Ecological succession of blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the decomposition of pig carcasses in Cerrado areas of Brazil.

This research aims to describe the process of ecological succession by associating the decomposition stages of pig carcasses with flies from the Calliphoridae family (Diptera). For this, 6 pig carcasses were exposed in Maranhão's Cerrado, utilizing metal cages with sawdust trays to catch immature specimens and "suspended traps" to capture adults. Adults of the Hemilucilia benoisti Séguy, and Hemilucilia townsendi Shannon species were only associated with the swelling stage. Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) was associated with 2 stages (black putrefaction and fermentation). The species Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau-Desvoidy), Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann), Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann) were associated with 4 of the 5 stages of decomposition, the latter being the only 1 associated with the initial stage. The larvae abandoned the carcasses to pupate from the second stage of decomposition, with L. eximia being the only 1 leaving the carcasses in the swelling stage, and C. albiceps the only 1 associated with both the fermentation and dry stages. Our findings indicate that calliphorid species can help forensic investigators estimine the post-mortem interval of cadavers in situations similar to those detailed in this study. Since there was a link between adult and immature species and certain stages, they can be used as indicators in future forensic investigations.

Trap and bait efficiency for catching Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae (Insecta, Diptera) at different heights.

The influence of food types, reproductive behaviour, and the existence of a possible stratification to the attractiveness of Calliphoridae and Mesembrinellidae flies may contribute to the definition of collection methodologies. Thus, we assessed the effectiveness of traps with two bait types exposed at two different heights in the forests for collecting the aforementioned families. Traps were exposed in the Amazon rainforest floodplain area, where 40 traps were installed in 20 trees, in three periods of the year. On each tree, one trap was installed at 0.6 m and the other at 10 m above the ground, with either bovine lung or fermented banana. A total of 1,173 individuals were collected, including 10 species of Calliphoridae (962 individuals) and four species of Mesembrinellidae (211 individuals). Of the total in each family, Calliphoridae was most abundant in 0.6m lung bait traps (41%) and Mesembrinellidae in the 0.6 m banana bait traps (29%). Calliphoridae showed greater species richness, abundance, and differentiation in composition in low traps with lung as bait. In conclusion, only dipteran species from Calliphoridae have been affected and responded the collection methodologies employed of we, which may highlight remarkable differences in collection and subsequent data interpretation of inventories and monitoring using these insects.

Diversity of Necrophagous Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae, Mesembrinellidae, and Sarcophagidae) in Anthropogenic and Preserved Environments of Five Different Phytophysiognomies in Northeastern Brazil.

The present study investigated the potential association between the richness and abundance of species of the dipteran families Calliphoridae, Mesembrinellidae, and Sarcophagidae in anthropogenic and preserved environments of five phytophysiognomies (Cerrado, Amazon forest, Palm forest, marshland, and mangrove) that occur throughout the state of Maranhão, in northeastern Brazil. We sampled 90 sites (45 preserved and 45 anthropogenic areas) where we collected 26,036 specimens: 15,023 calliphorids (11 species), 231 mesembrinellids (one species), and 10,772 sarcophagids (52 species). Four environmental factors, canopy openness, temperature, leaf litter depth, and vegetation height, contributed most to the separation of preserved and anthropogenic sites in all five phytophysiognomies. Leaf litter depth was positively associated with the species richness of the calliphorids and mesembrinellids (C+ M group), while tree/shrub density, vegetation height, and temperature were associated negatively with the richness of the sarcophagids. Tree/shrub density and vegetation height were also associated negatively with abundance in both C+M and sarcophagid species. Overall, then, the structural characteristics of the environment affected the species richness and abundance, and deforestation may favor certain synanthropic species, leading to a decrease in the richness and abundance of the species that are adapted to preserved environments.

Revision of Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, 1934 (Diptera: Sarcophagidae).

Nephochaetopteryx Townsend, 1934 is a genus of flesh flies predominantly Neotropical in distribution, which comprises small species (4.0-7.3 mm) characterized mainly by vein R1 fully setulose dorsally and wing usually fumose between apical part of vein R2+3 and vein C. The taxonomic revision of the genus resulted in 39 valid species, of which 12 are new to science: N. boruca sp. nov., N. canga sp. nov., N. coendu sp. nov., N. cuzco sp. nov., N. equatoriana sp. nov., N. inca sp. nov., N. lamasi sp. nov., N. matinta sp. nov., N. psittacocercus sp. nov., N. sofiae sp. nov., N. similis sp. nov. and N. tembe sp. nov. Nephochaetopteryx shannoni Dodge, 1968 is a junior synonym of N. flavipalpis Lopes, 1936, syn. nov. and N. linharensis Tibana Santos 1997 is a junior synonym of N. pallidifacies Lopes 1975, syn. nov. A key to the males of all valid species is given, as well as detailed illustrations of the male terminalia.

