Article
Environmental Sciences
Helene Ronquist Knutsen, Sune Riis Sorensen, Peter Munk, Tora Bardal, Elin Kjorsvik
Summary: The study characterized the digestive system of European eel leptocephalus larvae, finding features such as an expandable pharynx/esophagus and a linear relationship between intestine length and larval size. The findings support the hypothesis that the larvae may feed on digestible gelatinous plankton and marine snow aggregates.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marjorie Lortholarie, Laurence Poirier, Abderrahmane Kamari, Christine Herrenknecht, Aurore Zalouk-Vergnoux
Summary: Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential in many industrial and medical fields due to their unique properties, but they are also becoming emerging pollutants. This study investigated REE bioaccumulation in Anguilla anguilla from the Loire estuary, revealing differences in organotropism between life stages and genders. Significant variations in REEs abundances were observed in different organs, life stages, and genders, with parasitism by Anguillicola crassus also appearing to impact REE bioaccumulation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shenglin Liu, Aja Noersgaard Buur Tengstedt, Magnus W. Jacobsen, Jose Martin Pujolar, Bjarni Jonsson, Javier Lobon-Cervia, Louis Bernatchez, Michael M. Hansen
Summary: This study analyzed genetic and methylation variation in European eels and found that methylation plays an important role in the life cycle of eels, potentially mediating interactions between local environments, development, and phenotypic variation for adaptation. The study also highlighted the significant role of methylation at Hox genes for adaptive processes.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Luis Vinatea, Ricard Carbo, Karl B. Andree, Enric Gisbert, Alicia Estevez
Summary: The study shows that European eel elvers can adapt well to biofloc systems, which have lower production costs compared to conventional systems. The maintenance of biofloc in tanks and prevention of opportunistic pathogens were identified as critical issues. Further studies are needed to test the technology with older eel stages.
Article
Fisheries
Carina Caldeira, Sandra Hernandez-Ibanez, Alberto Vendrell, Anthony Valverde, Almudena Garcia-Molina, Victor Gallego, Juan F. Asturiano, Carles Soler
Summary: The current methods for analyzing fish spermatozoa head morphology are subjective, time-consuming, and variable due to manipulation of the samples. This study developed a computer-assisted system to accurately measure the morphology of European eel spermatozoa. By comparing measurements from samples treated with fixation solution and samples without fixation, it was found that the use of TruMorph(R) without fixation produced more realistic measurements.
Article
Fisheries
Jeroen Van Wichelen, Pieterjan Verhelst, Michiel Perneel, Charlotte Van Driessche, David Buysse, Claude Belpaire, Johan Coeck, Marleen De Troch
Summary: The transition from marine to fresh water is a challenging task for juvenile eels, requiring major energy-demanding morphological and behavioral changes. This study analyzed the diet of European glass eels during their inland migration, finding that their food intake increased over the season and diversified.
JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Bernd Pelster
Summary: Eels use their swimbladder for buoyancy control, which is achieved through the activity of gas gland cells and countercurrent concentration. Gas gland cells produce lactic acid and CO2, which acidify the blood and release oxygen from hemoglobin. The diffusion of oxygen and CO2 into the swimbladder is facilitated by the diffusion gradients created by elevated PO2 and PCO2. Infection of the swimbladder with the nematode Anguillicola crassus impairs its function as a buoyancy organ.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Francesca Bertolini, Mehis Rohtla, Camilla Parzanini, Jonna Tomkiewicz, Caroline M. F. Durif
Summary: This study investigated the ability of blood transcriptional profiling to identify the salinity-habitat histories of European eels. By comparing gene expression in the blood of eels collected from different locations, the researchers were able to classify eels with different habitat histories. This non-lethal approach shows promise as a replacement for lethal otolith microchemistry analysis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Silvia Martinez-Llorens, Stefano Peruzzi, Inger-Britt Falk-Petersen, Sergio Godoy-Olmos, Lars Olav Ulleberg, Ana Tomas-Vidal, Velmurugu Puvanendran, Derrick Kwame Odei, Orjan Hagen, Jorge M. O. Fernandes, Malcolm Jobling
Summary: Triploid, sterile Atlantic salmon could contribute to the farming industry, but uncertainties about their performance and welfare have limited their adoption by farmers. This study compared the digestive tract morphology and enzyme activities of diploid and triploid Atlantic salmon, finding that triploid salmon had lower digestibility of amino acids and no significant differences in proteolytic enzyme activities compared to diploids. The study also suggested that trypsin-to-chymotrypsin activity ratios could potentially predict recent growth history and growth potential in salmon.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying-Ying Li, Jin-Xian Yang, Xi Chen, Qiang Chen, Tie-Ying Song, Jun-Qing Ge
Summary: This study investigated the molecular mechanisms and immune response in the skin mucus of Anguilla anguilla infected with Anguillid herpesvirus 1 (AngHV) at the protein levels. TMT-labelled proteomics with LC-MS/MS was used for quantitative identification of proteins. The results showed significant changes in protein expression, and many differentially expressed proteins were found to be enriched in various pathways, providing important insights into the pathogenesis of AngHV.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
C. M. F. Durif, M. Arts, F. Bertolini, A. Cresci, F. Daverat, E. Karlsbakk, J. Koprivnikar, E. Moland, E. M. Olsen, C. Parzanini, M. Power, M. Rohtla, A. B. Skiftesvik, E. Thorstad, L. A. Vollestad, H. Browman
Summary: This article discusses the life cycle strategies of anguillid eels and introduces methods for studying these strategies. The article points out that the current management framework for eels focuses mainly on freshwater environments, ignoring eels growing in saline waters. The authors argue that the ability of eels to shift habitats is crucial for the recovery of endangered species.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maowang Jiang, Wencheng Xiao, Jingtao Ye, Liting Xu, Ruibing Peng, Qingxi Han, Zhenming Lu, Huilai Shi, Xiamin Jiang
Summary: This study investigates the changes in digestive physiology, intestinal morphology, and microbial composition during feed transition in Sepia pharaonis. The results show significant changes in digestive enzymes and microbiota, highlighting the importance of understanding these changes for aquaculture production.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiroyuki Inaba, Yuzo Iwata, Takashi Suzuki, Moemi Horiuchi, Ryohei Surugaya, Shigeho Ijiri, Ai Uchiyama, Ryoko Takano, Seiji Hara, Takashi Yazawa, Takeshi Kitano
Summary: In this study, the effects of the phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein on sex differentiation and sex-specific genes in Japanese eels were examined. Genistein was found to induce feminization more efficiently than daidzein, by altering the molecular pathways responsible for eel sex differentiation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Jeroen Van Wichelen, Pieterjan Verhelst, David Buysse, Claude Belpaire, Kristof Vlietinck, Johan Coeck
Summary: Tidal barrages pose a major threat to diadromous fish species like the European eel, but adjusted tidal barrage management can enhance glass eel colonization. Research shows that glass eels have different migration strategies after passing through the sluice, with some continuing upstream migration and others choosing to settle in the canal.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jeremy Denis, Khalef Rabhi, Francois Le Loc'h, Frida Ben Rais Lasram, Kevin Boutin, Maria Kazour, Mamadou Diop, Marie-Christine Gruselle, Rachid Amara
Summary: This study characterizes and compares the feeding ecology of European eels in different salinity gradients in northern France estuaries. The research finds that eels mainly feed on crustaceans and fish, and their trophic level varies among different estuaries. The results are important for understanding the ecology and environmental adaptability of eels.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Gabriella Caruso, Maria Grazia Giacobbe, Filippo Azzaro, Franco Decembrini, Marcella Leonardi, Stefano Miserocchi, Xiuyun Cao, Chunlei Song, Yiyong Zhou
Summary: This study investigates the response of bacterial and phytoplankton communities to environmental and human-induced perturbations in Syracuse Bay, a Mediterranean coastal ecosystem. The availability of organic substrates is found to be a key factor driving the distribution and activity of microbial communities. Seasonal variations significantly affect the abundance and metabolic activities of microbial communities, and organic matter inputs from agriculture or aquaculture activities further stimulate microbial response.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Lingling Wan, Gabriella Caruso, Xiuyun Cao, Chunlei Song, Giovanna Maimone, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Pasqualina Lagana, Yiyong Zhou
Summary: This study assesses the distribution and function of microbes in the Taiwan Straits, discovering that microbial metabolism is more sensitive to environmental changes than abundance.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gabriella Caruso, Maria Papale, Maurizio Azzaro, Carmen Rizzo, Pasqualina Lagana, Rosalba Caruso, Angelina Lo Giudice
Summary: Marine sponges, especially those living in Antarctic environments, have the potential to produce bioactive metabolites derived from their bacterial symbionts. This study investigated the presence and activity of enzymes and antibacterial substances in Antarctic sponge homogenates. Results showed that Antarctic sponge homogenates exhibited various enzymatic activities, lysozyme content, and antibacterial activities at near in situ temperature. These findings suggest that Antarctic sponge homogenates can serve as a valuable source of bioactive substances for medical or industrial applications.
