The teaching and learning of zoology and comparative anatomy face several challenges, including the identification of anatomical structures across different species, understanding evolutionary relationships, and promoting science communication and public engagement. In addition, the fragility of formalin-fixed specimens subjected to repeated handling limits their long-term use in practical classes. Plastination has emerged as...

Cetaceans are sentinels of marine ecosystem health and are increasingly exposed to protozoal pathogens. This study investigated the occurrence and molecular identity of Sarcocystidae protozoa in 159 stranded cetaceans representing 21 species along the Brazilian coast. Molecular analysis based on PCR amplification and sequencing of the sarcocystid internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region revealed infections in 14 individuals...

Anthropogenic habitat transformation has led to population declines and increasing isolation of populations of many species, particularly top predators, where small and fragmented populations often experience limited dispersal and reduced genetic diversity. Jaguars ( Panthera onca ), for example, have lost half of their historical range and most populations outside the Amazon biome are small, isolated and highly threatened. He...

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the genetic merit for backfat thickness (GMB) and subcutaneous fat thickness (FT) on meat quality traits of Nellore and crossbred (½ Aberdeen Angus + ½ Nellore) steers. The animals were obtained by mating Nellore cows with Nellore or Aberdeen Angus bulls. Both paternal genetic groups were selected to provide positive (+, high GMB) or negative (-, low GMB) expect...

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthropod-borne virus responsible for an acute febrile illness characterized by severe polyarthralgia, predominantly affecting peripheral joints. In a substantial proportion of patients, these symptoms may progress to chronic manifestations that significantly impair quality of life. Animal models are therefore critical for the development of effective therapeutic and preventive strategies, inclu...

Purpose To investigate the effects of 24 weeks of resistance training (RT) on pro- and active matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their association with functional performance in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods Forty-two ESKD patients (mean age: 65 ± 4 years; dry body mass: 71 ± 16 kg; body mass index: 25 ± 3 kg/m 2 ) were randomized into two groups: the control (CTL, n = 20) and RT g...

Euterpe edulis Martius (juçara palm) is an endangered species of high ecological and economic importance. Its propagation via reproduction is limited by the recalcitrance of its seeds, which hinders conservation and genetic improvement. Somatic embryogenesis represents an efficient alternative for large-scale clonal propagation and conservation. The present study evaluated the effect of abscisic acid (ABA) on histodifferentiat...

Euterpe edulis is of ecological and economic relevance and is currently threatened with extinction. Its vulnerability to extinction, combined with the recalcitrant nature of its seeds, justifies the search for alternative reproduction techniques. Somatic embryogenesis is an alternative propagation method that is subdivided into distinct phases. Maturation is a crucial phase in the process for the successful regeneration of som...

Sporothrix species are the etiological agents of sporotrichosis, an emerging fungal disease of medical and veterinary importance. Molecular surveillance using publicly available databases enables the monitoring of pathogen dissemination and the identification of genetic and epidemiological patterns, particularly in endemic regions. This study aimed to perform an integrative analysis of clinical, epidemiological and phylogeneti...