Size-specific variations in the length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of Hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha) across its habitats in Bangladesh.

The length-weight relationship (LWR) and relative condition factor are widely used as the most important biological parameters to infer the growth pattern and well-being of fishes. The aim of our study was to investigate the growth parameters of the LWR in different growth phases of Hilsa (Tenualosa ilisha), a flagship species of Bangladesh, and compare its relative condition factors across its major habitats. Fish from various rivers in Bangladesh and the Bay of Bengal were sampled, their length-weight growth parameters were measured and subjected to statistical analysis with pooled data from other studies. An isometric growth pattern in Hilsa was predominantly found in the size classes of 25 ≤ TL (total length) < 30, 30 ≤ TL < 35, and TL ≥ 40. However, the size class TL < 25 showed negative allometric growth with the value of the exponent (b, also known as growth coefficient) between 2.797 and 2.833. The highest weight-growth of Hilsa was within the size class of 35 ≤ TL < 40, with exponent values of 3.271-3.381 (positive allometric growth) across habitats. Our results revealed that the exponent value varied significantly (P < 0.05) between different size classes of Hilsa except between 30 ≤ TL < 35 and TL ≥ 40; however, no such significant differences in the exponent values were found across habitats. The Akaike Information Criterion value was lowest for the size-specific length-weight regression model of Hilsa, indicating it was the best-fit model compared to the habitat-specific and pooled sample models. The relative condition factor of Hilsa by habitat was found in the order of Meghna > Bay of Bengal > Andharmanik > Biskhali > Tetulia > Padma. Additionally, the relative physiological well-being of Hilsa from the river Padma and Tetulia was poor compared to that of other habitats. A more in-depth analysis is required to determine the factors that can influence Hilsa's growth and well-being in relation to habitat quality. The present findings have significant relevance for fisheries biologists and managers in understanding and interpreting Hilsa's ecology, relative well-being of populations of same or contrasting habitats, demographic assessment, and for better management of Hilsa in the future.

Assessing the vulnerability of Elasmobranch species in the Bay of Bengal: Insights from Lakkha gill net fishery of Bangladesh.

The elasmobranch population is declining in the Bay of Bengal of Bangladesh due to large-mesh gill net fishing, locally known as the Lakkha net, which primarily targets Indian threadfin (Leptomelanosoma indicum). This study was the first attempt to identify megafaunal bycatch in Lakkha fishing and assess its vulnerability using Productivity Susceptibility Analysis. A total of 40 elasmobranch bycatch species were identified, with sharks comprising 13 species from three families, while 27 rays belonged to six families, with the majority belonging to the Myliobatiformes order (60 %). Productivity and susceptibility scores were assigned to all identified species, with values ranging from 1.27 to 2.73 and 1.50 to 2.63, respectively. The target Lakkha fish exhibited the highest susceptibility score, followed by several pelagic sharks and eagle rays. Vulnerability assessment revealed that 31.7 % (n = 13) of species were highly vulnerable, while 43.9 % (n = 18) were classified as moderate, and 24.4 % (n = 10) were considered to have low vulnerability. All the high-risk megafauna species (n = 13) are classified as threatened by the global IUCN Red List. Sensitivity analysis highlighted susceptibility as a major contributor to species' vulnerability. Alterations in susceptibility scores led to significant changes in the vulnerability status of many species. The overall data quality assessment indicated moderate data quality across species, with variability observed between productivity (76 % of species received a poor data quality score) and susceptibility attributes. However, vulnerability of these species can be reduced through adequate gear modification, shorter net deployment periods, adoption of safe discharge techniques, identification of critical habitats, and establishment of marine protected areas within this region. This study provides valuable insights into the species composition and vulnerability of elasmobranchs in the Lakkha gill net fishery, emphasizing the need for conservation measures to mitigate bycatch impacts on threatened species.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia at Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital, Nepal: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia are the most common types of hypertensive disorder in pregnancy and these conditions are associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aims to determine the differences in pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. METHODS: A retrospective study was done at The Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital, a tertiary level hospital, in the Kathmandu, Nepal. Pregnant women who had given birth at the hospital between September 17 and December 18 of 2017 were included. Data were obtained from the non-digitalized hospital records. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval were computed using logistic regression analysis. Multivariable analysis of pregnancy outcomes (cesarean sections, low birth weight, and preterm birth) was adjusted for maternal age, parity, twin birth, gestational age, calcium supplementation, and maternal co-morbidity. RESULTS: Preeclampsia was strongly associated with cesarean section compared to normal pregnancies (OR = 8.11, p<0.001). Whereas the odds of cesarean section among women with gestational hypertension was almost 2 times (OR = 1.89, p<0.001). Preterm birth was not significantly associated with gestational hypertension but was associated with preeclampsia (OR = 3.39, p<0.001). Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were not associated with low birth weight. CONCLUSION: In Nepal, women who develop preeclampsia seem at higher risk of having adverse pregnancy outcomes than women with gestational hypertension. These findings should be considered by national health authorities and other health organizations when setting new priorities to improve pregnancy outcomes.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Pre-Eclampsia in the Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital, Nepal: A Retrospective Study.

This study aims to determine the incidence of pre-eclampsia and distribution of risk factors of pre-eclampsia at Paropakar Maternity and Women's Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. A retrospective study included 4820 pregnant women from 17 September to 18 December 2017. Data were obtained from the medical records of the hospital's Statistics Department. Associations between the risk factors and pre-eclampsia were determined using logistic regression analysis and expressed as odds ratios. The incidence rate of pre-eclampsia in the study population was 1.8%. Higher incidence of pre-eclampsia was observed for women older than 35 years (Adjusted Odds Ratio, AOR)= 3.27; (Confidence Interval, CI 1.42-7.52) in comparison to mothers aged 20-24 years, primiparous women (AOR = 2.12; CI 1.25-3.60), women with gestational age less than 37 weeks (AOR = 3.68; CI 2.23-6.09), twins pregnancy (AOR = 8.49; CI 2.92-24.72), chronic hypertension (AOR = 13.64; CI 4.45-41.81), urinary tract infection (AOR = 6.89; CI 1.28-36.95) and gestational diabetes (AOR = 11.79; CI 3.20-43.41). Iron and calcium supplementation appear to be protective. Age of the mothers, primiparity, early gestational age, twin pregnancy, chronic hypertension, urinary tract infection and gestational diabetes were the significant risk factors for pre-eclampsia. Iron and calcium supplementation and young aged women were somewhat protective.