Epiconcept Training School on Epigenetics in Reproductive Biology, Murcia, Spain
18 May – 21 May 2015

This training school will be held at the Veterinary School of the University of Murcia (Spain), and it will consists of extensive theoretical and practical sessions lead by experts in the field.

Please find further information in the following link: Epiconcept TS 2015 Announcement.

Impact of dietary fatty acids on muscle composition, liver lipids, milt composition and sperm performance in European eel

I.A.E. Butts, R. Baeza, J.G. Støttrup, M. Krüger-Johnsen, C. Jacobsen, L. Pérez, J.F. Asturiano, J. Tomkiewicz

In order for European eel aquaculture to be sustainable, the life cycle should be completed in captivity. Development of broodstock diets may improve the species’ reproductive success in captivity, through the production of high-quality gametes. Here, our aim was to evaluate the influence of dietary regime on muscle composition, and liver lipids prior to induced maturation, and the resulting sperm composition and performance. To accomplish this fish were reared on three “enhanced” diets and one commercial diet, each with different levels of fatty acids, arachidonic acid (ARA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Neutral lipids from the muscle and liver incorporated the majority of the fatty acid profile, while phospholipids incorporated only certain fatty acids. Diet had an effect on the majority of sperm fatty acids, on the total volume of extractable milt, and on the percentage of motile sperm.
Here, our results suggest that the total volume of extractable milt is a DHA-dependent process, as we found the diet with the highest DHA level induced the most milt while the diet with the lowest DHA level induced the least amount of milt. The diet with the highest level of ARA induced medium milt volumes but had the highest sperm motility. EPA also seems important for sperm quality parameters since diets with higher EPA percentages had a higher volume of milt and higher sperm motility. In conclusion, dietary fatty acids had an influence on fatty acids in the tissues of male eel and this impacted sperm performance.

The 5th International Workshop on the Biology of Fish Gametes   NEW!!!
Ancona (Italy),7th – 11th September 2015.
http://fishgametes2015.com/

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the organizing committee, it is our great pleasure and honor to welcome you to join the 5th International Workshop on the Biology of Fish Gametes that will be held in Ancona (Italy) from September 7 to 11, 2015.

The congress will cover issues on the following topics:

– Oogenesis: the molecular basis behind oocyte growth, egg quality, fertilization and embryo development
– Spermatology: basic and strategic research leading to high quality sperm
– Anthropogenic contaminants in the environment: effects on fish gametes
– Progress and perspectives on fish gametes cryopreservation
– Reproduction and development in ornamental fish and invertebrates
– Fish germ cell: from basic sciences to applied biotechnologies
– Epigenetic programming: from gametes to embryo

We would like to invite contributors like you to submit papers to the conference through this email address according to the Instructions for Authors page on our website. The due date for abstract submissions is June 15th, 2015.

All accepted papers will be published in a special issue of General and Comparative Endocrinology to ensure the widest dissemination of your published work.

We sincerely wish you are planning to join us for this great event and we look forward to seeing you in Ancona!

Should you need further information, please refer to the conference’s website (http://fishgametes2015.com/) or do not hesitate to contact us.

Telephone:
+39 071 220 4990
+39 071 220 4334
+39 071 220 4643

Email:
fishgametes2015@gmail.com
Program Coordinator

Oliana Carnevali
Prof. Developmental Biology

The Sixth Call for STSM (Short-Term Scientific Mission)-Applications

The COST network “AQUAGAMETE” is pleased to announce the 6th call for STSM applications.

Please note the special characteristics of this express call:

1) Deadline for applications is the 25th of January
2) Missions will have to be completed before the 15th of April

We encourage all potential applicants to consider the objectives of AQUAGAMETE and to apply according to the STSM guidelines (see COST Vademecum).

The deadline for applications is the 25th of January. Applications will be evaluated until 26th of January. The missions which are approved for funding in this call have to be performed in the period from 1st of February to 15th of April 2015.

The following documents (in English) are required for a valid application:

1. COST STSM application form submitted via following web site:
https://e-services.cost.eu/w3/index.php?id=91
2. Project proposal with details on the working plan with an indication of the WG(s) and specific objectives of the Action related with their work (see http://aquagamete.webs.upv.es/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/FA1205-MoU.pdf)
3. Financial request justification (how much the grantee expects to spend in travelling, accommodation and meals during the stay);
4. A letter of motivation;
5. A letter of support from the host institution;
6. A short CV including a list of publications and the date of PhD defence (PhD title is not required).
The applications should be submitted to the STSM coordinator (psenicka@frov.jcu.cz) and office of the Chair of COST action Juan F. Asturiano aquagamete@gmail.com.

