Synthesis and Bioactive Properties of the Novel Coloured Compound Obtained via the Laccase-Mediated Transformation of 5-Aminosalicylic Acid.

Biocatalysis processes based on oxidoreductases, such as fungal laccase, are important for discovering new organic compounds with broad structures and potential applications. They include bioactive compounds, which can be obtained through laccase-mediated oxidation of organic substrates having hydroxyl and/or amino groups especially, e.g., 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) is characterised for its potential for oxidation by a fungal laccase obtained from a Cerrena unicolor strain. The biotransformation process was optimised in terms of the buffer and co-solvent concentration, buffer pH value, and laccase activity. Selected crude dyes were analysed for their bioactive properties, toxicity, and suitability for the dyeing of wool fibres. The data obtained clearly indicated that a low concentration of the reaction buffer in the pH range from 5 to 6 and in the presence of 10% acetonitrile increased the rate of substrate oxidation and the amount of the product formed. The red-brown compound obtained via laccase-mediated oxidation of 5-aminosalicylic acid showed antioxidant properties and unique antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis strains with the MIC value of 0.125 mg/mL detected for the purest dye. In addition, it was reported to have good wool fibre dyeing properties and no irritant effect after patch tests on a selected group with increased skin sensitivity.

Prevalence of Enterococcus spp. and the Whole-Genome Characteristics of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis Strains Isolated from Free-Living Birds in Poland.

Enterococci as opportunistic bacteria are important for human health. Due to the prevalence and ease of acquisition and transfer of their genes, they are an excellent indicator of environmental contamination and the spread of antimicrobial resistance. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of Enterococcus spp. in wild birds in Poland, determination of antimicrobial susceptibility and WGS analysis of Enterococcus (E.) faecium and E. faecalis. For this purpose, 138 samples from various species of free-living birds were tested, with 66.7% positive results. Fourteen species were detected, with E. faecalis being the most common, followed by E. casseliflavus and E. hirae. In antimicrobial susceptibility testing, 10.0% of E. faecalis and 50.0% of E. faecium showed resistance to one antimicrobial agent, in addition the MDR phenotype which was found in one E. faecium. The most common resistance phenotype included tetracycline and quinupristin/dalfopristin. The WGS analysis confirmed the significant advantage of the virulence gene diversity of E. faecalis strains over E. faecium. In addition, plasmid replicons were found in 42.0% of E. faecalis and 80.0% of E. faecium. The obtained results confirm free-living birds can be a reservoir of Enterococcus spp. with a considerable zoonotic potential.

Influence of Magnetite Nanoparticles Shape and Spontaneous Surface Oxidation on the Electron Transport Mechanism.

The spontaneous oxidation of a magnetite surface and shape design are major aspects of synthesizing various nanostructures with unique magnetic and electrical properties, catalytic activity, and biocompatibility. In this article, the roles of different organic modifiers on the shape and formation of an oxidized layer composed of maghemite were discussed and described in the context of magnetic and electrical properties. It was confirmed that Fe3O4 nanoparticles synthesized in the presence of triphenylphosphine could be characterized by cuboidal shape, a relatively low average particle size (9.6 ± 2.0 nm), and high saturation magnetization equal to 55.2 emu/g. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that low-frequency conductivity and dielectric properties are related to surface disordering and oxidation. The electric energy storage possibility increased for nanoparticles with a disordered and oxidized surface, whereas the dielectric losses in these particles were strongly related to their size. The cuboidal magnetite nanoparticles synthesized in the presence of triphenylphosphine had an ultrahigh electrical conductivity (1.02 × 10-4 S/cm at 10 Hz) in comparison to the spherical ones. At higher temperatures, the maghemite content altered the behavior of electrons. The electrical conductivity can be described by correlated barrier hopping or overlapping large polaron tunneling. Interestingly, the activation energies of electrons transport by the surface were similar for all the analyzed nanoparticles in low- and high-temperature ranges.

