Total Flora Research Articles

Assessment of Health Risks Related to the Consumption of Minced Meat Sandwich

The objective of this work was to assess the health risks associated with the consumption of minced meat sandwiches, sold in the informal sector in Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo. A survey on the application of hygiene rules was conducted in parallel with a bacteriological analysis of cooked minced meat. The enterobacteria isolated from this food were identified and antibiotic resistance testing was performed. The investigation revealed shortcomings in respect of basic hygiene rules, and 56% of the sandwiches analyzed were of bacteriological quality unsatisfactory. The non-compliance of the sandwiches was caused mainly by the presence total aerobic mesophilic flora (71.43%) and total coliforms (57.14%). In contrast, not all samples were contaminated with anaerobes sulfito-reducting bacteria and Salmonella. Five species of Enterobacteriaceae were identified: Escherichia coli (35.30%), Proteus vulgaris (11.76%), Klebsiella oxytoca (11.76%), Citrobacter spp. (23.53%) and Enterobacter cloacae (17.65%). Of these, 42.65% were resistant to 75% of antibiotics tested: Cefalexin (17.24%), Ceftriaxone (48.28%) and Norfloxacin (34.48%). In contrast, all strains were sensitive to Nitrofurantoin. Minced meat sandwiches sold in informal sector in Brazzaville can be source of enteropathogens, susceptible to expose consumers to foods poisonings.

The Effects of Effluent Discharged from Bottling Companies on Algal Composition in Kakuri Stream Kaduna, Nigeria

This study determined the impact of soft drink effluent on algal composition in Kakuri stream, Kaduna South Local Government Area, Kaduna. Limnological studies of soft drink effluent were carried out for a period covering wet and dry seasons across three (3) sampling points code-named Stations A, B and C. Some physio-chemical parameters were analysed using standard methods. A total of 43 species were observed belonging to 5 families. Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae were the most abundant families across the three (3) stations. The total flora count was high during the dry season, 1965 cells than wet season, 1071 cells. The most dominant species were Euglena sp., Microcystis sp. and Oscillatoria sp. The pH of the three stations was more alkaline (pH 8.1) but reduces slightly at stations B and C during the months of May (pH 5.2) and August (pH 6.5). The biological oxygen demand (BOD) was relatively high across the stations, dissolved oxygen was generally low except for some months (December at station A and January at station B) that had its dissolved oxygen values above 5.00 mg/l. Euglenophyceae showed positive correlation to conductivity and BOD, Chlorophyceae was positively correlated with BOD, Cyanophyceae showed positive relationship with BOD and dissolved oxygen, Charophyceae was positively correlated with dissolved oxygen, Bacillariophyceae showed positive correlation with pH, temperature, phosphorus, BOD and dissolved oxygen. Effluent discharge and farmland run-off passed into the water body supports growth of dominant species indicating organic pollution, thus, poses a threat to the environment over a long period of time.
 Keywords: Algae, Effluent, Biological oxygen demand, Dissolved oxygen.

A computational subtractive genome analysis for the characterization of novel drug targets in Klebsiella pneumonia strain PittNDM01

The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae had been reported previously, which needs rapid attention. Currently, Pittsburgh University Hospital reported a new strain of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae that was co-producing OXA-232 and NDM-1 named as PittNDM01. This strain is resistant to almost all beta-lactam antibiotics such as Carbapenem as well as to fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Globally, failure to the wide-spread pathogenic strains had been observed due to the increased and antibiotic resistance, which leads to less antimicrobial drug efficacy. Since last decades, computational genomic approaches have been introduced to fight against resistant pathogens, which is an advanced approach for novel drug targets investigation. The current study emphasizes the utilization of the available genomic and proteomic data of Klebsiella pneumoniae PittNDM01 for the identification of novel drug targets for future drug developments. Comparative genomic analysis and molecular biological tools were applied, results in observing 582 non-human homologous-essential proteins of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Among the total 582 proteins, 66 were closely related to the pathogen-specific pathway. Out of all 66-targeted proteins, ten non-homologous essential proteins were found to have druggability potential. The subcellular localization of these proteins revealed; 6 proteins in the cytoplasm, 2 in the inner membrane, and one each in periplasmic space and outer membrane. All the above 10 proteins were compared to the proteins sequences of gut flora to eliminate the homologous proteins. In total, 6-novel non-human and non-gut flora essential drug targets of Klebsiella pneumoniae PittNDM01 strain were identified. Further, the 3D structures of the identified drug target proteins were developed, and protein-protein interaction network analysis was performed to know the functional annotation of the desire proteins. Therefore, these non-homologous essential targets ensure the survival of the pathogen and hence can be targeted for drug discovery.

