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The Mediterranean basin is a major centre for land-snail diversity, with many localized endemics, but there are also species widely spread by humans. Both endemics and introductions can be found in the snail genus Helix, which comprises many large-bodied species used for human consumption in the past and present. The Mediterranean clade of Helix is currently distributed throughout this region, but the phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships among its forms from different parts of the basin remain enigmatic. The reasons include insufficient sampling, taxa with unclear taxonomy and a significant impact of human-assisted transport obscuring the natural distribution of phylogenetic lineages. We provide evidence that European and Anatolian populations of H. cincta and its relatives are not native to those regions, but originate from the northern Levant. These results have implications for taxonomy of the genus, but also for the understanding of its evolutionary history. We posit that the Mediterranean clade consists of four geographically separated groups, which diversified in Northern Africa, the Apennine Peninsula and Corsica, the Aegean and Greece, and the northern Levant. This geographic pattern has been subsequently blurred by multiple instances of human-assisted dispersal. However, revealing the founding populations with certainty requires thorough sampling in currently inaccessible countries.

The land snail taxon Helix straminea Briganti, 1825 has been reintroduced as a valid species in 2014. We provide here a comprehensive account of its taxonomy, distribution, anatomy, phylogeny and karyology in Italy. An overview of the historical views on the validity of the species is presented and faunistic data are reviewed and implemented with new records from Campania and Basilicata. A lectotype is fixed for H. straminea from the syntypes stored in the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle of Genève, as well as for three other taxa (Helix straminiformis Bourguignat, 1876, Helix yleobia Bourguignat, 1883 and Helix straminea ssp. elongata Bourguignat, 1860). Genital system, radula and karyotype are described for the first time. Molecular analysis of two mitochondrial genes combining GenBank data and the new sequences presented in this paper showed no differentiation between the northern and southern Italian populations. The conservation status of the species and its possible threats are discussed.

Hemocyanins (Hcs) are respiratory, oxygen-carrying metalloproteins that are freely dissolved in the hemolymph of many molluscs and arthropods. The interest in hemocyanins has grown significantly since it was found that they can be successfully used in immunotherapy of neoplastic diseases as non-specific or active stimulators of the immune system. The present study aims to assess the cytotoxicity, in vivo toxicity and antiproliferative activity of hemocyanins isolated from marine snail Rapana venosa (RvH), garden snails Helix lucorum (HlH) and Helix aspersa (HaH). For in vitro safety testing, 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) test was used. The experiments for antiproliferative activity of the hemocyanins were performed by MTT assay on a panel of cell lines - a model of breast cancer. The in vivo toxicological assessment was performed by regular clinical examinations of hemocyanin-treated laboratory mice and histopathological analysis of hematoxylin/eosin stained preparations of parenchymal organs. The evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity showed that the tested hemocyanins does not induce toxic effects in nontumorigenic epithelial cell lines. In contrast, significant reduction of the viability of human breast carcinoma cell lines was found after treatment with high concentrations of hemocyanins. The in vivo experiments showed no signs of organ and systemic toxicity in the hemocyanin-treated animals. The presented data indicate that Hcs show a potential for development of novel anticancer therapeutics due to their beneficial properties, biosafety and lack of toxicity or side effects. Key words: hemocyanins (Hcs); cytotoxicity; antitumor activity; in vivo biosafety testing.

In this study, the hypometabolism behavior, epiphragm formation process, and the mineral composition of the epiphragmal structure of the Helix pomacella, Eobania vermiculata, Helix melanostoma, and Helix asemnis land snails were investigated during the hibernation period. 100 snails selected among mature individuals, 25 from each species, were collected from nature for the research. The snails were placed in four 50x50x5 cm pans containing 20-cm-deep humus soil. Snails were fed with lettuce by free feeding until the hibernation period. Hypometabolism behavior of snails that had hibernated between November and December 2018, and January and February 2019 were examined as entering the hibernation stage, hibernation stage, and leaving the hibernation stage. The ionic concentration (Calcium, Iron, and Phosphorus) of the epiphragm layer formed during the hibernation process was analyzed, its formation duration, and its degradation at the end of the hibernation period were examined. In the study, it was determined that the weight before hibernation reduced by 18-22% in all examined species (H. pomacella, E. vermiculata, H. melanostoma, and H. asemnis). The highest values in terms of epiphragm formation duration (19±0.30 days), weight (0.41±0.26 g), and thickness (0.310±0.22 mm) were determined in H. asemnis. In terms of the ionic concentration, the highest Calcium level was determined in H. asemnis (29.96±0.12 mg/g) while the highest Phosphorus level (4.02±0.20 mg/g) was determined in E. vermiculata, and the highest Iron content was found in H. pomacella (19.50±0.33 mg/g). The degradation duration of the epiphragm layer at the end of hibernation was determined the longest in E. vermiculata (7 days) whereas the shortest in H. pomacella (3 days). As a result of the present research, it was seen that the epiphragm layer is important for snails in terms of a sustainable life cycle and that the ecological tolerances of snails depend on the epiphragmal structure.

Background: In recent years, drug resistance to human pathogenic bacteria has been commonly reported from all over the world. As antimicrobial activities of most medicinal plants and antibiotics have been already explored, it is more important to make investigations on animal species mainly invertebrates which could constitute an efficient source of antimicrobial molecules. This work was aimed at contributing to the fight against microbial resistance through the study of antibacterial potential of three animal species (Helix aspersa, Bitis arietans, Aristaeomorpha foliacea) on several multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative strains overexpressing efflux pumps including Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: The microdilution technique was used to evaluate the antibacterial activities of the tested samples by determining their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), as well as the effect of their combination with antibiotics. Studies on the mechanisms of action of the most active sample, dried Bitis arietans extract, was carried out using standard methods for evaluating the effects of this extract on bacterial H+-ATPases-mediated proton pumps and on bacterial growth kinetics. In this latter case, the optical density was read spectrophotometrically. Results: Zoochemical screening indicated the presence of protein constituents and alkaloids and the absence of other metabolites in all tested extracts. Dried B. arietans showed the best antibacterial activity by inhibiting the growth of 90% of studied bacterial strains with MICs ranging from 128 to 2048 μg/ml. Moreover, this extract presented a significant activity (100≤MIC≤512 µg/ml) against 35% of bacteria that are E. coli (ATCC8739, AG100ATet, MC4100), E. aerogenes EA27, K. pneumoniae ATCC11296, P. aeruginosa (PA01, PA124) and a moderate activity (512

