Search Results (359)

MOTS-c is a mitochondrial peptide that plays a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism, gene expression, and immune processes. However, current research primarily focuses on mammals like humans and mice, with no reports on avian MOTS-c. This study aimed to identify and characterize MOTS-c coding sequences across major poultry species through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. The alignment results showed high sequence similarity in the MOTS-c coding regions between avian and mammalian species. However, a single nucleotide deletion was identified in avian sequences at the position corresponding to the fourth amino acid residue of mammalian homologs, resulting in divergent downstream amino acid sequences. Despite this deletion, several residues were conserved across species. Phylogenetic analysis of mRNA sequences grouped pigeons with mammals, while protein sequence analysis revealed that poultry and mammals form separate branches, highlighting the divergence between avian and mammalian MOTS-c sequences. Tissue expression profiling demonstrated widespread distribution of chicken MOTS-c across multiple tissues, with the highest expression levels in the heart. Fasting significantly reduced heart MOTS-c expression, suggesting potential metabolic regulatory functions. Functional analysis of MOTS-c in primary hepatocytes revealed significant enrichment of the ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and key signaling pathways (PI3K-AKT and JAK-STAT) following 24 hours of treatment. Western blot validation confirmed MOTS-c-mediated activation of the AKT signaling pathway. This study represents the first comprehensive characterization of avian MOTS-c, providing critical insights into its evolutionary conservation and its potential functional roles in gene expression and cellular metabolism. Our findings establish a foundation for further investigation into the functions of mitochondrial-encoded peptides in avian species. Full article

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) genotype VI from pigeon origin is an important causative agent for serious disease in pigeons. Although the biological characteristics of genotype VI NDV have been extensively studied, the understanding of the thermostability of this genotype is still incomplete. In this study, an NDV strain, designated P0506, was isolated from a diseased pigeon in China and classified as genotype VI. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of the Fusion gene coding sequence indicated that P0506 belonged to sub-genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2 of class II. The thermostability may be a universal characteristic of genotype VI NDV. Thus, the thermostability of two strains, including P0506 identified in this study and P0713 identified previously, belonging to VI.2.1.1.2.2, and another previously isolated strain, P0813, in VI.2.1.1.2.1, was investigated. It was indicated that all three viruses presented resistance to heat treatment, but P0713 was more robust than P0813 and P0506. By constructing a series of HN protein mutants, amino acid residues at both residues 365 and 497 in HN protein were found to be involved in the heat resistance. Furthermore, the effects of residues 365 and 497 in HN protein on the thermostability of the virus were further evaluated by using recombinant viruses generated by the reverse genetic system. Our results showed that residue at position 365 in HN protein was the key thermostable determinant of sub-genotype VI.2.1.1.2.2 NDV. These findings will help us better understand the thermostable mechanism of NDV and serve as a foundation for the further development of novel thermostable vaccines. Full article

To address the dynamic decision-making and control problem in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms, this paper proposes a cumulative prospect theory-driven pigeon-inspired optimization (CPT-PIO) algorithm. Gray relational analysis and information entropy theory are integrated into cumulative prospect theory (CPT), constructing a prospect value model for Pareto solutions by setting reference points, defining value functions, and determining attribute weights. This prospect value is used to evaluate the quality of each Pareto solution and serves as the fitness function in the pigeon-inspired optimization (PIO) algorithm to guide its evolutionary process. Furthermore, incorporating individual and swarm situation assessment methods, the situation assessment model is constructed and the information entropy theory is employed to ascertain the weight of each assessment index. Finally, the reverse search mechanism and competitive learning mechanism are introduced into the standard PIO to prevent premature convergence and enhance the population’s exploration capability. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CPT-PIO algorithm significantly outperforms two novel multi-objective optimization algorithms in terms of search performance and solution quality, yielding higher-quality Pareto solutions for dynamic UAV swarm decision-making. Full article

