A novel skin cancer detection model using modified finch deep CNN classifier model.

Skin cancer is one of the most life-threatening diseases caused by the abnormal growth of the skin cells, when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Early detection seems to be more crucial for reducing aberrant cell proliferation because the mortality rate is rapidly rising. Although multiple researches are available based on the skin cancer detection, there still exists challenges in improving the accuracy, reducing the computational time and so on. In this research, a novel skin cancer detection is performed using a modified falcon finch deep Convolutional neural network classifier (Modified Falcon finch deep CNN) that efficiently detects the disease with higher efficiency. The usage of modified falcon finch deep CNN classifier effectively analyzed the information relevant to the skin cancer and the errors are also minimized. The inclusion of the falcon finch optimization in the deep CNN classifier is necessary for efficient parameter tuning. This tuning enhanced the robustness and boosted the convergence of the classifier that detects the skin cancer in less stipulated time. The modified falcon finch deep CNN classifier achieved accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values of 93.59%, 92.14%, and 95.22% regarding k-fold and 96.52%, 96.69%, and 96.54% regarding training percentage, proving more effective than literary works.

Exposure of Peregrine Falcons to Halogenated Flame Retardants: A 30 Year Retrospective Biomonitoring Study across North America.

Compared to aquatic ecosystem, terrestrial systems have been subjected to fewer investigations on the exposure to halogenated flame retardants (HFRs). Our study utilized peregrine falcon eggs collected from multiple habitats across North America to retrospectively explore both spatial distribution and temporal changes in legacy (e.g., polybrominated diphenyl ethers) and alternative HFRs over a 30 year period (1984-2016). The results reveal intensive HFR exposure in terrestrial ecosystems and chemical-specific spatiotemporal distribution patterns. The correlations between egg levels of the selected HFRs and human population density clearly illustrated a significant urban influence on the exposure of this wildlife species to these HFRs and subsequent maternal transfer to their eggs. Temporal analyses suggest that, unlike aquatic systems, terrestrial ecosystems may undergo continual exposure to consistently high levels of legacy HFRs for a long period of time. Our findings collectively highlight the effectiveness of using peregrine eggs to monitor terrestrial exposure to HFRs and other bioaccumulative chemicals and the need for continuous monitoring of HFRs in terrestrial ecosystems.

Breast and bowel cancers diagnosed in people 'too young to have cancer': A blueprint for research using family and twin studies.

Young breast and bowel cancers (e.g., those diagnosed before age 40 or 50 years) have far greater morbidity and mortality in terms of years of life lost, and are increasing in incidence, but have been less studied. For breast and bowel cancers, the familial relative risks, and therefore the familial variances in age-specific log(incidence), are much greater at younger ages, but little of these familial variances has been explained. Studies of families and twins can address questions not easily answered by studies of unrelated individuals alone. We describe existing and emerging family and twin data that can provide special opportunities for discovery. We present designs and statistical analyses, including novel ideas such as the VALID (Variance in Age-specific Log Incidence Decomposition) model for causes of variation in risk, the DEPTH (DEPendency of association on the number of Top Hits) and other approaches to analyse genome-wide association study data, and the within-pair, ICE FALCON (Inference about Causation from Examining FAmiliaL CONfounding) and ICE CRISTAL (Inference about Causation from Examining Changes in Regression coefficients and Innovative STatistical AnaLysis) approaches to causation and familial confounding. Example applications to breast and colorectal cancer are presented. Motivated by the availability of the resources of the Breast and Colon Cancer Family Registries, we also present some ideas for future studies that could be applied to, and compared with, cancers diagnosed at older ages and address the challenges posed by young breast and bowel cancers.

Causation and familial confounding as explanations for the associations of polygenic risk scores with breast cancer: Evidence from innovative ICE FALCON and ICE CRISTAL analyses.

