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The objective of the investigation was to explore the abundance, composition, and diversity patterns of the fish fauna along the temporal and spatial scale and study the influence of environmental parameters on the fish assemblage in the Rihand reservoir, a large sub-tropical Indian reservoir in India. On the temporal scale, the highest abundance was recorded in the summer season and the lowest in the monsoon season, while on the spatial scale, the highest abundance was recorded from the riverine and the minimum from the lacustrine zone. The highest species richness and diversity were recorded from the riverine zone followed by the transitional and lacustrine zones, respectively. The analysis of the variance of fish abundance revealed insignificant differences between the riverine and the transitional zones. The trophic guild analysis indicated the dominance of carnivores. The output of canonical correspondence analysis depicted the significant influence of the physico-chemical traits on the abundance of fish species. The transparency and specific conductivity were found to be the most critical factors affecting fish assemblages in the Rihand reservoir. This study generated important baseline ecological information that would be useful for the monitoring, conservation, and management of the reservoir ecosystem. HIGHLIGHTS This study quantified the abundance and diversity patterns of the fish fauna in the Rihand reservoir.; The species richness and diversity are arranged in GIS.; The trophic guild analysis indicated the dominance of carnivores.; This study suggested the inclusion of the riverine and transitional zones in management and conservation strategies.; The new information on fisheries and ecological complexity would be useful for sustainable management.;

Introduction: Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) babies are those with a birth weight of less than 1500 gm and require special care, attention, and resources. However, despite all efforts, their mortality rate remains high. Proper assessment of these neonates is crucial to identify high-risk cases and take early steps to reduce mortality. In addition to technical advances in neonatal care, severity scores have been developed to predict neonatal mortality. Richardson developed the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP-II) and SNAP with Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE-II) as scoring systems for predicting mortality in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Aim: To assess the usefulness of SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II as predictors of mortality in VLBW neonates. Materials and Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study involving 145 VLBW neonates admitted to the NICU of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) from May 2019 to April 2020. Relevant data were collected to assess the mortality risk scores SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II. The outcome of discharge or death was recorded. Data entry was performed using MS excel and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The relationship between newborn survival and SNAP-II or SNAPPE-II final scores was determined using the Mann-Whitney U test, and the relationship between survival and various SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II score categories was determined using Fisher’s-Exact Test. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. An ROC curve was generated to determine the best cutoff score for predicting mortality. Results: The mean scores of SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II were higher in babies who expired compared to those who survived. The mean (±SD) SNAP-II scores were 8.96 (±13.865) for survived newborns and 41.08 (±23.174) for expired newborns. The mean (±SD) SNAPPE-II scores were 20.01 (±14.54) for survived newborns and 48.85 (±25.02) for expired newborns. The optimal cutoff values for SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II in predicting mortality were 31.5 and 36, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of SNAP-II were 83.0% and 89.1%, while for SNAPPE-II they were 69.8% and 89.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The mean SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II scores were higher among expired VLBW neonates compared to those who survived. A SNAP-II score of 31.5 and SNAPPE-II score of 36 were associated with higher mortality, indicating that both scores are effective predictors of mortality regardless of Gestational Ages (GA) and birth weight.

Two new species have been described from Indian waters, based on the materials collected from Kochi coast, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Mannar and West Bengal coast along the Bay of Bengal. Ariosoma gracile sp. nov. is described, based on five specimens collected from the landings at Kalamukku Fishing Harbour, Arabian Sea. The new species is characterised by longer tail, 55.3–58.7% TL; dorsal-fin origin above pectoral-fin base; no dark or whitish bands on dorsal surface of head, ventral extremities of lower jaw and mid-portion with minute dark pigmentation patch; anus positioned well before the middle of total length; SO canal with 4 pores; 0 or 3 pores on ST canal; pre-dorsal vertebrae 9; pre-anal vertebrae 49–54; total vertebrae 140–142. Ariosoma gracile sp. nov. is closely related to Ariosoma dolichopterum and Ariosoma emmae by sharing similar morphometrics and pre-anal vertebral counts. However, it differs by having more total pores (132–135 vs. 121–129 in A. dolichopterum, 123–126 in A. emmae); fewer pre-anal pores (43–46 vs. 47–51 in A. dolichopterum, 50–53 in A. emmae); more pre-dorsal pores (9 vs. 5–9 in A. dolichopterum, 4–6 in A. emmae). Another new species, Ariosoma kannani sp. nov. is described on the basis of two specimens (157–171 mm TL) from Gulf of Mannar and one specimen (201 mm TL) collected from Shankarpur Fish Landing Centre, West Bengal. This species is similar to Ariosoma megalops, but readily differs by having smaller eyes, smaller interorbital distance and exhibits 10.8% genetic divergence from A. megalops from the Taiwan waters.