Agromyzidae (Diptera: Schizophora) in the state of Pará: new species and new records in Brazil.

We here report 35 Agromyzidae species and their associations with host-plants in the state of Pará. We describe the new species Ophiomyia falcifera sp. nov. and Phytomyza varronivora sp. nov. Eleven species, and the genera Phytomyza Fallén and Pseudonapomyza Hendel, are reported for the first time in Brazil.

The genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) in the Brazilian Amazon: a new species, new records, descriptions of female terminalia and key to species.

Flesh flies of the genus Peckia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 were studied from the Brazilian Amazon region. The male terminalia of all species are illustrated. The female terminalia are described and illustrated for all species for which the female is known. The female terminalia of six species are described for the first time; those of seven species are redescribed and documented through new illustrations. A new species of the subgenus Pattonella Enderlein, 1928, Peckia (Pattonella) juruti sp. nov., is described. It is similar to Peckia (Pattonella) smarti (Lopes, 1941) in the shape of the cercus and distiphallus, but differs in the shape of the gonites, juxta and capitis. Peckia (Peckia) hillifera (Aldrich, 1916) is recorded from Brazil for the first time; Peckia (Euboettcheria) florencioi (Prado Fonseca, 1932) is newly reported for the Brazilian Amazon. A key to the 21 species of Peckia so far recorded from the Brazilian Amazon is provided, allowing the identification of both sexes where known. The females of only five of these species remain unknown.

New species and new records of Calycomyza Hendel (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Brazil.

Two new species and a new record of Calycomyza Hendel are described for the Brazilian Amazon: Calycomyza rolandrae sp. nov. and Calycomyza dryas sp. nov. This is the first time we recorded Calycomyza hyptisicola Spencer and Calycomyza richardsi (Spencer) in Brazil. These species can be distinguished by the structure of the male terminalia, but the female terminalia can be an important taxonomic character, especially the ninth abdominal sternite, ninth abdominal tergite and the marginal seta.

A new species and new records of Oxysarcodexia Townsend (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from Brazil

Abstract Oxysarcodexia cocais sp. nov. from Brazil is described and illustrated based on male specimens collected in a babassu palm forest in the state of Maranhão. The remarkable elongated surstylus (as long as cercus) and U-shaped male sternite 5 distinguishes the new species from other species in the genus. In addition, Oxysarcodexia nitidaSoares & Mello-Patiu, 2010 is recorded for the first time from Brazil, and Oxysarcodexia adunca Lopes, 1975 is a new record from the Brazilian Amazon.

Evaluating the Effects of Different Vegetation Types on Necrophagous Fly Communities (Diptera: Calliphoridae; Sarcophagidae): Implications for Conservation.

The present study was conducted in five different phytogeographic zones of the Brazilian state of Maranhão, three of which (the Amazon Forest, Cerrado, and Palm Groves) are more heterogeneous, whereas the other two (Marshlands and Mangroves) are more homogeneous. In each zone, nine sites were visited for the collection of necrophagous flies using bait traps in 2010, 2011, and 2012. The calliphorid and sarcophagid communities observed at each site were compared in terms of species richness, composition, and abundance. The more heterogeneous zones had higher species richness, except in the case of the sarcophagids in the forest habitats. The calliphorids Chloroprocta idioidea (Robineau- Desvoidy, 1830), Mesembrinella bicolor (Fabricius, 1805), Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani, 1850) and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann, 1819) were more closely associated with the Cerrado, Palm Grove and Amazon Forest zones, and Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 194) with the Mangrove. In the sarcophagids, Peckia (Euboettcheria) subducta (Lopes, 1935) and P. (Pattonella) palidipilosa (Curran & Walley, 1934) were associated with the Amazon Forest, and P. (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) and Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) occidua (Fabricius, 1794) with the Palm Grove and Cerrado zones. In the calliphorids, the greatest dissimilarity was recorded between the Amazon Forest and the Mangrove and Lowland grassland zones. In the sarcophagids, by contrast, the greatest dissimilarities were recorded between the Amazon Forest and all the other four zones. In general, then, the phytogeographic zones with the highest environmental heterogeneity were characterized by the greatest species richness and abundance of necrophagous flies.

