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...

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...

Tropical forests, particularly the Atlantic Forest, are among the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems on Earth. Intense fragmentation, historical deforestation, and climate change have compromised their integrity and endangered endemic and rare species. The situation is even more critical in the Doce River Basin (DRB), a biodiversity hotspot in southeastern Brazil, due to the expansion of pastureland and mining, as well...

Purpose The European Medicines Agency (EMA) guideline Declaration of Storage Conditions in the Product Information of Medicinal Products (CPMP/QWP/609/96/Rev.2) was last revised in 2007. Since then, advances in stability science, increased climatic variability, and evolving regulatory expectations have highlighted limitations in the framework, particularly the use of vague descriptors such as “room temperature” or “no special...

The Neotropical family Serrasalmidae (pacus and piranhas) exhibits remarkable karyotype conservation, yet cytogenetic data remain limited for several genera, particularly Myloplus . Here we present the first integrative cytogenomic characterization of Myloplus tiete , an endemic and near-threatened species from the upper Paraná River basin, combining classical cytogenetics with satellitome analysis. Karyotyping of 12 specimens...

The double haploid (DH) technique in maize ( Zea mays L.) relies on in vivo haploid induction, in which the identification of haploid seeds and seedlings represents a critical step in this technique that determines the efficiency of DH line production. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of endosperm texture, donor genotype, and inducer on putative haploid rates based on the R1-navajo ( R1-nj ) marker and the use of guard...

Oropouche fever is an emerging arboviral disease in South America, for which reliable molecular diagnostic specimens throughout the course of infection are essential for surveillance and clinical management. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of RT-qPCR in paired urine and serum samples and to evaluate temporal trends in cycle threshold (Ct) values according to time since symptom onset. A retrospective anal...

Life‐history data are often lacking for exploited elasmobranchs, jeopardizing proper management and conservation measures for this vulnerable group. Herein, we provided age and growth estimates for the groovebelly stingray ( Dasyatis hypostigma ), a medium‐sized, heavily exploited batoid endemic to the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Ages were estimated from vertebral centra, including 201 males and 71 females, with sizes varying...

This study explores the root-associated microbiome of Calotropis procera , a drought-adapted, invasive plant thriving in Brazil. We analyzed microbial communities from the root endosphere, rhizosphere, and adjacent soil in two contrasting ecosystems: Caatinga (semi-arid) and Restinga (coastal). Using 16S rDNA sequencing and shotgun metagenomics, we tested three hypotheses: (I) environmental specificity of the rhizospheric bact...

The howler monkeys ( Alouatta ) are part of the Platyrrhini infraorder, a group of Neotropical primates with the widest geographical distribution, occurring from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. Previous phylogenetic studies based on cytogenetic, morphological, and molecular data have shown inconsistent results, requiring new approaches to clarify relationships within the genus. In this study, we analyzed nine species of...

Land-use changes, driven by the expansion of agriculture and livestock farming, are one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in the Amazon region. In this context, Succesional Agroforestry Systems - SAFs, emerge as a potential alternative to reconcile agricultural production with biodiversity conservation and restoration. This study assessed the impact of different land-use types on ant diversity and the composition of hab...