Ochetosoma heterocoelium (Travassos, 1921) was collected from the mouth and oesophagus of a pit viper, Bothrops moojeni Hoge, 1966 in São Sebastião do Paraíso Farm (21°51’48.26" S, 48°26’56.78" W), municipality of Boa Esperança do Sul, São Paulo State, Brazil. In this study, we provide the first molecular characterisation of this digenean using 28S rDNA and COI sequences, and its phylogenetic position within the Plagiorchiida is assessed. Furthermore, new morphological features are added to the diagnosis of the species, and scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs are presented. Sequences of the 28S rRNA gene of O. heterocoelium were successfully obtained and aligned with 35 digenean species belonging to Plagiorchiida. Only three congeners – O. aniarum (Leidy, 1890), O elongatum (Seo et al. 2024), and O. kansense (Crow, 1913) – have been sequenced for this molecular marker. The newly sequenced individuals of O. heterocoelium are 98.7% and 99.4% similar to O. aniarum and O. kansensis, respectively, and Ochetosoma is not recovered as a monophyletic group. Dasymetra nicolli Holl and Allison, 1935 and Lechriorchis tygarti Talbot, 1933 are nested with Ochetosoma.

The description and delineation of trematode species is a major ongoing task. Across the field there has been, and currently still is, great variation in the standard of this work and in the sophistication of the proposal of taxonomic hypotheses. Although most species are relatively unambiguously distinct from their congeners, many are either morphologically very similar, including the major and rapidly growing component of cryptic species, or are highly variable morphologically despite little to no molecular variation for standard DNA markers. Here we review challenges in species delineation in the context provided to us by the historical literature, and the use of morphological, geographical, host, and molecular data. We observe that there are potential challenges associated with all these information sources. As a result, we encourage careful proposal of taxonomic hypotheses with consideration for underlying species concepts and frank acknowledgement of weaknesses or conflict in the data. It seems clear that there is no single source of data that provides a wholly reliable answer to our taxonomic challenges but that nuanced consideration of information from multiple sources (the ‘integrated approach’) provides the best possibility of developing hypotheses that will stand the test of time.

This study evaluated the effects of capsaicin (CAP) supplementation on the intake, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis and health traits of bulls managed on pasture. Eight crossbred (Holstein x Zebu) cattle averaging 313 ± 31 kg of body weight (BW) were arranged in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design (one square of four bulls, rumen fistulated with 4-inch silicone cannulas and one square of four non-fistulated bulls), which were kept on Pangola grass pasture (Digitaria decumbens). Each experimental period consisted of 21 days, with 7 days for data collection (no washout between periods). Bulls were randomly assigned to the following treatments: CON (control): concentrate supplementation at 0.5% live weight (BW) and no additive (CAPCIN®), or concentrate supplementation at 0.5% BW in association with CAPCIN® (NutriQuest, Campinas, Brazil) fed at the inclusion rates of 150 (CAP150), 300 (CAP300) and 450 (CAP450) mg/animal/day. Digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fibre showed quadratic responses to CAP supplementation. Rumen pH linearly increased with CAP supplementation. The numbers of lymphocytes and eosinophils were linearly increased with CAP supplementation. The use of encapsulated pepper in supplements of crossbred (Holstein x Zebu) bulls managed on D. decumbens pasture up to 450 mg/animal/day improves nutrients digestibility and ruminal fermentation and can positively influence the health status of beef cattle managed under tropical conditions.