Description of a nomen nudum species of Liriomyza Mik and the first record of Liriomyza blechi Spencer from Brazil (Insecta: Diptera: Agromyzidae).

The nomen nudum Liriomyza flagellae is formerly described in this paper as Liriomyza valladaresae sp. nov., based on male and female specimens collected in the Brazilian Amazon and reared from leaves of Alternanthera tenella and Amaranthus viridis (Amaranthaceae). Information on the puparium and the biology of this new species are provided. The species Liriomyza blechi, previously recorded from the U.S.A., Guadeloupe and Dominican Republic, is newly recorded from Brazil, reared from leaves of Blechum pyramidatum (Acanthaceae) and Spigelia anthelmia (Loganiaceae).

Genetic and Functional Analysis of Polymorphisms in the Human Dopamine Receptor and Transporter Genes in Small Cell Lung Cancer.

The regulatory role of dopamine (DA) in endocrine, cardiovascular and renal functions has been extensively studied and used for clinical purposes. More recently DA has been indicated as a regulatory molecule for immune cells and malignant cell proliferation. We assessed the expression and the functional role DA, DA receptors, and transporters in primary small cell lung cancer (SCLC). By HPLC DA plasma levels were more elevated in SCLC patients in comparison with NSCLC patients and healthy controls. SCLC cell expressed DA D1- and D2-like receptors and membrane and vesicular transporters at protein and mRNA levels. We also investigated the effects of independent D1- or D2-like receptor stimulation on SCLC cell cultures. DA D1 receptor agonist SKF38393 induced the increase of cAMP levels and DARPP-32 protein expression without affecting SCLC growth rate. Cell treatment with the DA D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 inhibited SKF38393 effects. In contrast, the DA D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (10 µM) counteracted, in a dose and time dependent way, SCLC cell proliferation, it did not affect cAMP levels and decreased phosphorylated AKT that was induced by DA D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride. However, in only one SCLC line, stimulation of DA D2 receptor failed to inhibit cell proliferation in vitro. This effect was associated to the existence of rs6275 and rs6277 polymorphisms in the D2 gene. These results gave more insight into DA control of lung cancer cell behavior and suggested the existence of different SCLC phenotypes.

Genetic Polymorphism of CHRM2 in COPD: Clinical Significance and Therapeutic Implications.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable disease, characterized by persistent airflow limitation not fully reversible. However, a number of patients with COPD respond to bronchodilator agents. Some studies have shown polymorphisms in the b2-adrenergic (ADRb2) and muscarinic M2 and M3 receptors (CHRM) that may participate in the modulation of the receptor responses. This study was designed to investigate the existence and the role of adrenergic and muscarinic receptor polymorphisms and their functional impact in COPD. Eighty-two patients with COPD and 17 healthy smokers were recruited and screened for ADRb2 (T164I and R175R), for CHRM2 (rs1824024) and for CHRM3 (-513C/A and -492C/T). Among the polymorphisms studied our results was not able to demonstrate statistically significant association between the polymorphisms studied and COPD risk. Contrarily, we identified, in our COPD population, a significant association with the CHRM2 (rs1824024) polymorphism and disease severity, with lower lung function test values, frequent exacerbations, and poor response to anti-cholinergic drugs. These results suggest the potential role of receptor polymorphism assessment to discriminate newly COPD phenotypes. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1745-1751, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Distribution and Abundance of Necrophagous Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae) in Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil.

This study aimed at surveying the local calliphorid and sarcophagid species in Maranhão State (Brazil) to determine their distribution and abundance, as well as the distribution of exotic Chrysomya species. In total, 18,128 calliphorid specimens were collected, distributed in 7 genera and 14 species. The species Hemilucilia semidiaphana (Rondani, 1850) and Paralucilia paraensis (Mello, 1969) were new state records. Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann, 1819) and Cochliomyia macellaria (F., 1775) were the most abundant species, and the exotic species of Chrysomya together contributed more than 50% of total blow fly abundance. The abundance distribution of the calliphorid community conformed to a log series model, characterized by a steep curve that reflects an assemblage with a high degree of dominance. For the Sarcophagidae, a total of 14,810 specimens were collected and distributed in 15 genera, 11 subgenera, and 52 species. Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) occidua (F., 1794) and Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) were the most abundant species. The abundance distribution of the species followed a log normal model, with a gentler slope, consistent with a more uniform community. The cumulative species curve for the sarcophagids did not reach the asymptote. Forty-three sarcophagid species were new state records and 22 were new records for the Brazilian northeast, which emphasizes the need for a continued survey in this region.

