ABSTRACT This study describes the process of Pomacea patula catemacensis grow-out in outdoor tanks. Experimental juvenile snails (1.5-2 months old) obtained from wild breeding snails were reared using a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The present study focused on increasing the surface area of growth tanks to be used by snails without affecting their growth and survival by adding shelters throughout the water column, which also worked to harbor snails. Two treatments were tested; T1: shelters made with curved clay tiles, T2: curved PVC shelters, and control (without shelters) in triplicate. The stocking density was set at 420 ind m-2 in tanks with 1 m3 total volume, and the culture period was 150 days. The final weight of the snails was significantly higher in control and PVC shelter groups (9.14 ± 2.2 and 8.83 ± 2.31 g, respectively), with PVC shelters showing the highest productivity in total biomass (12.03 ± 0.86 kg tank-1, P < 0.05). Final survival (%) was not significantly different among treatments (56.49 ± 1.62 to 58.05 ± 0.62).

The standardisation process of a language is always a polemic undertaking, and Tshivenda is no exception. This article explores the Tshivenda dialects and the standardisation process that this language went through. The importance of language as a primary resource for an individual, social identification, and also as a means of learning and communication, cannot be overemphasised. Moreover, when different language varieties come into contact, acculturation is inevitable, i.e., linguistic and cultural elements from both sides will diffuse and "contaminate" each other's languages and culture. However, this phenomenon is not fully researched, especially among the Tshivenda dialects. The lexicographers and terminographers, who are tasked with the development and maintenance of the Tshivenda language, seem to be "trapped" in the colonial and apartheid era, i.e., of selecting and elevating one dialect over others to represent a language. Since 1994, the year of the dawn of a democratic dispensation in South Africa, this process has proceeded at a snail's pace. In this study, a qualitative, ethnographic approach was adopted, and data were collected through telephonic interviews, where six participants were purposefully and conveniently sampled. The findings of this study may benefit speakers of Tshivenda, lexicographers, terminographers, and all language practitioners, teachers, and learners. When people value their language and heritage, use it often without prejudice or hesitancy, and practice their culture and traditions, their identity, history, dignity, and heritage become preserved. Tshivenda, at the official level, may have many lexical items in its endeavour to carry out its function as an official language in different domains.

Abstract Land snails are a destructive agricultural pest in economic crops, but the populations for that pest are highly influenced by temperature and humidity, therefore climatic changes affected their behavior, distribution and population dynamics, for these reasons researchers should follow up on the changes in their behavior, distribution, and population dynamics. In this study, a survey study was conducted to define land snail species existing at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, from January 2019 to March 2022 in horticultural, vegetable, and field crops and study the population dynamics for the dominant land snail species. Results showed that there are six species of land snails, these species were, Monacha cartusiana, Succinea putris, Eobania vermiculata, Theba pisana, Helicella vestalis, and Cochlicella acuta. The population dynamics of two prevalent land snail species (M. cartusiana and S. putris), were conducted during two successive growing seasons, the Egyptian clover harbored the highest number of M. cartusiana followed by wheat, while the onion was the lowest one during the study period. In the same trends, the land snail S. putris recorded the highest numbers during the growing season of the Egyptian clover crop. Finally, it is concluded that the land snail M. cartusiana considered the first grade of infestation existed everywhere at Sharkia Governorate, and the population density of the land snail is increase gradually after winter till reach the maximum density in spring. humidity behavior Governorate Egypt 201 202 horticultural vegetable vermiculata pisana vestalis acuta M (M S , putris) seasons wheat period trends crop Finally spring 20 2