Verrill's modern Mussismilia (the ‘brain corals’) were described in the 19th century, being hitherto considered endemic reef-building species to Brazil. Contrasting with the original diagnoses, highly variable morphological patterns have been observed among the congeners. Interspecific overlapping of major taxonomical characters has resulted in quite inconclusive use of the skeleton macromorphology for the genus. Intending to corroborate the Mussismilia taxonomy, a comparative morphological approach was developed, combining skeleton macro- and micromorphology. A total of 132 colonies was collected between 13°S and 17°S latitude (Mussismilia hispida = 53, Mussismilia harttii = 41, and Mussismilia braziliensis = 38). Qualitative (n = 9) and quantitative characters (n = 7) were selected (the latter was analysed with Kruskal–Wallis and a principal component analysis). A non-parametric test was adopted due to heteroscedasticity and the irregular sampling among populations. As a result, the corallite diameter and number of septa were significantly distinct among the species (α = 0.05). Micromorphology also differs interspecifically, being distribution and size of septal spines diagnostic for the congeners. Intraspecific variation and morphs are approached, ensuring the relevance of the skeleton for the interspecific delimitation and the species identities. Finally, field identification and/or methods based on image analyses from video transects should be adopted with caution. These practices may provide unreliable data, once the information is restricted to the view of the colony top, resulting in biased identification – majorly if the morphotypes of M. harttii and M. hispida share closely spaced corallites.

The occurrence of dyslipidaemia, which is an established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has been attributed to multiple factors including genetic and environmental factors. We used a genetic risk score (GRS) to assess the interactions between genetic variants and dietary factors on lipid-related traits in a cross-sectional study of 190 Brazilians (mean age: 21 ± 2 years). Dietary intake was assessed by a trained nutritionist using three 24-h dietary recalls. The high GRS was significantly associated with increased concentration of TAG (beta = 0·10 mg/dl, 95 % CI 0·05–0·16; P < 0·001), LDL-cholesterol (beta = 0·07 mg/dl, 95 % CI 0·04, 0·11; P < 0·0001), total cholesterol (beta = 0·05 mg/dl, 95 % CI: 0·03, 0·07; P < 0·0001) and the ratio of TAG to HDL-cholesterol (beta = 0·09 mg/dl, 95 % CI: 0·03, 0·15; P = 0·002). Significant interactions were found between the high GRS and total fat intake on TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio (Pinteraction = 0·03) and between the high GRS and SFA intake on TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio (Pinteraction = 0·03). A high intake of total fat (>31·5 % of energy) and SFA (>8·6 % of energy) was associated with higher TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio in individuals with the high GRS (beta = 0·14, 95 % CI: 0·06, 0·23; P < 0·001 for total fat intake; beta = 0·13, 95 % CI: 0·05, 0·22; P = 0·003 for SFA intake). Our study provides evidence that the genetic risk of high TAG:HDL-cholesterol ratio might be modulated by dietary fat intake in Brazilians, and these individuals might benefit from limiting their intake of total fat and SFA.

During an ecological study with a near-endangered anuran in Brazil, the Schmidt’s Spinythumb frog, Crossodactylus schmidti Gallardo, 1961, we were given a chance to analyze the gastrointestinal tract of a few individuals for parasites. In this paper, we describe a new species of an allocreadiid trematode of the genus Creptotrema Travassos, Artigas & Pereira, 1928, which possesses a unique trait among allocreadiids (i.e., a bivalve shell-like muscular structure at the opening of the ventral sucker); the new species represents the fourth species of allocreadiid trematode parasitizing amphibians. Besides, the new species is distinguished from other congeners by the combination of characters such as the body size, ventral sucker size, cirrus-sac size, and by having small eggs. DNA sequences through the 28S rDNA and COI mtDNA further corroborated the distinction of the new species. Phylogenetic analyses placed the newly generated sequences in a monophyletic clade together with all other sequenced species of Creptotrema. Genetic divergences between the new species and other Creptotrema spp. varied from 2.0 to 4.2% for 28S rDNA, and 15.1 to 16.8% for COI mtDNA, providing robust validation for the recognition of the new species. Even though allocreadiids are mainly parasites of freshwater fishes, our results confirm anurans as hosts of trematodes of this family. Additionally, we propose the reallocation of Auriculostoma ocloya Liquin, Gilardoni, Cremonte, Saravia, Cristóbal & Davies, 2022 to the genus Creptotrema. This study increases the known diversity of allocreadiids and contributes to our understanding of their evolutionary relationships, host–parasite relationships, and biogeographic history.

