Medical Research Archives

Previous research favours the idea that modern humans spread worldwide from Africa. For instance, through autosomal diversity, a geographical area of origin for this worldwide expansion is indicated to entirely be within Africa. It remained to be seen if this indication happens for certain variables such as Y-chromosomal diversity. There is disagreement regarding where in Africa the origin is. Perhaps a region of Africa may seem to be the origin because of non-African ancestry rather than the expansion. The present research considered whether some genetic and cranial variables indicate the expansion, and, furthermore, where in Africa the expansion started. Variables included, for example, autosomal diversity (in sub-Saharan Africa) which was adjusted for non-African ancestry, Y-chromosomal diversity, and cranial sexual size dimorphism. For each variable, it was seen if the estimated area of origin was solely in Africa. Moreover, to generally estimate the origin, a centroid was calculated from potential origins which were obtained in the present, and past, research. The area of origin was completely within Africa for each variable except one - for Y-chromosomal diversity, the area was possibly in Asia only. The centroid of the potential origins was in southern Africa, consequently supporting a southern African origin. The autosomal diversity of sub-Saharan African populations, adjusted for non-African ancestry, indicated a southern African origin. The adjusted diversity appeared to start declining from about 2,000-3,000 km away from the origin - this non-linear pattern may be explained by travelling which happened after the expansion, or the expansion entering locations in Africa which were already populated, to differing extents, by modern humans.

BackgroundHuman left their genetic footprints during the time of migration throughout the different countries all over the world. Human evolution was studied through various markers. India is a country of rich heritage and cultural diversity. The modern Indian population is derived from two ancestral groups, viz.-Ancestral North Indians (ANI) and Ancestral South Indians (ASI). AimFinding out the migratory route of the modern Indian population by studying cis acting mutations of human beta-globin (HBB) genes. Subjects and methodsA total of 120 thalassemia subjects were enrolled. DNA sequencing was done for mutation detection in the HBB gene. Some previous literature reviews were gone through for tracing mutations, all over the world and in the Indian subcontinent. ResultsNine thalassemia patients were found where HBB:c.92G>C and HBB:c.-92C>G mutations co-exist together in cis condition. Only one patient had HBB:c.51delC and HBB:c.33C>A. The pedigree analysis confirmed the presence of these mutations in cis condition and vertical transmission from one generation to the next. Literature reviews also reassure the co-existence of these mutations from different countries. ConclusionThe co-existence of these cis acting mutations helps to point out the possible migratory route of ANI population after venturing out of Africa.

Regardless of whether modern humans originated in a single region of Africa, or across the continent, we may have experienced a significant expansion which crossed Africa and spread to the other habitable continents. It is unclear if we expanded across Africa, however, this manuscript highlights methodological issues in previous research on the topic. Moreover, we are known to lack clarity on where the expansion would have begun. The present study explored the expansion by examining types of diversity in sub-Saharan Africans: cranial shape (13 populations), autosomal (20 populations), X-chromosomal (17 populations), and, adjusting for minimum temperature, mitochondrial (20 populations). For each diversity, i) it was examined if there is a geographical pattern within Africa and ii) the best choices for the origin of the expansion were estimated. A ranking procedure indicated, across diversities, where the expansion originated. Each diversity declined with increasing distance from somewhere inside of Africa. Findings with autosomal diversity appeared to be driven by the datapoint for Somalis. A southern origin was specified by cranial and X-chromosomal diversities. No singular region was identified by autosomal or mitochondrial diversities. Simultaneous examination of diversities indicated an expansion from southern Africa. Admixture is a known obstacle for using diversity to study expansion. It is explained why results might not have arisen from a broad effect of admixture given that i) linkage disequilibrium previously pointed to the south and ii) supplementary analysis with additional measures (which should not broadly be affected by admixture) tentatively indicated a southern origin.

