ABSTRACT Body weight and vertical stratum utilization are important functional characteristics of species. Several studies have explored the capture success of different traps. These studies, however, did not explore how trappability is influenced by body weight. Here, we investigated the relationship between the weight of marsupial species caught in traps with trap type (wire cage and Sherman) and trap placement (ground and understory). For this we used data from Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840 (n = 127; 75-958 g) and Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854) (n = 327; 8.5-46 g) captured in semideciduous forest fragments in central Brazil. The results show that heaviest individuals of D. albiventris (391.01 ± 197.57 g) were captured more often by wire cage traps, regardless of trap placement. In contrast, G. agilis was trapped at similar rates regardless of weight, trap type or trap placement. We conclude that wire cage traps are more efficient at catching large marsupials weighing more than 300 g on average. Furthermore, the size of the individuals captured is not influenced by where the trap is placed (ground or understory). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the natural history and trappability of Neotropical marsupials.

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) among medical students and identify the factors associated with this disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with all medical students, enrolled from the 1st to the 8th semesters in a public university, in the state of Bahia, Brazil. We used a self-administered questionnaire that included SRQ-20 (Self-Reporting Questionnaire), IPAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - long form) and sociodemographic, school, occupational and health variables. The multivariate analysis was performed using COX Regression for cross-sectional studies. Results: We evaluated 556 students (289 women and 267 men), representing 90.2% of the target population. The overall prevalence of CMD found was 53.3%, 78.8% of students reported feeling nervous, 56.8% experienced poor sleep quality, and 6.5% had suicidal thoughts. After the multivariate analysis, the following factors maintained their association with a higher prevalence of CMD: having no previous undergraduate degree (PR=1.49), having an unfavorable self-perception of health (PR=1.53), not having failed disciplines (PR=1.20), and being a smoker (PR=1.19). Physical activity did not have a protective effect on CMD in this study. Conclusions: The prevalence of CMD among medical students was high and mainly associated with an unfavorable self-perception of health. The results highlight the need for strengthening institutional policies aimed at preventing psychological distress among students.

Resumo Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) entre estudantes de Medicina e os fatores associados a esse agravo. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de corte transversal, do tipo censo, realizado com estudantes de Medicina, do primeiro ao oitavo semestre, de uma universidade pública na Bahia. Utilizou-se um questionário autoaplicável contendo Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ - forma longa) e variáveis sociodemográficas, escolares, ocupacionais e de saúde. A análise multivariada foi efetuada usando a regressão de Cox para estudos transversais. Resultado: Avaliaram-se 556 estudantes (289 mulheres e 267 homens), o que representa 90,2% da população-alvo. A prevalência geral de TMC encontrada foi de 53,3%, 78,8% dos estudantes afirmaram que se sentem nervosos, 56,8% mencionaram que dormem mal, e 6,5% apontaram que têm ideias de acabar com a própria vida. Após análise multivariada, os seguintes fatores mantiveram associação com maior prevalência de TMC: não possuir graduação prévia (49% a mais de TMC), ter uma autopercepção de saúde desfavorável (53%), não ser dessemestralizado (20%) e fazer uso de tabaco (19%). Neste estudo, atividade física não teve efeito protetor para os TMC. Conclusão: A prevalência de TMC entre os estudantes de Medicina mostrou-se elevada e se associou principalmente à autopercepção de saúde desfavorável. Os resultados obtidos demonstram a necessidade de que as políticas institucionais voltadas à saúde mental e à diminuição do sofrimento psíquico dos estudantes sejam mantidas e ampliadas.

