Chagas Disease: A Silent Threat for Dogs and Humans.

Chagas disease (CD) is a vector-borne Neglected Zoonotic Disease (NZD) caused by a flagellate protozoan, Trypanosoma cruzi, that affects various mammalian species across America, including humans and domestic animals. However, due to an increase in population movements and new routes of transmission, T. cruzi infection is presently considered a worldwide health concern, no longer restricted to endemic countries. Dogs play a major role in the domestic cycle by acting very efficiently as reservoirs and allowing the perpetuation of parasite transmission in endemic areas. Despite the significant progress made in recent years, still there is no vaccine against human and animal disease, there are few drugs available for the treatment of human CD, and there is no standard protocol for the treatment of canine CD. In this review, we highlight human and canine Chagas Disease in its different dimensions and interconnections. Dogs, which are considered to be the most important peridomestic reservoir and sentinel for the transmission of T. cruzi infection in a community, develop CD that is clinically similar to human CD. Therefore, an integrative approach, based on the One Health concept, bringing together the advances in genomics, immunology, and epidemiology can lead to the effective development of vaccines, new treatments, and innovative control strategies to tackle CD.

Exploiting Leishmania-Primed Dendritic Cells as Potential Immunomodulators of Canine Immune Response.

Dendritic cells (DCs) capture pathogens and process antigens, playing a crucial role in activating naïve T cells, bridging the gap between innate and acquired immunity. However, little is known about DC activation when facing Leishmania parasites. Thus, this study investigates in vitro activity of canine peripheral blood-derived DCs (moDCs) exposed to L. infantum and L. amazonensis parasites and their extracellular vesicles (EVs). L. infantum increased toll-like receptor 4 gene expression in synergy with nuclear factor κB activation and the generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This parasite also induced the expression of class II molecules of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and upregulated co-stimulatory molecule CD86, which, together with the release of chemokine CXCL16, can attract and help in T lymphocyte activation. In contrast, L. amazonensis induced moDCs to generate a mix of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, indicating that this parasite can establish a different immune relationship with DCs. EVs promoted moDCs to express class I MHC associated with the upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules and the release of CXCL16, suggesting that EVs can modulate moDCs to attract cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Thus, these parasites and their EVs can shape DC activation. A detailed understanding of DC activation may open new avenues for the development of advanced leishmaniasis control strategies.

Introducing a Neuroscience-Based Assessment Instrument: Development and Psychometric Study of the Neural Networks Symptomatology Inventory.

Background: Neuroscience research methods contribute to the understanding of the underlying neural impairments associated with psychopathology. Previous research suggested that impairments in Default Mode Network, Fronto-Parietal Executive Network, Amygdaloid-Hippocampal Memory Network, and Attentional Salience Network are present in different psychopathological symptoms. However, a self-report measure based on this evidence is lacking. Aims: Therefore, the present study describes the development and preliminary psychometric study of the Neural Network Symptomatology Inventory (NNSI). Method: Two different samples were recruited (sample 1: N = 214, Mage = 21.0, SD = 7.10; sample 2: N = 194, Mage = 21.5, SD = 8.41) and responded to self-report instruments in a cross-sectional design. Standard methodologies to scale development and psychometric study were applied: Item development, Exploratory (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Pearson correlations. Results: EFA and CFA suggested a 4-factor model with adequate goodness-of-fit indices (χ2(449) = 808,9841, TLI = .89, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .048 (.042-.053). All NNSI subscales correlated positively with psychopathological domains and correlated negatively with psychological well-being. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that NNSI may be a valid instrument to assess symptomatology associated with complex neural network impairments. Nevertheless, further research is required to deepen and improve NNSI psychometric characteristics.

Detection and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in dairy calves in Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Portugal.

