Ponta Grossa-PR Research Articles

OS EFEITOS DA ATIVIDADE FÍSICA PARA A SAÚDE MENTAL DE POLICIAIS MILITARES FEMININAS DO 1º BATALHÃO DE POLÍCIA MILITAR DO PARANÁ NA CIDADE DE PONTA GROSSA/PR

The mental health of military police officers is an increasingly relevant issue in the current public security scenario, especially when considering the stress and challenges faced in carrying out their duties. In this sense, this study intends to investigate the effects of physical activity on the mental health of female military police officers from the 1st Military Police Battalion of Paraná (1st BPM) in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR. The methodology adopted in this research is quantitative-qualitative, carried out in the city of Ponta Grossa – PR, in the 1st BPM. A questionnaire (Google Forms) was used as an instrument for data collection, and the subjects participating in the research totaled 37 female state military personnel, working in the field of study. The collected data were analyzed in a quantitative and qualitative way, according to data triangulation (Triviños, 2008), resulting in four (4) categories for analysis: (1) Physical Activity Habits (2) Mental Health; (3) Perception of the Benefits of Physical Activity for Mental Health and; (4) Public Policies for Mental Health. It was identified that although there is recognition of the negative impacts of police activity on mental health, existing public policies and institutional actions are still perceived as insufficient to meet the specific demands of these professionals. The main difficulties are related to the high workload, double shifts, constant exposure to risk and lack of adequate psychological support. On the other hand, the data demonstrated that the practice of physical activity is widely valued by participants, being recognized as an effective tool for relieving stress, improving mood, sleep quality and performance at work. Keywords: Physical Activity. Mental health. Female Police Officer. PMPR.

Proposal for a pacemaker implant technique with minimum radiation exposure

Objective: To describe a standardized technique for implanting a pacemaker to reduce the time of surgery and radiation exposure and to demonstrate the results in a series of patients. Methods: Through descriptive and cross-sectional statistics, 109 patients undergoing dual-chamber (DDD) and single-chamber (VVI) pacemaker implantation were evaluated, using a standardized technical approach used in the cardiac surgery service of Santa Casa de Misericórdia of Ponta Grossa-PR, Brazil, from November 2016 to November 2019. Clinical aspects, implant indication, implant times, and radiation time were studied. The technique was described, and its most relevant aspects were discussed. Results: 68.81% of the pacemakers were DDD and the surgical time ranged from 11’22’’ to 34’43’’, with a median of 18’15’’. In these cases, the fluoroscopy time ranged from 34’’ to 5’10’’, with a mean of 1’42’’ and a 16.9 mGy median amount of radiation. The time to implant the VVI pacemaker ranged from 12’ to 42’, with a median of 17’12’’. The fluoroscopy time ranged from 26’’ to 6’25’’, with a mean of 1’41’’ and the median amount of radiation was 13.6 mGy. Conclusion: The technique proved to be agile, safe, with low fluoroscopy times and small amount of radiation. There were no postoperative complications. However, few studies were found for comparison.

Condições de trabalho e saúde de catadores de materiais recicláveis no período de pandemia da COVID-19

Recyclable material collectors belong to a professional category frequently exposed to various risks associated with working conditions in waste management. This study aimed to identify the working conditions and health of collectors in the municipality of Ponta Grossa-PR during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research utilized a sample composed of 83 associated collectors. Among the findings, it was identified that the majority of collectors were female (72.3%). The professional profile demonstrated that collectors engaged in this work out of necessity (34.0%) and because it was the only opportunity available (26.0%). Regarding health and occupational risks during the pandemic, it was found that although the collectors had developed protective strategies to avoid COVID-19 infection (94.0%), nearly half of the workers (47.0%) had contact with potentially infectious waste. During this period, activities were suspended only for those of advanced age (16.9%). Concerning COVID-19 cases, 98.8% of participants reported not having contracted the disease, but this result does not dismiss the fact that the collectors were exposed to contagion risks. From this diagnosis, it was possible to conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic caused various changes in the lives of the collectors, revealing the need for the development of emergency preventive actions for the health of these workers. For this reason, it is suggested that studies continue to guide the development of strategies that can be adopted in other widespread epidemic situations, similar to those experienced during the COVID-19 period.