ABSTRACT Objective The radiological and functional lung sequelae in COVID-19 survivors remain unclear. We compared the chest computed tomography findings of COVID-19 patients with normal and abnormal pulmonary function test results in the post-recovery phase. Methods The data of consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary function tests and chest computed tomography within 14 days after recovery from COVID-19 at two medical centers between May and October 2020 were collected retrospectively. Two thoracic radiologists who were blinded to the clinical information and pulmonary function test results classified the patients according to the computed tomography features, evidence of fibrotic-like changes, and semi-quantitative quantification of the extent of pulmonary abnormalities. The clinical characteristics and computed tomography findings of patients with normal pulmonary function test results were compared with those of patients with abnormal results. Results A total of 101 COVID-19 survivors, comprising 48 ambulatory and 53 hospitalized patients, were included at a median of 95 days from initial symptom onset. Computed tomography revealed fibrotic-like changes in 10.9% of patients. A reduction in the diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was the most common lung function abnormality (19.8%). Abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was associated with the presence and extension of lung opacities on chest computed tomography scans and fibrotic pulmonary abnormalities. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of reduced diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide for detecting fibrotic-like pulmonary changes on chest computed tomography scans were 72.7%, 87.8%, and 86.1%, respectively. Conclusion Our study suggests that the presence of an abnormal diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in the post-recovery phase of COVID-19 is associated with a greater risk of long-term parenchymal lung disease, as evidenced by the presence of fibrotic-like changes on chest computed tomography scans, such as traction bronchiectasis and architectural distortion.

RESUMO O presente estudo contempla a aplicação de nanopartículas magnéticas de ferrita de manganês MnFe2O4 (NPM) modificadas com poliestireno sulfonado (PSS) na adsorção de íons de Pb (II) para fins de tratamento de água contaminada. A funcionalização da nanopartícula com o polímero objetivou aumentar a capacidade de adsorção e incluir a utilização de material reciclável em função da importância ambiental. Os adsorventes foram caracterizados por espectroscopia no infravermelho por transformada de Fourier, espectroscopia de energia dispersiva por raio X, difração de raios X, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, microscopia de força atômica, análise elementar, análise termogravimétrica, ponto de carga zero, área superficial e porosidade. O PSS representou 14% da massa das nanopartículas magnéticas de MnFe2O4 funcionalizadas com o poliestireno sulfonado (NPM-PSS) e o teor de grupos sulfônicos foi de 17,18%. Os modelos de isoterma de Freundlich e cinético de pseudossegunda ordem apresentaram maior acurácia pelos dados experimentais de adsorção dos íons Pb (II) pela NPM-PSS, cuja capacidade de adsorção das nanopartículas variou de 6,254 a 7,535 mg g−1.

ABSTRACT The present study contemplates the application of magnetic nanoparticles of manganese ferrite MnFe2O4 (NPM) modified with sulfonated polystyrene (PSS) in the adsorption of Pb(II) ions for the purpose of treating wastewater. The functionalization of the nanoparticle with the polymer aimed to increase the adsorption capacity and include the use of recyclable material due to its environmental importance. Adsorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, point of zero charge, surface area, and porosity. PSS represented around 14% of the mass of magnetic nanoparticles of MnFe2O4 functionalized with sulfonated polystyrene (NPM-PSS) and the content of sulfonic groups was 17.18%. The Freundlich isotherm and pseudo second order kinetic models showed greater accuracy by the experimental data of adsorption of Pb (II) ions by NPM-PSS, whose adsorption capacity of nanoparticles ranged from 6.254 to 7.535 mg g−1.