IntroductionRespiration is a complex phenomenon requiring diaphragm, inter-costal muscles and other supporting structures. Contemplating the anatomical & physiological differences between males and females, it is essential to know how the respiratory system works in both of them. No such other study has been conducted in an Indian setup, which guided us to take up this topic. MethodologyTotal of N= 216 (Males 63, Females- 153) student were enrolled. All the participants were between the age of 17-19. Their data of Tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, expiratory reserve volume, maximum expiratory pressure and their vital capacity both sitting and standing were gathered and analysee. ResultsTidal volume was in males 553{+/-}56 ml and 666{+/-}60 in females(p-value = 0.031). IRV was in males 2103{+/-}139 ml and 1717{+/-}99 in females(p-value>0.0001). ERV was in males 1638{+/-}113 ml and 1323{+/-}65 in females (p-value>0.0001). VC Standing was in males 3947{+/-}155 ml and 3278{+/-}105 in females(p-value>0.0001). VC sitting was in males 3492{+/-}151 ml and 2743{+/-}107 in females(pvalue>0.0001). MEP was in males 90{+/-}8 mmHg and 64{+/-}6 mmHg in females(p-value>0.0001). Range of Pearson correlation coefficient for all=(+0.2)-(-0.2). ConclusionTidal volume was found to be higher in females than in males. Vital capacity was higher in males than in females by 700 ml in both position and vital capacity was higher by 500ml in standing than in sitting in both males and females. Body mass index weakly correlatable positively or negatively with all parameters. MEP was found to be higher in males but was weakly correlated negatively with BMI.

COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the world, caused over 1.8 million deaths in the first year, and severely affected the global economy. Hawaii is not spared from the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the local population, including high infection rates in racial and ethnic minorities. Early in the pandemic, we described in this journal various technologies used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Herein we characterize a 969-bp SARS-CoV-2 segment of the S gene downstream of the receptor-binding domain. At the John A. Burns School of Medicine Biocontainment Facility, RNA was extracted from an oropharyngeal swab and a nasal swab from two patients from Hawaii who were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 in August 2020. Following PCR, the two viral strains were sequenced using Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic trees were generated using MEGAX. Phylogenetic tree results indicate that the virus has been introduced to Hawaii from multiple sources. Further, we decoded 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms across 13 unique SARS-CoV-2 genomes within this region of the S gene, with one non-synonymous mutation (P681H) found in the two Hawaii strains. The P681H mutation has unique and emerging characteristics with a significant exponential increase in worldwide frequency when compared to the plateauing of the now universal D614G mutation. The P681H mutation is also characteristic of the new SARS-CoV-2 variants from the United Kingdom and Nigeria. Additionally, several mutations resulting in cysteine residues were detected, potentially resulting in disruption of the disulfide bridges in and around the receptor-binding domain. Targeted sequence characterization is warranted to determine the origin of multiple introductions of SARS-CoV-2 circulating in Hawaii.

Viral pandemics have taken a significant toll on humanity and the world now is contending with the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic. Readily available economical preventive measures should be immediately explored. Xylitol has been reported to reduce the severity of viral infections as well as the severity of pneumonia, and increase the survivability of animal subjects. Since pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome are potentially fatal complications of COVID-19, the present study tested the in vitro effectiveness of xylitol against SARS-CoV-2. Virus titers and LRV of SARS-CoV-2, were incubated with a single concentration of nasal spray. Toxicity was observed in the top dilution (1/10). Virus was seen below that dilution so it did not affect calculations of virus titer or LRV. After a 25-minute contact time, the nasal spray (11% Pure Xylitol, 0.85%NaCL (Saline), and 0.20% grapefruit seed extract) reduced virus from 4.2 to 1.7 log10 CCID50 per 0.1 mL, a statistically significant reduction (P<0.001) of 2.5 log10 CCID50. STEM Images obtained at the BIoCryo Laboratory revealed virus contained on the cell wall but none intra-cellular, possibly due to D-xylose (xylitol) production of glycoaminoglycans decoy targets. Xylitol and grapefruit seed extract are not exotic nor expensive rare high technology answers to viral epidemics. The potential in saving lives and the economies of the world by using X-GSE combination therapy should inspire large clinical trials, especially in those nations whereas the healthcare system would be dangerously compromised by the adoption of less effective and significantly more financially demanding therapies. Because there are no risk factors in using the X/GSE combination therapy, and the nasal spray is over the counter available without a prescription, and the spray allows for comfortable long term mask-wearing, adoption of this preventive anti-viral therapy should be encouraged.

