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Romania has a rich hydrographic network, which permitted the construction of over 80 large dams on its water courses, estimating a number between 545 and 674 hydropower plants that were either built or were in a different construction stage on the rivers of Romania in 2021. These hydropower plants were often built outside specific legislation regarding ecological impacts, especially before 1990. Longitudinal fragmentation of rivers causes severe ecological impacts on biodiversity, food chains, and nutrient cycles. Someșul Cald River is the main tributary of Someșul Mic River, the most important water source for the northwestern region of Transylvania. On its course, several dams and reservoirs were built from 1968 to 1980 for electricity production and population freshwater supply. The present study aimed to analyze the length–weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factors occurring in the longitudinally fragmented Someșul Cald River. The LWRs, relative condition factor Kn, and Fulton condition factor K were determined based on total length and wet body weight. Comparisons of LWRs, Kn, and K across river sections constrained by dams showed that some fish species exhibited similar growth patterns and physiological conditions, while others differed significantly. Freshwater fish physiology is altered by longitudinal fragmentation, both natural and artificial. Barriers such as dams influence the energy gradient, limiting feed availability and, consequently, the life history of fish species. Long-term management plans regarding conservation should take into consideration existing fish species population dynamics, along with their physiological and somatic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Squilla mantis, also known as spot tail mantis shrimp, is a stomatopod crustacean widely distributed in the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent Atlantic Ocean. In Italy, S. mantis is the main crustacean species targeted by commercial catches, and in particular, the Adriatic landings represented about 65% of the total national catches in 2021. Despite the economic, ecological, and nutritional importance of S. mantis, studies on reproductive biology are scarce or not updated in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the Adriatic Sea. In light of the above, the aim of this study was to describe the reproductive aspects of spot tail mantis shrimp, contributing to enriching the knowledge of S. mantis reproductive biology. Therefore, our findings could be considered an important tool for correct fisheries management and sustainable exploitation of this commercially fished resource in the Adriatic Sea. Fisheries management requires improvement in scientific knowledge to ensure sustainable exploitation of important commercial species and population renewal. Within this context, this study focused on the reproductive biology of spot tail mantis shrimp, Squilla mantis, in the Central Mediterranean Sea, aiming to understand the reproductive pattern of this species and validate the macroscopic maturity scale through histological analysis. A multi-year sampling was performed from 2016 to 2020 by a commercial fishing fleet in the Northern Central Adriatic Sea (GSA 17), and a total of 2206 individuals were collected. The monthly average value of the total sex ratio of S. mantis was 0.524 ± 0.044 (mean ± SEM) in favor of females, which dominated the population from September to April. The proposed 5 stage macroscopic maturity scale was validated histologically through histological analysis, confirming synchronous ovarian development. The somatic indexes (GSI and K Fulton) and monthly incidence of macroscopic ovarian maturity stages highlighted a protracted reproductive season from winter to spring (January–May). Although the length-weight relationship showed a similar growth trend between genders, males reached a bigger size in terms of carapace length (C.L.) and dominated the population from 32 mm (C.L.). The macroscopic L50 estimated was 25.94 mm (C.L.). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Romania has a rich hydrographic network, which permitted the construction of over 80 large dams on its water courses, estimating a number between 545 and 674 hydropower plants that were either built or were in a different construction stage on the rivers of Romania in 2021. These hydropower plants were often built outside specific legislation regarding ecological impacts, especially before 1990. Longitudinal fragmentation of rivers causes severe ecological impacts on biodiversity, food chains, and nutrient cycles. Someșul Cald River is the main tributary of Someșul Mic River, the most important water source for the northwestern region of Transylvania. On its course, several dams and reservoirs were built from 1968 to 1980 for electricity production and population freshwater supply. The present study aimed to analyze the length–weight relationships (LWRs) and condition factors occurring in the longitudinally fragmented Someșul Cald River. The LWRs, relative condition factor Kn, and Fulton condition factor K were determined based on total length and wet body weight. Comparisons of LWRs, Kn, and K across river sections constrained by dams showed that some fish species exhibited similar growth patterns and physiological conditions, while others differed significantly. Freshwater fish physiology is altered by longitudinal fragmentation, both natural and artificial. Barriers such as dams influence the energy gradient, limiting feed availability and, consequently, the life history of fish species. Long-term management plans regarding conservation should take into consideration existing fish species population dynamics, along with their physiological and somatic status.

