Environmental education for sustainable management of the basins of the rivers Pirapó, Paranapanema III and Parapanema IV / Educação ambiental para a gestão sustentável das bacias hidrográficas dos rios Pirapó, Paranapanema III e Parapanema IV

The growing concern about the quantity and quality of water has led managers and researchers from various countries to concentrate efforts in the study, planning and management of watersheds, considered appropriate units for the rational and sustainable management of water resources. This experience report presents results of the Program for Communication, Environmental Education and Social Mobilization, which is part of the project “Monitoring Network of the basins of the rivers Pirapó, Paranapanema III and Paranapanema IV – analysis and monitoring of the hydrological behavior”, developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and graduate students of the State University of Maringá (Paraná, Brazil). The goals of the program were: a) To develop continuing education for teachers of basic education, active in state schools located in the basins studied; b) To raise awareness and to promote training of various local social actors; c) To produce educational and promotional materials for teachers and general community, respectively. The methodology was the action research, on the basis of collaborative work between university researchers and participants of the program. The results evidence that teachers and representatives of different social groups had a limited view of issues related to water resources of their region. Courses, workshops and itinerant exhibitions, beyond teaching aids and promotional material prepared by the group of researchers and graduate students contributed to broaden the view of social actors about watersheds to which they are part, from the perspective of an active, critical and responsible participation focused on sustainable use and management of water resources.

Resumo A crescente preocupação em relação à quantidade e qualidade da água tem levado gestores e pesquisadores das várias nações a concentrarem esforços no estudo, planejamento e gerenciamento das bacias hidrográficas, consideradas como unidades territoriais adequadas para a gestão racional e sustentável dos recursos hídricos. O presente relato de experiência traz resultados do Programa de Comunicação, Educação Ambiental e Mobilização Social, que faz parte do projeto “Rede de Monitoramento das Bacias dos rios Pirapó, Paranapanema III e Paranapanema IV – Análise e Monitoramento do Comportamento Hidrológico”, desenvolvido por um grupo multidisciplinar de pesquisadores e pós-graduandos da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (Paraná – Brasil). Os objetivos do programa foram: a) Desenvolver a formação continuada de professores do ensino básico, atuantes nas escolas estaduais localizadas nas bacias em estudo; b) Promover a sensibilização e a capacitação dos diferentes atores sociais locais; c) Produzir material didático e de divulgação para, respectivamente, professores e comunidade em geral. A metodologia de trabalho foi a pesquisa ação, com base no trabalho colaborativo entre os pesquisadores da universidade e participantes representativos do programa. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam que professores e representantes de diferentes segmentos sociais tinham uma visão limitada das questões relacionadas aos recursos hídricos de sua região. Os cursos, oficinas e mostras itinerantes realizadas, além do material de apoio didático e de divulgação elaborados pelo grupo de pesquisadores e pós-graduandos contribuíram para que os vários atores sociais pudessem ampliar sua visão sobre as bacias hidrográficas das quais fazem parte, na perspectiva de uma participação ativa, crítica e responsável voltada ao uso e gestão sustentável dos recursos hídricos.

Environmental education for sustainable management of the basins of the rivers Pirapó, Paranapanema III and Parapanema IV

The growing concern about the quantity and quality of water has led managers and researchers from various countries to concentrate efforts in the study, planning and management of watersheds, considered appropriate units for the rational and sustainable management of water resources. This experience report presents results of the Program for Communication, Environmental Education and Social Mobilization, which is part of the project Monitoring Network of the basins of the rivers Pirapó, Paranapanema III and Paranapanema IV analysis and monitoring of the hydrological behavior, developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and graduate students of the State University of Maringá (Paraná, Brazil). The goals of the program were: a) To develop continuing education for teachers of basic education, active in state schools located in the basins studied; b) To raise awareness and to promote training of various local social actors; c) To produce educational and promotional materials for teachers and general community, respectively. The methodology was the action research, on the basis of collaborative work between university researchers and participants of the program. The results evidence that teachers and representatives of different social groups had a limited view of issues related to water resources of their region. Courses, workshops and itinerant exhibitions, beyond teaching aids and promotional material prepared by the group of researchers and graduate students contributed to broaden the view of social actors about watersheds to which they are part, from the perspective of an active, critical and responsible participation focused on sustainable use and management of water resources.