Modern humans are acknowledged to have expanded across Earth from Africa. Biological measures have appeared to reflect this expansion, such as genetic diversity and cranial sexual size dimorphism. Admixture is known to be an issue for using diversity to locate where the expansion set out from in Africa; using cranial dimorphism should make admixture less of an issue. Therefore, cranial dimorphism could be of importance for clarifying the origin. This study used data sourced from the Howells dataset to infer if cranial form and shape dimorphisms indicate the expansion, and understand why cranial size dimorphism looks indicative. Form and shape dimorphisms were calculated through RMET. Size dimorphism was calculated beforehand. Cranial form and shape dimorphisms increased with distance from Africa. Form dimorphism suggested an area of origin which was predominantly in Africa and marginally in Asia. For shape dimorphism, locations spanned much farther beyond Africa. Hence, cranial form dimorphism seemed to be quite indicative of the expansion, unlike cranial shape dimorphism. Form is known to feature size and shape - cranial form dimorphism may signify the expansion mainly, or only, due to cranial size dimorphism. It seemed unsettled why cranial size and form dimorphisms seem related to the expansion because it was vague whether cranial size indicates the expansion more for males than females. Previously, a collective estimate of the origin (from biological measures including cranial size dimorphism) pointed to southern Africa; in the collective estimation process, cranial size dimorphism supported the south as would cranial form and shape dimorphisms.

There are known to be different views on which portion of Africa modern humans globally spread from. Biological diversities have been employed to estimate the origin of our global expansion. These diversities vary with geographical distance from Africa, thereby expressing the signal of the expansion. In preprints, the signal supposedly appeared beyond diversity - in cranial sexual size dimorphism and a cranial shape distance-based measure. Compared to when diversity is used alone, the addition to analysis of variables which are beyond diversity could improve recovery of the signal, therefore improving origin identification. I explored this through cranial and genetic measures which had been calculated in prior studies. Various analyses were used, e.g., ridge regression and Mantel tests. Amongst cranial variables (shape diversity, sexual size dimorphism, and a shape distance-based measure), only dimorphism had a unique portion of the expansion signal. In comparison to when diversity was utilised alone, the additional use of dimorphism and the distance-based measure did not substantially impact signal recovery. However, their addition possibly improved origin identification, reducing by 46% the size of the geographical area which may have the origin. This smaller area approximately matched southern Africa, however, it was not only in the south. It was questionable if the signal was present in a genetic distance-based measure, which called into question whether the expansion signal is truly present in the cranial shape distance-based measure. Analysis suggested that the apparent presence of the signal in distance-based measures is affected by the representation of Oceanian populations. This study supports cranial sexual size dimorphism being a helpful indicator of the expansion whilst calling into question whether biological distance-based measures are indicators. Clarity remains missing on which African region was the origin.

As a novel molecular evolution model that was claimed to have an advantage over the molecular clock hypothesis1-3, the maximum genetic diversity (MGD) hypothesis was utilized to study the modern human origins4. Nevertheless, there are serious problems with this hypothesis and both it and its derivative studies should be treated with caution.