Introduction. Tartrazine is an azofood additive widely used in the pharmaceu-cal, cosmetic, food, and other industries. Objective. To assess the effects of tartrazineon the attitude to move and to eat, and histological changes in digestive, and renal sys-tem, after an acute treatment on a biological model the snail Helix aspersa. Material and Methods. Snails were exposed orally, and by contact to flour contaminated with this dye for 24 hours. Adult snails were divided into two groups of 20 animals each. The control group fed flour alone. The experimental group was administered orally with flour treated with tartrazine (200mg/g flour). Results. The observation of behaviour revealed inhibitory effects of tartrazine on locomotion, and nutrition of snails. Histolo-gical examination of intestines, hepatopancreas, and kidney of treated animals showed altered tissue structures, with advanced degeneration of digestive tubules, connective tissue, and smooth muscle fibers of the walls surrounding the three organs, in response to tartrazine, compared to controls. Conclusion. This study suggests that acute exposure to tartrazine may lead to disorders in locomotor, and nutritional behavior, in addition to tissue alterations. Therefore, this study on behavior, supported by histological changes in H. Aspersa can be used as potential biomarkers of exposure to other azodyes.

The generic allocation of Helix subaperta is clarified by using genetic data and morphological traits of the genital organs; its position within the hitherto monotypic genus Cantareus is corroborated. Further analysis of several specimens of Cantareus apertus from Algeria and Italy revealed that this taxon is composed of two species, C. apertus from Italy, and C. koraegaelius from Algeria. The morphological traits of the genital organs of all three species are discussed, and the definition of the genus Cantareus is amended. All three species confined to Cantareus are re-described, and the syntype specimen of H. aperta is illustrated.

The present work carried out on the length – weight relationship of two commercially important mollusks Helix aspersa and Helix lucorum were analyzed from Sinop province in the Central Black Sea region climate, Turkey. Totally 86 specimens of H. aspersa and 67 specimens of H. lucorum were collected for this study in 5 April 2018. Parameters of the shell length and weight (W) relationship by using the formula W = aLb . The weight – shell height, weight – shell width and shell height - shell width results suggested that two helix species (H. aspersa and H. lucorum) showed negative growth characteristics (b

Due to the global warming, Seoul in Korea seems to be plausible to grow evergreen broad-leaved trees over the cold winter. This offers the planting options to create green environment. Thus, it became worth investigating what kinds of evergreen broad-leaved plants could stand in Seoul during the winter. Ivy (Hedera helix) has been chosen in the current study which is a well-known native and ornamental plant in Europe. It grows in warm condition in general. The current study tracked H. helix which is evergreen cover plant over winter in order to evaluate the possibility for utilizing this species as a climber or cover-plant in Seoul. We found that H. helix can survive over the winter and can be utilized to create evergreen environment in Seoul. It also implies that similar kinds of plants could be tested assuming the environment of Seoul is becoming more suitable for the plants originated from the warmer sites. H. helix is an option for elaborating outdoor environments in the city that lacks of green color. RESUMO Devido ao aquecimento global, em Seul na Coreia do Sul, é plausível plantar árvores de folhagem perenes no inverno frio, oferecendo opções para criar um ambiente verde. Assim, é válido investigar quais tipos de plantas de folhagem perene poderiam sobreviver em Seul durante o inverno. Neste estudo, escolheu-se a hera-inglesa (Hedera helix), planta nativa da Europa utilizada como ornamental. Ela cresce em condições de temperaturas moderadas. Neste trabalho, investigou-se H. helix, uma planta de cobertura perene ao longo do inverno, a fim de avaliar a possibilidade de utilizar esta espécie em Seul. Descobriu-se que H. helix pode sobreviver durante o inverno em Seul. Isso significa que ela pode ser utilizada para criar um ambiente perene em Seul. Isto também implica que similares tipos de plantas poderiam ser testados assumindo que o ambiente em Seul está se tornando mais adequado para as plantas originadas de lugares quentes. Isto nos proverá maiores opções para elaborar ambientes ao ar livre na cidade que não é tão arborizada.

The species Heteroceras gracile sp. nov. is described; it is a small and slender species, with a small helix and hamuliniform morphology, previously considered as an atypical variant of Heteroceras baylei (Reynes, 1876). In southeast France, it is mainly known in the Morteiron section (Alpes de Haute-Provence, France), but the species is also present in Bulgaria and possibly in Japan.

The dinoflagellate genus Cochlodinium is polyphyletic, and several bloom-forming species in this genus, such as Cochlodinium helix and C. convolutum , are in need of reclassification. The molecular data revealed that the polymorphic species Gymnodinium fusus (= Ceratoperidinium falcatum , Gyrodinium caudatum , Gyrodinium falcatum , Gyrodinium sugashimanii , Pseliodinium vaubanii ) is closely related to Cochlodinium helix / C. convolutum . There are significant morphological differences among the type species of Ceratoperidinium , C. margalefii , and the aforementioned species. The recent proposal of the genus Kirithra reinforces the need of the generic split between C. margalefii and Gymnodinium fusus/C. helix/C. convolutum , instead of placing all the species under the genus Ceratoperidinium . Pseliodinium is considered the earliest available generic name, and new combinations of Pseliodinium are proposed for Gymnodinium fusus , Cochlodinium helix and C. pirum (the latter considered co-specific with C. convolutum ) Redefinicion de Ceratoperidinium y Pseliodinium (Ceratoperidiniaceae, Dinophyceae), incluyendo la reasignacion de Gymnodinium fusus , Cochlodinium helix y C. pirum a Pseliodinium El genero de dinoflagelados Cochlodinium es polifiletico, y varias especies formadoras de proliferaciones como Cochlodinium helix y C. convolutum necesitan una reclasificacion. Los datos moleculares muestran que la especie polimorfica Gymnodinium fusus (= Ceratoperidinium falcatum , Gyrodinium caudatum , Gyrodinium falcatum , Gyrodinium sugashimanii , Pseliodinium vaubanii ) esta cercanamente emparentada con Cochlodinium helix / C. convolutum . Hay diferencias significativas en la morfologia entre la especie tipo de Ceratoperidinium , C. margalefii , y las especies mencionadas anteriormente. La reciente propuesta del genero Kirithra refuerza la necesidad de una separacion generica entre C. margalefii y Gymnodinium fusus / C. helix / C. convolutum , en lugar de emplazar todas las especies en el genero Ceratoperidinium . Pseliodinium se considera como el primer nombre generico disponible, y se proponen nuevas combinaciones de Pseliodinium para Gymnodinium fusus , Cochlodinium helix y C. pirum (esta ultima especie considerada conespecifica con C. convolutum ).