Alteração da complacência intracraniana em paciente com doença renal crônica e diabetes mellitus T1: um relato de caso

Objective: The aim of this study was to relate the clinical profile with data on blood pressure (BP), intracranial pressure (ICP) and laboratory tests of a patient with Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 1 and chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5. Methodology: The research was carried out at the renal replacement therapy outpatient clinic of the Santa Casa de Misericórdia hospital, in Ponta Grossa-PR, previously approved by the ethics committee, under opinion nº 4,039,453. ICP monitoring and BP measurement were performed twice, on follow-up consultation days, in February and September 2020. In addition to the aforementioned parameters, a questionnaire on the patient's habits and demographic data was applied, and a consultation was carried out with the patient medical record for the collection of laboratory test data. Results: From February to September, the volunteer presented with persistent Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) and hyperglycemia, and worsening of laboratory parameters. In February, the ICP morphology showed a significant change, suggesting intracranial hypertension, and the patient had a great impairment of visual acuity. In September, despite the worsening of the health condition, there was a significant improvement in vision and, also, an improvement in the ICP parameters, approaching normality. Between consultations, the diuretic administered by the patient was replaced. Conclusion: it is suggested that the visual impairment is due to intracranial hypertension and the improvement of both is related to the replacement of hydrochlorothiazide by furosemide, which occurred between consultations.

Gametophytic self-compatibility and its influence on the physical characteristics of plum fruit

Gametophytic self-incompatibility can be one of the obstacles to achieving high yields in plum orchards. Therefore, we sought to verify in the field, the occurrence of gametophytic self-compatibility and its influence on the physical characteristics of fruits in Japanese plum accessions. The work was installed at the Research Pole of IDR-Paraná in Ponta Grossa-PR, in 2021, selecting six accesses belonging to the BAG-Ameixa site. The experimental design was completely randomized (DIC) with a split plot (6 x 2), with the plot having six accessions and the subplot having two methods of pollination, induced self-pollination and free pollination, with five replications. For the variables related to the physical quality of the fruits, the DIC was delimited, with the six accessions as treatment and four replicates of five fruits. Data were analyzed using the Rstudio software, applying the Tukey test at the 5% level. The variables observed for self-compatibility were the percentage of apparent and effective fruiting. For the physical quality of fruits, the total mass, seed and pulp, vertical and horizontal diameter, volume, pulp yield and seed/fruit mass ratio were evaluated. Free pollination was higher in the percentage of apparent and effective fruiting, and the genotypes PR-1013 and PR-1095 were the materials that presented the highest percentages for these variables, as well as for the physical quality of the fruits. The evaluated accessions were considered self-incompatible for not having fruits that reached the final maturity, being free pollination the best method of pollination for the development of fruits.

JUSTIÇA RESTAURATIVA: COVID-19 E SAÚDE MENTAL

This article presents the experience of the Center for Legal Practice at Centro Universitário Santa Amélia, in Ponta Grossa-PR, in the application of virtual peacebuilding circles in the context of social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The circle is a method of Restorative Justice, which I define here as a simple but profound program for building more meaningful relationships and increasing emotional awareness. The negative psychological impacts of the coronavirus quarantine motivated the migration from face-to-face to online circles, understanding that circular practice can contribute to building a support network and strengthening bonds between people. With this objective, 96 circles were carried out in three semesters, involving 738 people, and the result was the perception that the circle, even virtually, is able to promote self-knowledge and interpersonal connection in a deep and meaningful way, contributing positively with mental health in the pandemic.