Obesity is an epidemic problem facing Kuwait and other neighboring countries within the region. Lifestyle and social structure in this region differ in comparison to the western world. The hot chalinging climate favor night time activities while working hours still force a stringent early attendence. This study is specifically conducted for Kuwaits population to investigate the link between Sleep Quality (SQ) and obesity. A cross-sectional study was conducted for a sample of 1002 participants. Structured questionnaires were used in the study as a tool of research. The participants were asked about their sleep habits, sleep problems, medications, job nature and demographics. All participants consented prior to conducting the survey. In order to measure sleep quality (SQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI) was used. Statistical analysis was conducted between variables and the data were compared using either two-tailed t-test or one-way ANOVA followed by Tukeys multiple comparison test. Pearsons correlation coefficient r was used to assess linear dependence. 59.4% of Kuwait population reported a PSQI score higher than 5, with 57.3% of the participants reporting less than 6 hours of sleep per day. The presented data shows that both sleep quality and sleep duration are considered inadequate in comparison to international sleep quality standards. None the less, we also found strong a significant association between sleep quality and its component and obesity, while other factors such as age and gender were found insignificant. These finding suggest that sleep deprivation and disturbance could be an indirect inducing factor of obesity in Kuwait. The researchers are of the view that there is a need for more study in the area of obesity and SQ in order to handle the obesity epidemic in the country.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder associated with lifelong symptoms of anemia, vaso-oclusive crisis and organ damage. Pulmonary complications and declining lung functions are contributors to morbidity and mortality. Determination of lung functions can enable early diagnosis and institution of appropriate intervention. The objectives were; To determine the prevalence, patterns, and the factors associated with abnormal lung functions in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years with confirmed diagnosis Sickle Cell Disease. This was a cross sectional study done at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, Kenya. A total of 138 participants were recruited. A structured data collection tool was used to collect Socio-demographics and clinical characteristics. The spirometry was done using NDD Easy-On PC spirometer and results entered into database, cleaned and analyzed for proportions, frequency, mean, range and odds ratio at 95% confidence level. Females were 65(47%), males 73(53%), and the mean age was 10.99 years with SD of 3.15. A total of 79(57%) were from rural and fuel used was fired wood 41%. Hospital admission were 84(61%), vaso-oclusive crisis 104 (75%), acute chest syndrome 61(44%) and blood transfusions 56(40%) in the last 12 months. Prevalence of abnormal lung functions was 28 % (39), restrictive pattern 26(67%) and obstructive pattern 13(33%). Urban setting (OR 24.101 p value 0.163), being female (OR 18.911 p value 0.069), and blood transfusion (OR 11.683 p value 0.195) had high odds ratio while, stable hydroxyurea use (OR 0.525 p value 0.678) and hospital admission (OR 0.048 p value 0.121) had low odds ratio, but not statistically significant. One third had abnormal lung function mostly restrictive followed by obstructive pattern. Residence in urban setting, being female and blood transfusion had high odds ratio, while stable hydroxyurea use and hospital admission had low odds ratio but no statistically significant.