Climate change associated with anthropogenic stressors are considered the main threat to the tropical wetlands, resulting in reduced water connection followed by a decline in ecological functions. This article presents a systemic approach to assess the present ecological status of a tropical floodplain wetland concerning the fisheries and associated ecosystem services. The analysis of historic climatic data indicated significant change (increasing average annual air temperature, R2 = 0.098; decreasing total annual rainfall, R2 = 0.042). In addition, a significant reduction in the wetland area was also observed. Altogether, 45 fish species were reported in the studied wetland, of which 2 are listed as endangered and 7 are near threatened. The present study demonstrated the variation of the important fisheries-related environment and nutrient parameters of the wetland through the geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial distribution map for the reader's digest. It has been found that the provisioning ecosystem services are higher in number (n=9) followed by supporting (n=6), regulating (n=4), and cultural (n=2) ecosystem services. Finally, we have discussed some important case-specific sustainable climate-smart adaptation and mitigation approaches to strengthen the resilience and adaptive capacity of fishers. HIGHLIGHTS The analysis of climatic data (1985–2020) showed a considerable change in climatic parameters.; Forty-five species were reported in the wetland, of which 2 are listed as endangered and 7 are near threatened.; We used GIS tools to demonstrate spatial variation, and mapping of nutrient and water parameters are influenced mostly by climatic parameters.;

The main aim of the present study is to assess the present ecological status of Bhomra wetland with respect to the fisheries and associated ecosystem services and to prescribe some climate-smart adaptation technologies in changing climate. The analysis showed increasing temperature (Kendall's tau = 0.60, p

Gymnothorax tamilnaduensis sp. nov., a new species of short brown unpatterned moray, is described, based on four specimens ranging from 272–487 mm total length collected from the trawl bycatch landings at Mudasalodai fish landing centre, off Cuddalore coast, Tamil Nadu, southeast coast of India. The new species is distinguished by the following combination of characters: origin of dorsal fin at middle of rictus and gill opening, anus just before mid-body, series of lines of small dark spots present on head and a single line of black spot-on mid-line of body, jaw pores with white rim, anal-fin margin whitish, 3 pre-dorsal vertebrae, 56–59 pre-anal vertebrae and 139–150 total vertebrae. The new species differs from its known Indian water congeners by having series of lines of small dark spots present on the head and a single line of black spots on the mid-line of the body (vs. absent in all the three congeners in India), serrated teeth (vs. smooth), jaw pores with white rim (vs. black to brown in others) and higher vertebral count (139–150 vs. 134–138 in others). Our morphological and molecular analyses show that the new species forms a distinct clade from its congeners and these data support the status as a new species.

Background: Right ventricular (RV) pressure undergoes a series of changes from foetal to neonatal period on both left and right heart. Pulmonary velocity acceleration time (PVAccT) measured by trans-thoracic echocardiography has been established as a reliable indicator of RV pressure measurement in neonates. This study aims to throw some light into the changes in the RV pressure by serial PVAccT measurements in the initial 12 weeks of life. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among term new-borns until 12 weeks of age and serial changes in the PVAccT values were recorded, reflecting the mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), and the left ventricular internal diastolic diameter (LVIDD), left atrial diameter (LAD), right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), right ventricular free wall thickness (RVFWT). Results: There was gradual increase in the mean value of PVAccT with age from birth i.e., 1-3 days (70.08±18.62ms) to 3 months (86.23±17.31ms) (p=

