Insights on the molecular mechanism of neuroprotection exerted by edible bird’s nest and its bioactive constituents

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with the accumulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.Edible bird’s nest(EBN)is a glycoprotein(sialylated mucin glycopeptides)found to be beneficial against neurodegenerative diseases.Antioxidative,anti-inflammatory,and anti-apoptotic properties of EBN in preserving neuronal cells were widely researched using in vitro and in vivo models.Functional effects of EBN are often linked to its great number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory glycopeptides.Bioactive compounds in EBN,especially sialic acid,add value to neurotrophic potential of EBN and contribute to neuronal repair and protection.Various studies reporting the neuroprotective effects of EBN,their molecular mechanisms,and neuroactive composition were gathered in this review to provide better insights on the neuroprotective effects of EBN.

The effects of climate and land use change on the potential distribution and nesting habitat of the Lesser Adjutant in Nepal

Climate change and land use change pose a threat to the world’s biodiversity and have significant impacts on the geographic distribution and composition of many bird species,but little is known about how they affect threatened large-sized waterbird species that rely on agricultural landscapes.To address this gap,we investigated how climate and land use changes influence the distribution and nesting habitats of the globally vulnerable Lesser Adjutant(Leptoptilos javanicus) in Nepal.Between 2012 and 2023,we collected distribution data from 24 districts and nesting site information from 18 districts.In a nation-wide breeding survey conducted in 2020,we documented a total of 581 fledglings from 346 nests in 109 colonies.The ensemble model predicted a current potential distribution of 15%(21,637 km2) and a potential nesting habitat of 13%(19,651 km2) for the species in Nepal.The highest predicted current suitable distribution and nesting habitat was in Madhesh Province,while none was predicted in Karnali Province.The majority of this predicted distributional and nesting habitat falls on agricultural landscapes(>70%).Our model showed a likely range expansion of up to 15%(21,573 km2) for the distribution and up to 12%(17,482 km2) for the nesting habitat under SSP5-8.5 scenarios for the 2070s.The range expansion is expected to occur mainly within the current distribution and breeding range(Tarai and some regions of Siwalk),particularly in Lumbini and Sudurpashchim provinces,and extend to the northern portions(Siwalik and Mid-hill regions) in other provinces.However,the current Protected Areas and Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas are inadequate for providing optimal habitats for the species.Although the model suggests range expansion,the use of such novel habitats is primarily contingent on the availability and protection of large-sized trees(particularly Bombax ceiba,observed in 65% of colonies) in agricultural regions where nesting occurs.Therefore,our research suggests that agricultural landscapes should be prioritized in management plans for the conservation of the Lesser Adjutant in Nepal.

Does bird photography affect nest predation and feeding frequency?

Bird photography is a popular and growing form of ecotourism that contributes to the economic growth of local communities,but its disturbance to bird reproduction remains understudied.We worked in a tropical forest of southern China,which has experienced a sharp increase in the number of photographers in recent years.We compared nests that were photographed and those that were not,in their nest predation and parental feeding rates.Including nests of 42 species,the results demonstrate that the predation rate of nests that were not photographed(incubation stage:43.3%of 194 nests;nestling stage:34.5%of 110 nests)was significantly higher than that of photographed ones(incubation:2.4%of 83 nests;nestling:11.1%of 81 nests).Among different nest types,open cup nests in shrub and trees were most affected by photography,in both incubation and nestling stages.Of five factors investigated,including three natural factors(nest stage,structure and position),and two anthropogenic factors(photography and distance to forest edge),only photographic disturbance and nest structure had significant effects(open nests had higher predation).The feeding frequency at nests when photographers were present was not strongly different from when they were not present.Human activity therefore had no negative effects on the birds,but showed a positive effect on their nesting success,in terms of reducing nest predation rates.However,there needs to be further assessment of other aspects of nesting(e.g.,clutch size,duration of nestlings in nests),and other kinds of stress responses(e.g.,hormonal changes),before the total effect of bird photography can be understood.