Notes:
Within 2 weeks after end of the STSM, the grantee is required to send the following documents to the STSM coordinator and his/her host, with aquagamete@gmail.com in cc-:

1) A copy of the grantee’s passport.
2) Complete postal address of grantee.
3) A short (300 words) scientific report reviewed and signed by the host. It should contain a summary of the results reached during the visit.
4) A few (2-4) representative pictures (related to the work done, not sightseeing, please).
The report and pictures will be published at the AQUAGAMETE website.

Each publication produced with support of a STSM has to acknowledge the support of the COST Action. See acknowledgements text section down.

For more information, visit the following web site: https://e-services.cost.eu/stsm

Acknowledgements text
Two versions, short (for posters, i.e.) and long (for papers) are proposed:
Partially funded by……./Person A had a grant from… COST Office (Food and Agriculture COST Action FA1205: AQUAGAMETE).
Partially funded by……./Person A had a grant from… COST Office (Food and Agriculture COST Action FA1205: Assessing and improving the quality of aquatic animal gametes to enhance aquatic resources. The need to harmonize and standardize evolving methodologies, and improve transfer from academia to industry; AQUAGAMETE).

STSM_6th_call
evaluation_6th_call_STSMs
COST_Vademecum_Part_1
FA1205 MoU

Second announcement and programme

DATES: 16th to 20th March 2015
PLACE: Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters USB, Vodnany, Czech Republic

Deadline for applications extended to January 20th.

MAIN TRAINERS FOR PRACTICE:
• H. Gadêlha: Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford
• C. Matthews, IBDML, CNRS, Marseille, France.
• C. Rouvière, Biologie du développement, CNRS, Villefranche sur mer, France.
• G. Prulières: Biologie du développement, CNRS, Villefranche sur mer, France.

LECTURERS:
• J. Cosson and G. Prokopchuk, FFPW USB, Vodnany, Czech Republic
 Sperm motility recording; use of high-speed video camera
• C. Soler Vázquez, PROISER R+D S.L., Valencia, Spain
 Presentation of some soft-wares = CASA (sperm motility parameters) and cell morphometry
• G. Prulières, Biologie du développement, CNRS, Villefranche sur mer, France
 Application of fluorescence and confocal microscopy to aquatic eggs
• R. Rychtarikova, FFPW USB, ICS, Nove Hrady, Czech Republic
 Analysis of cell interior – 3D reconstruction
• D. Stys, FFPW USB, ICS, Nove Hrady, Czech Republic
 Principles of image build-up in the microscope
• T. Nahlik, FFPW USB, ICS, Nove Hrady, Czech Republic
 Training on the use of software dedicated to follow-up of microscope images
• H. Gadêlha, Dept of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Cambridge, UK
 Modelisation and quantitative predictions of cell behavior
• B. Dzyuba, FFPW USB, Vodnany, Czech Republic
 Applications of CASA analysis to fish spermatozoa

TRAINEES: 12 maximum

PROGRAM MONDAY 16. 3. 2015
9:30 – 10:00 Registration (local fees)
10:00 – 10:30 Welcome introduction: Presentation of participants / round table
10:30 – 10:45 Coffee break
10:45 – 12:30 Presentation by D. Stys: Principles of image build-up in the microscope
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 – 15:30 Presentation by C. Soler Vázquez: Presentation of some soft-wares = CASA (sperm motility parameters) and cell morphometry
15:30 – 15:50 Coffee break
15:50 – 17:50 Presentations by C. Matthews and C. Rouvière: Fluorescence & overview of Fluorophores

PROGRAM TUESDAY 17. 3. 2015
9:00 – 10:30 Presentations by C. Matthews and C. Rouvière: Microscopy technics (Bright field / dark field / DIC / Phase / polarization / fluorescence)
10:30 – 10:45 Coffee break
10:45 – 12:30 Presentations by C. Matthews and C. Rouvière: Confocal microscopy
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 – 15:30 Practice 1 Group A; Practice 2 Group B; Practice 4 Groups C+D
15:30 – 15:50 Coffee break
15:50 – 17:50 Practice 1 Group C; Practice 2 Group D; Practice 4 Groups A+B