Resumo A crescente preocupação em relação à quantidade e qualidade da água tem levado gestores e pesquisadores das várias nações a concentrarem esforços no estudo, planejamento e gerenciamento das bacias hidrográficas, consideradas como unidades territoriais adequadas para a gestão racional e sustentável dos recursos hídricos. O presente relato de experiência traz resultados do Programa de Comunicação, Educação Ambiental e Mobilização Social, que faz parte do projeto Rede de Monitoramento das Bacias dos rios Pirapó, Paranapanema III e Paranapanema IV Análise e Monitoramento do Comportamento Hidrológico, desenvolvido por um grupo multidisciplinar de pesquisadores e pós-graduandos da Universidade Estadual de Maringá (Paraná Brasil). Os objetivos do programa foram: a) Desenvolver a formação continuada de professores do ensino básico, atuantes nas escolas estaduais localizadas nas bacias em estudo; b) Promover a sensibilização e a capacitação dos diferentes atores sociais locais; c) Produzir material didático e de divulgação para, respectivamente, professores e comunidade em geral. A metodologia de trabalho foi a pesquisa ação, com base no trabalho colaborativo entre os pesquisadores da universidade e participantes representativos do programa. Os resultados obtidos evidenciam que professores e representantes de diferentes segmentos sociais tinham uma visão limitada das questões relacionadas aos recursos hídricos de sua região. Os cursos, oficinas e mostras itinerantes realizadas, além do material de apoio didático e de divulgação elaborados pelo grupo de pesquisadores e pós-graduandos contribuíram para que os vários atores sociais pudessem ampliar sua visão sobre as bacias hidrográficas das quais fazem parte, na perspectiva de uma participação ativa, crítica e responsável voltada ao uso e gestão sustentável dos recursos hídricos.

Environmental education for sustainable management of the basins of the rivers Pirapó, Paranapanema III and Parapanema IV.

The growing concern about the quantity and quality of water has led managers and researchers from various countries to concentrate efforts in the study, planning and management of watersheds, considered appropriate units for the rational and sustainable management of water resources. This experience report presents results of the Program for Communication, Environmental Education and Social Mobilization, which is part of the project "Monitoring Network of the basins of the rivers Pirapó, Paranapanema III and Paranapanema IV - analysis and monitoring of the hydrological behavior", developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers and graduate students of the State University of Maringá (Paraná, Brazil). The goals of the program were: a) To develop continuing education for teachers of basic education, active in state schools located in the basins studied; b) To raise awareness and to promote training of various local social actors; c) To produce educational and promotional materials for teachers and general community, respectively. The methodology was the action research, on the basis of collaborative work between university researchers and participants of the program. The results evidence that teachers and representatives of different social groups had a limited view of issues related to water resources of their region. Courses, workshops and itinerant exhibitions, beyond teaching aids and promotional material prepared by the group of researchers and graduate students contributed to broaden the view of social actors about watersheds to which they are part, from the perspective of an active, critical and responsible participation focused on sustainable use and management of water resources.

Metformin suppresses hepatic gluconeogenesis and lowers fasting blood glucose levels through reactive nitrogen species in mice.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Metformin, the major target of which is liver, is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Although metformin activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in hepatocytes, the mechanism of activation is still not well known. To investigate AMPK activation by metformin in liver, we examined the role of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis. METHODS: To determine RNS, we performed fluorescence examination and immunocytochemical staining in mouse hepatocytes. Since metformin is a mild mitochondrial complex I inhibitor, we compared its effects on suppression of gluconeogenesis, AMPK activation and generation of the RNS peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) with those of rotenone, a representative complex I inhibitor. To determine whether endogenous nitric oxide production is required for ONOO(-) generation and metformin action, we used mice lacking endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). RESULTS: Metformin and rotenone significantly decreased gluconeogenesis and increased phosphorylation of AMPK in wild-type mouse hepatocytes. However, unlike rotenone, metformin did not increase the AMP/ATP ratio. It did, however, increase ONOO(-) generation, whereas rotenone did not. Exposure of eNOS-deficient hepatocytes to metformin did not suppress gluconeogenesis, activate AMPK or increase ONOO(-) generation. Furthermore, metformin lowered fasting blood glucose levels in wild-type diabetic mice, but not in eNOS-deficient diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Activation of AMPK by metformin is dependent on ONOO(-). For metformin action in liver, intra-hepatocellular eNOS is required.

Environmental education in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), Brazil.