Stocking densities were evaluated for the rearing tambaqui in an RAS system. Experiment 1 used juveniles weighing 0.54 g at the following densities for 15 days: D0.3—0.3; D0.6—0.6; and D0.9—0.9 kg m−3. Experiment 2 used juveniles weighing 8.22 g at the following densities for 75 days: D0.8—0.8; D1.2—1.2; and D1.6—1.6 kg m−3. Experiment 3 used juveniles weighing 142.18 g at the following densities for 75 days: D2—2; D4—4 and D6—6 kg m−3. In Experiment 1, density did not influence performance (p > 0.05), with the exception of biomass, which was greatest in D0.9 (p < 0.05). In Experiment 2, final weight, weight gain and daily weight gain were highest for D0.8 (p < 0.05), as was triglycerides (p < 0.05), whereas biomass increased with increasing density (p < 0.05). In Experiment 3, weight, weight gain and daily weight gain were greater for D2 and D4 (p < 0.05), while final biomass was lowest for D2 (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin was lower for D4 and D6 (p < 0.05), while cholesterol and glucose levels were higher for D2 and D6 (p < 0.05). Colossoma macropomum demonstrated adaptive capacity for reared in RAS at high stocking densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this research is to evaluate the somatic changes of female prepubertal swimming athletes. The question posed was: how does three years of swimming training affect the weight, body height and BMI and biological age of pre-adolescent girls who entered swimming training without pre-selection. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 14 girls aged 10 years at the start of the study (body weight: 34.99 ± 2.77 kg; body height: 146.00 ± 3.05 cm) practising swimming, the control group of 14 girls aged 10 years at the start of the study (body weight: 37.93 ± 6.02 kg; body height: 145.55 ± 3.88 cm) attending physical education classes only. The study was conducted before 3 consecutive years, equally every 6 months between 8 and 12 am. Body weight and height were measured in both groups and the biological maturity shift index and body mass index were determined. Results: The analysis shows that female swimmers after systematic training have a lower body weight (F=10.78, p<0.01) and a lower BMI of 2.63 (F=12.23, p<0.01). No such differences are observed in body height and biological age (p>0.05). Conclusion: The study shows that swimming training inffluences changes in selected somatic indices of prepubertal girls. However, the conducted training does not affect the biological age, so it does not interfere with the natural development of the subjects. This may indicate a better assessment of the overall health of young female swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentration of lysozyme in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and serum, as well as the size of immune system organs in males of pike Esox lucius L., vary in different seasons of the year. Enzyme concentrations in organs and serum are weakly related to each other. Considering the absolute organ weight, the organs demonstrate a strong relationship with each other, but the correlation between their somatic indices is very weak. The size of organs affects the concentration of lysozyme in the organs themselves and in the serum. The liver plays a major role in intra-annual fluctuations in the concentration of lysozyme in all organs and serum. The kidney has the opposite effect on the liver, balancing the effect on the concentration of the enzyme in the liver and serum. The most profound morphophysiological changes in organs and lysozyme (as an indicator of nonspecific immunity) coincide with the breeding season of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stocking densities were evaluated for the rearing tambaqui in an RAS system. Experiment 1 used juveniles weighing 0.54 g at the following densities for 15 days: D0.3—0.3; D0.6—0.6; and D0.9—0.9 kg m−3. Experiment 2 used juveniles weighing 8.22 g at the following densities for 75 days: D0.8—0.8; D1.2—1.2; and D1.6—1.6 kg m−3. Experiment 3 used juveniles weighing 142.18 g at the following densities for 75 days: D2—2; D4—4 and D6—6 kg m−3. In Experiment 1, density did not influence performance (p > 0.05), with the exception of biomass, which was greatest in D0.9 (p < 0.05). In Experiment 2, final weight, weight gain and daily weight gain were highest for D0.8 (p < 0.05), as was triglycerides (p < 0.05), whereas biomass increased with increasing density (p < 0.05). In Experiment 3, weight, weight gain and daily weight gain were greater for D2 and D4 (p < 0.05), while final biomass was lowest for D2 (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin was lower for D4 and D6 (p < 0.05), while cholesterol and glucose levels were higher for D2 and D6 (p < 0.05). Colossoma macropomum demonstrated adaptive capacity for reared in RAS at high stocking densities.

