Brakemyia, a New Neotropical Jackal Fly Genus of Milichiidae (Insecta: Diptera) Associated with Carton Ant Nest.

Brakemyia metallica gen. et sp. nov. (Diptera, Milichiidae) is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens reared from carton nests of the ant Azteca aff. chartifex Forel (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). The new genus is widely distributed in the Brazilian Amazon, and it can be readily distinguished from the other Neotropical genera by the broadened lunule, which extends well posterior of the antennae, and the hypandrial complex parallel to epandrium.

Thermodynamics and efficiency of sequentially collisional Brownian particles: The role of drivings.

Brownian particles placed sequentially in contact with distinct thermal reservoirs and subjected to external driving forces are promising candidates for the construction of reliable engine setups. In this contribution, we address the role of driving forces for enhancing the collisional machine performance. Analytical expressions for thermodynamic quantities such as power output and efficiency are obtained for general driving schemes. A proper choice of these driving schemes substantially increases both power output and efficiency and extends the working regime. Maximizations of power and efficiency, whether with respect to the strength of the force, driving scheme, or both have been considered and exemplified for two kind of drivings: generic power-law and harmonic (sinusoidal) drivings.

Flesh Flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) From the Brazilian Amazonian Savannas, a Poorly Sampled and Threatened Environment.

The Amazonian region is composed by many kinds of environments, including the Amazonian savannas, which comprise about 5% of the Amazon biome in Brazil. The biota of Amazonian savannas is poorly known, especially for insects. In this study, we performed a faunistic inventory of flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) of four Brazilian Amazon savannas, where we recorded two subfamilies, 16 genera, and 40 species, two of which are described as new to science: Lepidodexia (Notochaeta) helenae sp. nov. and Lipoptilocnema augustoi sp. nov. Oxysarcodexia graminifoliaSouza, Pape & Thyssen, 2020 is recorded for the first time for Brazil. Dexosarcophaga paulistanaLopes (1982), Helicobia biplagiataDodge, 1966, Helicobia cearensisTibana, 1976, Oxysarcodexia simplicoides (Lopes, 1933), and Oxyvinia excisa (Lopes, 1950) are newly recorded for the Brazilian Amazon. Oxysarcodexia nitidaSoares & Mello-Patiu, 2010 is a new record for the state of Pará. The species D. paulistana is redescribed, and photographs and detailed illustrations of male terminalia are provided.

A new species of Neoscutops Malloch (Diptera: Periscelididae) reared from an ant nest.

A new species of Neoscutops Malloch (Diptera: Periscelididae), Neosctups rungae sp. nov., is described from the Brazilian Amazon based on three specimens (2 males and 1 female) reared from carton nests of the ant Azteca aff. chartifex Forel (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). The new species belongs to the rotundipennis species-group, which is now composed of five valid species. The new species can be readily diagnosed by the following combination of characters: face fully dark brown and surstylus with a basal rounded projection on inner margin.

Two New Species and New Records of Sepsidae from the Brazilian Amazon.

The dipteran fauna from the Brazilian Amazon remains poorly known, including that of forensic interest, such as the Sepsidae. The sepsid fauna of two secondary forests in the eastern Amazon was surveyed utilizing rotting bovine lung and feces (humans, bovines, and monkeys). We obtained 17 sespid species in six genera, most of them on bovine dung and rotting bovine lung. Two new species are described herein: Archisepsis bosque sp. nov. and Archisepsis verae sp. nov. The genus Palaeosepsis Duda, 1926 and the species Archisepsis polychaeta (Ozerov, 1993), Archisepsis diversiformis (Ozerov, 1993), Microsepsis mitis (Curran, 1927), Meropliosepsis sexsetosa Duda, 1926, and Palaeosepsis cf. golovastikOzerov, 2004 are newly recorded from the Brazilian Amazon.

Helicobia neuzalmeidae sp. nov., A New Species of Sarcophagidae (Diptera) Reared From a Pig Carcass in the Brazilian Savanna.

A new species of Sarcophagidae (Diptera) in the genus Helicobia Coquillett, Helicobia neuzalmeidae sp. nov., is described based on two male specimens obtained from pig carcasses in savanna-like vegetation in northeastern Brazil (state of Maranhão) during a forensic study. The holotype was obtained from a larva that abandoned the pig carcass to pupate, whereas the paratype was collected with a trap placed above the cage containing the carcass. This is the first record of a Helicobia species reared from a vertebrate carcass.

Distinct bronchial microbiome precedes clinical diagnosis of lung cancer.