Nest-site fidelity and breeding dispersal by Common Tailorbirds in a tropical forest

Background:Information pertaining to nest-site fidelity and breeding dispersal over successive years can help to better our understanding of how birds respond to nest predation.Methods:By using mist nets and tracking the color banded individuals,we investigated nest-site fidelity and breeding dispersal by Common Tailorbirds(Orthotomus sutorius)throughout a year and between successive years in 2017–2018.Results:The present study showed that Common Tailorbirds could produce up to four clutches per breeding season.When multiple broods were produced within a year,breeding pairs remained together,and the nest rebuilding rate was up to 92.2%,with only four cases(7.8%)in which birds reused their old nests.The dispersal distance between the nests during multiple breeding was found to be 10.0±10.5 m,and nest-site fidelity within the same year was 90.0%.By the second year of breeding,76.2%of individuals remained in the original breeding pairs,while for those that did switch partners,the females remained in the nest from the previous year and paired with new males.The dispersal distance between years was 26.5±41.9 m,and nest-site fidelity between different years was 80.1%.There was no significant difference between within-year and between-year dispersal distances.Moreover,there was no significant difference in the dispersal distance of rebuilt nests between birds that had experienced nest predation and those that had not.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that Common Tailorbirds maintain a high degree of fidelity to mates and nestsites,and nest predation had no significant effect on territorial changes or breeding dispersal distance between each breeding attempt.

Investigating how different classes of nest predators respond to the playback of the begging calls of nestling birds

Begging brings benefits and costs for nestling birds:it can indicate their needs to their parents,but it can also be a cue used by predators to find the nest.The costs,like many variables related to nest predation,can be specific to what kinds of predators are present and their auditory capabilities.These costs and benefits could also be affected by human noise,as noise could disrupt communication to parents and eavesdropping by predators,although human-produced noise might be easily ignored if predators can hear high-frequency components of the begging.We studied nest predation on a generalist bird,the Red-whiskered Bulbul(Pycnonotus jocosus),in a tropical forest in which there are many kinds of nest predators,including birds,mammals and reptiles.In 20 natural nests in which artificial eggs were placed,and subsequently in 140 artificial nests,we broadcast recordings of begging nestlings,with and without traffic noise,at two volume levels.We hypothesized that playback would increase predation relative to a silent control,and that mixing in traffic noise with the begging would decrease predation,as the begging signal was masked.However,we hypothesized that some predators,particularly small mammals with sensitive high-frequency hearing,might ignore the traffic noise.We found that predation was lowest for the control treatment,and lower for treatments mixed with traffic noise than for those without it.Small mammals,however,showed an unexpected pattern,displaying less nest predation in the treatments with traffic noise.Our results demonstrate the human-associated noise can disturb nest predators and influence which kinds of predators use begging to locate nests.

Enzymatic recovery of glycopeptides from different industrial grades edible bird’s nest and its by-products:nutrient,probiotic and antioxidant activities,and physicochemical characteristics

This study was conducted to recover edible bird’s nest(EBN)hydrolysates from different grades of EBN,including the industrial by-products,using enzymatic treatment.The nutrient,physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of the recovered hydrolysates at different hydrolysis times were evaluated.Results showed that the recovery yield of enzymatic hydrolysis was above 89%for all grades of EBN and the degree of hydrolysis increased over time.Nitrite content(0.321-0.433 mg/L)was below the permissible tolerance level for all samples.Interestingly,the antioxidant activities(DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant powder(FRAP)activity)were significantly higher(P≤0.05)in hydrolysates recovered from EBN by-products(EBNhC and EBNhD)as compared to the high grade EBN hydrolysates(EBNhA and EBNhB).The in-vitro probiotic activity of EBN and its hydrolysates were examined using the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum.Evidently,EBN by-products hydrolysate(EBNhD)recorded the highest number of L.plantarum(1.1×1011 CFU/mL),indicating that low grade EBN has the potential as prebiotic material that promotes probiotic activity.This study demonstrated the concept of using EBN by-products hydrolysates for various applications,such as functional ingredients with enhanced bioactivities,to improve its economic value.

Collection,curation and the use of humidification to restore nest shape in a research museum bird nest collection

Background:Bird nests are an important part of avian ecology.They are a powerful tool for studying not only the birds that built them,but a wide array of topics ranging from parasitology,urbanisation and climate change to evolu-tion.Despite this,bird nests tend to be underrepresented in natural history collections,a problem that should be redressed through renewed focus by collecting institutions.Methods:Here we outline the history and current best practice collection and curatorial methods for the nest col-lection of the Australian National Wildlife Collection(ANWC).We also describe an experiment conducted on nests in the ANWC using ultrasonic humidification to restore the shape of nests damaged by inappropriate storage.Results:The experiment showed that damaged nests can be successfully reshaped to close to their original dimen-sions.Indeed,restored nests were significantly closer to their original shape than they were prior to restoration.Thus,even nests damaged by years of neglect may be fully incorporated into active research collections.Best practice techniques include extensive note taking and photography in the field,subsampling of nests that cannot or should not be collected,appropriate field storage,metadata management,and prompt treatment upon arrival at the collec-tion facility.Conclusions:Renewed focus on nest collections should include appropriate care and restoration of current col-lections,as well as expansion to redress past underrepresentation.This could include collaboration with researchers studying or monitoring avian nesting ecology,and nest collection after use in bird species that rebuild anew each nesting attempt.Modern expansion of museum nest collections will allow researchers and natural history collections to fully realise the scientific potential of these complex and beautiful specimens.

