Dicentrarchus Labrax

The aim of this study is to investigate the genetic structure of Dicentrarchus labrax populations sampled in the NorthEast Mediterranean. These are the main areas where the hatcheries collect their broodstock candidates from the wild in Turkey, which is the biggest European sea bass producer in Europe. Five samples collected from the Turkish Levantine and Aegean Sea coasts were analysed in addition to the Atlantic and Ionian samples (total 305 individuals) for 12 microsatellite loci. The present results revealed that the Aegean populations from Homa and Doğanbey, where the sea bass culture is mostly conducted in Turkish Aegean Sea, were closely related (FST 0.00347, P>0.01). Another close relation was found between Yumurtalık and Doğanbey (FST 0.01148, P>0.01), which might be the result of massive fry transfers from Yumurtalık (East Levantine coast) to Doğanbey till 2000 in Turkey. Obtained results also show gene flow from Greek to Turkish Aegean population which most probably...

A 11-week trial was carried out to compare the growth performance of sea bass (D. labrax) fed six isonitrogenous isocaloric diets where protein from two fish meals of different nutritive value was replaced with graded levels (0, 50 or 75%) of a mixture made up by a pea protein concentrate and wheat gluten. Fish meal quality did not affect (P>0.05) weight gain or feed efficiency in fish fed graded levels of plant protein in the diet. Feed intake decreased (P<0.05) as the level of plant protein was increased in the diet but this did not led to impaired growth or feed conversion rate. Protein efficiency and retention were equally improved (P<0.05) only with diets where a poor quality fish meal was substituted by protein rich-plant ingredients. Calculations based on the mass balance of nutrients of sea bass proven the inclusion of a mixture of highly purified plant-protein derivatives in complete diets for the sea bass, to be beneficial in reducing pollution load.

Background: Due to the paucity of oceanic resources utilized in the preparation of diets for cultured fish, commercial feed producers have been trying to replace fishmeal (FM) using alternative protein sources such as vegetable protein meals (VMs). One of the main drawbacks of using VMs in fish feed is related to the presence of a variety of anti-nutritional factors, which could trigger an inflammation process in the distal intestine. This reduces the capacity of the enterocytes to absorb nutrients leading to reduced fish growth performances. Methods: We evaluated the mitigating effects of butyrate and taurine used as feed additives on the morphological abnormalities caused by a soybean meal (SBM)-based diet in the distal intestine of sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). We used three experimental diets, containing the same low percentage of FM and high percentage of SBM; two diets were supplemented with either 0.2% sodium butyrate or taurine. Histological changes in the intestine of fish were determined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Infiltration of CD45 + leucocytes in the lamina propria and in the submucosa was assessed by immunohistochemistry. We also quantified by One-Step Taqman® real-time RT-PCR the messenger RNA (mRNA) abundance of a panel of genes involved in the intestinal mucosa inflammatory response such as TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and interleukins: IL-8, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-6. Results: Fish that received for 2 months the diet with 30% soy protein (16.7% SBM and 12.8% full-fat soy) developed an inflammation in the distal intestine, as confirmed by histological and immunohistochemistry data. The expression of target genes in the intestine was deeply influenced by the type of fish diet. Fish fed with taurine-supplemented diet displayed the lowest number of mRNA copies of IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 genes in comparison to fish fed with control or butyrate-supplemented diets. Dietary butyrate caused an upregulation of the TNFα gene transcription. Among the quantified interleukins, IL-6 was the only one to be not influenced by the diet. Conclusions: Histological and gene expression data suggest that butyrate and taurine could have a role in normalizing the intestinal abnormalities caused by the SBM, but the underling mechanisms of action seem different.

A single intraperitoneal injection of bonito insulin (2 W/kg = 0.137 mg/kg) increased plasma insulin levels in sea bass throughout a period of 24 hr. 2. Insulin treatment caused a pronounced hypoglycaemia at 6 and 10 hr postinjection. 3. At 3 hr postinjection, plasma immunoreactive glucagon (IRG) levels in insulin-treated fish were lower than those observed in control fish. 4. On the contrary. at 10 and 24 hr following injection, plasma IRG levels were significantly higher in insulin-injected fish. 5. At 24 hr postinjection, insulin treatment increased muscle glycogen content whereas liver glycogen remained unaltered. 6. Insulin injection decreased plasma cholesterol and free fatty acid levels, as well as increasing liver lipid content. No significant effect on lipid muscle content was observed.