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite with worldwide distribution, infecting a wide range of hosts with some zoonotic species. Calves have been identified as one of the most common reservoirs of this parasite. However, little is known about the genetics of Cryptosporidium in calves in Portugal. This study aimed to molecularly characterize infections of Cryptosporidium in pre-weaned calves from the Lisbon and Tagus Valley (LTV) in Portugal. Fifty-two samples were collected from calves from eight dairy and two beef farms in LTV, Portugal. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected by Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining (MZN) and direct immunofluorescent assay (DFA). MZN and DFA revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in 40.4% (21/52) and 67.3% (35/52) samples, respectively. Positive samples were analyzed by PCR-RFLP of the 18 s rRNA gene for species identification. DNA amplification of the 18S rRNA gene was successful for 88.6% (31/35) of samples. Cryptosporidium parvum was identified in 96.8% (30/31) of the samples, and from one sample Cryptosporidium bovis was identified. Cryptosporidium parvum positive samples were subtyped by sequencing the PCR product of a partial fragment of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Subtype analysis of the C. parvum isolates revealed that all isolates belonged to subtype family IIa. Four subtypes were recognized within this subtype family, including the hyper-transmissible IIaA15G2R1 subtype that is the most frequently reported worldwide (27/30), IIaA14G2R1 (1/30), IIaA16G2R1 (1/30) and IIaA19G2R1 (1/30). To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. bovis, and C. parvum subtypes IIaA14G2R1 and IIaA19G2R1 in cattle in LTV, Portugal. The presence of the zoonotic C. parvum subtype in this study suggests that pre-weaned calves are likely to be a significant reservoir of zoonotic C. parvum, highlighting the importance of animal-to-human infection transmission risk. Further molecular studies are required to better understand the epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in Portugal.

Competitive adsorption of acetaminophen and caffeine onto activated Tingui biochar: characterization, modeling, and mechanisms.

Tingui biochar (TB) activated with potassium hydroxide (TB-KOH) was synthesized in the present study. The adsorption capacity of TB-KOH was evaluated for the removal of acetaminophen and caffeine in monocomponent and bicomponent solutions. As a result, the study of the TB-KOH characterization as well as the adsorption kinetics, isotherm, thermodynamics, and a suggestion of the global adsorption mechanism are presented. TB-KOH was characterized through physical-chemical analysis to understand its surface morphology and how it contributes to the adsorption of these drugs. Furthermore, modelling using advanced statistical physical models was performed to describe how acetaminophen and caffeine molecules are adsorbed in the active sites of TB-KOH. Through the characterizations, it was observed that the activation with KOH contributed to the development of porosity and functional groups (-OH, C-O, and C = O) on the surface of TB. The monocomponent adsorption equilibrium was reached in 90 min with a maximum adsorption capacity of 424.7 and 350.8 mg g-1 for acetaminophen and caffeine, respectively. For the bicomponent solution adsorption, the maximum adsorption capacity was 199.4 and 297.5 mg g-1 for acetaminophen and caffeine, respectively. The isotherm data was best fitted to the Sips model, and the thermodynamic study indicated that acetaminophen removal was endothermic, while caffeine removal was exothermic. The mechanism of adsorption of acetaminophen and caffeine by TB-KOH was described by the involvement of hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions between the surface of TB-KOH and the molecules of the contaminants.

Predicting the distribution of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus in Europe: a comparison of climate niche modelling approaches.

BACKGROUND: The ticks Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus are two of the most important vectors in Europe. Climate niche modelling has been used in many studies to attempt to explain their distribution and to predict changes under a range of climate change scenarios. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of different climate niche modelling approaches to explain the known distribution of I. ricinus and D. reticulatus in Europe. METHODS: A series of climate niche models, using different combinations of input data, were constructed and assessed. Species occurrence records obtained from systematic literature searches and Global Biodiversity Information Facility data were thinned to different degrees to remove sampling spatial bias. Four sources of climate data were used: bioclimatic variables, WorldClim, TerraClimate and MODIS satellite-derived data. Eight different model training extents were examined and three modelling frameworks were used: maximum entropy, generalised additive models and random forest models. The results were validated through internal cross-validation, comparison with an external independent dataset and expert opinion. RESULTS: The performance metrics and predictive ability of the different modelling approaches varied significantly within and between each species. Different combinations were better able to define the distribution of each of the two species. However, no single approach was considered fully able to capture the known distribution of the species. When considering the mean of the performance metrics of internal and external validation, 24 models for I. ricinus and 11 models for D. reticulatus of the 96 constructed were considered adequate according to the following criteria: area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve > 0.7; true skill statistic > 0.4; Miller's calibration slope 0.25 above or below 1; Boyce index > 0.9; omission rate < 0.15. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive analysis suggests that there is no single 'best practice' climate modelling approach to account for the distribution of these tick species. This has important implications for attempts to predict climate-mediated impacts on future tick distribution. It is suggested here that climate variables alone are not sufficient; habitat type, host availability and anthropogenic impacts, not included in current modelling approaches, could contribute to determining tick presence or absence at the local or regional scale.