Riverine fisheries will have a knock-on effect due to the changes in water flow and increased irrigation in the agriculture sector to cope with the climate change impact. The present study showed a very high perception existing in the fishing community about climate change observed in the last 10 years. About 95% of fishermen understand temperature and sea levels are changing, whereas 91% responded that rainfall is changing and salinity also is increasing and 86% think extreme rainfall is affecting productivity. Moreover, though the monsoon period is shorter than the non-monsoon period, about 62.3% of the total fish catch in River Cauvery takes place during the monsoon. The variations in climate can enormously impact the inland fisheries, especially the riverine resources, their productivity and sustainability. With this view, it was attempted to: (i) investigate the changing climate trends in the major river basins of the Peninsular region of India over the decades, (ii) key drivers and its implication on the fish catch, biodiversity, inland fisheries, (iii) analyse the perception of the fishermen and (iv) suggest appropriate strategies like the development of climate-smart villages and waterbodies for livelihood and sustainable utilization of the invaluable biological resources. HIGHLIGHTS The effects of climate change on inland fisheries are given the utmost importance in current times due to its sudden and long-term impact on fisheries resources and the aquatic environment.; Ecosystem-based fisheries management approach towards the riverine fisheries resource management and capacity building among stakeholders and fisher community are essential mitigation strategies for sustainable sectorial development.;

Abstract The present study was conducted for 240 days to evaluate the effects of stocking density based on growth attributes, digestive enzymes, muscular composition, biochemical and physiological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings in tropical inland open water cages. L. rohita (30.35 ± 1.08 g) were randomly distributed into three treatments, namely low stocking density, LSD (10 m−3), medium stocking density, MSD (20 m−3) and high stocking density, HSD (30 m−3) in triplicates. Fish were fed twice daily with CIFRI CAGEGROW® floating feed (crude protein-28%, crude fat-4%). Fish growth and feed efficiency were higher (p

Introduction: With advancement of medical science, individuals diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections are getting treated earlier and a fewer of them develop Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-related complications. But the downside is that there is an earlier onset and higher relative risks for different chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Aim: To determine the proportion and pattern of cardiac involvements among children undergoing treatment for HIV infection and to correlate various cardiac findings with duration of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) among them. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 136 HIV infected patients attending Paediatrics and General Medicine Outpatient Departments of North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) from October 2019 to March 2021. All patients were assessed clinically and underwent two dimensional (2D) echocardiography, Motion mode (M mode) and colour doppler for assessing cardiac involvement. Collected data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 22.0 and Pearson’s Correlation test was applied to test association between duration of ART and different echocardiographic parameters. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 10.14 years and the mean duration of ART was 49.18 months. Almost half (48.5%) of the HIV-positive individuals had cardiovascular findings. The most common echocardiographic change noted in patients was diastolic dysfunction 39 (28.7%) followed by Pericardial Effusion (PE) 29 (21.3%) and systolic dysfunction 28 (20.6%). Statistically significant positive correlation between changes in the values of Left Ventricular Internal Diameter in Diastole (LVIDD) (r=0.982), Left Atrium (LA) (r=0.634), mean Pulmonary Artery Pressure (mPAP) (r=0.200) with duration of ART was noted. Negative correlation was seen between duration of ART with ejection fraction (r=-0.984) and Tricuspid Annular Plain Systolic Excursion (TAPSE) (r=-0.438). This indicated that all these important cardiological parameters became worser with advancement of treatment. Conclusion: Cardiac involvements among HIV positive individuals undergoing ART were still high. There was definite correlation between cardiac involvement and duration of ART.

Effective fisheries management depend on having an exact assessment of biological parameters, including growth parameters, reproduction, size at sexual maturity (Lm), and stock assessment. The purpose of this research was to estimate the size at sexual maturity (Lm) for 20 fish species belongs to 14 families from a wetland (Gajner Beel) ecosystem in the north-western (NW) Bangladesh through multi-models such as length (Lmax) based empirical model, gonadosomatic index (GSI)-based model, and logistic model using commercial catches from January to December 2018. Also, we assessed the Lm in other water-bodies worldwide. Specimens’ total length (TL) was noted up to 0.1 cm using measuring board body weight (BW) and gonad weight (GW) weighed by digital electronic balance with 0.01 g accuracy. To assess the Lm, maximum body length (Lmax) based empirical model; the relation between TL (total length in cm) vs. GSI (gonadosomatic index in %); and a logistic model were considered. The minimum Lm was 4.64, 3.90, and 4.15 cm for Chanda nama Hamilton, 1822 and the maximum was 25.33, 24.50, and 24.70 cm for Channa striata (Bloch, 1793) through Lmax, GSI, and logistic-based models, respectively. From these three models, the minimum mean Lm was 4.23 cm for C. nama and the maximum was 24.84 cm for C. striata. The Lm with 50.0% species was in 8.80 cm TL. We also calculated the Lm from different bodies of water based on Lmax. This study was generated data of 17 new Lm among 20 species, which are globally absent. Therefore, the study will help develop sustainable management strategies, conservation through the implementation of mesh size based on the size at sexual maturity (Lm).

