Assessing the role of taxonomic impediment in the knowledge on geographic distribution of Physidae (Gastropoda: Hygrophila) in South America, using an intensive-data approach.

There is a marked disparity in the state of knowledge of Holartic x Neotropical species of the freshwater snail family Physidae; the incipiency of data on Neotropical physids reflecting the lower number of dedicated specialists. The gaps in the knowledge on Neotropical physids have led to historical uncertainty about species validity. Revisiting the species is essential to reduce taxonomic impediment and delineating their probable distribution is the first step to attain this purpose.

Species catalogue of Alberts, 1850 (Gastropoda: Bulimulidae) from Brazil and new data on morphology and distribution of (Martens, 1887).

Background: Herein, we attempted to obtain detailed data on the distribution of the species of () in Brazil, using biodiversity databases, malacological collections and literature as sources of occurrence records. We provided a catalogue of species, along with distribution maps. We also estimated the suitable distribution of () using the maximum entropy approach.

Redescription and geographical distribution of (Reeve, 1849) (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Simpulopsidae).

Albers, 1850 was established to allocate land snails from Central America and Northern South America. Currently, approximately 19 species are considered valid. However, for most of them, the internal morphology is unknown.

Responses of (Gastropoda: Subulinidae) to Novel Micro-Environmental Conditions: Shift in Shell Morphology and the Balance between Protection against Desiccation and Reproductive Success.

In the present study, we observed that responds to changes in microclimatic conditions through shifts in shell morphology. Over three laboratory generations, shell differences between two populations, representing distinct morphotypes, became less evident. Only F1 generations from both populations showed shell morphometry very similar to the field parental snails, suggesting maternal effect.

New Morphological Characterization of (Gastropoda, Veronicellidae), Differential Diagnosis for the Genera and , and Novel Combinations for Species of .

The genera Colosi, 1922 and Colosi, 1922 were originally proposed as "groups" within the genus Ferrussac, 1822, and since their establishment they have been variously considered valid or invalid until they gained the ultimate status of genus. The descriptions of both genera are general and broadly inclusive, and this fact has complicated taxonomic recognition. Additionally, incomplete descriptions and difficult identification of characteristics in the name-bearing type specimens demonstrate the need to revisit the species and revise the two genera.

Ontogeny and morphological variability of shell in populations of Leptinaria unilamellata (d'Orbigny, 1835) (Mollusca, Pulmonata, Subulinidae).

Background: Recent studies concerning species of land snails have revealed that the shell morphometrics can provide evidence of the differentiation among populations. In many cases, the morphologic analysis combined with the investigation of molecular variability, can support changes in taxonomy of studied groups. In this sense, the study of shell morphometry during snail development can contribute to the understanding of the structural mechanisms that creates the diversity observed.

Spatial distribution of Lymnaeidae (Mollusca, Basommatophora), intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758 (Trematoda, Digenea) in Brazil.

Snails of the family Lymnaeidae act as intermediate hosts in the biological cycle of Fasciola hepatica, which is a biological agent of fasciolosis, a parasitic disease of medical importance for humans and animals. The present work aimed to update and map the spatial distribution of the intermediate host snails of F. hepatica in Brazil.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis in cattle from extensive and semi-intensive rearing systems at Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais state, Southern Brazil.

Background: Concerning the infection of humans by T. gondii, limited efforts have been directed to the elucidation of the role of horizontal transmission between hosts. One of the main routes of transmission from animals to humans occurs through the ingestion of raw or insufficiently cooked meat.

Raman spectroscopy as a tool for polyunsaturated compound characterization in gastropod and limnic terrestrial shell specimens.

The colours of mollusc shells were determined using the Raman spectroscopy and these analyses suggest that the conjugated polyenes (carotenoids) and psittacofulvins are the organic pigments incorporated into their skeletal structures responsible by their colorations. The symmetric stretching vibration of the carbonate ion gives rise to a very strong Raman band at ca. 1089 cm(-1) and a weak band at 705 cm(-1), for all samples; the second band characterizes the aragonite as the inorganic matrix and can be used as a marker.