ABSTRACT Understanding the green dwarf coconut palm development is essential to improve its management. This study aimed to characterize and understand the seasonality of the green dwarf coconut palm development and yield under rainfed and irrigated conditions in the northeastern region of the Pará state, Brazil. The longitudinal and transverse diameters, fruit mass and yield, in addition to the number of live leaves, live bunches, fruits of the bunches nº 11 and 14 and female fowers were monitored. The coconuts between the bunches nº 20 and 22 showed larger dimensions and biomass (fresh and dry). The partition of the production components varies according to the time of the year, with the liquid albumen mass, which is a component of greater commercial focus, being higher in the rainy season, with lower percentage losses in the irrigated cultivation. The meteorological seasonality plays a key role in fower dropping and fruit abortion, directly contributing to the amount of produced fruits.

RESUMO Compreender o desenvolvimento do coqueiro-anão-verde é essencial para melhorar seu manejo. Objetivou-se caracterizar e entender a sazonalidade do desenvolvimento e a produção de frutos do coqueiro-anão-verde sob condições de sequeiro e irrigação na região nordeste do Pará, Brasil. Foram monitorados os diâmetros longitudinal e transversal, massa e produtividade dos frutos, além do número de folhas vivas, cachos vivos, frutos dos cachos nº 11 e 14 e fores femininas. Os cocos entre os cachos nº 20 e 22 apresentam maiores dimensões e biomassa (fresca e seca). A repartição dos componentes da produção varia conforme a época do ano, sendo a massa de albúmen líquido, componente de maior enfoque comercial, maior no período chuvoso, com menores perdas percentuais no cultivo irrigado. A sazonalidade meteorológica desempenha papel fundamental na queda das fores e no aborto dos frutos, contribuindo diretamente para a quantidade de frutos produzidos.

Abstract Hydrocotyle umbellata L., Araliaceae, is a species that is recommended in Ayurvedic medicine for its effects on the central nervous system, such as anxiolytic and memory-stimulant effects. Despite the medicinal potential of this species, its phytopharmaceutical and technological potential to produce standardized extracts has not been investigated. This study analyzes the influence of spray drying parameters on the contents of the chemical markers (total phenolic, total flavonoid, and hibalactone) and the functional properties of H. umbellata extract. The optimization of drying conditions was performed using a central composite design combined with response surface methodology and desirability function approach. The mathematical models fitted to experimental data indicated that all the evaluated drying parameters significantly influenced the chemical contents. The optimal conditions were: inlet temperature of 120 °C, feed flow rate of 4 mL min-1, and colloidal silicon dioxide:maltodextrin ratio of 16%:4%. Under these conditions, the powder samples had spherical particles and desirable physicochemical and functional properties, such as low water activity and moisture content, good product recovery, reconstitution, and flowability. Thus, spray drying might be a promising technique for processing standardized H. umbellata extracts.

Abstract Introduction The deficiency of ADA2 (DADA2) is a rare autoinflammatory disease provoked by mutations in the ADA2 gene inherited in a recessive fashion. Up to this moment there is no consensus for the treatment of DADA2 and anti-TNF is the therapy of choice for chronic management whereas bone marrow transplantation is considered for refractory or severe phenotypes. Data from Brazil is scarce and this multicentric study reports 18 patients with DADA2 from Brazil. Patients and methods This is a multicentric study proposed by the Center for Rare and Immunological Disorders of the Hospital 9 de Julho - DASA, São Paulo - Brazil. Patients of any age with a confirmed diagnosis of DADA2 were eligible for this project and data on clinical, laboratory, genetics and treatment were collected. Results Eighteen patients from 10 different centers are reported here. All patients had disease onset at the pediatric age (median of 5 years) and most of them from the state of São Paulo. Vasculopathy with recurrent stroke was the most common phenotype but atypical phenotypes compatible with ALPS-like and Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) was also found. All patients carried pathogenic mutations in the ADA2 gene. Acute management of vasculitis was not satisfactory with steroids in many patients and all those who used anti-TNF had favorable responses. Conclusion The low number of patients diagnosed with DADA2 in Brazil reinforces the need for disease awareness for this condition. Moreover, the absence of guidelines for diagnosis and management is also necessary (t).

