Dibutyltin(IV) and Tributyltin(IV) Derivatives of meso-Tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine Inhibit the Growth and the Migration of Human Melanoma Cells

Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer, which is largely due to its propensity to metastasize. Therefore, with the aim to inhibit the growth and the metastatic dissemination of melanoma cells and to provide a novel treatment option, we studied the eects of the melanoma treatment with two organotin(IV) complexes of the meso-tetra(4-sulfonato-phenyl)porphine, namely (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS. In particular, we showed that nanomolar concentrations of (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS are sucient to inhibit melanoma cell growth, to increase the expression of the full-length poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1), to induce the cell cycle arrest respectively at G2/M and G0/G1 through the inhibition of the Cyclin D1 expression and to inhibit cell colony formation. Nanomolar concentrations of (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS are also sucient to inhibit the melanoma cell migration and the expression of some adhesion receptors. Moreover, we report that (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS act downstream of BRAF, mainly bypassing its functions, but targeting the STAT3 signalling protein. Finally, these results suggest that (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS may be eective therapeutic strategies for their role in the inhibition of melanoma growth and migration

Risk-factor analysis for feline hyperthyroidism in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre : a pilot case-control study

Background: Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy in elderly cats and its prevalence varies greatly geographically. Since it was first described in 1979, it has shown a continuously increasing incidence. This fact has given rise to several hypothesis, and studies about the effects of endocrine disruptors on human and animal health are in full development. Aging, bisphenol-A and other endocrine disruptors present in the dust, were already documented as risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism. The aim of this study was to perform a risk analysis on the habits and lifestyle variables of domestic cats and their owners, and its possible relationship with feline hyperthyroidism. Materials, Methods and Results: Retrospective case-control epidemiological study. A 30-questions questionnaire was applied to owners of 28 hyperthyroid cats as well as to owners of 55 euthyroid cats aging more than eight-years (n:m) and living in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre – RS. Criteria for hyperthyroidism diagnosis was assumed as compatible clinical presentation confirmed by elevated serum thyroxine concentration. Euthyroid control cats were selected by convenience from hospital medical records based on the absence of hyperthyroidism diagnosis and age. Univariate odds ratio (OR) and respective 95% confidence interval (95%CI) analysis was performed for each of the 22 variables surveyed. Exact Fischer´s test was performed to determine P-value, which was considered significant if P < 0.05. Student´s unpaired t-test was applied for age comparison between groups. Mean age of hyperthyroid cats was 13.2 ± 2.7 years (range: 7-18), while euthyroid cats mean age was 11.6 ± 2.4 years (range: 8-16) (P < 0.01). Higher exposure to canned foods was considered as a risk factor for hyperthyroidism in this population (OR = 2.87; 95% CI = 1.1 - 7.5; P = 0.032) as well as aging more than 12-years-old (OR = 3.14; 95% CI = 1.10 – 8.97; P = 0.048). Likewise, weekly or monthly bathing frequency represented a strong risk factor in those hyperthyroid cats studied (OR = 7.57; 95% CI = 1.41 - 40.55; P = 0.013). Regarding other items surveyed, such as the use of plastic accessories, contact with domestic dust, use of endoparasiticides, ectoparasiticides and vaccines, it was not possible to identify any association of these variables as risk or protective factors. Discussion: Even with a modest sample size, these results were in accordance with previous studies that analyzed hundreds of cats showing that advanced age, as well as the consumption of canned foods, are risk factors for the development of the disease. This study also raised the possibility of a risk factor related to frequent bathing. The explanation would be due to the possible presence of endocrine disruptors in cosmetic products used for bathing. This hypothesis needs further studies, since previous recommendations on hyperthyroidism preventive management suggests that bathing could have a protective effect since it cleans off the dust particles present in the fur. However, evidences that triclosan and parabens present in cosmetic products may act as thyroid endocrine disruptors have been recently raised. Further studies would be required to determine the effects of such inputs in felines’ health, since the etiopathogenesis of hyperthyroidism is uncertain and surely multifactorial. These genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors; should be analyzed together, as far as possible. Moreover, these findings are helpful to create preventive strategies against feline hyperthyroidism and corroborate with data previous published in epidemiological studies in other countries

Dibutyltin(IV) and Tributyltin(IV) Derivatives of meso-Tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphine Inhibit the Growth and the Migration of Human Melanoma Cells