Current management and future challenges in salivary glands cancer.

Salivary gland cancers (SGCs) are rare, accounting for less than 5% of all malignancies of the head and neck region, and are morphologically heterogeneous. The diagnosis is mainly based on histology, with the complementary aid of molecular profiling, which is helpful in recognizing some poorly differentiated, borderline, or atypical lesions. Instrumental imaging defines the diagnosis, representing a remarkable tool in the treatment plan. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance are the most common procedures used to describe the primary tumour. The treatment of SGCs is multimodal and consists of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy; each treatment plan is, however, featured on the patient and disease's characteristics. On 24 June 2022, in the meeting "Current management and future challenges in salivary gland cancers" many experts in this field discussed the state of the art of SGCs research, the future challenges and developments. After the meeting, the same pool of experts maintained close contact to keep these data further updated in the conference proceedings presented here. This review collects the insights and suggestions that emerged from the discussion during and after the meeting per se.

Brief Form of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: Preliminary Psychometric Properties in a European Portuguese Community Sample.

Personality theory based on affective neuroscience research suggests the presence of seven affective neurobiological systems. These dimensions have been identified using psychometric instruments such as the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS) and its brief version known as the Brief Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (BANPS). Despite being a psychometric valid instrument, the BANPS was not adapted to European Portuguese. This study describes a psychometric analysis of the BANPS in a Portuguese population sample. A European Portuguese-speaking sample was recruited (N = 355, Mage = 27.31, DP = 12.75). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the BANPS factorial structure. Pearson correlations were used to explore convergent validity with self-reports for psychological distress and psychopathology. Six factor model was confirmed with adequate goodness-of-fit indices (χ2(449) = 808,9841, TLI = .90, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .048 (.042-.053). Non-agreeable affective systems (anger, fear, distress), correlated positively with psychological distress and symptomology, while play and care systems correlated negatively. Seek and care subscales showed the weakest psychometric properties. The original factor structure was confirmed, suggesting the BANPS may be a valid measure to assess affective behavioral traits in the Portuguese population. Further studies in clinical populations may improve the psychometric data of the BANPS.

Comprehensive molecular characterization of adenoid cystic carcinoma reveals tumor suppressors as novel drivers and prognostic biomarkers.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a MYB-driven head and neck malignancy with high rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis and poor long-term survival. New effective targeted therapies and clinically useful biomarkers for patient stratification are needed to improve ACC patient survival. Here, we present an integrated copy number and transcriptomic analysis of ACC to identify novel driver genes and prognostic biomarkers. A total of 598 ACCs were studied. Clinical follow-up was available from 366 patients, the largest cohort analyzed to date. Copy number losses of 1p36 (70/492; 14%) and of the tumor suppressor gene PARK2 (6q26) (85/343; 25%) were prognostic biomarkers; patients with concurrent losses (n = 20) had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than those with one or no deletions (p < 0.0001). Deletion of 1p36 independently predicted short OS in multivariate analysis (p = 0.02). Two pro-apoptotic genes, TP73 and KIF1B, were identified as putative 1p36 tumor suppressor genes whose reduced expression was associated with poor survival and increased resistance to apoptosis. PARK2 expression was markedly reduced in tumors with 6q deletions, and PARK2 knockdown increased spherogenesis and decreased apoptosis, indicating that PARK2 is a tumor suppressor in ACC. Moreover, analysis of the global gene expression pattern in 30 ACCs revealed a transcriptomic signature associated with short OS, multiple copy number alterations including 1p36 deletions, and reduced expression of TP73. Taken together, the results indicate that TP73 and PARK2 are novel putative tumor suppressor genes and potential prognostic biomarkers in ACC. Our studies provide new important insights into the pathogenesis of ACC. The results have important implications for biomarker-driven stratification of patients in clinical trials. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

