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Phenotypic plasticity is a vital biological process facilitating the persistence of organisms amid rapid environmental changes. Investigating the genetic basis of plastic traits necessitates transplantation experiments, but much of the existing research has focused on laboratory model systems. Transplant experiments in the wild may provide better understanding of how plasticity operates in the context of real-world challenges. However, performing transplantation experiments in non-model systems, such as birds, could be challenging. In this study, we aim to develop Perdix hodgsoniae (Tibetan Partridge) inhabiting the highlands of the Tibetan Plateau as a suitable system to study genetic basis underlying short-term plastic response to rapid changes in elevation. We did a first attempt of field-based transplantation experiment by exposing P. hodgsoniae individuals to extreme change in elevation from their native elevation (3,623 m) to a low elevation outside their natural distribution range (500 m). We compared changes in gene expression in these birds at different time points, pre-transplant (day 0), and post-transplant (days 3 and 22). The birds successfully survived transplantation and exhibited well-being after 22 days. We identified a total of 715 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across these time points. Our analysis revealed a genome-wide decrease in expression following the transplantation, indicating that the birds possibly exhibited stress-induced transcriptional attenuation (SITA) because of the extreme change in elevation, suggesting a broader response at the transcriptional level, possibly as a mechanism to cope with extreme changes in the environment. Our analysis further suggested that heat stress posed an immediate challenge for the birds following the transplant, as we identified changes in expression in many genes associated with heat stress response. Our findings affirm the viability of conducting transplant experiments in the P. hodgsoniae and provides initial insights into gene expression changes associated with the plastic response to rapid changes in elevation in these birds.

We examined the cultural significance of commensal avian scavenger species-vultures, kites, and crows-and their exploitation of anthropogenic resources and sentiments within Delhi's urban landscapes. For this, we investigated the intrinsic values attributed to these birds by people, which are indicative of complex, rapidly urbanizing social-ecological systems. Semi-structured interviews revealed folk perceptions intertwined with socio-cultural narratives and traditions, shaped by observations of avian morphology, ecology, and behavior. Birds' nesting habits, habitats, home ranges, and foraging behaviors affected people's perceptions, while ecosystem services inspired zoomorphism and anthropomorphism via vernacular-nomenclature (e.g., chidiya collectively for songbirds, giddha for scavenging raptors). Culturally rooted perceptions, which informed ritual feeding practices and shaped prevalent attitudes toward commensal species, fostered mutual tolerance, and brought people into closer contact with urban biodiversity. Such physical and cultural proximity is a defining characteristic distinguishing tropical urban ecosystems from their Western counterparts. We also uncovered the web of social-technological influences on animal-related folk stories. The urbanization of perceptions in vulture extinction zones revealed shifts in social-ecological relationships with wildlife. It adds cultural dimensions to the currently appreciated keystone status of vultures, vital for their erstwhile coexistence at extremely high densities in South Asia. Urban transformations, technological advancements, and media exposure potentially reshaped human-animal interface, with media misinformation affecting personalized ecologies. Conflicts and health concerns arose from media narratives on garbage-consuming animals. Our findings offer insights to prevent severing of people and nature connections due to urbanization (e.g., technological applications can integrate scientific knowledge with biocultural narratives and folklore), promoting a new-age eco-literacy.

Research, along with patient care and education, is a core element of the academic health system's tripartite mission; it is essential to the academic health system's societal commitment to advancing the public's health. Research at academic health systems in the United States is increasingly resource-constrained and, in important ways, the underlying financial model supporting it has reached a point of unsustainability. This commentary reviews the roles that health research at academic health systems plays in society, describes the ways in which the current model of health research is under strain, and proposes an evolved model and series of organizational and operational steps to consider in moving health research forward.

Neurotrauma can cause devastating outcomes for patients both from primary as well as secondary injury. Sensory loss following neurotrauma is often overlooked and undermanaged. To gain awareness about this important topic, we highlight key findings of visual, hearing, taste, and smell disturbances that can occur after injury. The pathways are highlighted as well as significant pathophysiology. Both primary disruption as well as secondary disruptions from ongoing inflammation are addressed. The figures are designed to be user friendly guides for the clinician to help manage these patients. In the final section, we address key management strategies and approaches. The strategies deal with multidisciplinary care as well as multimodality treatments. This review serves as a primer for early recognition of deficits and initiation of appropriate treatments.