WEDNESDAY 18. 3. 2015
9:00 – 10:30 Presentations by C. Matthews and C. Rouvière: Optical sectioning microscopies
10:30 – 10:45 Coffee break
10:45 – 12:30 Presentations by C. Matthews and C. Rouvière: Image treatment and analysis
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 – 15:30 Practice 1 Group B; Practice 2 Group A; Practice 5 Groups C+D
15:30 – 15:50 Coffee break
15:50 – 17:50 Practice 1 Group D; Practice 2 Group C; Practice 5 Groups A+B
18:00 – 19:00 Practice 6 Groups A+B

THURSDAY 19. 3. 2015
9:00 – 10:30 Presentation by G. Prulière: Application of fluorescence and confocal microscopy to aquatic eggs
10:30 – 10:45 Coffee break
10:45 – 12:30 Practice 1, ImageJ software
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 – 15:30 Practice 2, “ImageJ” software
15:30 – 15:50 Coffee break
15:50 – 17:30 Practice / ImageJ macro
18:00 – 19:00 Practice 6 Group C+D

FRIDAY 20. 3. 2015
9:00 – 10:30 Presentation by R. Rychtarikova: Analysis of cell interior – 3D reconstruction
10:30 – 10:45 Coffee break
10:45 – 12:30 Presentation by H. Gadêlha: Modelisation and quantitative predictions of cell behavior
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch break
13:30 – 15:30 Presentation & training by T. Nahlik: Training on the use of software dedicated to follow-up of microscope images
15:30 – 15:50 Coffee break
15:50 – 17:00 Training by T. Nahlik (continued)

PRACTICE GROUPS:
 4 people/ each group called A, B, C, D
 Practice 1: Setting up the microscope, alignment, observations using different optical techniques
 Practice 2: Confocal microscopy
 Practice 3: Sperm motility (CASA)
 Practice 4: fixation and immuno-staining on fixed oocytes 1/2
 Practice 5: immuno-staining and mounting 2/2
 Practice 6: quantitative cell behavior modelisation

Second announcement and programme Vodnany

The 13 applications for STSM received in the 5th call will be totally funded by the AQUAGAMETE COST Action. With them, a total of 29 stays will have been granted in the entire 2nd Grant Period.

This time, grantees will travel from Portugal to Spain (1); Spain to France (1); Czech Republic to France (2); Poland to France (1); Hungary to France (1); Spain to Norway (1); Portugal to Spain (1); Hungary to Czech Republic (1); Germany to France (1); Greece to Bulgaria (1): Slovenia to Spain (1) and Spain to Poland (1).

We wish all of them a comfortable and fruitful stay!

Optical Microscopy and Image Analysis
Vodnany (Czech Republic), 16th – 20th March 2015

Dear colleagues,

The AQUAGAMETE COST Action (aquagamete.webs.upv.es/web) is pleased to announce the 4th AQUAGAMETE Training School. This Training School is aimed towards young researchers (PhD students, young post-docs and MSc students) as well as representatives from industry. The course will be focused on Optical Microscopy Techniques and Image Analysis Facilities assisted by Computer used in Reproductive Biology, potentially applicable to aquatic gametes and early embryos. Various aspects of expertise and topics will be covered, such as:

* Principles of optical microscopy techniques applied to Biology.
* Practical applications of optical combinations: phase-contrast, differential interference contrast, dark-field, fluorescence, confocal and optical sectioning microscopy.
* Collection of images generated by a microscope: photo- or video-cameras, including high-speed video-cameras.
* Computer assisted image analysis applied to fast moving microscopic objects like spermatozoa or to large and still objects like eggs.
* Data analysis using different soft-wares dedicated to these applications: CASA, Image J plug-ins, cell morphometry soft-wares, etc.
* Modelisation and quantitative predictions of cell behavior.

The 4th AQUAGAMETE Training School will highlight the most recent developments in each topic, thanks to invited lecturers so as to promote a strong interaction between trainees working on different aspects of Reproductive Biology of Aquatic Gametes and experienced trainers as specialists in the use, improvement and development involved in the above-mentioned Optical and Computer applications.

The Training Course will take place from 16th to 20th of March 2015 in the facilities of the Faculty of Fisheries and Quality of Waters, in Vodnany (Czech Republic) and its organization will rely mostly on the staff of the Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology belonging to the Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, with assistance of members of the Institute of Complex Systems.

For efficiency reasons, good level of know-how transfer and practical access of trainees to microscopes, the number of participants will be restricted to 12 trained persons. Financial support from the AQUAGAMETE COST Action will be available for students. Registration fee for students (250 euros) and for industry representatives (400 euros) will include all lunches and breakfasts, accommodation for 5 nights, access to lectures and laboratory practices, support material, transport between facilities and main accommodation place.

