Morphological and genomic characterisation of the Schistosoma hybrid infecting humans in Europe reveals admixture between Schistosoma haematobium and Schistosoma bovis

Schistosomes cause schistosomiasis, the world’s second most important parasitic disease after malaria in terms of public health and social-economic impacts. A peculiar feature of these dioecious parasites is their ability to produce viable and fertile hybrid offspring. Originally only present in the tropics, schistosomiasis is now also endemic in southern Europe. Based on the analysis of two genetic markers the European schistosomes had previously been identified as hybrids between the livestock- and the human-infective species Schistosoma bovis and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively. Here, using PacBio long-read sequencing technology we performed genome assembly improvement and annotation of S. bovis, one of the parental species for which no satisfactory genome assembly was available. We then describe the whole genome introgression levels of the hybrid schistosomes, their morphometric parameters (eggs and adult worms) and their compatibility with two European snail strains used as vectors (Bulinus truncatus and Planorbarius metidjensis). Schistosome-snail compatibility is a key parameter for the parasites life cycle progression, and thus the capability of the parasite to establish in a given area. Our results show that this Schistosoma hybrid is strongly introgressed genetically, composed of 77% S. haematobium and 23% S. bovis origin. This genomic admixture suggests an ancient hybridization event and subsequent backcrosses with the human-specific species, S. haematobium, before its introduction in Corsica. We also show that egg morphology (commonly used as a species diagnostic) does not allow for accurate hybrid identification while genetic tests do.

Potential Therapeutic Option used for the Cure of Covid-19 using Locally Available Indigenous Herbs (Nigeria) Containing Antioxidant, Vitamins, Minerals; thus, this will help to tackle Current Status, Challenges as well as Futuristic Perspective Globally

Purpose: The unprecedented global pandemic from Covid-19 infection has generated significant chaos to humanity in both health wise and as well as economically. Thus, there have been no specific pharmacological and antiviral therapeutic option to date available for covid-19 management. For these reasons, there have been urgent needs to discover an effective medicine for preventive, and eradication methods due to the hash nature of death toll from this novel corona virus infection. Methods: Repurposing of selection, characterization of bacteria through genomic / traditional, phytochemical and fermentation methods base anti covid-19 drugs discovery. Thus, these approaches and techniques is essential to provides a better lead or otherwise. Results: Taking a bold step of faith to approach the techniques for Covid-19 methods, the results for microbiological screening of bacterial reveals that Bacillus sp (spore former, motile, rod (+) was pin-point to have the highest colony followed by Pseudomonas sp alongside with Klebsiellas sp(Capsule formers ,motile and rod (+)) and the least were found with both shigella sp (none motile, Rod (-ve) and Staphylococcus sp (cocci (+). Phytochemical screening of different plants both in qualitative and quantitative methods using Raphanu satinus, Neem (Azadirachata indica), Bagaruwa (Acacia nilotica), Moringa (Moringa oleifera) etc., respectively contain all the natural antioxidant, bioactive compounds, vitamins as well as an appreciable amount of micronutrient/ macronutrient for combatting covid-19 pandemic. Further investigation through fermentation processes were accentuated with time differences have reveal microbial crude proteins (%), pH and dry matter values have significant changes to all the specific species. Thus, there were significant increase in proteins, pH values decrease as well as dry matter decreases in this order% Protein< pH>DM respectively. Originality: in view of this current investigation anti covid-19 leads translated through microbial screening, phytochemical as well as fermentation processes could overcome the current challenges of covid-19 pandemic therapy. Considering the immense potential of phytochemical, microbiological and fermentation processes, this article summarizes the present status of the research carried out on their anti-covid-19 activities with its limitation and futuristic direction to foster drug discovery.