Resumo Os caracóis terrestres são pragas agrícolas destrutivas em cultivos econômicos, todavia, as populações dessa praga são altamente influenciadas pela temperatura e umidade, portanto as mudanças climáticas afetam seu comportamento, distribuição e dinâmica populacional, e, por essas razões, os pesquisadores devem acompanhar as mudanças em seu comportamento, distribuição e dinâmica populacional. O presente trabalho foi realizado para definir as espécies de caracóis terrestres existentes na província de Sharkia, no Egito, de janeiro de 2019 a março de 2022 em culturas hortícolas, vegetais e de campo, e estudar a dinâmica populacional das espécies dominantes de caracóis terrestres. Os resultados mostraram que existem seis espécies de caracóis terrestres, essas espécies foram Monacha cartusiana, Succinea putris, Eobania vermiculata, Theba pisana, Helicella vestalis e Cochlicella acuta. A dinâmica populacional de duas espécies predominantes de caracóis terrestres (M. cartusiana e S. putris), foi conduzida durante duas safras sucessivas, o trevo egípcio abrigou o maior número de M. cartusiana seguido pelo trigo, enquanto a cebola foi o menor durante o período de estudo. Seguindo as mesmas tendências, o caracol terrestre S. putris registrou os números mais altos durante a estação de crescimento da cultura do trevo egípcio. Finalmente, conclui-se que o caracol terrestre M. cartusiana, considerado o primeiro grau de infestação, está presente em toda a província de Sharkia, e a densidade populacional do caracol terrestre aumenta gradualmente após o inverno até atingir a densidade máxima na primavera. econômicos todavia umidade comportamento razões Sharkia Egito 201 202 hortícolas campo vermiculata pisana acuta M (M S , putris) sucessivas trigo estudo tendências Finalmente concluise conclui se infestação primavera 20 2

Abstract Urban parks are not only important for the wellbeing of the human population, but are also widely considered to be potentially important sites for the conservation of biodiversity. However, they may offer risk parasitic infections, such as schistosomiasis and fascioliasis, which are both transmitted by freshwater snails. The present study investigated the occurrence of freshwater gastropods in urban parks of the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, and their possible infection by helminths of medical-veterinary importance. Gastropods were collected from six parks (2021 - 2022) and examined for the presence of larval helminths. In all, 12 gastropod species from different families were collected: Ampullariidae, Assimineidae, Burnupidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, Planorbidae, Succineidae, and Thiaridae. The parasitological examination revealed cercaria of three types in five snail species, with the Pleurolophocerca cercariae type in Melanoides tuberculata (the most abundant species), Echinostoma cercariae in Physella acuta and Pomacea maculata, and Virgulate cercariae, in Pomacea sp. and Pomacea maculata. None of the Biomphalaria tenagophila and Pseudosuccinea columella (the most frequent species) specimens were parasitized by Schistosoma mansoni or Fasciola hepatica, respectively. Even so, some parks may represent a considerable potential risk for transmission of both Schistosoma mansoni and Fasciola hepatica, given the presence of these gastropod vectors and the frequent contact of visitors with the waterbodies. population biodiversity However infections fascioliasis snails Janeiro medicalveterinary medical veterinary importance 2021 (202 2022 all 1 Ampullariidae Assimineidae Burnupidae Lymnaeidae Physidae Planorbidae Succineidae Thiaridae , maculata sp hepatica respectively so waterbodies 202 (20 20 (2 2 (

ABSTRACT Extreme weather events (e.g., droughts, excessive precipitation) are expected to increase in frequency and severity in the coming decades due to climate change, causing significant impacts on society and ecosystems. Because these events are rare and complex, they have been studied with manipulative experiments. Littorinidae snails inhabit a complex and variable environment in which they must deal with periodic extreme events and are thus considered excellent ecological models for these studies. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the effects of extreme climatic events on the survival and weight of the species Littorina fabalis and Littorina littorea in Spain and Littoraria angulifera and Littoraria flava in Brazil. Higher mortality rates and greater weight loss were observed in the desiccation resistance treatment compared to the control treatment in both countries. The results showed dependence on the species’ body size. The submergence tolerance treatment indicated that the species from Spain are more susceptible to mortality in response to excessive rainfall and/or coastal flooding. Each species tested for the effect of extreme climatic events using an integrated response strategy with clear latitudinal differences. Understanding the organisms’ responses at different latitudes is essential for conservation biology on a global scale. e.g., eg e g (e.g. droughts precipitation change ecosystems experiments studies Therefore Brazil countries size andor or flooding differences organisms scale e.g. (e.g e.g