Associação entre nível de atividade física e síndrome metabólica em pacientes vivendo com HIV e em tratamento antirretroviral no Município de Ponta Grossa

No Brasil, até 2018, existiam, num acumulado, 926.742 pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS (PVHIV). Os antirretrovirais (ARV’s) são capazes de controlar o vírus e melhorar a qualidade de vida destes indivíduos, porém, o uso destas drogas pode levar ao desenvolvimento da síndrome metabólica (SM). Sabe-se que as atividades físicas são fatores protetores para SM em pessoas saudáveis, porém, em pacientes em tratamento por ARV’s, esta associação ainda não é clara. Objetivo: identificar se a atividade física é fator protetor para SM em (PVHIV) em uso de ARVs. Método: estudo transversal, quantitativo com 265 (PVHIV) e em tratamento com ARV’s no serviço de assistência especializada (SAE) de Ponta Grossa-PR entre março/2018 e maio/2019. O nível de atividade física foi medido com o questionário IPAQ versão curta. Os dados foram analisados de maneira descritiva e a associação entre SM e atividade física foi medida com OR (odds ratio) e qui-quadrado. Resultados: a média de idade foi de 43 anos, 56,2% eram do sexo biológico masculino, 61,9% de etnia branca, 71,3% heterossexuais, 44,5% com ensino fundamental, 41,1% com renda de 1-2 salários mínimos, 40,4% casados e em 74,7% o modo de transmissão foi sexual. Quanto a atividade física, 57,0% eram ativos ou irregularmente ativos e 67,5% não apresentavam SM. Entre os ativos, 31,1% tinham SM e entre os inativos 34,2%, o que não configurou associação estatisticamente significativa (OR 0,87; IC 95% 0,52 – 1,46; p=0,595). Conclusão: Sob essa perspectiva, a atividade física não foi fator protetor para SM em (PVHIV) em uso terapias antirretrovirais (TARVs).

Ergonomic analysis of biomechanical overloading: external coating activity using mortar

The economic growth of a country is directly linked to the growth of several sectors, in which the construction sector is prominent. The objective was to investigate by means of ergonomic analysis the external coating activity performed on building façades, due to its high degree of difficulty. The methodological approach was composed by a review of the literature and quantitative research using the OCRA checklist method, highlighting the biomechanical overload risk analysis of the external coating activity in mortar based on International Standard ISO 11228-3: 2009. The data collection took place in construction sites in Brazil in the cities of Ponta Grossa-PR and Porto Alegre-RS applying the mentioned method. The results of demand illustrate the concepts presented in the review, as well as the confirmation of the incidence of pain and lesions in the upper limbs and the repetitiveness in the analyzed activities. The results indicate that: a) the analysis of the chosen activity resulted in a high level of risk applying the immediate intervention, with improvements; b) proof by calculating the risk of biomechanical overload to implement improvements in the company; c) evidence that the improvements resulted in a reduction of ergonomic risks by more than 50%, with improvement in posture and strength requirements. In turn, the relevance of this work is highlighted, as it enables the development of public and private policies in the area of ergonomics with the purpose of developing the sector. In the end, the work opens up possibilities for the continuity of the research on the addressed topic.

O ato infracional como expressão da vulnerabilidade social no atendimento da justiça restaurativa

This paper investigates restorative justice in the care of adolescents who committed an infraction from a context of social vulnerability. We conducted semi-structured interviews with teenagers, family members, facilitators, and members of the social protection network of four Brazilian cities: Caxias do Sul-RS, Ponta Grossa-PR, Belem-PA, and Santarem-PA. The participants testimonies were correlated with secondary quantitative data available in databases. We conclude that tackling the conditions of social vulnerability through intersectoral articulation is a necessity in restorative juvenile justice.