The effects of dietary mannaoligosaccharides (MOS) and β-glucan on the production performance of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, was examined in this study. Three (3) trial diets were produced viz-a-vis., Control (basal diet, BD), MOS (BD + 0.2% MOS) and β-glucan (BD +0.02% β-glucan) and fed to catfish (11.77±0.05 g fish-1) for 63 days. Nine circular tanks were distinctly assigned into 3 dietary groups in triplicate, stocked with 100 fish per tank (85 L), and fed twice daily (8:00 - 9:00h and 17:00 - 18:00h). The results indicated that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean final body weight, specific growth rates, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratios, and survivals among the various treatments groups. Similarly, somatic indices (condition factors, hepatosomatic indices, and viscerosomatic indices) measured were not significantly different (p>0.05) across the experimental groups. However, the haematological parameters such as packed cell volume, haemoglobin as well as the erythrocyte and leucocyte counts were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the catfish fed MOS diet. It could be concluded herewith that dietary supplementation of MOS and β-glucan do not have a deleterious effect on African catfish production. Further study is however warranted to establish dose-response effect of MOS and β-glucan on innate immunity of African catfish (C. gariepinus). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with a constantly updated topic, namely the ability of physical and motor development of young people, especially the one regarding the potential of the school population in pre-university education. The aim of this study was to make a somatic and motor model of the secondary school student at ,,Aurelian Stanciu" Secondary School in Salcea, that can be used to form representative school teams in different sports, and to support teachers in sports clubs and high schools for a possible selection campaign for performance sports. The duty of the Physical Education teacher is to make students aware of the beneficial effect of the physical exercise in relation to the state of health, growth, development and evolution in the natural parameters of the body related to age and sex, being important as well the way he explains and makes himself clear in the group of students he works with.

Probiotics are dietary supplements which contain live microorganisms, mostly different bacterial species that inhabit gut of host and ultimately benefit that host. The current investigation was done to explore the growth-promoting effects of four locally isolated probiotics strains L. paracasei , L. paracaseii, L. delbrueckii and L. rhamnosus. In this regard, 108 colony-forming units (CFU) were administered to the mice of experimental groups for 30 days. Upon administering probiotics, it was observed that the Lactobacilli species had a positive impact on body weight. The group that received L. rhamnosus exhibited the most significant increase, with a 76.53 % improvement over the control group (P < 0.05). Positive effects on somatic indices of different organs including spleen, thymus, kidneys, heart, liver, and lungs were also observed. In addition to all of these, the increases in the number of extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle fibers and their cross-sectional area (CSA) up to 40.70 % and 28.94 % respectively in L. rhamnosus group as compared with the control group. In the L. rhamnosus group, there was a 40.70 % increase in the number of EDL muscle fibers and a 28.94 % increase in their cross-sectional area (CSA) of muscle fiber as compared to the control group. On provision of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus , 50.81 % higher femur bone density was noted which endorse the overall health-improving abilities of this probiotic. The application of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus in animal feed is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compensatory growth, productive performance, proximal composition and somatic indices of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultivated in biofloc were evaluated during a 144‐day period under five cyclic regimes of feed restriction and feeding. Five treatment groups, in which the frequency of feed restriction (R) and feeding (F) varied by periods (days) as follows: R1:F3, R3:F9, R6:F18, R8:F24 and R12:F36; each treatment was evaluated in triplicate. The cycles were repeated throughout the culture period. The control group received feed daily. Fish were cultivated in 18 circular tanks (3 m3) at a density of 50 fish/m3 per tank. At the end of the study, the survival of Nile tilapia was greater than 90% in all the treatments. Complete compensation in growth was achieved in R6:F18 and R12:F36. At the