Insights on comparative bacterial diversity between different arid zones of Cholistan Desert, Pakistan.

The present study was conducted to analyze bacterial diversity profile of Cholistan desert located in Pakistan. The study investigates the influence of physicochemical parameters of soil on distribution of different bacteria at all taxonomic levels and also study the distribution pattern between different desert environments, particularly rhizospheric and bulk desert sands. Species richness showed phyla Proteobacteria and Chloroflexi as the dominant OTUs in all the samples. Besides the two phyla, the rhizospheric soils with root remnants were dominated by Firmicutes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Actinobacteria and Acidobacteri, while phylum Thermotogae was present in significant quantity in rhizosheaths devoid of roots. In non-rhizospheric desert soils, a considerable number of OTUs belonged to phyla Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes and Acidobacteria. An important finding from this study is that a bulk portion of the OTUs were assigned to unclassified taxa, indicating a large repertoire of unexplored taxa in the desert ecology of Pakistan. Distribution of taxonomic groups among various regions of the desert was collaborating well with the physicochemical parameters of the sites. The findings of this study establish the fundamental relationships between desert ecosystem, specific native plant and the total bacterial flora. This is the first study of microbial community analysis of any desert in Pakistan and thus, will serve as a future platform to explore further on desert ecosystem functioning by employing the ever-changing biotechnological tools.

Quantitative Analysis of Selected Microorganisms Present at Various Sites in a Prosthetics Clinic and Dental Laboratory during Complete Denture Fabrication.

Background: Contamination with oral commensals and pathogenic microorganisms, and cross contamination between clinic and laboratory can occur. The amount of contamination has not been determined. Methods: Samples from different clinical and laboratory stages before and after disinfection (17 sites, 10 samples per stage) were collected. Laboratory surfaces and equipment were swabbed for 10 days (11 sites). Swabs were cultured for total mixed flora, Streptococci, Lactobacilli, Staphylococcus aureus, aerobic Gram-negative bacteria (AGNB) and Candida. Knowledge of infection control among staff and students was assessed. Results: Clinic: In total, 30–40% of the samples overall were contaminated with mixed flora and Streptococci of >100 cfu/swab; >100 cfu of AGNB and Candida were present on 6% and 1% of samples; 2% contained <100 cfu of S. aureus. Laboratory: In total, 17–48% of the samples overall were contaminated with mixed flora and Streptococci of >100 cfu/swab; >100 cfu of AGNB were present on 11% of samples; none contained >100 cfu of Candida. Disinfection significantly reduced the level of all organisms. Knowledge of infection control was sufficient, but compliance was poor. Conclusion: Although the count of mixed flora was high, potential pathogens such as S. aureus and Candida were low. In immunocompromised patients, this can become a problem.