Development and productivity of two beet genotypes for fertilization

Beet needs a high demand of nutrients to improve its development and productivity. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of fertilizer forms in the development and productivity of the beet crop. The experiment was carried out in the experimental area of the Fazenda Escola of the Higher Education Center of Campos Gerais, located in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR, between September and November 2018. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 2x4 factorial scheme [2 genotypes of beet (Boron hybrid and Tall Top Early Wonder cultivar) x 4 forms of fertilization, T1 - control (without fertilization), T2 - poultry litter, T3 - bovine manure and T4 - NPK], containing four repetitions. The harvest was carried out at 75 days after transplanting the seedlings, harvesting five plants from each plot to carry out the analyzes, thus evaluating the number of leaves per plant, height of the aerial part, fresh mass of the aerial part and the root, productivity, horizontal diameter and commercial classification of root, presence of white rings through notes and soluble solids content (ºBrix). Among the different genotypes studied, the cultivar Tall Top Early Wonder was superior in the variables of plant height, fresh mass of roots and leaves and soluble solids, 75 days after transplantation. The cultivar Tall Top Early Wonder responded better, implying the idea that organic fertilization would be an alternative as a source of nutrients in beet production.

Representações de professores(as) no jornal Diário dos Campos (1932-1950): condições de trabalho e remuneração

This study discusses the representations of teachers on the pages of the newspaper Diário dos Campos, from Ponta Grossa, state of Paraná, Brazil, from 1932 to 1950. The cultural approach to the concept of representation and the discursive analysis of the media were used as theoretical-methodological assumptions. The documentary research allowed perceiving significant issues regarding the instituted speeches and the representations of teachers related to their working conditions and remuneration, central categories of the analysis. The materials selected for study demonstrated the issue of devaluation of teachers very forcefully in the analyzed period. Speeches that the teaching profession should be molded by a priesthood ideal, as a mission, without career-related guidelines were propagated. Keywords: Representations of teachers. Diário dos Campos. Ponta Grossa-PR.

Use of the Scar Acceleration Method - Mac<sup>®</sup> in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Proposal for Treatment in Public Health in Sus, Brazil

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is an infection of the genital mucosa, which involves the vulva and vagina caused by yeast. It is considered a recurrent pathology and a public health problem that causes discomfort by the triggers and that, when left untreated, can lead to health problems. The present study is a report of two cases treated with the MAC® - Scar Acceleration Method - (MAC®) methodology at the Physiotherapy School Clinic of Teaching Center of Campos Gerais (CESCAGE) as a pilot for the proposal to implement the protocol at the Municipal Center for Women’s Health—CMM in the municipality of Ponta Grossa—PR, Brazil. The patients were referred by Basic Health Units in the city with complaints of pruritus, vaginal discharge and local burning with the diagnosis of candidiasis evidenced by culture and antibiogram. Patients were treated with photodynamic therapy using the MAC® method for 14 consecutive days with 660 nm red laser phototherapy, 100 mW of power, 9 joules of energy, photosensitizing the drug Turmeric Long in one of the participants and propolis in the other, using 1% methylene blue dye. Both patients and researchers did not have access to which drug was being used for each participant. Photodynamic therapy potentiated the effects of drugs considering that patients showed gradual improvement with the applied application, which was proven in the analysis of sample secretions performed before and after treatment. The MAC® method had a positive effect in the protocol used and is strengthened as a possibility for treatments aimed at women’s health with regard to vulvovaginal diseases. It is suggested and intended to carry out further research with a greater number of patients using the referred method.