Abstract Background: The increase in the zoonotic epidemic of sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, which started in the late 1990s in Rio de Janeiro and is now found in almost all Brazilian states, has been equally advancing in neighboring countries of Brazil. Changes in the clinical-epidemiological profile, advances in the laboratory diagnosis of the disease, and therapeutic difficulties have been observed throughout these almost 25 years of the epidemic, although there is no national consensus. The last international guideline dates from 2007. Objectives: Update the clinical classification, diagnostic methods and recommendations on the therapeutic management of patients with sporotrichosis. Methods: Twelve experts in human sporotrichosis were selected from different Brazilian regions, and divided into three work groups: clinical, diagnosis and treatment. The bibliographic research was carried out on the EBSCOHost platform. Meetings took place via electronic mail and remote/face-to-face and hybrid settings, resulting in a questionnaire which pointed out 13 divergences, resolved based on the opinion of the majority of the participants. Results: The clinical classification and laboratory diagnosis were updated. Therapeutic recommendations were made for the different clinical forms. Conclusions: Publication of the first national recommendation, carried out by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, aimed at the Brazilian scientific community, especially dermatologists, infectologists, pediatricians, family medicine personnel, and laboratory professionals who work in the management of human sporotrichosis.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar aspectos emocionais e clínicos observados em mulheres com doença trofoblástica gestacional (DTG) acompanhadas em um centro de referência (CR), por equipe multiprofissional. Método Estudo de coorte retrospectivo nos prontuários clínicos de 186 mulheres comDTG, e dos aspectos emocionais (AE) observados nessas mulheres pela equipe de psicólogas e registrados nos 389 grupos de apoio (GAs), ocorridos de 2014 a 2018. Resultados As pacientes eram jovens (idade média 31,2 anos), 47% sem filhos vivos, 60% tinham desejado ou planejado esta gravidez e 50% delas participaram de dois ou mais GAs. A maioria (n=137-73,6%) apresentou remissão espontânea da gestação molar com mediana de 10 semanas e um tempo total de seguimento de 7 meses. Quarenta e nove mulheres (26,3%) evoluíram para neoplasia trofoblástica gestacional (NTG); amediana para atingir a remissão após tratamento comquimioterapia foi de 19 semanas e o tempo total de seguimento foi de 36 meses. Os AE incluíram variados graus de ansiedade e depressão, mais evidentes em 9,1% das nossas pacientes; tais AE tenderam a ocorrer mais em mulheres com idade acima de 40 anos (p=0,067), com menor escolaridade (p=0,054), com evolução para NTG (p=0,018), e nas que necessitaram de tratamento quimioterápico com regime de múltiplos agentes (p=0,028), ou de histerectomia complementar ao tratamento clínico (p=0,001). Conclusão Este estudo mostrou presença de vários AE associados em todos os tipos de DTG. Destaca tambéma importância de umatendimento psicológico especializado, somente encontrado nos CR, que é essencial para ajudar na recuperação da saúde mental dessas mulheres.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the emotional and clinical aspects observed in women with gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) followed-up in a reference center (RC) by a multidisciplinary team. Methods Retrospective cohort study of the clinical records of 186 women with GTD and of the emotional aspects (EA) observed in these women by a teamof psychologists and reported by the 389 support groups conducted from 2014 to 2018. Results The women were young (mean age: 31.2 years), 47% had no living child, 60% had planned the pregnancy, and 50% participated in two or more SG. Most women (n=137; 73.6%) reached spontaneous remission ofmolar gestation in a median time of 10 weeks and had a total follow-up time of seven months. In the group of 49 women (26.3%) who progressed to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN), time to remission after chemotherapy was 18 weeks, and total follow-up time was 36 months. EA included different levels of anxiety and depression,more evident in 9.1% of the women; these symptoms tended to occur more frequently in women older than 40 years (p=0.067), less educated (p=0.054), and whose disease progressed to GTN (p=0.018), as well as in those who had to undergo multi-agent chemotherapy (p=0.028) or hysterectomy (p=0.001) adjuvant to clinical treatment. Conclusion This study found several EA in association with all types of GTD. It also highlights the importance of specialized care only found in a RC, essential to support the recovery of the mental health of these women.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de extratores de cápsula porosa, associados a medidores de íons específicos, para determinar a disponibilidade de nutrientes em pimentão e melão cultivados em substrato. A solução de substrato foi obtida utilizando o extrator aquoso 1:1,5 (v/v) e o extrator de cápsula porosa. A condutividade elétrica (CE), o pH e a concentração dos macronutrientes na solução do substrato foram determinados por meio do método analítico. Além disso, foram determinadas as concentrações de NO ‑ e K+ nas soluções obtidas com os extratores de cápsula porosa, bem como as concentrações de N e K na folha diagnose do estado nutricional. As concentrações de NO- e K+ obtidas por extratores de cápsula porosa apresentam forte correlação (r=0,96 e 0,92, respectivamente) com as obtidas pelo método padrão, bem como correlação moderada (r=0,65) e forte (r=0,71) com as concentrações de N e K, respectivamente, na folha diagnose do estado nutricional do melão e, correlação fraca (r=0,36 e 0,26, respectivamente) na folha diagnose do estado nutricional do pimentão. A utilização de extratores de cápsula porosa para a obtenção da solução do substrato e, a determinação das concentrações de N-NO3- e K+ por medidores de íons específicos, é um método rápido para avaliar a disponibilidade de nutrientes em cultivos sem solo.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the porous ceramic cup extractors, associated with ion meters, for the determination of nutrients availability for bell pepper and melon crops in substrate. Substrate solution was acquired using aqueous extract 1:1.5 (v/v) and also the porous ceramic cup extractor. Electrical conductivity (EC), pH and macronutrient contents were determined for the substrate solution through analytical method. The concentrations of NO- and K+ in the solutions obtained with porous ceramic cup extractors, and the N and K contents in the diagnostic leaf for nutritional evaluation were also determined. The concentrations of NO3- and K+ using the porous ceramic cup extractors have strong correlation (r=0.96 and 0.92, respectively) with the ones obtained using the standard method, as well as a moderate correlation (r=0.65) and a strong one (r=0.71) with contents of N and K, respectively, in the melon diagnostic leaf; and a weak correlation (r=0.36 and 0.26, respectively) in the bell pepper diagnostic leaf. The use of porous ceramic cup extractors for obtaining the substrate solution and the determination of the N-NO- and K+ contents by means of specific ion meters are a fast method of evaluating nutrients availability in soilless cultures.