The application deadline is 10th of January 2015 and complete applications must be sent via e-mail to aquagamete@gmail.com. Eligible candidates will be announced by the 7th of February 2015. For more detailed information, you can e-mail your message to local contacts: Jacky Cosson (jacosson@gmail.com) or Klára Kovaříková (kkovarikova@frov.jcu.cz).

Applications should include:

* Application form;
* Short Curriculum Vitae in the area (only for students);
* Motivation letter for participating in the training school, which should indicate 
the academic/professional status of the applicant;
* Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or employer;
* Financial Support justification (only for students), in which trainees should make an estimation of their expenses during the week of the Training School.

We would appreciate if you could forward this announcement via e-mail to colleagues or students who may be interested in participating.

Practical information: Closest city with international airport is Prague (PRAHA). We shall try to arrange a shuttle bus to lead attendants from Prague airport to our Faculty in Vodnany. Also, a shuttle bus would be organized to drive your from local accommodation place to our Institute.

More information will be available soon at: http://aquagamete.webs.upv.es/

Files to download:
First Announcement Training School Vodnany
Application form training school Vodnany 201503

The Aquaculture Europe 2014 Conference dedicated a special session to AQUAGAMETE COST Action that was entitled “Biology of Aquatic Species Gametes – AQUAGAMETE”. This special session lasted one full day, October 15th (chaired by Drs. Juan F. Asturiano and Ákos Horváth), and the morning of October 16th (chaired by Drs. Paz Herráez and Constantinos C. Mylonas) with a total of 24 speakers.
The first day’s session was opened by the Chair of the Action with a resume of activities carried out during the first grant period (March 2013-May 2014) of the AQUAGAMETE COST Action www.aquagamete.webs.upv.es including meetings, workshops, training schools and short-term scientific missions.
The rest of presentations delivered during the session covered a range of topics englobed by this Action. The first 3 presentations were dedicated to proteomics and protein identification in the seminal plasma of different cultured fish species, evidencing the high number of specific techniques available. The next 4 presentations were dedicated to new and comparative methods for the cryopreservation of sperm of aquacultured species and zebrafish, including some standardization objectives, one of the major targets of the Action. Sperm motility and sperm quality evaluation were the subject of 6 further presentations, including studies in fish species and oysters. The last 3 presentations of the first day’s session were dedicated to studies on germ cells during embryogenesis in tench, interspecific transplantation of spermatogonia and oogonia in sturgeons, and genotoxic damages in rainbow trout.
The second day started with 5 presentations highlighting aspects related to eggs (sampling, development, quality) and fertilization. The final 3 presentations addressed endocrine disruption in different fish species as well as to development of hormonal treatments to induce spawning induction in carp.
A total of 21 posters related to AQUAGAMETE were presented during the poster sessions, including miscellaneous studies with different subjects: endocrine disruption, hormonal treatments, sperm-testis, ovary-egg-fertilization, and sperm cryopreservation and vitrification.
A total of 19 speakers (15 early-stage researchers and 4 senior) were selected as eligible for reimbursement by AQUAGAMETE COST Action.
AE2014 Summary report can be downloaded here.

Techniques in Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking
Faro (Portugal), 13th – 16th January 2015
Second Announcement

Dear colleagues,

More detailed information is now available for the 3rd AQUAGAMETE Training School which will be held at the Centre for Marine Sciences, CCMAR, 13-16th January in Faro, Portugal. This training School is aimed towards young researchers (PhD students, young post-docs and MSc students) as well as representatives from industry. The course will be focused on Techniques in Fish Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking integrating aspects of different expertise and covering topics in theoretical lectures and practical classes.

Tentative classes:

Theoretical:
Epigenetics of sex determination
Epigenetics in development and aquaculture
Cryopreservation damage in germ cells
Diploid genome preservation and regeneration
Germ cell applications in reproductive biology
Standardization of procedures and reporting in cryopreservation
Cryopreservation case studies: seabream, eel and oyster larvae

Practical classes:
Sperm cryopreservation in marine fish
Applications of microinjection to egg quality improvement
Germ line isolation and microinjection

The number of participants will be restricted to 15 persons. Registration is available until 1st December and both for students (100 euros) and for industry representatives (300 euros) includes lunches, access to all lectures and laboratorial practices, support material and transport between facilities and main hotel. Complete applications must be sent via e-mail to aquagamete@gmail.com.
Eligible candidates supported by COST will receive a grant (reimbursed after the course) which may cover travel, accommodation and daily allowance. Grant decisions, including the amount granted, will be communicated to each candidate by 8th December. Registration payment will be done after this date. We will contact you with this information.