Loss of Wheat Grains in Road Transport

Wheat is an important cereal crop in Brazil and one of the major source of carbohaydrates for baking. Grain losses on roads cause losses beyond the economic scope. Grains that fall around the highway are seeds with the potential to germinate, making it a "green bridge" for the transmission of diseases or hybridization between traditional, commercial and transgenic cultivars. The objective of this study was to establish the quantitative losses along the roads during the transportation of wheat grains in Paraná, as well as to verify the influence of short and long distance load on grain losses. The research was developed through a partnership between the National Supply Company (CONAB) and the Nucleus of Storage Technology, at the Federal University of Mato Grosso. at the Federal University of Mato Grosso. A survey of wheat grain losses was carried out in the BR-376, approximately 295 km distance between the Port of São Francisco in Santa Catarina and Ponta Grossa in Paraná between March and April 2018. A total of 26 collection points were established along the highway. At each collection point an area of 1 m2 was measured with the aid of a fixed frame of wood with the same area, at a distance of 1.3 m from the highway margin, in the north-south direction of the highway, which is the direction of the grain flow in BR-376 in the section considered). The grains were collected on the side of the road, along the gutters and near the lawn, with a broom, brush and dustpan. The collected material was placed in plastic bags properly identified and taken to the laboratory for separation and weighing. The experiment was carried out in subdivided plots, 26 plots (collection points), 4 subplots (collection times) and 3 replicates (collection areas at points). Statistical analyzes were performed using Assistat software. Differences among treatments were verified using analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the F test. When significant to the comparison of means for the treatments was performed by the Scott-Knott test. The section of the data referring to the short route that presented the highest loss index was the route in the interior of the city of Ponta Grossa-PR. The Ponta Grossa/Ponta Grossa destination also had the highest total loss, even though it was an average distance of 25 km. The route between the municipalities of Uraí/Ponta Grossa was the destination with the highest losses (122.55 kg of grains per trip). In almost all sections of the route denominated as long losses higher than acceptable in contracts (0.25%). The percentage of wheat grains lost is associated with the quality of the highways and trucks used in transportation.

Phenological behavior and quality of fruits of japanese plum genotypes in the municipality of Ponta Grossa-PR

Although the growing increase in japanese plum ( Prunus salicina Lind.) production in Brazil, the number of cultivars adapted to low cold winter requirements is still scarce. Thus, the objective of this work was to analyze the phenological cycles and physical-chemical qualities of fruits of different japanese plum accesses during three years of evaluation in the city of Ponta Grossa-PR. The experimental design was randomized block, consisting of 10 treatments and 4 replications, totaling 40 plots of 5 plants each. The treatments consisted of 10 accessions (G2, G3, G7, G12, G13, G19, G21, G23, G43 and G51) of the japanese plum, developed by the Genetic Breeding Program at IAPAR. The phenological evaluations analyzed were: beginning of flowering (IF), falling of petals (QP), beginning of fruiting (IFr) and harvesting season (C); on the fruits, it was evaluated: equatorial diameter (DM), total fruit mass (MTF), stone mass (MC), pulp mass (MP), relation MC/MTF, total soluble solids (SST), titratable acidity (AT) and ratio . It was observed variability in the phenological cycle of the accesses studied, as well as in the evaluated years, in which in the 2015/2016 harvest flowering occurred earlier. The accessions G23 and G51 presented greater stability in the physical components of the fruits in the evaluated years, however, no variation was observed in the chemical characteristics between the accessions. It can be concluded that the accesses presented physical-chemical characteristics of the fruits desirable to the consumer, and could be an alternative for the plum producer.

Prevalence of Carotid Stenosis and Incidence of Ischemic Stroke in Patients Undergoing Non-Coronary Cardiac Surgery.

IntroductionMany publications on coronary surgery and carotid stenosis (CS) can be found, but we do not have enough information about the relationship between ischemic stroke, CS and non-coronary cardiac surgery.ObjectivesTo evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with the stroke and CS ≥50% in patients undergoing non-coronary surgeries.ObjectivesWe assessed 241 patients, aged 40 years or older, between 2009 and 2016, operated in Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Ponta Grossa-PR, Brazil. We perform carotid Doppler in patients 40 years of age or older before any cardiac surgery as a routine. The incidence and possible risk factors for CS ≥50% and perioperative stroke were analyzed by univariate statistical analysis.Results11 patients (4.56%) presented perioperative stroke. The risk factor for stroke was CS ≥50%: OR=5.3750 (1.2909-22.3805), P=0.0208. Eighteen patients (7.46%) had CS ≥50% and their risk factors were extracardiac arteriopathy: OR=18.6607 (6.3644-54.7143), P<0.0001; COPD: OR=3.9040 (1.4491-10.5179), P=0.0071; diabetes mellitus: OR=2.9844 (1.0453-8.5204), P=0.0411; recent myocardial infarction: OR=13.8125 (1.8239-104.6052), P=0.0110; EuroSCORE II higher P=0.0056. ConclusionThe incidences of stroke and CS ≥50% were 4.56% and 7.46%, respectively. The risk factor for stroke was CS ≥50% and for CS ≥50% were extracardiac arteriopathy, COPD, diabetes mellitus, recent myocardial infarction and higher EuroSCORE II.