The genus-group Hystricella R. T. Lowe, 1855 is revised on the basis of conchological, anatomical and genetic characteristics. A new genus Wollastonia gen. n., two recent species, W. jessicae sp. n. and W. klausgrohi sp. n., and one recent subspecies, W. jessicae monticola ssp. n. are described as new to science, as well as five fossil taxa, H. microcarinata sp. n., W. beckmanni sp. n., W. falknerorum sp. n., W. ripkeni sp. n., and W. inexpectata sp. n. For Helix vermetiformis R. T. Lowe, 1855, H. leacockiana Wollaston, 1878, H. oxytropis R. T. Lowe, 1831, H. duplicata R. T. Lowe, 1831 and H. oxytropis var. ß subcarinulata Wollaston, 1878 lectotypes are designated. For the taxa Helix bicarinata G. B. Sowerby I, 1824, Helix bicarinata var. ß aucta Wollaston, 1878 and Discula bulverii W. Wood, 1828 neotypes are selected. The taxa aucta and subcarinulata are elevated to specific rank. For the hitherto monospecific (sub-) genus Callina R. T. Lowe, 1855 it is shown that it is not closely related to the genus Discula but to the Hystricella-group and its generic rank is confirmed. The taxon D. bulverii W. Wood, 1828 is transferred from the genus Discula s. str. to the genus Callina. A further fossil taxon C. waldeni sp. n. is described as new to science.

The impact of transgenic crops on non-target organisms is a key aspect of environmental safety assessment to transgenic crops. In the present study, we fed two snail species, Bradybaena (Acusta) ravida (B. ravida) and Bradybaena similaris (Ferussac)(B. similaris), with the leaves of transgenic Bt cotton Zhong 30 (Z30) and control cotton, its parent line zhong 16 (Z16), to assess the environmental safety of Bt cotton to common non-target organisms in the field. Survival, body weight, shell diameter, helix number, reproduction rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and Bt protein concentration in snails were monitored in 15 days and 180 days experiments. We also monitored the population dynamics of B. ravida and B. similaris in Z30 and Z16 cotton fields for two successive years. Compared to the snails fed on the control cotton Z16, there was no significant difference in survival, growth, reproduction, and SOD activity on Bt cotton Z30. Bt protein concentrations were significantly between different treatments, and Bt protein residues were only detected in the feces of the Z30 treatment. According to the field data, the number of B. ravida and B. similaris fluctuated considerably across seasons over the entire cotton-growing season; however, there were no significant differences between the Bt and control cotton fields at similar time. As the results showed, in our experiments, Bt cotton Z30 had no adverse effects on the two snail species, both in the laboratory and in the fields.

Click-iT method can be used to trace the neurons where the newly synthesized RNA transcripts occur. Our experiments performed with the CNS of terrestrial mollusk Helix demonstrate that 5-ethynyluridine (EU) is selectively incorporated in RNA but not in DNA. The time of EU accumulation necessary for its detection was about several hours. EU was injected into the body cavity of adult mollusks, and was detectable in neurons for several days. In juveniles, EU was introduced via bathing of snails in the EU-containing saline, and was reliably detected within time period of several weeks. Our data suggest that short-living forms of RNA cannot be detected by Click-iT method, while the long-living forms of RNA can be spatially detected in individual neurons.

Although gastropods have been crawling through the ocean and on the land for 60 million years, we still know very little about the sticky mucus produced in their foot. Most research has been focused on marine species in particular and, to a lesser extent, on the well-known terrestrial species Arion vulgaris and Cornu aspersum. Within this study, we aim to characterize the foot anatomy of a smaller representative of the family Helicidae, the banded snail Cepaea hortensis. We are particularly interested in the microanatomy of the foot glands, their position, and the histochemical nature of their secretory content. Characterization of the dorsal foot region of Cepaea hortensis reveals four glands, differing in their size and in the granules produced. Histochemically, three of them react positively for sugars (PAS staining and lectin affinity tests for mannose, glucose and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine) and acidic proteins (positive Alcian blue and Toluidine blue staining), indicating the presence of acidic glycosaminoglycans. The fourth gland type does not react to any of these dyes. The ventral pedal region includes two different gland types, which are positive for the presence of acidic glycoproteins, with a lectin affinity for mannose only. A comparison with Helix pomatia indicates differences regarding the number of glands and their contents. In Helix, only three gland types are described in the dorsal region of the foot, which show a similar granular appearance but nevertheless differ in their chemical composition. Congruently, there are two gland types in the ventral region in both species, whereas in Helix an additional sugar moiety is found. This raises the question whether these differences between the pedal glandular systems of both helicid species are the result of protection or size-related adaptations, as they occur in the same habitat.

In order to clarify the systematic position of Helix latastei Letourneux in Letourneux & Bourguignat, 1887, and Helix latasteopsis Letourneux & Bourguignat, 1887, a comprehensive approach using morphological and molecular methods is presented. The investigation of the genital organs of both species showed that they belong to the genus Xerocrassa Monterosato, 1892 with two very small dart sacs and a few tubiform glandulae mucosae. In our phylogenetic analysis using the mitochondrial markers COI, 16S and the nuclear cluster 5.8-ITS2-28S, the results of the anatomical research were confirmed. Thus, the genus Ereminella Pallary, 1919, which is based on H. latastei, becomes a junior synonym of Xerocrassa. A review of the genus-level taxa Xerobarcana Brandt, 1959, and Xeroregima Brandt, 1959, showed that these should also be considered as synonyms of Xerocrassa. A third species, Helix lacertara Bourguignat, 1863 from Algeria was found to be closely related to X. latastei based on its shell morphology. A map showing the distribution of the three species treated is supplied.