Abstract Objective: To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with no intention to exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of life in a sample of women in the first 24 h postpartum during the hospital stay. Methods: Cross-sectional study with data from screening phase of a birth cohort. The proportion of mothers who did not intend to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months (primary outcome) derived from a negative response to the question “Would you be willing to try to breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months?”, in an interview conducted by previously trained interviewers. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals were obtained by Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: A total of 2964 postpartum women were interviewed. The overall prevalence of mothers who did not intend to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months was 17.8% (16.4–19.1%). After adjusting for maternal age and type of pregnancy (singleton or multiple), no intention to exclusively breastfeed was higher in mothers with a monthly household income < 3 minimum wages (PR, 1.64; 1.35–1.98) and in those who intended to smoke 4–7 days/week after delivery (PR, 1.42; 1.11–1.83). The presence of significant newborn morbidity (PR, 0.32; 0.19–0.54) and intention to breastfeed up to 12 months (PR, 0.46; 0.38–0.55) had a protective effect against not intending to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Conclusions: Approximately 1 in every 5 mothers did not intend to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Strategies aimed at promoting exclusive breastfeeding should focus attention on mothers from lower economic strata and smokers.

RESUMO O parcelamaneto da adubação nitrogenada pode ser uma estratégia eficiente de gerenciamento nutricional para melhorar a produtividade, qualidade das plantas e reduzir o impacto ambiental negativo causado pelas perdas de nitrogênio (N).Nesse contexto, o presente estudo investigou o efeito do manejo de N nas características agronômicas de plantas de rúcula cultivadas em campo. Foram avaliados nove tratamentos, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 + 1, com três repetições. Os fatores avaliados foram doses de N (60, 120, 180 e 240 kg ha-1 de N), parcelamento da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura (duas e três vezes) e um tratamento adicional sem a aplicação de N. Máxima altura foi obtida com a aplicação de 198 kg ha-1 de N. O aumento das doses de N promoveu o aumento do teor de nitrato, da massa fresca e da produtividade da rúcula. Não houve efeito do parcelamento da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura nas características avaliadas. Assim, o fornecimento de 240 kg ha-1 de N, aplicado em duas parcelas foi considerado como o melhor manejo.