Resident microbial populations have been detected across solid tumors of diverse origins. Sequencing of the airway microbiota represents an opportunity for establishing a novel omics approach to early detection of lung cancer, as well as risk prediction of cancer development. We hypothesize that bacterial shifts in the pre-malignant lung may be detected in non-cancerous airway liquid biopsies collected during bronchoscopy. We analyzed the airway microbiome profile of near 400 patients: epithelial brushing samples from those with lung cancer, those who developed an incident cancer, and those who do not develop cancer after 10-year follow-up. Using linear discriminate analysis, we define and validate a microbial-based classifier that is able to predict incident cancer in patients before diagnosis with no clinical signs of cancer. Our results demonstrate the potential of using lung microbiome profiling as a method for early detection of lung cancer.

Altered Polarization and Impaired Phagocytic Activity of Lung Macrophages in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

BACKGROUND: People with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) have an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: We phenotyped lung macrophages in 4 subgroups-M1 (CD40+CD163-), M2 (CD40-CD163+), double positives (CD40+CD163+), and double negatives and (CD40-CD163-)-and we determined their phagocytic capacity in PWH with and without COPD. RESULTS: People with human immunodeficiency virus with COPD have more double-negative macrophages (84.1%) versus PWH without (54.3%) versus controls (23.9%) (P=.004) and reduced phagocytosis (P=.012). Double-negative macrophages had the worst phagocytic capacity (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: People with human immunodeficiency virus with COPD have an abundance of nonpolarized macrophages, which have poor phagocytic capacity and therefore predispose PWH to increased risk of disease progression.

Description of Two New Species of Dexosarcophaga (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) From the Coastal Environments of the Brazilian Amazon.

Two new species of Dexosarcophaga Townsend (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) are described, both from the coastal zone of the Brazilian Amazon: Dexosarcophaga salgada sp. nov. and Dexosarcophaga klycyae sp. nov.

Treatment of experimental pythiosis with essential oils of Origanum vulgare and Mentha piperita singly, in association and in combination with immunotherapy.

This study investigated the in vivo antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of Origanum vulgare and Mentha piperita both singly, associated and in combination with immunotherapy to treat experimental pythiosis. The disease was reproduced in 18 rabbits divided into six groups (n=3): group 1, control; group 2, treated with essential oil of Mentha piperita; group 3, treated with essential oil of Origanum vulgare; group 4, treated with commercial immunotherapic; group 5, treated with a association of oils of M. piperita and O. vulgare and group 6, treated with a combination of both oils plus immunotherapy. Essential oils were added in a topical cream base formula, and lesions were treated daily for 45 days. The animals in groups 4 and 6 received a dose of immunotherapeutic agent every 14 days. The results revealed that the evolution of lesions in groups 5 and 6 did not differ from one another but differed from the other groups. The lesions of group 5 increased 3.16 times every measurement, while those of group 6 increased 1.83 times, indicating that the smallest growth of the lesions occurred when the combination of therapies were used. A rabbit from group 5 showed clinical cure at day 20 of treatment. This research is the pioneer in the treatment of experimental pythiosis using essential oils from medicinal plants and a combination of therapies. This study demonstrated that the use of essential oils can be a viable alternative treatment to cutaneous pythiosis, particularly when used in association or combination with immunotherapy.

Observational study on efficacy of negative expiratory pressure test proposed as screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among commercial interstate bus drivers--protocol study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a respiratory disease characterized by the collapse of the extrathoracic airway and has important social implications related to accidents and cardiovascular risk. The main objective of the present study was to investigate whether the drop in expiratory flow and the volume expired in 0.2 s during the application of negative expiratory pressure (NEP) are associated with the presence and severity of OSA in a population of professional interstate bus drivers who travel medium and long distances. METHODS/DESIGN: An observational, analytic study will be carried out involving adult male subjects of an interstate bus company. Those who agree to participate will undergo a detailed patient history, physical examination involving determination of blood pressure, anthropometric data, circumference measurements (hips, waist and neck), tonsils and Mallampati index. Moreover, specific questionnaires addressing sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness will be administered. Data acquisition will be completely anonymous. Following the medical examination, the participants will perform a spirometry, NEP test and standard overnight polysomnography. The NEP test is performed through the administration of negative pressure at the mouth during expiration. This is a practical test performed while awake and requires little cooperation from the subject. In the absence of expiratory flow limitation, the increase in the pressure gradient between the alveoli and open upper airway caused by NEP results in an increase in expiratory flow. DISCUSSION: Despite the abundance of scientific evidence, OSA is still underdiagnosed in the general population. In addition, diagnostic procedures are expensive, and predictive criteria are still unsatisfactory. Because increased upper airway collapsibility is one of the main determinants of OSA, the response to the application of NEP could be a predictor of this disorder. With the enrollment of this study protocol, the expectation is to encounter predictive NEP values for different degrees of OSA in order to contribute toward an early diagnosis of this condition and reduce its impact and complications among commercial interstate bus drivers. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos (local acronym RBEC) [Internet]: Rio de Janeiro (RJ): Instituto de Informaçao Cientifica e Tecnologica em Saude (Brazil); 2010 - Identifier RBR-7dq5xx. Cross-sectional study on efficacy of negative expiratory pressure test proposed as screening for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome among commercial interstate bus drivers; 2011 May 31 [7 pages]. Available from http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-7dq5xx/.