Many life history traits show predictable patterns at broad biogeographical scales, yet much less is known about how behavioural traits vary across such gradients. In this study, I investigated global variation in foraging group size within a large, cosmopolitan avian family—the pigeons—and assessed the roles of climate and predation in shaping these patterns. I compiled data from the literature for species occurring across a range of latitudes, altitudes, and habitats (islands v. continents) and analyzed the data within a phylogenetic framework that accounted for both biogeographical and ecological drivers of group size. Foraging group size increased with latitude among continental species but did not follow these trends on islands, where groups were generally smaller. Group size also increased at higher elevations. Among the climatic variables examined, annual temperature variation emerged as the strongest latitudinal predictor: greater temperature variability was associated with larger group sizes in continental species, but not in island species. The number of predators within a species’ breeding range showed no significant relationship with group size. These findings suggest that climatic variability, rather than number of predators, is a key driver of foraging group size in pigeons at the biogeographical scale. Full article

Flight behavior in pigeons is governed by intricate neural mechanisms that regulate movement patterns and flight dynamics. Among various kinematic parameters, flight acceleration provides critical information for the brain to modulate movement intensity, speed, and direction. However, the neural representation mechanisms underlying flight acceleration remain insufficiently understood. To address this, we conducted outdoor free-flight experiments in homing pigeons, during which GPS data, flight posture, and eight-channel local field potentials (LFPs) were synchronously recorded. Our analysis revealed that gamma-band activity in the dorsal intermediate arcopallium (AId) region was more prominent during behaviorally demanding phases of flight. In parallel, local functional network analysis showed that the clustering coefficient of gamma-band activity in the AId followed a nonlinear, U-shaped relationship with flight acceleration—exhibiting the strongest and most widespread connectivity during deceleration, moderate connectivity during acceleration, and the weakest network coupling during steady flight. This pattern likely reflects the increased neural demands associated with flight phase transitions, where greater cognitive and sensorimotor integration is required. Furthermore, using LFP signals from five distinct frequency bands as input, machine learning models were developed to decode flight acceleration, further confirming the role of gamma-band dynamics in motor regulation during natural flight. This study provides the first evidence that gamma-band activity in the avian AId region encodes flight acceleration, offering new insights into the neural representation of motor states in natural flight and implications for bio-inspired flight control systems. Full article

The continuous configuration changes and velocity variations of tilt-rotor UAVs during the transition phase pose significant challenges to flight safety. Hence, the transition phase trajectory must be specially designed. The transition corridor is an effective means of characterizing the controllable flight state and safe flight boundary of the tilt-rotor UAV transition phase. However, the conventional transition corridor is established based on the trim criterion, which cannot fully characterize the dynamic characteristics of the transition phase, resulting in deviations in the delineation of the flight boundary. This paper proposes a method that characterizes the dynamic transition corridor of a tilt-rotor UAV during the transition phase. A three-dimensional transition corridor considering the nacelle angle, velocity, and angle of attack is established by relaxing the force constraints and introducing angle of attack variables, allowing the dynamic characteristics of acceleration and deceleration in the transition phase to be characterized. On this basis, a transition trajectory optimization method based on the three-dimensional dynamic transition corridor is established using pigeon-inspired optimization with an objective that considers the smooth transition of tilt-rotor UAVs. Numerical simulations show that, compared with the transition trajectory obtained using a two-dimensional transition corridor, the proposed method ensures smoother changes in the velocity, nacelle angle, and expected angle of attack during the transition phase, resulting in stronger engineering practicality. Full article