ABSTRACT Splitting nitrogen (N) fertilizer application can be an efficient nutrient management technique to improve productivity and plant quality, as well as to reduce the negative environmental impact caused by N losses. In this context, the present study investigated how the management of N affects the agronomic characteristics of field-grown arugula plants. Nine treatments were assessed in a randomized complete block design, in a 4 x 2 + 1 factorial scheme, with three replicates. The evaluated factors were doses of N (60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha-1), split N fertilizer applications at side-dress (two and three times) and an additional treatment without a N supply. Maximum height was obtained with the application of 198 kg N ha-1. Nitrate content, fresh mass and productivity increased with increasing N doses. There was no effect of split N fertilizer applications on the characteristics evaluated. Therefore, the supply of 240 kg N ha-1 divided into two portions was considered as the best management strategy.

RESUMO O nitrogênio (N) é o segundo nutriente mais acumulado pela rúcula, o qual afeta sobremaneira o crescimento, produtividade e qualidade desta hortaliça. A rúcula é a segunda hortaliça folhosa mais cultivada em hidroponia; porém, não há estudos sobre como a concentração do N na solução nutritiva a afeta, tendo sido este o objetivo do presente estudo. Quatro concentrações (79,2; 118,8; 158,4 e 237,6 mg L-1 de N) foram avaliadas em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições. Máximos número de folhas, área foliar, massa seca e produtividade da rúcula ‘Folha larga’ foram obtidos com a maior concentração de N. A qualidade da rúcula, avaliada pelo teor de nitrato, foi máxima com 210,2 mg L-1 de N. Seu valor na concentração que maximizou a produtividade encontra-se na faixa aceitável para hortaliças; de modo que se recomenda o cultivo da rúcula com 237,6 mg L-1 de N na solução nutritiva.

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) is the second most accumulated nutrient in rocket. This nutrient greatly affects growth, productivity and quality of the vegetable. Rocket is the second most widely grown leafy vegetable in hydroponic system; however, no studies on how N concentration in nutrient solution affects this crop can be found in literature. We studied four concentrations (79.2; 118.8; 158.4 and 237.6 mg L-1 of N) in a randomized block design with five replicates. Maximum number of leaves, leaf area, dry mass and productivity of rocket cv. ‘Folha larga’ were obtained with the highest N concentration. The rocket quality, evaluated by the nitrate content, was maximum with 210.2 mg L-1 of N and its value in the concentration which maximized productivity is in the acceptable range for vegetables; so, it is recommended to grow rocket with 237.6 mg L-1 of N in the nutrient solution.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Individuals’ quality of working life and motivation are directly related to their satisfaction and wellbeing. Although studies on the quality of life of family health workers have been conducted, there are none correlating these professionals’ wellbeing with this work model. OBJECTIVE: To review the scientific literature in order to identify the levels of quality of life, in their dimensions, of Family Health Strategy workers. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review of observational studies developed through a partnership between two postgraduate schools (Piracicaba and Uberlândia). METHODS: The review followed the PRISMA recommendations and was registered in the PROSPERO database. Ten databases were used, including the “grey literature”. Two evaluators selected the eligible studies, collected the data and assessed the risk of biases, independently. The JBI tool was used to assess the risk of bias. A complementary statistical analysis was conducted on the means and standard deviations of the results from the WHOQOL-100 and WHOQOL-bref questionnaires. RESULTS: The initial search presented 1,744 results, from which eight were included in the qualitative analysis. The studies were published between 2007 and 2018. The total sample included 1,358 answered questionnaires. All the studies presented low risk of bias. The complementary analysis showed that the environmental factor (mean score 56.12 ± 2.33) had the most influence on the quality of life of community health workers, while physical health (mean score 14.29 ± 0.21) had the most influence on graduate professionals. CONCLUSION: Professionals working within the Family Health Strategy had dimensions of quality of life that varied according to their professional category.