Isolamento de Pasteurella spp. e Vibrio spp. em robalos (Dicentrarchus labrax). Susceptibilidade a diferentes grupos de antibióticos [Isolation of Pasteurella spp. and Vibrio spp. in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Susceptibility to different antibiotic groups]

A characteristic feature of fish is the wide physiological range of blood parameters and also the large individual variations. The aim of this study was to compare the haematological profile, glucose and lactate levels of four teleost fish species (Gobius niger, Mugil cephalus, Sparus aurata, Dicentrarchus labrax) and to establish the similarities and differences between these species which are widely present in the Tyrrhenian Sea. To this end, glucose, lactate and complete haematological profiles were determined for 25 fish from each species. Statistical analysis confirmed statistical differences in blood parameters among the four species. Our findings show a lower level of glucose and higher levels of lactate, red blood cells and haemoglobin in M. cephalus with respect to the other species. White blood cell and thrombocyte counts have the same trend and result higher in S. aurata. The differences found in this study can be attributed to the feeding behaviour, life style and adapta...

A panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) was used for the characterisation of leucocyte subpopulations during the ontogeny of common carp ( Cyprinus carpio , L.) and sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax , L.). In carp the leucocytes were monitored in different lymphoid organs by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry using specific mAbs for early T cells (WCL9), B cells (WCI12), monocytes/macrophages (WCL15) and thrombocytes (WCL6).Early T cells were very numerous (&lt;img src=&quot;/wda/abstracts/i2540.gif&quot;/&gt;77 %) in thymus during the first weeks post fertilisation (p.f.), but also present in other organs, especially head kidney. Subsequently, these cells disappeared from all organs, except the thymus (&lt;img src=&quot;/wda/abstracts/i2540.gif&quot;/&gt;40%). B cells appeared in the head kidney from the second week p.f., and later on in the spleen and blood, but their number remained low in the thymus and gut. Thrombocytes were detected in cell suspensions of spleen from the firs...

Restoring fish habitats in estuaries is at present a major concern for stakeholders. In the Gironde estuary, as in the other estuaries, projects of port and industrial developments that require direct access to waterways often require the creation of embankments and dykes, destroying habitats for fish. Estuaries wetlands such as intertidal mudflats and marshes provide numerous ecological services and act as essential habitats for many species and this, from the youngest stages of development. Actually, many larvae of marine species whose eggs hatch at sea colonize the estuary and especially the mudflats of the latter via the tides. There they settle for short period, they feed and grow. To better understand the importance of these habitats for fish species, surveys are conducted to collect ichthyoplankton with bongo-type net and bottom frame-trawl net (mesh size 500 m for both nets) from the intertidal mudflats. Samples of larvae are collected, throughout the water column, once a month from February to September 2013, in different mudflats located in the downstream part of Gironde estuary using a small fishing boat. Surveys occur during the flood of spring tides. The boat is maintained face to the flood current, at speeds of 2 knots. Each sampling site on the left shore has its geographical equivalent on the right shore. Identification to the species level, counting and measuring of individual lengths are performed under binocular loupe at the lab. The abundance of larval populations using these habitats is estimated and the population structures at each site are compared. First results show that fish larvae are not using Gironde intertidal areas as they were expected to. Actually, the larger mudflat called "Bay of Verdon" experiences the lowest abundances of larvae. More generally, sheltered areas seem to experience lower abundances of ichthyoplankton than unprotected areas. Moreover, collected data enabled us to study fish larvae growth and survivorship. These two parameters are interconnected but they are also closely linked to several environmental factors as temperature, prey availability and quality. The lower Gironde estuary was qualified in bad ecological status according to the ELFI index that considers fish populations. This study brings new insight to the following question: are low abundances of juvenile and adult fish in the Gironde caused by a failure in colonization and settling or by unsuccessful viability of young stages? The restoration of intertidal and subtidal mudflats requires knowledge of all the ecological functions of these ecosystems. This study will provide essential knowledge about the ecological function of the Gironde estuary mudflats towards larvae populations and will give information on where restoration action should be taken as to maximize the potentialities of new settler fish larvae.