end of the feed restriction period, both crude protein and total lipid content of the tilapia muscle tissue taken from fish of the treatment groups were similar to samples of muscle tissue derived from fish of the control group; however, a reduction of more than 40% in somatic indices compared with the control was observed, but these recovered by the end of the feeding phase. The results indicate that cyclic feeding based on 12 days of feed restriction and 36 days of feeding (R12:F36) induced a complete compensation in weight and restoration of energy reserves, with similar measures of productive performance observed when compared to the control treatment during the culture of Nile tilapia in biofloc, and food reduction did not affect proximal composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on the macroscopic, histological, and biometric analysis of European hake females in GSA 17 (Central-North Adriatic Sea). From 2013 to 2015, 976 females were collected and analyzed monthly. Though females in spawning conditions were found during the whole year, the trend of GSI showed a peak of the reproductive season from April to July in 2014 and 2015. HSI and Kn reached the highest values in September, after the spawning peaks. In 2013, the trend of these indices did not highlight an evident peak, probably due to an adverse event that occurred in the previous winter in the Adriatic shelf. The length at first maturity (L50) was estimated by macroscopic and histological approaches, resulting in 30.81 cm for the macroscopical length and 33.73 cm for the histological length; both values are higher than the current catching legal size. For the first time in this area, batch and relative fecundity were estimated. Relative fecundity was similar to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic stocks, whereas batch fecundity values were lower compared to other fishing grounds. Overall, the analysis of reproductive parameters plays a fundamental role in the sustainable management of this resource in an area as overfished as the Central-North Adriatic Sea.

Pole vaulting has been present on the Olympic athletics programme since the first edition of the modern Olympic Games - Athens 1896 and also since then has been considered the most spectacular discipline in athletics. Its complexity is due to both the athlete-pole interaction and the diversity of motor acts that form the kinematic chain of vaulting. Unlike the events where the results depend on the energy efficiency of the body (sprint races) and possibly on the adopted strategy (middle-distance and long-distance races), in this case, performance is determined by several factors. Taking into account their large number and their original way of combining according to the particularities and personal style of each athlete, this paper tries to determine their weight and degree of manifestation in the vaults performed by the Romanian athletes. The analysis of certain somatic and motor factors, in terms of impact on pole vaulting, can lead to the identification of potential causes for the low level of performance in our country, but also of the main directions of training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of novel ingredients such as green pea protein and Ascophyllum nodosum , a brown seaweed for the replacement of fish meal in feeds suitable for organic production. The growth, feed utilization and fillet composition of gilthead seabream were examined under a lab scale trial and based on the results a large-scale field trial was conducted in the facilities of Galaxidi marine farms in order to compare a novel feed with a typical commercial feed suitable for organic production. Final weight, growth rate and somatic indices of the fish fed these alternative ingredients did not show significant differences compared to the control group fed the commercial diet. Muscle protein content was higher in the fish fed the higher inclusion level of green pea protein, whereas lipid content was lower in both experimental diets. Fatty acid composition, in terms of n-3 and n-6 polyusaturated (PUFA), eicosapentanoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acid content was higher in the muscle of the fish fed the experimental diets. In the case of the liver, the fatty acid profile reflected the feed composition, and the fish fed the diet with an inclusion of 19% green pea protein showed a lower content of protein and a higher content of n-6 PUFA, and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). In view of the results obtained, the ingredients assayed in this study could be used in organic feed formulations as alternatives to fish meal obtained from trimmings since no negative effects were detected neither on fish growth, muscle composition, fish health nor end product quality and nutritional value. • Green