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As urban areas expand rapidly, understanding the complex interactions between human migration, climate change impacts, and biodiversity loss is crucial for effective climate policy. However, comprehensive knowledge of the simultaneous interaction of these aspects is still scarce. Thus, this paper proposes the classification of ‘Climate Emergency Coastal Cities’, with the categorization of 43 cities into four levels according to their vulnerability (extreme, very high, high, and critical). Our study contributes to evidence-based climate policy and supports efficient resource allocation and interventions for the most vulnerable coastal cities. Highly anthropogenic megacities were ranked as the most sensitive to climate emergencies (Lagos, Nigeria; Jakarta, Indonesia; Los Angeles and Houston, USA; and Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China). It is noteworthy that in countries from both the Global North and South, the entry of new populations is a critical issue, and represents a threat to urban structures and biodiversity; however, in territories with fragile economies and numerous governance challenges, the required structure is still more challenging. The study concludes that integrated urban planning policies are crucial, considering various perspectives and coordinated actions. Policies should address marginalized urban groups and include migrants, and promote human well-being, ecosystem recovery, and climate mitigation, for effective adaptation.

Abstract Cancer metastasis to the brain is a significant clinical problem. Metastasis is the consequence of favorable interactions between invaded cancer cells and the microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate that cancer-activated astrocytes create a sustained low-level activated type I interferon (IFN) microenvironment in brain metastatic lesions. We further confirm that the IFN response in astrocytes facilitates brain metastasis. Mechanistically, IFN signaling in astrocytes activates C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) production, which further increases the recruitment of monocytic myeloid cells. The correlation between CCL2 and monocytic myeloid cells is confirmed in clinical brain metastasis samples. Lastly, genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting C-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 2 (CCR2) reduces brain metastases. Our study clarifies a pro-metastatic effect of type I IFN in the brain even though IFN response has been considered to have anti-tumor effects. Moreover, this work expands our understandings on the interactions between cancer-activated astrocytes and immune cells in brain metastasis.

Canine demodicosis is a common inflammatory parasitic skin disease caused by Demodex mites. House dust mites, such as Dermatophagoides spp., play an important role in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (AD). The goal of this experimental work was to investigate whether demodectic dogs could be previously exposed/sensitized to house dust mites’ antigens. First the prevalence of demodicosis in a southeastern region of Brazil was investigated by analyzing clinical files of dogs that were admitted to a Veterinary Hospital. Subsequently, the IgG responses to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp) and Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) and IgE to D. pteronyssinus (Dp) were evaluated in two groups, AD or demodicosis dogs. Additionally, the major IgE-binding Dp proteins that are recognized by sera from dogs with demodicosis and AD were evaluated. A total of 2,599 clinical files were analyzed to identify the major parasitic skin diseases in dogs from this region, considering the age, sex and breed of the animals. The epidemiological study identified 111 animals with skin diseases; from these 20.7% presented demodicosis. Afterwards, serum samples were obtained from another groups of demodicosis, AD, and healthy dogs, and analyzed for Dp and Df-specific IgG, and IgE antibody levels, Dp IgG avidity by ELISA and IgE-binding Dp-specific proteins by immunoblot. IgG and IgE antibodies to Dp were detected in sera from additional groups of dogs with AD, demodicosis or healthy, with higher IgE levels to Dp in AD than demodectic or healthy dogs. IgG to Df was detected, despite with smaller levels compared to Dp in sera from demodectic dogs, and also in healthy dogs. Immunoblot showed IgE-binding to Dp proteins in sera of dogs with demodicosis and AD; with strong reactivity for the 72 and 116 kDa antigens detected by sera from demodicosis dogs. However, sera from healthy dogs >12 months old also presented reactivity to these bands. In conclusion, the detection of Dp-IgG and IgE antibodies in sera from demodectic dogs indicates previous exposure and sensitization to the house dust mite, respectively, more than cross-reactivity between demodex mites and Dp antigens detected by canine antibodies. Additionally, higher Dp-specific IgE levels were found in dogs with AD compared with those with demodicosis or healthy, suggesting that Dp-specific IgE could better discriminate dogs with AD from healthy ones or even those with demodicosis.

