Reproductive Cycle Research Articles

Definition of reproductive structures in Eucalyptus for phenological data collection.

In an era where global climate change is shifting plant phenology, global meta-analyses of multiple species are required more than ever. Common language or references for enhanced data compatibility are key for such analyses. Although the Plant Phenology Ontology (PPO) addresses this challenge, it does not capture several relevant reproductive structures that are critical in species with long reproductive cycles, like many Eucalyptus species. We reviewed the terminology and concepts that describe reproductive structures in eucalypts and compared them with the existing classes of the PPO to explore the PPO's potential for harmonizing disparate eucalypt datasets. We identified incongruencies within and between eucalypt terminology and the PPO. We tested the sensitivity of the PPO for capturing key eucalypt phenological structures and found it sensitive to classification of certain structures. To address these limitations, we developed the Eucalyptus Phenology Ontology (EPO), a new ontology that builds on the PPO and captures key reproductive structures using a more refined classification. The EPO integrates the relationships between reproductive structures, phenological stages, and phenological traits. The vocabulary is species-neutral so it can be applied to other taxa but specifies the synonyms and descriptions required to capture the complexity of eucalypt phenology.

The association of men's beverage intake with semen quality and assisted reproduction outcomes in patients undergoing fertility treatment.

Although some studies have investigated the relationships between beverage intake and reproductive health these have generated conflicting results. To evaluate the associations between men's beverage intake and semen quality parameters and couple outcomes of medically assisted reproduction. The relationship between preconception beverage intake and semen quality was evaluated in 896 semen samples from 343 men. The relation between beverage intake and medically assisted reproduction outcomes (fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, total/clinical pregnancy loss, and live birth) was evaluated in 296 men and their female partners who underwent 714 medically assisted reproduction cycles: 306 intrauterine insemination cycles and 408 in vitro fertilization. Intake of caffeinated, alcoholic, sugar-sweetened, and artificially sweetened beverages and sub-groups were considered as exposures. Caffeinated, alcoholic, sugar-sweetened, and artificially sweetened beverage intake was not associated with semen quality parameters or with fertilization, implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live birth in couples undergoing medically assisted reproduction. When specific types of beverages were explored, there was an inverse association between a greater intake of coffee/tea with caffeine and lower live birth probabilities in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization cycles. The adjusted probabilities (95% confidence interval) of live birth in the lowest and highest tertiles of intake were 0.49 (0.38, 0.61) and 0.33 (0.24, 0.43) for coffee with caffeine, and 0.49 (0.33, 0.51) and 0.31 (0.22, 0.41) for tea with caffeine. A similar trend was detected with liquor intake and live birth probabilities: 0.45 (0.37, 0.53) and 0.32 (0.25, 0.41). We also found an association between a greater beer intake and higher live birth probabilities. The adjusted probabilities (95% confidence interval) in the lowest and highest quartile of intake were 0.32 (0.23, 0.42) and 0.51 (0.39, 0.62). Male preconception intakes of coffee, tea, and liquor were inversely associated, whereas beer intake was positively associated with the probability of live birth during infertility treatment.

Abstract 4135993: Body Composition and Mortality Throughout the Reproductive Cycle: Findings from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Changes in body composition throughout the reproductive cycle accelerate during the 2 years following the final menstrual period (FMP), known as the menopausal transition (MT). During MT, an increase in fat mass (FM) and a decrease in fat free mass (FFM) are usually seen, but the relationship between these changes and cardiovascular events is not well understood. We aim to explore how FM and FFM are associated with cardiovascular events and total mortality across the reproductive cycle in participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Methods: This study included 3439 women from exam 1 of MESA. Outcomes of interest were either MACE (heart failure, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, cardiac arrest, or stroke) or all-cause mortality. Equations to determine FM and FFM at exam 1 were validated with the NHANES 2003 population and derived from regression models based on bioelectrical impedance analysis results at exam 5 and anthropometric and demographic measures. Women were divided into 3 groups based on time since FMP: reproductive phase (before FMP), MT phase (<2 years after FMP), and late menopause phase (>2 years after FMP). Adjusted Cox multivariate models assessed the association between FM, FFM and MACE or all-cause mortality. Results: Median follow-up time was 14.1 years. FM was associated with MACE in the late menopause group, whereas FFM was not associated with MACE (Table). With respect to all-cause mortality, FM had a positive association (HR=1.19, P=0.03) while FFM had a negative association (HR=0.68, P=0.04) in the MT phase. The late menopause group showed similar relationships between FM, FFM, and all-cause mortality. The reproductive group showed no significant associations (Table). Conclusion: In this cohort, FM is associated with a higher risk of mortality whereas FFM is associated with a lower risk. We observed these associations to be more pronounced during the MT, a time of accelerated body composition change. Our results suggest and will need further investigation to confirm that the MT may be a critical time in the female lifespan to initiate interventions which positively impact muscle mass with a view to improving survival.