A polygenic risk score (PRS) combines the associations of multiple genetic variants that could be due to direct causal effects, indirect genetic effects, or other sources of familial confounding. We have developed new approaches to assess evidence for and against causation by using family data for pairs of relatives (Inference about Causation from Examination of FAmiliaL CONfounding [ICE FALCON]) or measures of family history (Inference about Causation from Examining Changes in Regression coefficients and Innovative STatistical AnaLyses [ICE CRISTAL]). Inference is made from the changes in regression coefficients of relatives' PRSs or PRS and family history before and after adjusting for each other. We applied these approaches to two breast cancer PRSs and multiple studies and found that (a) for breast cancer diagnosed at a young age, for example, <50 years, there was no evidence that the PRSs were causal, while (b) for breast cancer diagnosed at later ages, there was consistent evidence for causation explaining increasing amounts of the PRS-disease association. The genetic variants in the PRS might be in linkage disequilibrium with truly causal variants and not causal themselves. These PRSs cause minimal heritability of breast cancer at younger ages. There is also evidence for nongenetic factors shared by first-degree relatives that explain breast cancer familial aggregation. Familial associations are not necessarily due to genes, and genetic associations are not necessarily causal.

Raptor Pediatrics.

Neonatal and juvenile raptors may differ from adults in their husbandry, disease predispositions, and medical therapies. There are differences between captive bred juveniles and those presented for rehabilitation to the wild, which must be taken into consideration for successful long-term outcomes. In captive settings, many metabolic and infectious diseases may be linked to problems with diet. The successful rehabilitation and release of wild raptor chicks requires special precautions beyond avoiding imprinting.

Correction of a Hyperflexed Hallux in a Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) by Hemisectioning the Deep Digital Flexor Tendon.

A 3-year-old male saker falcon (Falco cherrug) was presented with a history of hyperflexion of the first digit of the left pelvic limb with what appeared to be a hypercontracted distal end of the deep digital flexor tendon (m. flexor hallucis longus). Conservative treatment, bandaging, and splinting techniques failed to resolve the hypercontraction of the deep digital flexor tendon and improve digit function. Intraoperatively, the deep digital flexor tendon was found to have formed adhesions with the tendon sheath as well as the bone and soft tissue structures underneath it, impeding its ability to move freely within the tendon sheath. The adhesions were surgically resolved, and the tendon was lengthened by hemisectioning the deep digital flexor tendon at its distal end. Postsurgically, the digit was maintained in an extended position by bandaging. Mild physiotherapy was provided at 5-day intervals to retain function and prevent adhesions. Digit extensibility and function were restored to nearly normal levels after 4 weeks.

Causal relationships between breast cancer risk factors based on mammographic features.

BACKGROUND: Mammogram risk scores based on texture and density defined by different brightness thresholds are associated with breast cancer risk differently and could reveal distinct information about breast cancer risk. We aimed to investigate causal relationships between these intercorrelated mammogram risk scores to determine their relevance to breast cancer aetiology. METHODS: We used digitised mammograms for 371 monozygotic twin pairs, aged 40-70 years without a prior diagnosis of breast cancer at the time of mammography, from the Australian Mammographic Density Twins and Sisters Study. We generated normalised, age-adjusted, and standardised risk scores based on textures using the Cirrus algorithm and on three spatially independent dense areas defined by increasing brightness threshold: light areas, bright areas, and brightest areas. Causal inference was made using the Inference about Causation from Examination of FAmilial CONfounding (ICE FALCON) method. RESULTS: The mammogram risk scores were correlated within twin pairs and with each other (r = 0.22-0.81; all P < 0.005). We estimated that 28-92% of the associations between the risk scores could be attributed to causal relationships between the scores, with the rest attributed to familial confounders shared by the scores. There was consistent evidence for positive causal effects: of Cirrus, light areas, and bright areas on the brightest areas (accounting for 34%, 55%, and 85% of the associations, respectively); and of light areas and bright areas on Cirrus (accounting for 37% and 28%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In a mammogram, the lighter (less dense) areas have a causal effect on the brightest (highly dense) areas, including through a causal pathway via textural features. These causal relationships help us gain insight into the relative aetiological importance of different mammographic features in breast cancer. For example our findings are consistent with the brightest areas being more aetiologically important than lighter areas for screen-detected breast cancer; conversely, light areas being more aetiologically important for interval breast cancer. Additionally, specific textural features capture aetiologically independent breast cancer risk information from dense areas. These findings highlight the utility of ICE FALCON and family data in decomposing the associations between intercorrelated disease biomarkers into distinct biological pathways.