Quando o profissional da área de Educação Física está ensinando uma habilidade motora, ele procura avaliar o movimento realizado pelo aluno e reflete sobre quais intervenções poderiam ser feitas naquele momento. No entanto, muitas vezes, o professor não dispõe de recursos que possam auxiliá-lo no processo de avaliação do movimento a ser aprendido pelo aluno. O processo de aquisição habilidades motoras poderia ser facilitado se o professor dispusesse nesse momento de um instrumento que identificasse o erro(s) cometido(s), bem como, qual seria a informação prioritária a ser fornecida ao aprendiz. Portanto, como a literatura especializada apresenta escassez no que diz respeito a esse tipo de ferramenta, o objetivo do presente estudo foi construir, validar e testar a objetividade e fidedignidade de um instrumento (checklist) que avalia a qualidade do arremesso do basquetebol (lance livre). O checklist da habilidade foi desenvolvido e avaliado por especialistas da modalidade esportiva e, posteriormente, o checklist foi utilizado para analisar 10 arremessos (vídeo editado) de quatro indivíduos em diferentes fases de aprendizagem da habilidade. Os resultados foram organizados em função do erro crítico e somatória de erros verificados pelos especialistas em duas ocasiões com uma semana de intervalo. Contrastando as avaliações do mesmo avaliador e entre avaliadores, em ambas as medidas, observou-se um nível de erro médio de 16,9%. Concluiu-se, portanto que o checklist proposto no presente estudo é um instrumento de avaliação do lance livre consistente e, nesse sentido, pode auxiliar professores e técnicos na análise qualitativa do arremesso. Além disso, esse instrumento de avaliação permite fazer inferências sobre o processo de aprendizagem de indivíduos nessa habilidade.When a physical activity professional is teaching a motor skill, he evaluates the movement's learner and considers which interventions could be done at the moment. However, many times the instructor does not have such resources which could help him/her to evaluate the learner movement. The skill acquisition process could be facilitated if instructors could have an instrument that identifies errors, prioritizing information to be given to the learner. Considering that the specialized literature presents a lack of information about such tool, the purpose of this study was to develop, and to determine the objectivity and reliability of an instrument to assess the movement quality of the basketball free throw shooting. The checklist was developed and evaluated by basketball experts. Additionally, the checklist was used to assess 10 trials (edited video) from four individuals in different learning stages. Data were organized by the critical error and the error sum appointed by the experts in two different occasions (one week interval). Contrasting both evaluations, and also, contrasting different experts assessments, in sum and critical error, it was observed an average error of 16.9%. It was concluded that the checklist to assess the basketball free throw is reliable, and could help instructors to make a qualitative analysis. Moreover, the checklist may allow instructors to make assumptions on the motor learning process.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a whole body vibration training program on knee extensor isokinetic peak torque, average power, and functional tests in the physically active elderly. Forty-seven subjects, who participated in a training program for the elderly, were recruited. The subjects were divided into two groups: whole body vibration group (WBV) (n=24, 70.7±5.8 years, 62.7±12.3 kg and 155.9±8.0 cm ) and control group (n=23. 70.0±5.7 years, 65.3±10.7 kg and 157.9±6.6 cm). The WBS group underwent whole body vibration exercise and their regular training program for 13 weeks, 2 times per week, whereas the control group performed the regular training program only. Whole body vibration training was not effective in increasing isokinetic peak torque, average power, or performance in the functional tests. On the other hand, the regular training program was effective in increasing elbow flexor strength endurance, distance covered in the 6-min walk test, and speed in the timed up and go test. The results suggest that vibration training is not effective in modifying functionality or muscle strength and power in the physically active elderly.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o efeito do treinamento de vibração na força e na potência musculares, a 60º.s-1 e a 180º.s-1 e na funcionalidade de idosos. Participaram do estudo quarenta e sete idosos que já frequentavam um programa de exercícios físicos. Os sujeitos foram divididos em dois grupos: grupo experimental (GE) (n=24, 70.7±5.8 anos, 62.7±12.3 kg e 155.9±8.0 cm ) e grupo controle (GC) (n=23, 70.0±5.7 anos, 65.3±10.7 kg e 157.9±6.6 cm). Adicionalmente ao programa de exercícios físicos, o GE realizou o treinamento de vibração durante 13 semanas, sendo 2 vezes por semana, enquanto que o GC continuou apenas com o programa regular de exercícios físicos. O treinamento de vibração não foi efetivo em melhorar a força, a potência e o desempenho nos testes funcionais dos idosos. No entanto, encontra-se efeito de tempo para os testes de força dos flexores de cotovelo, à distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de 6 minutos e a redução no tempo para realizar o percurso no teste de agilidade/equilíbrio. Os resultados sugerem que o treinamento de vibração parece não ser eficiente para modificar a funcionalidade bem como a força e a potência musculares em idosos fisicamente ativos.

