Viral genome sequencing to decipher in-hospital SARS-CoV-2 transmission events.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the need to better define in-hospital transmissions, a need that extends to all other common infectious diseases encountered in clinical settings. To evaluate how whole viral genome sequencing can contribute to deciphering nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission 926 SARS-CoV-2 viral genomes from 622 staff members and patients were collected between February 2020 and January 2021 at a university hospital in Munich, Germany, and analysed along with the place of work, duration of hospital stay, and ward transfers. Bioinformatically defined transmission clusters inferred from viral genome sequencing were compared to those inferred from interview-based contact tracing.

Distribution of common stickleback parasites on North Uist, Scotland, in relation to ecology and host traits.

Analysing spatial differences among macroparasite communities is an important tool in the study of host-parasite interactions. Identifying patterns can shed light on the underlying causes of heterogeneity of parasite distribution and help to better understand ecological constraints and the relative importance of host and parasite adaptations. In the present study, we aimed to find correlational evidence that the macroparasite distribution patterns on the Scottish island of North Uist, which had been described by de Roij and MacColl (2012), are indicative of local processes rather than an unspecific influence of habitat characteristics.

The influence of ambient ultraviolet light on sperm quality and sexual ornamentation in three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus).

Exposure to enhanced levels of ambient ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UVR) can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms including damage at the cellular and molecular level and impairment of development, fecundity and survival. Much research has been conducted on the role of the harmful UVB radiation. However, due to its greater penetration in water the more abundant UVA radiation can also act as an environmental stressor.