The ultimate role of prokaryote (bacteria and archaea), the decomposer of the wetland ecosystem, depends on its community structure and its interaction with the environment. The present study has used three universal prokaryote primers to compare prokaryote community structure and diversity of three distinctly different wetlands. The study results revealed that α-diversity indices and phylogenetic differential abundance patterns did not differ significantly among primers, but they did differ significantly across wetlands. Microbial community composition revealed a distinct pattern for each primer in each wetland. Overall comparison of prokaryote communities in sediments of three wetlands revealed the highest prokaryote richness and diversity in Bhomra (freshwater wetland) followed by Malencho (brackish-water wetland) and East Kolkata wetland (EKW) (sewage-fed wetland). Indicator genus analysis identified 21, 4, and 29 unique indicator genera, having preferential abode for Bhomra, EKW, and Malencho, respectively. Prediction of potential roles of these microbes revealed a preference for sulfate-reducing microbes in Malencho and methanogens in Bhomra. The distinct phylogenetic differential abundance pattern, microbial abode preference, and their potential functional role predict ecosystem variables shaping microbial diversity. The variation in community composition of prokaryotes in response to ecosystem variables can serve as the most sensitive bioindicator of wetland ecosystem assessment and management.

Minnows are the most ignored yet indispensable group of freshwater fishes in Asian inland waters. The reproductive resilience of minnows facing climatic variability, using a wetland inhabiting species Amblypharyngodon mola (Mola carplets) in lower Indo-Gangetic floodplains, was validated. Results revealed that spawning decision in females (threshold gonadosomatic index ≥ 5 units) is neither cued by water temperature nor rainfall. They can maintain pre-spawning fitness (condition factor 1.12–1.25 units) within a broad temperature (22–33 °C) and rainfall (0–800 mm) window by active feeding, thus no risk of skipped spawning decisions while facing future climatic variabilities. Present breeding phenology (May-December) might have prolonged in the recent decade, especially the tail-end, concomitant with increasingly hot and rainy monsoon (May-August) and warmer post-monsoon months (September-December). Minnows are expected to prosper in a future climatic scenario, contributing to ecosystem balance (algal grazers) and regional food security. Female first maturity (♀ puberty) was encountered at 4.7–5.1 cm total length, hinting at a probable increase in the recent decade. Climate-favored prolonged recruitment window, in absence of extreme fishing pressure (currently), might have led to such pattern. However, this state might be temporary and labile. Minnows may soon get altered to earlier puberty (=warning sign of stock collapse) if fishing pressure intensifies under a reproductively favoring climate progression. Threshold body girth for spawning females was estimated at 3.2–3.4 cm (+17% than non-breeding ones). Fishing nets having mesh sizes (=total circumference) at least > 32–34 mm will most likely be the key to minnows’ endurance or survival in the coming decades.

Mahseer is an important group of endemic game fish found in the Indian subcontinent inhabiting in streams, riverine pools and lakes. Besides commercial fishery, it also forms lucrative sport fishery in the Himalayan rivers. Samples of golden mahseer (Tor putitora) were collected from the river Kosi at Ramnagar area (lesser Himalayan region) of Uttarakhand, India during 2014–2016 to study reproductive biology and trace any changes in breeding phenology from earlier records. The observed breeding season was from July till September. In males (310–565 mm, 355–1750 g) and females (315–580 mm, 260–2500 g), GSI values surged from late June to early July and peaked in August. Absolute and relative fecundity ranged from 4217 to 8365 and from 3667 to 7348 per kg, respectively. The maximum water temperature was usually recorded in May (30.5°C) and minimum (18.4°C) in January. Sex ratio was estimated at 1:1.25 with χ2 value of 3.20 and the difference was non-significant. The breeding phenology of golden mahseer may likely have gone through two distinct steps of transformation viz. shifting-prolongation (1911–1981) and reduction-stabilization (1981–present). Even after a probable reduction in duration of breeding season and shift (delay) in onset of breeding in Golden mahseer population of lesser Himalayan region during 1911–1981, some stabilization in breeding phenology appears to have been attained since 2000s. It is predicted that the species appears to be continuously adapting to changing climate in lesser Himalayas.