ABSTRACT Autoimmune diseases are an important field for the development of bone marrow transplantation, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In Europe alone, almost 3000 procedures have been registered so far. The Brazilian Society for Bone Marrow Transplantation (Sociedade Brasileira de Transplantes de Medula Óssea) organized consensus meetings for the Autoimmune Diseases Group, to review the available literature on hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for autoimmune diseases, aiming to gather data that support the procedure for these patients. Three autoimmune diseases for which there are evidence-based indications for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are multiple sclerosis, systemic sclerosis and Crohn's disease. The professional stem cell transplant societies in America, Europe and Brazil (Sociedade Brasileira de Transplantes de Medula Óssea) currently consider hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a therapeutic modality for these three autoimmune diseases. This article reviews the evidence available.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a autoeficácia da amamentação e seus fatores associados em puérperas atendidas no sistema público de saúde. Métodos: estudo transversal analítico, com amostragem por conveniência e dois instrumentos: sociodemográfico, pessoal e clínico, e Escala de Autoeficácia em Amamentação, aplicada a puérperas em um ambulatório de acompanhamento puerperal de duas maternidades públicas de Goiânia/GO, de setembro a novembro de 2019. Critérios de inclusão: mães no período puerperal, idade acima de 18 anos, filhos nascidos a termo e em aleitamento materno exclusivo. Critérios de exclusão: autorrelato de depressão e desmame prematuro. Resultados: foram entrevistadas 128 puérperas. A média de idade foi de 26,7 (± 5,9). Os níveis de autoeficácia foram altos (95,3%) e nenhuma puérpera obteve nível baixo. As variáveis com significância estatística foram: experiência em amamentar (p = 0,0312), não ter recebido informações sobre aleitamento materno durante a gravidez (p = 0,0292), não ter recebido outro leite na maternidade (p = 0,0380), não sentindo dor durante a amamentação (p = 0,0242), sendo amamentada sob demanda (p = 0,0124), presença de ingurgitamento mamário (p = 0,0207), apresentando mamilos salientes (p = 0,0427). Conclusões: foram identificados aspectos clínicos e pessoais como fatores de risco para o desmame precoce. Isso pode fornecer informações para a formação de profissionais e a estruturação de intervenções nos serviços de saúde, visando a prevenção desses riscos.

Abstract Objectives: evaluate breastfeeding self-efficacy and its associated factors in puerperal women assisted at a public health system in Brazil. Methods: it is a cross-sectional analytical study, with convenience sampling and two instruments: sociodemographic, personal and clinical, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES-SF), applied to puerperal women in a puerperal outpatient clinic at two public maternity hospitals in Goiânia/GO, from September to November 2019. Inclusion criteria: mothers in puerperal period, age above 18 years, children born at term and on exclusive breastfeeding. Exclusion criteria: report depression and premature wean. Results: 128puerperal women were interviewed. The average age was 26.7 (± 5.9) years old. The levels of self-efficacy were high (95.3%) and no puerperal had a low level. The variables with statistical significance were: experience in breastfeeding (p= 0.0312), not having received information on breastfeeding during pregnancy (p=0.0292), did not receive other milk at the maternity (p=0.0380), did not feel pain while breastfeeding (p=0.0242), being able to breastfeed on demand (p=0.0124), presence of breast engorgement (p=0.0207), presenting protruding nipples (p=0.0427). Conclusions: clinical and personal aspects were identified as risk factors for early weaning. This can provide information for the training ofprofessionals and structuring the interventions in health services, with a view in preventing these risks.