Article
Microbiology
Maria Papale, Carmen Rizzo, Stefania Giannarelli, Gabriella Caruso, Stefano Amalfitano, Paul Eric Aspholm, Giovanna Maimone, Stefano Miserocchi, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Angelina Lo Giudice, Maurizio Azzaro
Summary: This study aims to study the riverine benthic microbial community in the Paasvik River and evaluate its ecological role in relation to contamination levels. The results show that bacterial diversity in the river sediments is influenced by micro-niche conditions, with differences in the abundance of taxa involved in the C, Fe, and N cycles, as well as organic pollutant and toxic compound degradation.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carmela Caroppo, Filippo Azzaro, Alessandro Bergamasco, Gabriella Caruso, Franco Decembrini
Summary: The study aims to evaluate the influence of physical and chemical water conditions and hydrodynamics on the phytoplankton and bacterial patterns and functioning in the Straits of Messina. The results show significant diversification among the water masses in this area, and the phytoplankton and bacterial communities can serve as indicators of microbial response to environmental changes.
Editorial Material
Engineering, Marine
Gabriella Caruso, Kai Ziervogel
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Maria Papale, Gabriella Caruso, Giovanna Maimone, Rosabruna La Ferla, Angelina Lo Giudice, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Alessandro Cosenza, Filippo Azzaro, Roberta Ferretti, Rodolfo Paranhos, Anderson Souza Cabral, Massimo Caccia, Angelo Odetti, Giuseppe Zappala, Gabriele Bruzzone, Maurizio Azzaro
Summary: Cold-adapted microorganisms in polar marine environments have significant impacts on water biogeochemistry and ecosystem functions. However, remote regions near glaciers, which are difficult to access, have been neglected and lack microbiological data. To address this gap, a survey of microbial communities in an Arctic region near the Blomstrandbreen glacier was conducted using an Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle equipped with an automatic water sampler. The analysis revealed different sub-regions affected by haline gradient or terrigenous inputs, indicating that ice melting and Atlantic water inflow have varying effects on microbial growth.