Background & Objectives: With increasing incidence of Kawasaki disease and its associated complications, the need of the hour is early diagnosis. Incomplete Kawasaki is often diagnosed late and is frequently associated with morbidities and mortalities. Our study aims to emphasize the importance of echocardiography in detection of incomplete Kawasaki disease.Materials & Methods: A total of 150 children, clinically diagnosed as Kawasaki disease were evaluated echocardiographically and involvement of coronary artery and associated cardiac involvements were studied.Results: Amongst the incomplete Kawasaki disease patients 76% were from extremes of ages and 19.2% of them had coronary involvement. Myocarditis(38.1%) was the commonest non-coronary findings.Conclusion: Atypical Kawasaki disease is more common in extremes of ages and echocardiography helps in detecting atypical disease at the earliest, thus facilitating prompt treatment and reducing complications.

Introduction: Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is a rare autosomal recessive potentially life-threatening condition, characterized by glucocorticoid deficiency, preserved aldosterone/renin secretion, and secondary rise in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone level. This occurs due to either mutation in adrenocorticotropic receptor (25%, FGD Type-1) or in the MC2 receptor accessory protein (15%–20%). However, in about 50% patients, no identifiable mutations have been identified. Clinically, it manifests with weakness, fatigue, weight loss, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypoglycemia, and hypothermia. Progressive mucocutaneous pigmentation is a conspicuous presentation. Repeated hypoglycemia may result in seizure, persistent neurological, severe mental disability, and even sudden death. Standard therapy is oral glucocorticoids (10–15 mg/m2). Patients and Results: Two familial cases of FGD were put on progressively increasing doses of oral glucocorticoids (10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg/m2/day, each for 6 weeks) to achieve the best response without any adverse effects. One patient had excellent improvement with 15 mg/m2/day, and another required 20 mg/m2/day. The latter patient had excellent overall improvement with only moderate improvement in pigmentation. Conclusion: Glucocorticoids replacement with optimum dose is necessary in FGD to promote physical and neurological growth and to prevent adrenal crises, hypotension, hypoglycemia, and sudden death. Higher dose than mentioned in literature (15 mg/m2/day) may be required in selected cases. Mucocutaneous pigmentation may require even higher dose than we used. More studies are required.

Objective: The objective of this study is to delineate the clinical and laboratory profile of infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in children admitted to tertiary care teaching hospitals. Materials and Methods: Retrospective observational multicentric analysis of clinical and laboratory features of children between 1 month to 12 years with a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis due to EBV infection confirmed by positive serology over a 12-month period after seeking approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Results: Out of 66 children screened, 53 were included in final analysis. The majority were aged between 5 and 8 years with male: female ratio of 1.2:1. Most presentations were during the monsoon months. The common clinical features were fever (100%), splenomegaly (86.7%), and cervical lymphadenopathy (73.5%) in contrast to the classical triad of fever, sore throat, and generalized lymphadenopathy described in the literature. There were no age differences in clinical findings except for generalized and cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatomegaly which were commoner in 9–12 years age band. Although the incidence of common findings matched with previously published studies, there were some notable differences. While frequencies of upper eyelid edema, epitrochlear lymphadenopathy, and splenomegaly were more, those of rash and sore throat were less. Lymphocytosis and presence of atypical lymphocytes were relatively less common in our series. All children recovered. Conclusions: This multicentric study on profiling childhood infectious mononucleosis, possibly first of its kind from Eastern India, has documented clinical and laboratory features associated with this condition. These data can serve as a reference for future studies.

