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Future cities have the potential to be biodiverse areas in which humans and wildlife can coexist. However, the success of creating or maintaining wildlife-inclusive future cities can be challenged by management actions that are solely based on ecological research, while overlooking research on human perspectives. Despite the growth of literature on human-wildlife interactions, which complements the breadth of urban ecology research, the overlap between these two research areas is still uncommon. In this study, we reviewed the literature of wild mammals in urban areas to identify patterns and gaps in the literature. We found 848 published journal articles, of which 480 articles focused on wildlife ecology, 269 articles focused on human dimensions and 99 articles had interdisciplinary combinations of both. Ecology-centered publications tended to be about habitat, rather than behavior, diet, health, reproduction and inter-species-relations, and literature on human dimensions was more evenly divided into management, perception, conflict and coexistence. Most ecology studies reported on specific taxonomic families, mainly canids and murids, but in human-dimension studies, “wildlife” was considered more as a general community of species. The most studied interdisciplinary combination of research themes was wildlife habitat and human-wildlife conflicts (n = 22), while only nine studies incorporated perception with ecological research. Even though studies on human dimensions of wildlife in cities are increasing, interdisciplinary research is lacking, which limits the knowledge on how to manage and shape urban areas to achieve coexistence of humans and wild mammals. For future cities to successfully become biophilic and support human-wildlife coexistence, we outlined five key elements for a research agenda: 1) Investigate urban mammal research through an interdisciplinary lens; 2) Explore ecological dynamics beyond habitat selection; 3) Conduct research for coexistence; 4) Disentangle what is “urban wildlife”; 5) Study a diverse array of urban wild mammals.

Abstract Few landscapes on earth remain free of human‐modification, which may influence resource selection in wildlife. To investigate the effects of anthropic pressure on wild boar (Sus scrofa) and explore management implications, we studied how diel resource selection of the species' main life stages changed with spatial variations of human access (e.g., for recreation), temporal changes in hunting pressure, and habitat type. Using 206,461 hourly GPS‐locations of 15 males, 11 females with dependent young, and 17 other females from south‐western Germany, we found anthropic pressure influenced resource selection more than ecological factors. All boars were more likely to select for low human‐access areas than high human‐access areas, regardless of habitat. Hunting pressure was most avoided by females with dependent piglets, followed by males and other females. Since both hunting activity and general human access affected resource selection, they should be considered simultaneously in wildlife management and conservation. We suggest the further establishment of wildlife reserves that are inaccessible to people where boar may remain more localized, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission, and boar hunting to focus on open lands and refuge boundaries to reduce crop damage. This may also benefit overall human‐wildlife coexistence, animal welfare, and biodiversity conservation in anthropized environments.

Background and aimBone marrow stem cells (BM-SCs) and their progeny play a central role in tissue repair and regeneration. In patients with chronic liver failure, bone marrow (BM) reserve is severally compromised and they showed marked defects in the resolution of injury and infection, leading to liver failure and the onset of decompensation. Whether BM failure is the cause or consequence of liver failure during cirrhosis is not known. In this study, we aimed to determine the underlying relationship between BM failure and regeneration failure in cirrhosis.MethodologyC57Bl/6(J) mice were used to develop chronic liver injury through intra-peritoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 15 weeks (0.1-0.5 ml/kg). Animals were sacrificed to study the transition of cirrhosis and BM defects. To restore the BM-SC reserve; healthy BM cells were infused via intra-BM infusion and assessed for changes in liver injury, regeneration, and BM-SC reserve.ResultsUsing a CCl4-induced animal - model of cirrhosis, we showed the loss of BM-SCs reserve occurred before regeneration failure and the onset of non-acute decompensation. Intra-BM infusion of healthy BM cells induced the repopulation of native hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in cirrhotic BM. Restoring BM-HSCs reserve augments liver macrophage-mediated clearance of infection and inflammation dampens neutrophil-mediated inflammation, accelerates fibrosis regression, enhances hepatocyte proliferation, and delays the onset of non-acute decompensation.ConclusionThese findings suggest that loss of BM-HSCs reserve underlies the compromised innate immune function of the liver, drives regeneration failure, and the onset of non-acute decompensation. We further provide the proof-of-concept that rejuvenating BM-HSC reserve can serve as a potential therapeutic approach for preventing regeneration failure and transition to decompensated cirrhosis.