Insights on Host-Parasite Immunomodulation Mediated by Extracellular Vesicles of Cutaneous Leishmania shawi and Leishmania guyanensis.

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by different species of Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of sand flies vector. Macrophages (MΦ), the target cells of Leishmania parasites, are phagocytes that play a crucial role in the innate immune microbial defense and are antigen-presenting cells driving the activation of the acquired immune response. Exploring parasite-host communication may be key in restraining parasite dissemination in the host. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute a group of heterogenous cell-derived membranous structures, naturally produced by all cells and with immunomodulatory potential over target cells. This study examined the immunogenic potential of EVs shed by L. shawi and L. guyanensis in MΦ activation by analyzing the dynamics of major histocompatibility complex (MHC), innate immune receptors, and cytokine generation. L. shawi and L. guyanensis EVs were incorporated by MΦ and modulated innate immune receptors, indicating that EVs cargo can be recognized by MΦ sensors. Moreover, EVs induced MΦ to generate a mix of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and favored the expression of MHCI molecules, suggesting that EVs antigens can be present to T cells, activating the acquired immune response of the host. Since nano-sized vesicles can be used as vehicles of immune mediators or immunomodulatory drugs, parasitic EVs can be exploited by bioengineering approaches for the development of efficient prophylactic or therapeutic tools for leishmaniasis.

Evidence of Strong Guest-Host Interactions in Simvastatin Loaded in Mesoporous Silica MCM-41.

A rational design of drug delivery systems requires in-depth knowledge not only of the drug itself, in terms of physical state and molecular mobility, but also of how it is distributed among a carrier and its interactions with the host matrix. In this context, this work reports the behavior of simvastatin (SIM) loaded in mesoporous silica MCM-41 matrix (average pore diameter ~3.5 nm) accessed by a set of experimental techniques, evidencing that it exists in an amorphous state (X-ray diffraction, ssNMR, ATR-FTIR, and DSC). The most significant fraction of SIM molecules corresponds to a high thermal resistant population, as shown by thermogravimetry, and which interacts strongly with the MCM silanol groups, as revealed by ATR-FTIR analysis. These findings are supported by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations predicting that SIM molecules anchor to the inner pore wall through multiple hydrogen bonds. This anchored molecular fraction lacks a calorimetric and dielectric signature corresponding to a dynamically rigid population. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry showed a weak glass transition that is shifted to lower temperatures compared to bulk amorphous SIM. This accelerated molecular population is coherent with an in-pore fraction of molecules distinct from bulklike SIM, as highlighted by MD simulations. MCM-41 loading proved to be a suitable strategy for a long-term stabilization (at least three years) of simvastatin in the amorphous form, whose unanchored population releases at a much higher rate compared to the crystalline drug dissolution. Oppositely, the surface-attached molecules are kept entrapped inside pores even after long-term release assays.

The potential role of scavenging flies as mechanical vectors of Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2.

The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations of the Iberian Peninsula have been severely affected by the emergence of the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) Lagovirus europaeus/GI.2 (RHDV2/b). Bushflies and blowflies (Muscidae and Calliphoridae families, respectively) are important RHDV vectors in Oceania, but their epidemiological role is unknown in the native range of the European rabbit. In this study, scavenging flies were collected between June 2018 and February 2019 in baited traps at one site in southern Portugal, alongside a longitudinal capture-mark-recapture study of a wild European rabbit population, aiming to provide evidence of mechanical transmission of GI.2 by flies. Fly abundance, particularly from Calliphoridae and Muscidae families, peaked in October 2018 and in February 2019. By employing molecular tools, we were able to detect the presence of GI.2 in flies belonging to the families Calliphoridae, Muscidae, Fanniidae and Drosophilidae. The positive samples were detected during an RHD outbreak and absent in samples collected when no evidence of viral circulation in the local rabbit population was found. We were able to sequence a short viral genomic fragment, confirming its identity as RHDV GI.2. The results suggest that scavenging flies may act as mechanical vectors of GI.2 in the native range of the southwestern Iberian subspecies O. cuniculus algirus. Future studies should better assess their potential in the epidemiology of RHD and as a tool for monitoring viral circulation in the field.

