Pollen transfer efficiency in Erica depends on type of pollinator.

Pollen transfer efficiency (PTE; the proportion of pollen removed from flowers that reaches conspecific stigmas) is expected to vary with the type of pollinator and flower morphology, and to influence male siring success. Many species in the genus Erica are pollinated by bees (which consume pollen and should thus lower PTE) but during its radiation in the Cape, several independent shifts to both sunbird and long-proboscid fly (LP fly) pollinators, which do not consume pollen have taken place. Improvements in PTE could be one of the factors driving these pollinator shifts. PTE data for 15 Erica species (five for each of the three pollinator types) were collected and compared in relation to type of pollinator and anther exsertion. LP fly- and bird-pollinated species had higher PTE in comparison with bee-pollinated species. Species with inserted anthers had higher PTE than those with exserted anthers. This suggests that sunbirds and LP flies are more efficient pollinators than bees. Additionally, the study suggests that insertion of anthers within the corolla tube can reduce pollen losses.

Uncovering the Antibacterial Potential of a Peptide-Rich Extract of Edible Bird's Nest against Staphylococcus aureus.

The diverse pharmacological properties of edible bird's nest (EBN) have been elucidated in recent years; however, investigations into its antibacterial effects are still limited. In the present study, we explored the antibacterial activity of a peptide-rich extract of EBN against Staphylococcus aureus, a notorious pathogen. The EBN extract (EEE) was prepared by soaking EBN in 80% ethanol for 2 days at 60°C. Biochemical analyses showed that peptides at the molecular weight range of 1.7-10 kDa were the major biochemical compounds in the EEE. The extract exhibited strong inhibition against S. aureus at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 µg/ml and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 250 µg/ml. This activity could be attributed to the impact of the extract on cell membrane integrity and potential, biofilm formation, and reactive oxidative species (ROS) production. Notably, the expression of biofilm- and ROS-associated genes, including intercellular adhesion A (icaA), icaB, icaC, icaD, and superoxide dismutase A (sodA), were deregulated in S. aureus upon the extract treatment. Our findings indicate a noteworthy pharmacological activity of EBN that could have potential application in the control of S. aureus.

Remote islands as natural laboratories: human-food association increases attraction to humans and novelty exploration in a seabird.

Increased attraction to humans and their objects often arises after repeated and positive human-wildlife encounters (e.g. food provided in tourist settings). The causes of this 'over-attraction', which may result from a learned association between humans and food, are still poorly studied in wild animals. Understanding the influence of humans on animals' responses is yet crucial to prevent negative effects (e.g. aggression). We presented three novel objects to two groups of free-ranging brown skuas (Catharacta antarctica ssp. lonnbergi) in the remote sub-Antarctic, where their habitats show no or minimal human disturbance. Skuas in one group (Verte) had previously participated in repeated food-rewarded behavioural and cognitive tasks with a human experimenter; skuas in the other group (Ratmanoff) had never done so. Objects consisted of (i) one natural-food-resembling object (plastic fish), (ii) one anthropogenic food object (real cake slice), and (iii) one anthropogenic non-food object (yellow glove). Verte group skuas approached the human experimenter and pecked significantly more and sooner at novel objects. Human-food association may have thus resulted in increased attraction to humans and novelty exploration in previously naive brown skuas, making this species a useful model for investigating the consequences of experience with humans on wildlife behaviour.

Plastic nests: The first record of the Yellow-rumped Cacique (Cacicus cela) and the Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) building nests with discarded fishing material on the Amazon Coast.

The Amazonian coastal ecosystems face a significant threat from plastic contamination, posing a major risk to their biodiversity. Here, we provide the first evidence of using plastics in nest building by Yellow-cacique Cacique (Cacicus cela) and Greater Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus). During 2023 and 2024, 15 nests built with ropes and fishing lines were recorded in the Brazilian Amazon Coast, a colony of 12 nests in the State of Amapá and one nest in Pará for C. cela, and one nest for P. sulphuratus was observed in Maranhão during the fieldwork, covering all Brazilian Amazon Coast. These nests were observed on the edge of mangroves, built with solid waste from fishing activities, pointing out how environmental pollution can be incorporated into wildlife this issue. Our records emphasize the effect of plastic pollution on two passerine species associated with mangrove forests and the need for conservation measures and further research.

Amplification of avian influenza virus circulation along poultry marketing chains in Bangladesh: A controlled field experiment.