Material Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing of Poly(Lactic Acid) Antibacterial Filaments—A Case Study of Antimicrobial Properties

In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, one of the most demanding areas was the supply of healthcare systems in essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including face-shields and hands-free door openers. This need, impossible to fill by traditional manufacturing methods, was met by implementing of such emerging technologies as additive manufacturing (AM/3D printing). In this article, Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filaments for Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology in the context of the antibacterial properties of finished products were analyzed. The methodology included 2D radiography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis to determine the presence of antimicrobial additives in the material and their impact on such hospital pathogens as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Clostridium difficile. The results show that not all tested materials displayed the expected antimicrobial properties after processing in FFF technology. The results showed that in the case of specific species of bacteria, the FFF samples, produced using the declared antibacterial materials, may even stimulate the microbial growth. The novelty of the results relies on methodological approach exceeding scope of ISO 22196 standard and is based on tests with three different species of bacteria in two types of media simulating common body fluids that can be found on frequently touched, nosocomial surfaces. The data presented in this article is of pivotal meaning taking under consideration the increasing interest in application of such products in the clinical setting.

PREVALENCE OF INTRAERYTHROCYTIC PARASITES IN MAROCHELYS TEMMINCKII, EMYDOIDEA BLANDINGII, TERRAPENE CAROLINA CAROLINA, AND TERRAPENE ORNATA ORNATA

Few studies have characterized the prevalence of intraerythrocytic parasites in free-ranging chelonian populations or their occurrence across habitats. It is hypothesized that chelonians in different habitats have different exposures to vectors and thus, differences in hemoparasite presence. This study explored the prevalence and intensity of intraerythrocytic parasites by examining blood smears from four species of Illinois turtles: wild Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii), eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) (EBT), and ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata ornata) (OBT) and headstarted alligator snapping turtles (Macrochelys temminckii) (AST). Intraerythrocytic parasites were identified in all examined species except for the alligator snapping turtle. For all age classes, Blanding’s turtles had both the highest prevalence of hemoparasites and intensity of infection of all sampled species, while adult Blanding’s turtles had a significantly higher prevalence than juveniles (P&lt;0.05). As this is the first study of hemoparasites in Illinois chelonians, further research is needed to identify the specific species of intraerythrocytic parasite, the potential vectors, and the effect these hemoparasites have on the health of chelonians.

Some features of criminal law relations in the field of border security of Ukraine

The article identifies separate features of criminal law relations in the field of border security of Ukraine. It is emphasized that the strengthening of existing and emergence of new threats in the field of national security of Ukraine, in particular, the exacerbation of certain problems of integrated border management, necessitates further rethinking and improving criminal relations in the field of border security of the state. Features of these legal relations are considered by us through the prism of specific species and scientific ap-proaches to their characteristics.It is substantiated that, taking into account the specifics of the sphere of legal regulation, the protective criminal relations, which are specific social relations that arise on the basis of the norms of criminal law between the state and a person who commits a concrete crime, enforcing the border security of Ukraine and which is realized in the form criminal liability or exemption from criminal liability.It is emphasized that an exceptional feature of the investigated legal relationship is their subject composition, due to which their specific characteristics are distinguished. Accordingly, a list of subjects of both regulatory and security criminal relations in the field of border security of Ukraine is determined.Depending on the entity, it is proposed to divide crimes to such that servicemen and employees of the State Bor-der Guard Service of Ukraine, as well as other security sector and defense bodies; crimes that are committed by third parties, which are unlawful of which is related to the field of the border security of the state. Comparison of these groups of crimes reflected in statistical data on the results of operative-service activities of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine for 2018, 2019 and 2020, clearly forms the idea of law and order and legality, the level of quality of criminal-legal regulation of relations in the investigational area, as well as about the state of protecting the state and public interests of Ukraine as a whole.

Effect of voltage polarity and supply frequency on properties of plasma contacting liquid electrode and gold nanoparticle synthesis

Plasma contacting with liquid provides many charged particles and reactive species into the liquid. The difficulty in controlling or selecting each specific species has significantly limited its applications in industry. Here, we present a study on using voltage polarity to regulate the type of charged particles absorbing from plasma into liquid. Detailed understanding of the processes at the plasma-liquid interface, electrolysis due to switching in voltage polarity was investigated via a visual pH observation, measuring the concentration of H2O2 and solvated electrons. The results indicated that changing in voltage polarity strongly affects the plasma properties, chemical properties, and electrolysis process in liquid, and further in the types of reducing species for gold nanoparticle synthesis. The results also showed using a suitable frequency could improve the efficiency of absorption of H2O2from plasma into the bulk liquid and the yield in the production of gold nanoparticles. The results provide a way to select desired species from plasma into the liquid for a distinct purpose and accompanying other properties in the system of plasma contacting with liquid.