Sequencing the Parasitic Nematode Contracaecum spp. in Edible Fish (Planiliza Abu)

Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich,1 964 (Nematoda: Ascaridoidea, Anisakidae) is a typical anisakid recorded globally. Consumption of undercooked seafood, raw or infected, contains the nematode larvae that cause human anisakidosis . Fish (Planiliza abu) specimens were obtained from a local market in Karbala, Iraq. This type of fish came from the Razzaza Lake. The prevalence of Contracaecum spp. parasites was done over eight months from June 2022 until January 2023, using ITS1, morphological and molecular analysis of the nematodes Contracaecum spp from fish. Out of 395 fish, 124(31.3%) had visceral infections caused by Contracaecum spp. larval type (L3). The morphological and genetic identification of Contracaecum spp. was validated in the parasitology laboratory of the veterinary medicine college at Kerbala University. The result showed the infection rate in January 2023 was (46.6%) and it dropped in 2022, September with a percentage of (20%). With the use of ITS1 gene, the molecular analysis for Contracaecum spp. was to investigate Contracaecum spp. and to confirm it. However, the nematode count, number of infected fish, and length were all substantially different at the P≤0.05. This study detected the isolate=(a1) at the locus=OP787071 and sequencing the parasites. The isolates were confirmed as Contracaecum rudolphii, isolate a1 internal transcribed spacer 1, partial sequence. In conclusion, molecular genotyping might be a useful technique for identifying the Contracaecum L3 larval species., life-cycle biology, transmission methods, and types of intermediate hosts.

FOSSIL FUEL EMISSION PREDICTION SYSTEM USING MULTIPLE KERNEL GAUSSIAN PROCESS

<p>According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, 81% of greenhouse gas emission is due to Carbon-dioxide. When fossil fuels, solid waste, trees, and wood products are burnt, Carbon-dioxide emission occurs. The concentration of Carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere is reduced when it is absorbed by plants as a part of the biological carbon cycle. The major sources of CO2 emission are from fossil fuel such as coal, natural gas, oil, cement production, gas flares used in industrial plants and bunker fuels used in ships. Increase in CO2 emission leads to the increase in global warming. Climate change, change in seasonal events and decrease in agricultural productivity are the major impacts of global warming. Hence it is important to study and analyse CO2 emission based on the recorded data across the globe. Further the major source of emission must be detected and alert messages must be sent to the pollution control boards in various countries to take necessary remedial actions. This work focuses on predicting the CO2 emission in the near future in various countries based upon the “Fossil-Fuel CO2 Emissions by Nation” dataset recorded by Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC), Oak Ridge National Laboratory. This system comprises of data cleaning, data normalization, optimization, and model building. The model built using Multiple Kernel Gaussian Process (MKGP) will predict the concentration of CO2 that may be present in the atmosphere in upcoming years. Based on the prediction the major source of CO2 emission is identified. We have studied the effects of Radial Basis Function kernel, Rational Quadratic, Periodic kernel and combinations of the kernels on India USA and China dataset. We have proposed a Multi-Kernel Gaussian Process for predicting the fossil fuel emission (MKGP - FFE). It has been inferred that combination of kernels performed well when compared to individual kernels in most of the cases.</p>

Tambjamines as Fast-Acting Multistage Antimalarials.

Well-tolerated and novel antimalarials that can combat multiple stages of the parasite life cycle are desirable but challenging to discover and develop. Herein, we report results for natural product-inspired novel tambjamine antimalarials. We show that they are potent against liver, asexual erythrocytic, and sexual erythrocytic parasite life cycle stages. Notably, our lead candidate 1 (KAR425) displays excellent oral efficacy with complete clearance of parasites within 72 h of treatment in the humanized Plasmodium falciparum (NOD-scid) mouse model at 50 mg/kg × 4 days. Profiling of compound 1 demonstrated a fast in vitro killing profile. In addition, several other tambjamine analogues cured erythrocytic Plasmodium yoelii infections after oral doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg × 4 days in a murine model while exhibiting good safety and metabolic profiles. This study presents the first account of multiple-stage antiplasmodial activities with rapid killing profile in the tambjamine family.