Detection of H5N1 High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses in Four Raptors and Two Geese in Japan in the Fall of 2022.

In the fall of 2022, high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) were detected from raptors and geese in Japan, a month earlier than in past years, indicating a shift in detection patterns. In this study, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis on H5N1 HPAIVs detected from six wild birds during the 2022/2023 season to determine their genetic origins. Our findings revealed that these HPAIVs belong to the G2 group within clade 2.3.4.4b, with all isolates classified into three subgroups: G2b, G2d, and G2c. The genetic background of the G2b virus (a peregrine falcon-derived strain) and G2d viruses (two raptors and two geese-derived strains) were the same as those detected in Japan in the 2021/2022 season. Since no HPAI cases were reported in Japan during the summer of 2022, it is probable that migratory birds reintroduced the G2b and G2d viruses. Conversely, the G2c virus (a raptor-derived strain) was first recognized in Japan in the fall of 2022. This strain might share a common ancestor with HPAIVs from Asia and West Siberia observed in the 2021/2022 season. The early migration of waterfowl to Japan in the fall of 2022 could have facilitated the early invasion of HPAIVs.

The first ecological contamination study of avian mercury and lead in southeast Iran, Hamun International Wetlands.

The concentrations of mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in feather samples of nine bird's species (n = 65) were determined from southeastern areas of Iran, Hamun International Wetlands. Hg concentrations were ranged from 0.40 to 3.00 mg/kg dry wt and from 0.38 to 1.76 mg/kg for primary and secondary feathers, respectively. Furthermore, Pb concentrations were ranged from 1.43 to 4.10 mg/kg and from 1.28 to 3.65 mg/kg for primary and secondary feathers, respectively. Deposition of metals varied significantly among the primary and secondary feathers of systematic category (families) for Hg and Pb (p < 0.001). It was found that there is a significant difference in feather Hg and Pb concentrations across species (p < 0.001) with highest concentrations in saker falcon (Falconidae) (Hg = 3.00 mg/kg and Pb = 4.10 mg/kg, primary feather) followed by little owl (Strigidae). Grey francolin (Phasianidae) contained the least amount of Hg (0.40 mg/kg) and Pb (1.43 mg/kg) in primary feather. The results showed that the highest concentrations of heavy metals were related to carnivores. Fish predators, omnivores, and insectivores were examined at the next level of metal concentration, with herbivores having the lowest concentrations of lead (1.43 mg/kg) and mercury (0.40 mg/kg). Birds with an open grasslands feeding strategy had the highest mercury and lead concentration. The average value for Pb was on the border of harmful effects (4 mg/kg). The results of this study indicate that mercury levels are lower than the threshold level for reproductive and behavioral harm (5 mg/kg).

Avian wings can lengthen rather than shorten in response to increased migratory predation danger.