Protein translation is a highly conserved process in biology. As participants of translation, ribosomal proteins in the large and small subunits of the ribosomes are likely to be highly conserved; thus, could they be endowed with sufficient sequence diversity to chronicle the evolutionary history of different species in the same or different genus? Using different Bacillus species as a model system, this study sought to examine if ribosomal proteins could reproduce the maximum likelihood phylogeny described by 16S rRNA of the investigated Bacillus species. Bacillus species investigated were Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacilluspumilus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus thuringiensis. Results revealed that ribosomal proteins could be categorized into four different groups depending on their extent in reproducing the 16S rRNA phylogeny of the different Bacillus species. The first group comprises ribosomal protein that could reproduce all the phylogenetic positions of the Bacillus species accurately. These ribosomal proteins were ribosomal protein L6, L7/12, L9, L13, L24, L32, S3, S9, S12, S15, S16, S17, and S18. Ribosomal proteins that hold partial phylogenetic significance constitutes the second group where the ribosomal proteins could reproduce the major branches of the 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree but differ in the placement of one or two Bacillus species. In general, this group of ribosomal proteins had difficulty differentiating B. licheniformis and B. pumilus at the sequence level. Members of this group of ribosomal protein include ribosomal protein L22, L29, L30, L31 Type B, L33, L35, S1, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S11, S13, S19, and S20. The third group of ribosomal proteins were those which were highly conserved at the sequence level, and which could not differentiate the different Bacillus species. These ribosomal proteins were ribosomal protein L5, L36, S2, S10, and S21. Finally, there were also ribosomal proteins that randomly placed the different Bacillus species into phylogenetic positions not in sync with those depicted by the 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree. These ribosomal proteins were ribosomal protein L7Ae, L17, L20, L23, L27, L28, L31, L34 and S14 Type Z. Overall, members of all four groups of ribosomal proteins came from both the large and small ribosome subunits which meant that evolutionary forces exerted selective pressure on both subunits but at differing extents. Collectively, specific ribosomal proteins could reproduce the phylogeny of different Bacillus species as described by the gold standard phylogenetic marker, 16S rRNA, which highlighted that co-evolutionary processes could be at work in shaping the evolution of ribosomal proteins and rRNA in close contact with each other in the ribosome. Subject areasecology, biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, cell biology Significance of the work16S rRNA is the gold standard phylogenetic marker used to inform the evolutionary relationships between different species across the three domains of life. Given that 16S rRNA is nestled in the ribosomes together with a consortium of ribosomal proteins each with unique structural and enzymatic functions, could ribosomal proteins be used similarly as phylogenetic markers for informing species divergence and relationships? Specifically, as part of the highly conserved ribosome important to protein translation, do ribosomal proteins possess sufficient sequence diversity to help chronicle the evolutionary relationships between different species? By reconstructing the maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of different Bacillus species, this study revealed that ribosomal proteins fall into four categories concerning their utility for informing phylogeny between different species of the same genus. Specifically, there existed ribosomal proteins able to accurately reproduce the phylogenetic tree described by 16S rRNA. On the other hand, there were ribosomal proteins that hold only partial phylogenetic significance where they could reproduce the major branches of the reference phylogenetic tree but differ in the placement of one or two species along the tree. Besides the above two categories, they were also ribosomal proteins whose sequence diversity was not sufficient to help differentiate between different Bacillus species. Finally, another class of ribosomal proteins did not chronicle the evolutionary trajectories of the different species resulting in phylogenetic tree with random placement of the different species. Overall, evolutionary forces likely exerted different selection forces on different ribosome subunits as well as individual ribosomal protein that resulted in the differentiation of their utility as phylogenetic markers of different species of the same genus. Co-evolution between ribosomal proteins as well as between ribosomal proteins and rRNA might underpin part of the evolutionary history chronicled by individual ribosomal proteins, thereby, endowing them with phylogenetic significance. HighlightsO_LIRibosomal proteins were found to be useful in describing the phylogeny of different Bacillus species compared to the gold standard phylogenetic marker, 16S rRNA. C_LIO_LIBy examining the maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree reconstructed, ribosomal proteins could be categorized into four groups with differing phylogenetic significance. C_LIO_LIThe first group comprises ribosomal proteins able to accurately reproduce all the phylogenetic positions of different Bacillus species relative to 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree. This group include ribosomal protein L6, L7/12, L9, L13, L24, L32, S3, S9, S12, S15, S16, S17, and S18. C_LIO_LIThe second group refers to ribosomal proteins able to reproduce the major branches of the 16S rRNA phylogenetic tree but lacks in the correct placement of one or two Bacillus species. These ribosomal proteins were L22, L29, L30, L31 Type B, L33, L35, SI, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, Sll, S13, S19, and S20. C_LIO_LIThe third group of ribosomal proteins are ones with highly conserved sequence unable to differentiate between different Bacillus species. It comprised ribosomal proteins L5, L36, S2, S10, and S21. C_LIO_LIThe final group of ribosomal proteins did not chronicle the evolutionary forces acting on the different Bacillus species and generated phylogenetic trees with random placement of the different Bacillus species. These ribosomal proteins were L7Ae, L17, L20, L23, L27, L28, L31, L34 and S14 Type Z. C_LI