ABSTRACT Kora Simone, 2012, currently includes three species known only by shell morphology. They are distributed in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais in central Brazil, where they occur in association with limestone outcrops. Features used to identify them include micro-ornamentation of the protoconch, color pattern, and morphometric data. This paper expands the characterization of the genus through the description of the internal anatomy of two of its species. These features also distinguish a new species, which is described herein. Material was collected manually during several field expeditions to Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu in northern Minas Gerais. Total height and maximum width, and height and width of the aperture, were measured; the number of whorls determined; and staining patterns typified. The digestive and reproductive systems and pallial complex were characterized for Kora rupestris Salvador & Simone, 2016 and Kora arnaldoi sp. nov., which are distinguished by the latter possessing a protoconch with a smooth first ½ whorl, a more tapered profile, a jaw with 18 folds, a buccal bulb with a short radular core, and a fertilization complex with only one tubular fold. The two species share a very peculiar pattern of radula teeth compared to other genera of the family, given that they are rupicolous but do not live inside caves. Diagnostic knowledge of the genus was expanded. Simone 2012 morphology Brazil outcrops microornamentation micro ornamentation data herein aperture measured determined typified 201 sp nov nov. whorl profile 1 folds core fold family caves expanded 20 2

Resumo A estivação e a hibernação representam formas distintas de quiescência animal, caracterizadas por alterações fisiológicas, incluindo a composição de íons. Os fluxos de íons intracelulares desempenham papel fundamental na provocação de alterações no potencial de membrana e na facilitação da comunicação celular, enquanto as correntes de K+ de saída ajudam na restituição e manutenção do potencial de membrana em repouso. Este estudo explora a relação entre as correntes de entrada e de saída durante a estivação em caracóis Achatina fulica. Os espécimes foram coletados perto da Universidade MSUBIT, em Shenzhen, e divididos em dois grupos. O primeiro grupo foi mantido em uma dieta de treliça, enquanto o segundo consistia em indivíduos estivados, que foram privados de alimento e água até que uma estrutura semelhante a uma rolha selasse suas conchas. O registro da corrente de neurônios isolados foi realizado usando o modo de grampo de tensão de eletrodo único com amplificador AxoPatch 200B. Os registros eletrofisiológicos nos neurônios dos gânglios pedais revelaram diferenças significativas nos processos de inativação dos componentes Ia e Ikdr. As alterações no componente Ikdr podem inibir a atividade do marcapasso nos neurônios do gânglio pedal, contribuindo potencialmente para a interrupção da locomoção em animais estivados. A corrente KS não é afetada durante a estivação. As alterações nos componentes da corrente lenta de K+ podem perturbar o potencial de membrana em repouso, possivelmente levando à despolarização celular e ao influxo de íons Ca2+ e Na+, afetando a homeostase celular. Portanto, manter a constância da corrente de K+ de saída é essencial para a estabilidade celular. animal fisiológicas K repouso fulica MSUBIT Shenzhen grupos treliça estivados conchas 200B B pedal Ca2 Ca Na Na+ Portanto

Abstract Aestivation and hibernation represent distinct forms of animal quiescence, characterized by physiological changes, including ion composition. Intracellular ion flows play a pivotal role in eliciting alterations in membrane potential and facilitating cellular communication, while outward K+ currents aid in the restitution and upkeep of the resting membrane potential. This study explores the relationship between inward and outward currents during aestivation in Achatina fulica snails. Specimens were collected near MSUBIT University in Shenzhen and divided into two groups. The first group was kept on a lattice diet, while the second one consisted of aestivating individuals, that were deprived of food and water until a cork-like structure sealed their shells. Recording of current from isolated neurons were conducted using the single-electrode voltage clamp mode with an AxoPatch 200B amplifier. Electrophysiological recordings on pedal ganglia neurons revealed significant differences in the inactivation processes of the Ia and Ikdr components. Alterations in the Ikdr component may inhibit pacemaker activity in pedal ganglion neurons, potentially contributing to locomotion cessation in aestivated animals. The KS current remains unaffected during aestivation. Changes in slow K+ current components could disrupt the resting membrane potential, possibly leading to cell depolarization and influx of Ca2+ and Na+ ions, impacting cell homeostasis. Thus, maintaining the constancy of outward K+ current is essential for cell stability. quiescence changes composition communication K snails groups diet individuals corklike cork like shells singleelectrode single electrode B amplifier animals Ca2 Ca Na ions homeostasis Thus stability