The long term influence of individual biological rhythms on group feed demand behaviour was investigated in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) held under controlled environmental conditions with an on-demand feeding system. The experiment was realized over 219 days with 190 fish distributed on 4 tanks. Sea bass had a mean body mass comprised between 139 g to 183 g. The number of feed demand acts by each individual was calculated daily, and the population could thus be partitioned into three categories (high-, low-and zero-triggering fish). The duration of the period that an individual held high-triggering status could vary, but was 63 ± 16 days on average. The transition period between two highest-triggering fish in one tank was on average 4 ± 4 days. The group feeding rhythm followed the same pattern of feed demand rhythm as the highest-triggering individual fish. When the highest-triggering fish was nocturnal, the totality of feed demand in the group was realized during the night with one peak at 22:00, corresponding to dusk under experimental conditions. When the highest-triggering fish was diurnal, the majority of feed demand in the group was realized during the light period with one peak at 06:00, corresponding to dawn, and/or another at 12:00. This study therefore highlights that sea bass group feeding behaviour is not the sum of individual feed demand behaviours, but is directed by the rhythm and behaviour of a few high-triggering fish. The regular changes of high-triggering fish in the group proved that it was not the identity of these particular fish that was most important for the group, but their role as a feed demand leader.

Using a circular economy concept, the present study investigated the use of crude glycerol, a primary by-product of biodiesel production, as a low-priced nutrient source for heterotrophic cultivation of the fungus-like protist Schizochytrium limacinum SR21 strain. The whole biomass of this oleaginous microorganism, rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and high-quality proteins, was then paired with a vegetable oil (VO) source and used to replace fish oil (FO) in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) feeds. Four nutritionally balanced diets were formulated: diet FO (a FO-based diet), diet VO + 0 (a VO-based diet without S. limacinum), and diets VO + 5 and VO + 10 that were VO-based feeds supplemented with 5 and 10% of S. limacinum, respectively. After a 3-month feeding trial, fish of all dietary groups tripled their initial weight, but growth and feeding efficiencies of D. labrax were not significantly different among treatments. Although the formulated diets were balanced for polyu...

In recent years, data have accumulated suggesting that the role of neurotrophins and Trk receptors may not be limited to the nervous system, and the presence of these substances has been detected in a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate non-nervous tissues. This study was designed to map the expression of immunoreactivity (IR) for Trk-like proteins in alevins of the teleost Dicentrarchus labrax, with particular emphasis on nonnervous structures. We used antibodies against specific epitopes of the intracellular domain of these proteins, a region that is highly conserved in phylogeny. Trk-like IR was seen in segregate cell populations of the nervous system, and non-nervous tissues. In the central nervous system TrkA-like and TrkC-like IR was abundant, whereas TrkB-like IR was restricted to a low number of brain areas. Expression of Trk-like protein IR was observed in the peripheral nervous system and sensory organs, with the exception of the lateral line organ. Outside the nervous system, TrkA-like IR was mainly found in different epithelia, TrkB-like IR in the endocrine and digestive system, and TrkC-like IR in the cardiovascular and immune systems. The gills showed IR for all three Trk-like proteins, whereas they were absent from the gonads. Furthermore, scattered cells positive for Trk-like proteins were found in most of the investigated tissues. The distribution of Trk-like IR in this teleost is compared with that of mammals and birds, which it often paralleled, and the possible role of neurotrophins and Trk-like receptor proteins in different non-neuronal tissues is discussed.