Antimicrobial Resistance Glides in the Sky-Free-Living Birds as a Reservoir of Resistant Escherichia coli With Zoonotic Potential.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important global health concerns; therefore, the identification of AMR reservoirs and vectors is essential. Attention should be paid to the recognition of potential hazards associated with wildlife as this field still seems to be incompletely explored. In this context, the role of free-living birds as AMR carriers is noteworthy. Therefore, we applied methods used in AMR monitoring, supplemented by colistin resistance screening, to investigate the AMR status of Escherichia coli from free-living birds coming from natural habitats and rescue centers. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of strains enabled to determine resistance mechanisms and investigate their epidemiological relationships and virulence potential. As far as we know, this study is one of the few that applied WGS of that number (n = 71) of strains coming from a wild avian reservoir. The primary concerns arising from our study relate to resistance and its determinants toward antimicrobial classes of the highest priority for the treatment of critical infections in people, e.g., cephalosporins, quinolones, polymyxins, and aminoglycosides, as well as fosfomycin. Among the numerous determinants, bla CTX-M-15, bla CMY-2, bla SHV-12, bla TEM-1B, qnrS1, qnrB19, mcr-1, fosA7, aac(3)-IIa, ant(3")-Ia, and aph(6)-Id and chromosomal gyrA, parC, and parE mutations were identified. Fifty-two sequence types (STs) noted among 71 E. coli included the global lineages ST131, ST10, and ST224 as well as the three novel STs 11104, 11105, and 11194. Numerous virulence factors were noted with the prevailing terC, gad, ompT, iss, traT, lpfA, and sitA. Single E. coli was Shiga toxin-producing. Our study shows that the clonal spread of E. coli lineages of public and animal health relevance is a serious avian-associated hazard.

Influence of Cu Content on Structure, Thermal Stability and Magnetic Properties in Fe72-xNi8Nb4CuxSi2B14 Alloys.

The effect of substitution of Fe by Cu on the crystal structure and magnetic properties of Fe72-xNi8Nb4CuxSi2B14 alloys (x = 0.6, 1.1, 1.6 at.%) in the form of ribbons was investigated. The chemical composition of the materials was established on the basis of the calculated minima of thermodynamic parameters: Gibbs free energy of amorphous phase formation ΔGamorph (minimum at 0.6 at.% of Cu) and Gibbs free energy of mixing ΔGmix (minimum at 1.6 at.% of Cu). The characteristic crystallization temperatures Tx1onset and Tx1 of the alpha-iron phase together with the activation energy Ea for the as-spun samples were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) with a heating rate of 10-100 °C/min. In order to determine the optimal soft magnetic properties, the wound cores were subjected to a controlled isothermal annealing process in the temperature range of 340-640 °C for 20 min. Coercivity Hc, saturation induction Bs and core power losses at B = 1 T and frequency f = 50 Hz P10/50 were determined for all samples. Moreover, for the samples with the lowest Hc and P10/50, the magnetic losses were determined in a wider frequency range 50 Hz-400 kHz. The real and imaginary parts of the magnetic permeability µ', µâ€³ along with the cut-off frequency were determined for the samples annealed at 360, 460, and 560 °C. The best soft magnetic properties (i.e., the lowest value of Hc and P10/50) were observed for samples annealed at 460 °C, with Hc = 4.88-5.69 A/m, Bs = 1.18-1.24 T, P10/50 = 0.072-0.084 W/kg, µ' = 8350-10,630 and cutoff frequency at 8-9.3 × 104 Hz. The structural study of as-spun and annealed ribbons was carried out using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM).

The Structure and Magnetic Properties of Rapidly Quenched Fe72Ni8Nb4Si2B14 Alloy.

The complex structural and magnetic studies of the annealed rapidly quenched Cu-free Fe72Ni8Nb4Si2B14 alloy (metallic ribbons form) are reported here. Based on the calorimetric results, the conventional heat treatment process (with heating rate 10 °C/min and subsequent isothermal annealing for 20 min) for wound toroidal cores has been optimized to obtain the least lossy magnetic properties (for the minimum value of coercivity and magnetic core losses at 50 Hz). For optimal conditions, the complex permeability in the 104-108 Hz frequency range together with core power losses obtained from magnetic induction dependence up to the frequency of 400 kHz was successfully measured. The average and local crystal structure was investigated by the use of the X-ray diffraction method and the transmission electron microscopy observations and proved its fully glassy state. Additionally, for the three temperature values, i.e., 310, 340 and 370 °C, the glass relaxation process study in the function of annealing time was carried out to obtain a deeper insight into the soft magnetic properties: magnetic permeability and cut-off frequency. For this type of Cu-free soft magnetic materials, the control of glass relaxation process (time and temperature) is extremely important to obtain proper magnetic properties.

Do railway lines affect the distribution of woodland birds during autumn?