A New PNA-FISH Probe Targeting Fannyhessea vaginae

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection in women of reproductive age and has been associated with serious health complications, mainly in pregnant women. It is characterized by a decrease in the number of Lactobacillus species in the healthy vaginal microbiota and an overgrowth of strict and facultative anaerobic bacteria that develop a polymicrobial biofilm. Despite over 60 years of research investigating BV, its etiology is not fully understood. Gardnerella spp. is a crucial microorganism that contributes to the formation of the biofilm and the development of BV, but the role of other BV-associated bacteria is not clear. Nevertheless, Fannyhessea vaginae (previously known as Atopobium vaginae) is a highly specific species for BV, and co-colonization with Gardnerella is thought to be a very specific diagnostic marker. The diagnosis of BV still presents some limitations, since currently used methods often fail to accurately detect BV. This work aims to develop a novel peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe targeting F. vaginae. This probe was further validated in a multiplex assay, which included a Gardnerella-specific PNA probe, as a possible method for diagnosis of BV, and was compared with quantification by qPCR. The new PNA probe showed excellent sensitivity and specificity and could discriminate F. vaginae-Gardnerella biofilms, confirming the potential to be used for the detection of BV-associated pathogens.

Bacterial Characteristics of Intestinal Tissues From Patients With Crohn’s Disease

Background and AimsIt is believed that intestinal bacteria play an indispensable role in promoting intestinal inflammation. However, the characteristics of these tissue-associated bacteria remain elusive. The aim of this study is to explore the bacterial loads, compositions, and structures in the noninflamed mucosa, inflamed mucosa, and creeping fat taken from patients with Crohn’s disease (CD).MethodsNoninflamed mucosa, inflamed mucosa, and creeping fat samples were obtained from 10 surgical patients suffering from CD. Total bacterial DNA was extracted in a sterile environment using aseptic techniques. The V3–V4 regions of bacterial 16S rDNA were amplified and analysed using standard microbiological methods. qPCR was used to confirm the change in abundance of specific species in additional 30 independent samples.ResultsInflamed mucosa exhibited the highest bacterial load (3.8 and 12 times more than that of non-inflamed mucosa and creeping fat) and species diversity. The relative abundance of Proteobacteria was dominant in most samples and was negatively associated with Firmicutes. Moreover, the relative abundances of Methylobacterium and Leifsonia in creeping fat significantly increased more than twice as much as other tissue types. The bacterial community structure analysis showed that the bacterial samples from the same individual clustered more closely.ConclusionThis study reveals the significant differences in bacterial load, species diversity, and composition among different intestinal tissue types of CD patients and confirms that the bacterial samples from the same individual are highly correlated. Our findings will shed light on fully revealing the characteristics of tissue-associated bacteria and their roles in CD pathogenesis.

Anion Transport Using Core Functionalized Hyperbranched Polymers and Evidence of a Dense Packed Limit Based on Molecular Weight

Being able to bind, select, and transport species is central to a number of fields, including medicine, materials, and environmental science. In particular, recognizing a specific species from one phase and transporting it across, or into another phase, has obvious applications in environ-mental science, for example, removal of unwanted or toxic materials from an aqueous or organic phase. In this paper, we describe an approach that uses a functionalized dendritic polymer to bind and transport a small anionic molecule across an organic phase (and between two aqueous phases). The design was based on encapsulation principles borrowed from nature, where anions are bound and transported by proteins that have specific sites within their globular ordered structures. For the work reported here, a globular dendritic polymer functionalized with an isophthalamide-based receptor was used to replace the protein structure and anion-binding site. Along with control experiments, the binding and transport properties of two functionalized HBPs were assessed using a Pressman U tube experiment. Both HBPs demonstrated an enhanced ability to bind and transport anions (when compared to the anion-binding site used in isolation). Furthermore, optimum binding and transport occurred when the smaller of the two HBPs were used. This supports our previous observations regarding the existence of a dense packed limit for HBPs.