2021年玛多M_(S) 7.4地震前M_(S) 3、M_(S) 4地震空区嵌套异常分析

利用地震活动图像等传统测震学方法,对玛多M_(S)7.4地震前的M_(S)3、M_(S)4地震空区嵌套异常演化过程作进一步梳理分析,并进行了回顾总结,得出如下认识和结论:(1)该地震空区具有孕育强震的能力且出现视应力高值现象,预示着区内有发震危险性;(2)未来主震震中出现在空区嵌套的交界区附近,这一特征对于认识空区嵌套异常、缩小预测发震区域极其重要;(3)回顾玛多地震前空区演化过程,有2次显著地震事件,使跟踪从中长期转为中短期再转为短期,这可为空区跟踪过程中发震紧迫性的判定不断积累经验。

Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium xiaoi in goat kids in Bangladesh by nested PCR amplification of 18S rRNA gene

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp.in goat kids in selected areas of Bangladesh and to elucidate the potential zoonotic hazards.Methods:In the present study,we have used Ziehl-Neelsen staining and nested PCR approach to identify and characterize the Cryptosporidium sp.from diarrhoeic feces of goat kids.A total of 100 diarrhoeic feces samples were collected from Chittagong region in Southern Bangladesh.For nested PCR analysis,specific primers for amplification of 581 base pair fragments of 18 S rRNA gene were used.Results:A total of 15%and 3%samples were found positive in microscopic study and in nested PCR analysis respectively.Phylogenetic analysis of sequence data showed similarity with that of Cryptosporidium xiaoi recorded from sheep and goat.Conclusions:To our knowledge,this is the first report of Cryptosporidium xiaoi responsible for diarrhoea in goat kids in Bangladesh.Further study can highlight their zoonotic significance along with genetic diversity in other host species inside the country.

Nest survival rate of Reeves＇s pheasant(Syrmaticus reevesii) based on artificial nest experiments

To explore the nest survival rate of Reeves＇ s pheasant（Syrmaticus reevesii） and the nest-site factors that affect it, we conducted artificial nest experiments with reference to natural nests at Dongzhai National Nature Reserve（DNNR）, Henan Province and Pingjingguan, Hubei Province from April to June 2014 simulating the situation in its early and later breeding season. We also determined distance characteristics of the nest sites by Arc GIS 10.0. Nest survival models were constructed in Program MARK for data analysis. Results indicated that in the early breeding season, the apparent survival rate（ASR） in DNNR（52.4%） was significantly greater than that in Pingjingguan（13.5%）, and the ASR in the later breeding season in DNNR（26.7%） was not indistinctively correlated with Pingjingguan（3.2%）. The daily survival rate（DSR） in the later breeding season was 93.8% in DNNR and 92.0% in Pingjingguan, respectively. The DSRs were both negatively correlated with nest distance to forest edges and settlements. The DSR in Pingjingguan was positively correlated with nest distance to paths and negatively correlated with nest distance to water sources. However, the DSR in DNNR was negatively correlated with nest distance to paths but positively correlated with nest distance to water sources.

Association of <i>Ammodramus bairdii</i>A. 1844, and Other Species of Grassland Granivorous Birds in Winter Time in Northwestern Mexico

During the winter of 2009 grassland birds were monitored in the region of Cuchillas de la Zarca to estimate the association betweenAmmodramus bairdiiAudubon 1844, focal species of grassland and bird species belonging to the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds (n = 25 ). The study area was divided into monitoring quadrants (n = 16) where 96 transects for bird monitoring were conducted, recording 16,635 individuals of which only 32.9% were in the trophic guild of grassland granivorous birds. The association betweenA. bairdiiand other species was estimated from the nonparametric statistical index of Kendall’s coefficient of concordance (W) and the p value, through permutation analysis (n = 10,000), finding positive and significant associations (p≤0.05) of the target species for study withSturnella magna,Passerculus sandwichensisandAmmodramus savannarum, species that share habitat preferences of natural grassland in good condition, slightly grazed and with little tolerance to the shrub cover. The association W ranged from 0.072 and 0.749. These results can recognize this region as an important area for the conservation of obligate grassland birds during winter, suggesting establish training programs to better utilize this resource by means of cattle activity.