A new species of Japanagromyza Sasakawa (Diptera: Agromyzidae) from the Brazilian Amazon with notes on biology.

Japanagromyza sasakawai sp. n. is described from the Brazilian Amazon, based on the male, female, third instar larva and puparium. This species is a leaf-miner of Terminalia catappa L. (Combretaceae), which is an introduced plant from the Old World tropics used in Brazil as an ornamental. The male aedeagus of J. sasakawai sp. n. differs from other species mainly in having the mesophallus covered with many spine-like processes. This is the third record of Japanagromyza Sasakawa in Brazil and first in the Brazilian Amazon. The key to Neotropical species of Japanagromyza by Sousa & Couri (2014) is modified to include this new species.

A further new species of Sarcofahrtiopsis Hall (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) associated with faeces of the disk-winged bat (Thyroptera Spix: Chiroptera) in Brazil and the redescription of the female terminalia of S. cuneata (Townsend).

The male, female and puparium are described for Sarcofahrtiopsis cupendipe sp. nov., whose larvae live in the roosts of disk-winged bats (Thyroptera species). Sarcofahrtiopsis cupendipe and S. thyropteronthos Pape, Dechmann & Vonhof are both associated with the faeces of the disk-winged bat and are the only species of Sarcofahrtiopsis with wing vein R1 fully setose dorsally and a short parameral apodeme in the male terminalia. In addition, the female terminalia of S. cuneata (Townsend) is redescribed.

The potential uses of sarcosaprophagous flesh flies and blowflies for the evaluation of the regeneration and conservation of forest clearings: a case study in the Amazon forest.

The level of association between dipterans of the families Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae and habitats with different levels of vegetation cover was analyzed at Porto Urucu in Coari, Amazonas, Brazil, with the aim of identifying the potential of these taxa as bioindicators for the assessment of forest regeneration and conservation. The flies were collected in 16 sample areas, 12 of which were clearings at different stages of regeneration (C1--early regeneration; C2--moderate regeneration; and C3--advanced regeneration) and 4 in continuous forest (F). According to the IndVal analysis, nine sarcophagid species--Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann), Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann), Peckia (Squamatodes) ingens (Walker), Sarcofahrtiopsis cuneata (Townsend), Oxysarcodexia thornax (Walker), Peckia (Euboettcheria) collusor (Curran & Walley), Oxysarcodexia fringidea (Curran & Walley), Oxysarcodexia amorosa (Schiner), and Helicobia pilifera (Lopes)--were associated indiscriminately with clearings (C1 + C2 + C3). In contrast, only one calliphorid species Chrysomya albiceps (Wiedemann) was associated with clearings in the early moderate regeneration (C1 + C2) phases, and four calliphorids were associated with continuous forest or mature clearings (C3 + F): Mesembrinella bicolor (F.), Eumesembrinella randa (Walker), Mesembrinella bellardiana (Aldrich), and Lucilia eximia (Wiedemann). These results indicate that sarcophagids may be useful for evaluating the degree of anthropogenic impact but are not suitable for the detection of minor variations in forest cover. In contrast, calliphorids may be appropriate for the evaluation of both anthropogenic impacts and the degree of forest regeneration and conservation.

On the taxonomic status of Nephochaetopteryx calida (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Sarcophagidae)

On the taxonomic status of Nephochaetopteryx calida (Wiedemann) (Diptera, Sarcophagidae). Based on analysis of the holotype of Nephochaetopteryx calida (Wiedemann) it was concluded that this species does not belong to Nephochaetopteryx. The holotype is a female partly damaged and it was not possible to place it in one of Sarcophaginae genera, remaining as Sarcophaga calida Wiedemann, 1830, incertae sedis.

WT1 CpG islands methylation in human lung cancer: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: CpG island hypermethylation of gene promoters and regulatory regions is a well-known mechanism of epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressors and is directly linked to carcinogenesis. Wilm's tumor gene (WT1) is a tumor suppressor protein involved in the regulation of human cell growth and differentiation and a modulator of oncogenic K Ras signaling in lung cancer. Changes in the pattern of methylation of the WT1 gene have not yet been studied in detail in human lung cancer. In this study we compared the methylation profile of WT1 gene in samples of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lung tissue taken from the same patients. METHODS: DNA was extracted from neoplastic and normal lung tissue obtained from 16 patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The methylation status of 29 CpG islands in the 5' region of WT1 was determined by pyrosequencing. Statistical analysis was carried out by T test and Mann Whitney test. RESULTS: The mean percentage of methylation, considering all CpG islands of WT1 in the neoplastic tissues of the 16 NSCLC patients, was 16.2 ± 3.4, whereas in the normal lung tissue from the same patients it was 5.6 ± 1.7 (p < 0.001). Adenocarcinomas presented higher methylation levels than squamous cell carcinomas (p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONS: Methylation of WT1 gene is significantly increased in NSCLC. Both histotype and exposure to cigarette smoke heavily influence the pattern of CpG islands which undergo hypermethylation.