Worldwide, global databases on fishes lack fish diversity information at regional scale of a country, which has fascinated many fishery workers to know the regional scale fish diversity. Databases are essential part of the biodiversity science and have been used widely in the biological research. The present study discusses development, services and utility of the database application (UPFBase) providing information on the freshwater fish biodiversity of Uttar Pradesh. To develop UPFBase, data on the fish biodiversity of this region was compiled from different sources that include primary data generated from different projects and secondary data from published literatures. The collected data were screened and then digitized. Microsoft ACCESS relational database and Visual Basic language technologies were used for designing and implementing the standalone database application with the data management capability. Presently, UPFBase provides taxonomy, synonyms, local name, common name, morphology, biology, distribution, habitat, economic importance, conservation status and other fishery information on 129 fishes belonging to 11 orders and 27 families. UPFBase is user friendly and provides ease in working through search, query and action command button tools. It can easily be deployed on the mobile storages devices like CD-ROM, Pen drive, PCMCIA etc and can be installed on any Windows based Intel x86 machines. This version of UPFBase was built for countries, where computational hardware and software resources are in scare and it is expected that it might play imperious role in knowing and managing the indigenous fish diversity for decision making and posterity.

Background & Objectives:Congenital heart diseases are treatable either by catheter based intervention or open heart surgery according to their quality. In our study we aim to analyze congenital heart disease echocardiographically into simple versus complex heart disease at a tertiary care centre with a public health planning and policy making perspective.Materials & Methods:This hospital based study was done on 1010 patients, both from in-patient and out-patient, who were clinically suspected to have heart disease from January 2015 to September 2016 at Dr.B.C.Roy P.G.I.P.S. Kolkata and echocardiographically categorized.Results:A VSD was the commonest acyanotic heart disease (17. 08%).Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) was commonest complex cyanotic heart disease (10.64%), VSD +ASD was the commonest combined lesion (8.12%). Simple heart lesions (63.1%) were commoner than complex (36.9%) congenital heart diseases.Conclusion:Health policy makers should give due care to manage Congenital Heart Disease either catheter based or surgically keeping in mind about 63.1% of the lesions are simple cardiac lesions and 36.9% lesions are complex cardiac lesion where complex surgery is required.

Labeo rohita is a member of the Indian major carp species and originally an inhabitant of the Ganga river network in India. It is among the top ten aquaculture species of the world. Since there is a lack of information on the growth pattern of the wild populations of this species, this study aimed at evaluating the pattern of age and growth, to support the development of effective management plans. A total of 1 082 samples of L. rohita were obtained from May 2009 to July 2012 in six drainages of the Ganga basin. Scales of the fish were used to determine the age and growth by analyzing the annual rings growth. Out of six populations, a maximum 8 age classes were recorded from two rivers Betwa and Sharda. The back-calculated lengths at 8 age class ranged from 86.22cm to 91.66cm. However, for the rest of rivers up to 7 age classes were recorded. Among growth parameters, specific rate of length increase Cl and specific rate of weight increase Cw showed decreasing trend, and three distinct life stages of L. rohita were recorded based on growth constant data Clt. Analysis of variance ANOVA of the back-calculated length data set of six populations indicated a significant difference p0.05. All three populations showed significant variation in length attainment during 1 and 3 age groups, while two populations showed significant variation in length attainment during the 2 and 7 age classes. Additionally, analysis of age frequency at different length intervals indicated that with increase in age class, number of fish samples was reduced. Since the pattern of life history traits of L. rohita have not been attempted in the recent past; therefore, this study will guide fisheries biologists about the current stock structure of this fish across different spatial scale of the Ganga basin.