Von Brunn’s Nests in the Ureter of Two Cats

The aim of this work is to emphasize the importance of a differential diagnosis of von Brunn’s nests in cats from other urothelial neoplastic disorders, as transitional cell carcinoma, for a subsequent optimal care. Von Brunn’s nests and cysts are submucosal benign urothelial processes, related to irritative stimuli (calculi and urinary infections), characterized by an invagination with buds and clusters of normal urothelium in the lamina propria. They are common findings in the urinary bladder of human beings, but few cases have been described in dogs and cats. We report macroscopic, histopathological and, in one case, immunohistochemical features of these rare forms in the left ureters of two cats. Macroscopic evidence during surgery of ureteral nodules in two cats was accompanied by histopathological diagnosis and, in one case, by immunohistochemical assessment. Histopathology was coherent with a rare condition characterized by nests and islands of normal urothelium in the lamina propria and submucosa, with formation of cysts and moderate focal subacute inflammation. In one case epithelial cells of the nests showed well differentiated urothelial cells with an intense immunoreactivity to pan-cytokeratin (CK AE1/AE3), CK19 in the first outer layers, a slight immunoreactivity to CK20 and a low proliferative activity using MIB-1 (Ki67).

Plastering mud around the entrance hole affects the estimation of threat levels from nest predators in Eurasian Nuthatches

Background:For cavity-nesting birds,the nest entrance plays an important role in preventing predators from accessing nests.Several species of nuthatches use mud to narrow the entrance of cavities.In theory,the smaller the entrance hole size,the more effective it is against predators;however,few studies have tested whether narrowing the entrance hole size can affect the estimation of threat levels from nest predators in cavity-nesting birds.Methods:Using dummy experiments,we tested whether Eurasian Nuthatches(Sitta europaea,narrow the entrance hole of cavities)and Cinereous Tits(Parus cinereus,do not narrow the entrance hole,as a control)perform different nest defence behaviours against Common Chipmunks(Tamias sibiricus,small nest predator)and Red Squirrels(Sciurus vulgaris,larger nest predator).Results:Both nuthatches and tits exhibited stronger response behaviours(high dummy response scores)against chipmunks than against squirrels.Compared with tits,nuthatches exhibited more aggressive behaviours to chipmunks,but their responses to squirrels were similar.Conclusions:Nest defence behaviours of nuthatches to chipmunks differed from tits,and the results suggested that nuthatches might estimate threat levels of nest predators according to their narrowed entrance-hole size.

立足教材基础 培养学生能力——三年级下册Unit 4 Where’s the bird? (Story time)教学设计

【教材简解】本单元的核心教学内容是"询问物品的位置"。要求学生在一定情景下能正确使用核心句型Where’s...?It’s....进行交谈。Story time共有七个场景,主要描述小鸟停在教室里的不同位置。在对话中出现了本单元的重点句型,即询问及回答地点。教学应与日常生活联系起来,培养学生的主动性思维和与人交流的能力。【目标预设】1.能初步感知新的语言知识:(1)单词:a bird,a desk,a chair,in,on,under。

True cicadas (Cicadidae) as prey for the birds of the Western Palearctic: a review

Background:True cicadas(Cicadidae)are large and temporarily abundant insects.Their availability may produce demographic and behavioural effects on bird populations,as happens with forest avifauna feeding on periodical cicadas in North America.In Europe,the Near East and North Africa,knowledge of cicada predation by birds is sparse.Methods:To help fill this gap,I consulted Cramp’s Birds of the Western Palearctic,conducted a search of online databases and used search engines to generate a database of Western Palearctic birds known to eat cicadas.Results:A total of 105 species(16%of those occurring in the region)belonging to 13 orders,and comprising 20 of the 33 passerine families,were found to consume cicadas.I estimated that 69 of these bird species are known to consume cicadas within the limits of the Western Palearctic.Many terrestrial birds predate on cicadas,preferably on adults.Avian predators include cuckoos,owls,bee-eaters,woodpeckers,falcons,reed-warblers,larks,crows and jays,buntings,shrikes,pipits and wagtails,flycatchers and chats,tits,sparrows,leaf-warblers,starlings,warblers and thrushes,but also terns and gulls.Nymphs are consumed by some passerines,owls and herons.Cicadas can make up as much as 70%of food items delivered to nestlings.Analysis of stomach contents and neck collar samples are the most common methods used in diet studies.Conclusions:Available knowledge is biased towards species that have been more intensively studied,and often lack proper quantification of prey items.More studies about the relative importance of cicadas as prey for birds in the Western Palearctic are needed.I suggest using non-invasive studies based on pellets and droppings and prioritizing declining bird species.