Diversity of Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae (Diptera, Oestroidea) in continuous forest and gaps at different stages of regeneration in the Urucu oilfield in western Brazilian Amazonia

Diversity of Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae (Diptera, Oestroidea) in continuous forest and gaps at different stages of regeneration in the Urucu oilfield in western Brazilian Amazonia. The diversity of Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae in continuous forest and gaps at different stages of regeneration was studied in the Urucu river basin, in Coari, state of Amazonas, Brazil. The flies were collected at 16 sampling points, 12 in gaps at different stages of regeneration (early _ C1, mid- C2 and late successional _ C3) and four in continuous forest _ MT. The diversity of blowflies was similar in the two less regenerated habitats (C1 and C2), and lower than that in the late successional (C3) and continuous forests (MT). By contrast, the diversity of flesh flies was much higher in all three types of gaps (C1, C2 and C3) in comparison with continuous forest (MT). Ordination (NMDS) and similarity (ANOSIM) analyses revealed that the blowflies communities were grouped by habitat type, which affected species composition more than diversity. Analysis of the flesh flies revealed two main groupings, gaps (C1, C2 and C3) and continuous forest (MT), with no evidence of any influence of successional stage on the diversity of the community.

Diversidade de Calliphoridae e Sarcophagidae (Diptera, Oestroidea) em florestas contínuas e clareiras com diferentes estágios de regeneração no campo petrolífero Urucu no oeste da Amazônia brasileira. A diversidade de Calliphoridae e Sarcophagidae em florestas contínuas e clareiras com diferentes estágios de regeneração foi avaliada na bacia do Rio Urucu, Coari, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil. As moscas foram coletadas em 16 áreas amostrais, 12 de clareira, em diferentes estágios de regeneração (pouco recuperadas _ C1, semi-recuperadas _ C2, bem recuperadas _ C3) e quatro em floresta contínua _ MT). A diversidade de Calliphoridae foi similar nos dois habitats menos recuperados (C1 e C2), sendo menores do que as dos habitats de clareiras bem recuperadas (C3) e florestas contínuas (MT). Entretanto, a diversidade de Sarcophagidae foi muito maior nos três tipos de clareiras (C1, C2 e C3) quando comparada com a floresta contínua (MT). As análises de ordenação (NMDS) e de similaridade (ANOSIM) demonstraram que as comunidades de Calliphoridae foram agrupadas conforme os quatro tipos de ambientes, e que a composição de espécies foi mais afetada do que a diversidade. A análise de Sarcophagidae revelou a formação de dois grupos, clareiras (C1, C2 e C3) e florestas contínuas (MT), sem evidência de qualquer influencia dos estágios de recuperação das clareiras sobre a diversidade da comunidade.

Redescription of Pseudopomyzella flava Hennig (Diptera: Cypselosomatidae) and the first record from Brazil / Redescrição de Pseudopomyzella flava Hennig, 1969 (Diptera: Cypselosomatidae) e o primeiro registro para o Brasil

Cypselosomatidae is composed of Cypselosomatinae and Pseudopomyzinae, including 11 extant genera. Only the genus Rhinopomyzella Hennig (Pseudopomyzinae) has been previously recorded from Brazil, represented by two species from Santa Catarina. The genus Pseudopomyzella Hennig is comprised of a single species, Pseudopomyzella flava Hennig, previously found only in Peru and Ecuador. Here, we report P. flava for the first time from Brazil (Pará) and redescribe the species based on the specimens collected.

Cypselosomatidae é composta por Cypselosomatinae e Pseudopomyzinae, incluindo 11 gêneros atuais. O gênero Rhinopomyzella Hennig (Pseudopomyzinae) é o único registrado para o Brasil, representado por duas espécies de Santa Catarina. O gênero Pseudopomyzella Hennig compreende uma única espécie, Pseudopomyzella flava Hennig, encontrada no Peru e Equador. Neste estudo, P. flava é registrada pela primeira vez para o Brasil (Pará) e a espécie é redescrita a partir dos espécimes coletados.