RESUMO Entre as criaturas marinhas, incluindo lulas, cefalópodes e polvos, uma das características mais exclusivas é a produção de tinta, que é uma fonte extremamente valiosa de produtos farmacêuticos. O presente estudo investiga quimicamente a tinta produzida a partir do Octopus vulgaris, bem como suas possíveis atividades antioxidantes, anticancerígenas, antimicrobianas e antiesquistossômicas in vitro. Vinte e um compostos diferentes foram identificados pela análise GC-MS da tinta de Octopus vulgaris. Os resultados revelaram que a tinta de O. vulgaris tinha capacidade antioxidante para cobrir o radical livre DPPH quando comparada ao ácido ascórbico. Além disso, a tinta de Octopus vulgaris apresentou atividade antibacteriana contra Bacillus subtilis, seguida por Escherichia coli e Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, e apresentou atividade moluscicida contra caramujos adultos Biomphalaria alexandrina e teve um efeito mortal distinto nas fases larvais livres de Schistosoma mansoni. Além disso, sua atividade anticancerígena foi confirmada, onde o valor IC50 da linha celular de câncer de mama MCF-7, carcinoma hepatocelular humano (HCT) e linha celular de câncer de fígado humano (HepG2) foi de 29,8, 38,29 e 30,38μg/mL, respectivamente. Em conclusão, a tinta extraída de O. vulgaris pode ser considerada como fonte de compostos valiosos que podem ser usados como agentes moluscicidas, antioxidantes, antimicrobianos, anticancerígenos e antiesquistossômicos. marinhas lulas polvos farmacêuticos antioxidantes anticancerígenas vitro GCMS GC MS ascórbico disso subtilis aeuroginosa mansoni confirmada IC IC5 MCF7, MCF7 MCF 7, 7 MCF-7 HCT (HCT HepG2 HepG (HepG2 298 29 8 29,8 3829 38 38,2 3038μgmL μgmL 30 38μg mL μg 30,38μg/mL respectivamente conclusão moluscicidas antimicrobianos antiesquistossômicos MCF- (HepG 2 29, 382 3 38,

ABSTRACT Among marine creatures including squids, cephalopods and Octopus, one of the most unique features is production of ink which is an extremely valuable source of pharmaceuticals. The current study investigates the ink produced from Octopus vulgaris chemically as well as its potential antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-schistosomal activities in vitro. Twenty-one different compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis of Octopus vulgaris ink. Results revealed that O. vulgaris ink had antioxidant capability to cover DPPH free radical when compared to ascorbic acid. Moreover, Octopus vulgaris ink exhibited antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis followed by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeuroginosa and exhibited a molluscicidal activity against adult Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and had a distinguished mortal effect on free larval phases of Schistosoma mansoni. Furthermore, its anticancer activity was confirmed, where IC50 value of breast cancer cell line MCF-7, human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCT) and human liver cancer cell line (HepG2) were 29.8, 38.29 and 30.38μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, ink extracted from O. vulgaris may be considered as source of valuable compounds that can be used as molluscicidal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-schistosomal agents. squids pharmaceuticals antimicrobial antischistosomal anti schistosomal vitro Twentyone Twenty GCMS GC MS O acid Moreover mansoni Furthermore confirmed IC IC5 MCF7, MCF7 MCF 7, 7 MCF-7 HCT (HCT HepG2 HepG (HepG2 298 29 8 29.8 3829 38 38.2 3038μgmL μgmL 30 38μg mL μg 30.38μg/mL respectively conclusion agents MCF- (HepG 2 29. 382 3 38.

Resumo Os poluentes ambientais podem frequentemente alterar os componentes genéticos das populações naturais. Neste estudo, metais pesados e diversidade genética em caramujos terrestres (Achatina achatina) de três populações do sudoeste da Nigéria foram investigados, usando a tecnologia de espectrometria de absorção atômica e sequenciamento de DNA, respectivamente. A análise dos metais revelou que os caramujos acumularam chumbo (Pb) e níquel (Ni) em altas concentrações em dois dos três estados, enquanto o cádmio (Cd) foi o menos detectado. A edição e o alinhamento das sequências de todos os acessos de caramujos geraram uma faixa de 384pb a 419pb. A análise de variância molecular (AMOVA) em todos os 18 acessos foi baixa em apenas 16%. A cobertura da consulta (QC) variou entre 96% e 100%, com 14 (77,8%) dos 18 acessos apresentando 100% de identidade. A comparação pareada dos acessos estudados também mostrou alta similaridade genética. O método de grupo de pares não ponderados com média aritmética (UPGMA) gerou dois clusters principais. O cluster I era único e contém uma amostra (AaOy06), enquanto o outro cluster está intimamente relacionado e pode ser subdividido em subclusters. O índice de similaridade entre os clusters é 0,5357. A grande semelhança entre os acessos pode ser devido à proximidade geográfica dos três estados. A singularidade do acesso AaOy06 em comparação com outros acessos pode ser devido à influência negativa de metais pesados, particularmente chumbo. A determinação das relações evolutivas entre as populações de caramujos pode ser útil para os esforços de reprodução da espécie na Nigéria.