Increasing predation danger can select for safety-enhancing modifications to prey morphology. Here, we document the multi-decade wing lengthening of a Pacific flyway migrant, the western sandpiper (Calidris mauri), and contrast this with contemporaneous wing shortening of the closely related semipalmated sandpiper (C. pusilla) on the Atlantic flyway. We measured >12,000 southbound western sandpipers captured from 1978 to 2020 at a major stopover site in British Columbia. Wing length increased at 0.074 mm year-1 (SE = 0.017; p < .0003) for adults, and 0.087 mm year-1 (SE = 0.029; p < .007) for juveniles. These rates are of similarly large magnitude (4%-5% overall), but opposite in direction, to the rate we previously reported for semipalmated sandpiper adults (-0.103 mm year-1). In both species, the change is specific to wings rather than being part of a general body size change. We interpret both trends as responses to the ongoing strong increase of peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations since the mid-1970s, an important predator encountered by these species in contrasting ways during migration. Western sandpipers and peregrine migrations have temporal and spatial overlap. Longer wings enhance migratory speed and efficiency, enabling western sandpipers to decrease overlap by advancing to safer zones ahead of falcon passage. In contrast, semipalmated sandpipers primarily encounter peregrines as residents at migratory staging sites. Shorter wings improve acceleration and agility, helping migrants to escape attacks. Juvenile western sandpiper wing length also shows a component additive to the lengthening trend, shifting between years at 0.055 mm day-1 with the highly variable snowmelt date, with wings shorter following early springs. On the Pacific flyway, the timing of peregrine southward passage advances with snowmelt, increasing the relative exposure of juveniles to post-migratory resident peregrines. We interpret this annual wing length adjustment as an induced defense, made possible because snowmelt timing is a reliable cue to danger in the upcoming migration.

Is There a Causal Relationship between Physical Activity and Bone Microarchitecture? A Study of Adult Female Twin Pairs.

The reasons for the association between physical activity (PA) and bone microarchitecture traits are unclear. We examined whether these associations were consistent with causation and/or with shared familial factors using a cross-sectional study of 47 dizygotic and 93 monozygotic female twin pairs aged 31-77 years. Images of the nondominant distal tibia were obtained using high-resolutionperipheral quantitative computed tomography. The bone microarchitecture was assessed using StrAx1.0 software. Based on a self-completed questionnaire, a PA index was calculated as a weighted sum of weekly hours of light (walking, light gardening), moderate (social tennis, golf, hiking), and vigorous activity (competitive active sports) = light + 2 * moderate + 3 * vigorous. We applied Inference about Causation through Examination of FAmiliaL CONfounding (ICE FALCON) to test whether cross-pair cross-trait associations changed after adjustment for within-individual associations. Within-individual distal tibia cortical cross-sectional area (CSA) and cortical thickness were positively associated with PA (regression coefficients [ß] = 0.20 and 0.22), while the porosity of the inner transitional zone was negatively associated with PA (ß = -0.17), all p < 0.05. Trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and trabecular thickness were positively associated with PA (ß = 0.13 and 0.14), and medullary CSA was negatively associated with PA (ß = -0.22), all p ≤ 0.01. Cross-pair cross-trait associations of cortical thickness, cortical CSA, and medullary CSA with PA attenuated after adjustment for the within-individual association (p = 0.048, p = 0.062, and p = 0.028 for changes). In conclusion, increasing PA was associated with thicker cortices, larger cortical area, lower porosity of the inner transitional zone, thicker trabeculae, and smaller medullary cavities. The attenuation of cross-pair cross-trait associations after accounting for the within-individual associations was consistent with PA having a causal effect on the improved cortical and trabecular microarchitecture of adult females, in addition to shared familial factors. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Infection of juvenile falcons (Falco spp.) with intestinal Lawsonia intracellularis.

Intestinal infection of many host species with Lawsonia intracellularis are widely reported. Analyses of infections among carnivorous falcons have not previously been reported. Fifty juvenile captive falcons (Falco spp.) with or without Lawsonia infection were investigated in the United Arab Emirates, including clinical laboratory methods. Fresh intestinal biopsy samples were analysed by microbiological techniques for Lawsonia and other bacteria and by standard parasitological and pathological methods. Lawsonia intracellularis infection was diagnosed by microbiological examination and qPCR in 10 of 50 juvenile falcons at case examination. Seven of these 10 falcons were of normal clinical appearance, and the other three had other contributing factors to ill-thrift. A range of other conditions were noted in 40 case control falcons. This first report of Lawsonia infection in falcons suggests that the agent may have a limited contribution to clinical disease in these birds, including ill-thrift syndromes. This lack of clinical disease association mimics that noted among Lawsonia infections recorded in other avian families.