Pea Protein can be included up to 25% in organic feeds for gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata • Seabream growth and conversion using this new organic ingredient are similar to those obtained using a commercial feed • The addition of seaweed meal as a supplement can also contribute to the growth, health status and final composition of organic gilthead sea bream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to highlight the contribution of aerobic gymnastics to the harmonious physical development of students. This experiment is part of a wider experiment where we started from the hypothesis that the use of aerobic gymnastics in physical education lessons, which involves different movements of body segments in varied combinations with specific base steps, all carried out in a program involving a predominantly aerobic effort, will bring much more rapid and visible changes to the physical development of the students. The experiment was carried out on a group of 32 female students from the second year of study at the Faculty of Economics and Public Administration, at Ştefan cel Mare University of Suceava. Experimental group against which the independent variable was applied was made up of 16 students, and the control group prepared by traditional means was also made up of 16 students from the same specialty in another study group. At the end of the experiment, the results highlighted the fact that there are significant differences (by calculating t test) between the initial and the final results at all the morphological parameters measurements in the case of the experimental group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Çalışmada balık unu yerine farklı oranlarda kanola küspesi ilavesinin melek balığı yavrularının P. scalare büyüme, yem değerlendirme, somatik indeksler ve vücut kompozisyonu üzerine etkileri araştırılmıştır. Melek balığının besin ihtiyaçlarına göre izonitrojenik %44 protein ve izokalorik 3500 kcal/kg 6 deneme yemi formüle edilmiştir. Kontrol yemindeki balık unu proteini yerine %45,52 yemlere %0, %8, %16, %24, %32, %40 kanola küspesi ilave edilmiştir. 450 adet melek balığı 6 deneysel gruba 3 tekerrürlü olarak dağıtılmıştır. Denemenin sonunda en iyi ağırlık artışı ve spesifik büyümenin kontrol grubu ve %8 kanola küspesi yemlerinde bulunduğu görülmüştür. %8’ den daha fazla kanola küspesi ilave edildiğinde bu değerler önemli düzeyde düşmüştür P0,05 . Kanola küspesinin ilavesi arttıkça, balık eti ham protein ve ham yağ içeriğinde azalma eğilimi meydana gelmiştir P>0,05 . Sonuç olarak melek balığı yavru yemlerinde herhangi bir olumsuz etkisi olmaksızın balık unu proteininin %16’sı yerine kanola küspesinin ilavesi önerilebilir

Pro-health behaviours are related to a person's personal resources. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between satisfaction with life (SWL), nutritional behaviours, somatic indices, and functional efficiency of senior women. The research was conducted among 120 women aged 60-84 (Me = 65) participating in the "Healthy Active Senior" project at the University of Physical Education in Kraków. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the proprietary validated questionnaire of nutritional behaviour were used. Body composition was assessed using the method of bioelectrical impedance (TANITA SC-330ST analyser), while physical fitness was evaluated via the Senior Fitness test (Fullerton Functional Fitness Test). Correlations between the variables were measured by implementing Spearman's R signed-rank correlation coefficients (with p < 0.05). Positive correlations between SWL and selected nutrition behaviours have been demonstrated, including eating 5-6 meals ( p < 0.001) and drinking at least 2 litres of fluids a day ( p = 0.023), consuming cereal products daily, including whole-grains ( p = 0.001), avoiding alcoholic beverages ( p = 0.030), and applying vitamin D supplementation ( p = 0.010). At the same time, negative correlations between SWL and limiting the consumption of red as well as processed meats ( p = 0.002), animal fats ( p = 0.046), and the preference for vegetable oils in one's diet ( p = 0.023) were shown. Significant correlations between satisfaction with life and two indicators of functional fitness were also confirmed: negative-with the variable '2.44-m Get-Up and Go' ( p = 0.003); and positive-with the '2-Minute Step in Place' test ( p = 0.034). The relationships between SWL and somatic indices did not reach the level of statistical significance. Among the women participating in the "Healthy Active Senior" programme, correlations between SWL and rational nutritional behaviours, as well as indices of functional fitness, were found (mostly positive), while the trends in these areas were not fully unambiguous, suggesting the validity of conducting further research.