Research results on the impact of railway noise on birds show a variety of bird responses. These behaviours are often different from those exhibited by birds occupying habitats along tarred roads. Knowledge of this subject is still incomplete. We attempted to define the influence of a heavily transited railway line on bird communities at stopover sites near the tracks during the autumn migration period. Birds were counted using the point method at 45 observation points located at three distances (30 m, 280 m, 530 m) from the tracks. At each point we determined the habitat parameters and the intensity of noise. A total of 614 individuals from 29 species were recorded on the study plot. The results of our observations indicate that the railway line does not adversely affect woodland birds during the autumn migration. The results showed that the abundance of birds and the species richness were actually the highest near the railway line. Species foraging on invertebrates preferred the neighbourhood of the tracks. The number of the most common species did not differ widely in relation to distance from the tracks. These data may be helpful in planning and managing the environment in the context of bird conservation, protection from railway noise and collisions with trains.

Influence of Cu Content on Structure and Magnetic Properties in Fe86-xCuxB14 Alloys.

Influence of Cu content on thermodynamic parameters (configurational entropy, Gibbs free energy of mixing, Gibbs free energy of amorphous phase formation), crystallization kinetics, structure and magnetic properties of Fe86-xCuxB14 (x = 0, 0.4, 0.55, 0.7, 1) alloys is investigated. The chemical composition has been optimized using a thermodynamic approach to obtain a minimum of Gibbs free energy of amorphous phase formation (minimum at 0.55 at.% of Cu). By using differential scanning calorimetry method the crystallization kinetics of amorphous melt-spun ribbons was analyzed. It was found that the average activation energy of α-Fe phase crystallization is in the range from 201.8 to 228.74 kJ/mol for studied samples. In order to obtain the lowest power core loss values, the isothermal annealing process was optimized in the temperature range from 260 °C to 400 °C. Materials annealed at optimal temperature had power core losses at 1 T/50 Hz-0.13-0.25 W/kg, magnetic saturation-1.47-1.6 T and coercivity-9.71-13.1 A/m. These samples were characterized by the amorphous structure with small amount of α-Fe nanocrystallites. The studies of complex permeability allowed to determine a minimum of both permeability values at 0.55 at.% of Cu. At the end of this work a correlation between thermodynamic parameters and kinetics, structure and magnetic properties were described.

Effect of Co Substitution on Crystallization and Magnetic Behavior of Fe85.45-xCoxCu0.55B14 Metallic Glass.

The effects of Co for Fe substitution on magnetic properties, thermal stability and crystal structure of Fe85.45-xCoxCu0.55B14 (x = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10) melt spun amorphous alloys were investigated. The Cu content was firstly optimized to minimize the energy of amorphous phase formation by the use of a thermodynamic approach. The formation of crystalline α-Fe type phase has been described using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy. The classical heat treatment process (with heating rate 10 °C/min) in vacuum for wound toroidal cores was optimized in the temperature range from 280 to 430 °C in order to obtain the best magnetic properties (magnetic saturation Bs and coercivity Hc obtained from the B(H) dependencies) at 50 Hz frequency. For optimal heat-treated samples, the complex magnetic permeability in the frequencies 104-108 Hz at room temperature was measured. Finally, magnetic core losses were obtained for 1 T/50 Hz and 1.5 T/50 Hz values for samples annealed at T = 310 °C. An analysis of transmission electron microscope images and electron diffraction patterns confirmed that high magnetic parameters are related to the coexistence of the amorphous and nanocrystalline phases.

Nest Concealment and Nest Defence by Two Passerines: Effect of Protective Nesting Association.

Selection of favourable micro-habitat conditions at nest-sites and nest defence can be important anti- predatory strategies in open-cup nesting birds. In response to nest predation risks, some species of birds appear to form protective nesting associations in which both may gain benefits due to mutual warning and nest defence. Despite the many studies assessing the impact of various factors on nest defence and nest placement, how interactions between species while breeding can modify these strategies is still poorly understood. Here I evaluate whether nesting associations in two species influence nest defence intensity and nest-site selection. An observational approach was used to analyse the defensive behaviours of the Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria and Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio in an agricultural landscape in eastern Poland. Association was determined by the position of the nest with respect to that of the associated species (by the nest of one species being within the breeding territory of the other). Nest defence behaviour of these two passerines was assessed as their response to a human intruder near an active brood. This study showed that the nest size and visibility were similar in nest-sites of pairs nesting in association and in spatial isolation. Barred Warblers nesting within shrike breeding territories strongly defended their nests. Warblers breeding alone displayed a lower level of defence than birds nested in association. Shrikes not nesting with warblers were significantly more aggressive than those breeding in the protective nesting association. I suggest that shrikes tried to compensate for the lack of assistance by warblers in joint nest defence and were forced to invest more into defending their own nests. This research suggests that positive interactions within the heterospecific network of relations in ecosystems may be one of the factors responsible for diversifying the intensity of avian nest defence.