Genetic diversity and relatedness amongst captive saker falcons (Falcocherrug) in the Green Balkans' Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Centre in Bulgaria.

The globally endangered saker falcon (Falcocherrug) is currently being re-introduced in Bulgaria, where the falcons are bred in captivity and released through the hacking method. We relied on the birds' pedigree when forming the breeding pairs from 2011. In 2021-2022, we had the opportunity to evaluate our captive population via DNA tests. We performed the first genetic assessment of the sakers in the WRBC through a genome evaluation of the most important founders (n = 12) and, in 2022, we executed a microsatellite analysis on 30 saker falcons from the programme. We compared the results with the known pedigree and history of the saker falcons. The genetic tests helped to assign relatedness to some birds with missing or incomplete pedigrees, indicating the test can complement that information and lead to better management of the captive group. One pair was separated as a precaution as it was indicated by one the tests that the two birds are more closely related than expected. The research could be beneficial to other raptor captive breeding programmes dealing with a similar group composition.

The use of fulvestrant before chemotherapy improves survival in hormone-positive breast cancer: a real-life study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fulvestrant and its affecting clinical factors, including the optimal sequencing of fulvestrant and chemotherapy in a real-life cohort. METHODS: The data of 256 metastatic hormone-positive breast cancer patients treated with fulvestrant were evaluated. The association of clinical factors with survival was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox-regression analyses. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 57 years. More than half of the patients used fulvestrant in later lines and after chemotherapy (75.8%). The median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of all cohort were 6.05 ± 0.56 and 29.70 ± 1.61 months, respectively. Primary endocrine resistance (HR: 1.989, 95% CI: 1.430-2.766, <0.001), use of fulvestrant after chemotherapy (HR: 1.849, 95% CI: 1.182-2.891, p = 0.007) and visceral metastases (HR: 1.587, 95% CI: 1.128-2.233, p = 0.008) were associated with decreased OS in multivariate analyses. Sixteen patients were treated with trastuzumab and fulvestrant combination. The overall response rate (p = 0.340), disease control rate (p = 0.076), and OS (p = 0.289) and PFS (p = 0.276) were similar to overall cohort. DISCUSSION: In our experience, fulvestrant treatment was associated with comparable OS to clinical trials in a large cohort of patients. Patients treated with fulvestrant before chemotherapy were garnered significantly more benefit.

Predicting the potential distribution of a near-extinct avian predator on the Arabian Peninsula: implications for its conservation management.

Species distribution models (SDMs) generate predicted distribution maps which can be used as effective tools for conservation purposes. The persistence of isolated populations at the margin of a large distributional area depends on local threats which may differ from those faced by the main population. Environmental predictors can indicate suitable areas for these species and, indirectly, evaluate the impact on peripheral populations due to fragmentation and isolation. The Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) is an Afro-tropical and Mediterranean polytypic species considered critically endangered (CR) in Arabian Peninsula by IUCN, but a lack of published information about its distribution persists. Here, we model the distribution of the Lanner Falcon in the Arabian Peninsula using nest-site data and map its core area and their habitat suitability using a robust algorithm with good prediction accuracy even at low sample sizes (MaxEnt). The predictive map suggests a potential distribution of the Lanner Falcons that runs from north to south along the eastern coast of the Red Sea. The Terrain Roughness Index contributed the most to the breeding range model predictions (57.6%), followed by isothermality (Bio3, 15.3%). The model suggests a tendency by Lanner Falcons to occupy areas with a low terrain complexity according to their behavioural patterns and breeding strategies. In addition, this falcon is highly sensitive to climate occupying high isothermal regions in order to avoid extreme heating events. Overall, predictive models indicate a narrow range of suitable environmental conditions for breeding as well restricted favourable areas during dispersal and migration. Thus, these small and fragmented populations are more likely prone to anthropogenic factors and must be buffered against them.