The Machaca Brycon guatemalensis is a tropical freshwater fish widely distributed in Central America continental water, and recognized to have potentiality for further fisheries development and recreational fishing opportunities in the Lake Nicaragua. The species presents a protracted spawning season that last 8 months. Both small and large females start spawning activity in July, but this is females size-dependent. The female length at 50 % maturity based on histological procedures was 27.3 cm, which differs from the ones previously reported based on the gonad macroscopic observations (34.9 cm). The present study indicates that B. guatemalensis has determinate fecundity and group-synchronous type ovarian organization. The studies of the potential annual fecundity of the species show that this allometrically increases above three with female size, indicating that larger females produce more eggs than predicted by weight. These results can be incorporated in the current fishery management to promote sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Partial remediation actions at a former gold mine in Southern France led to a mosaic of contaminated and rehabilitated zones. In this study, the distribution of arsenic and its potential adverse effects on small mammals were investigated. The effectiveness of remediation for reducing the transfer of this element into wildlife was also discussed. Arsenic levels were measured in the soil and in the stomach contents, livers, kidneys, and lungs of four small mammal species (the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), the Algerian mouse (Mus spretus), the common vole (Microtus arvalis), and the greater white-toothed shrew (Crocidura russula)). The animals were caught at the former extraction site, in zones with three different levels of remediation treatments, and at a control site. Arsenic concentrations in the soil were highly spatially heterogeneous (ranging from 29 to 18,900μgg−1). Despite the decrease in arsenic concentrations in the remediated soils, both wood mice and Algerian mice experienced higher oral exposure to arsenic in remediated zones than in the control area. The accumulated arsenic in their organs showed higher intra-zonal variability than the arsenic distribution in the soil, suggesting that, in addition to remediation processes, other variables can help explain arsenic transfer to wildlife, such as the habitat and diet preferences of the animals or their mobility. A weak but significant correlation between arsenic concentration and body condition was observed, and weak relationships between the liver/kidney/lung mass and arsenic levels were also detected, suggesting possible histological alterations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Problem Statement: Once a child starts its school experience, the learning process is triggered, as it is considered that it has to develop on the basis of a healthy organism, due to the fact that the intellectual effort requires a greater physical resistance. Furthermore, knowing children's anatomic and physiologic particularities is a necessary condition for a good proceeding of the Physical Education lesson in school, because it enables the members of the didactic staff to understand the importance of physical education for primary school pupils, and the necessity of these lessons to be realised in an organised and systematic manner. Somatic parameters are a barometer for the didactic staff, and a comparative presentation of these parameters could represent a starting signal for the didactic process. Purpose of Study: This research started from the hypothesis according to which there are significant differences in the somatic development of children in urban areas, as compared to those living in rural areas, and we believe that these differences occurred due to the lack of movement. The present research was undertaken on a group of 20 subjects: 10 subjects living and learning in urban areas, and other 10 in rural areas. Research Methods: For our research we used the bibliographic study method, observation method, enquiry method (discussion, conversation, Lexical association - La, etc.), pedagogical experiment method, statistical-mathematical method, and graphical method. Findings: The purpose of this research was to observe if significant differences occur in the somatic development for children from urban areas, which have only two Physical Education lessons are more sedentary, as compared with children from rural areas, who, in addition to the two lessons of Physical Education they have in the weekly syllabus, spend about 2-3 hours a day outdoors playing ball, running or playing several specific countryside childhood games (catch, hide and seek, etc). Conclusions: Therefore, Physical Education lesson combined with leisure activities has a positive effect on children's growth and development, an aspect which should be taken into consideration, and we should offer more outdoor time for children living and studying in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was carried out to evaluate the response of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), pre-exposed to calcium oxide for 4 days, and exposed