The objective was to evaluate energy partitioning and predict the relationship between metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible energy (DE) in hair sheep fed tropical diets at three feeding levels (maintenance, intermediate and high). To evaluate the energy partition, a database with 114 records (54 non-castrated males and 60 females) from comparative slaughter studies was used. To estimate the ratio ME:DE, 207 observations (74 non-castrated males and 133 females) were used from six studies in a multi-study approach, two indirect calorimetry studies (n = 93) and four comparative slaughter (n = 114), using a mixed model and study as random effect. A simple linear regression equation of the ME against DE was fitted to predict the efficiency of DE to ME conversion. Gas losses were greatest (P < 0.05) for animals fed at maintenance level (7.92% of gross energy intake). The variations of energy losses in the urine were 2.64, 2.06 and 2.08%; faecal losses were 34.37, 37.80 and 36.91% for maintenance, intermediary and high level of feeding, respectively. The regression analysis suggested a strong linear relationship between ME and DE, generating the model ME (MJ/day) = −0.1559 (±0.07525) + 0.8503 (±0.005864) × DE (MJ/day). This study highlights the importance of the relationship ME:DE. Equation/factor 0.85 presented herein is alternative that could be used for the calculation of ME from DE in feedlot diets tropical. In conclusion, we suggest that for hair sheep fed tropical diets the conversion factor 0.85 is more adequate to predict ME from DE.

Preeclampsia (PE) affects up to five times more women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (PDM) than women without it. The present study aimed to identify the effect of the DASH diet on PE incidence (primary outcome) and blood pressure, glycated haemoglobin (GH), serum lipids, glutathione peroxidase (GP), C-reactive protein (CRP – secondary outcomes) in pregnant with PDM. This randomised, controlled, single-blind trial studied sixty-eight pregnant women with PDM throughout prenatal care until delivery (18 weeks) at a public maternity hospital, Brazil. The standard diet group (SDG) received a diet containing 45–65 % carbohydrates, 15–20 % protein and 25–30 % lipids. The DASH diet group (DDG) received the adapted DASH diet with a similar macronutrient distribution, but with a higher concentration of fibres, unsaturated fats, calcium, magnesium and potassium as well as lower saturated fat. Student's t, Mann–Whitney U and the Chi-square tests were used to compare outcomes. PE incidence was 22⋅9 % in the SDG and 12⋅1 % in the DDG (P = 0⋅25). GP levels significantly increased in the DDG (intra-group analysis; mean difference = 1588 [CI 181, 2994], P = 0⋅03) and tended to be different from the variation in the SDG (mean difference = −29⋅5 [CI −1305; 1⋅365]; v. DDG: 1588 [CI 181; 2994], P = 0⋅09). GH levels decreased significantly and similarly between groups (SDG: −0⋅61 [CI −0⋅26, −0⋅96], P = 0⋅00) v. DDG: −1⋅1 [CI −0⋅57, −1⋅62], P = 0⋅00). There was no evidence of a difference in PE incidence at the end of the intervention between the two diets. The DASH diet seems to favour PE-related biochemical markers.

Soybean production contributes to ca. 60% of global plant-based protein used for food and feed. Brazil is the largest soybean producer and exporter, with 60% from tropical and 40% from subtropical environments. Nitrogen (N) can play an essential role in the storage of proteins in seeds; thus, it could be a key factor in increasing the quantity and quality of seeds in high-yielding soybean crops. Unlike in temperate environments, there is a gap of knowledge on whether soybean grown under tropical and subtropical climates are limited by N-fertilization to sustain the seed yield increase without detriments in seed protein concentration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of N-fertilization on soybean seed yield, protein and oil concentrations in tropical and subtropical environments in Brazil, thus contributing to agricultural intensification procedures and food security studies. Two levels of N-fertilization (0 and 1000 ka/ha) were tested across 11 tropical or subtropical environments. The range of latitudes explored here was from 12°S to 29°S, representing the major soybean-producing regions in Brazil either under rainfed or irrigated conditions. We found that seed yield responses to N-fertilization were significant (in some environments under rainfed with an average increase of 7%) or not significant (in irrigated). Seed protein increases due to improved N-fertilization (on average 4% for irrigated and 12% for rainfed conditions) were much higher than previous reports from temperate environments. Regardless of N supply and water deficit, there was a trend of seed protein and oil concentration increasing toward lower latitudes.