The Ashwamedha yagya is one of the most important ritualistic practices in Indian culture and society. It was performed to uplift human consciousness and refine mass consciousness. The Puranas serve as excellent sources for understanding the history of Indian society, containing information about lineages, dynasties, and their actions. The present study aims to provide an overview of instances where accounts of the Ashwamedha yagya were performed in history. Instances of Ashwamedh yagya are ample in the Puranas. Ashwamedha Yagya in the Chandravanshi (Lunar Dynasty) (Mahabharat era), Ikshvaku Dynasty (Ramayan era), Ashwamedha Yagya in Other Great Dynasties including beyond Ramayan era, and Ashwamedha Yagya by the Great Sages are noted in the present perspective review. Furthermore, stories of the performance of the Ashwamedha Yagya abound in the Puranas, indicating that these rituals were among the most sacred and highly revered events in ancient Indian culture.

Introduction: With evolving pandemic, a substantial proportion of patients are presenting with liver dysfunction as an extra-pulmonary manifestation of COVID-19 illness. We planned this study to evaluate the incidence of liver dysfunction in COVID-19 pneumonia and find an association between abnormal liver function and the severity of the disease. Method: We retrospectively analysed the hospital records of 344 patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 illness admitted to a Dedicated COVID Hospital in North India. Results: Out of 344 patients included in the study, 59.9% were males. The abnormal liver functions were present in 78.49% of patients at admission. Mean age of the patient with liver dysfunction was 53.41 ± 15.71 years. The incidence of elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and hypoalbuminemia was 82.96%, 74.91%, and 69.7%, respectively, in patients with COVID-19 at admission. A positive correlation was found between the levels of AST, ALT and hypoalbuminemia with severity of disease. Mortality was 33% in patients with liver dysfunction in comparison to 18.9% in patients with normal liver functions. Conclusion: More than 75% of the patient had abnormal liver functions at admission, and mortality was also high in this group. Mortality can be effectively reduced if laboratory parameters such as elevated AST and ALT and hypoalbuminemia are closely monitored at admission and during hospital stay in patients with risk factors like male, age

A 43-year-old male using valproic acid (VA) for 2 years for seizure disorder presented with right-sided moderate pleural effusion. Pleural fluid analysis revealed exudative effusion with 42% eosinophils. There was no evidence of haemothorax, pneumothorax, malignancy, and parasitic infections. Suspecting a drug-related event, VA was discontinued. The patient showed clinical improvement with resolution of pleural effusion on chest radiograph three weeks later. VA is a popular drug used for variety of disorders like seizures, migraines, and schizophrenia. There is a paucity of literature on VA-induced pleural effusion. Though a rare phenomenon, clinicians should be aware of such a possibility to avoid erroneous diagnosis.

Abstract Selective browsing by deer on young trees may impede the management goal of increasing forest resilience against climate change and other disturbances. Deer population density is often considered the main driver of browsing impacts on young trees, however, a range of other variables such as food availability also affect this relationship. In this study, we use browsing survey data from 135 research plots to explore patterns of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) browsing pressure on woody plants in mountainous forests in central Europe. We fitted species‐specific generalised linear mixed models for eight woody taxa, assessing the potential effects of understory characteristics, roe deer abundance and lying deadwood on browsing intensity. Our study reveals conspecific and associational effects for woody taxa that are intermediately browsed by roe deer. Selective browsing pressure was mediated by preferences of plants, in that, browsing of strongly preferred woody taxa as for example mountain ash (Sorbus aucuparia) and of least preferred woody taxa, for example Norway spruce (Picea abies) was not affected by the surrounding understory vegetation, while browsing pressure on intermediately browsed species like for example silver fir (Abies alba) was affected by understory characteristics. Contrary to our expectations, roe deer abundance was only positively associated with browsing pressure on silver fir and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), while all other plants were unaffected by deer abundance. Finally, we did not find an influence of lying deadwood volume on the browsing pressure on any woody‐plant species. Overall, our results indicate that patterns in browsing preference and intensity are species‐specific processes and are partly affected by the surrounding understory vegetation. Current management strategies that aim to reduce browsing pressure through culling may be inefficient as they do not address other drivers of browsing pressure. However, managers also need to consider the characteristics of the local understory vegetation in addition to deer abundance and design species‐specific plans to reduce browsing on woody plant taxa.

