Molecular phylogenetics provides unequivocal support for reclassifying and (Trematoda: Cathaemasiidae) as two valid species with different host preferences.

The two stork species that nest in Central Europe, and , have been repeatedly shown to host the digenetic trematode (Rudolphi, 1809) in their esophagus and muscular stomach. These host species differ in their habitat and food preferences, and the morphologic characters of isolates ex and are not identical. These differences led to a previous proposal of two subspecies, C Macko, 1960, and Macko, 1960.

Avian trematodes of central European corvids are heterogeneous regarding preferences for host species and age.

Corvids are highly adaptive birds that respond well to anthropogenic changes in their environment. Trematode communities of corvids were studied mainly in the 1950s through 1970s in regularly flooded parts of the Volga River delta in Russia; more recent studies and data from other regions where the corvids are in less contact with postflooding habitats are limited. Data for were lacking.

Severe decline in abundance of , a parasite of the nasal and orbital sinuses of gulls, at their central European nesting grounds.

is a parasite of the nasal and orbital sinuses of gulls and other hosts in Europe and Canada. Here, we provide an overview of previously published data on the prevalence and infection intensity of in gulls. Furthermore, based on our data, we analyze the spatiotemporal trends in the prevalence and intensity of infection by in in Czechia (central Europe; data from 1964 to 2014) and compare them with those obtained from five species of gulls in Karelia (Northwest Russia; data from 2012-2020).

New molecular data help clarify the taxonomy of central European avian dicrocoeliidae Looss, 1899 (Trematoda: Plagiorchiida).

Avian Dicrocoeliidae are difficult to identify, even in their adult stages. Molecular analyses have been conducted for only a few species, complicating the accurate identification of juvenile stages. The taxonomy of the family is unresolved, and the status of many dicrocoeliid species is uncertain.

Morishitium polonicum (Machalska, 1980) is a junior synonym of Morishitium dollfusi (Timon-David, 1950) (Trematoda: Cyclocoeliidae).

Species of the genus Morishitium Witenberg, 1928 are parasites of the body cavity, air sacs, and lungs of birds. At least 14 species are considered valid, but molecular confirmation of their status is lacking. Here, we provide the first molecular data on Morishitium dollfusi isolated from their type host Pica pica, compared them with previously reported molecular data from Morishitium polonicum isolated from their type and paratype hosts, Turdus merula and Turdus philomelos, and performed extensive measurements of 511 individuals of Morishitium spp.

Mitogenomic phylogenies suggest the resurrection of the subfamily Porrocaecinae and provide insights into the systematics of the superfamily Ascaridoidea (Nematoda: Ascaridomorpha), with the description of a new species of Porrocaecum.

Background: The family Toxocaridae is a group of zooparasitic nematodes of veterinary, medical and economic significance. However, the evolutionary relationship of Porrocaecum and Toxocara, both genera currently classified in Toxocaridae, and the monophyly of the Toxocaridae remain under debate. Moreover, the validity of the subgenus Laymanicaecum in the genus Porrocaecum is open to question.

Long-term study reveals central European aerial insectivores as an unusual group of hosts that harbor mostly helminths that are unable to complete life-cycles in the nesting quarters of their hosts.

Background: Central European aerial insectivores are long-distance migrants that winter in sub-Saharan Africa. Most of them employ the fly-and-forage migrating strategy and differ in their food composition. The composition and structure of helminth component communities of these hosts are poorly understood, and information regarding seasonality and long-term changes is unavailable.

Phylodynamics of a regional SARS-CoV-2 rapid spreading event in Colorado in late 2020.

Since the initial reported discovery of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, genomic surveillance has been an important tool to understand its transmission and evolution. Here, we sought to describe the underlying regional phylodynamics before and during a rapid spreading event that was documented by surveillance protocols of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in late October-November of 2020. We used replicate long-read sequencing on Colorado SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected July through November 2020 at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus in Aurora and the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

The influence of perceived stress on the human microbiome.

Objective: Microbial dysbiosis, a shift from commensal to pathogenic microbiota, is often associated with mental health and the gut-brain axis, where dysbiosis in the gut may be linked to dysfunction in the brain. Many studies focus on dysbiosis induced by clinical events or traumatic incidents; however, many professions in austere or demanding environments may encounter continuously compounded stressors. This study seeks to explore the relationship between microbial populations and stress, both perceived and biochemical.

Engineering and characterization of dehalogenase enzymes from in bioremediation of perfluorinated compounds.

Per- and Polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of synthetic compounds that have fluorine substituted for hydrogen in several or all locations and are globally categorized as PFCs (perfluorochemicals; commonly called fluorinated chemicals). These compounds have unique chemical and physical properties that enable their use in non-stick surfaces, fire-fighting efforts, and as slick coatings. However, recent concerns over the health effects of such compounds, specifically perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOA, PFOS; PFOA/S), have led to increased attention and research by the global community into degradation methods.

Campus Reset: Dynamic Planning and Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infections at the US Air Force Academy.