Abstract Environmental pollutants may often alter the genetic components of natural populations. In this study, heavy metals and genetic diversity in land snail (Achatina achatina) from three populations of south-western Nigeria were investigated, using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and DNA Sequencing technology respectively. Metal analysis revealed that the snails accumulated lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni) in high concentrations in two of the three states, while cadmium (Cd) was the least detected. Editing and alignment of the sequences of all snail accessions generated a range of 384bp to 419 bp. Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) in all 18 accessions was low at only 16%. The query coverage (QC) ranged between 96% and 100%, with 14 (77.8%) of the 18 accessions showing 100% identity. Pairwise comparison of the accessions studied also showed a high genetic similarity. The unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) generated two main clusters. Cluster I was unique and contain one sample (AaOy06) while the other cluster are very closely related and can be further sub-divided into sub-clusters. The similarity index of between the clusters is 0.5357. The close similarity among the accessions may be due to the geographical proximity of the three states. The uniqueness of accession AaOy06 in comparison to other accessions might be due to the negative influence of heavy metal, particularly lead. The determination of evolutionary relationships among snail populations may be useful towards the breeding efforts of the species in Nigeria.

Abstract The effect of peptide toxins on voltage-gated ion channels can be reliably assessed using electrophysiological assays, such as the patch-clamp technique. However, much of the toxinological research done in Central and South America aims at purifying and characterizing biochemical properties of the toxins of vegetal or animal origin, lacking electrophysiological approaches. This may happen due to technical and infrastructure limitations or because researchers are unfamiliar with the techniques and cellular models that can be used to gain information about the effect of a molecule on ion channels. Given the potential interest of many research groups in the highly biodiverse region of Central and South America, we reviewed the most relevant conceptual and methodological developments required to implement the evaluation of the effect of peptide toxins on mammalian voltage-gated ion channels using patch-clamp. For that, we searched MEDLINE/PubMed and SciELO databases with different combinations of these descriptors: “electrophysiology”, “patch-clamp techniques”, “Ca2+ channels”, “K+ channels”, “cnidarian venoms”, “cone snail venoms”, “scorpion venoms”, “spider venoms”, “snake venoms”, “cardiac myocytes”, “dorsal root ganglia”, and summarized the literature as a scoping review. First, we present the basics and recent advances in mammalian voltage-gated ion channel’s structure and function and update the most important animal sources of channel-modulating toxins (e.g. cnidarian and cone snails, scorpions, spiders, and snakes), highlighting the properties of toxins electrophysiologically characterized in Central and South America. Finally, we describe the local experience in implementing the patch-clamp technique using two models of excitable cells, as well as the participation in characterizing new modulators of ion channels derived from the venom of a local spider, a toxins’ source less studied with electrophysiological techniques. Fostering the implementation of electrophysiological methods in more laboratories in the region will strengthen our capabilities in many fields, such as toxinology, toxicology, pharmacology, natural products, biophysics, biomedicine, and bioengineering. voltagegated voltage gated assays patchclamp patch clamp However origin approaches patchclamp. clamp. MEDLINEPubMed MEDLINE PubMed descriptors electrophysiology, electrophysiology , “electrophysiology” techniques, techniques” Ca2+ Ca2 Ca “Ca2 channels, channels” K+ K “K venoms, venoms venoms” scorpion spider snake cardiac myocytes, myocytes myocytes” dorsal ganglia, ganglia ganglia” review First channel s channelmodulating modulating e.g. eg e g (e.g snails scorpions spiders snakes, snakes snakes) Finally cells fields toxinology toxicology pharmacology products biophysics biomedicine bioengineering “electrophysiology “Ca e.g

ABSTRACT We present some proposals about the interactions between populations of the northern Salta and Jujuy Yungas, those in Quebrada de Humahuaca and Puna in the Northwest of Argentina (NOA), and sector of Bolivia at the end of the first millennium and the first centuries of the second, employing different approaches. Direct evidence recorded in funerary contexts of three archaeological sites, Manuel Elordil, El Talar and Oran, located in the piedmont forest is presented. Several indicators, such as ceramics, metals, beads of diver se raw materials, freshwater snails and rock art, as well as some evidence from the Yungas found in regions with a better preservation of organic materials are considered. We consider their dispersal through possible interaction networks between these regions, with suggestions about those responsible for them.