In India, freshwater aquatic resources are suffering from increasing human population, urbanization and shortage of all kind of natural resources like water. To mitigate this, all the major rivers have been planned for a river-interlinking through an interlinking canal system under a huge scheme; yet, the baseline information on ecological conditions of those tropical rivers and their fish communities is lacking at present. In view of that, the present study was undertaken to assess the ecological condition by comparing the trophic metrics of the fish community, conservation status and water chemistry of the two tropical rivers of the Ganga basin, from October 2007 to November 2009. The analysis of trophic niches of the available fish species indicated dominancy of carnivorous (19 species) in river Ken and omnivorous (23 species) in Betwa. The trophic level score of carnivorous species was recorded similar (33.33%) in both rivers, whereas omnivorous species were mostly found in Betwa (36.51%) than Ken (28.07%). Relatively undisturbed sites of Betwa (B1, B2 and B3) and Ken (K2, K3 and K5) were characterized by diverse fish fauna and high richness of threatened species. The higher mean trophic level scores were recorded at B4 of Betwa and K4 of Ken. The Bray-Curtis index for trophic level identified the carnivorous species (>0.32) as an indicator species for pollution. Anthropogenic exposure, reflected in water quality as well as in fish community structure, was found higher especially in the lower stretches of both rivers. Our results suggest the importance of trophic metrics on fish community, for ecological conditions evaluation, which enables predictions on the effect of future morphodynamic changes (in the post-interlinking phases), and provide a framework and reference condition to support restoration efforts of relatively altered fish habitats in tropical rivers of India.

In India, freshwater environments are experiencing serious threats to biodiversity, and there is an urgent priority for the search of alternative techniques to promote fish biodiversity conservation and management. With this aim, the present study was undertaken to assess the fish biodiversity within and outside a river protected area, and to evaluate whether the protected river area provides some benefits to riverine fish biodiversity. To assess this, the pattern of freshwater fish diversity was studied in river Gerua, along with some physicochemical conditions, from April 2000 to March 2004. For this, a comparison was made between a 15km stretch of a protected area (Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary), and an unprotected one 85km downstream. In each site some physicochemical conditions were obtained, and fish were caught by normal gears and the diversity per site described. Our results showed that water temperature resulted warmest during the pre-monsoon season (25ºC) and low during the winter (14-15ºC); turbidity considerably varied by season. In the protected area, a total of 87 species belonging to eight orders, 22 families and 52 genera were collected; while a maximum of 59 species belonging to six orders, 20 families and 42 genera were recorded from the unprotected areas. Cyprinids were found to be the most dominant genera and Salmostoma bacaila was the most numerous species in the sanctuary area. Other numerous species were Eutropiichthys vacha, Notopterus notopterus, Clupisoma garua and Bagarius bagarius. The results indicated more species, greater abundances, larger individuals, and higher number of endangered fishes within the sanctuary area when compared to the unprotected area. Analysis on the mean abundance of endangered and vulnerable species for the evaluated areas in the sanctuary versus unprotected ones indicated significant differences in fish abundance (pEn India los ambientes de agua dulce están experimentando una grave amenaza para la biodiversidad; ante esto es urgente investigar técnicas alternativas que promuevan la biodiversidad y manejo de los peces. El presente estudio se realizó con el objetivo de evaluar la biodiversidad de los peces dentro y fuera del área protegida del río Gerua, India, para evaluar si el área protegida provee beneficios a la biodiversidad de los peces fluviales. Para evaluar el patrón de diversidad de los peces de agua dulce y las condiciones físico-químicas se estudió el río entre abril 2000 y marzo 2004. Se realizó una comparación en un tramo de 15km de un área protegida (Santuario de Vida Silvestre Katerniaghat) y un tramo sin protección de 85km aguas abajo. En cada sitio se obtuvieron algunas variables fisicoquímicas, los peces fueron capturados con varias artes de pesca y se describió la diversidad por sitio. Nuestros resultados mostraron que la temperatura del agua es mayor como resultado de la temporada de pre-monzón (25ºC) y menor durante el invierno (14-15ºC), la turbidez varía considerablemente según la temporada. En el área protegida, se recolectaron un total de 87 especies pertenecientes a ocho órdenes, 22 familias y 52 géneros, mientras que un máximo de 59 especies pertenecientes a seis órdenes, 20 familias y 42 géneros se registraron en las áreas no protegidas. El género más abundante pertenece a los Ciprínidos y Salmostoma bacaila fue la especie más abundante en el área del santuario. Otras especies numerosas fueron: Eutropiichthys vacha, Notopterus notopterus, Clupisoma garúa y Bagarius bagarius. Los resultados indicaron más especies, mayores abundancias, individuos más grandes y mayor número de peces con categoría de peligro de extinción dentro del área del santuario cuando se compara con la zona no protegida. El análisis de la abundancia promedio de peces en peligro de extinción y vulnerables de las áreas evaluadas en el santuario frente a las desprotegidos indicó diferencias significativas (p

