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Ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation is a potent environmental stressor and it severely affects the survival, growth, and physiology of aquatic organisms. The UV-B protective properties of three herbal ingredients enriched diets were evaluated in pre-exposed Catla catla . Fish (70.38 ± 1.18 g) were divided into five sets with three replicates each. Four sets were exposed to UV-B (80 µW/cm 2 ) for an initial 10 days (20 min/day), and the fifth one remained unexposed (control). On day 11, feeding with enriched diets started. These diets were: diet 1 (D1) containing Withania somnifera (0.5%) root powder, diet 2 (D2) containing Emblica officinalis (1.25%) fruit powder, diet 3 (D3) containing seeds of Achyranthes aspera (0.5%), and diet 4 (D4) control. There were two batches of D4 diet-fed fish, D4a, UV-B exposed, and D4b unexposed. Blood and tissue samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, and 21 of feeding. The average weight reduced 26.32% in UV-B exposed catla compared to the unexposed one on day 0. Among the exposed fish, average weight was significantly higher in D3 compared to others throughout the study period. Significantly lower nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl protein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and heat shock proteins (Hsp) 70 and 90 were observed in D4a compared to the enriched diet fed catla. The NOS level was significantly higher in D3 on day 21. The TBARS level was significantly lower in D3 on days 7 and 14 and in D2 and D3 on day 21. The carbonyl protein, SOD, and Hsp70 levels were always significantly lower in D3 compared to others, and D2 followed D3 treatment. Hsp 90 was significantly lower in D2 compared to others on day 7 and in D3 on days 14 and 21. All three enriched diets helped the fish overcome the harmful effect of UV-B radiation, and the D3 diet-fed fish showed the best performance.

Wetlands are widely known for its distinctive and most diverse ecosystems in the world. Assam is blessed with number of lentic systems. The beels are unique water bodies, have biologically sensitive ecosystems and containing a bewildering diversity of aquatic biota. The present investigation aimed on the exploration of potential fishery resources of Majuli Island and reviewing its status while searching for a sustainable management strategy. Study was conducted from July, 2020–May, 2022 in 10 different potential wetlands of Majuli Island. Study observed that the river island is a part of the vast dynamic river system of Brahmaputra basin with a total length of 2,706 km and a catchment area of 580,000 km2 is shrinking so fast. Largest shrinkage (area-wise) was observed in Jorbeel (about 17.5 ha). Study revealed that fishery and its allied agricultural activities (> 70%) still stands as primary occupation of the people for their life and livelihood. A total number of 50 fish species having great commercial, ornamental and food value belonged to 22 families were recorded with large number of least concern rank. Cyprinids were emerged as a dominant group. Indigenous fishery technology was very rich among the local peoples. Thirty different variety of traditionally made fishing gears, traps & crafts operated in different season were found. Highly prone to flood, population explosion, siltation, construction of roads & river embankments, loss of hydrological connectivity with the river, occupancy of marginal areas for human settlement and other human encroachment activities were found to be major threats. Wetlands of Majuli acts as natural sponge. This study concludes the urgent need of proper scientific intervention & awareness programmes to stop further disturbances to the rare ecological asset.

Head and neck cancers are considered to be the most common cancers in developing countries, especially in Southeast Asia. In India, it accounts for one-fourth of male cancers and one-tenth of female cancers. An attempt was made to study head and neck cancer trends in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, North-East India, India. All sites viz., oral cavity and mobile tongue, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasopharynx and others were considered separately for both the sexes to carry out the present analysis. Using the data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry, Upper Assam, Dibrugarh, annual crude incidence rate and age-specific rate were calculated for the period from 2003 to 2016. Mann–Kendall and Sen’s Slope non-parametric analysis were applied to examine the trend in the percentages of Head and Neck cancers. The most frequent incidence site for HN cancers was the hypopharynx (33.50%). The disease was common among the males (78.87%) compared to the female (21.13%) population in Dibrugarh district. HN cancers are more prone to the age group 50–70 years (60.93%) compared to the individuals with less than 50 years (26.51%). Combining all the sites of HN cancers in male showed a significant decrease in incidence, whereas in female increasing trend was noted over a period of time. A slight decline in the percentage of head and neck cancer was documented in Dibrugarh when we combined both sexes. The results obtained from the current investigation will laid the scientific framework for proper planning and organization of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of HN cancers in Dibrugarh district, Assam.

Pigmentation plays a significant role in fish for consumer acceptability. Making and maintaining of aquarium containing pigmented ornamental fishes have evolved into a lucrative business in recent years. A number of pigments, primarily carotenoids are mainly responsible for the beautiful colouration of ornamental fishes. As fish cannot synthesize carotenoids de novo, there is a need of supplementation of carotenoids in the diet. Since natural sources of pigments are low-cost and more environmental friendly than the synthetic pigments, many studies have been carried out to test various plant-based natural carotenoids for enhancement of fish pigmentation. Forty-one plant species belonging to 28 families have been found widely used in imparting colouration to different species of fishes. Of these, 19 species were shown to be highly potential in fish pigmentation. Flowers, leaves, roots and whole plant are used in the study. Plant by-product like rice bran has also been used in fish pigmentation. The present review discusses about the potential plants used in fish pigmentation, their efficiency and the associative parameters along with the survival rate, growth and immune system promoter of the target species.

Background. Ultraviolet (UV-B) radiation affects the immune system of fish. Dietary supplementation of natural immunostimulants may enhance the immunity of fish. The presently reported investigation evaluates the UV-B protective property of Achyranthes aspera seed in larvae of rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822). Materials and methods. Larvae (1.19 plus or minus 0.03 g) were fed four formulas of diet containing 0.0% (control), 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0% Achyranthes aspera seeds. After 51 days, larvae of each feeding treatment were divided into two groups. One groups was exposed to UV-B radiation (80 mu W times cm super(-2)) and the other one remained unexposed. Results. Average weight of fish was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish fed 0.5%-seed-supplemented diet (compared to other treatments). UV-B radiation affected the growth of fish fed 0.1%-seed-supplemented- and control diets; other two treatments remained unaffected. Total serum protein-, albumin-, and globulin levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in exposed fish compared to the unexposed ones. Among the exposed groups, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase levels were minimum in fish fed 1.0%-seed-supplemented diet, whereas the highest levels of myeloperoxidase, hemagglutination titre, and white blood cells were found in fish fed 0.5%-seed-supplemented diet. Conclusion. Dietary supplementation of A. aspera seed at 0.5% level enhanced the growth and immunity of UV-B exposed fish.