The prevalence of avian influenza viruses is commonly found to increase dramatically as birds are transported from farms to live bird markets. Viral transmission dynamics along marketing chains are, however, poorly understood. To address this gap, we implemented a controlled field experiment altering chicken supply to a live bird market in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Broilers and backyard chickens traded along altered (intervention) and conventional (control) marketing chains were tested for avian influenza viruses at different time points. Upon arrival at the live bird market, the odds of detecting avian influenza viruses did not differ between control and intervention groups. However, 12 h later, intervention group odds were lower, particularly for broilers, indicating that viral shedding in live bird markets resulted partly from infections occurring during transport and trade. Curtailing avian influenza virus prevalence in live bird markets requires mitigating risk in marketing chain nodes preceding chickens' delivery at live bird markets.

Progress towards understanding the effects of artificial light on the transmission of vector-borne diseases.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a common form of light pollution worldwide, and the intensity, timing, duration, and wavelength of light exposure can affect biological rhythms, which can lead to metabolic, reproductive, and immune dysfunctions and consequently, host-pathogen interactions. Insect vector-borne diseases are a global problem that needs to be addressed, and ALAN plays an important role in disease transmission by affecting the habits and physiological functions of vector organisms. In this work, we describe the mechanisms by which ALAN affects host physiology and biochemistry, host-parasite interactions, and vector-borne viruses and propose preventive measures for related infectious diseases to minimize the effects of artificial light on vector-borne diseases.

Persistent species relationships characterize migrating bird communities across stopover sites and seasons.

Global migrations of diverse animal species often converge along the same routes, bringing together seasonal assemblages of animals that may compete, prey on each other, and share information or pathogens. These interspecific interactions, when energetic demands are high and the time to complete journeys is short, may influence survival, migratory success, stopover ecology, and migratory routes. Numerous accounts suggest that interspecific co-migrations are globally distributed in aerial, aquatic, and terrestrial systems, although the study of migration to date has rarely investigated species interactions among migrating animals. Here, we test the hypothesis that migrating animals are communities engaged in networks of ecological interactions. We leverage over half a million records of 50 bird species from five bird banding sites collected over 8 to 23 y to test for species associations using social network analyses. We find strong support for persistent species relationships across sites and between spring and fall migration. These relationships may be ecologically meaningful: They are often stronger among phylogenetically related species with similar foraging behaviors and nonbreeding ranges even after accounting for the nonsocial contributions to associations, including overlap in migration timing and habitat use. While interspecific interactions could result in costly competition or beneficial information exchange, we find that relationships are largely positive, suggesting limited competitive exclusion at the scale of a banding station during migratory stopovers. Our findings support an understanding of animal migrations that consist of networked communities rather than random assemblages of independently migrating species, encouraging future studies of the nature and consequences of co-migrant interactions.

Environmental Factors Affecting Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Crop-Exploiting Species: Implications for Coexistence Between Agricultural Production and Avifauna Conservation in Wetlands.

Bird communities in agroecosystems bring both ecosystem services (e.g., pollination) and disservices (e.g., crop exploitation) to farmers. However, in the proximity of wetland reserves, farmers disproportionately experience harvest yield loss due to large aggregation of bird species that can utilize various agricultural resources. This often results in negative human-wildlife interactions which lower conservation support among farmers. Knowledge about the distribution of avian species that negatively influence yields, and its environmental drivers is thus fundamental to reconcile crop production and bird conservation. This study aims to examine the spatio-temporal patterns in richness and abundance of bird species known to cause agricultural yield loss as well as species-specific distribution patterns for the six bird species that are most challenging for local farmers. In combination with interview surveys of local farmers (n = 367) and seasonal bird surveys (n = 720), we investigated distribution of crop-exploiting avian species in the Indawgyi wetland ecosystem in Myanmar. Our results showed high richness and abundance of crop-exploiting species in the water habitat across all seasons, with most challenging species exhibiting higher presence closer to these water sources. The crop phenology had positive effect on species richness and abundance during the growing season. The agricultural use of crop-exploiting species was season- and species-specific, where the presence probability in the agricultural habitat was higher in habitat generalists than wetland specialists. Therefore, we suggest improved management of natural wetland habitats (e.g., habitat restoration), sustainable coexistence mechanisms in farms close to water (e.g., bird-friendly rice farming and Ecolabel certification) to reduce avian impacts on the farming communities and, at the same time, to promote bird conservation in wetlands of international importance.