Funções de estimativa do armazenamento de água no solo sob diferentes níveis de capacidade de água disponível

The estimative of soil water storage is essential for representation of soil water relations for Brazil agricultural planning purposes. We had to aim evaluate the performance of five equations used to estimate soil water storage, through simulations of a daily water balance to the cities of Goiânia-GO and Ponta Grossa-PR, considering different amounts of total available water in the soil. For that purpose, were used daily data series of precipitation, reference evapotranspiration, crop coefficient, p fraction and initial soil water storage. It was considered total available water from 20 mm to 320 mm, with an interval of 30 mm. Potential functions of First and Second Order were approximately equal to the Cosine function in a daily water balance simulations, under conditions of supplementary irrigation and non-irrigation over the year. The Exponential function was not adequate in the estimative of soil water storage. Braga function was not adequate when considering additional irrigations in a daily water balance. We recommend the improvement of the functions to estimate soil water storage from replacement of “negative cumulative” function by other parameters, which could better explain the variation of soil water storage available for plants.

Aromas e odores: ensino de funções orgânicas em sequência de ensino-aprendizagem

Esta pesquisa é resultado do Trabalho de Conclusão de Docência (TCD) para a disciplina de Estágio Curricular Supervisionado II, caracterizando-se por uma pesquisa-ação realizada durante a regência de estágio. Neste trabalho é feito o relato e a análise de uma sequência didática desenvolvida na perspectiva da teaching-learning sequence(TLS), do inglês sequência de ensino-aprendizagem, de Mehéut &amp; Psillos (2004). O assunto trabalhado em sala de aula trata-se de funções orgânicas relacionadas à sensação de “felicidade”. Trabalhou-se com alunos do 3º ano do ensino médio de um colégio da rede pública da cidade de Ponta Grossa-PR, com o tema “aromas e odores”, buscando relacionar as sensações às funções orgânicas. As atividades desenvolvidas incluem práticas experimentais, uso de filmes, atividades demonstrativas, trabalhos em grupo e individuais. Como principal resultado da sequência didática desenvolvida destaca-se a aproximação que os estudantes foram capazes de fazer entre os conhecimentos científicos e o mundo real, a partir da estrutura das aulas pautada na TLS. E das atividades utilizadas em sala de aula, obtivemos também como produto desta sequência a produção de dois poemas desenvolvidos por dois grupos de alunas.This research is result of the Work of Completing the Teaching for the discipline Supervised Curricular Stage II, characterized by an action research carried out during stage regency. In this work, was developed a story and an analysis of a didactic sequence developed from the teaching-learning sequence(TLS) on perspective of Mehéut &amp; Psillos (2004) . The subject of the classroom worker deals with Organic Functions starting from the sensation of "happiness". Work with 3rd year High School students of Ponta Grossa-PR public school, with the theme "Smells and Odors", seeking to relate the sensations and the organic functions. The activities developed included experimental practices, use of movies, demonstrative activities, groups works and individuals. As the main results of the developed teaching-learning sequence (TLS), we highlight an approach in which the students are able to make between the scientific knowledge and the real world, propitiated by the TLS classroom structure. And of the activities used in the classroom we obtain also as product of this sequence a production of two poems developed by two groups of students.KEYWORDS: smells. sensations. Didactic sequence. Organic functions. Chemistry educatiom