Sleep study, respiratory mechanics, chemosensitive response and quality of life in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a major public health problem in both developed and developing countries alike and leads to a series of changes in respiratory physiology. There is a strong correlation between obesity and cardiopulmonary sleep disorders. Weight loss among such patients leads to a reduction in these alterations in respiratory physiology, but clinical treatment is not effective for a long period of time. Thus, bariatric surgery is a viable option. METHODS/DESIGN: The present study involves patients with morbid obesity (BMI of 40 kg/m2 or 35 kg/m2 to 39.9 kg/m2 with comorbidities), candidates for bariatric surgery, screened at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital in the city of Sao Paulo (Brazil). The inclusion criteria are grade III morbid obesity, an indication for bariatric surgery, agreement to participate in the study and a signed term of informed consent. The exclusion criteria are BMI above 55 kg/m2, clinically significant or unstable mental health concerns, an unrealistic postoperative target weight and/or unrealistic expectations of surgical treatment. Bariatric surgery candidates who meet the inclusion criteria will be referred to Santa Casa de Misericórdia Hospital and will be reviewed again 30, 90 and 360 days following surgery. Data collection will involve patient records, personal data collection, objective assessment of HR, BP, neck circumference, chest and abdomen, collection and analysis of clinical preoperative findings, polysomnography, pulmonary function test and a questionnaire on sleepiness. DISCUSSION: This paper describes a randomised controlled trial of morbidly obese patients. Polysomnography, respiratory mechanics, chemosensitive response and quality of life will be assessed in patients undergoing or not undergoing bariatric surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol for this study is registered with the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials - ReBEC (RBR-9k9hhv).

[A new species of Bricelochlorops Paganelli and the first record of Urubambina rufa (Duda) (Diptera: Chloropidae) from Brazil]. / Uma nova espécie de Bricelochlorops Paganelli e o Primeiro Registro de Urubambina rufa (Duda) (Diptera: Chloropidae) para o Brasil.

The subfamily Chloropinae comprises about 442 described species, with only one species recorded from the Brazilian Amazon. The genus Bricelochlorops Paganelli was represented by a unique species from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The species Urubambina rufa (Duda) is the only species of the genus Urubambina Paganelli and has been recorded only from Peru. A new species of Bricelochlorops, B. celutae sp. nov., is described here and Urubambina rufa is recorded for the first time in Brazil. Both species were collected in the state of Acre. A key to species of Bricelochlorops is provided.

Uma nova espécie de Bricelochlorops Paganelli e o primeiro registro de Urubambina rufa (Duda) (Diptera: Chloropidae) para o Brasil / A new species of Bricelochlorops Paganelli and the first record of Urubambina rufa (Duda) (Diptera: Chloropidae) from Brazil

The subfamily Chloropinae comprises about 442 described species, with only one species recorded from the Brazilian Amazon. The genus Bricelochlorops Paganelli was represented by a unique species from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The species Urubambina rufa (Duda) is the only species of the genus Urubambina Paganelli and has been recorded only from Peru. A new species of Bricelochlorops, B. celutae sp. nov., is described here and Urubambina rufa is recorded for the first time in Brazil. Both species were collected in the state of Acre. A key to species of Bricelochlorops is provided.

Outpatient vs. home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality affecting a large number of individuals in both developed and developing countries and it represents a significant financial burden for patients, families and society. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a multidisciplinary program that integrates components of exercise training, education, nutritional support, psychological support and self-care, resulting in an improvement in dyspnea, fatigue and quality of life. Despite its proven effectiveness and the strong scientific recommendations for its routine use in the care of COPD, PR is generally underutilized and strategies for increasing access to PR are needed. Home-based self-monitored pulmonary rehabilitation is an alternative to outpatient rehabilitation. In the present study, patients with mild, moderate and severe COPD submitted to either an outpatient or at-home PR program for 12 weeks were analyzed. METHODS: Patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomized into three distinct groups: an outpatient group who performed all activities at the clinic, a home-based group who performed the activities at home and a control group. PR consisted of a combination of aerobic exercises and strengthening of upper and lower limbs 3 times a week for 12 weeks. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distance covered on the six-minute walk test (p < 0.05) and BODE index (p < 0.001) in the outpatient and at-home groups after participating in the rehabilitation program compared to baseline. CONCLUSION: A home-based self-monitoring pulmonary rehabilitation program is as effective as outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation and is a valid alternative for the management of patients with COPD.

Neriidae (Diptera: Schizophora) of the Brazilian Amazon: new records of genera and species, and key to species.