Brightness cues affect gap negotiation behaviours in zebra finches flying between perches.

Flying animals have had to evolve robust and effective guidance strategies for dealing with habitat clutter. Birds and insects use optic flow expansion cues to sense and avoid obstacles, but orchid bees have also been shown to use brightness cues during gap negotiation. Such brightness cues might therefore be of general importance in structuring visually guided flight behaviours. To test the hypothesis that brightness cues also affect gap negotiation behaviours in birds, we presented captive zebra finches Taeniopygia guttata with a symmetric or asymmetric background brightness distribution on the other side of a tunnel. The background brightness conditions influenced both the birds' decision to enter the tunnel aperture, and their flight direction upon exit. Zebra finches were more likely to initiate flight through the tunnel if they could see a bright background through it; they were also more likely to fly to the bright side upon exiting. We found no evidence of the centring response that would be expected if optic flow cues were balanced bilaterally during gap negotiation. Instead, the birds entered the tunnel by targeting a clearance of approximately one wing length from its near edge. Brightness cues therefore affect how zebra finches structure their flight when negotiating gaps in enclosed environments.

Short-term dietary changes are reflected in the cerebral content of adult ring-billed gulls.

Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-LCPUFAs) are produced primarily in aquatic ecosystems and are considered essential nutrients for predators given their structural role in vertebrates' cerebral tissues. Alarmingly, with urbanization, many aquatic animals now rely on anthropogenic foods lacking n3-LCPUFAs. In this study undertaken in Newfoundland (Canada), we tested whether recent or longer term diet explains the cerebral fatty acid composition of ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis), a seabird that now thrives in cities. During the breeding season, cerebral levels of n3-LCPUFAs were significantly higher for gulls nesting in a natural habitat and foraging on marine food (mean ± s.d.: 32 ± 1% of total identified fatty acids) than for urban nesters exploiting rubbish (27 ± 1%). Stable isotope analysis of blood and feathers showed that urban and natural nesters shared similar diets in autumn and winter, suggesting that the difference in cerebral n3-LCPUFAs during the breeding season was owing to concomitant and transient differences in diet. We also experimentally manipulated gulls' diets throughout incubation by supplementing them with fish oil rich in n3-LCPUFAs, a caloric control lacking n3-LCPUFAs, or nothing, and found evidence that fish oil increased urban nesters' cerebral n3-LCPUFAs. These complementary analyses provide evidence that the brain of this seabird remains plastic during adulthood and responds to short-term dietary changes.

Expression Pattern of RpCSP6 from Rhopalosiphum padi and Its Binding Mechanism with Deltamethrin: Insights into Chemosensory Protein-Mediated Insecticide Resistance.

The mechanisms of insecticide resistance are complex. Recent studies have revealed a novel mechanism involving the chemosensory system in insecticide resistance. However, the specific binding mechanism between olfactory-related genes and insecticides needs to be clarified. In this study, the binding mechanism between pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin and RpCSP6 from Rhopalosiphum padi was investigated by using computational and multiple experimental methods. RpCSP6 was expressed in different tissues and developmental stages of R. padi and can be induced by deltamethrin. Knockdown of RpCSP6 significantly increased the susceptibility of R. padi to deltamethrin. The binding affinity of RpCSP6 to 24 commonly used insecticides was measured. Seven key residues were found to steadily interact with deltamethrin, indicating their significance in the binding affinity to the insecticide. Our research provided insights for effectively analyzing the binding mechanism of insect CSPs with insecticides, facilitating the development of new and effective insecticides that target insect CSPs.

Prevalence of Encephalitozoon hellem among companion and exhibition birds in Japan.

Microsporidia can cause infection in various animals and humans. To determine the recent prevalence of Encephalitozoon in companion birds in Japan, 364 bird feces and 16 conjunctival exudates, as well as 28 exhibition bird feces, were examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Thirty-five (9.6%) feces and 2 (12.5%) conjunctival exudates from companion birds were PCR positive, and sequence analysis revealed that all detected organisms were Encephalitozoon hellem genotype 1A. The prevalence by region varied from 4.5% in the Shikoku region to 14.3% in the Chugoku region. By age, the prevalence in birds younger than 6 months of age was 13.3%. We also discuss the threat of human infection as a zoonotic disease.

Both movements and breeding performance are affected by individual experience in the Bonelli's eagle Aquila fasciata.