The pathophysiology behind Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has remained blur even after more than two years of onset of the pandemic. Apart from pulmonary parenchymal involvement, widespread vascular thrombosis affecting both pulmonary and extra-pulmonary systems has also been seen to contribute to COVID-19 associated morbidity. This vascular manifestation often remains undiagnosed due to non specific and varied symptoms that range from asymptomatic detection to life threatening presentations. A series of six COVID-19 positive (three male and three female) cases who presented with thrombosis of pulmonary, coronary and cerebral vessels despite being on thromboprophylaxis are reported herein. The age of patients ranged from 32 to 80 years. Out of six patients, three had comorbidities. The most common complication was Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE, n=3) followed by Brain infarct (n=2) and Myocardial Infarction (MI, n=1). Out of three patients with PTE, one patient had concurrent Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). All patients were managed as per guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for severe COVID-19 disease. Out of six patients, three patients died and three were discharged. The series highlights the need for high index of suspicion on the part of the treating physician that could aid in early detection and successful management of this potentially fatal condition.

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterised by limitation of airflow that is not fully reversible. Acute exacerbations lead to worsening of respiratory symptoms which results in increased hospitalisation incurring high socio-economic costs. Timely diagnosis and early treatment of exacerbation can avoid unnecessary hospitalisation and mortality. Biomarkers which may function as diagnostic and prognostication aids are of great help in resource constrained countries like India. Indian literature on the role of biomarkers in such context are scarce. Aim: To evaluate serum levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Procalcitonin (PCT) in COPD patients admitted in respiratory ward with acute exacerbation and assess their correlation with course of disease. Materials and Methods: The present study was an observational study in which a total of 103 COPD patients, diagnosed as per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines admitted with acute exacerbation, were included in the study. All patients were subjected to routine investigations at admission. The serum CRP and PCT levels were assessed at the time of admission, discharge and at four weeks after discharge as well. Normality of quantitative data was checked by measures of Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests of normality. For normally distributed data means were compared using unpaired t-test. For skewed data or scores Mann-Whitney Test was applied. For categorical variables, numbers and percentages were calculated. The data observed at various points of time was compared using Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test or paired t-test whichever was applicable depending on its normality. Correlation analysis was performed using Spearman’s Rank Test. All calculations were two-sided and were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) trial version 17.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL). A p-value of

The Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected the human race across continents. Besides factories, food supply, transportation and travel industry; the education sector including medical education has also been adversely affected. It has been learned from experience over the last year that the coronavirus is here to stay for longer than expected. To mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical education, new teaching methods and portals are being explored to bridge the gaps in learning across the nation over the last few months. Medical education is a fine blend of theory and practical training which is non negotiable. Online teaching as a sole alternative method for imparting education is being discovered and scrutinised. This article brings up a brief review about merits and barriers of e-learning in medical education in rapidly evolving scenarios from the Indian perspective.

Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) cost millions of euros each year in loss of life and damages. Wildlife crossing structures and fencing are commonly implemented mitigation strategies to reduce WVC and increase landscape connectivity for wildlife. Typically, crossing structures are over- or under-pass structures that allow animals to safely cross the road, while separating them from the road and traffic. An alternative strategy could be an at-grade fauna passage coupled with a Roadside Animal Detection System (RADS). At-grade fauna passages are designated locations where a gap in fencing allows animals to cross over the road, while RADS alert drivers of animals at the upcoming passage, so that they can adjust their driving behaviour accordingly and avoid collisions. In this pilot study, we investigated the use of one at-grade fauna passage by roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in southern Sweden, and compared changes in the number of WVCs before, during and after the construction of the passage. We collected a total of 326 wildlife crossings from 722 individuals over 1 year of monitoring (24 January 2020–24 January 2021). We found that crossing events tended to be dominated by the time animals spent in the roadside verge from which they approached the at-grade fauna passage, particularly for roe deer that spent a lot of time browsing in the roadside verge during dusk. We also found that animals spent longer in the passage if vehicles were present. In our 1 year of surveys, we only recorded three accidents, and when comparing the annual collision statistics before, during, and after construction of the at-grade fauna passage, we demonstrated an overall reduction in collisions by 66%. While our pilot only evaluates a single site, it does provide promising preliminary results that suggest that at-grade fauna passages can help in efforts to reduce collisions, while maintaining connectivity over medium-sized roads for large ungulates.