Melanoma is the most aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer, which is largely due to its propensity to metastasize. Therefore, with the aim to inhibit the growth and the metastatic dissemination of melanoma cells and to provide a novel treatment option, we studied the eects of the melanoma treatment with two organotin(IV) complexes of the meso-tetra(4-sulfonato-phenyl)porphine, namely (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS. In particular, we showed that nanomolar concentrations of (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS are sucient to inhibit melanoma cell growth, to increase the expression of the full-length poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1), to induce the cell cycle arrest respectively at G2/M and G0/G1 through the inhibition of the Cyclin D1 expression and to inhibit cell colony formation. Nanomolar concentrations of (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS are also sucient to inhibit the melanoma cell migration and the expression of some adhesion receptors. Moreover, we report that (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS act downstream of BRAF, mainly bypassing its functions, but targeting the STAT3 signalling protein. Finally, these results suggest that (Bu2Sn)2TPPS and (Bu3Sn)4TPPS may be eective therapeutic strategies for their role in the inhibition of melanoma growth and migration

Linking migration, climate and social protection in Brazilian semiarid: case studies of Submédio São Francisco and Seridó Potiguar

Over the known history of Brazilian sertões migration has been recorded as a human response to drought episodes. Social protection policies beginning around 2003 had dramatically diminished poverty rates and, within this context, migration changed compared to other periods, becoming more heterogeneous and diffuse. The article aims to explore the link between drought, migration and social protection in the Brazilian semiarid region based upon the analysis and conceptual discussion about two case studies: Submédio São Francisco and Seridó Potiguar. In contrast with the past, actual migration holds an indirect relation to climate. Public policy softened the impacts of the climate over livelihoods and changed the coping strategies. In this sense, mobility outside the semi-arid was not a strategy to survive. Yet, the role of the state in the preceding decades and the region’s historical path – inseparable from its climate – drew persistent migration flows that still reverberate in present dynamics.  Ao longo da história dos sertões, a migração foi registrada como resposta humana a episódios de seca. Políticas de proteção social iniciadas nos anos 2003 diminuíram drasticamente as taxas de pobreza, ao passo que a migração mudou comparada a outros períodos, tornando-se mais heterogênea e difusa. O artigo visa explorar o nexo entre secas, migrações e proteção social na região, baseado na análise e discussão conceitual em torno de dois estudos de caso: o Submédio São Francisco e o Seridó Potiguar. Em contraste com o passado, a migração do presente tem uma relação indireta com o clima. Políticas públicas moderaram os impactos do clima sobre os meios de vida e estratégias. Portanto, deixar o semiárido não seria mais uma estratégia de sobrevivência. Ainda assim, o papel do estado nas décadas anteriores e a trajetória histórica da região – inseparável do clima – desenhou fluxos migratórios persistentes que ainda reverberam no presente.

Mixing Community Capitals and Creative Placemaking for Craft-Beverage Tourism Development

Craft-beverage tourism (CBT) is a growing segment in the USA and an attractive strategy for sustainable development. Hyperlocal strategies are suitable for this segment because the perception of craft beverages being authentic cultural representations is appealing to tourists. This study aims to identify the resources that facilitate this development by combining two theoretical models; determine the role of hyperlocal strategies in CBT development; and test the resulting model in a different context. A mixed method approach in three phases will address these objectives. Data from the first phase revealed that creativity and meaning accelerated the growth of the community capitals needed for CBT, causing a spiraling up effect. The second phase will provide evidence of the impact of hyperlocal strategies in CBT experiences. Outcomes from the study’s third phase will further improve CBT development efforts and consolidate CBT knowledge, and hyperlocality’s role in different contexts and development stages

Do Drones dream of a Resilient and Sustainable Urban Distribution? A Literature Review

Over the last 20 years, the demand for transport services has grown thanks to increasing globalization and e-commerce exponentially. This led to the rise in externalities (e.g., air pollution, climate change, noise pollution, traffic congestion), an issue that is particularly relevant in urban contexts. The improvement of last-mile delivery processes comes as a natural necessity. The considerable pressure on urban systems was further pushed by the outbreak of COVID-19, which highlighted the need for a delivery system able to provide a fast, resilient and safe contactless solution to reach isolated or quarantined areas with ease. To cope with the abovementioned issues, many authors have been looking toward adopting unmanned aerial vehicles (a.k.a. drones) in logistics. Therefore, this work aims to identify how drones can improve last-mile logistics resilience and sustainability and understand the impact of drones on urban distribution. The following research questions will be answered to achieve these objectives: Which applications of drones to urban distribution have been researched? What is the impact of drones on urban distribution in terms of resilience and sustainability? This paper follows a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. The SLR was conducted on the Scopus database and is based on 159 articles. This literature review provides insights into the current state of drone-enhanced urban distribution scientific literature, finds existing gaps and suggests future research opportunities to develop a resilient and sustainable urban distribution system