RESUMO Objetivo: Traduzir e validar o questionário de olho seco e lentes de contato (CLDEQ-8) para o português e descrever o impacto das lentes de contato gelatinosas na superfície ocular. Métodos: Estudo transversal e descritivo com o objetivo de (1) traduzir e validar o CLDEQ-8 para o português e (2) aplicar o CLDEQ-8 em um grupo de usuários de lentes de contato, juntamente com uma ampla avaliação do impacto das lentes gelatinosas na superfície ocular. A avaliação do impacto das lentes gelatinosas foi realizada em uma amostra composta por 81 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos: 61 usuários de lente de contato (Grupo A) e um grupo controle de 20 não usuários (Grupo B). Como critério de exclusão: usuário de lentes de contato rígidas, doenças sistêmicas ou oculares prévias, uso de medicamentos que podem causar danos a superfície ocular e cirurgias oculares prévias. Resultados: Para a tradução e validação do questionário CLDEQ-8, os valores de concordância Kappa foram iguais ou superiores a 0,7 em todas as perguntas, o que implica em uma boa concordância entre as versões em português e inglês. Considerando a avaliação da superfície ocular dos sujeitos, todos os parâmetros diferiram nos usuários de lente de contato em comparação com os controles (com p<0,05), exceto naqueles relacionados ao volume lacrimal, como altura do menisco lacrimal e teste de Schirmer. Conclusões: Este estudo forneceu uma versão traduzida para o português e validada do questionário CLDEQ-8, que representa uma importante ferramenta na avaliação de usuários de lente de contato. A avaliação da superfície ocular realizada demonstra a relação entre o uso de lentes de contato gelatinosas e os distúrbios da superfície ocular.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To translate and validate the Contact Lens Dry Eyes Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) to Portuguese language and to describe the impact of soft contact lenses on the ocular surface. Methods: We conducted a descriptive transversal study with the aim to: (1) translate and validate the CLDEQ-8 questionnaire to Portuguese language and (2) apply the CLDEQ-8 to a group of contact lens wearers along with a broad evaluation of the impact of soft contact lens on the ocular surface. The evaluation of the impact of soft contact lens was performed for a study population of 81 subjects, categorized in two groups: Group A: 61 contact lens wearers and Group B (control): 20 noncontact lens wearers. The study exclusion criteria were rigid contact lens wear, systemic or ocular diseases, the use of medications predisposing to ocular surface damage, and previous ocular surgeries. Results: For the CLDEQ-8 questionnaire translation and validation, Kappa agreement values were ³0.7 in all questions, implying a good agreement between the Portuguese and English language versions. Considering the ocular surface evaluation of the subjects, all parameters differed in Soft contact lens wearers when compared with the controls (p<0.05), except in those related to tear volume, such as the tear meniscus height and Schirmer test. Conclusions: This study provided a translated and validated Portuguese version of CLDEQ-8 questionnaire, which represents an important tool for the evolution of contact lens wearers. The broad evaluation of the ocular surface revealed an association between soft contact lens wearing and ocular surface disturbances.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a confiabilidade interobservador da mensuração da morfologia do psoas e lordose lombar nas diferentes posições e padronizar a realização do exame de ressonância magnética em posição prona e lateral. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com voluntários assintomáticos de ambos os sexos, maiores de 18 anos, sem alterações patológicas conhecidas na região lombar. Foi realizada ressonância magnética da coluna lombar na posição supina, decúbito lateral direito e prono, obtendo imagens nas sequências ponderadas em T2 nos planos sagital e axial. Foram medidas as distâncias do psoas até o platô vertebral e o plexo lombar. Os exames foram avaliados por dois ortopedistas independentes em caráter cego. Resultados: Houve ótima concordância entre as medições do tamanho da vértebra (ICC=0.92), baixa concordância para a distância do plexo (ICC = 0,63) e alta concordância para a margem anterior (ICC = 0,84). Conclusão: Houve boa reprodutibilidade das medidas propostas, sugerindo que a técnica em posição lateral e prona é capaz de gerar imagens de qualidade. Nível de Evidência 3B; Prospectivo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the interobserver reliability of measurements of psoas morphology and lumbar lordosis in different positions and to standardize the performance of magnetic resonance imaging in the prone and lateral positions. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out with asymptomatic volunteers of both sexes, aged over 18 years, with no known pathological changes in the lumbar region. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine was performed in the supine, right lateral decubitus and prone positions, obtaining images in T2-weighted sequences in the sagittal and axial planes. The distances were measured from the psoas to the vertebral plateau and from the psoas to the lumbar plexus. The exams were assessed by two independent, blinded orthopedists. Results: There was excellent agreement between the measurements of vertebral size (ICC=0.92), low agreement for plexus distance (ICC=0.63) and high agreement for the anterior margin (ICC=0.84). Conclusion: There was good reproducibility of 2 of the 3 measures proposed, suggesting that the technique in the lateral and prone positions is capable of generating quality images. Level of Evidence 3B; Prospective.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar la fiabilidad interobservador de la medición de la morfología del psoas y la lordosis lumbar en diferentes posiciones y estandarizar la realización de la resonancia magnética en decúbito prono y lateral. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal realizado con voluntarios asintomáticos de ambos sexos, mayores de 18 años, sin alteraciones patológicas conocidas en la región lumbar. Se realizó la resonancia magnética de la columna lumbar en decúbito supino, decúbito lateral derecho y prono, obteniendo imágenes en las secuencias potenciadas en T2 en los planos sagital y axial. Se midieron las distancias del psoas a la meseta vertebral y al plexo lumbar. Los exámenes fueron evaluados a ciegas por dos ortopedistas independientes. Resultados: Hubo una excelente concordancia entre las mediciones del tamaño de la vértebra (ICC = 0,92), una baja concordancia para la distancia del plexo (ICC = 0,63) y una alta concordancia para el margen anterior (ICC = 0,84). Conclusión: Hubo buena reproducibilidad de las medidas propuestas, lo que sugiere que la técnica en decúbito lateral y prono es capaz de generar imágenes de calidad. Nivel de evidencia 3B; Prospectivo.