Rate of COVID-19 infection and 30 day mortality between blue and green (dedicated COVID-19 safe) pathways: Results from phase 1 and 2 of the UK foot and ankle COVID-19 national (UK-FAlCoN) audit.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aim was to determine the differences in COVID-19 infection rate and 30-day mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery between different treatment pathways over the two phases of the UK-FALCON audit, spanning the first and second UK national lockdowns. SETTING: This was an ambispective (retrospective Phase 1 and prospective Phase 2) national audit of foot and ankle procedures in the UK in 2020 completed between 13th January 2020 and 30th November 2020. PARTICIPANTS: All adult patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre during the study period were included from 46 participating centres in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Patients were categorised as either a green pathway (designated COVID-19 free) or blue pathway (no protocols to prevent COVID-19 infection). RESULTS: 10,846 patients were included, 6644 from phase 1 and 4202 from phase 2. Over the 2 phases the infection rate on a blue pathway was 1.07% (69/6470) and 0.21% on a green pathway (9/4280). In phase 1, there was no significant difference in the COVID-19 perioperative infection rate between the blue and green pathways in any element of the first phase (pre-lockdown (p = .109), lockdown (p = .923) or post-lockdown (p = .577)). However, in phase 2 there was a significant reduction in perioperative infection rate when using the green pathway in both the pre-lockdown (p < .001) and lockdown periods (Odd's Ratio 0.077, p < .001). There was no significant difference in COVID-19 related mortality between pathways. CONCLUSIONS: There was a five-fold reduction in the perioperative COVID-19 infection rate when using designated COVID-19 green pathways over the whole study period; however the success of the pathways only became significant in phase 2 of the study, where there was a 13-fold reduction in infection rate. The study shows a developing success to using green pathways in reducing the risk to patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.

Histomorphometrical study of the tongue epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) / Estudo histomorfométrico do epitélio da língua do falcão peregrino (Falco peregrinus)

The aim of this study is to examine the dorsal lingual epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) of the family Falconidae. The tongue in its dorsal, lateral and ventral surfaces is covered with a non-keratinized multilayered stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria is present beneath the epithelial layers. Morphometrically, thickness of the apex tongue epithelium is more than that in the tongue body. Thickness of the ventral surface of the tongue is less than that in the dorsal one. Thickness of the lateral surface of the tongue was thicker than that in the ventral one and tongue body. Large and small conical papillae appeared on the posterior dorsal surface of the lingual body. There are lingual glands in certain areas of tongue body with numerous openings through the dorsal surface.

O objetivo deste estudo é examinar o epitélio lingual dorsal do falcão peregrino (Falco peregrinus) da família Falconidae. A língua em suas superfícies dorsal, lateral e ventral é coberta por um epitélio escamoso estratificado de múltiplas camadas não queratinizado. A lâmina própria está presente abaixo das camadas epiteliais. Morfometricamente, a espessura do epitélio do ápice da língua é maior do que a do corpo da língua. A espessura da superfície ventral da língua é menor do que a dorsal. A espessura da face lateral da língua foi mais espessa do que na ventral e no corpo da língua. Papilas cônicas grandes e pequenas apareceram na superfície posterior dorsal do corpo lingual. Existem glândulas linguais em certas áreas do corpo da língua com numerosas aberturas na superfície dorsal.

