Occurrence of a "forever chemical" in the atmosphere above pristine Amazon Forest

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals", are a class of man-made, extremely stable chemicals, which are widely used in industrial and commercial applications. Exposure to some PFAS is now known to be detrimental to human health. By virtue of PFAS long residence times, they are widely detected in the environment, including remote locations such as the Arctics, where the origin of the PFAS is poorly understood. It has been suggested that PFAS may be transported through contaminated waters, leading to accumulation in coastal areas, where they can be aerosolised via sea spray, thereby extending their geographical distribution far beyond their original source regions. The aim of this work is to investigate, for the first time, whether "forever chemicals" could be transported to areas considered to be pristine, far from coastal sites. This study was performed at the Amazonian Tall Tower Observatory (ATTO), a unique remote site situated in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, where a restricted PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), was observed with concentrations reaching up to 2 pg/m3. A clear trend of increasing concentration with sampling height was observed and air masses from the south over Manaus had the highest concentrations. Atmospheric lifetime estimations, removal mechanisms supported by measurements at two heights (320 and 42 m above the rainforest), and concentration spikes indicated a long-range transport of PFOA to pristine Amazon rainforest. Potential sources, including industrial activities in urban areas, were explored, and historical fire management practices considered. This research presents the first measurements of PFAS in the atmosphere of Amazon rainforest. Remarkably, even in this remote natural environment, appreciable levels of PFAS can be detected. This study provides valuable insights into the long-range transport of the anthropogenic "forever chemical" into a remote natural ecosystem and should raise awareness of potential environmental implications.</p

Photography-based taxonomy is inadequate, unnecessary, and potentially harmful for biological sciences

The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September to 6 October 2016

Notes for genera: basal clades of Fungi (including Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Caulochytriomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota and Zoopagomycota)

Compared to the higher fungi (Dikarya), taxonomic and evolutionary studies on the basal clades of fungi are fewer in number. Thus, the generic boundaries and higher ranks in the basal clades of fungi are poorly known. Recent DNA based taxonomic studies have provided reliable and accurate information. It is therefore necessary to compile all available information since basal clades genera lack updated checklists or outlines. Recently, Tedersoo et al. (MycoKeys 13:1--20, 2016) accepted Aphelidiomycota and Rozellomycota in Fungal clade. Thus, we regard both these phyla as members in Kingdom Fungi. We accept 16 phyla in basal clades viz. Aphelidiomycota, Basidiobolomycota, Blastocladiomycota, Calcarisporiellomycota, Caulochytriomycota, Chytridiomycota, Entomophthoromycota, Glomeromycota, Kickxellomycota, Monoblepharomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Neocallimastigomycota, Olpidiomycota, Rozellomycota and Zoopagomycota. Thus, 611 genera in 153 families, 43 orders and 18 classes are provided with details of classification, synonyms, life modes, distribution, recent literature and genomic data. Moreover, Catenariaceae Couch is proposed to be conserved, Cladochytriales Mozl.-Standr. is emended and the family Nephridiophagaceae is introduced

Características cinemáticas de potros da raça Brasileiro de Hipismo nos sucessos e insucessos dos saltos em liberdade

This study was carried out to evaluate kinematics traits of young horses during free jum- ping regarding their success or not. One hundred and eight young Brazilian Sport Horses in five free jumpings attempts were record over a vertical obstacle of 0.60 m, 0.80 and 1.05 m height at 22-25 to 29-32 and 36-39 months of age, respectively. A total of 1.348 jumping attempts were recorded and evaluated. From these, 1.067 jumping were successful (79.1 %) and 281 were failure (20.9 %) (p<0.01). Regarding failure jumpings, 15.3 % were for knoc- kdown, 4.5 % by run-out and 1.1 % by refusal. Successful jumpings presented larger take-off distance, of 1.17 m, 1.51 m and 1.52 m on the first, second and third evaluation, respectively. It was observed that jumping velocity decreased in successful jumpings when compared to unsuccessful ones, of 0.59 m/s in the first; of 0.19 m/s in the second and 0.35 m/s in the third assessment. Height of withers during jumping was higher on successful jumps when compared to failures jumpings, and it was influenced by obstacle height. Angles of head and neck were similar between successful and unsuccessful jumpings, except the head angle at the first evaluation, of 48.6 o and 60.4 o, in successful and failure jumps, respectively. Jumping success was approximately 80 % in all evaluation, with the highest percentage of penalties regarding young horse of 36-39 months of age, with obstacle height of 1.05 m. Knockdown was the main penalty throughout the evaluation periods. The most important variables for young horses successful jumping, regardless of the evaluation period, were higher take-off distance and lower jumping velocity.Objetivou-se avaliar as características cinemáticas de potros nos saltos em liberdade, com sucesso ou insucesso. Foram avaliados 108 potros Brasileiro de Hipismo em cinco sal- tos, em liberdade, no obstáculo vertical com altura de 0,60 m aos 22-25 meses de idade; 0,80 m aos 29-32 meses de idade e 1,05 m aos 36-39 meses de idade. Foram filmados e avaliados 1.348 saltos, sendo 1.067 saltos com sucesso (79,1 %) e 281 saltos com insuces- so (20,9 %) (p<0,01). Nos saltos com insucesso, 15,3 % foram por derrube de obstáculo, 4,5 % por desvio e 1,1 % por refugo. Os saltos com sucesso apresentaram maior distância da batida, de 1,17 m; 1,51 m e 1,52 m na primeira, segunda e terceira avaliação, respec- tivamente. Observou-se que a velocidade do salto reduziu nos saltos com sucesso quando comparados com os saltos com insucesso, de 0,59 m/s na primeira; de 0,19 m/s na segunda e de 0,35 m/s na terceira avaliação. A altura na cernelha durante o salto foi maior nos saltos com sucesso em relação aos com insucesso, sendo influenciada pela altura do obstáculo. Os ângulos da cabeça e do pescoço foram similares entre os saltos com sucesso e insucesso, exceto o ângulo da cabeça na primeira avaliação, de 48,6 o e 60,4 o, nos saltos com sucesso e com insucesso, respectivamente. O sucesso dos potros no salto foi de aproximadamente 80 %, com maior percentual de penalidades nos potros de 36-39 meses de idade, com obs- táculo na altura de 1,05 m. O derrube de obstáculos foi a principal penalidade durante a avaliação. As variáveis mais importantes para o sucesso do salto dos potros, independente do período de avaliação, foram a maior distância da batida e a menor velocidade do salto