Abstract We present the first records of insect visitors and pollinators of Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) in a 25 years plantation outside the Amazon biome, flowering and producing Brazil nuts. We installed a platform to observe and photograph the insects. The collected insects were stored, mounted, and identified by specialists. Six species were observed, three of them classified as potential pollinators (Centris lutea, Eulaema nigrita, Eulaema cingulata). The species E. nigrita and E. cingulata were already reported as a pollinators of Brazil nut in Amazon. This is the first record of C. lutea as potential pollinators for B. excelsa.

Abstract Peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) has been shown to be a neurological manifestation of COVID-19. The current study presents two cases of PFP after COVID-19, along with a rapid review of known cases in the literature. Both case reports were conducted following CARE guidelines. We also performed a systematic review of PFP cases temporally related to COVID-19 using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases on August 30, 2021, using a rapid review methodology. The two patients experienced PFP 102 and 110 days after COVID-19 symptom onset. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in nasal samples through reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) testing. Anosmia was the only other neurological manifestation. PFP was treated with steroids in both cases, with complete subsequent recovery. In the rapid review, we identified 764 articles and included 43 studies. From those, 128 patients with PFP were analyzed, of whom 42.1% (54/128) were male, 39.06% (50/128) female, and in 23 cases the gender was not reported. The age range was 18 to 59 (54.68%). The median time between COVID-19 and PFP was three days (ranging from the first symptom of COVID-19 to 40 days after the acute phase of infection). Late PFP associated with COVID-19 presents mild symptoms and improves with time, with no identified predictors. Late PFP should be added to the spectrum of neurological manifestations associated with the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a post COVID-19 condition.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar o conhecimento de pacientes atendidos em um hospital-escola acerca da formação acadêmica e profissional do médico residente em ortopedia e traumatologia, bem como sua área de atuação, e determinar a percepção de conforto e segurança do paciente em relação a ser assistido pelo médico residente em diferentes etapas do tratamento. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo transversal com pacientes internados em um hospital de ortopedia de grande porte do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Os dados foram coletados a partir da aplicação de um questionário contendo 19 questões objetivas que avaliaram parâmetros sociodemográficos e a percepção do paciente quanto à atuação do residente. Os dados foram analisados de forma a avaliar a frequência das respostas obtidas. Resultados Foram avaliados 152 participantes, predominantemente do sexo masculino (62,5%) e com idade entre 36 e 55 anos (41,3%). Apenas 43,3% tinham conhecimento sobre a formação acadêmica do residente. Os pacientes relataram se sentir mais seguros e confortáveis em serem assistidos pelo médico em conjunto com o residente na consulta ambulatorial (43,3%), na enfermaria (39,3%) e durante a cirurgia (61%). Quanto à atuação do residente, 80,2% afirmaram que o médico residente melhora a comunicação entre o paciente e o cirurgião principal, entretanto e apenas 11% disseram se sentir seguros e confortáveis sendo cuidados exclusivamente por residentes no ambiente cirúrgico, caso fosse permitido. Conclusão A participação de médicos residentes nos cuidados é bem recebida pelos pacientes, desde que em companhia do médico assistente. Os pacientes identificam nos residentes uma ponte facilitadora na comunicação com os médicos assistentes.