The phototrophic dinoflagellate Takayama helix that is known to be harmful to abalone larvae has recently been revealed to be mixotrophic. Although mixotrophy elevates the growth rate of T. helix by 79%–185%, its absolute growth rate is still as low as 0.3 d−1. Thus, if the mortality rate of T. helix due to predation is high, this dinoflagellate may not easily prevail. To investigate potential effective protistan grazers on T. helix, feeding by diverse heterotrophic dinoflagellates such as engulfment-feeding Oxyrrhis marina, Gyrodinium dominans, Gyrodinium moestrupii, Polykrikos kofoidii, and Noctiluca scintillans, peduncle-feeding Aduncodinium glandula, Gyrodiniellum shiwhaense, Luciella masanensis, and Pfiesteria piscicida, pallium-feeding Oblea rotunda and Protoperidinium pellucidum, and the naked ciliates Pelagostrobilidium sp. (ca. 40 μm in cell length) and Strombidinopsis sp. (ca. 150 μm in cell length) on T. helix was explored. Among the tested heterotrophic protists, O. marina, G. dominans, G. moestrupii, A. glandula, L. masanensis, P. kofoidii, P. piscicida, and Strombidinopsis sp. were able to feed on T. helix. The growth rates of all these predators except Strombidinopsis sp. with T. helix prey were lower than those without the prey. The growth rate of Strombidinopsis sp. on T. helix was almost zero although the growth rate of Strombidinopsis sp. with T. helix prey was higher than those without the prey. Moreover, T. helix fed on O. marina and P. pellucidum and lysed the cells of P. kofoidii and G. shiwhaense. With increasing the concentrations of T. helix, the growth rates of O. marina and P. kofoidii decreased, but those of G. dominans and L. masanensis largely did not change. Therefore, reciprocal predation, lysis, no feeding, and the low ingestion rates of the common protists preying on T. helix may result in a low mortality rate due to predation, thereby compensating for this species’ low growth rate.

Apart from their well-known culinary use, gastropod species such as Helix, which have a hydrogel-like mucus, are increasingly being exploited for cosmetic, bioengineering and medical applications. However, not only are the origin and composition of these "sticky" secretions far from being fully characterized, the number and morphology of the mucus glands involved is also uncertain. This study aims to characterize in detail the cutaneous glands of the Helix pomatia foot on morphological, histochemical and immunohistochemical levels. Hereby the focus is on the gland position and appearance on the foot sole as well as on the chemical nature of the different gland secretions. At least five different gland types can be distinguished by their microanatomy; three are located on the dorsal side and two on the ventral side of the foot sole. Most glands are reactive for acidic proteins and sugars such as mannose and fucose, indicating the presence of acidic glycosaminoglycans. One dorsal gland type shows high reactivity for acidic proteins only. The isolated mucus includes a certain amount of the elements chlorine, potassium and calcium; evidence for lipids was also confirmed in the isolated mucus. The present results for Helix pomatia show a clear difference in the number of glands compared to the related species Helix aspersa (only four mucus glands); histochemically, the glands of both species similarly produce acidic proteins as well as acidic glycosaminoglycans. While calcium ions are known to play a role in mucus formation, the presence and function of other ions such as potassium still need to be clarified.

Troglostrongylus brevior, a lungworm affecting wild felids, has been increasingly reported in domestic cats from Europe. Troglostrongylosis is a relevant disease that may result in a potentially life-threatening bronchopneumonia, especially in kittens. The life cycle of T. brevior is indirect with terrestrial gastropods acting as intermediate host. The widely distributed spread land snail Cornu aspersum (former Helix aspersa) is competent for T. brevior development and may transmit the nematode in natural conditions. The present study evaluated the larval development of T. brevior in C. aspersum at two different environmental temperature conditions, with a focus on the effect of hibernation. One hundred and seventy snails were infected with 500 first stage larvae (L1) of T. brevior and kept in vivaria at 25 ± 2 °C. Fifteen days post infection (p.i.), 20 specimens were digested to evaluate the overall larval developmental rate from L1 to L3 (2.5 % on days 15 p.i.) and then the snails were divided in two groups, i.e. G1 kept at 25 ± 2 °C and G2 that were hibernated at 4 ± 2 °C. The developmental rate of T. brevior was evaluated in these groups on 30 and 60 days p.i. by snail digestion at each time-point. An additional batch of 40 snails (G2-1) was hibernated on D15 and digested on D60. Larvae recovered were morphologically and morphometrically examined. The infective third larval stage (L3) was detected in the muscular foot of C. aspersum at different rates depending on the environmental temperature. In particular, T. brevior showed a higher developmental rate in hibernated snails (G2: 6.9 % and 14.1 % on days 30 and 60 p.i; G2-1: 4%; G2 + G2-1 overall mean percentage: 9%) compared to non-hibernated snails (G1: 4% and 5.2 % on days 30 and 60 p.i.), indicating that lower temperatures may positively influence the developmental in C. aspersum. These data are suggestive for a seasonal pattern of T. brevior infections under field conditions, with snails containing higher parasitic burdens after their natural hibernation occurring in winter. Studies on the larval development of T. brevior in other mollusc species in field surveys evaluating differences in developmental rates and transmission patterns in different seasons are warranted.

In Sicily, H. helix is the unique known native species whereas H. helix susbsp. poetarum is putatively naturalized in some forests and H. canariensis cultivated in various urban’s garden. Trichome morphology and genome size of some ivies from various west Mediterranean forests were compared to Sicilian ones. Ivies from southern Italy, continental France, Corsica and Mallorca belong to typical European diploid stellate trichomes Hedera helix. Hexaploid ivies from southern Spain have been identified as native H. iberica. Contrariwise, Sicilian ivies studied are related to western European H. hibernica (tetraploids with stellate trichomes). Is H. helix the most widespread and indigenous ivy in Sicily? Therefore, it would be the first time that tetraploid would be reported in Sicily where it could possibly correspond to an unnoticed autochthonous taxon. However, our results let us think it rather represents an invasive which impact on this island rich in endemic species could be considerable.