Types of diversity have been known to decline linearly with the rise of geographical distance from Africa. Declines have helped to suggest the area in Africa which holds the origin for the global expansion of modern humans. Research has, at times, explored if there is a non-linear relationship between diversity and distance from Africa. A previous suggestion was that non-linearity could affect where the expansion appears to have originated. Linear analysis with Y-chromosomal microsatellite heterozygosity has been contrary to the expansion from Africa, instead indicating an origin involving Asia; could this be attributable to non-linearity? The present study looked into whether there are non-linear relationships between distance and diversities, and approximated where the expansion began. This study used diversities from previous research - genetic (autosomal, X-chromosomal, Y-chromosomal, and mitochondrial) and cranial shape. The Bayesian information criterion was the statistic for comparing linear and non-linear (quadratic) models to indicate if there is a non-linear relationship. This criterion was also used to estimate where the expansion launched from. Autosomal microsatellite heterozygosity favoured a non-linear relationship. This may be due to South American populations. Mitochondrial diversity suggested non-linearity too, but not when minimum temperature was controlled for. Whilst non-linear relationships indicated that the expansion had its start in Africa, for autosomal microsatellite heterozygosity, the area of origin appeared to be rather affected by the type of model (linear or non-linear). Other diversities (e.g., Y-chromosomal) supported linear relationships. Therefore, non-linearity does not seem to explain Y-chromosomal microsatellite heterozygosity being unexpressive of the global expansion.

Analyses of Y chromosome variations of extant people have resulted in two models for the paternal phylogenetic tree of modern humans with roots either in Africa or East Asia. These two trees are differentiated mainly by when and where their mega-haplogroups branched apart. This paper examines previously published Y chromosome sequencing data of 17 ancient samples to compare these two competing models. As ancient samples have had less time to evolve, they are expected to have mutated in some, but not all, of the sites that define present day haplogroups to which they belong. Indeed, most of the ancient DNAs here showed that expected pattern for both the terminal and the basal haplogroups to which they belong, all of the ones which are non-controversial or considered real by both of the two competing models followed that pattern. However, for basal haplogroups not shared by the two models, such expected pattern could be observed only if the haplogroups specific to the Asia rather than the Africa model are real, including ABCDE, ABDE, AB, A00-A1b. Another important point is that, if the mega-haplogroups of the Africa model were real, including BT, CT, CF and F, it would mean that numerous alleles would be shared between these haplogroups and several ancient A1b1b2 samples, which is unexpected and unseen in present day samples. Sharing alleles like this would also violate the infinite site assumption that makes the Africa rooting possible in the first place. Therefore, the data from ancient Y chromosomes confirm the actual existence of the haplogroups specific to the Asia model.

Previous research indicates that a climatic signal is present in mitochondrial diversity, but absent in other genetic diversities (e.g., X-chromosomal) and cranial diversity. Such research has included analysis which adjusted diversity for distance from Africa (i.e., to account for the global expansion), and seeing whether this adjusted diversity is associated with climate. Detection of a relationship between adjusted diversity and climate may be affected by the choice of African location from which distance is measured. To bypass this potential effect of location, some analyses in the present research only featured populations who are located outside of Africa. The present research (Studies 1 and 2) used various diversities which were sourced from previous research. Autosomal, X-chromosomal, and cranial diversities were adjusted for distance from Africa. This adjustment was not used regarding Y-chromosomal diversity; a preprint suggested that Y-chromosomal diversity does not signify expansion from Africa. In Study 1, adjusted X-chromosomal diversity increased with minimum temperature. Other adjusted diversities were not related to minimum temperature. In contrast to previous research, an association was indicated between the ratio of X-to Y-chromosomal diversity and climate in Study 2, which may suggest a relationship between sex-biased migration and climate--this relationship could drive the climatic signal in X-chromosomal diversity. Conscious of replicability, Study 2 examined whether a climatic signal is present in X-chromosomal diversity when an alternative dataset is used; a signal was not detected. Therefore, it seems unclear whether X-chromosomal diversity is associated with climate.