A Survey of Wild Birds Trading in the Beijing Bird Markets

Birds are an indispensable part of nature andthey play an important role in maintaining an ecologicalbalance. The existence of bird markets undoubtedlyposes a threat to the population of wild birds. Thegeographical location of Beijing is paramount to themigratory birds. The species of birds are rich in varietyand its quantity is large in scale. In addition, the birdmarket in old town Beijing has a long history - since theQing Dynasty, it has been the main bird market in thecity. Therefore, a survey of the major bird markets inthe city is highly representative. This study investigatedthe types, quantities, and prices of wild birds tradedin several major bird markets in Beijing from July16 to July 18, 2019. Data analysis and collation werealso conducted in this study. The results of the surveypresented 26 kinds of wild birds, with a total tradingvolume of an estimated 253. They are mainly birdsof the order of the passerine, 18 of which are underBeijing’s second-class protection, and one of them isunder first-class protection.

Nest box selection and reproduction of European Rollers in Central Italy: a 7-year study

Background: Changes and increased mechanisation of agricultural practices have influenced the biodiversity composition of farmland habitats and caused a decline of bird communities in many European countries. The removal of shrubs and large trees rich in natural cavities, has also led to a drastic decrease in nest site availability for cavity-nesting bird species. Nest-boxes are a common conservation tool used to improve nest-site availability, and have helped to reverse declines in many endangered bird populations. Nonetheless to maximize the results of such interventions it is crucial to know where nest-boxes should be sited. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the nest-box program for the European Roller (Coracias garrulus) population of Lazio region (Central Italy). More specifically, we focused on what landscape features were preferred (or avoided) in the process of nest box selection and how they influenced population’s breeding parameters. Particular attention was paid to identifying potential limitations and to provide management recommendations for future interventions. Methods: Using data from 70 nest boxes sited on power lines monitored over a 7-year period (representing 140 breeding attempts), we developed probability functions to evaluate if nest box location, in terms of distance from habitat resources and habitat composition and structure, had an effect on nest box occupancy and on the main reproductive parameters. Results: Nest boxes were more likely to be occupied if they were located near arable fields and in areas characterized by a higher amount of incoming solar radiation. Higher fledging success was associated with fallow fields and with a moderate/low habitat structural complexity. Higher breeding success was associated with solar radiation and with greater distance from urban areas. Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of specific habitat variables in influencing nest occupancy, and show which drivers primarily affect species’ reproduction and persistence over time. Siting nest boxes in habitats where occupancy rate and fledging success is higher, such as in arable and fallow fields and on south-facing slopes where solar radiation is maximised, may help to extend the suitable habitat for rollers and facilitate its local expansion.

Plant Composition of Skuas Nests at Hennequin Point, King George Island, Antarctica

We investigate the plant composition in the Skuas nest at Hennequin Point, located in the Admiralty Bay Area, King George Island, Antarctica. Sample of 61 activity nests were analyzed. 21 plant and lichenized fungi species were found in the nest composition, being the mosses Sanioniauncinata (Hedw.) Loeske and Polytrichastrumalpinum (Hedw) G. S. Smith the most frequent species found in the Skuas nests. Usneaantarctica Du Rietz was the most frequent lichen and the grass Deschampsiaantarctica Desv was the most frequent flowering plant found in the nests. These results contribute for the environmental menagement of the Admiralty Bay area research activities.

基于Transformer技术改进的Yolov5鸟巢识别算法研究

基于高密度遮挡下鸟巢识别正确率低的问题,提出一种基于Transformer技术改进的Yolov5变电站鸟巢识别算法模型。首先将现有Yolov5算法原本的Yolo预测头(Yolo Prediction Heads)替换为Transformer预测头(Transformer Prediction Heads,TPH),同时,为了提高对小物体的检测能力新增了一个预测头。然后嵌入卷积注意力模块(Convolutional Block Attention Module,CBAM),提取注意区域,以抵制干扰信息,关注有用的目标对象。最后利用CSPDarknet53结构设计思想,提取最终的特征图,经CSP模块将输出的特征图进行快速降维。实验结果表明,对比Yolov5算法,TPH-Yolov5算法的mAP(Meanaverage Precision)值提高了15.7%。