Two main adenoviral diseases have been described in pigeons: pigeon adenovirus type 1 (PiAdV-1) and pigeon adenovirus type 2 (PiAdV-2), which belong to the genus Aviadenovirus under the family Adenoviridae. PiAdV-1 and PiAdV-2 are highly pathogenic to pigeons, leading to considerable losses worldwide. To date, there is little information on the epidemiological distribution of PiAdV-1 and PiAdV-2 in pigeons due to the lack of detection and differentiation platforms for these two viruses. High-resolution melting technology (HRM) has been widely used for developing detection and differentiation platforms, with the melting profile based on the GC content in the real-time PCR (qPCR-HRM) system. This study designed and synthesized a pair of specific primers on the basis of the characteristic variations of the 52K genes of PiAdV-1 and PiAdV-2, then the detection and differentiation qPCR-HRM platform was established after conditional optimization. The results showed that this method had good specificity; it could only specifically detect PiAdV-1 and PiAdV-2, with no cross-reaction with other pigeon-origin pathogens that occur in pigeons. This method had high sensitivity, with the lowest detection limits at 57 copies/µL (for PiAdV-1) and 56 copies/µL (for PiAdV-2). This method had good intra-group and inter-group coefficients of variation, both of which were less than 1.5%. Field samples for the epidemiological surveillance and investigation data of PiAdV-1 and PiAdV-2 were checked. We found only PiAdV-2-positive samples in meat pigeons, but the percentages of PiAdV-1-positive, PiAdV-2-positive, and coinfection-positive samples among the racing pigeons were 5.71%, 14.29%, and 2.86%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of PiAdV-1 and PiAdV-2 using the qPCR-HRM platform. Our study also provided evidence of PiAdV-1 and PiAdV-2 coinfection in racing pigeons, but further studies are needed. Full article

Birds are hosts to a diverse assemblage of vector-transmitted haemosporidian parasites. However, the true genetic diversity and many host–parasite interactions are still unknown, particularly in under-represented species groups such as wild doves and pigeons (Columbiformes). In this study, we examined the prevalence and lineage diversity of haemosporidian genera Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon, and Haemoproteus in three species of wild columbids, sampled in Germany. Examinations were performed by applying molecular methods (nested PCR and one-step multiplex PCR) and blood smear examination, and their respective advantages and disadvantages are discussed. In the case of the European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur, samples were collected along a west–east gradient throughout Germany, covering migratory birds from the Western and Central-Eastern flyway of this species. Although no infection was detected in the Stock Dove Columba oenas samples, 53% of Turtle Dove and 86% of Common Woodpigeon Columba palumbus harbored a parasite of at least one haemosporidian genus, revealing previously unknown lineage–host interactions. We were not able to demonstrate a correlation between infection status (presence or absence of infection based on PCR results) and parasitemia with condition based on the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio). Neither lineage occurrence nor prevalence of infection followed any geographically specific patterns. Thus, haemosporidian lineages found in Turtle Doves could not be used as a marker of geographic origin that would allow the tracking of their nonbreeding distribution. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) represent a heterogeneous group of pathogens with increasing global prevalence and significant geographical variation in species distribution. NTM infections, often affecting immunocompromised individuals, are difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific clinical presentations and laboratory findings. This case study presents a rare extrapulmonary NTM infection in a 73-year-old man, initially misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis, highlighting the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by such infections. Methods: The patient, a pigeon fancier, presented with recurrent fever and pancytopenia. Extensive diagnostics included blood cultures, bone marrow aspiration, and histopathology. Initial cultures and serological tests remained negative. Results: Bone marrow aspiration revealed epithelioid granulomas, initially leading to the provisional diagnosis of sarcoidosis. However, after six weeks, M. genavense was isolated from mycobacterial blood cultures from bone marrow aspirant. Antimicrobial therapy with azithromycin, rifampicin, and ethambutol was initiated. Following the initiation of appropriate antimycobacterial therapy, the patient developed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), which was managed with supportive care. The patient’s condition improved, and no further febrile episodes occurred post-treatment, marking the successful conclusion of NTM therapy. Conclusions: This case underscores the diagnostic complexity of extrapulmonary NTM infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Misdiagnosis can delay appropriate treatment. M. genavense, though rare, should be considered in patients with a fever of unknown origin, especially with a background of immunosuppression. Prompt mycobacterial testing and tailored antibiotic therapy are crucial to improving outcomes in NTM infections. Full article