Abstract Prey species may display anti‐predatory behavior, i.e., flight, increased vigilance, and decreased feeding, in response to the true presence of a predator or to the implied presence of a predator through, e.g., acoustic cues. In this study, we investigated the anti‐predatory reactions of moose (Alces alces) to acoustic stimuli related to hunting, at saltlick stones, a known attractant. In before‐during‐after‐control‐impact experiments, we compared the behavioral responses of individuals to: (i) two hunting‐related acoustic stimuli—hunting dog barking and human speaking; (ii) nonpredatory acoustic stimuli—bird sounds and; and (iii) no acoustic stimulus (control). We asked: (1) How does the probability of moose leaving the site differ depending on the stimulus they are exposed to?; (2) What affect do the acoustic stimuli have on the amount of time moose spend vigilant, feeding, or away from the site?; and (3) What affect do the stimuli have on the time between events at a site? We found that when exposed to the human stimulus, moose left the sites in 75% of the events, which was significantly more often compared to the dog (39%), bird (24%), or silent (11%) events. If moose did not leave the site, they spent more time vigilant, and less time feeding, particularly when exposed to a dog or human stimulus. Furthermore, moose spent the most time away from the site and took the longest to visit the site again after a human stimulus. Moose were also more likely to leave the site when exposed to the bird stimulus than during silent controls. Those that remained spent more time vigilant, but their behaviors returned to baseline after the bird stimulus ended. These findings suggest that acoustic stimuli can be used to modify the behavior of moose; however, reactions towards presumably threatening and nonthreatening stimuli were not as distinct as we had expected.

प्रस्तुत शोध का उद्देश्य रामचरितमानस में वर्णित यज्ञ की वर्तमान समय में प्रासंगिकता का अध्ययन करना है। यज्ञ की महत्ता प्राचीन काल से चली आ रही है। यज्ञ की महिमा का गान ऋग्वेद से लेकर पुराण और बहुत से धर्म ग्रंथों ने किया है। रामचरितमानस यज्ञीय संस्कृति की रक्षा और संवर्धन का एक सतत् प्रयास करती है। श्रीराम का जन्म यज्ञीय वातावरण में होता है। यज्ञ की रक्षार्थ ही वे अयोध्या छोड़कर निकलते हैं और विवाह भी धनुष यज्ञ द्वारा होता है। सारे जीवन वे ऋषियों की रक्षा करते हुए यज्ञीय जीवन बिताते हैं। स्वयं भी अंत में अश्वमेध यज्ञ करते हैं। रामकथा यज्ञमय ही है। आज के दूषित वातावरण को परिष्कृत करने हेतु यज्ञ उतना ही प्रासंगिक है जितना रामचरितमानस काल में था।

Introduction: Medical education has been adversely affected during Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic. Imparting medical education through e-platforms exclusively was a novel experience both for students and teachers. Even though online classes have been ongoing since almost one and half year, not much data on perception and experience about e-learning among medical students is available from India. Aim: To evaluate perceptions, experiences and challenges faced by medical students regarding e-learning during lockdown period owing to COVID-19 along with their future preferences. Materials and Methods: The present study was a questionnaire based cross-sectional survey regarding use of e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic among 340 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSc-NUR) students. It was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College and Hospital Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India from May 2021 to July 2021. Students perceptions’ of e-learning were assessed using the validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model and responses were measured on 5-point Likert scale. Quantitative data was expressed by mean and standard deviation and significant level of differences between means were tested by Student’s t-test (unpaired). Proportions were compared by Chi-square test or Fisher’s-exact test. A p-value of

Abstract Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are recolonizing many parts of central Europe and are a key part of international conservation directives. However, roads may hinder the reestablishment of gray wolves throughout their historic range by reducing landscape connectivity and increasing mortality from wildlife‐vehicle collisions. The impact of roads on wolves might be mitigated by the construction of green bridges (i.e., large vegetated overpasses, designed to accommodate the movement of wildlife over transportation corridors). In this study, we investigated the seasonal and diurnal use of a green bridge by wolves and three of their main prey species: red deer (Cervus elaphus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), and wild boar (Sus scrofa). We found that all four species used the green bridge. Wolves were most active in winter, whereas prey species were most active in spring and summer. All species were more active at dusk and during the night than at dawn and during the day. We found no evidence that wolf presence influenced bridge‐use by prey species, consistent with other tests of the prey‐trap hypothesis. Our results suggest that green bridges are used by wolves and prey species alike, and may foster connectivity and recolonization for these species in rewilding landscapes.

Traffic disturbances (i.e. pollution, light, noise, and vibrations) often extend into the area surrounding a road creating a 'road-effect zone'. Habitat within the road-effect zone is degraded or, in severe cases, completely unsuitable for wildlife, resulting in indirect habitat loss. This can have a disproportionate impact on wildlife in highly modified landscapes, where remaining habitat is scarce or occurs predominantly along roadside reserves. In this study, we investigated the road-effect zone for insectivorous bats in highly cleared agricultural landscapes by quantifying the change in call activity with proximity to three major freeways. The activity of seven out of 10 species of bat significantly decreased with proximity to the freeway. We defined the road-effect zone to be the proximity at which call activity declined by at least 20% relative to the maximum detected activity. The overall road-effect zone for bats in this region was 307 m, varying between 123 and 890 m for individual species. Given that this road-effect zone exceeds the typical width of the roadside verges (