Movement is a key behaviour to better understand how individuals respond to their environment. Movement behaviours are affected by both extrinsic factors that individuals face, such as weather conditions, and intrinsic factors, such as sex and experience. Because of the energy costs it entails, movement behaviours can have direct consequences on an individual's demographic parameters-and ultimately on population dynamics. However, the relationship between extrinsic factors, intrinsic factors, daily movement behaviour and demographic parameters such as breeding performance is poorly known, in particular for central place forager territorial species. We investigated here the link between movement behaviours and breeding performance of the French population of Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata), a territorial and sedentary long-lived raptor, and how this link may depend on extrinsic and intrinsic factors. By using data from annual monitoring of breeding performance for the population and GPS tracking of 48 individuals (26 males and 22 females), we found that the breeding performance of this population was mainly driven by whether a new individual was recruited into the territory, and only slightly by weather conditions. Movement behaviours (proportion of time in flight, range of movement and straightness of trajectories) showed large between-individual variation. Those behaviours were related with weather conditions (wind and rainfall) at a daily scale, as well as with individual's experience. We found only one significant correlation between movements and breeding performance: male Bonelli's eagles spending more time flying during chick-rearing phase had lower productivity. Movement behaviours and breeding performance were also indirectly linked through individual's experience, with more experienced birds having better breeding success and a shorter range of movement and spent less time in flight. This suggests that experienced individuals progressively acquire knowledge of their breeding territory, are more efficient in finding prey, and adapt their foraging strategies to weather conditions to minimise energy costs, allowing them higher breeding performance.

A novel technique for estimating age and demography of long-lived seabirds (genus Pterodroma) using an epigenetic clock for Gould's petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera).

Understanding the demography of wildlife populations is a key component for ecological research, and where necessary, supporting the conservation and management of long-lived animals. However, many animals lack phenological changes with which to determine individual age; therefore, gathering this fundamental information presents difficulties. More so for species that are rare, highly mobile, migratory and those that reside in inaccessible habitats. Until recently, the primary method to measure demography is through labour intensive mark-recapture approaches, necessitating decades of effort for long-lived species. Gadfly petrels (genus: Pterodroma) are one such taxa that are overrepresented with threatened and declining species, and for which numerous aspects of their ecology present challenges for research, monitoring and recovery efforts. To overcome some of these challenges, we developed the first DNA methylation (DNAm) demography technique to estimate the age of petrels, using the epigenetic clock of Gould's petrels (Pterodroma leucoptera). We collected reference blood samples from known-aged Gould's petrels at a long-term monitored population on Cabbage Tree Island, Australia. Epigenetic ages were successfully estimated for 121 individuals ranging in age from zero (fledgling) to 30 years of age, showing a mean error of 2.24 ± 0.17 years between the estimated and real age across the population. This is the first development of an epigenetic clock using multiplex PCR sequencing in a bird. This method enables demography to be measured with relative accuracy in a single sampling trip. This technique can provide information for emerging demographic risks that can mask declines in long-lived seabird populations and be applied to other Pterodroma populations.

Effects of house-cultivated edible bird's nest on immunoglobulin and cytokine release in vitro.

Background and Aim: Edible bird's nest (EBN) is known as the "Caviar of the East" because of its high nutritional and medicinal values. Nevertheless, its effect on human immunity is yet to be explored. This study examined the effects of EBN's aqueous extract (EBNE) on human immunity through the modular immune in vitro construct (MIMIC) model consisting of peripheral tissue equivalent (PTE) and lymphoid tissue equivalent (LTE) modules. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty mL of full blood was obtained from four healthy human volunteers. The human immune system was simulated using an in vitro model, called MIMIC. Under EBNE treatment, monocyte transendothelial migration through reversed endothelial layers was observed. Using PTE and LTE modules, monocytes were differentiated into dendritic cells with lipopolysaccharide, then co-cultured with T- and B-cells for cytokine and immunoglobulin (Ig) production. The human cytokine array G2000 and quantitative human Ig isotyping array were used to identify the cytokine profile and Ig isotypes, respectively. Results: IgE, IgA, and IgG3 levels were significantly raised by EBNE. These cytokines, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, glial cell line-derivative neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4, were generated. Conclusion: For the first time, this work uses a MIMIC model to illustrate the impact of EBNE on human immune response. This new understanding of EBN's immunoregulatory effect allows for further exploration of how EBN interacts with the human immune system.