This report describes the draft genome sequence of Weissella viridescens UCO-SMC3, isolated from Helix aspersa Müller slime. The reads were generated by a whole-genome sequencing (WGS) strategy on an Illumina MiSeq sequencer and were assembled into contigs with a total estimated size of 1,612,814 bp. A total of 2,455 genes were predicted, including 2,301 protein-coding sequences. The draft genome sequence of W. viridescens UCO-SMC3 will be useful for further studies of specific genetic features and for understanding the mechanisms of its beneficial properties in the skin. Fil: Garcia Cancino, Apolinaria. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Albarracín, Leonardo Miguel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán; Argentina. Tohoku University; Japón Fil: Espinoza Monje, Marcela. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Campos Martin, Jorge. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Garcia Castillo,Valeria. Tohoku University; Japón. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Nakano, Yukha. Tohoku University; Japón Fil: Ikeda Ohtsubo, Wakako. Tohoku University; Japón Fil: Gutierrez, Cristian. Universidad de Concepción; Chile Fil: Morita, Hidetoshi. Okayama University; Japón Fil: Kitazawa, Haruki. Tohoku University; Japón Fil: Villena, Julio Cesar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Centro de Referencia para Lactobacilos; Argentina. Tohoku University; Japón

The invasive Spanish slug (Arion vulgaris) is an important pest species in agriculture and horticulture in Europe. In the last decades it has spread across the continent where it outcompetes native slug and snail species, thus posing a threat for biodiversity. A popular anecdote suggests to promote Roman snails (Helix pomatia) in gardens because they are able to controlA. vulgaris. We examined a potential interrelationship between these two species using a mesocosm experiment with lettuce plants.13C-15N stable isotope labelling of lettuce allowed us to investigate interactions betweenHelixandArionon weight gain/loss and herbivory. Additionally, we wanted to know whether different watering regimes (daily vs. every 3rd day watering of weekly amount) and earthworms alter these interactions. Egg predation ofHelixonArioneggs was further tested in a food-choice experiment.Arionshowed a five times higher herbivory per body mass thanHelixin a single-species setting. However, in mesocosms containing both species percentage of herbivory per body mass was significantly lower than inArion-only mesocosms, especially when watered every three days. Overall isotope uptake via eaten lettuce was unaffected by the presence of the other species. Only very little predation (three out of 200 eggs) ofHelixonArioneggs was observed. Our results provide no evidence for a clear dismissal or confirmation of the popular gardener’s anecdote thatHelixsnails have a negative effect onArionabundance or herbivory.

Representatives of the genus Hedera L. have been cultivated in Nikitsky Botanical Gardens over two centuries. The inventory of the collection has revealed thirty five species, cultivars, and forms, including four relics of cultivation – H. helix ‘Angularis’, ‘Rugosa’, ‘Cavendishii’, and H. hibernica ‘Scutifolia’. The presence of three species, thirty-two cultivars and forms belonging to four species, of which two species and four varieties have reached the generative stage and twenty-six cultivars are at the juvenile stage, has been established. There are seven of nine garden groups in the collection. Within morpho-decorative characteristics, two groups have been identified in terms of the color of the leaf blade: monochromatic green (twenty-four varieties and forms); and variegated (eight varieties and forms, of which there are seven white-spotted and one yellow-spotted varieties). In terms of the color type (multicolored), marginal, median, and suffuse colors have been identified. In terms of the shape of the leaf blades, the following groups have been identified among the species and cultivars: finger-cut, rounded-reniform, ovate-elongated, and irregularly asymmetric. In terms of the growth type at the juvenile stage, most species of the genus proved to be plagiotropic; yet cultivars with orthotropic growth type have also been found (in our collection, this is H. helix ‘Conglomerata’). Promising directions for increasing biodiversity of the genus include their further introduction by way of the generic complex, as well as enlarging the collection, primarily with variegated varieties of different color types and varieties from two garden groups that have not yet been present in the collection.

Hedera crebrescens, a newly identified species in Hungary is described here. This diploid ivy is not identical with the diploid H. helix. It grows vigorously, is invasive, and has spread into most parts of the country and adjacent regions. We also present two triploid species of hybrid origin, which were known formerly as selected varieties of H. helix. Triploids differ from the presumed diploid and tetraploid parents based on their reproductive morphological traits and also based on their ecological demands.

The occurrence of traces elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Sb, As, Tl, Pb, Sn, U and Se) in individuals of Helix aspersa from five sites of Campania region was studied. They are representative primary consumers in the terrestrial ecosystem and useful key indicator species to evaluate the environmental impact of chemicals on our lands. Each sample was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after a microwave assisted digestion procedure. Sentinel snails allowed us to have information about the bioavailability of these elements into the environment similar in the main part of the regional land. Results indicated that elemental concentrations in all snail samples were significantly low. But within the five selected areas, the amount for each element was higher in the area of Caserta. Even though maximum admissible limits from European regulation are not even defined for these matrices, the area of Caserta represents a territory where environmental contamination may represent a high risk for human and animal health.

For the first time the antimicrobial activities of hemocyanins from the molluscs Rapana venosa (RvH) and Helix aspersa (HaH) have been tested. From the hemolymph of the garden snail H. aspersa one structural subunit (βc-HaH ) and eight functional units (FUs, βc-HaH-a to βc-HaH-h) were isolated, and their N-terminal sequences and molecular weights, ranging between 45 and 65 kDa, determined. The antimicrobial test of the hemocyanins against different bacteria showed that only two FUs from Rapana, RvH1-b and RvH1-e, exhibit a low inhibition effect against Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast and surprisingly, the structural subunit βc-HaH of H. aspersa not only shows strong antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and the likewise Gram-positive Streptococcus epidermidis, but also against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli. We suggest that this subunit therefore has the potential to become a substitute for the commonly used antibiotics against which bacterial resistance has gradually been developed.