The European seabass is one of the most important species of the Mediterranean, specifically Greece. Individuals with different numbers of vertebrae have been reported. This number ranges from 24 to 26 vertebrae. In this study a sample of 73 individual seabass were collected from fish farms and divided into three age groups. The first group included fingerling individuals, the second group, juvenile individuals and the third group, adult individuals. The number and the length of their vertebrae were measured by radiographs. The individuals were divided into subgroups according to their vertebrae number, and from each one the tenth vertebra was taken. Ca and P levels (%) of each tenth vertebra were measured by X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and the Ca/P ratio was determined. Vertebrae length, Ca and P levels and Ca/P ratio were compared among age groups and among individuals with different numbers of vertebrae. It was shown that the European seabass’s vertebral column can be divided to th...

Background: The increasing demand for raw or undercooked fish products, supplied by both aquaculture and fisheries, raises concerns about the transmission risk to humans of zoonotic fish parasites. This has led to the current European Union (EU) Regulation No 1276/2011 amending Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 and mandating a freezing treatment of such products. Zoonotic parasites, particularly anisakid larvae, have been well documented in wild fish. Data on their presence in European aquaculture products, however, are still scarce, except for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), where the zoonotic risk was assessed as negligible, exempting it from freezing treatment. Aim: To evaluate the zoonotic Anisakidae parasite risk in European farmed marine fish other than Atlantic salmon. Methods: From 2016 to 2018 an observational parasitological survey was undertaken on 6,549 farmed fish including 2,753 gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), 2,761 European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and 1,035 turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) from 14 farms in Italy, Spain and Greece. Furthermore, 200 rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sea-caged in Denmark, as well as 352 seabream and 290 seabass imported in Italy and Spain from other countries were examined. Fish were subjected to visual inspection and candling. Fresh visceral organs/fillet samples were artificially digested or UV pressed and visually examined for zoonotic anisakid larvae. Results: No zoonotic parasites were found in any of the fish investigated. Conclusions: The risk linked to zoonotic Anisakidae in the examined fish species from European mariculture appears negligible. This study laid the groundwork for considerations to amend the current EU regulation.

Coastal marine ecosystems are submitted to variations of several abiotic and biotic parameters, some of them related to global change. Among them the ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation (UVBR: 280-320 nm) may strongly impact planktonic fish larvae. The consequences of an increase of UVBR on the osmoregulatory function of Dicentrarchus labrax larvae have been investigated in this study. In young larvae of D. labrax, as in other teleosts, osmoregulation depends on tegumentary ion transporting cells, or ionocytes, mainly located on the skin of the trunk and of the yolk sac. As early D. labrax larvae passively drift in the top water column, ionocytes are exposed to solar radiation. The effect of UVBR on larval osmoregulation in seawater was evaluated through nanoosmometric measurements of the blood osmolality after exposure to different UV-B treatments. A loss of osmoregulatory capability occured in larvae after 2 days of low (50 W cm −2 : 4 h L/20 h D) and medium (80 W cm −2 : 4 h L/20 h D) UVBR exposure. Compared to control larvae kept in the darkness, a significant increase in blood osmolality, abnormal behavior and high mortalities were detected in larvae exposed to UVBR from 2 days on. At the cellular level, an important decrease in abundance of tegumentary ionocytes and mucous cells was observed after 2 days of exposure to UVBR. In the ionocytes, two major osmoeffectors were immunolocalized, the Na + /K +-ATPase and the Na + /K + /2Cl − cotransporter. Compared to controls, the fluorescent immunostaining was lower in UVBRexposed larvae. We hypothesize that the impaired osmoregulation in UVBR-exposed larvae originates from the lower number of tegumentary ionocytes and mucous cells. This alteration of the osmoregulatory function could negatively impact the survival of young larvae at the surface water exposed to UVBR.