Disentangling ecological traits related to plant endemism, rarity and conservation status in the Iberian Peninsula

The Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands are home to 1823 endemic taxa of vascular plants (nearly a quarter of total flora), half of which are narrowly distributed. Here, we explore the ecological traits related to endemism and rarity, and identify the variables other than range size associated with the conservation status. As found in other studies, narrow endemics seem to be prevalently adapted to stressful habitats in which aboveground competition is relatively low. In ecological terms, the greatest richness is found in mid-altitude calcareous rocky habitats, and secondarily in open Mediterranean shrubby formations. Coastal, steppic and alpine habitats contribute to endemism in specific regions and the species that inhabit them tend to have small ranges. A large percentage of narrow endemics (19%) grow on special substrates, underlying the importance of edaphic islands as drivers of spatial isolation. More productive habitats such as grasslands, wetlands and forests are negatively associated with endemism, and endemics occurring therein tend to be widely distributed. A total of 454 endemic taxa (25% of total endemics) are regarded as threatened, most of which belong to species-rich lineages. Certain ecological settings appear to be more likely to contain threatened species than others, wet lowlands, coastal habitats and steppic scrub being the most significant in decreasing order. Paradoxically, the areas of occupancy of the species occurring therein are relatively less protected. On the contrary, a large proportion of montane and alpine habitats are protected and many endemics found there are regarded as non-threatened at present. Nevertheless, some centers of endemism located at high elevations are at risk due to global warming.

Molecular Characterization of Bacillus-Genus Bacteria with Fibrinolytic Potential Isolated from Squashes «NTETE» in Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo

Thromboses appearing in the blood and causing cardiovascular disease by the presence of fibrin remain a problem of concern worldwide. The fibrinolytic enzymes developed by bacteria of the Bacillus-genus are today an interesting and promising alternative to chemicals with multiple consequences. It is in this perspective that three (3) samples of cooked squash wrapped in sheets and consumed in Brazzaville and collected and in three Brazzaville markets were explored. The estimated count of the total flora of each sample for each of the three markets, namely Total, Moukondo and Tsiémé was carried out on PCA and represents respectively (5.2 ± 0.12) 107 CFU / g, (1.73 ± 0 , 16) 107 CFU / g, and (9.43 ± 1.06) 107 CFU / g while bacteria of the genus Bacillus are estimated in Mossel respectively at (3.5 ± 1.16) 106 CFU / g, (4, 01 ± 0.85) 106 CFU / g (8.96 ± 0.60) 106 CFU / g. Sixty-six isolates of bacteria of the genus Bacillus isolated from squash by conventional microbiology techniques have been phenotypically characterized. The morphological types characterized are essentially the bacillary form and the spherical form. The ability to produce fibrinolytic enzymes correlated with growth was assessed. The growth in terms of optical density varies from 0.800 to 0.97 and the enzymatic production in all the isolates tested varies from 12 to 21 mm. After DNA extraction from 36 isolates, PCR amplification of the rR16S gene revealed fragments of approximately 1500bp by electrophoresis on Agarose Gel. The sequencing of thirty-four (34) fragments made it possible to obtain fifteen (15) sequences having a strong similarity between them and also with the homologs of the databases (97% to 100%) and therefore the molecular identification of: Bacillus sp 40%, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens 6.66%, Bacillus subtilis 33.33%, Bacillus Pumilus 6.66%, Bacillus megaterum 6.66%, Bacillus velezensis 6.66%. Five (5) of these sequences have been submitted to GenBank and the accession numbers are successively: MK193815.1 (Bacillus subtilis strain ASM1), MK207434.1 (Bacillus subtilis strain ASM3), MK207435.1 (Bacillus pumilus strain ASM5) , MK207436.1 (Bacillus subtilis strain ASM4), MK207437.1 (Bacillus megaterium strain ASM2).The multiple alignment of sequences obtained shows a high conservation of this gene in bacteria of the genus Bacillus. The phylogenetic classification clearly shows this monophyletic class of bacteria of the genus Bacillus with very short distances(less than 3%).

Taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity patterns in the Northern Sporades islets complex (West Aegean, Greece)

The Aegean archipelago has long been the main research area of numerous biogeographers, plant ecologists and taxonomists due to its intricate palaeogeography and high environmental and topographical heterogeneity. Nevertheless, some parts of this archipelago are essentially unexplored and the processes driving spatial variation in species composition remain unaddressed. Aiming to fill these gaps, we investigated the flora and plant diversity patterns of the Northern Sporades island group, as well as its biogeographical relationships. The study area lies in the biogeographical region of the West Aegean islands and comprises 23 islands and islets. The total flora of the study area consists of 1202 infrageneric taxa, belonging to 517 genera and 120 families, reflecting its geographical and bioclimatic characteristics. The endemic element consists of 41 taxa (3.4% of the flora), eight of which are restricted to the West Aegean islands and two are single island endemics. Area emerged as the most important variable in shaping plant species richness, while niche-based processes played a lesser role in driving these patterns. Regarding the taxonomic and phylogenetic beta-diversity patterns, environmental filtering and not dispersal limitation seems to shape the plant assemblages of the Northern Sporades islets. Biogeographically, the Northern Sporades island group seems to be closer connected to the Kiklades rather than to Evvia or the adjacent mainland, due to their longer isolation and separate palaeogeographical history during the Quaternary.

Plant diversity, structure and regeneration potential in tropical forests of Western Ghats, India

Diversity, stand structure and regeneration potential are the key elements of any forest ecosystem. For the present study, seven sites were selected with the aims of assessing plant diversity, structure and regeneration potential in tropical forests across Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS), Western Ghats, India. The sites were classified based on the similarity: tropical dry deciduous sites (TDDs I and II), tropical semi-evergreen sites (TSEs I and II) and tropical evergreen sites (TEFs I-III). The phytosociological survey was done by laying a total of 70 plots (10 plots in each study site). Standard methods were followed for the assessment of diversity, structure and regeneration patterns. A total of 267 species (205 genera, 70 families) were recorded. The tree species richness ranged 24 (TDD II) – 76 (TEF III). Of the vegetation spectrum, trees, vines and understorey accounted 56.5, 15.3 and 28.2% respectively to the total flora documented. A total of 66 species were endemic. The total tree density and tree basal area (seedlings, saplings, juveniles and adults) were 18,790 individuals (mean 2684) and 137.6 m2 (mean 19.7 m2) in 70 plots respectively. The mean tree adult density and basal area ranged 370 (TDD I) – 900 (TEF I) individuals/ha and 24.2 (TDD I) – 75.3 (TEF III) m2/ha respectively. The overall species richness was highest in TDD I, but TEF III had the highest tree species richness. The diameter class-wise distribution showed the characteristic ‘reverse J-shaped’ curve. Most tree species were ‘newly recruited’. The dominant species had ‘fair’ to ‘good’ regeneration potential. However, 12 tree species showed ‘no’ regeneration. The overall regeneration pattern of trees was ‘good’, but ‘no’ or ‘poor’ regeneration patterns in some tree species, especially endemics is a point of concern. Since a majority of tree species were ‘new recruits’, species composition may likely change in the future. The results obtained would help in understanding diversity patterns, structural attributes and regeneration potential in tropical forests of protected areas for better forest management and conservation.

Las angiospermas ruderales del municipio Coronango, Puebla, México

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Entre las plantas comúnmente conocidas como malezas se incluyen las ruderales, que prosperan en asentamientos humanos y lugares con perturbación natural o antropogénica. Pocos estudios en México se han enfocado en tales plantas; no obstante, constituyen un componente importante de la flora del país, muchas de ellas son endémicas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue llevar a cabo un inventario de la flora ruderal del municipio Coronango, Puebla, cuyo territorio se encuentra actualmente desprovisto de vegetación original. Métodos: Coronango es uno de los 217 municipios que conforman el estado de Puebla; para cumplir el objetivo del trabajo se recorrieron sus caminos en el periodo de octubre de 2017 a octubre del 2018, realizando recolectas de material vegetal que fue procesado para su posterior identificación. A lo largo del trabajo de campo, se registraron únicamente como observaciones las especies que ya pudieron ser identificadas en el sitio sin necesidad de recolectarlas nuevamente. Con los datos de campo se hizo una evaluación del esfuerzo de muestreo y se documentó la lista de especies de plantas ruderales para el municipio. Resultados clave: En los caminos recorridos se registraron 46 familias, 171 géneros y 237 especies ruderales; tres de ellas son nuevos registros para Puebla y 61 son exóticas (introducidas), lo que representa 25.6% de la flora total del municipio. Conclusiones: Este estudio contribuye a un mejor conocimiento de la flora del estado de Puebla y se suma a los pocos que se enfocan a las plantas con comportamiento ruderal. Se destaca que aún municipios como Coronango, con fuerte perturbación y carentes actualmente de vegetación original, registran un importante componente de la flora del estado y de México, el cual seguramente caracterizará muchos ambientes futuros, conforme se siga incrementando la degradación de los ambientes originales.