Secondary mandibular osteomyelitis complicated with a pathological fracture.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Pathological mandibular fractures, defined as fractures that occur in regions where bone has been weakened by an underlying pathological process, are rare, accounting for fewer than 2 % of all fractures of the mandible. Mandibular pathological fractures can have several aetiologies including osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis (ORN), surgical interventions, bisphosphonate-related osteochemonecrosis of the jaw and tumoral lesions. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 13-year-old male patient following a tooth infection with a right facial swelling and limited mouth opening, multiple purulent cutaneous fistulas and mandibular hypoplasia. Intraoral examination revealed the presence of generalized calculus, dental mobility in quadrants 3 and 4. We carried out an orthopantomography which revealed a mandibular angle fracture and the diagnosis of secondary mandibular osteomyelitis with pathological fracture was retained. Sequestrectomy was carried out followed by an open reduction with mini reconstruction plates. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: At 13 years old, this patient with a secondary mandibular osteomyelitis, to the best of our knowledge is the youngest case reported having a secondary mandibular osteomyelitis as etiology of his pathological fracture. Due to the early onset, the patient presented with a bird's profile clinically. His pathological fracture was due to a vicious cycle limiting bone turnover created by the secondary osteomyelitis. CONCLUSION: Pathological mandibular fractures are complex and challenging to treat because of their different aetiologies and also clinicians often have to deal with individuals with grossly infected bone with the fracture management dependent on the resulting bony defect.

Ontogeny of migration destination, route and timing in a partially migratory bird.

In migratory animals, the developmental period from inexperienced juveniles to breeding adults could be a key life stage in shaping population migration patterns. Nevertheless, the development of migration routines in early life remains underexplored. While age-related changes in migration routes and timing have been described in obligate migrants, most investigations into the ontogeny of partial migrants only focused on age-dependency of migration as a binary tactic (migrant or resident), and variations in routes and timing among individuals classified as 'migrants' is rarely considered. To fill this gap, we study the ontogeny of migration destination, route and timing in a partially migratory red kite (Milvus milvus) population. Using an extensive GPS-tracking dataset (292 fledglings and 38 adults, with 1-5 migrations tracked per individual), we studied how nine different migration characteristics changed with age and breeding status in migrant individuals, many of which become resident later in life. Individuals departed later from and arrived earlier at the breeding areas as they aged, resulting in a gradual prolongation of stay in the breeding area by 2 months from the first to the fifth migration. Individuals delayed southward migration in the year prior to territory acquirement, and they further delayed it after occupying a territory. Migration routes became more direct with age. Individuals were highly faithful to their wintering site. Migration distance shortened only slightly with age and was more similar among siblings than among unrelated individuals. The large gradual changes in northward and southward migrations suggest a high degree of plasticity in temporal characteristics during the developmental window. However, the high wintering site fidelity points towards large benefits of site familiarity, prompting spatial migratory plasticity to be expressed through a switch to residency. The contrasting patterns of trajectories of age-related changes between spatial and temporal migration characteristics might reflect different mechanisms underlying the expression of plasticity. Investigating such patterns among species along the entire spectrum of migration tactics would enable further understanding of the plastic responses exhibited by migratory species to rapid environmental changes.

Blunt Force Trauma in the Canarian Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae) Produced by Collision with Overhead Lines.

The mortality of birds resulting from collisions and electrocutions with overhead lines, such as power lines and phone lines, among others, has been implicated in the decline of various avian species globally. Specifically, overhead line collisions pose a significant threat to the conservation of the Canarian houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae), an endangered subspecies endemic to the Canary Islands. This study centers on the postmortem findings of Canarian houbara bustards that have collided with overhead lines, providing insights into the post-collision outcomes for these birds. A complete standardized necropsy of nine Canarian houbara bustards revealed that trauma was the cause of death in all cases. The most notable gross lesions associated with trauma included bone fractures, soft tissue lacerations, hemorrhages, luxations, and hemocoelom. The inguinal area, chest, and wings were the body regions more frequently affected. A histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and entomology analysis confirmed that numerous birds survived the initial trauma. We concluded that when a houbara bustard collides with an overhead line, it frequently survives the initial trauma, with a survival time ranging from minutes to hours. The histopathology, immunohistochemistry, or entomologic analysis may be helpful to approximate the timing interval between trauma and death.