Although the genus Pseliodinium within the family Ceratoperidiniaceae includes Ceratoperidinium falcatum, Cochlodinium cf. convolutum, C. cf. helix and unidentified Cochlodinium species, it is in need of reclassification because of the morphological differences and lack of morphological details of the species within the genus. A Cochlodinium-like species was isolated from a Korean coastal area and examined by light and scanning electron microscopy, as well as by the analysis of nuclear-encoded small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA. The Korean isolate was morphologically characterized by cellular torsion, and outer rows consisting of small rectangular and polygonal vesicles were visible along the sides of the cingulum. The apical structure complex (ASC) formed a complete circle surrounding the cell apex, consisting of three parallel rows of vesicles. In the ASC, the upper row was sometimes hidden and very small knobs were present on the central row. Morphological characteristics separated the Korean isolate from Ce. margalefii, Pseliodinium fusus(=Ce. falcatum), Kirithra asteri and Gymnodinium species (Gymnodinium sp. 1 and sp. 2) within the family Ceratoperidiniaceae. However, the morphological characteristics coincided with those of the previously recorded C. convolutum, C. cf. helix and other Cochlodinium species within the same family. Phylogeny based on SSU and LSU rDNA sequences revealed that the Korean isolate forms a clade independent from P. fusus, although they have high sequence similarity. Based on the morphological and phylogenetic analyses, we propose the new genus Torquentidium gen. nov. and a new combination for C. cf. helix and the Korean isolate Torquentidium convolutum erected within the family Ceratoperidiniaceae.

Environmental health has always been threatened by the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the terrestrial ecosystem, affecting its quality and safety. The aim of this review is to investigate the effects of heavy metal soil contamination, using the land snail Helix aspersa as a bioindicator. H. aspersa, a common species of land snail present in the area, has been used as a bioindicator of metal contamination and represents a promising ecological indicator. Various land snails species have become popular in microcosm studies because they accumulate high concentrations of certain trace metals. They express contamination as a whole through ingestion of polluted foods, such as live plants, microorganisms, soil, and water and also through cutaneous contact and from the polluted air they breathe. Land snails are considered appropriate sentinel species because trace metals tend to accumulate in their digestive gland to allow biomonitoring of metal pollution. Different experiments demonstrate that exposure in areas chronically polluted with metals, especially with lead, often causes changes in reproduction, with a variation in the mineral composition in the snail's eggs and also in its development, due to increased energy expenses associated with detoxification and the excretion process.

The present study was aimed to determine the nematode parasites infesting cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) and its role in maintenance of such parasites in nature or transmission of these parasites to other species of wild birds and domestic birds, mammals, fish and human being especially after dramatic increase of cattle egret's population inside the urban areas. During this study, a total of 106 cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) were examined and eight species of nematodes were detected. The detected species; Desportesius invaginatus (85.84%), Microtetrameres spiralis (67.92), Porrocaecum sp. (26.41%), Microtetrameres helix (23.58%), Tetrameres sp. (10.37%), Microfilaria (2.83%), Gnathostoma sp. larvae (1.88%) and Anisakis sp. larvae (0.94 %). Five factors (habitat, area of collection, sex, age and season) affecting the prevalence of nematodes in cattle egrets as well as the pathological effects of these parasites on cattle egrets were studied.

The aim of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of larval stages of Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Brachylaima sp. in the first intermediate host, a species of land snail, Helix aspersa, in Turkey. A total of 211 snails were collected in April-May 2014 from pastures in Mersin District. Larval stages of D. dendriticum were identified under a light microscope. Hepatopancreas from naturally infected H. aspersa snails were examined histologically. The prevalence of larval stages of D. dendriticum and Brachylaima sp. in H. aspersa snails was found to be 2.4% and 1.9%, respectively, in Mersin, Turkey. Cercariae were not matured in sporocysts at the beginning of April; however, it was observed that cercariae matured and started to leave sporocysts by early-May. Thus, it was concluded that H. aspersa acts as an intermediate host to D. dendriticumin and Brachylaima sp. in Mersin, Turkey. A digenean trematode Brachylaima sp. was seen for the first time in Turkey.

Tetrahymena rostrata, which is characterized by a particular encystment-excystment cycle involving autogamy, has been recently found infecting the kidney of edible Helix aspersa snails under farming conditions. In this work, the effects of several factors on its encystment/excystment behaviour and the occurrence of different serotypes were investigated. The encystment/excystment response under starvation conditions was seriously affected by temperature. While a peak of encystment at 48 h followed by a progressive spontaneous excystment was observed at 18 and 25 °C, the encystment response was practically inhibited at 5 °C and clearly slowed down at 10 °C. At 30 °C, most of surviving ciliates remained encysted throughout the experiment, with spontaneous excystment being detected only after switching the temperature to 18 °C. Soil components also affected the encystment/excystment behaviour at 18 °C, with spontaneous excystment occurring in the presence of a sterile-filtered soil extract or mineral water but being strongly minimized with a non-filtered soil extract. Resting cysts formed in the latter extract exhibited a 3–4 times thicker and ultrastructurally more complex wall than that formed in mineral water and retained the excystment ability for about 4 weeks. Incomplete desiccation did not affect significantly the encystment response, while the mucus and kidney extracts from snails as well as a ciliate extract strongly stimulated a rapid excystment. Finally, two different serotypes infecting H. aspersa in heliciculture farms of Galicia (NW Spain) were identified, but no differences were observed between the encystment/excystment responses exhibited by two isolates belonging to each serotype.

The metastrongyloid nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum affects the heart and pulmonary arteries of dogs and wild animals. Over the recent years, dog angiostrongylosis has gained great attention in the veterinary community for the expansion of its geographic range and for a rise in the number of clinical cases. Global warming, changes in phenology of mollusc intermediate hosts and movements of wild reservoirs have been evocated in the spreading of mollusc-borne parasites, including A. vasorum. The land snail Helix aspersa, a vector of other respiratory metastrongyloids, is endemic in most regions of the World, where it is a pest outside its native Mediterranean range. In the present study, the susceptibility and suitability of H. aspersa as an intermediate host of A. vasorum were investigated along with the characteristics of larval recovery and development following two different ways of inoculation, i.e. experimental (group A) vs natural infection (group B). After infections, the snails were kept at environmental conditions for 2 months. Five snails from groups A and B were randomly selected, digested and examined at 15-day intervals for 2 months. L1s, L2s and L3s were microscopically identified based on key morphological and morphometric characteristics and their identity was genetically confirmed. The results showed that A. vasorum may reach the infective stage in H. aspersa and that uptake of larvae and parasitic burden within the snails depend on the grazing capability of the molluscs. Biological and epidemiological implications are discussed.