Article
Microbiology
Simone Cappello, Ilaria Corsi, Sabrina Patania, Elisa Bergami, Maurizio Azzaro, Monique Mancuso, Maria Genovese, Alessia Lunetta, Gabriella Caruso
Summary: Five psychrotolerant Alcanivorax spp. strains were isolated from Antarctic coastal waters. The strains were analyzed for their molecular and physiological properties, including gene sequencing, metabolic profiling, and biochemical characterization. The results showed high similarity with other Alcanivorax spp. strains and indicated their capability for hydrocarbon degradation at different temperatures. The strains also exhibited biosurfactant production and emulsification activity. These findings highlight the importance of isolating and characterizing Antarctic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial strains for their potential biotechnological and environmental applications.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Maurizio Azzaro, Antonietta Specchiulli, Giovanna Maimone, Filippo Azzaro, Angelina Lo Giudice, Maria Papale, Rosabruna La Ferla, Rodolfo Paranhos, Anderson Souza Cabral, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Monia Renzi, Pasquale Castagno, Pierpaolo Falco, Paola Rivaro, Gabriella Caruso
Summary: The role of microbial community in organic matter turnover in open regions of the Ross Sea has been poorly studied. This study investigated microbial distribution and functional diversity in two pelagic areas of the Ross Sea during the austral summer of 2017. The study found that microbial abundance, diversity, and metabolism varied in response to changing local environmental conditions, highlighting the complexity of this extreme ecosystem.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Melissa Bisaccia, Elisa Binda, Elena Rosini, Gabriella Caruso, Ombretta Dell'Acqua, Maurizio Azzaro, Pasqualina Lagana, Gabriella Tedeschi, Elisa M. Maffioli, Loredano Pollegioni, Flavia Marinelli
Summary: Microbial communities in the Antarctic Ocean have adapted to cold and salty environments, producing enzymes with unique properties that can be used in biotechnology and bioremediation. These enzymes offer cost reduction, contaminant reduction, and simplified pretreatment. This study identified a laccase enzyme from a marine Antarctic bacterium that is tolerant to temperature, salt, and organic solvents.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Simone Cappello, Francesco Smedile, Gabriella Caruso, Sabrina Patania, Alessia Lunetta, Maurizio Azzaro
Summary: Kongsfjorden in the Svalbard archipelago is an important marine ecosystem in the Arctic, and prokaryotic organisms play key roles in ecological processes and environmental pollution in sediments. However, little is known about the microbial community in the organic matter turnover and benthic functioning in some Arctic areas. This study provides a snapshot of microbial parameters and metabolic activity in Ny-Alesund harbour using various assays. The phylogenetic analysis reveals the prevalence of Proteobacteria and indicates human pressure on the polar habitat.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Anna Perdichizzi, Martina Meola, Letteria Caccamo, Gabriella Caruso, Francesco Gai, Giulia Maricchiolo
Summary: In animal science, dietary supplementation with probiotics, specifically Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii (LSB), has been shown to enhance stress tolerance, disease prevention, and growth in aquatic animals. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of LSB supplementation on the welfare and health of juvenile European sea bass. The results suggest that LSB has an immunomodulatory action, potentially reducing gut inflammation and enhancing disease prevention in sea bass.
Review
Engineering, Marine
Giuseppe Zappala, Gabriella Caruso
Summary: Coastal marine monitoring is a specialized research field that requires long-term datasets to depict the environmental status and changes. The devices used in this field have undergone significant evolution in recent decades, leading to the development of new autonomous monitoring systems. This paper reviews the coastal marine monitoring systems developed since 1988 at the Italian National Research Council, focusing on the research conducted at the Experimental Thalassographic Institute of Messina.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Marine
Gabriella Caruso, Giovanna Maimone, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Ombretta Dell'Acqua, Pasqualina Lagana, Maurizio Azzaro
Summary: The microbial colonization of PVC and PE plastic substrates in Tethys and Road Bays was studied to evaluate the metabolic profiles of the plastisphere community. The results showed that the community mainly utilized complex carbon sources, carbohydrates, and amino acids as energy sources, with additional utilization of methane substrates and phosphate carbon compounds in Tethys Bay. Significant differences in metabolic profiles were observed between the plastisphere and pelagic microbial communities, with higher carbon substrate utilization rates in the plastisphere. The areas influenced by anthropic activity or ice melting showed higher carbon substrate utilization rates compared to their control sites.
JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carmen Rizzo, Erika Arcadi, Rosario Calogero, Alessandro Ciro Rappazzo, Gabriella Caruso, Giovanna Maimone, Angelina Lo Giudice, Teresa Romeo, Franco Andaloro
Summary: Microbial communities exhibit different responses to changes in external environmental conditions, especially in extreme environments. This study used microcosm experiments to explore the dynamics of microbial communities under changing pH and redox potential conditions. The results revealed differential responses of microbial communities depending on the starting environmental conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2024)