Morphological and Molecular Identification of Physaloptera alata (Nematoda: Spirurida) in a Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata) from Portugal.

Physaloptera spp. are parasitic nematodes that infect the gastrointestinal tracts of many carnivores and omnivores. Although they are distributed worldwide, Physaloptera spp. have not been studied in raptors in Portugal. In this study, we report Physaloptera alata in a booted eagle (Aquila pennata) in Portugal. Adult nematodes were discovered in the gizzard of a young booted eagle, and morphological features were consistent with those of the genus Physaloptera. DNA was extracted and a PCR assay performed to amplify a region of the 18S small subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. The resulting PCR products were Sanger-sequenced, and comparison with the available sequences in the GenBank database confirmed the initial morphological classification as Physaloptera sp. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the sequence within the Physaloptera group. The presence of this parasite in raptors from Portugal is of particular importance to wildlife rehabilitation centers, disease ecologists, and wildlife professionals. Furthermore, we produced a new genetic sequence and have added it to the GenBank database of parasites in birds of prey.

Exploring relationships between executive functions and maladaptive cyclical patterns in a transdiagnostic sample.

Executive functions are described as a set of neurocognitive processes underlying human mental processing, while maladaptive cyclical patterns are the dysfunctional psychological elements associated with psychological distress and symptomatology that tend to be recurrent. Both psychological constructs tend to be studied by different scientific fields and with different methods which limits a coherent theoretical integration. Therefore, the present study aims to explore the relationships between executive functions and maladaptive cyclical patterns. A sample was gathered (N = 96, Mage = 20.78, SD = 4.63), and completed several self-report questionnaires along with several neuropsychological tests for the assessment of executive functions. Results showed that behavioral inhibition correlated negatively with maladaptive cyclical patterns while cognitive inflexibility correlated positively. Regression analysis showed that behavioral inhibition, psychological inflexibility, and recurring states of mind predicted emotional processing difficulties. These results emphasize previous assumptions that a difference between self-report questionnaires and behavioral tasks may limit the integrated study of psychological and neurocognitive processes.

Valorisation of spent tire rubber as carbon adsorbents for Pb(II) and W(VI) in the framework of a Circular Economy.

Spent tire rubber-derived chars and their corresponding H3PO4 and CO2-activated chars were used as adsorbents in the recovery of Pb(II) ion and (W(VI)) oxyanion from synthetic solutions. The developed chars (both raw and activated) were thoroughly characterized to have insight about their textural and surface chemistry properties. H3PO4-activated chars presented lower surface areas than the raw chars and an acidic surface chemistry which affected the performance of these samples as they showed the lowest removals of the metallic ions. On the other hand, CO2-activated chars presented increased surface areas and increased mineral content compared to the raw chars, having presented higher uptake capacities for both Pb(II) (103-116 mg/g) and W(VI) (27-31 mg/g) ions. Cation exchange with Ca, Mg and Zn ions was appointed as a mechanism for Pb removal, as well as surface precipitation in the form of hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2). W(VI) adsorption might have been ruled by strong electrostatic attractions between the negatively charged tungstate species and the highly positively charged carbons' surface.The results shown in this work allow concluding that the valorisation of spent tire rubber through pyrolysis and the subsequent activation of the obtained chars is an alternative and a feasible option to generate adsorbent materials with a high uptake capacity of critical metallic elements.

A new definitive host for Moniliformis cestodiformis (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae): first report of a naturally infected European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus).