The Limits of the Law: Work in the Light of Capitalist Reproduction

ABSTRACT The article explores alternatives to capitalist work from the point of view of reproduction of capitalist relations. The latter occurs in a cyclical manner as capitalist structures—the economic, juridico-political and ideological levels—co-constitute and reproduce one another. Given the difficulty inherent in breaking the cycle of reproduction, a reflection on alternatives to capitalist work requires that work is reconceptualised, to the extent possible, beyond current structures: as transformations at any one individual level cannot produce radical change, alternatives to capitalist work require a holistic reimagining of the social totality, transcending, for example, mere legal or mere political reform. The force that can disrupt the cycle of capitalist reproduction and open space for such holistic reimagination is class struggle. The latter becomes embedded in the process of redefining work in so far as it is the force that can precipitate structural and unforeseeable change. It also acts a reminder that the substantive redefinition of work is a collective process, and cannot be the task of any single individual situated externally to that struggle.

Reproductive cycle of the Egyptian Fruit Bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus (Chiroptera: Petropodidae) in northern Egypt

The reproductive patterns of both sexes of the Egyptian Fruit Bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus, were studied in a population inhabiting a roost within Giza Governorate, northern Egypt. Bat specimens were collected over a period of 13 months extending from June 2017 to June 2018, inclusive. The reproductive cycle of males consisted of four consecutive phases, namely the active phase in autumn and the early winter months (October to January), the regressing phase in late winter and early spring months (February to April), the regressed phase in late spring and summer (May to August), and the recrudescence phase in early autumn (September). No active sperms were observed in smears of the cauda epididymis during the regressed phase (June–August) and males were considered to be sexually inactive during this phase. Varying percentages of reproductively active females (pregnant, lactating, pregnant and lactating) were collected in all months, with peaks in summer (June–July) and late autumn and early winter (November–January).

Exploring the Relationship Between Time Series of Sentinel-1 Interferometric Coherence Data and Wild Edible Mushroom Yields in Mediterranean Forests

Edible wild mushrooms constitute a valuable marketable non-wood forest product with high relevance worldwide. There is growing interest in developing tools for estimation of mushroom yields and to evaluate the effects that global change may have on them. Remote sensing is a powerful technology for characterization of forest structure and condition, both essential factors in triggering mushroom production, together with meteo-climatic factors. In this work, we explore options to apply synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from C-band Sentinel-1 to characterize, at the plot level, wild mushroom productive forests in the Mediterranean region, which provide saprotroph and ectomycorrhizal mushrooms. Seventeen permanent plots with mushroom yield data collected weekly during the productive season are characterized with dense time series of Sentinel-1 backscatter intensity (VV and VH polarizations) and 6-day interval interferometric VV coherence during the 2018–2021 period. Weekly-regularized series of SAR data are decomposed with a LOESS approach into trend, seasonality, and remainder. Trends are explored with the Theil-Sen test, and periodicity is characterized by the Discrete Fast Fourier transform. Seasonal patterns of SAR time-series are described and related to mycorrhizal and saprotroph guilds separately. Our results indicate that time series of interferometric coherence show cyclic patterns which might be related with annual mushroom yields and may constitute an indicator of triggering factors in mushroom production, whereas backscatter intensity is strongly correlated with precipitation, making noisy signals without a clear interpretable pattern. Exploring the potential of remotely sensed data for prediction and quantification of mushroom yields contributes to improve our understanding of fungal biological cycles and opens new ways to develop tools that improve its sustainable, efficient, and effective management.

Seasonal changes in the dietary patterns and reproductive aspects of deep-water rose shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris in the central Adriatic Sea

The deep-water rose shrimp Parapenaeus longirostris is one of the most important commercial species caught by trawl fisheries in the Mediterranean Sea. The species has a warm-water affinity and its landings are increasing in the whole basin. Detailed information on its trophic ecology, niche width and role within demersal food webs is dated or lacking in the Adriatic Sea, the most exploited basin of the Mediterranean. Therefore, to detect seasonal changes in diet and trophic levels, seasonal samplings were conducted in this area from January to December 2021, collecting 400 specimens, and integrating information from both stomach content analysis and stable isotope analyses (SIA). To identify potential links between the biological cycle of the species and fluctuations in energy demand, seasonal changes in fullness, as a proxy of feeding intensity, and gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indices were assessed. The deep-water rose shrimp is confirmed to be a benthic feeder that predominantly preys on molluscs, crustaceans, fish, echinoderms and polychaetes. According to SIA, P. longirostris is defined as a secondary consumer. Observed seasonal dietary changes precede the reproductive periods, likely due to the need for more energetic prey.