Microbial Biodiversity of a Traditional Food Made from Squash Seeds &amp;quot;NTETE&amp;quot; Consumed in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

The microbial biodiversity of crushed, packaged and cooked (squash) squash seeds sold in Brazzaville markets for consumption has been explored. The enumeration and phenotypic characteristics of microorganisms, in particular: enterobacteria, yeasts, Bacillus, molds and coliforms were revealed, by conventional techniques of microbiology on specific media. The number of control samples not exposed to sale was compared with that of samples to be sold. Amplification by PCR of the 16S rDNA of a few colonies taken from PCA was carried out, followed by sequencing and finally by a bioinformatic analysis on BLASTN. A phylogenetic inference test was carried out by MEGA. 7, preceded by multiple alignment of 16S rRNA gene sequences. It appears from the count in the four markets chosen at random in Brazzaville that the total flora is variable: 101. 103 CFU / g for the Total market; 145. 103 CFU / g for the Bifouiti market; 140. 103 CFU / g for the Talangai market and, 113,103 CFU / g for the Ouenze market. However, the absence of coliforms was noted in all the samples. Control samples not exposed for sale show the absence of any microorganism. The morphotypes presented different characteristics according to the type and depending on each medium: on Mossel, the bacteria isolated were all Gram +, catalase positive, mobile, isolated or grouped in pair, with yellow, pink or, yellow-pink colonies. PCR revealed by electrophoresis on 0.8% agarose gel the amplified fragments of the 1500Sb rRNA gene of size 1500bp. After sequencing, and analysis by BLASTN, the sequences were submitted to GenBank, the accession numbers are as follows: MK208500, MK208502, MK208503, MK208497, MK209069, MK209070. The alignment of the sequences obtained and their counterparts has revealed and confirmed that this gene is well conserved in the different genera with a very high similarity rate (97-100%). The phylogenetic inference made it possible to have a coherent tree showing different monophyletic groups that are the different genera.

Microbiological and Physicochemical attributes of two date Cultivars Hmira and Feggous’ in Abadela, Bechar Oasis , South-West of Algeria

Phoenix dactylifera L. Date, a high energy fruit with a sweet taste, is one of the most important staple foods consumed in southern region of Algeria. The aim of this study was to determine the physico-chemical and microbial attributes of two common date varieties (Feggous and Hmira) in Abadla Oasis–Bechar (South-west of Algeria) for their valorization. The analysis showed that dates fruits contained a high level of total sugar which exceeded 80%, but a low content of fat (0.72%) and protein (0.91%). The mean value of humidity, pH and ash of the samples were obtained as 22.13%, 6.17, and 1.72% respectively all dates contained high amounts of K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg and P. The maximum levels of the majority of minerals were found in Feggous variety. Moreover, Vitamin E and Vitamin C of under-valued dates ranged between 0.37 and 2.74 mg/100g on dry weight basis. The microbiological analyses of dates showed the existence of total aerobic flora, a fungal flora dominated by Penicillium and Aspergillus, yeasts as well as the absence of pathogen strains. The morphological, biochemical and microbial properties of studied date fruits were in accordance with national and international regulations. These results may be useful for valorization of local date varieties, and for evaluation of dietary information and concludes that dates are the good sources of minerals and vitamins in Saharan regions.

Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Shallow Groundwater in Lom&amp;#233;, Togo

The present study aimed to assess the physicochemical and microbiological quality of shallow groundwater tapped by private boreholes for water sale in Togo’s most urbanized coastal areas. Ninety-six (96) groundwater samples were collected at the water sale points for chemical and microbiological analyses using standard methods. The results showed that groundwater is predominantly acidic with fresh and brackish water of Na-Cl type. High concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (NO3- , NH4+and NO2-) and permanganate indices indicating potential organic matter were found. Among the major ions, Na+ (46.9%), Cl- (51.0%) and NO3- (50.0%) present the highest percentages of unsuitable concentrations compared to WHO guidelines. These findings indicate the control of the natural impact of seawater and lagoon system and anthropogenic pollution from domestic and urban wastes on groundwater’s physicochemical quality. About 65% of groundwater samples did not comply with the drinking water guidelines for microbial indicators, including total mesophilic flora, thermotolerant coliforms, and sulfite-reducing anaerobes. The results showed the failure of sanitation and hygiene conditions around sampling points and fecal contamination from sewage, pit latrines, septic tanks, and refuse and waste disposal. The degradation of physicochemical quality is higher in the old and high-density built-up areas. Simultaneously, microbial contamination represents a high risk of contracting waterborne or hygiene-sanitation-related diseases in the whole study area. This study provides a global view of shallow groundwater’s physicochemical and microbiological quality in the study area. Limitations and suggestions for future research are discussed.

СТРУКТУРА ВОДНОЇ ФЛОРИ ВОДОТОКІВ КІЛІЙСЬКОЇ ДЕЛЬТИ ДУНАЮ

Здійснено структурно-порівняльний аналіз таксономічної, екологічної та географічної структури флори водотоків Кілійської дельти Дунаю. Конспект досліджуваної флори нараховує 41 вид з 27 родів, 21 родин, 16 порядків, 4 класів та 3 відділів. Проаналізовано таксономічний склад основних таксономічних одиниць, та співвідношення між ними: відділ Magnoliophyta переважає (90.2 %), в межах якого домінує клас Liliopsida (83.8%). До перших трьох провідних родин належать Potamogetonaceae, Lemnaceae та Hydrocharitaceae, які складають 36.6% від загальної кількості флори У складі флори представлені шість видів адвентивної фракції – один археофіт (Acorus calamus L.) і п’ять кенофітів (Azolla caroliniana Willd., Azolla filiculoides Lamark., Elodea canadensis Michx., Sagittaria latifolia Willd., Vallisneria spiralis L.). Рідкісні рослини, що охороняються на території всієї України у водотоках КДД представлені трьома видами: Salvinia natans (L.) All., Nymphoides peltata (S.G.Gmel.) Kuntze та Trара natans L. s.l. До регіонально рідкісних видів, які охороняються тільки на території Одеської області належать ще п’ять видів: Lemna gibba L. (вразливий), Bolboschoenus maritimus (L.) Palla (недостатньо вивчений), Najas marina L. (недостатньо вивчений), Potamogeton gramineus L. ( недостатньо вивчений), Typha grossheimii Pobed. ( недостатньо вивчений). Екологічна структура представлена трьома екотипами, серед яких найбільше гідрофітів – 23 (56.1 %). В ньому переважає екогрупа вільно плаваючі на поверхні води (22%). Співвідношення екотипів гідрофіти, гелофіти, гігрогелофіти складає 4:2:1. В хорологічному спектрі зональних географічних груп найбільша кількість видів відноситься до плюризональної групи – 18 видів (44%). Серед регіональних груп переважає циркумполярне поширення, його мають також 18 видів (44%). За характером розміщення ареалів видів в океанічних або внутрішніх водоймах найбільша кількість видів належить індиферентній до континентальності та океанічності групі. Подібний спектр є характерним для водної флори України та для інших флор різних регіонів помірної зони Євразії.