Abstract Objective To assess the knowledge of patients seen at a teaching hospital about the academic and professional training of the resident doctor in orthopedics and traumatology, as wellas his areaofexpertise, and determinethe perception of thepatients ofcomfort and safety in relation to being assisted by the resident doctor at different stages of treatment. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with patients admitted to a large ortho pedics hospital of the Brazilian Unified Health System(SUS, in the Portugues e acronym). Datawere collected through the application of a questionnaire containing 19 objective questions that assessed sociodemographic parameters and the perception of the patient of the performance of the resident. The data were analyzed to assess the frequency of responses obtained. Results 152 participantswere evaluated, predominantlymale(62.6%)andaged between 36 and 55 years old (41.3%). Only 43.3% were aware of the academic background of the resident. Patients reportedfeelingsaferandmorecomfortablebeingassistedbythedoctor together with the resident in the outpatient consultation (43.3%), in the nursing ward (39.3%)andduringsurgery(61%).Asfor theperformanceof theresident,80.2%statedthat the resident doctor improves communication between the patient and the main surgeon; however, only 11% said they would feel safe and comfortable being cared for exclusively by residents in the surgical environment, if allowed. Conclusion The participation of resident physicians in the care is well received by the patients if they are in the company of the attending physician. Patients identify residents as a facilitating bridge in the communication with attending physicians.

RESUMO Objetivo: Realizar simulação pelo método de elementos finitos (MEF) para determinar a tensão e o deslocamento dos mini-implantes e do aparelho expansor durante a expansão rápida da maxila, variando a quantidade e localização dos mini-implantes. Métodos: Para realização da simulação computacional, foi utilizada uma malha tridimensional para a maxila, mini-implantes e aparelho expansor. As comparações foram feitas em seis configurações de MARPE (Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander), com quantidades e localização diferentes dos mini-implantes. Foram modeladas uma sutura fechada, que recebeu duas ativações de 0,25 mm, e outra sutura com abertura de 0,5 mm, que recebeu 20 ativações, também de 0,25 mm. Resultados: Para a sutura fechada, os valores máximos de deslocamento nos mini-implantes foram entre 0,253 e 0,280 mm, e as tensões, entre 1348,9 e 2948,2 MPa; e no aparelho expansor, os valores de deslocamento foram entre 0,256 e 0,281 mm, e as tensões, entre 738,52 e 1207,6 MPa. Para a sutura aberta, os valores máximos de deslocamento nos mini-implantes foram entre 2,57 e 2,79 mm, e as tensões, entre 5.765,3 e 10.366 MPa; e no aparelho os deslocamentos máximos foram entre 2,53 e 2,89 mm, e as tensões, entre 4.859,7 e 9.157,4 MPa. Conclusões: Ocorreram maiores concentrações de tensão no mini-implante do que no braço do aparelho expansor. Nas simulações com configuração de três mini-implantes, foi observada sobrecarga de tensão no mini-implante isolado. Os deslocamentos dos mini-implantes e braços do aparelho foram semelhantes em todas as simulações.