Shifting GnRH neuron ensembles underlie successive preovulatory luteinizing hormone surges.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons operate as a neuronal ensemble exhibiting coordinated activity once every reproductive cycle to generate the preovulatory GnRH surge. Using GCaMP fibre photometry at the GnRH neuron distal dendrons to measure the output of this widely scattered population in female mice, we find that the onset, amplitude, and profile of GnRH neuron surge activity exhibits substantial variability from cycle to cycle both between and within individual mice. This was also evident when measuring successive proestrous luteinizing hormone surges. Studies combining short (c-Fos and c-Jun) and long (genetic Robust Activity Marking) term indices of immediate early gene activation revealed that, while ∼50% of GnRH neurons were activated at the time of each surge, only half of these neurons had been active during the previous proestrous surge. These observations reveal marked inter- and intra-individual variability in the GnRH surge mechanism. Remarkably, different sub-populations of overlapping GnRH neurons are recruited to the ensemble each estrous cycle to generate the GnRH surge. While engendering variability in the surge mechanism itself, this likely provides substantial robustness to a key event underlying mammalian reproduction.Significance Statement The mid-cycle luteinizing hormone (LH) surge driven by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons represents the key event triggering ovulation in all mammals. Using GCaMP fibre photometry and genetic activation markers, we unexpectedly find that different sub-populations of GnRH neurons are responsible for driving consecutive LH surges every 4-5 days in cycling female mice. This remarkable oscillatory pattern of network plasticity within the ensemble occurs under normal physiological conditions and likely contributes to the variable timing of the onset of LH surge both within and between individuals. The ability of individual GnRH neurons to take turns within the ensemble in driving the LH surge likely provides a robust fail-safe mechanism for ovulation and contributes to the robustness of mammalian fertility.

Flowering seasonality and airborne pollen recent trends in Sierra de las Nieves, the southernmost National Park in continental Spain

Sierra de las Nieves is the southernmost National Park in continental Spain and, in a global warming scenario, it is important to determine the impacts of climatic variations on the vegetation, with special relevance to their reproductive cycles. The flowering seasonality and intensity of the dominant anemophilous species usually reflect the response of the vegetation to climate variations, which can be monitored through the atmospheric pollen concentrations. In this study, airborne pollen was analysed for 6 years (2018–2023). A pollen calendar was elaborated to show the flowering seasonality and intensity of the dominant anemophilous taxa. Spring was the season with the highest airborne pollen diversity and intensity, Quercus being the pollen type with the highest concentrations. We observed that weather conditions influenced the presence of airborne pollen. Precipitation and relative humidity reduce pollen concentrations, while temperature rises increase them during the pre-peak period and reduce them during the post-peak. Wind dynamics play different roles depending on the pollen type considered given the heterogeneous distribution of the pollen emission sources. Significant advances were detected in the start date of the main pollen season of Quercus and Olea, as well as in the peak date of Quercus. On the contrary, other taxa such as Pinus or Poaceae did not show any trend. This brings to the fore that the responses to climatic variations may differ from one taxon to another, a continuous study in natural areas being required for detecting possible changes in the observed trends.

Effect of abamectin on haemolymph and ovarian proteins during the reproductive cycle of female Argas (Persicargas) arboreus (Acari: Argasidae)

AbstractThe avian tick Argas (Persicargas) arboreus is a vector of pathogens infecting the nestlings of the agriculturally beneficial bird, the buff-backed heron in Egypt. The topical treatment of the fed-mated (engorged) female A. (P.) arboreus with a sublethal dose of abamectin (10 µl 10 ppm/female) on the 3rd day after feeding (daf), reduced the concentration of total protein in the haemolymph (HL) by 13–66%, in the ovary by 30–54%, and in freshly deposited eggs by 11–16%, compared to untreated females during vitellogenesis and oviposition. However, the treatment did not prevent vitellogenesis and oviposition but reduced the number of mature oocytes (stages III–V) and deposited eggs. Additionally, it delayed the onset and slowed the progress of each process in the treated females. The application of abamectin at the onset of vitellogenesis (on the 3rd daf) in normal female and the prominent decrease inHL total protein concentration in treated female on the 4th daf pointed to a probable interference of abamectin with the release of the vitellogenesis-inducing factor (VIF) and/or other subsequent hormone(s) known to regulate vitellogenesis in this argasid tick species. Graphical abstract