Human cheek epithelial cells, despite residing in an almost neutral environment of the mouth, are exposed to many acidic stimuli, so these cells may possess acid resistance. Our researchs objective is to find out if isolated human cheek epithelial cells can survive in highly acidic conditions, and whether there is any difference in acid resistance between cheek epithelial cells of males and females; and to establish a protocol. We collected 3 buccal swab samples from each male or female participant and gave following 3 different treatments to their samples: (i) Milli-Q water (ii) HCl with pH of -0.48 (iii) HCl with pH of - 0.48 and, then, rehydration with Milli-Q water. Staining and microscopic analysis showed that cheek epithelial cells did not burst after acid treatment. However, they slightly shrunk in size and were stained substantially darker. Moreover, cells that were rehydrated after acid treatment, provided further evidence of their survival because these cells, as a result of rehydration, had substantially regained bigger size as well as lighter staining. Furthermore, at pH of -0.48, no difference was observed in acid resistance of the cells from the two genders. Results of this study, which is the only one to incubate cheek epithelial cells at pH < 2.0, manifest that the human cheek epithelial cells, isolated from any of the two genders, are extremely acid-resistant and do not burst in highly acidic conditions. Besides, these cells may also be useful as model cells for the study of acid-resistant pathogens and acid-resistant cancer cells.

ObjectiveWe assessed DNA conservation using a range of archaeological skeletal samples from Sudan (Missiminia in Upper Nubia, 350 B.C.E to 1400 C.E) from the unfavorable conditions of the Saharan milieu and humidity of the Nile valley by tracking maternal lineage on the X-Group (Ballaneans). MethodWe were able to extract, amplify, and sequence mt-DNA HVS-I (Sanger sequencing method) from 11 petrous bone samples, eight for the X-Group set and three for the reference set (one Christian, one Late Meroitic, and one Meroitic). ResultsIt was possible to find the haplogroups (L1b, L2, L3, H2, N, T1a, X and W) and to carry out comparative data analysis in relation to haplogroup data cited in the literature. This investigation into the maternal lineage of X-Group (350 to 500 C.E.) origins allowed us to validate the efficiency of petrous bone sampling from ancient human remains from the Nile-Saharan milieu and established that the Ballaneans experienced an in-situ development with more admixture from the Levant region and North Africa. ConclusionsOur study used mt-DNA (HVS-I) to look for the biological origins of the X-Group from Upper-Nubia and demonstrated the feasibility of ancient DNA research on skeletons from the Nile-Saharan environment. The use of Next Sequencing Generation (NGS) should optimize and improve the detection of shorter DNA strands and their sequencing in complete genomes from ancient skeletal remains (petrous bones) from hot and humid environments.