Melhor Idade? Os Usos do Tempo Livre e a Autopercepção da Pessoa Idosa

This study aims to analyze the relation between the self-perception of the elderly and the uses of spare-timeb, from the Elias and Dunning theoric perspective. Therefore, the thematic oral history was adopted as methodology to the sources production, which was performed with 06 elderly people living in the Lagoa Dourada residential condominium, that is located in the municipality of Ponta Grossa-PR. As a technique for data analysis was used the content analysis, that allowed to indicate the meaning nuclei emerged in the oral interviews. By estabilishing relations between the emerging categories and the spare-time activities developed by them was possible to understand that the elderly who have a positive evaluation of the aging process spend about 50% of their time in spare-time routines, with emphasis on domestic care and rest moments, dedicating the remaining free time to intermediary spare-time activities of self fulfilment and self expansion and leisure activities. The analyses allowed to consider that the perception that they would be experiencing the best age of their lives is related to the activities developed in spare-time, which contribute to the updating of their knowledge, resulting in resistance movements to the stigmatization of the elderly.

Quality of life perception of type 1 diabetic patients treated with insulin analogs and receiving medication review with follow-up in a public health care service from Ponta Grossa-PR, Brazil

Glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) reduces the risk of complications but requires a rigorous health care routine. Thus, diabetes education is central to increasing treatment compliance and self-care practices. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) and glycemic control of DM1 patients being treated with insulin analogs and receiving medication review with follow-up. This was a transversal study that included 110 patients registered at the 3rd Health Regional of Ponta Grossa-PR, aged ≥ 18 years, and receiving pharmaceutical care for at least 1 year. The Diabetes Quality of Life Measure (DQOL)-Brazil was used to evaluate QoL. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 with 95% confidence levels. Of the 110 patients, 58.2% were women. The average age was 33.7 years (±10.5), and the average glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) value was 8% (±1.4). The mean total DQOL-Brazil score was 2.11 (95% confidence interval, 2.02 - 2.21). All DQOL-Brazil scores were lower in patients with HbA1c ≤ 8%, indicating a better QoL. Good glycemic control, thus, appears to have a positive influence on the QoL, and pharmaceutical interventions are able to contribute to the achievement of therapeutic targets.

Influence ofGuadua paraguayanaDöll on the structure and regeneration of a remaining forest at the high lands of Tibagi River, Paraná state

Tão logo detectada a invasão do bambu Guadua paraguayana na planície aluvial do rio Tibagi, Ponta Grossa-PR, buscou-se avaliar, por meio de levantamento fitossociológico e indicadores associados à estrutura e funcionamento de formações florestais, a agressividade e influência da espécie sobre a estrutura e regeneração de um remanescente de Floresta Ombrófila Mista Aluvial. O estudo fitossociológico consistiu na instalação de dezesseis parcelas (50 m²) para inventário dos indivíduos arbóreos com CAP ≥ 15 cm e dezesseis parcelas (4 m²) para estudo da regeneração natural. Os resultados atestam que a presença de G. paraguayan a na riqueza de espécies da floresta, mortalidade, número de indivíduos arbóreos, vitalidade dos indivíduos remanescentes, profusão de epífitos vasculares e avasculares, na regeneração natural e incidência de radiação no interior das parcelas, é significativa. Mas, apesar de as alterações provocadas por este bambu comprometerem a dinâmica de regeneração no remanescente, a espécie é apenas um agravante, não a causa da degradação ambiental. Abstract As soon as the bamboo’s invasion was diagnosed in the alluvial floodplain of Tibagi’s river, Ponta Grossa-PR, the study started evaluating, through phytosociological study and indicators associated with the structure and functioning of the forest, the aggression and influence of the bamboo species on the structure and regeneration of a subtropical ombrophilous alluvial forest remnant. The phytosociological study was developed by an installation of sixteen plots (50m²) to inventory all the trees with CBH ≥ 15 cm and sixteen other plots (4m²) for studying the regeneration: individuals with up to 1.30 m high. The results show that the effect of G. paraguayana in species richness, mortality and number of trees, vitality of the remaining trees, abundance of vascular and nonvascular epiphytes, regeneration and in the incidence of radiation inside the plots, is very significant. But even though the changes caused by this bamboo compromise the regeneration dynamics of alluvial formations in the high Tibagi’s areas, the species is only an aggravating and not the cause of environmental degradation.