Since 2003, researchers, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students from the State University of Maringá have been working alongside teachers from the state and local schools in the municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), located on the banks of the Paraná River. Their objective is to outline actions and strategies with the purpose of building methodological paths to insert environmental education into the school curriculum. Based on the action-research methodology, the group has developed the following programs: a) the Continuing Education Program in Environmental Education; b) the Development of Interdisciplinary Projects; c) the Insertion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs); and d) the Production of Teaching Materials. The evaluations of the programs indicate that teachers have been able to gradually build a theoretical and methodological basis for environmental education while simultaneously growing into the role of teacher-researchers as they create the conditions to investigate their pedagogical practices, reflect upon them, share experiences, innovate, and make the teaching-learning process more significant. Allied to the advances in educational practices and with the aid of ICTs, the activities developed in the classroom, in the field and in the lab--all of which involve natural and cultural aspects of the region--have contributed to teachers' and students' better understanding of the ecological, cultural, social and economic value of the floodplain, and consequently, of the importance of preservation and management in order to maintain local biodiversity.

Environmental education in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), Brazil / Educação ambiental na planície alagável do Alto Rio Paraná, Porto Rico - PR, Brasil

Since 2003, researchers, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students from the State University of Maringá have been working alongside teachers from the state and local schools in the municipality of Porto Rico (Paraná State), located on the banks of the Paraná River. Their objective is to outline actions and strategies with the purpose of building methodological paths to insert environmental education into the school curriculum. Based on the action-research methodology, the group has developed the following programs: a) the Continuing Education Program in Environmental Education; b) the Development of Interdisciplinary Projects; c) the Insertion of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs); and d) the Production of Teaching Materials. The evaluations of the programs indicate that teachers have been able to gradually build a theoretical and methodological basis for environmental education while simultaneously growing into the role of teacher-researchers as they create the conditions to investigate their pedagogical practices, reflect upon them, share experiences, innovate, and make the teaching-learning process more significant. Allied to the advances in educational practices and with the aid of ICTs, the activities developed in the classroom, in the field and in the lab - all of which involve natural and cultural aspects of the region - have contributed to teachers' and students' better understanding of the ecological, cultural, social and economic value of the floodplain, and consequently, of the importance of preservation and management in order to maintain local biodiversity.

Desde 2003, pesquisadores, professores, pós-graduandos e graduandos da Universidade Estadual de Maringá vêm trabalhando em conjunto com os professores das escolas, estadual e municipal, do município de Porto Rico - PR, localizado às margens do Rio Paraná, com o objetivo de delinear ações e estratégias, no sentido de construir caminhos metodológicos para a inserção da educação ambiental no currículo escolar. Com base na metodologia da pesquisa- ação, o grupo vem desenvolvendo alguns programas: a) Programa de Educação Continuada em Educação Ambiental; b) Desenvolvimento de Projetos Interdisciplinares; c) Inserção de Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs); d) Produção de Material Didático. As avaliações dos programas indicam que, gradativamente, os professores têm construído uma base teórica e metodológica da educação ambiental e, ao mesmo tempo, tem desenvolvido uma postura de professor-pesquisador, ao criar condições de investigação de sua prática pedagógica, de refletir sobre a mesma, de trocar experiências, de inovar, de tornar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem mais significativo. Aliado ao aprimoramento das práticas educacionais, e com o apoio das TICs, as atividades desenvolvidas, em sala de aula, campo e laboratório, abordando aspectos naturais e culturais da região, têm contribuído para que professores e alunos compreendam melhor o valor ecológico, cultural, social e econômico da planície e, consequentemente, da importância da conservação e manejo da mesma para a manutenção da biodiversidade local.

Treatment results of oral verrucous carcinoma and its biological behavior.

The biologic behavior of and optimal treatment for oral verrucous carcinoma (VC) remain controversial. We analyzed the clinicopathological characteristics of 12 patients with oral VC. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to evaluate p53 protein, CD44 variant 9, and proliferating cell nucleus antigen. The TNM classification (UICC, 1997) was T1 in 1 patient, T2 in 3, T3 in 4, and T4 in 4. All patients were classified as N0M0. Four patients were treated by surgery alone and 8 by surgery after chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. After surgery, two patients had primary recurrence of disease. Immunohistochemically, the proliferative activity of tumor cells as evaluated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen labeling index and p53 protein expression was similar in VC and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. However, CD44 varient 9 expression was positive in 8 of 10 VC, suggesting that oral VC is associated with a low risk of lymph node metastasis. Positive CD44 variant 9 expression by most oral VCs, indicating a low risk of cervical lymph node metastasis, suggests that most cases can be controlled by surgical intervention.