Oxygenic photosynthesis is considered the most important evolutionary innovation in the history of Earth. It depends on two photosystems, responsible for the photolysis of water and the reduction of carbon dioxide. Oxygen and carbohydrates are released at the end of the reaction. Extraordinary, the oxygen released created the stratospheric ozone layer, and transformed the ocean chemistry, whereas the carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for complex cells. Several lines of evidence indicate the photosynthesis arose in the ancestors of cyanobacteria. It was spread over some eukaryotes by the acquisition of a free-living cyanobacterium, which evolved into photosynthetic plastid, the chloroplast. The timing of the chloroplast emergence is still controversy. Estimated ages range from 600 to 2100 million years ago (Mya) in accordance to previous studies. The aim of this study is to clarify several aspects of the origin and diversification of photosynthetic eukaryotes. For this purpose, we utilized a data set based on 27 protein-coding genes from genomes of cyanobacteria and photosynthetic eukaryotes, more genes than other papers that also utilized plastid genes, and performed the Bayesian analysis method to estimate the divergence times of the photosynthetic eukaryotes. Results showed photosynthetic eukaryotes emerged Late Mesoproterozoic about 1342 Mya. The Early Proterozoic oceans did not have adequate conditions for eukaryotes, because chemical elements such as zinc and molybdenum were at reduced concentrations, and they are essential to the formation of eukaryotic proteins.

PurposeTo study specifics of diagnostics and clinics of comorbidity of pulmonary tuberculosis and bacterial pneumonia in patients with HIV-infection with immunodeficiency. Materials and methodsNinety-three first-time diagnosed patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and 4B stage of HIV-infection in the advanced phase in the absence of antiretroviral therapy were examined. The patients were divided into 3 groups. The 1st group included 31 patient with pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae, the 2nd group included 31 patient with pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia associated with Staphylococcus aureus. The 3rd group included 31 patient without bacterial pneumonia selected by a copy-pair principle. Statistical treatment of the data was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2019 with calculation of the mean parameter in the group and the standard error of the mean confidence interval (CI). ResultsComorbidity of pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia associated with S. pneumoniae or S. aureus in patients with 4B stage of HIV-infection with immunodeficiency in the advance phase with absence of antiretroviral treatment is characterized with generalization of tuberculosis and development of opportunistic infections of the lungs with severe clinical picture, high level of drug resistance of M. tuberculosis and the agents of bacterial pneumonia. At computed tomography of the chest a focal dissemination is revealed in the lungs as well as an intrathoracic lymphadenopathy and changes of the lung pattern, which almost does not differ in patients with bacterial pneumonia. ConclusionClinical signs and X-ray changes in combination of pulmonary tuberculosis and pneumonia associated with S. pneumoniae or S. aureus and pulmonary tuberculosis with bacterial pneumonia at the late stages of HIV-infection with immunodeficiency have the same type of character that can be diagnosed only with special microbiological viral and molecular genetic studies of abnormal material from the respiratory system and other organs with obligatory determination of drug resistance to the antituberculosis drug products and the antibacterial agents of wide spectrum.

Research has suggested that Africa is the continent from which modern humans dispersed around the world. Some diversities are thought to trace this expansion; they decline as distance from Africa accumulates, and they suggest that the expansion originated within a range of locations in Africa. Previously, a decline was found regarding Y-chromosomal microsatellite heterozygosity. However, this diversity has been noted to suggest a non-African origin and, consequently, not look like it indicates expansion from Africa. Declines have appeared in other variables which are derived from Y-chromosomal microsatellites. These variables include effective population size, expansion time, and time to the most recent common ancestor. The present research inferred if these variables, and some Y-chromosomal diversities, indicate expansion from Africa. Variables which indicate the expansion could help with identifying which area of Africa the expansion started in. This research used variables previously derived from Y-chromosomal microsatellites. These variables were for populations from across the world (effective population size, expansion time, and time to the most recent common ancestor) or only in Africa (haplotype and repeat unit diversities). Regarding populations across the world, San were very high in each variable when considering distance from (southern) Africa. Without San, effective population size and time to the most recent common ancestor did not squarely indicate an African origin, and expansion time placed the origin wholly outside of Africa. When using San, each area was only in Africa. Amongst African populations, whilst both haplotype diversity and repeat unit diversity showed a geographical pattern of declining, only haplotype diversity suggested a completely African area of origin. A southern African origin was broadly indicated when a general estimate of the origin was produced from Y-chromosomal haplotype diversity alongside some other genetic diversities.