RESUMEN Presentamos algunas propuestas sobre interacción entre poblaciones de las Yungas del norte de Salta y Jujuy, de la Quebrada de Humahuaca y la Puna en el Noroeste argentino (NOA) y de sectores de Bolivia a fines del primer milenio y en los primeros siglos del segundo, a través de diversos mecanismos. Se reúnen evidencias directas registradas en contextos funerarios de tres sitios arqueológicos, Manuel Elordi 1, El Talar y Orán, ubicados en la Selva pedemontana. A partir de distintos indicadores -tales como cerámica, metales, cuentas de diversas materias primas, caracoles de agua dulce y arte rupestre-, y ciertos recursos de Yungas registrados en regiones con mejor preservación de materiales orgánicos, consideramos su movimiento a través de posibles redes de interacción que involucraron a esas regiones, refiriendo a diferentes propuestas sobre los responsables de dichas interacciones.

Resumen 16. La contaminación por microplásticos (MP) y por la presencia de imposex (IMP) en caracoles de consumo humano se ha convertido en un tema de preocupación mundial en los ecosistemas marinos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la presencia de MP y de IMP en el caracol marino Thaisella chocolata en cuatro localidades y dos temporadas del año de la costa central del Perú. Los sitios seleccionados fueron las caletas de Chorrillos, y de Cerro Azul, y los puertos marítimos menores de Chancay y de Huacho, del departamento de Lima, Perú. Individuos de T. chocolata fueron colectados en cada localidad y en dos temporadas del 2021. Los caracoles fueron examinados para la cuantificación de MP, de acuerdo a su forma y coloración, y en las hembras fue determinado el IMP y calificado porcentualmente. El análisis global muestra una Frecuencia de Ocurrencia (FO %) de MP de 97,86% ± 3,34 (rango de 90,90 al 100%), y la abundancia (micropartículas de MP/individuo) fue de 9,07 ± 4,71 (rango 4,72 a 17,82). Los colores de los MP negro, azul y magenta fueron los dominantes. La FO%, y la abundancia de micropartículas de MP no mostraron diferencias entre ambas temporadas. Los mayores valores de detección de MP ocurrieron en los individuos de Cerro Azul. Los microfragmentos de MP presentaron las mayores abundancias y el color negro fue el dominante. El IMP fue calificado mayormente como alto en un 50% de los caracoles hembras. No se observaron diferencias en la FO% ni en la abundancia de micropartículas de MP entre temporadas. El IMP no se asoció con la FO% ni con la abundancia de MP en T. chocolata. La abundancia de MP en T. chocolata se relacionó negativamente con los nitritos, nitratos, y amonio, y positivamente con el oxígeno disuelto del agua de mar. Los hallazgos indican que el caracol marino T. chocolata es un organismo adecuado para el monitoreo de la contaminación por MP y del IMP.

Abstract 20. Contamination by microplastics (MP) and the presence of imposex (IMP) in snails for human consumption has become an issue of global concern in marine ecosystems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of MP and IMP in the sea snail Thaisella chocolata in four locations and two seasons of the year on the central coast of Peru. The selected sites were the coves of Chorrillos and Cerro Azul, and the minor seaports of Chancay and Huacho, in the department of Lima, Peru. Individuals of T. chocolata were collected in each location and in two seasons of 2021. The snails were examined for the quantification of MP, according to their shape and color, and in the females, the IMP was determined and qualified as a percentage. The global analysis shows a Frequency of Occurrence (FO %) of MP of was 97.86% ± 3.34 (range from 90.90 to 100%), and the abundance (MP microparticles/individual) was 9.07 ± 4.71 (range 4.72 to 17.82). The colors of the black, blue and magenta MPs were the dominant ones. The FO%, and the abundance of MP microparticles did not show differences between both seasons. The highest MP detection values occurred in individuals from Cerro Azul. The MP micro-fragments presented the highest abundance and the black color was the dominant one. The IMP was rated as high in 50% of the female snails. No differences were observed in FO% or in the abundance of MP microparticles between seasons. The IMP was not associated with the FO% or with the abundance of MP in T. chocolata. The abundance of MP in T. chocolata was negatively related to nitrites, nitrates, and ammonium, and positively related to dissolved oxygen in seawater. The findings indicate that the marine snail T. chocolata is a suitable organism for monitoring MP and IMP contamination.