For more detailed information please contact Pepa Bayarri (aquagamete@gmail.com) or Elsa Cabrita (ecabrita@ualg.pt).

Applications should include:
• Application form;
• Short Curriculum Vitae in the area (only for students);
• Motivation letter for participating in the training school, which should indicate the academic/professional status of the applicant;
• Letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or employer
• Financial support justification (brief explanation of expected travel costs derived of the attendance to the Training School)

Local information and organization
The course will be organized by the Aquaculture Research group from CCMAR and will be held at the facilities of the University of Algarve. There will be a bus available from the hotel Faro, downtown to the University (around 6.7 km) in the morning and after finishing the classes.

How to arrive to Faro?
By plain:
• Directly to Faro. There are several low cost companies operating to this destination.
• Via Lisbon (Portela airport) and then taking a train at Oriente station directly to Faro (3 h) or a flight connection Lisbon-Faro.
• Via Seville and then taking a bus to Faro.

Train schedule can be checked at www.cp.pt

Where to stay in Faro?
Hotel Faro (4 stars)
Web: www.hotelfaro.pt
rates: 57€ / 67€ (single/double with buffet breakfast included)

Hotel Eva (4 stars)
Web: hotel-eva-faro.h-rez.com
rates: 68€ /78€ (single/double with buffet breakfast included)

Hotel Santa Maria (3 stars)
Web: www.hotelsantamaria.pt
rates: 39€ (single or double, breakfast not included)

Hospedaria São Filipe
Email:geral@guesthouse-saofilipe.com
Web: www.guesthouse-saofilipe.com
rates: 31 €/36 € (single/double room)

Hotel Dom Bernardo
Email :reservas@hoteldombernardo.com
Web: www.hoteldombernardo.com
rates: 33 €/39 € (single/double)

Hostel Residencial Sun Algarve
Email:reservas@residencialalgarve.com
Web: www.residencialalgarve.com
rates: 32 €/40 € (single/double)

Casa d’Alagoa – Faro Hostel
Email: farohostel@gmail.com
Facebook http://pt-br.facebook.com/hostelcasadalagoa#!/hostelcasadalagoa?sk=info

Bed and Breakfast Azothea
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Azotheabnb
rates: 30 euros single or double

All prices are indicative and were consulted by internet, expect for hotel Eva and Hotel Faro where we agreed a special price.

Transportation to the University
Daily transportation will pick student at the Hotel Faro and leave them at the University facilities each morning and for returning.

Techniques in Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking
Faro (Portugal), 13th – 16th January 2015

First Announcement

Dear colleagues,

The AQUAGAMETE COST Action (aquagamete.webs.upv.es/web) is pleased to announce the 3rd AQUAGAMETE Training School.
The 3rd AQUAGAMETE Training School is aimed towards young researchers (PhD students, young post-docs and MSc students) as well as representatives from industry. The course will be focused on Techniques in Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking, integrating aspects of different expertise and covering topics such as:

 Epigenetics in aquaculture and cryobanking
 Gamete cryopreservation
 Post-thaw gamete quality evaluation
 Germline biotechnology
 Cryopreservation applications
 Basic knowledge on cell cryopreservation

The 3rd AQUAGAMETE Training School will highlight the most recent developments in each topic, promoting a strong interaction between experienced trainers working in different Techniques in Reproductive Biology and Cryobanking and trainees.

The course will take place between 13 – 16th January 2015 at CCMAR-University of Algarve (Portugal) facilities and will be organized by the Aquaculture Research Group.

The number of participants will be restricted to 18 persons. Financial support from the AQUAGAMETE COST Action (for travelling and accommodation) will be available for students. Registration is available until the 1st December and both for students (100 euros) and for industry representatives (300 euros) includes all lunches, access to lectures and laboratorial practices, support material, transport between facilities and main hotel and a social dinner.

The application deadline is 1st December and complete applications must be sent via e-mail to aquagamete@gmail.com. Eligible candidates will be announced by the 8th December. For more detailed information please contact Elsa Cabrita (ecabrita@ualg.pt).

Applications should include:
• Application form;
• short Curriculum Vitae in the area (only for students);
• motivation letter for participating in the training school, which should indicate the                     academic/professional status of the applicant;
• letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or employer
• Financial Support justification (only for students)

We would appreciate if you could forward this announcement via e-mail to colleagues or students who may be interested in participating. More information available soon at: http://aquagamete.webs.upv.es/

Best regards

Elsa Cabrita

Files to download:
Training course 1st announcement
Application form training school Faro 2015