Context: Clinical reasoning and patient management skills are integral part of postgraduate (PG) medical education. Often, traditional teaching practices and paucity of time hinder this aspect of a resident's development. One-minute preceptor (OMP) is a learner-centered model that might improve PG learning. Aims: The study was conducted to introduce OMP as an educational tool for pulmonary medicine PG students and to evaluate the perceptions of residents and faculty on its utility. Subjects and Methods: Thirteen pulmonary medicine PG residents and six faculty members participated in this study. After initial sensitization about the teaching tool, thirty OMP sessions were conducted in the outpatient department with each resident undergoing a minimum of two sessions. Resident and faculty perceptions on this process were evaluated through validated questionnaires that were graded on a Likert scale. Results: All 13 residents perceived that OMP can improve their clinical reasoning skills as well as increase their motivation for further study (average Likert score for both: 4.69 + 0.48). However, 53.8% (n = 7) of residents perceived that the time devoted to OMP session was inadequate. Faculty also perceived that OMP was an effective teaching method and advocated its routine use in PG teaching. Conclusion: Both residents and faculty perceived OMP as an effective teaching tool in outpatient teaching of PG residents.

Context: Irreversible airway obstruction is important sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) that might contribute to a significant proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). India has the highest TB burden in the world. However, there are limited data on the prevalence and presentation of TB-associated COPD from this region. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of TB-associated COPD among COPD patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Settings and Design: It was a case–control study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Subjects and Methods: Stable COPD patients presenting to chest OPD and an equal number of healthy controls were enrolled. COPD patients were subjected to detailed clinical evaluation and lung function test. History of pulmonary TB was evaluated from both groups through self-reporting and/or checking previous records. TB-associated COPD patients were identified and their prevalence and distinguishing features evaluated. Results: Of 74 COPD patients, 24 (32.4%) had previous history of pulmonary TB. The odds of having a previous TB in COPD patients was 3.96 (95% confidence interval: 1.64–9.55; P = 0.002) as compared to controls. Patients with TB-associated COPD were younger (P = 0.02), had lesser pack-years of smoking (P = 0.027) but had more number of hospitalizations (P = 0.01). The airflow limitation was similar in both groups. Conclusions: TB-associated COPD constitutes a significant proportion of COPD patients. It is a distinct clinical entity with preponderance in young. It may be associated with frequent hospitalizations as compared to other COPD patients.

Introduction: Non-adherence to inhalation therapy is a vital but a controllable factor in asthma management that affects disease control. Despite its known importance, there is scarcity of data on adherence to Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) among Indian asthma patients. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of factors predicting medication (ICS) adherence in bronchial asthma using an objective adherence measure. Materials and Methods: Stable bronchial asthma patients on ICS with or without inhaled bronchodilators were enrolled and their relevant demographic and clinical information was recorded. Adherence to ICS was calculated by using an objective method (dose counters/pill counting) as well as through self-reporting adherence. Certain pre-defined; patients, disease and therapy related factors were evaluated for their association with medication adherence using each adherence method separately. Results: One hundred and three patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age of patients was 41.9±16 years. Females out numbered males in the ratio of 3:2. Medication adherence was seen in a total of 78 (75.7%) and 56 (72.7%) patients by selfreported adherence and objective measurement respectively. On applying multivariate logistic regression analysis, being literate, having poor forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and knowledge about asthma were found to be independent determinants of adherence to ICS using both adherence methods. Use of Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI) was measured using subjective assessment and was found to be a significant factor. Conclusion: Knowledge about medication adherence and literacy are two important patient related modifiable factors predicting adherence to ICS in Indian patients with asthma. Objective monitoring of medication adherence seems to be a better tool than self reported adherence for the evaluation of adherence to ICS in asthma.

In laboratory visual search experiments, distractors are often statistically independent of each other. However, stimuli in more naturalistic settings are often correlated and rarely independent. Here, we examine whether human observers take stimulus correlations into account in orientation target detection. We find that they do, although probably not optimally. In particular, it seems that low distractor correlations are overestimated. Our results might contribute to bridging the gap between artificial and natural visual search tasks.

A simple approach to sorption equilibria on Duolite ES 467 has been applied. Values of the Langmuir constants for Ni II , Cd II , Co II and Fe III have been determined using equilibrium experiments at constant ionic strength and at different temperatures from 20°C to 50°C. Values of the thermodynamic parameters ΔG 0 , ΔH 0 and ΔS 0 have been calculated.