to copper for 6 weeks. Fish (8.3±0.1 g) were stocked in 1.5 m3 fiberglass tank and exposed to calcium oxide at a rate of 100 mg Ca2+ L−1 for 4 days. After that, fish were transferred and randomly distributed at a rate of 15 fish per 100-L aquarium. Then, fish were post-exposed to concentrations of 0, 0.503, or 1.25 mg Cu2+ L−1 (T1, T2 and T3, respectively). Three other groups were not pre-exposed to Ca and exposed to the same Cu concentrations (T4, T5 and T6, respectively). A fish diet containing 30% crude protein was offered to fish at a daily rate of 3% of live body weight twice daily; 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The final weight, weight gain and SGR were affected significantly by both Cu concentrations and Ca pre-exposure (P <0.05). Fish pre-exposed to Ca (T2 and T3) exhibited better growth compared to non-exposed groups (T5 and T6). Fish mortality increased significantly with increasing the Cu concentration (P <0.05). Feed intake reduced, while FCR increased significantly with increasing the Cu concentration (P <0.05). The feed intake and FCR in T2 and T3 were better than those of T5 and T6 groups. Moisture content was not significantly differed at different treatments (P >0.05). Crude protein decreased significantly at T6 (P <0.05). Total lipids in T2 and T3 were higher than those of T5 and T6 (P <0.05). Ash content and Cu residues in T2 and T3 were significantly lower than those of T5 and T6 (P <0.05). Fulton condition factor, liver somatic index, and viscera somatic index were affected significantly by Cu toxicity (T5 and T6; P >0.05), while they exhibited non-significant differences in T1–T4 groups. RBCs counts, Hct and Hb values were significantly affected by Cu toxicity (P <0.05), while they were similar to control group in Ca pre-exposed groups (P >0.05). Uric acid, creatinine, and AST were significantly affected by both Ca pre-exposure and Cu toxicity (P <0.05). There was no significant changes in uric acid among T2, T3 and T5 (P >0.05). The highest value of uric acid was obtained at T6 (P <0.05). Creatinine, AST and ALT in T2 and T3 were lower than those of T5 and T6 (P <0.05). Lipids in plasma and liver were high, while protein in plasma and liver were low in T5 and T6 (P <0.05). Histological sections were done in fish''s gills, liver and kidney in all treatments (T1–T6). The pathologic lesions were observed due to Cu toxicity. These damages became severe with increasing Cu concentration. Tissue alterations in T2 and T3 were less than that in T5 and T6. The present study displayed that Ca pre-exposure may play a factor then it reduced Cu toxicity resulting in a better fish growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Of the huge annual worldwide production (500,000 MT in 1997) of alkylphenol polyethoxylates (APEs) that are widely used as nonionic surfactants and anti-oxidants in variety of products, 60% ends up in water bodies. They undergo biodegradation to form octyl-, butyl-, and nonyl-phenols. This experiment evaluated effects of 4-tert-butyl phenol (4-TBP) in Cyprinus carpio, a projected candidate species in sewage fed fisheries. The 96thh LC50 of 4-TBP was found to be 6.9mg/L. Fishes were treated with 1/10th (0.69mg/L), 1/5th (1.38mg/L), and 1/3rd (2.3mg/L) dose of LC50. Whereas there was significant (P <0.01) decrease in alkaline phosphatase [EC 3.1.3.1] and aspartate aminotransferase [EC 2.6.1.1] activity; alanine aminotranferase [EC 2.6.1.2] and acid phosphatase [3.1.3.2] (except decrease at 1/10th dose of LC50) activity, vitellogenin production in muscle and hepatic- and reno-somatic indices were increased compared to control. With all the dose levels tested, testicular-somatic index (testis size) was reduced (P <0.01) and histo-architectural changes in testicular and liver tissue were found even in group given 1/3rd dose of LC50. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The study focused on the macroscopic, histological, and biometric analysis of European hake females in GSA 17 (Central-North Adriatic Sea). From 2013 to 2015, 976 females were collected and analyzed monthly. Though females in spawning conditions were found during the whole year, the trend of GSI showed a peak of the reproductive season from April to July in 2014 and 2015. HSI and Kn reached the highest values in September, after the spawning peaks. In 2013, the trend of these indices did not highlight an evident peak, probably due to an adverse event that occurred in the previous winter in the Adriatic shelf. The length at first maturity (L50) was estimated by macroscopic and histological approaches, resulting in 30.81 cm for the macroscopical length and 33.73 cm for the histological length; both values are higher than the current catching legal size. For the first time in this area, batch and relative fecundity were estimated. Relative fecundity was similar to the Mediterranean and the Atlantic stocks, whereas batch fecundity values were lower compared to other fishing grounds. Overall, the analysis of reproductive parameters plays a fundamental role in the sustainable management of this resource in an area as overfished as the Central-North Adriatic Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]