Natural resistance of 129/SvJ mice to Strongyloides venezuelensis infection.

The susceptibility of 129/SvJ mice to infection with Strongyloides venezuelensis was compared with that of C57BL/6 mice. After a primary infection, daily egg output in faeces (EPG) from 129/SvJ mice was lower and terminated earlier than that from C57BL/6 mice. Adult worm recovery from the small intestine of 129/SvJ mice on day 7 was also lower than that of C57BL/6 mice. When the numbers of larvae recovered from the lungs were examined on days 2, 3 and 4 after a primary infection, they were comparable between the two strains. On the other hand, when an equal number of larvae recovered from the lungs of each strain on day 3 were implanted orally into homologous strain mice, the magnitude of EPG and the number of adult worms in the small intestine on day 5 after implantation were significantly lower in 129/SvJ than in C57BL/6 mice. The number of mucosal mast cells in the jejunum was not significantly different between 129/SvJ and C57BL/6 naive mice. Total chondroitin sulphate concentration in the gut washings obtained from naive mice was significantly higher in 129/SvJ (11.34 +/- 9.48) than in C57BL/6 mice (1.09 +/- 0.77, P < 0.05). These results indicate that the natural resistance of 129SvJ mice to S. venezuelensis infection is expressed at the intestine, probably due to higher concentration of chondroitin sulphate, which prevents establishment of S. venezuelensis.

The value of the Ecological Station of Jataí's ecosystem services and natural capital.

The capacity of a given natural ecosystem to provide certain goods and services that satisfy human needs depends on its environmental characteristics (natural processes and components). It was described the availability of these goods and services (environmental functions) controlled and sustained by ecological processes operating in Ecological Station of Jataí (Luiz Antônio, SP). The environmental functions identified were grouped in four main categories. To make environmental values an integrated factor in planning and decision making it was assessed their socio-economic importance in qualitative terms and, if possible their monetary value. The combined potential annual return from identified functions of Ecological Station of Jataí is at least US$ 708.83/ha/year. In comparison to calculations made for other natural ecosystems this is a rather moderate estimate. The Ecological Station of Jataí is poorly protected and managed, it too is still threatened by human activity (agriculture) and many development plans. Although present day market economics do not recognize the monetary value of most environmental functions, such calculations do provide a revealing insight into the great socio-economic importance of Ecological Station of Jataí. More awareness of these values may provide an important incentive for their preservation and sustainable use.

The value of the Ecological Station of JataÝ's ecosystem services and natural capital

The capacity of a given natural ecosystem to provide certain goods and services that satisfy human needs depends on its environmental characteristics (natural processes and components). It was described the availability of these goods and services (environmental functions) controlled and sustained by ecological processes operating in Ecological Station of JataÝ (Luiz Antônio, SP). The environmental functions identified were grouped in four main categories. To make environmental values an integrated factor in planning and decision making it was assessed their socio-economic importance in qualitative terms and, if possible their monetary value. The combined potential annual return from identified functions of Ecological Station of Jataí is at least US$ 708.83/ha/year. In comparison to calculations made for other natural ecosystems this is a rather moderate estimate. The Ecological Station of JataÝ is poorly protected and managed, it too is still threatened by human activity (agriculture) and many development plans. Although present day market economics do not recognize the monetary value of most environmental functions, such calculations do provide a revealing insight into the great socio-economic importance of Ecological Station of Jataí. More awareness of these values may provide an important incentive for their preservation and sustainable use

Effects of lisinopril and nitrendipine on urinary albumin excretion and renal function in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of an ACE inhibitor, lisinopril, and a calcium antagonist, nitrendipine, on urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and renal function in mild to moderate essential hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria. After the 4-week drug-free period, 17 patients were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (group 1: n=8) received lisinopril 10-20 mg daily for 8 weeks followed by nitrendipine 5-10 mg daily for another 8 weeks. The second group (group 2: n=9) received nitrendipine 5-10 mg daily for 8 weeks followed by lisinopril 10-20 mg daily for another 8 weeks. The mean blood pressure (MBP) significantly decreased in a similar manner in both groups. UAE significantly decreased after 8 weeks of treatment with lisinopril in group 1 and after 8 weeks of subsequent treatment with lisinopril in group 2. On the other hand, UAE was not altered by treatment with nitrendipine. The changes in UAE were significantly correlated with changes in MBP after 8 weeks of treatment with nitrendipine, but not after 8 weeks of treatment with lisinopril. No significant changes in creatinine clearance, urinary excretion of sodium or urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide were observed by any treatment in either group. These results suggest that lisinopril, not nitrendipine, reduces UAE in essential hypertensive patients with microalbuminuria independently of its effective antihypertensive properties.