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, simulations were performed by the finite element method (FEM) to determine the tension and displacement in mini-implants and in expander appliance during rapid maxillary expansion, by varying the number and location of the mini-implants. Methods: For the computational simulation, a three-dimensional mesh was used for the maxilla, mini-implants and expander appliance. Comparisons were made on six different Mini-implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expander (MARPE) configurations, by varying the amount and location of mini-implants. A closed suture was design and received two activations of 0.25 mm, and an open suture had a 0.5-mm aperture that received 20 activations, also of 0.25 mm. Results: For the closed suture, the maximum displacement values in the mini-implants were between 0.253 and 0.280 mm, and stress was between 1,348.9 and 2,948.2 MPa; in the expander appliance, the displacement values were between 0.256 and 0.281 mm, and stress was between 738.52 and 1,207.6 MPa. For the open suture, the maximum displacement values in the mini-implants were between 2.57 and 2.79 mm, and stress was between 5,765.3 and 10,366 MPa; in the appliance, the maximum displacements was between 2.53 and 2.89 mm, and stress was between 4,859.7 and 9,157.4 MPa. Conclusions: There were higher stress concentrations in the mini-implant than in the expander arm. In the simulations with a configuration of three mini-implants, stress overload was observed in the isolated mini-implant. Displacements of the mini-implants and arms of the appliance were similar in all simulations.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar e correlacionar fadiga vocal e qualidade de vida em voz de professores universitários e verificar possíveis diferenças entre os sexos. Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional e analítico aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição sob parecer n. 1.708.786. Foram aplicados os protocolos Índice de Fadiga Vocal (IFV) e Qualidade de Vida em Voz (QVV) em 126 professores universitários, sendo 71 mulheres e 55 homens, com média de idade de 43 anos. Foram calculados os escores pela fórmula de cada protocolo e a análise estatística foi realizada por meio da Correlação de Spearman. Resultados Em relação ao IFV, o escore médio encontrado para os fatores 1, 2 e 3 foram 13,78; 4,05 e 7,93, respectivamente. Quanto ao QVV, os professores apresentaram escore médio global de 91,90; 88,49 para o domínio físico e 97,02 para do domínio socioemocional. Houve correlação negativa de fraca a forte entre os protocolos. Não houve diferença estatística entre os sexos tanto para o IFV quanto para o QVV. Conclusão Professores universitários apresentam bons índices de qualidade de vida em voz, mas autorreferiram fadiga vocal, sem diferenças entre os sexos. Quanto menor é a fadiga vocal, maior é a qualidade de vida em voz e vice-versa.

ABSTRACT Purpose To identify and correlate vocal fatigue and voice-related quality of life in university professors and verify possible differences between genders. Methods This is a cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the institution under number 1,708,786. The Voice Fatigue Index (VFI) and the Voice Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) were applied to 126 university professors, 71 women and 55 men, with an average age of 43 years. Scores were calculated using the formula for each protocol and statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's Correlation. Results Regarding the VFI, the average score found for factors 1, 2 and 3 were 13.78, 4.05 and 7.93, respectively. As for VRQOL, professors had an average global score of 91.90; 88.49 for the physical domain and 97.02 for the socioemotional domain. There was a negative weak to strong correlation between the protocols. There was no statistical difference between genders for both VFI and VRQOL. Conclusion University professors have good levels of voice related quality of life, but self-reported vocal fatigue, with no differences between genders. The lower the vocal fatigue is, the higher is the voice related quality of life, and vice versa.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da transição de um modelo de laudos em radiologia realizados por radiologistas gerais para um modelo relatado por subespecialização no tempo de resposta de relatórios (TAT) em radiologia e produtividade em um departamento de radiologia em um país em desenvolvimento. Materiais e Métodos: O fluxo em nosso departamento foi modificado de um sistema de relatórios gerais (qualquer radiologista lauda exames de imagem de qualquer especialidade) para um sistema de subespecialização (radiologistas laudam exclusivamente exames de imagem pertencente a sua subespecialidade - abdominal, musculoesquelético, cardiotorácico, emergência e neurologia). Este estudo retrospectivo avaliou a TAT, TAT-2 horas e TAT-24 horas e a produtividade num período de 24 meses de relatórios gerais (2015-2016) comparado a um período de 24 meses do sistema de subespecialização (2017-2018). Resultados: No total, 208.516 laudos foram gerados. A TAT reportada reduziu de uma média de 49,1-52,9 horas durante o período geral para 15,2-16,1 horas durante o período de relatórios por subespecialidade (p < 0,001). TAT-2 horas e TAT- 24 horas aumentaram significativamente de 7,9-8,7% para 52,0-61,3% e de 12,1-14,1% para 74,3-78,7%, respectivamente (p < 0.001). O número total de exames aumentou em 33% (p = 0.001) comparando os dois períodos. Conclusão: A implementação de um sistema de laudos por subespecialidade aumentou o TAT em radiologia, incluindo benefícios no TAT-2 horas e TAT-24 horas durante um período de aumento da produtividade.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect that transitioning from a model of general radiology reporting to one of subspecialized radiology reporting has on report turnaround times (TATs) and on productivity in the radiology department of a hospital in a middle-income country. Materials and Methods: The reporting workflow in our radiology department was changed from general reporting (any radiologist reporting imaging studies for any specialty) to subspecialized reporting (radiologists exclusively reporting imaging studies that fall within their subspecialty-abdominal, musculoskeletal, cardiothoracic, emergency, or neurological imaging). This was a retrospective study in which we compared general reporting with subspecialized reporting in terms of the following variables: the TAT; the proportions of reports completed within 2 h and within 24 h (TAT-2h and TAT- 24 h, respectively); and productivity. Data were collected over two 24-month periods (2015-2016 for general reporting and 2017-2018 for subspecialized reporting). Results: A total of 208,516 reports were generated. The median report TAT decreased from 49.1 h and 52.9 h in 2015 and 2016, respectively, to 16.1 h and 15.2 h in 2017 and 2018, respectively (p < 0.001). The TAT-2h also improved, increasing from 8.7% and 7.9% in 2015 and 2016, respectively, to 52.0% and 61.3% in 2017 and 2018, respectively (p < 0.001), as did the TAT- 24 h, which increased from 12.1% and 14.1% in 2015 and 2016, respectively, to 74.3% and 78.7% in 2017 and 2018, respectively (p < 0.001). Between the two periods, the total number of scans performed increased by 33% (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The implementation of a subspecialized reporting system significantly improved the median TAT for radiology reports, as well as increasing the TAT-2h and TAT- 24 h, during a time of increased productivity.