The Roman snail (Helix pomatia L.) has been exploited for food to the point where it has been subject to legal restrictions on its collection, and steps have been taken to monitor its distribution and abundance. There are, however, few cases where monitoring has involved the precise re-examination of accurately located populations, and these have confirmed persistence over periods of up to six years. Using a standard methodology, ten populations of H. pomatia near the town of Września (central Poland) first surveyed in 1999 were re-sampled in 2014. In all cases the snail populations had persisted, and the habitats had not altered significantly. These results indicate that in the absence of over-exploitation or habitat change populations of this species persist. key words: Helix pomatia, local populations, monitoring, long-term observations The Roman snail (Helix pomatia L.) is one of the largest land snails in Europe. Although it has the most extensive range of any Helix species (welterschultes 2012, neuBert 2014), much of this distribution is a product of human introduction, as it has been exploited for food since Roman times, if not earlier (urBanski 1964, stePczak 1976, Bloszyk & kalinowski 2015). In recent times its popularity as food has led to over-collecting, especially in Western and Central Europe, including Poland (welch & Pollard 1975, radulescu & lustun 1980, wells & chatfield 1992, stePczak 1976). This over-exploitation coupled with some habitat destruction due to use of chemicals and machines for maintenance of urban green spaces (andreev 2006a, b, neuBert 2013) has reduced or eliminated many populations. Hence, the Roman snail was included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (Lc category) (neuBert 2013), the European Red List of Non-marine Molluscs (cuttelod et al. 2011) and in Annex V of the EU Habitats Directive. The species is often farmed (williams 2009, neuBert 2013), but wild populations may still be harvested in some countries, including Poland. However, there are legal restrictions in place and national authorities have a duty to monitor populations of this species and ensure that such monitoring is effective in determining acceptable levels of exploitation (ligaszewski et al. 2014, Bloszyk & kalinowski 2015). In Poland, these restrictions and duties are laid out in the Regulation of the Minister of Environment dated 6 October 2014 (regulation 2014) on protecting animal species. In previous studies both published (Bloszyk et al. 2010, 2012, tworek & zaJąc 2012) and in reports (ryBak 2010, glowacka 2012, misa 2014) we have provided data on monitoring particular populations of Roman snails for 5–9 years, thus contributing to the legal requirements. Here, we report on the monitoring of 10 randomly chosen sites of 166 Jerzy Bloszyk, Krystyna Szybiak, Tomasz Kalinowski, Zofia Ksiązkiewicz-Parulska Fig. 1. Distribution of the studied sites near Września town (original numbering of sites provided by szmit 2000) Table 1. Description of the studied sites in 1999 and 2014 (original numbering of sites provided by szmit 2000) Site no. Area surface [m2] Vegetation (1999 and 2014) Human impact

As a part of a soil quality biomonitoring program in Northeast of Algeria, we have assessed the seasonnal variation of growth of a snail, Helix aspersa (Mollusca, Gastropoda), a bioindicator species of soil pollution, and measured the responses of some environmental stress biomarkers, Acetylcholinesterase, Glutathione S-transferase and Metallothionein, in sites subjected to different pollution sources. The results showed a seasonal and site effects on growth, an inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and an induction of glutathione S-transferase and metallothionein. These results are related to exposure of sites to pollution.

Manufactured nanomaterials have new physicochemical properties which allow their use in a large number of food or cosmetic products, the development of tools for electronics or the biomedical sciences.

Coal plants can be a major source of mutagenic pollutants. In this study we used the common land snail Helix aspersa, to detect the mutagenic effect of pollution from a coal plant in central Italy applying the micronucleus test (MN) on snail's haemocytes and evaluating trace elements concentration (As Cd, Pb, Hg, and Zn) in soil and snails. Snails from a biological farm were exposed for 13 days in five locations at different distances from the plant. Wild snails collected in the same locations were also analysed. MN frequency in exposed snails was significantly higher in four locations within 10 km from to the plant, with respect to the control and the farthest location. Comparing the MN frequency between farmed and wild snails, a significantly higher frequency emerged for the exposed snails in all locations except the farthest, likely indicating adaptation or selection of the wild organisms due to chronic exposure to pollutants. In natural snails significantly higher MN frequencies with near the plant emerged as well. Trace elements analysis showed significant correlations between MN frequencies and both Zn and As concentrations in soil, for both exposed and wild snails, and Zn and Pb concentrations in exposed snails. Our results were consistent with those previously obtained when evaluating primary DNA damage in natural snails from the same area and show that the snails near the plant were affected by a permanent cytogenetic damage. Moreover, they confirm the suitability of snails for biomonitoring the presence of pollutants with mutagenic effect.

Revisión taxonómica de tres taxones de geomítridos ibéricos, Helix montserratensis Hidalgo, 1870, y subespecies (Gastropoda, Pulmonata), basada en datos morfo–anatómicos Helix montserratensis (actualmente Xerocrassa montserratensis) es un geomítrido ibérico descrito por Hidalgo en 1870 en Montserrat (Barcelona, España). Sobre la base de varios caracteres conquiológicos, se describieron dos taxones muy similares, como variedades de este taxón: Helix montserratensis betulonensis y otro menos nombrado, Helix montserratensis delicatula. Estas variedades, sobre todo betulonensis, se han considerado subespecies de X. montserratensis, aunque algunos autores las consideran especies diferentes, basándose en los datos anatómicos del aparato reproductor obtenidos de escasos ejemplares. Hemos revisado el material tipo y otras muestras procedentes de localidades donde se considera que están presentes los tres taxones tratados. Se han estudiado con detalle las características morfo–anatómicas de la concha y el aparato reproductor de los ejemplares. Los resultados obtenidos nos permiten aclarar el estatus taxonómico de X. betulonensis y de X. m. delicatula, que corresponden en realidad a X. montserratensis, y que deben ser consideradas sinónimos posteriores de esta especie. Finalmente, se vuelve a describir la concha de X. montserratensis y se muestra el mapa de sudistribución geográfica., Helix montserratensis (currently Xerocrassa montserratensis) is an Iberian geomitrid described by Hidalgo in 1870 from Montserrat (Barcelona, Spain). Two very similar taxa were described as varieties of this taxon based only on conchological characters: Helix montserratensis betulonensis and a less known taxon, Helix montserratensis delicatula. These varieties, especially betulonensis, were considered for a long time as subspecies of X. montserratensis, although some authors upgraded them to the rank of species based on anatomical data of the reproductive system in a few specimens. We review the type specimens and other samples of the three taxa collected at several localities where the three referred taxa are considered present. The morpho–anatomical characteristics of the shell and the reproductive system were studied in detail. The results allow us to clarify the taxonomic status of X. betulonensis and X. m. delicatula as X. montserratensis, indicating they should be considered junior synonyms of this species. Finally, the shell is redescribed and a map is provided showing the geographical distribution of X. montserratensis.