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Farklı tank tiplerinin levrek (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758) larvasının büyüme ve yaşama oranları üzerine etkileri. Bu çalışmada, farklı tank tiplerinin levrek larvası yaşama, gelişim ve büyüme oranları üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmıştır. Bunun için, yaygın olarak kullanılan farklı şekil, hacim, derinlik ve yüzey alanına sahip 3 farklı tipte (sırasıyla A, B ve C) larva tankı kullanılmıştır. Her tank tipi için iki tekrar gerçekleştirilmiş olup, her bir tanka 100 g/m³ oranında yumurta stoklanmıştır. Yumurtadan çıkıştan sonra, larval yetiştiricilik aynı tanklarda intensif akışkanlı su yöntemi ile 60. güne kadar sürdürülmüştür. Ayrıca 60. günde, hava keseli ve hava kesesiz tüm larvalar sayılmış ve her bir tanktan rasgele seçilen 100 larvanın yaş ağırlığı ve total boyu ölçülmüştür. C tanklarındaki larvaların yaşama oranı hem A hem de B tanklarındaki larvaların yaşama oranından daha yüksek olmuştur (p<0.05). Yaşama oranlarına benzer şekilde, C tanklarındaki larvaların hava kesesi geliştirme oranı hem A hem de B tanklarındakinden daha yüksektir (p<0.05). Bununla birlikte, üç tank tipindeki hava keseli larva oranları arasında ise önemli bir fark görülmemiştir (p>0.05). En düşük ortalama yaş ağırlık değeri C tanklarında kaydedilirken, en yüksek ortalama yaş ağırlık değeri A tanklarında elde edilmiştir. Fakat hem A hem de B tanklarında ortalama total boy değerleri C tanklarında kaydedilen değerden daha yüksek bulunmuştur (p<0.05). Bu çalışma intensif akışkanlı su yetiştiricilik tekniğinde kullanılan tank tipinin levrek larvasının hava kesesi geliştirme ve yaşama oranları üzerinde önemli etkileri olduğunu göstermiştir. Karşılaştırılan tank tipleri arasında, silindirik-konik C tipi tanklar, özellikle ilk 45 günlük larval dönem için en uygun fiziksel ortamı sağlamıştır. Ancak, larvanın bu tip tanklarda 45 günden daha uzun süre tutulması büyümenin yavaşlamasına neden olabilmektedir. Kırk beş gün sonunda larvanın A veya B tipi tanklara nakledilmesi ile daha yüksek büyüme ve yaşama oranları elde edilebilir. Çünkü daha geniş yüzey alanına ve hacme sahip olan bu tip tanklar larvanın yapay yeme alıştırılması için daha uygun bir ortam sağladıkları gibi yapay yem ile besleme sırasında karşılaşılan su kalitesinde sorunlarının hafifletilmesine yardımcı olabilirler.

In this study, the development of European Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758) eggs was investigated at different temperatures. The experiments were carried out at 15oC and 17oC. The average diameters of the eggs were determined tobe approximately 1.162±0.004 mm. The embryonic development of the eggs was observed every hour and then photographed. The hatching rates were found to be 84.8-89.4% at 15oC and 82.3-86.3% at 17oC, respectively. Hatching of the larvae took 87 hours at 15oC and 69 hours at 17oC.

Background Biosynthesis of nanoparticles has fueled using materials to produce different metallic nanoforms for aquaculture applications. This study investigates the capability of marine Aspergillus flavus amylase (Amy) to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and studied its impact on Dicentrarchus labrax (sea bass) larvae growth performance. Characterization of Amy-AgNPs was carried out by FTIR, UV–Vis’s spectroscopy and SEM. The effect of Amy-AgNPs for antimicrobial and antioxidant were studied.Results The colloidal brown color of Amy-AgNPs with FTIR analysis indicated that amylases were responsible for the capping of the nanoparticles and made it more stable. Spherical Amy-AgNPs had size of 22.88 to 26.35 nm. Significantly, Amy-AgNPs inhibited the growth of fish tested microbes by maximum zone of inhibition 13-20 mm and maximum MICs ranged from 1.6 to 6.3 µg/ml. Also, it acted as scavenged DPPH by 31.46 to 94.0 %. Sea bass larval morphometric measurements including: mean total...