The present study brings together survey data from collection in several localities in the Brazilian Amazon and specimens from the Entomological Collection of Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG-Belém). The flies were collected over organic decomposing matter (bananas and bovine meat) baits. The genus Odontoloxozus Enderlein, with the species Odontoloxozus peruanus Hennig, is recorded from Brazil for the first time. The species Glyphidops (Glyphidops) flavipes (Widemann), G. (Oncopsia) flavifrons (Bigot), G.(O.) durus (Cresson) and G. (O.) dipsar (Hennig) are new occurrences for Brazil. The species G. (O.)carrerai Aczél and N. plurivittatus Bigot are new occurrences from Brazilian Amazon. A key to Brazilian Amazon species is provided.

Neriidae (Diptera: Schizophora) of the Brazilian Amazon: new records of genera and species, and key to species

The present study brings together survey data from collection in several localities in the Brazilian Amazon and specimens from the Entomological Collection of Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG-Belém). The flies were collected over organic decomposing matter (bananas and bovine meat) baits. The genus Odontoloxozus Enderlein, with the species Odontoloxozus peruanus Hennig, is recorded from Brazil for the first time. The species Glyphidops (Glyphidops) flavipes (Widemann), G. (Oncopsia) flavifrons (Bigot), G.(O.) durus (Cresson) and G. (O.) dipsar (Hennig) are new occurrences for Brazil. The species G. (O.)carrerai Aczél and N. plurivittatus Bigot are new occurrences from Brazilian Amazon. A key to Brazilian Amazon species is provided.

O presente estudo fornece dados oriundos de coletas em várias localidades da Amazônia e de espécimes depositados na Coleção Entomológica do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi (MPEG-Belém). Os Neriidae foram coletados com armadilhas contendo matéria orgânica em decomposição (banana e pulmão bovino). O gênero Odontoloxozus Enderlein, representado pela espécie Odontoloxozus peruanus Hennig é registrado pela primeira vez no Brasil. As espécies Glyphidops (Glyphidops) flavipes (Widemann), G. (Oncopsia) flavifrons (Bigot), G. (O.) durus (Cresson) e G. (O.) dipsar (Hennig) são novas ocorrências para o Brasil. As espécies G. (O.) carrerai Aczél e N. plurivittatus Bigot são novos registros para a Amazônia Brasileira. Uma chave dicotômica para as espécies é apresentada.

Obesidade, hipertensäo arterial e suas influências sobre a massa e funçäo do ventrículo esquerdo / Obesity, hypertension and your influence about the left ventricular function and mass

Para avaliar as influências da obesidade e da hipertensão sobre a massa de ventrículo esquerdo (MVE), estudamos 121 mulheres divididas em 4 grupos: não-obesas normotensas (n = 25), não-obesas hipertensas (n = 30), obesas normotensas (n = 24) e obesas hipertensas (n = 42) quanto a parâmetros antropométricos, ecocardiográficos e de monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial (MAPA). As pacientes obesas hiperten- sas apresentaram maior MVE que os outros grupos - não-obesas normotensas, não-obesas hipertensas e obesas normotensas (167 +/- 38,8 vs. 113 +/- 26,4; vs. 133 +/- 26,5; vs. 132 +/- 29,2g; p < 0,05, respectivamente) e maior diâmetro de átrio esquerdo (AE) quando comparadas aos grupos de não-obesas, tanto normotensas como hipertensas (36 +/- 4,3 vs. 33 +/- 5,1; vs. 35 +/- 3,9mm; p < 0,05, respectivamente). Obesas normotensas apresentaram MVE similar à do grupo não-obesas hipertensas (133 +/- 26,5 vs. 132 +/- 29,5g; NS) e aumento de AE quando comparadas às não-obesas normotensas (35 +/- 3,9 vs. 31 +/- 4,6mm; p < 0,05). Detectou-se correlação entre a circunferência da cintura e a razão cintura-quadril com os níveis pressóricos à MAPA, assim como entre estas medidas e parâmetros ecocardiográficos que avaliam a massa cardíaca; o índice de massa corporal só se correlacionou ao diâmetro do AE. A correção da MVE pela altura ao invés da superfície corpórea aumentou a prevalência de hipertrofia de VE nas obesas (10,6 vs. 36,7 por cento, p < 0,01), mas não nas não-obesas. Ausência de descenso noturno da pressão arterial sistólica à MAPA (non-dipper) foi mais prevalente nas pacientes obesas, hipertensas ou não; entretanto, as obesas hipertensas non-dippers não diferiram das dippers quanto à MVE. Nossos dados demonstram que a obesidade associada à hipertensão aumenta a MVE de modo mais importante do que as condições isoladamente. Concluímos, ainda, que pacientes obesas também apresentam alta freqüência de alterações do ritmo da pressão arterial de 24 horas, caracterizada por menor queda pressórica durante o sono.