Standard and new snail baits were evaluated for the control of the brown garden snail, Helix aspersa Miiller in a vineyard. As a ground treatment, the proprietary bait Sluggem (carbaryl/metaldehyde) gave satisfactory control, whereas Mesurol (methiocarb) bait or Mesurol (methiocarb) wettable powder mixed with bran and water were less successful. The new proprietary bait formulation, Suprasnail (metaldehyde), was effective on the ground and arboreally (on the arms of the vine).

A field trial was carried out to evaluate chemicals for toxicity to Helix aspersa Miiller on vines. The comparison of treatments was complicated by major inequalities of snail counts. A weighted logistic regression method was, therefore, employed to identify significant differences among treatments. The highest percentage kill was obtained with metaldehyde applied as a paste onto each vine cordon. Copper sulphate spray at 5% and 10% strength gave comparable kill rates but was phytotoxic to the vegetative parts of the vine and consequently should be further evaluated as treatments restricted to the trunk of the vine only. Alphamethrin, azinphos-methyl and metaldehyde were unsatisfactory as sprays.

The spermatozoon of the Carib grackle, Quiscalus lugubris, a member of the family Icteridae, is generally similar in organization to the passerine-type of spermatozoon, in being highly elongated and displaying a helical structure of the acrosome, nucleus and principal piece of the tail. There are subtle variations in acrosomal structural features between this organelle in the grackle and that in some of the very few passerine species of birds in which the spermatozoon has been studied. The proximal centriole is present, and, thus, the Carib grackle is the third passeridan bird in which this organelle, hitherto regarded as absent in passerine birds, has been described in the spermatozoon. The spermatozoon of this bird also possesses a granular helix, which feature has been found variably even in the scanty available reports on passerine spermatozoa. It is advocated that the spermatozoon be studied in many more species of this large clade of birds. This report provides a basis for the study of spermiogenesis in the Carib grackle, with the aim of exposing, inter alia, a number of developmental features and processes of certain organelles that have received attention, recently, in the spermatozoa of passerine birds.

Extinction and its related phenomena are central to the study and development of associative learning theory. For a better understanding of the processes involved in extinction, it is important to know how general these phenomena are in different species. Extensive evidence of extinction in invertebrate species would be necessary in order to test the generality of its current theoretical and physiological accounts. We carried out three sets of experiments using terrestrial snails Helix aspersa. The repeated nonreinforced presentation of the conditioned stimulus (CS) resulted in a decrease in responding (extinction); the introduction of a delay between the extinction of a CS and its test produced an increase in responding (spontaneous recovery); and re-exposure to the unconditioned stimulus after extinction also led to an increase in responding (reinstatement). The results are discussed in relation to current interference theories of extinction.

A comparative study was conducted to evaluate haemagglutination potential in the haemolymph of two species of giant African land snails (Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina). Three liveweight groups of snails (100 g, 101-150 g and150 g) were used with 4 replicates per liveweight per species for haemagglutination assay (HA). The effect of aestivation on haemagglutination potential was also evaluated. Erythrocytes (2%) from cattle, sheep, goat and chicken were used for HA assay. Results showed that agglutinin-like substances that agglutinate erythrocytes of sheep, goat, cattle and chicken were present in the haemolymph of the two species of giant African land snails. Effect of species was found to be significant (P0.001) on haemagglutination titre. Haemolymph of A. marginata, had higher haemagglutination titre than that of A. achatina across the three liveweight groups used in this study. Snail liveweight had no significant effect (P0.05) on agglutinin content of the haemolymph in both species. Agglutination level depended on the source of erythrocyte used. Sheep erythrocyte recorded the highest haemagglutination titre, followed by goat, cattle, and chicken in that order. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence that Giant African land snails (GALS) haemolymph contain agglutinins as previously reported for Helix species. This evidence may be the basis for its survivability in the wild and thus establish the use of GALS for African herbal medicinal applications.

Microplastics (MPs) are widely recognized as pollutants of the marine environment, while their presence, diffusion and distribution in the terrestrial ecosystem have been investigated so far. The aim of this study is to evaluate, for the first time, the presence of microplastics in three different species of edible snails belonging to the genus Helix (H. aperta, H. aspersa and H. pomatia) in order to improve the knowledge about the distribution of MPs in the terrestrial ecosystem, and the consequent MPs human exposure deriving from their consumption. Their breeding techniques, the frequent response in rural areas close to agricultural activities and their food behavior, suggest us that they can be exposed to the main contamination sources of MPs in terrestrial ecosystem. A total of 425 specimens were collected in nature or in breeding and divided in 85 samples (5 snails for each sample). All the specimens belonging to the H. aspersa (44 samples) and H. pomatia (4 samples) were in active life phase, while those belonging to the H. aperta (37 samples) species were in resting phase. The digestion of the samples was carried out through the nitric acid and a stereomicroscope was used for the physical identification of MPs. Out of 85 samples of snails examined, 44 (51.75%) presented MPs. A total of 78 MPs were isolated, ranging from 1 to 3 in each sample, with a mean value of 0.92 ± 1.21 particles/sample and an amount of 0.07 ± 0.01 MPs/g. Among these 78 MPs, 43 were plastic line with variable length between 200 μm and 2500 μm and the remaining 35 plastic fragments, whose longest lengths varied between 200 μm and 1000 μm. Although the quantity of MPs/g found is relatively low, in any case their presence in terrestrial snails contributes to the risk assessment of human exposure deriving from their consumption.