Despite its potential for determining animal success in a variety of ecologically important situations, very little is known about the sprint swimming performance of fishes. To evaluate whether selection on sprint swimming performance occurs in the wild, one must first demonstrate measurable and reproducible variation of sprint performance. In this study, we employ a computercontrolled laser detection system to study the sprint performance of 75 juvenile European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax raised under uniform conditions in the laboratory. This percichthyid is a prized sport and food fish in Europe and similar ecologically to the North American striped bass Morone saxatilis. Individual European sea bass were subjected to endurance swimming performance tests and had their active metabolic rates measured to test hypotheses concerning relationships between these measures and sprint performance. Maximal velocity obtained by an individual during repetitive sprint performance trials was very reproducible but varied substantially among individuals. Consecutive sprint trials with an individual revealed that maximal capacity for sprinting could only be ascertained through multiple trials (at least four). The sprint performance test described in this study should be useful for large-scale studies in which investigators desire performance information on a large number of animals relatively quickly. However, active metabolic rate measurements and an endurance test were not considered effective performance measures for juvenile European sea bass, and there was no relationship between sprint swimming performance and either of the tests.

parasitological examination for helminth parasites. In total 86 fish were examined and four helminth species (Diplactanum aequans, Helicometra sp., Acanthostomum sp., Contracaecum sp.) were found. Diplactanum aequans was found as a prominent specie for sea bass and Acanthostomum sp. was found as a prominent specie in general. Contracaecum sp. was found in only one fish.

parasitological examination for helminth parasites. In total 86 fish were examined and four helminth species (Diplactanum aequans, Helicometra sp., Acanthostomum sp., Contracaecum sp.) were found. Diplactanum aequans was found as a prominent specie for sea bass and Acanthostomum sp. was found as a prominent specie in general. Contracaecum sp. was found in only one fish.

Identification of isolated Vibrio sp. from sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758) using API 20E system. A standartdized and rapid identification system is offered by the API 20E system. Miniaturized multitest system was originally developed for the identification of Gram-negative enteric bacteria in clinical laboratories. During the last decade, this system has been increasingly used for the identification of marine and fresh water fish pathogens. In this study, API 20E strips were used for identification of Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio ordalii which were isolated from cultured sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758). Samples were taken from kidney of moribund fish and spread over the surface of tryptone soya agar (TSA) which was supplemented with 1.5% sodium chloride. The plates were incubated at 25°C for 72 hours. Colonies were purified by three times streaking on thiosulphate citrate bile salts sucrose agar (TCBS). Pure colony was passaged to NaCl added TSA before to start identification with API 20E strips. Sterile 1.5% saline water was used inoculation of bacterium to API 20E strips. Eight of isolated nine strains were Vibrio anguillarum one strain was Vibrio ordalii. Arginin dihydrolase (ADH) gelatine degradation and acid production from glukoz, mannitol, saccharose were found positive; lysine decarboxylase (LDC), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), H2S production, degradation of urea, acid production from rhamnose and melibiose were found negative in all V. anguillarum strains. Gelatine degradation, acid production from glucose, mannitol and sucrose were found positive in Vibrio ordalii but negative in ONPG, ADH, LDH, ODC, utilization of citrate, H2S production, degradation of urea, TDA, indole production, VP, acid production from inositole, sorbitole, rhamnose melibiose amygdaline and arabinise were found negative.

Sexual differentiation was studied at the histological level using a mixture of 30 families of sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax. Most of the fish (93%) differentiated into males as usually observed in farmed populations. All testes were differentiated when the males reached 12 cm and no more undifferentiated fish were found from 419 days postfertilization (p.f.). In 28% of the males, among the biggest, sexual differentiation had already begun at 168 days p.f. (8.3-9.5 cm) and these fish started spermatogenesis in their first year of life. The other males differentiated later and remained immature at the end of their first year of life. Ovaries could be identified at the histological level from the age of 168 days p.f. (7.9-9.0 cm) and the females became significantly longer than the males from the age of 191 days p.f., i.e. during the process of ovarian differentiation. In the studied group, 62% of the males developed intratesticular oocytes. Such intersexuality had no consequence on growth rate. Intratesticular oocytes were also recorded in testes of wild males originating from Atlantic (Britain and Gulf of Gascogne) and West Mediterranean showing that juvenile intersexuality is not restricted to farmed populations but is a widespread phenomenon in sea bass.

