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) during a late–stage SCN resistant and susceptible reaction can shed light onto the systematic interplay between host and pathogen, thereby elucidating underlying cis–regulatory mechanisms.ResultsWe sequenced the soybean root transcriptome at 6 and 8 days upon independent inoculation with a virulent and avirulent SCN population. Genes such as β–1,4 glucanase, chalcone synthase, superoxide dismutase and various heat shock proteins (HSPs) exhibited reaction–specific expression profiles. Several likely defense–response genes candidates were also identified which are believed to confer SCN resistance. To explore magnitude of TFBS representation during SCN pathogenesis, a multivariate statistical software identified 46 over–represented TFBSs which capture soybean regulatory dynamics across both reactions.ConclusionsOur results reveal a set of soybean TFBSs which are over–represented solely throughout a resistant and susceptible SCN reaction. This set furthers our understanding of soybean cis–regulatory dynamics by providing reaction–specific levels of over–representation at 6 and 8 days after inoculation (dai) with SCN.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-014-0300-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

SEM-PLS Analysis of Inhibiting Factors of Cost Performance for Large Construction Projects in Malaysia: Perspective of Clients and Consultants

This study uncovered inhibiting factors to cost performance in large construction projects of Malaysia. Questionnaire survey was conducted among clients and consultants involved in large construction projects. In the questionnaire, a total of 35 inhibiting factors grouped in 7 categories were presented to the respondents for rating significant level of each factor. A total of 300 questionnaire forms were distributed. Only 144 completed sets were received and analysed using advanced multivariate statistical software of Structural Equation Modelling (SmartPLS v2). The analysis involved three iteration processes where several of the factors were deleted in order to make the model acceptable. The result of the analysis found that R 2 value of the model is 0.422 which indicates that the developed model has a substantial impact on cost performance. Based on the final form of the model, contractor's site management category is the most prominent in exhibiting effect on cost performance of large construction projects. This finding is validated using advanced techniques of power analysis. This vigorous multivariate analysis has explicitly found the significant category which consists of several causative factors to poor cost performance in large construction projects. This will benefit all parties involved in construction projects for controlling cost overrun.

SRAP과 SSR 마커를 이용한 국내 육성 팔레놉시스 품종의 유전적 다양성 분석과 품종판별

The aims of this study were to compare genetic distances among 14 Phalaenopsis varieties using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) marker systems and to determine the discrimination using SSR. A total of 111 SSR primers and 30 SRAP combinations were initially screened. Twelve SSR primers and thirty SRAP combinations showed high polymorphism among the 14 Phalaenopsis varieties including domestic breeding varieties, conserved in National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science (NIHHS). The amplified DNA fragments were separated by denaturing acrylamide gels and detected by silver staining method. A total of 474 polymorphic bands, including 55 by SSRs and 419 by SRAPs, were identified and used for genetic diversity analysis. Polymorphic bands were scored for calculating a simple matching coefficient of genetic similarity and cluster analysis with multi-variate statistical package (MVSP) 3.1. Fourteen Phalaenopsis varieties were classified into three major groups at similarity coefficient value of 0.683 and 0.66 using SRAP and SSR, respectively. Also we could discriminate these domestic breeding Palaenopsis varieties using only SSR 20 and SSR 22. The results indicate that SSR analysis is effective for discrimination among Phalaenopsis varieties and SRAP is useful for genetic diversity when there is no sequence information. These studied SSR and SRAP markers will be useful tools for genotype identification, germplasm conservation and genetic relationship study in Phalaenopsis.

Diversity of Benthic Diatoms and Water Quality of the Mekong River Passing Through Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand

The study on the diversity of benthic diatoms and water quality in the Mekong River as it passes through Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand was carried out from February 2007 to January 2008. Samples were collected from 10 stations, which were situated in areas involving different geographical features and human activities. Three hundred and seven species of benthic diatoms were found. The majority of them were <em>Gomphonema lagenula</em> Kützing, <em>Navicula rostellata</em> Kützing, <em>Nitzschia palea</em> (Kützing) W. Smith, <em>Luticola goeppertiana</em> (Bleisch) D. G. Mann, <em>Nitzschia liebetruthii</em> Rabenhorst, <em>Sellaphora pupula</em> (Kützing) Mereschkowsky, <em>Navicula erifuga</em> Lange-Bertalot and <em>Cymbella tumida</em> (Brébisson) Van Heurck, respectively. The water quality was slightly different at each sampling site which was classified as moderate water quality (mesotrophic status). Ban Na Muang, Pak Seang Temple, Ban Ta Mui, Ban Na Sanarm, the location behind the Municipal Market and Wigittra Beach were all found to possess moderate water quality (mesotrophic status). Chang Mop Cataract, Ban Koom, Ban Dan and Ban Huay Phai were found to have moderate to polluted water quality (mesotrophic to eutrophic status). The Multivariate Statistical Package (MVSP) particularly Principal Correspondence Analysis (PCA), and the cluster analysis were used to determine the relationship between the water quality and the present of benthic diatoms, in terms of biomonitoring. It was found that <em>Cymbella tumida</em> (Brébisson) Van Heurck and <em>Navicula erifuga</em> Lange-Bertalot could be indicators of mesotrophic status, whereas <em>Cymbella turgidula</em> Grunow, <em>Gomphonema clevei var. javanica</em> Hustedt, <em>Luticola goeppertiana</em> (Bleisch) D. C. Mann, <em>Nitzschia liebetruthii</em> Rabenhorst and <em>Nitzschia palea</em> (Kützing) W. Smith could be indicator of the meso-eutrophic status.

Molecular characterization of selected wild species and miniature roses based on SSR markers

Interspecific hybridization in roses (Rosa spp.) has generated thousands of cultivars with commercial value, but only ten species are commonly represented in the pedigrees of modern cultivars. This would suggest that unexploited wild rose species have the potential to broaden the overall gene pool of rose breeding programs in general. We utilized previously described microsatellite (SSR) markers to generate DNA profiles in order to assess the genetic diversity of 44 selected rose genotypes among which are represented wild species, miniature roses and interspecific hybrids. A total of 83 alleles were scored using 15 SSR loci. The number of distinct alleles per locus ranged from three to eight, with an average of 5.5 per locus. Genetic distance matrices were used to generate dendrogram based on the procedure of minimum variance or Ward's method of clustering using the Multivariate Statistical Package. Cluster analysis groupings for the 44 genotypes segregated into three major categories which is consistent with taxonomy and their respective ploidy levels with only a few exceptions. Similarity coefficients determined for wild rose populations had a lower average value of 0.66 (ranged from 0.47 to 0.98) than those calculated for domesticated miniature roses and hybrid breeding lines which had an average value of 0.73 (ranged from 0.57 to 0.83). This indicates that modern rose hybrids have a narrower genetic base than wild relatives, and could benefit from the integration of valuable wild rose germplasm into the efforts of the hybrid rose breeding profession.

HPLC analysis of flavonoids of Astragalus gossypinus (Fabaceae), as a medicinal plant in the West of Iran

Most of Astragalus genus use for the production of the economically important gum, traganth. The roots of several Astragalus species present a very old and well- known drug in traditional medicine for its usage in the treatment of nephritis, diabetes, leukemia, uterine cancer and as an antiperspirant diuretic and tonic [1]. The purpose of this investigation was the study of the flavonic patterns in 29 plant populations in the west of Iran. Flavonoids were extracted from air-dried leaves, under reflux twice with a Me OH- H2O (7:3) mixture. Pooled extracts of each plant were concentrated at a reduced pressure and the final extract was taken up in a small volume of 80% MeOH [2]. The flavonoids were separated by HPLC using (Auto sampler 360, pump 322, and Diode array detector) and ultra base C- 18 column (5µm, 4.6mm/250mm) [3]. Cluster and discriminate analysis by SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and MVSP (Multivariate Statistical package) with Ward and UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method With Arithmetic Mean) methods showed 7 chemotypes of Astragalus gossypinus in different populations from west of Iran. These chemotypes determined on the base of different quality and quantity of four standards quercetin, flavon, rutin and catechin with other derivatives. A discriminate analysis showed the chemotaxonomic value of the 7 chemical polymorphisms.