Unveiling the potential of parasites as proxy bioindicators for water quality assessment in river Jhelum Kashmir, India.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of deteriorated physicochemical conditions in the river Jhelum on parasitic infestations and to investigate the potential of fish parasites as bioindicators of water quality. All the physicochemical parameters exhibited statistically significant differences based on both site and season (p < 0.01).The interaction term (Site × Season) was also kept in the model since it was statistically significant (p < 0.01). A parasitological survey of 360 schizothoracine fish revealed a 30.3% prevalence (109/360) of endohelminth infection. The study identified four predominant parasitic taxa across two distinct classes: Cestoda, including Adenoscolex oreini and Schyzocotyle acheilognathi, and Acanthocephala, comprising Pomphorhynchus kashmirensis and Neoechinorhynchus manasbalensis. For the assessment of parasitic load, we calculated the prevalence, mean intensity, mean abundance, and index ofinfection for each sampling period. Correspondence analysis identified associations between parasite occurrence and specific water quality parameters. Regression analysis, including R2 and p values, demonstrated a positive correlation between the number of parasites and both the proportion of infected fish and the ratio of infected to examined fish. Given that parasitic load is significantly influenced by a range of water quality parameters, fish parasites can serve as a robust indicator of declining water quality. Fish parasites are highly sensitive to water quality changes such as pollutants, toxins, and fluctuations in pH, temperature, and oxygen levels. Deteriorating water quality can stress fish, compromising their immune systems and increasing their susceptibility to parasitic infections. Additionally, complex life cycles of parasites can be disrupted by poor water conditions, making them indicators of water quality issues.

Halicephalobus gingivalis infection in equids

Halicephalobus gingivalis is a ubiquitous, saprophytic, free-living, rhabditiform nematode parasite of soil and manure that has been associated with opportunistic infections in horses, but sporadically also in zebras, cattle and humans. Cases have been reported worldwide, including several European countries. This review summarises the reported cases in equids with a special focus on parasite life cycle, clinical forms, diagnosis, therapy and phylogeny. Notably, the comprehensive phylogenetic analysis carried out in the frame of this review highlights the existence of a putative Lineage 5 beside the four H. gingivalis lineages already reported. Halicephalobosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any rapidly progressing meningoencephalitis case.

An Overview on Antifilarial Efficacy of Heterocyclic Motifs Encompassing Synthetic Strategies, SAR, and Commercialized Medications.

Filariasis is one of the oldest, most dangerous, debilitating, disfiguring diseases and often ignores tropical disorders. It presents with a range of clinical symptoms, a low death rate, and a high morbidity rate, which contributes to social discrimination. This condition has major effects on people's socioeconomic circumstances. This illness is carried by mosquitoes that have spread malaria. Lymphatic filariasis, caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori, is a crippling illness with serious social and economic consequences. The infection persisted despite therapy with conventional antifilarial medications such as diethylcarbamazine (DEC), albendazole, and ivermectin, which are mostly microfilaricides. Current treatments (ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine, and albendazole) have limited effectiveness against adult parasites and produce side effects; therefore, innovative antifilarial medications are urgently required. Hence, macrofilaricides, embryostatic agents, and improved microfilaricides are required. The following article discusses the typical synthetic methodologies established for antifilarial activity as well as their marketed pharmaceuticals, which will help researchers, medicinal chemists, and pharmaceutical scientists to develop new and effective antifilarial therapies. This review can help to identify new lead compounds and optimize existing commercial medications to improve their therapeutic efficacy. The majority of the studies addressed in this review concern the forms of filariasis, parasite life cycle, symptoms, medications used to treat filariasis, synthetic schemes, SAR, and results from the reported research.