Multiple anthropogenic activities present along coastal environments may affect the health status of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, specimens of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were exposed for 30 days to highly contaminated sediment collected from the industrial area between Augusta and Priolo (Syracuse, Italy), defined as the most mercury polluted site in the Mediterranean. The aim was to evaluate the responses of juvenile D. labrax to highly contaminated sediments, particularly enriched in Hg, in order to enhance the scarce knowledge on the potential compensatory mechanisms developed by organisms under severe stress conditions. Apoptotic and proliferative activities [cell turnover: Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) and FAS Ligand (FasL)], onset of hypoxic condition [hypoxia: Hypoxia Inducibile Factor-1α (HIF-1α)], and changes in the neuroendocrine control mechanisms [neurotransmission: Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH), Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT), Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptor 3 (5-HT3)] were investigated in sea bass gill tissues. In the specimens exposed to the polluted sediment, the occurrence of altered cell turnover may result in impaired gas exchange that leads to a condition of "functional hypoxia". Changes in neurotransmission pathways were also observed, suggesting a remodeling process as an adaptive response to increase the O 2-carrying capacity and restore the normal physiological conditions of the gills. Overall, these findings demonstrated that although chronic exposure to heavy metal polluted sediments alters the functioning of both the nervous and endocrine systems, as well as plasticity of the gill epithelium, fish are able to trigger a series of physiological adjustments or adaptations interfering with specific neuroendocrine control mechanisms that enable their long-term survival.

Background: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy of two different surgical methods for management of third eyelid gland prolapse in dogs. Methods: The study was conducted on 14 eyes of 11 dogs presented with third eyelid gland prolapse for surgical treatment. Two groups dogs were subjected to clinical and ophthalmic examination based on the surgical technique used i.e., Group I (n=8) in which modified Morgan's pocket technique, Group II (n=6) in which modified orbital rim anchorage technique was used. Among the breeds brachycephalic dogs (54.54%, n=6) followed by mesocephalic dogs (45.45%, n=5). The modified Morgan's pocket technique was adopted in 8 eyes of 7 dogs (1bilateral, 6 unilateral) and the modified orbital rim anchorage technique was performed in 6 eyes of 4 dogs (2 bilateral, 2 unilateral). In Group I, the mean pre-operative Schirmer tear test value was 16.87±0.72mm/min and in Group II, it was 17.33±0.67 mm/min, both values increased on 30 th Post-operative day. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05), but there were significant differences within each group (p<0.05). The fluorescein dye test was repeated on 1 st ,7 th ,14 th , 30 th days post-operatively and found positive in the left eye of one dog with the reduced bilateral cherry eye on 7 th post-operative day in group I. Third eyelid mobility was normal post-operatively in all the cases of group I. Whereas in group II, it is restricted in all the cases. Three cases regained normal contour by the 10 th post-operative day whereas 5 cases by the 14 th postoperative day in group I. In group II, 3 cases regained normal contour by 12 th post-operative day and 3 cases regained by 14 th post-operative day. One case in the group I tested positive for superficial corneal ulcer on the 7 th postoperative day. One dog in group I had a recurrence after 45 days of repositioning. One dog in group II with reduced bilateral cherry eye had a recurrence in the left eye 30 days after surgery. Result: Present study, Modified Morgan's pocket technique was considered superior over the modified orbital rim anchorage technique in view of technical feasibility and unrestricted third eyelid mobility.

In response to the rising demand for aquatic products for human consumption, aquaculture has developed significantly as an agronomic activity worldwide. Proteins and amino acids are significant macromolecules that govern vital metabolic processes and act as building blocks for the creation of compounds with biological significance. Fish play a significant function in human nutrition and are a significant dietary source of high-quality animal proteins and amino acids. The effect of toxic metals (cadmium and lead) on total central amino acids compositions (Essential, Conditionally Essential, and Non-Essential), and Crude protein concentration were examined in the current study for the juvenile European sea Dicentrarchus labrax, a stress-sensitive species, and evaluation the protective effect of the dietary Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris algal mixture as a supplement. Fish fed the control diet and