Abstract The Hancornia speciosa latex reveals angiogenic, osteogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, which present its potential for developing of wound healing drugs; however, the latex compounds responsible for angiogenesis remain unknown. One strategy to screen these active compounds is evaluation of latex fractions. This study aimed to obtain different fractions of latex and evaluate its angiogenic activity separately using the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The serum (SE) fraction was responsible for angiogenesis, which was subject to biochemical characterization and computational simulations in order to understand the contribution of H. speciosa latex in wound healing process. Our results revealed weak antioxidant potential and absence of antimicrobial activity in the SE fraction. Phytochemical analysis identified chlorogenic acids (CGA) as the main compound of SE fraction. CGA bioactivity predictions identify different molecules associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, such as metalloproteinases, which also are overexpressed in our CAM assay experiment. Docking simulations revealed the interactions between CGA and matrix metalloproteinase 2. In conclusion, SE latex fraction stimulates angiogenesis and may influence ECM remodeling. These properties may contribute to the wound healing process, and also confirm the widespread use of this plant.

ABSTRACT Concerns about the negative effects of agriculture on soil physical quality and soil organic carbon (SOC) pools have spurred on the adoption of conservation tillage systems in tropical regions. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impacts (16th year) of conventional (CT), minimum (MT) and no-tillage (NT) practices and different cover crops (sunn hemp and a bean/millet sequence) on soil physical properties and SOC content of a corn cultivated Ultisol in the northeast of Brazil. Soil bulk density (Bd), soil penetration resistance (SPR), soil aggregation, and total aggregate-associated carbon (C) (4-2 mm) were evaluated. Tillage practices exerted strong control on soil physical properties and total aggregate-C content but were influenced by cover crop species. Minimum tillage presented the lowest Bd, irrespective of cover crop, while NT with bean/millet sequence resulted in the lowest SPR. However, as regards soil aggregation and total aggregate-C, the results indicated that there were no differences between MT and NT, with both systems presenting greater mean weight diameter (MWD) and total aggregate-C content than CT. Total aggregate-C content in the 0.00-0.05 m soil layer in conservation tillage was increased by the adoption of a bean/millet sequence. Increased mechanical disturbance through CT practices was harmful to Bd, soil aggregation and SOC accrual. Overall, more conservative tillage practices and the proper choice of cover crops might yield greater soil quality. Low intensity of soil disturbances due to the adoption of MT favors soil aggregation and the accrual of SOC in weakly structured soils through increases in contact between organic and mineral particles while not causing significant destruction of soil aggregates.

Abstract Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between life satisfaction and purpose in the life of the elderly hydro gymnastic practitioners. Methods: A total of 92 older people of both sexes, who practice hydro gymnastics in the city of Maringá, State of Paraná, Brazil, participated in the study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the purpose in life Questionnaire were used as instruments. Data analysis was carried out by using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman’s correlation test, in addition to the Path Analysis (p <0.05). Results: The results showed a greater life satisfaction for the women comparing to the men (p = 0.023). Moreover, it was found that the elderly who perceived themselves with a better health condition obtained higher scores according to the purpose in life scale. Life satisfaction had a positive and moderate association (β = 0.24) with the purpose in the life of the elderly, which explains 6% of the variability. Conclusion: It was concluded that sex can be considered as an intervening factor when concerning life satisfaction, time of practice of hydro gymnastics and self-perceived health related to the purpose in life of the elderly. In addition, satisfaction with life was positively associated with the purpose in the life.