Synanthropization of small towns’ flora (Krasnoyarsk region)

The aim of this work is to identify the features of the synanthropic component of the flora of Sosnovoborsk, a satellite town of the regional center of Krasnoyarsk (Krasnoyarsk region). Based on the study of 7 model sections within the administrative boundaries of Sosnovoborsk, which differ in the phytocenotic diversity of the landscape and the characteristics of the anthropogenic load, the composition and structure of the synanthropic fraction of the flora: the share of apophytes and advents, hemerophiles and hemerophobes, synanthropic groups of species according to the degree of naturalization and certain activity criteria, were chosen. It was established that there was a prevalence of apophytes in the city flora (92%), where 54.2% of the total number of apophytes there were hemerophiles, which is generally typical of urban floras. Among minor advents (8.0%), colonophytes dominate (54.8% of the advent fraction). The basis of the synanthropic fraction of the flora of Sosnovoborsk (57.9% of the total flora) is rural species (according to I. Hensky) - 45.5%, consisting only of apophytes and found in all model sections of the city. At the present stage, a change in the floristic composition of Sosnovoborsk is due to urban-philic species (54.2%). The low adventization index (0.08) arises from the predominance of colonophytes (54.8% of the adventitious fraction), as well as the content of adventitious species in the composition of small satellites (58.1% of the adventitious fraction) and citizens (41,9 %).

Invasive plants as a factor of floristic diversity degradation in Deliblato sands SNR

The floristic diversity of Deliblato sands SNR is significantly endangered by the spread of invasive plants. In addition to field research, which included the collection of plant material in the area of Deliblato sands SNR, primary and secondary data was collected in this paper. The primary data for the purposes of this study was obtained by applying a questionnaire technique to the management of the protected area - PE ?Vojvodinasume? and an expert interview technique to a representative of the Provincial Institute for Nature Conservation. The secondary data was collected to gain a better and broader understanding of the management of Deliblato sands SNR. Based on the field investigations, the analysis of primary and secondary data on invasive plant species was also recognized as a key threatening factor. An analysis of the floristic structure and composition of these plant species, their origin, as well as the manner of their propagation and reproduction was carried out, in order to make a recommendation on the preventive measures for the protection and suppression of invasive plant species and to improve the habitat. In the area of Deliblato sands SNR, 39 invasive plant species (4,33% of the total flora) were found with different invasiveness categories, among which herbaceous, annual, North American species from the Compositae family prevail. Protection measures include the mapping of habitats of invasive species, establishing cooperation with managers and scientific institutions, constant monitoring of endangered habitats and plant species, as well as the creation of a special sector responsible for enhancing biodiversity.

Molecular Identification, Phylogenetic Classification and Proteolytic Capacity of Cultivable Bacteria Isolated from Soils in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

Soils present a biodiversity of bacteria, part of this microflora is cultivable, it can be estimated, characterized and identified. Four zones each comprising three sites were sampled in Brazzaville in the Republic of Congo. Phenotypic characterization, molecular identification and proteolytic capacity of soil bacteria were conducted. One of the factors, the pH was measured, the pH values were between 6 and 7. From the classical microbiology techniques, we counted the total flora of the microorganisms in (CFU / g.103), it is between 47 ± 11.2 and 214 ± 58.2 and that of bacteria of the genus Bacillus from 51.3 ± 5.0 to 74 ± 30.7. Cocci and bacilli were obtained, Gram- and Gram + bacteria distinguished, all bacteria were catalase +, some had sporulation, others not. Thirty-one (31) isolates were phenotypically characterized and 16S rDNA PCR was performed. Ten (10) strains were sequenced and the phylogenetic classification of the identified strains presented. Blastn's research on the 16S rDNA sequences of the different strains shows similarity rates (96.77% -100%) and E. value (9.00E-93 -0.0), these two indices allowed the identification of the strains studied. The percentages of the identified strains are as follows: Bacillus cereus (20%) = MN6 and MN14, Bacillus pumilus (10%) = MN7, Bacillus thuringiensis (10%) = MN12, B sp. (10%) = MN17, Bacillus subtilis (10%) = MN26, Staphylococcus haemolyticus (10%) = MN8, Staphylococcus saprophyticus (10%) = MN21, Staphylococcus sp. (10%) = MN22, Staphylococcus gallinarum (10%) = MN24. The phylogenetic tree shows that the bacteria belong to two main monophyletic genera, the genus Bacillus and the genus Staphylococcus. The proteolytic capacity of Bacillus bacteria was assessed in parallel with growth. The optical density was between (0.8- 0.93) and proteolytic enzyme production between (9-20mm). The parallelism between growth and enzymatic production shows that the two phenomena are distinct.