Habitat characterization, water quality assessment and freshwater fish diversity investigation of Ghaghara River flowing in Uttar Pradesh, India was carried out. River water was clear except at site S5 with pebbly and sandy substrate. The mean water quality of study sites was found to have pH 7.8, water temperature 25.8°C, dissolved oxygen 5.4 mg/l, total hardness 212 mg/l, alkalinity 179 mg/l (as CaCO3), Turbidity 16.9 NTU, NO3 1.7 mg/l, NO2 0.04 mg/l, ammonia 0.3 mg/l and conductivity 390.2 μS/cm. Altogether 62 fish species were recorded during the study. We used principal component analyses (PCA) to determine the influence of environmental conditions on species occurrences and assemblage characteristics. The MANOVA on habitat parameters showed a difference in habitat structure among the sampling sites. Our results suggest the significance of local environment influences on the fishes of conservation importance and their assemblage distinctiveness in an unimpacted river and provide a framework and reference conditions to maintain restoration efforts of relatively altered fish habitats in tropical rivers of India.

The Indian Major Carp, Labeo rohita, is a geographically widespread and economically important food fish species in tropical freshwater of India and adjacent countries. We studied the lengthweight relationships of 1 033 specimens collected from the main channel of Ganga river and its five major drainages from March 2009 to July 2012. The length of males ranged from 16 to 92cm (females: 16 to 94cm). The growth is allometric positive (b>3) for males, females and pooled sexes. The coefficient of determination (r2) in males ranged from 0,978 to 0,989 and for females from 0,958 to 0,985. Data from field populations are scarce and our results will be useful in the management and conservation of L. rohita populations in its natural range.

Mitochondrial genome sequences have been widely used for evolutionary and phylogenetic studies. Among vertebrates, fish are an important, diverse group, and their mitogenome sequences are growing rapidly in public repositories. To facilitate mitochondrial genome analysis and to explore the valuable genetic information, we developed the Fish Mitogenome Resource (FMiR) database to provide a workbench for mitogenome annotation, species identification and microsatellite marker mining. The microsatellites are also known as simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and used as molecular markers in studies on population genetics, gene duplication and marker assisted selection. Here, easy-to-use tools have been implemented for mining SSRs and for designing primers to identify species/habitat specific markers. In addition, FMiR can analyze complete or partial mitochondrial genome sequence to identify species and to deduce relational distances among sequences across species. The database presently contains curated mitochondrial genomes from 1302 fish species belonging to 297 families and 47 orders reported from saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. In addition, the database covers information on fish species such as conservation status, ecosystem, family, distribution and occurrence downloaded from the FishBase and IUCN Red List databases. Those fish information have been used to browse mitogenome information for the species belonging to a particular category. The database is scalable in terms of content and inclusion of other analytical modules. The FMiR is running under Linux operating platform on high performance server accessible at URL http://mail.nbfgr.res.in/fmir.

Horizontal transmission of H1N1/09 virus infection is very common however; transmission through this route has not been reported in newborns. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of newborn who acquired infection of novel H1N1/09 virus horizontally through asymptomatic family members or hospital staff during epidemic period in Kolkata, India. Baby recovered without antiviral therapy but received antibiotic for bacterial co-infection.

RESUMEN: Los peces bagre del género Glyptothorax se distribuyen ampliamente, con nada menos que 40 especies nominales reportadas en India, donde normalmente habitan en arroyos de montaña con corrientes rápidas y tramos que fluyen más rápido en ríos y arroyos mas grandes. Registramos una nueva distribución biogeográfica de tres especies de Glyptothorax de las afluentes de las llanuras del norte de la cuenca del Ganges. Los especímenes se recolectaron durante la pesca experimental para estudios de biodiversidad con atarraya (2010-2012). Mientras que G. conirostris se capturó en el canal del río Ganges, G. cavia y G. telchitta fueron capturados en el río Gomti. Descripciones anteriores son basadas en especímenes preservados, presentamos características diagnósticas y redescripción ilustrada basada en especímenes frescos. PALABRAS CLAVE: nueva distribución, Glyptothorax conirostris, G. telchitta, G. cavia, cuenca Ganges, India