Magnetocaloric Properties of Mn1.1Fe0.9P0.5As0.5-xGex (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1) Compounds.

Intermetallic compounds with the overall formula Mn1.1Fe0.9P0.5As0.5-xGex (x varies from 0 to 0.1) were investigated in order to study their magnetocaloric effect by monitoring the adiabatic temperature change, magnetic entropy change and their relation to structural parameters. It was found that the maximum of magnetocaloric effect was achieved for x = 0.02. Adiabatic temperature change for consolidated powder was equal to 2.75 K for the magnetic field change ΔB = 1.7 T for the sample with x = 0.02. For the pure non-doped sample, this parameter is much lower: ΔTad = 1.7 K @ ΔB = 1.7 T. This result was correlated with the change of structural parameters such as lattice constants and the unit cell volume.

Nest survival patterns in Eurasian Bittern: effect of nest age, time and habitat variables.

Determining the key factors affecting the reproductive success of nesting birds is crucial in order to better understand the population dynamics of endangered species and to introduce effective conservation programmes for them. Inhabiting a variety of wetland habitats, aquatic birds actively select safe nesting sites so as to protect their nests against predators. The main aim of the present work was to assess the effect of temporal and habitat variables on the daily nest survival rate of Eurasian Bitterns colonizing semi-natural fishpond habitat in eastern Poland. MARK software was used for the modelling. Eurasian Bittern nests were most vulnerable to depredation at the beginning of the breeding season. This was probably because the reedbed vegetation at this time was not yet dense enough to effectively conceal the nests. There was a positive relationship between nest age and the daily survival rate. Two of the habitat variables analysed were of the greatest significance: water depth and vegetation density. In the Eurasian Bittern population studied here, nests built over deep water and in dense vegetation had the best chances of survival. The results of this work may be useful in the preparation of plans for the conservation and management of populations of this rare and endangered species. Conservation and restoration efforts that attempt to maintain high water levels will be especially beneficial to this avian species that is dependent on wetland ecosystems for breeding.

Do Birds Avoid Railroads as Has Been Found for Roads?

The construction of railway lines usually has a negative effect on the natural environment: habitats are destroyed, collisions with trains cause deaths, and the noise and vibrations associated with rail traffic disturb the lives of animals. Cases are known, however, where the opposite holds true: a railway line has a positive effect on the fauna in its vicinity. In this study, we attempted to define the influence of a busy railway line on a breeding community of woodland birds. Birds were counted using the point method at 45 observation points located at three different distances (30, 280, 530 m) from the tracks. At each point, we determined the habitat parameters and the intensity of noise. In total, 791 individual birds of 42 species were recorded on the study plot. Even though the noise level fell distinctly with increasing distance from the tracks, the abundance of birds and the number of species were the highest near the railway line. Moreover, insectivorous species displayed a clear preference for the vicinity of the line. The noise from the trains did not adversely affect the birds on the study plot. The environmental conditions created by the edge effect meant that the birds preferred the neighborhood of the tracks: the more diverse habitats near the tracks supplied attractive nesting and foraging niches for many species of birds. Trains passing at clear intervals acted as point sources of noise and did not elicit any negative reactions on the part of the birds; this stands in contrast to busy roads, where the almost continuous flow of traffic in practice constitutes a linear source of noise.

Habitat selection by breeding waterbirds at ponds with size-structured fish populations.

Fish may significantly affect habitat use by birds, either as their prey or as competitors. Fish communities are often distinctly size-structured, but the consequences for waterbird assemblages remain poorly understood. We examined the effects of size structure of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) cohorts together with other biotic and abiotic pond characteristics on the distribution of breeding waterbirds in a seminatural system of monocultured ponds, where three fish age classes were separately stocked. Fish age corresponded to a distinct fish size gradient. Fish age and total biomass, macroinvertebrate and amphibian abundance, and emergent vegetation best explained the differences in bird density between ponds. Abundance of animal prey other than fish (aquatic macroinvertebrates and larval amphibians) decreased with increasing carp age in the ponds. Densities of ducks and smaller grebes were strongly negatively associated with fish age/size gradient. The largest of the grebes, the piscivorous great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), was the only species that preferred ponds with medium-sized fish and was positively associated with total fish biomass. Habitat selection by bitterns and most rallids was instead strongly influenced by the relative amount of emergent vegetation cover in the ponds. Our results show that fish size structure may be an important cue for breeding habitat choice and a factor affording an opportunity for niche diversification in avian communities.