The giant African land snail, Achatina fulica, is an important invasive species in many countries, where it causes losses in biodiversity and agriculture, as well as impacting the health of both humans and animals, as the intermediate host of medically important nematodes. The present study is based on a comprehensive review of the literature on the nematodes that have been found in association with A. fulica, worldwide. We searched a number of different databases and used the findings to investigate the methods used to extract and identify the nematodes, their larval stages, and environment and collecting procedures of the infected molluscs. Between 1965 and 2021, 11 nematode species were recorded in association with A. fulica in 21 countries. Most of the studies recorded associations between A. fulica and Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which causes cerebral angiostrongyliasis in humans and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, which provokes pneumonia in felines. The nematodes were extracted primarily by artificial digestion with hydrochloric acid or pepsin, and identified based on their morphology or through experimental infection to obtain the adult. In most cases, the nematodes were at larval stage L3, and the infected A. fulica were collected from anthropogenic environments. The results demonstrate the importance of A. fulica as a host of nematodes of medical and veterinary importance, as well the contribution of anthropogenic environments to the occurrence of the parasites, and give information about the different methods used to collect and identify the nematodes found associated with this species.

The water balance and urinary parameters of lambs fed diets containing cactus cladodes varieties were evaluated. Thirty-six uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs (22.0 ± 2.9 kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and 12 replicates. The animals were fed a control diet (Tifton-85 hay as exclusive roughage), Miúda or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) cactus-based diets. Urine samples were collected 45 days after the introduction of the tested diets, and voluntary water intake was measured over 10 days, during the experimental period. Diets containing Miúda or OEM cactus caused a reduction of 68.35 and 77.03% in voluntary water intake, respectively. In addition, the Miúda cactus cladodes caused urinary alkalinization (pH = 8.14) and reduction in the urinary excretion index (UEI) and on the fractional excretion rate (FER) of total calcium (Ca). The diets with OEM cactus cladodes caused higher oxalates intake (6.21 g/day) and increase in urinary volume. Regardless of the variety, there was a reduction in the urinary concentrations of urea, creatinine, total proteins, Ca, phosphorus (P), UEI of urea and P, as well as in FER of P, compared to the control diet. Urinary Mg content and UEI of uric acid and Mg increased and FER of P decreased by diets supplemented with different varieties of cactus cladodes. In conclusion, the cactus cladodes increased water intake and retention, and diuresis in lambs, altered urine parameters, without compromising kidney function.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on bovine oocyte maturation, mitochondrial activity and transzonal projections (TZP), as well as on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and messenger RNA (mRNA) for catalase (CAT) superoxide dismutase (SOD), periredoxin-6 (Prdx6), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), growth and differentiation factor-9 (GDF9), histone H1Foo, cyclin B1 (CCNB1) and c-Mos. Bovine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COC) of medium-sized antral follicles (3.0–6.0 mm) were prematured in TCM-199 for 8 h at 38.5°C in 5% CO2. After prematuration in the presence of forskolin and C-type natriuretic peptide, COCs were matured in TCM-199 alone or with 0.1, 0.5 or 2.5 mM NAC. Then, oocytes were classified according to the stage of chromatin. Furthermore, mitochondrial activity and intracellular levels of ROS and TZP were also evaluated. The levels of mRNAs for CAT, SOD, Prdx6, GPx, GDF9, H1Foo, CCNB1 and c-Mos were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that NAC significantly increased the percentages of oocytes with resumption of meiosis when compared with those oocytes matured in control medium. Oocytes had homogeneous mitochondrial distribution, and those cultured with 0.1 and 0.5 mM NAC had lower levels of ROS when compared with the control. In addition, 0.5 mM NAC reduced TZP and the levels of mRNA for CCNB1. In contrast, NAC did not influence the expression of CAT, GPx, Prdx6, SOD, GDF9, H1Foo, and c-Mos. In conclusion, 0.5 mM NAC reduced the levels of ROS, TZP and mRNA for CCNB1, and improved in vitro resumption of meiosis in oocytes from medium-sized bovine antral follicles.