The developmental period is a critical phase in birds, influencing even lifetime reproductive success. The gut microbiome (GM) is important herein, affecting digestive capacity and immune function. Diet impacts the GM, but wild nestlings may experience resource limitations, which may also affect the GM. We investigated the effects of a week of food restriction early in life on the GM in captive rock pigeon nestlings (Columba livia). We sampled the GM at 0, 2, 4, 7, 8, 12, 20, 27, and 38 days and in foster parents. Alpha diversity varied only with age. However, differences in alpha diversity between nestlings and adults were larger during food restriction. Beta diversity varied with age, food treatment, and their interaction term. Four of the eleven major genera varied with age, while four others did not vary with age or food treatment. Major genera that contained potential pathogens (Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium sensu stricto 1) were more abundant under food restriction. Food restriction thus affected GM development. The increase in alpha diversity and potential pathogens suggest that suppressed immune function may mediate the impact of food restriction on the GM. The effect diminished when food restriction was ended, suggesting that in wild nestlings, the impact of food restriction on the GM may be short-term. Full article

The fragmentary and whole substitution of wheat flour with flour blends is an alternative approach for producing cheaper, nutrient-rich, and comparatively advantageous gluten-free foods through fermentation. Dry samples of sweet potato, pigeon pea, and maize botanicals were purchased from local vendors, authenticated and processed before spontaneous fermentation at room temperature. The pH and microbiological growth patterns of the fermenting botanicals were evaluated every 12 h for 72 h, using standard test protocols. It revealed that the rates of growth of isolated microorganisms were affected by pH; all the botanicals fermented had a reduction in their pH values. Acids were produced during fermentation, leading to a reduction in pH. Bacteria growth on the fermenting samples on nutrient agar reveals that the bacterial load increased with fermentation time, from 7.52 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.6 Log₁₀ CFU/g (sweet potato); 6.3 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.54 Log₁₀ CFU/g (pigeon pea), and 6.3 Log₁₀ CFU/g to 10.54 Log₁₀ CFU/g (maize). On MacConkey agar, the bacterial load on all samples started after 24 h of fermentation, peaked at 48 h, and gradually reduced towards 72 h of fermentation. There was increase in fungal growth with time from 0 to 36 h across all samples. The microorganisms isolated can be categorized into lactic acid bacteria, spore formers, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcace, yeast, and molds. Fermentation of botanicals over 72 h results in organic acid formation, which lowers pH; this attribute helps in checkmating undesirable microorganisms capable of affecting the production of gluten-free flours with good keeping qualities. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, affecting both human and veterinary medicine. Pigeons are increasingly recognized as potential reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to their widespread presence in urban and rural environments. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from pigeons in Hungary. Methods: A total of 73 S. aureus isolates were collected from pigeons across seven regions of Hungary in 2022. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined using the broth microdilution method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Statistical analysis included correlation heatmaps, hierarchical clustering, network analysis, decision tree modeling, and Monte Carlo simulations. Results: The multidrug-resistant (MDR) prevalence rate was alarmingly high at 80.8%. Very high resistance rates were observed for doxycycline (97.3%), enrofloxacin (87.7%), and amoxicillin (84.9%). By contrast, low resistance rates were detected for vancomycin (5.5%) and imipenem (8.2%). Decision tree modeling identified tiamulin, enrofloxacin, and amoxicillin-clavulanate resistance as the most significant predictors of MDR status. Monte Carlo simulations predicted a mean MDR prevalence of 78.5%, indicating that the dominance of MDR strains is not merely a random phenomenon but part of a broader epidemiological pattern. Conclusions: These findings confirm that pigeons may serve as critical reservoirs of MDR S. aureus strains, posing a potential risk to public and animal health. Continued monitoring, the genetic characterization of resistant strains, and the development of effective control strategies are urgently needed. This study provides a foundation for future research aimed at understanding the biological, ecological, and epidemiological roles of pigeon-associated MDR strains. Full article