A oxidação lipídica é um dos fatores mais importantes que limitam a vida útil e a estabilidade comercial da carne e produtos cárneos. A oxidação lipídica da carne caprina armazenada sob congelamento, nos tempos de 0, 30, 60 e 120 dias, foi estudada utilizando-se peças do músculo longissimus dorsi, proveniente de animais caprinos, da raça Anglo-Nubiana, machos, não castrados, com idade inferior a oito meses, criados em regime extensivo. Para tanto, realizou-se análise do índice de substâncias reativas ao ácido 2-tiobarbitúrico (TBARS), do índice de peróxido e a análise cromatográfica de fase gasosa. De acordo com os resultados encontrados para o TBARS e o índice de peróxido, as amostras não variaram de forma significativa (p>0,05) em relação ao tempo de estocagem. Destacaram-se como ácidos graxos majoritários, os ácidos palmítico, esteárico e oléico. A temperatura de armazenamento de -18ºC contribuiu para a manutenção da qualidade da carne caprina por, pelo menos, 120 dias.

We evaluated the occurrence of intestinal parasites and commensals among children and adults from a landless camping in the rural area of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from October to November 2001. Stool samples from 78 individuals were examined by both the Baermann-Moraes and Lutz methods. Fifty-one (65.4%; CI 54.8 - 76.0) individuals were found to be infected, 23 (45.1%) children and 28 (54.9%) adults, of whom 34 (66.7%) were mono-infected, 9 (17.6%) bi-infected, and 8 (15.7%) poly-infected. In conclusion, the high prevalence of intestinal parasites and commensals suggests that parasitological exams should be periodically carried out in addition to the sanitation education and health special care in this population.

Abstract We previously developed human CAR macrophages (CAR-M) and demonstrated redirection of macrophage anti-tumor function leading to tumor control in immunodeficient xenograft models. Here, we develop clinically relevant fully immunocompetent syngeneic models to evaluate the potential for CAR-M to remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME), induce T cell anti-tumor immunity, and sensitize solid tumors to PD1/PDL1 checkpoint inhibition. In vivo, anti-HER2 CAR-M significantly reduce tumor burden, prolong survival, remodel the TME, increase intratumoral T cell and natural killer (NK) cell infiltration, and induce antigen spreading. CAR-M therapy protects against antigen-negative relapses in a T cell dependent fashion, confirming long-term anti-tumor immunity. In HER2+ solid tumors with limited sensitivity to anti-PD1 (aPD1) monotherapy, the combination of CAR-M and aPD1 significantly improves tumor growth control, survival, and remodeling of the TME in pre-clinical models. These results demonstrate synergy between CAR-M and T cell checkpoint blockade and provide a strategy to potentially enhance response to aPD1 therapy for patients with non-responsive tumors.

At the root of much of the deforestation, land rights violations, human rights abuses and ultimately the continuation of unequal, neocolonial North-South relations are the two-fold phenomena of global market pressures for extractivism and mass production of resources and the militarization of response to social conflicts created by these activities. We will investigate the ‘new’ extractivism economic activities from the perspective of the violence perpetrated by assemblages of power against indigenous protest movements in the Peruvian Amazon region. Specifically, we will probe a grassroots’ response to the way Peru’s elites have integrated the country within the global economic system: we focus on Indigenous peoples’ protests in 2008-9 against the new regulation to open the Amazon for development of resources by private companies carried out by Peru’s President Alan García, on the grounds that it represented a threat to their natural resources and livelihood.

The article presents a research on the effect of a whole body vibration training program on knee extensor isokinetic peak torque, average power, and functional tests in the physically active elderly. Whole body vibration group underwent whole body vibration exercise and their regular training program while the control group performed the latter program. It reveals that vibration training is not effective in modifying functionality or muscle strength and power in the physically active elderly.

Inflammatory chronic pathologies are complex processes characterized by an imbalance between the resolution of the inflammatory phase and the establishment of tissue repair. The main players in these inflammatory pathologies are bone marrow derived monocytes (BMDMs). However, how monocyte differentiation is modulated to give rise to specific macrophage subpopulations (M1 or M2) that may either maintain the chronic inflammatory process or lead to wound healing is still unclear. Considering that inhibitors of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) have an anti-inflammatory activity, we asked whether this enzyme would play a role on monocyte differentiation into M1 or M2 phenotype and in the cell shape transition that follows. We then induced murine bone marrow progenitors into monocyte/macrophage differentiation pathway using media containing GM-CSF and the HDAC blocker, Trichostatin A (TSA). We found that the pharmacological inhibition of HDAC activity led to a shape transition from the typical macrophage pancake-like shape into an elongated morphology, which was correlated to a mixed M1/M2 profile of cytokine and chemokine secretion. Our results present, for the first time, that HDAC activity acts as a regulator of macrophage differentiation in the absence of lymphocyte stimuli. We propose that HDAC activity down regulates macrophage plasticity favoring the pro-inflammatory phenotype.