Insights from catch composition and historical records of elasmobranchs in the Malvan fishery on the central west coast of India.

Although elasmobranchs (sharks and rays) are highly threatened by fisheries, there are few studies that examine gear and fishery effects on catch composition and abundance across India, one of the top elasmobranch fishing nations globally. We assessed elasmobranch diversity, abundance, catch rates and fishery characteristics using landing surveys in Malvan on the central-western coast of India, a major multi-gear, multi-species fishing centre, over three sampling periods from February 2018 to March 2020. We sampled 3145 fishing trips and recorded 27 elasmobranch species, of which nearly half are categorised as "Threatened" by the IUCN. In addition, we documented historical records by compiling information from identification guides, research papers, articles and reports. During the study period, the catch was dominated by small-sized coastal species like the spadenose shark (Scoliodon laticaudus) and the scaly whipray (Brevitrygon walga). Trawlers accounted for 64.9% of the catch, highest by number, and captured smaller-sized individuals. Nonetheless, artisanal and gillnet fisheries had higher catch per unit effort (CPUE) for rays (5.1 ± 1.0) and sharks (10 ± 1.0), respectively, and captured significantly larger-sized individuals. Through generalised linear models, we found seasonal, gear and fishery effects on the abundance and size of commonly caught species. The presence of neonates and gravid females of multiple species also suggests nursery grounds in this region. Historically, 141 species have been recorded in this region, and a comparison with current catch suggests a shift in elasmobranch community structure and potential mesopredator release. This study emphasises the importance of gear and species-specific research for conservation planning at the local level and suggests the need for management strategies with fisher cooperation.

Immunological outcomes of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.

Background: Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an extensive procedure that allows for the depletion of the immune system and its restoration from hemopoietic stem cells. The approach has been modified for the treatment of severe immune-mediated illnesses, including multiple sclerosis (MS), after being initially devised for the treatment of hematological malignancies. Objective: This systematic review aims to determine and consolidate the information on the short-term and long-term immunological effects of AHSCT on the cellular level in MS patients. Methods: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science servers were used to conduct a systematic search in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The results were tabulated and analyzed. Results: A total of 17 studies (10 clinical trials, 6 cohort studies, and 1 case-control study) were included in the final analysis, and 383 MS patients were analyzed. A significant decline in the cell count of CD4 T cells was reported when compared to the CD8 T cells, B cells, and NK cells. B cell count returned to baseline in 71.4% of the studies at the end of 6 months. The NK cell count was found to be above the baseline in 62.5% of studies. Conclusion: AHSCT has been proven to be one of the most effective treatment modalities for MS in recent studies. However, debilitating complications due to immunological outcomes of the procedure have led to increased morbidity. Further research into this domain will help boost the success rate and efficacy of AHSCT.

Prevalence of Internet Addiction, Poor Sleep Quality, and Depressive Symptoms Among Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: This objective of the study was to report the prevalence of internet addiction, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and stress in undergraduate medical students. METHODS: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 221 undergraduate medical students at Government Doon Medical College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Data pertaining to internet addiction, sleep quality, and depressive symptoms were also collected using validated and reliable questionnaires (Young Internet Addiction Test, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21). RESULTS: The prevalence of poor sleep quality, severe anxiety, and severe depression was 33.9%, 7.3% and 3.6%, respectively. The place of residence was significantly associated (p = 0.006) with internet addiction. The mean Young Internet Addiction Test score was higher in students residing in hostels compared with students staying with families. Stress was associated with age. The mean stress score was higher in the age group 17-20 compared with the 21-24 age group. Stress and depression were independent predictors of sleep quality. CONCLUSION: Quality sleep is the key for good health. Based on limited samples, this study showed that poor sleep quality was associated with stress and depression. Hence, continuous counselling is suggested for supporting students managing their stress and depression.

Mercury Uptake Affects the Development of Larus fuscus Chicks.

Current emission and mobilization rates of mercury (Hg) in the environment pose extensive threats to both wildlife and human health. Assessing the exposure risk and effects of Hg contamination in model species such as seabirds is essential to understand Hg risks at the population and ecosystem levels. The lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus), a generalist seabird species, is an excellent model species because it forages in both marine and terrestrial habitats, which in turn differ in their Hg exposure risk. To identify possible deleterious effects of Hg exposure on developing L. fuscus chicks, a dietary experiment was carried out and chicks were provided a marine, terrestrial, or mixed diet. The effects of embryonic and dietary Hg exposure on chick body condition and physiological state were assessed at different developmental stages until fledging age (30 d). Overall physiological condition was lower in chicks fed a predominantly marine diet, which coincided with higher Hg loads in blood and primary feathers. However, no effect of dietary uptake of Hg was observed on body condition or in terms of genotoxic damage. Body condition and genotoxic damage correlated instead with Hg exposure during embryonic development, which seems to indicate that embryonic exposure to Hg may result in carry-over effects on later chick development. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:2008-2017. © 2020 SETAC.