Diversity and distribution of bryophytes in three forest types of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

AbstractAn ecological study was conducted in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda to determine bryophyte species richness, their distribution along the altitudinal range, along streamsides and trails within the forests. Lower altitude mature mixed forest, medium altitude tropical evergreen and high altitude montane bamboo forest types were studied. Transects of 1000 m were laid and a 1 × 1 m quadrant was placed along each transect at an interval of 50 m. Abundance was measured using visual estimates of percentage cover of the bryophytes. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariate statistical package. Of the 131 bryophyte species collected, nine were new records to Uganda, five to East Africa and one (Eurrhynchium meridionale) to tropical Africa. Bryophyte richness was negatively correlated with altitude except for the thalloid hepatics, which increased with altitude. Bryophytes occurred mostly along the streamsides than along trails. Human disturbance appeared to affect bryophyte diversity. The tropical evergreen forest was the most diverse in terms of bryophytes followed by the mature mixed and bamboo forests. In spite of the low diversity, bamboo forest is important for hosting exclusively 17.6% of the collected bryophytes in this study one of which is a new record for Africa.

Ischemia monitoring in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery using intravascular near-infrared spectroscopy.

BackgroundIn off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery, manipulations on the beating heart can lead to transient interruptions of myocardial oxygen supply, which can generate an accumulation of oxygen-dependent metabolites in coronary venous blood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of intravascular near-infrared spectroscopy as a monitoring method to detect possible ischemic events in off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures.MethodsIn 15 elective patients undergoing off-pump myocardial revascularization, intravascular near-infrared spectroscopic analysis of coronary venous blood was performed. NIR signals were transferred through a fiberoptic catheter for signal emission and collection. For data analysis and processing, a miniature spectrophotometer with multivariate statistical package was used. Signal acquisition and analysis were performed before and after revascularization. Spectroscopic data were compared with hemodynamic parameters, electrocardiogram, transesophageal echocardiography and laboratory findings.ResultsA conversion to extracorporeal circulation was not necessary. The mean number of grafts per patient was 3.1 ± 0.6. An intraoperative myocardial ischemia was not evident, as indicated by electrocardiogram and transesophageal echocardiography. Continuous spectroscopic analysis showed reproducible absorption spectra of coronary sinus blood. Due to uneventful intraoperative courses, clear ischemia-related changes could be detected in none of the patients.ConclusionOur initial results show that intravascular near-infrared spectroscopy can reliably be used for an online intraoperative ischemia monitoring in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. However, the method has to be further evaluated and standardized to determine the role of spectroscopy in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery.

Colonic Microflora in Crohnʼs Is Different Than Normals

Purpose: Clinical observations and animal studies point toward a dysbiosis in IBD, however the changes that make up this dysbiosis in Crohn's disease (CD) are largely unknown. Amplicon length heterogeneity is a sophisticated technology that examines 16s ribosomal DNA of bacteria and can be used to define such changes in CD. We therefore hypothesized that ALH is a tool to study the changes in the mucosal microflora in Crohn's disease and can diffrentiate Crohn's disease from normals. Methods: We collected mucosal biopsy samples from the ileum, right colon, and left colon of patients with Crohn's disease (n = 22 for active disease, n = 10 for inactive disease) and healthy controls (n = 10) at the time of colonoscopy. The samples were fingerprinted for bacterial patterns using ALH. The fingerprints were analyzed using principal component analysis with the aid of custom PERL scripts and a multivariate statistical package. ANOSIM was used for statistical analysis. Results: ALH patterns were unique in each subject. There was a visual seperation between normals and Crohn's disease in PCO analysis. ANOSIM statististics revealed a statistically significant difference between active CD, inactive CD and healthy controls. (R = 0.2129, p = 0.001 for comparison of active vs inactive CD// R = 0.1545, p < 0.001 for comparison of active CD vs controls// R = 0.3487, p < 0.001 for comparison of inactive CD vs controls). There was no statistically significant difference between endoscopically involved and noninvolved portions of the colon. Conclusions: Our results show that a dysbiosis exists in the mucosal microflora in CD. ALH is a useful tool in evaluation of dysbiosis in IBD. Further studies are now underway to determine a pattern or set of patterns associated with the presence of CD.