The Vascular Flora of Orchard Knob Reservation, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Orchard Knob is a 2.5 ha National Military Park near downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. This historic site protects a bubble of limestone glade and xeric limestone prairie habitat in an otherwise heavily developed, urban area. A floristic survey was conducted across two growing seasons, yielding 212 taxa across 152 genera and 58 families. Seventy-four non-native taxa were documented, about 35% of the total flora. Six rare, state-ranked species were documented: Baptisia aberrans, Clematis fremontii, Hypericum dolabriforme, Packera paupercula var. appalachiana, Symphyotrichum ericoides var. ericoides, and Viola egglestonii. An exploration of Civil War-era herbarium specimens and historical documents illuminated the historical flora of the site, and through the geolocation of herbarium specimens of select “indicator species,” the authors demonstrated that grassland habitats were once more abundant in the Chattanooga area.

Plant Diversity and Community Structure of the main Wadis at High Altitudes of the Western Mountains at Taif, Saudi Arabia

THE PRESENT study aimed at surveying and identifying plant species distributed in the main valleys at high altitudes in the study area, analyzing their vegetation, depicting the prevailing plant communities and assessing the role of the environmental conditions that affect the communities. Seventy-five stands were selected to represent the the vegetation physiognomy and the accompanying environmental variations. The species abundance, life forms, chorotype, and economic uses were determined. The total number of recorded species is 165 species belonging to 128 genera and 47 families. About 69.7% of these species are perennials and 30.3% were annuals. Poaceae and Asteraceae had the highest contributions to the total flora. Chamaephytes had the highest contribution, followed by therophytes, phanerophytes, hemicryptophytes and geophytes, while hydrophytes and parasites had the lowest contribution. The economic uses of the recorded species could be arranged in descending order as follows: medicinal > grazing > fuel > human food > other uses. The mono-regional and bi-regional species were the highest, while pluri-regional and cosmopolitans were the lowest. Of the mono-regionals, 36 species were Sudano-Zambezian, 17 species were Irano-Turanean and 16 species were Saharo-Arabian. The application of TWINSPAN on the cover estimates of 165 species recorded in 75 stands, led to the recognition of 8 vegetation groups (communities) at 3rd level of classification (I: Mentha longifolia group, II: Salsola imbricata group, III: Cynodon dactylon group and IV: Pluchea dioscoridis groups on the wetland wadis, and V: Aera javanvica group, VI: Acacia gerrardii var. gerrardii group, VII: Calotropis procera group and VIII: Acacia gerrardii var. gerradii-Solanum incanum groups on multi-wadis).

Contribution to the flora of Velika plaža and its vicinity in Ulcinj (Montenegro)

This paper presents a taxonomic, ecological and phytogeographic study of the flora of the longest Adriatic beach – Velika plaža, its vicinity, and the island of Ada Bojana in Ulcinj. According to field research and a literature review, there are 962 taxa (species and subspecies) in the area of Velika plaža and the island of Ada Bojana, which represents one fourth of the total Montenegrin flora. The family with the highest number of taxa is Poaceae, while the genus with the largest number of taxa is Euphorbia . Terophytes and hemicryptophytes are dominant in the biological spectrum. Chorological analysis has shown that the Mediterranean-Sub-Mediterranean areal type is the most prominent. There are 12 NATURA 2000 habitats and several associations that belong to a particular type of habitat within the area of Velika plaža and the island of Ada Bojana. Endemic flora is represented by 16 species. Thirty-six relict species have been recorded, as well as 37 species under legal protection within the research area.