Abstract The genus Conus includes over 900 species of marine invertebrates known as cone snails, whose venoms are among the most powerful described so far. This potency is mainly due to the concerted action of hundreds of small bioactive peptides named conopeptides, which target different ion channels and membrane receptors and thus interfere with crucial physiological processes. By swiftly harpooning and injecting their prey and predators with such deadly cocktails, the slow-moving cone snails guarantee their survival in the harsh, competitive marine environment. Each cone snail species produces a unique venom, as the mature sequences of conopeptides from the venoms of different species share very little identity. This biochemical diversity, added to the numerous species and conopeptides contained in their venoms, results in an immense biotechnological and therapeutic potential, still largely unexplored. That is especially true regarding the bioprospection of the venoms of cone snail species found off the Brazilian coast - a region widely known for its biodiversity. Of the 31 species described in this region so far, only four - Conus cancellatus, Conus regius, Conus villepinii, and Conus ermineus - have had their venoms partially characterized, and, although many bioactive molecules have been identified, only a few have been actually isolated and studied. In addition to providing an overview on all the cone snail species found off the Brazilian coast to date, this review compiles the information on the structural and pharmacological features of conopeptides and other molecules identified in the venoms of the four aforementioned species, paving the way for future studies. 90 far processes cocktails slowmoving slow moving harsh environment venom identity diversity potential unexplored biodiversity 3 cancellatus regius villepinii characterized studied date studies 9

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for body weight at 60 (P60), 90 (P90), and 120 (P120) days of age in escargots of the subspecies Cornu aspersum maximum, evaluating the influence of fixed and covariable effects on these traits. The data used were collected from escargots kept in a total confinement system. The significant fixed effects and covariates for these traits were tested in a general linear model by the F-test, considering a level of significance of 5%. Both the fixed effects of box and birth year and the quadratic effect of age of weighing as a covariate were significant (p < 0.05) for P60, P90, and P120. The Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) methodology was used to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters. High heritability for P60, P90, and P120 (0.38, 0.55 and 0.78, respectively) and high genetic correlations (0.58 to 0.77) among the traits were observed. The genetic parameters can be used as a basis for studies and practical applications to increase zootechnical indexes in this population. ABSTRACT 6 P60 P , (P60) 9 P90 (P90) 12 (P120 maximum system Ftest, Ftest F test, test F-test 5 5% p 0.05 005 0 05 REML (REML covariance co variance P12 0.38, 038 38 (0.38 055 55 0.5 078 78 0.78 respectively 0.58 058 58 (0.5 0.77 077 77 observed population P6 (P60 P9 (P90 1 (P12 0.0 00 P1 0.38 03 3 (0.3 0. 07 7 0.7 (0. (P6 (P9 (P1 0.3 (0 (P (

Abstract Sexual dimorphism has often been recorded in apple snails (Caenogastropoda Ampullariidae), but reports are concentrated in a few species, either invasive or with biocontrol potential, which sugests some taxonomic bias. To find out evolutionary and ecological correlates of sexual dimorphism it is necessary to detect and quantify it but also is important to detect its absence. Our aims were to confirm or not the existence of sexual dimorphism in shell shape of Felipponea neritiniformis and Asolene platae, using Pomacea canaliculata as reference and applying the same methodology (landmark-based geometric morphometrics) and statistical power. Significant intersexual differences were only found in P. canaliculata and, in a lesser degree, in F. neritiniformis: males have larger apertures relative to body whorl and more rounded apertural outer edges than females. Female shells are larger in F. neritiniformis and P. canaliculata, but not in A. platae. Using comparable methodologies and statistical power, sexual dimorphism in shell shape is detectable in some apple snails but not in others. Interspecific variation in sexual dimorphism in the Ampullariidae is not only due to taxonomic bias and deserves more research to establish the main patterns and possible causes. Caenogastropoda Ampullariidae, , Ampullariidae) species potential absence platae landmarkbased landmark based morphometrics power P degree F females A others causes