Predominantly asymptomatic infections, such as those for SARS-CoV-2, require robust surveillance testing to identify people who are unknowingly spreading the virus. The US Air Force Academy returned to in-person classes for more than 4000 cadets aged 18-26 years during the fall 2020 semester to meet graduation and leadership training requirements. To enable this sustained cadet footprint, the institution developed a dynamic SARS-CoV-2 response plan using near-real-time data to inform decisions and trigger policies.

New Findings of Trematodes of The Superfamily Echinostomatoidea Looss, 1899 in Birds from The Czech Republic.

In the Czech Republic, 12 freshly dead birds belonging to four species were examined helminthologically during a period of 2015 - 2019. They were six Caspian gulls (Lariformes), three goosanders (Anseriformes), two common snipes , and one common curlew (Charadriiformes). Concerning trematodes, five echinostomatoids species were found, namely (obtained from one positive Caspian gull), (one positive from six Caspian gulls), (one positive common curlew), (one positive from two common snipes), and (one positive from three goosanders).

Draft Genome Sequence of the Bacterium Delftia acidovorans Strain D4B, Isolated from Soil.

Delftia acidovorans strain D4B is an aerobic bacterium within the lineage that was isolated from soil. The genome size is 6.26 Mbp, with a G+C content of 67%.

Efficiency of pooled surveillance testing in academic labs to detect and inhibit COVID-19 outbreaks.

Robust surveillance testing is a key strategic plan to prevent COVID-19 outbreaks and slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; however, limited resources, facilities and time often impair the implementation of a widespread surveillance effort. To mitigate these resource limitations, we employed a strategy of pooling samples, reducing reagent cost and processing time. Through utilizing academic faculty and labs, successful pooled surveillance testing was conducted throughout Fall 2020 semester to detect positive SARS-CoV-2 infections in a population of 4400 students.

Long-term dynamics of trematode infections in common birds that use farmlands as their feeding habitats.

Background: The biodiversity of farmland habitats is witnessing unprecedented change, mostly in declines and simplification of assemblages that were established during centuries of the use of traditional agricultural techniques. In Central Europe, conspicuous changes are evident in populations of common farmland birds, in strong contrast to forest birds in the same region. However, there is a lack of information on longitudinal changes in trematodes that are associated with common farmland birds, despite the fact that diversity of trematodes is directly linked to the preservation of long-established food webs and habitat use adaptations of their hosts.

Morphological and complete mitogenomic characterisation of the acanthocephalan Polymorphus minutus infecting the duck Anas platyrhynchos.

Morphological characteristics of the acanthocephalan Polymorphus minutus (Goeze, 1782), which was collected from the duck Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus in the Czech Republic, are described. The mitochondrial (mt) genome of P. minutus was sequenced, with a total length of 14,149 bp, comprising 36 genes including 12 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and two ribosomal RNA genes (rrnL and rrnS).

Morphological and genetic characterization of Porrocaecum angusticolle (Molin, 1860) (Nematoda: Ascaridomorpha) from the common buzzard Buteo buteo (Linnaeus) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) in Czech Republic.

Porrocaecum angusticolle is a nematode species mainly parasitic in the birds of Accipitriformes and Strigiformes. However, some aspects of the morphology of P. angusticolle remain insufficiently known.

Molecular characterization of European Looss, 1899.

Adult trematodes of the genus Pygorchis Looss, 1899 (Trematoda: Philophthalmidae) parasitize the cloaca of birds. The genus contains three species, all of which are rarely reported and molecular phylogenetics of which have not been applied. The absence of reference DNA sequences limit studies of their indistinct larval forms.

Cryptic speciation among Tylodelphys spp.: the major helminth pathogens of fish and amphibians.

Larvae of Tylodelphys Diesing, 1950 are major digenean pathogens of fish and amphibians. Tylodelphys spp. may induce mass mortality of fish and increase their susceptibility to predation.

A Synthetic Biology Approach Using Engineered Bacteria to Detect Perfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Contamination in Water.

Introduction: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic compounds used industrially for a wide variety of applications. These PFAS compounds are very stable and persist in the environment. The PFAS contamination is a growing health issue as these compounds have been reported to impact human health and have been detected in both domestic and global water sources.

Emerging helminthiases of song thrush (Turdus philomelos) in Central Europe.

Turdus philomelos is a common Western Palearctic thrush species of forests and agricultural landscapes, where it relies on the presence of hedgerows, patches of trees, and shrubs. In the present study, we address long-term changes in component communities of trematodes in T. philomelos across the timespan of over half a century.

Systemic collapse of a host-parasite trematode network associated with wetland birds in Europe.

As host community diversity decreases, parasite diversity may also decline. The life cycles of trematodes involve multiple hosts from different orders, with many trematodes displaying narrow host specialization. In the 1960s and 2010s, we performed full-body necropsies of juvenile or first-year birds of four wetland bird species, Anas platyrhynchos, Aythya fuligula, Fulica atra, and Chroicocephalus ridibundus which originated from the southern Czech Republic, and examined them for the presence of trematodes.