Abstract Background: In the past 20 years, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been investigated as treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc). The goal of HSCT is to eradicate the autoreactive immune system, which is replaced by a new immune repertoire with long-lasting regulation and tolerance to autoantigens. Here, we describe the clinical outcomes of severe and refractory SSc patients that underwent HSCT at a single Brazilian center. Patients and methods: This is a longitudinal and retrospective study, including 70 adult SSc patients, with an established diagnosis of SSc, and who underwent autologous HSCT from 2009 to 2016. The procedure included harvesting and cryopreservation of autologous hematopoietic progenitor cells, followed by administration of an immunoablative regimen and subsequent infusion of the previously collected cells. Patients were evaluated immediately before transplantation, at 6 months and then yearly until at least 5-years of post-transplantation follow-up. At each evaluation time point, patients underwent clinical examination, including modified Rodnan's skin score (mRSS) assessment, echocardiography, high-resolution computed tomography of the lungs and pulmonary function. Results: Median (range) age was 35.9 (19–59), with 57 (81.4%) female and median (range) non-Raynaud's disease duration of 2 (1–7) years. Before transplantation, 96% of the patients had diffuse skin involvement, 84.2%, interstitial lung disease and 67%, positive anti-topoisomerase I antibodies. Skin involvement significantly improved, with a decline in mRSS at all post-transplantation time points until at least 5-years of follow-up. When patients with pre-HSCT interstitial lung disease were analyzed, there was an improvement in pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide) over the 5-year follow-up. Overall survival was 81% and progression-free survival was 70.5% at 8-years after HSCT. Three patients died due to transplant-related toxicity, 9 patients died over follow-up due to disease reactivation and one patient died due to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Conclusions: Autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation improves skin and interstitial lung involvement. These results are in line with the international experience and support HSCT as a viable therapeutic alternative for patients with severe and progressive systemic sclerosis.

RESUMO A interferência de ervas daninhas em pomares cítricos jovens causa danos significativos, especialmente quando a competição ocorre durante a estação seca, quando os recursos ambientais são ainda mais escassos. Objetivou-se testar os efeitos de períodos de interferência e do manejo de plantas daninhas na fisiologia, produtividade e qualidade de frutos de limão persa, durante a estação seca. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos [capina com enxada; aplicação de glifosato; diminuição da água armazenada (março a maio); déficit hídrico crítico (junho a agosto); e déficit hídrico ao longo da estação seca (março a agosto)] e quatro repetições. A interferência de plantas daninhas durante o período de diminuição da água armazenada e déficit hídrico crítico afetou significativamente as variáveis fisiológicas, produtividade e teor de sólidos totais dos frutos, mas em menor grau do que o déficit hídrico ao longo da estação seca. O controle com glifosato resultou em 1,56 e 2,53 vezes mais frutos por árvore do que a capina e o déficit hídrico ao longo da estação seca, respectivamente. O manejo químico proporcionou melhores respostas fisiológicas e produtivas do que a capina, devido ao efeito da cobertura morta de plantas daninhas na estação de déficit hídrico.

ABSTRACT Weed interference in young citrus orchards causes significant damages, especially when competition occurs during the dry season, when environmental resources are even more scarce. This study aimed to test the effects of interference periods and weed management on the physiology, yield and quality of Persian lime fruits, during the dry season. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with five treatments [hoeing; glyphosate application; decrease of stored water (March to May); critical water deficit (June to August); and water deficit throughout the dry season (March to August)] and four replications. Weed interference during the decrease of stored water and critical water deficit periods affected significantly the physiological variables, yield and total solids contents of the fruits, but to a lesser extent than for the water deficit throughout the dry season. Weed control with glyphosate resulted in 1.56 and 2.53 times more fruits per tree than hoeing and water deficit throughout the dry season, respectively. The chemical management provided better physiological and productive responses than hoeing, due to the effect of weed mulch in the water deficit season.