European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), are small mammals found in western Europe and also in parts of northern Europe. They can be seen in rural, suburban and urban areas, but are usually found in grassland with edge habitats. These animals are omnivorous and serve as definitive or paratenic hosts for several parasites, including acanthocephalans (phylum Acanthocephala). During necropsy of a European hedgehog, a single adult parasite was collected from the intestinal lumen and preserved in 70% ethanol. After morphological evaluation of the specimen, it was identified as Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). This is the first report of M. cestodiformis in a European hedgehog, as well as in Europe. More epidemiological studies need to be carried out to map the location and prevalence of this parasite in Portugal and the European continent.

Rearrangements, Expression, and Clinical Significance of MYB and MYBL1 in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: A Multi-Institutional Study.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive head and neck malignancy characterized by a t (6;9) translocation resulting in an MYB-NFIB gene fusion or, more rarely, an MYBL1 fusion. The true frequency and clinical significance of these alterations are still unclear. Here, we have used tissue microarrays and analyzed 391 ACCs and 647 non-ACC salivary neoplasms to study the prevalence, expression, and clinical significance of MYB/MYBL1 alterations by FISH and immunohistochemistry. Alterations of MYB or MYBL1 were found in 78% of the cases, of which 62% had MYB alterations and 16% had MYBL1 rearrangements. Overexpression of MYB/MYBL1 oncoproteins was detected in 93% of the cases. MYB split signal, seen in 39% of the cases, was specific for ACC and not encountered in non-ACC salivary tumors. Loss of the 3'-part of MYB was enriched in grade 3 tumors and was a significant independent prognostic biomarker for overall survival in multivariate analyses. We hypothesize that loss of the 3'-part of MYB results from an unbalanced t(6;9) leading to an MYB-NFIB fusion with concomitant loss of the segment distal to the MYB breakpoint in 6q23.3. Our study provides new knowledge about the prevalence and clinical significance of MYB/MYBL1 alterations and indicates the presence of genes with tumor suppressive functions in 6q23.3-qter that contribute to poor prognosis and short overall survival in ACC.

Basal Cell Adenoma and Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma: a 50-year Experience From a Single Institution.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell adenoma (BCA) and adenocarcinoma (BCAd) are two of the least frequent salivary gland tumors. We describe the largest series of these neoplasms, spanning over a period of 50 years (1970-2020), diagnosed and treated in a single Institution. METHODS: Sixty-eight cases were identified. Clinical and pathological data were collected and correlated with outcome. RESULTS: Forty-one BCA and 27 BCAd were identified. BCA cases had almost pristine prognosis, with only a relapse in a tumor inadequately excised. Ten patients with BCAd developed metastases, and 14 died from the disease. The 2-year and 5-year survival was of 76% and 42%. CONCLUSIONS: The importance of adequate excision is reinforced in BCA, with no recurrences occurring when margins were negative. Contrary to previous reports, BCAd was not associated with a good prognosis. A better understanding of the genetics of these neoplasms may identify therapeutic options when dealing with inoperable or metastatic disease.

Size does matter: intraspecific geometric morphometric analysis of wings of the blowfly Chrysomya albiceps (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Blowflies have forensic, sanitary and veterinary importance, as well as being pollinators, parasitoids and ecological bioindicators. There is still little work with real data and from experiments assessing the relationship between blowflies' morphologic features and environmental and demographic factors. The present work tests whether the variation, in the shape and size, of Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) wings is influenced by the following factors: 1) time; 2) temperature; 3) sex and; 4) different types of carcasses (pig, dog/cat and whale). Male and female wings from four different sites collected in six different years were used to obtain wing size and shape of C. albiceps. Analyses between wing shape and the variables tested had low explanatory power, even though they had statistical support. However, it was possible to identify differences in wing shape between males and females, with good returns in sex identification. The comparison between wing size and the variables tested showed that wing size has a negative relationship with temperature, significant differences between sexes, slight variation over time and no influence by carcass types. Furthermore, wing size influenced wing shape. Understanding population-specific characteristics of C. albiceps provide important insights about how the species reacts under specific conditions.