The wing kinematics of birds plays a significant role in their excellent unsteady aerodynamic performance. However, most studies investigate the influence of different kinematic parameters of flapping wings on their aerodynamic performance based on simple harmonic motions, which neglect the aerodynamic effects of the real flapping motion. The purpose of this article was to study the effects of wing kinematics on aerodynamic performance for a pigeon-inspired flapping wing. In this article, the dynamic geometric shape of a flapping wing was reconstructed based on data of the pigeon wing profile. The 3D wingbeat kinematics of a flying pigeon was extracted from the motion trajectories of the wingtip and the wrist during cruise flight. Then, we used a hybrid RANS/LES method to study the effects of wing kinematics on the aerodynamic performance and flow patterns of the pigeon-inspired flapping wing. First, we investigated the effects of dynamic spanwise twisting on the lift and thrust performance of the flapping wing. Numerical results show that the twisting motion weakens the leading-edge vortex (LEV) on the upper surface of the wing during the downstroke by reducing the effective angle of attack, thereby significantly reducing the time-averaged lift and power consumption. Then, we further studied the effects of the 3D sweeping motion on the aerodynamic performance of the flapping wing. Backward sweeping reduces the wing area and weakens the LEV on the lower surface of the wing, which increases the lift and reduces the aerodynamic power consumption significantly during the upstroke, leading to a high lift efficiency. These conclusions are significant for improving the aerodynamic performance of bionic flapping-wing micro air vehicles. Full article

The current rising food prices, influenced by importation costs, the global food crisis, as well as pre- and post-harvest losses, have contributed majorly to malnutrition and food insecurity. Therefore, utilizing technologies that harness our indigenous agro-products as composite flours to develop functional foods will address these issues. In this study, dry raw samples of perishable and healthy yellow potato, yellow maize and pigeon pea were obtained from the agricultural development program, Edo State, Nigeria, and authenticated and processed into gluten-free fermented composite flours. The flours were profiled physicochemically and nutritionally, providing valuable insight into their multiple benefits. An experimental design software (Design Expert 13.0.) was applied to achieve optimum blended flours regarding the ratio of sweet potato–pigeon pea–maize, and mix 5 (67.70:20.00:12.31) displayed more outstanding attributes than other blends for the production of biscuits, bread and cakes using creaming and mixing methods. Various standard tests for flours and products were appropriately carried out to evaluate the proximate, techno-functional, mineral, antioxidant, anti-nutrient, sensory and color values. Individual antioxidant parameters were improved across all products compared to wheat-based products (control) under the same production conditions, showing a statistical significance at p < 0.05. A similar trend was observed in the proximate, anti-nutritional and mineral contents, while all products had a desirable color outlook. A sensory evaluation revealed the general acceptability, while an in vivo animal experimental model revealed that all animals fed with the various product samples gained weight with improved general body organs and no evidence of disease. This research underscores the potential of harnessing agri-value chain approaches in developing functional foods and promoting food security. Full article

Forest management plans offer valuable data on forest species composition and structure, useful for large-scale bird conservation. We examined the relationship between bird community diversity and five vegetation characteristics from management plans in Krkonoše Mts. National Park. Bird communities were surveyed from 2012 to 2014 using the point method on 285 plots (radius 100 m). We analyzed songbirds, woodpeckers, and pigeons. The vegetation characteristics were divided into composition (tree species proportion, soil-based phytocoenosis, and target vegetation type) and structure (vertical tree layering and remotely sensed heights). Bird species richness was used as a diversity measure. Redundancy analysis (RDA) tested the impact of vegetation characteristics on bird community composition. Higher bird diversity was linked to deciduous forests, particularly beech, in multi-layered stands (20–40 m height) on rich soils. In contrast, lower diversity occurred in spruce-dominated stands with Scots pine, waterlogged soils, and low vegetation (<0.5 m). All vegetation characteristics correlated significantly with bird community diversity and composition. Our findings demonstrate that forest management data can help identify key variability sources in bird communities, aiding in large-scale monitoring and landscape planning. Beyond tree composition and structure, phytocoenological characteristics provide useful insights for conservation. Full article