Assessment of hemoglobin concentration in sows and their offspring over consecutive reproductive cycles

Objective: Evaluate hemoglobin concentration (HbC) in sows and their offspring over consecutive parities. Materials and methods: Twenty-three females were monitored for HbC during parities 1, 2, and 3 at 7 timepoints (30 [± 2], 60 [± 2], 90 [± 2], and 112 days of gestation, 2 and 16 [± 1] days of lactation, and 5 [± 1] days post weaning). Piglet HbC was measured within 18 hours after birth and at 16 (± 1) days of age. Pigs were classified as anemic (HbC &lt; 10 g/dL) or nonanemic (HbC ≥ 10 g/dL) at each timepoint. Results: On gestation day 90, 71.1% of sows were anemic across parities. In parity 1, HbC was less on lactation day 16 than all gestational timepoints (P &lt; .001). In parity 2, HbC on lactation days 2 and 16 was less than all gestational timepoints (P &lt; .001). In parity 3, HbC on lactation days 2 and 16 was less than gestation days 30 and 60 (P = .015). Piglet anemia prevalence at 1 day of age was 55.8%, 36.3%, and 46.1% for parity 1, 2, and 3, respectively (X2 &lt; .001). Piglet anemia prevalence at 16 days of age was 35.6%, 18.7%, and 15.9% for parity 1, 2, and 3, respectively (X2 &lt; .001). Implications: Decreasing sow HbC over the reproductive cycle and lack of post-weaning recovery in parity 3 indicates iron declines with advancing parity and may impact long-term health. Piglet anemia prevalence declined with advancing parity, suggesting a need to reevaluate piglet iron supplementation in litters from younger females.

Impacto socioambiental de la pesquería del pulpo maya en San Francisco de Campeche

The Maya octopus’ fishery in the Gulf of Mexico faces significant challenges. Although efforts to implement sustainable practices, overexploitation has occasioned socio-environmental issues in the Yucatán Peninsula. The red octopus (Octopus maya) has a unique reproductive cycle, lacking a larval stage, where females die after caring for their eggs, increasing natural mortality and complicating fishery management. Although it is a vital and cherished resource in local cuisine, the state of the fishery threatens its existence. This research aims to understand the socio-environmental impact of the octopus’ fishery in Campeche, examining the characteristics of the fisheries, the fishers, their economy, and the involved organizations. The study highlights the importance of participation in fishery management and the development of strategies to reduce the economic vulnerability of fishers. The results underscore the need for sustainable practices and proper marine resource management. Keywords: Overfishing, octopus’ fishery, Campeche.

Composition of inshore ichthyoplankton community in the Canary islands from a spatial and seasonal perspective: Inshore ichthyoplankton of the Canary Islands

Early life stages of fish are insufficiently studied in most regions around the globe, and consequently, there is an important gap in knowledge on the life cycle of most teleosts. In the Canary Islands (Eastern Central Atlantic), most studies on ichthyoplankton communities are based on traditional net tows in open waters that provide information about early larval stages of pelagic species in the area, while nearshore benthic fish remain highly understudied. In this study, light traps were employed for the first time to assess post-larval stages of neritic fish in this archipelago. A two-year survey was carried out to collect nearshore fish larvae every 6 months at 11 localities from El Hierro, Tenerife and Lanzarote. A total of 3940 fish larvae classified into 13 orders, 28 families and 44 species were collected. These results provide a wide description of the composition of the inshore ichthyoplankton off the Canary Islands, across islands and seasons. Main environmental factors (SST, sea floor orography, oceanographic phenomena …) influencing the population dynamics of this community are discussed. Additionally, the ichthyoplankton assemblages were assessed from the intra-annual perspective, analyzing the species composition and abundances by months and seasons, and providing new insights into reproduction cycles of many common benthic fishes at shallow marine ecosystems of the islands. This study is important to further understand the life cycles of some of the most common fish species in the Canary Islands, unraveling main environmental factors that affect the success of their offspring that sustain populations.

Unveiling Aquatic Organism Health Through eProteins: A Contemporary Perspective

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has transformed our understanding of aquatic ecosystems, but traditional methods often lack insights into organismal health. The emerging field of environmental protein (eProtein) analysis offers a novel approach to monitoring the physiological status of aquatic organisms. Recent advancements in proteomic technologies have enabled the detection and characterization of stress-responsive proteins in water samples, providing valuable insights into organismal health and environmental stressors. This perspective paper explores the potential of eProtein analysis for monitoring aquatic organism health, disease dynamics and reproductive cycles. Methodological advancements in protein extraction and mass spectrometry have enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of eProtein analysis, facilitating comprehensive molecular profiling and biomarker identification. By integrating eProtein analysis into aquaculture management and environmental monitoring, researchers can proactively manage fish health, mitigate disease outbreaks and safeguard aquatic ecosystems. Future research directions include refining extraction methods, establishing standardized protocols and leveraging interdisciplinary collaborations to maximize the potential of eProtein analysis for aquatic research and conservation.