Histomorphometrical study of the tongue epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Abstract The aim of this study is to examine the dorsal lingual epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) of the family Falconidae. The tongue in its dorsal, lateral and ventral surfaces is covered with a non-keratinized multilayered stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria is present beneath the epithelial layers. Morphometrically, thickness of the apex tongue epithelium is more than that in the tongue body. Thickness of the ventral surface of the tongue is less than that in the dorsal one. Thickness of the lateral surface of the tongue was thicker than that in the ventral one and tongue body. Large and small conical papillae appeared on the posterior dorsal surface of the lingual body. There are lingual glands in certain areas of tongue body with numerous openings through the dorsal surface.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é examinar o epitélio lingual dorsal do falcão peregrino (Falco peregrinus) da família Falconidae. A língua em suas superfícies dorsal, lateral e ventral é coberta por um epitélio escamoso estratificado de múltiplas camadas não queratinizado. A lâmina própria está presente abaixo das camadas epiteliais. Morfometricamente, a espessura do epitélio do ápice da língua é maior do que a do corpo da língua. A espessura da superfície ventral da língua é menor do que a dorsal. A espessura da face lateral da língua foi mais espessa do que na ventral e no corpo da língua. Papilas cônicas grandes e pequenas apareceram na superfície posterior dorsal do corpo lingual. Existem glândulas linguais em certas áreas do corpo da língua com numerosas aberturas na superfície dorsal.

Histomorphometrical study of the tongue epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) / Estudo histomorfométrico do epitélio da língua do falcão peregrino (Falco peregrinus)

The aim of this study is to examine the dorsal lingual epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) of the family Falconidae. The tongue in its dorsal, lateral and ventral surfaces is covered with a non-keratinized multilayered stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria is present beneath the epithelial layers. Morphometrically, thickness of the apex tongue epithelium is more than that in the tongue body. Thickness of the ventral surface of the tongue is less than that in the dorsal one. Thickness of the lateral surface of the tongue was thicker than that in the ventral one and tongue body. Large and small conical papillae appeared on the posterior dorsal surface of the lingual body. There are lingual glands in certain areas of tongue body with numerous openings through the dorsal surface.

O objetivo deste estudo é examinar o epitélio lingual dorsal do falcão peregrino (Falco peregrinus) da família Falconidae. A língua em suas superfícies dorsal, lateral e ventral é coberta por um epitélio escamoso estratificado de múltiplas camadas não queratinizado. A lâmina própria está presente abaixo das camadas epiteliais. Morfometricamente, a espessura do epitélio do ápice da língua é maior do que a do corpo da língua. A espessura da superfície ventral da língua é menor do que a dorsal. A espessura da face lateral da língua foi mais espessa do que na ventral e no corpo da língua. Papilas cônicas grandes e pequenas apareceram na superfície posterior dorsal do corpo lingual. Existem glândulas linguais em certas áreas do corpo da língua com numerosas aberturas na superfície dorsal.

Semi-intensive shrimp farms as experimental arenas for the study of predation risk from falcons to shorebirds.

Varying environmental conditions and energetic demands can affect habitat use by predators and their prey. Anthropogenic habitats provide an opportunity to document both predation events and foraging activity by prey and therefore enable an empirical evaluation of how prey cope with trade-offs between starvation and predation risk in environments of variable foraging opportunities and predation danger. Here, we use seven years of observational data of peregrine falcons Falco peregrinus and shorebirds at a semi-intensive shrimp farm to determine how starvation and predation risk vary for shorebirds under a predictable variation in foraging opportunities. Attack rate (mean 0.1 attacks/hr, equating 1 attack every ten hours) was positively associated with the total foraging area available for shorebirds at the shrimp farm throughout the harvesting period, with tidal amplitude at the adjacent mudflat having a strong nonlinear (quadratic) effect. Hunt success (mean 14%) was higher during low tides and declined as the target flocks became larger. Finally, individual shorebird vigilance behaviors were more frequent when birds foraged in smaller flocks at ponds with poorer conditions. Our results provide empirical evidence of a risk threshold modulated by tidal conditions at the adjacent wetlands, where shorebirds trade-off risk and rewards to decide to avoid or forage at the shrimp farm (a potentially dangerous habitat) depending on their need to meet daily energy requirements. We propose that semi-intensive shrimp farms serve as ideal "arenas" for studying predator-prey dynamics of shorebirds and falcons, because harvest operations and regular tidal cycles create a mosaic of foraging patches with predictable food supply. In addition, the relatively low hunt success suggests that indirect effects associated with enhanced starvation risk are important in shorebird life-history decisions.