Hematopoietic SCT modulates gut inflammation in experimental inflammatory bowel disease

Hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) and high-dose chemotherapy are being explored as therapy for various human refractory immune-mediated conditions, including inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Nevertheless, the exact immunological mechanisms by which the BM cells (BMCs) or immunosuppression provide remission from these diseases is not yet clear. In this work, we investigated the role of these therapies in the modulation of gut mucosal inflammation in an experimental model of IBD. Colitis was induced in mice by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and after CY was administered (200 mg/kg) alone (CY group) or followed by BMCs infusion (HSCT group). Animals were followed for 60 days. Both HSCT and CY reduced the histopathological features of colitis significantly. Infused cells were localized in the gut, and a marked decrease of CD4(+) leukocytes in the inflammatory infiltrate on days +7 and +14 and of CD8(+) cells on day +7 was found in both treatments allied to impressive reduction of proinflammatory Th1 and Th17 cytokines. Although chemotherapy alone was the best treatment regarding the induction of immunosuppressive molecules, only HSCT resulted in increased survival rates compared with the control group. Our findings indicate that high-dose CY followed by HSCT is effective in the modulation of mucosal immunity and in accelerating immune reconstitution after BMT, thus providing valuable tools to support the development and understanding of novel therapeutic strategies for IBD. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2010) 45, 1562-1571; doi:10.1038/bmt.2010.6; published online 15 March 2010FAPESP[2004/08868-0]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos (FINEP)Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP

IL-4 regulates susceptibility to intestinal inflammation in murine food allergy

Cardoso CR, Provinciatto PR, Godoi DF, Ferreira BR, Teixeira G, Rossi MA, Cunha FQ, Silva JS. IL-4 regulates susceptibility to intestinal inflammation in murine food allergy. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 296: G593-G600, 2009. First published January 8, 2009; doi:10.1152/ajpgi.90431.2008.-Allergies involve a state of immediate hypersensitivity to antigens, including food proteins. The mechanism underlying the initiation and development of allergic responses involves IL-4 that directly induces the differentiation of committed effector Th2 lymphocytes. Although it is clear that Th2 responses play a pivotal role in the development of allergic responses, it remains unclear which mechanisms are involved in the development of the intestinal damages observed in food allergy. Accordingly, this work aimed to study the role of Th2/IL-4-dependent responses in the development of food allergy and intestinal pathology. C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) and IL-4(-/-) mice were sensitized with peanut proteins, challenged with peanut seeds, and followed for the development of food allergy and intestinal inflammation. Results demonstrated that exposure to peanut seeds led to weight loss in WT but not in IL-4(-/-) mice that preserved gut integrity with no signs of mucosal inflammation. These animals presented increased levels of IgG2a in sera, suggesting a role for allergic antibodies in the pathogenesis of WT animals. Most importantly, results also showed that lack of IL-4 modulated gut mucosal response in food allergy through diminished expression of TNF-alpha mRNA, increased Th1 IFN-gamma, IL-12p40, regulatory cytokines, and Foxp3, demonstrating their relevance in the control of allergic inflammatory processes, especially in the intestine. Finally, this study highlighted some of the complex mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of allergic responses to food antigens in the gut, thereby providing valuable tools for directing novel therapeutic or preventive strategies to the control of allergic enteropathy.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq)Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP

Modulation of mucosal immunity in a murine model of food-induced intestinal inflammation

Background Hypersensitivity or uncontrolled responses against dietary antigens can lead to inflammatory disorders like food allergy and current models reflect a variety of causes but do not reveal the detailed modulation of gut immunity in response to food antigens after breakdown in mucosal tolerance. Objective To develop and characterize a murine model for food-induced intestinal inflammation and to demonstrate the modulation of gut immune response by dietary allergenic antigens. Methods C57BL/6 mice were sensitized with peanut proteins, challenged with peanut seeds and their sera and gut segments were collected for subsequent analyses. Results Sensitization and challenged with peanut seeds led to alterations in gut architecture with inflammatory response characterized by oedema in lamina propria and cell infiltrate composed mainly by eosinophils, mast cells, phagocytes, natural killer and plasma cells, together with low percentage of gamma delta(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells in Peyer`s patches. These animals also presented high levels of specific IgE and IgG1 in sera and modulation of mucosal immunity was mediated by increased expression of GATA-3, IL-4, IL-13 and TNF-alpha in contrast to low IFN-gamma in the gut. Conclusion A murine model for food-induced intestinal inflammation was characterized in which modulation of gut immunity occurs by peanut antigens in consequence of T-helper type 2 (Th2) allergic response and failure of regulatory mechanisms necessary for mucosa homeostasis, resembling food allergy. This work shed some light on the understanding of the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal disorders and intolerance in the gut and supports the development of therapies for food-related enteropathies like food allergy, focusing on gut-specific immune response