[Possibility of discharge and need for rehabilitation of psychiatric patients hospitalized for one year or more in Japan: a preliminary report. Committee on Rehabilitation Affairs, Subcommittee of Survey on Rehabilitation Need].

A total of 19,342 psychiatric patients staying in a total of 143 hospitals in Japan for one year or more entered in this study in order to determine the possibility of discharge (POD) and the need for rehabilitation. Those who were assessed by the psychiatrist in charge to have POD provided community support was assured accounted for 32.5%. As for the levels of daily life functions measured with the GAF score, those assessed to have POD showed the maximum frequency between scores 51 and 60, while the others, who were not considered suitable for discharge, showed the maximum frequency between scores 21 and 30. On the other hand, the control group, consisting of subjects with psychiatric disabilities and living in the community while using day care or rehabilitation facilities, showed the maximum frequency of GAF scores between 51 and 60. Two-thirds of the study subjects were older than fifty, while in the control group those aged between 30 and 49 accounted for 49.0%, thus indicating that the residents of mental hospitals tend to be older. More than 60% of the study subjects had been staying in hospital for five years or more. Those without their own home accounted for about 60%.

Three cases of primary pulmonary amyloidosis.

In three cases of primary pulmonary amyloidosis the chief complaint was hemosputum. The diagnosis of amyloidosis was made using histochemical analysis of bronchial wall biopsy in all cases; multiple nodular lesions were observed in trachea and bronchi on flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy. The surface of the tracheobronchial mucosa was smooth but bled easily. In one patient, chest X-ray film showed a solitary nodular shadow in the left lower lung field. These three cases were tracheobronchial amyloidosis, and one case was combined with nodular parenchymal type amyloidosis.

Transepidermal elimination of lepromatous granuloma: a mechanism for mass transport of viable bacilli.

A 35-year-old male with lepromatous leprosy showed significant progression of the disease on initial examination. Along with typical lepromatous skin lesions, many scar-forming lesions were present, mainly on his extremities. Some lesions showed erosive surfaces. From clinicopathological findings, these lesions were suspected to be due to the partial excretion of intradermal lepromatous granulomata by 'transepidermal elimination'. Increased local volume, which might be due mainly to rapidly growing lepromatous infiltration before chemotherapy, is suspected of triggering this phenomenon. There is no doubt that many fresh Mycobacterium leprae were included in these excretions. After the initiation of chemotherapy, no new scar-forming lesions were observed.

[Surgical treatment of mediastinal tumors from personal material]. / Chirurgiczne leczenie guzów sródpiersia w materiale wlasnym.

90 patients with mediastinal tumors treated surgically was analysed. It was find, that tumor mostly was localized in anterior superior mediastinum, had benign character and in over half of cases was derived from thymus. 75% of mediastinal tumors were primary. In over 50% patients longitudinal sternotomy was performed. Radical excision of the tumor was possible nearly in 90% cases.

Lipid peroxides in blood from patients with atherosclerosis of coronary and peripheral arteries.

Lipid peroxides in plasma were determined in 100 patients with coronary artery disease, in 100 patients with peripheral artery disease and in 100 persons without any clinical symptoms of coronary or peripheral artery disease. The concentrations of lipid peroxides were significantly higher in patients with atherosclerosis (both coronary and peripheral arteries) than in controls. There was no difference between lipid peroxides in patients with coronary and peripheral artery disease. Lipid peroxides in plasma were similar in subgroups of patients with coronary artery disease without a history of myocardial infarct and those who had had myocardial infarct. In subgroups of patients with peripheral artery disease divided according to the severity of peripheral atherosclerosis a positive association between the concentration of lipid peroxides in plasma and the severity of disease was observed. In all groups there was a significant correlation between the age of examined persons and lipid peroxides in plasma; however, the concentration of lipid peroxides in plasma was statistically higher in patients with atherosclerosis than in the control age matched group. The correlation between lipid peroxides and total cholesterol as well as triglycerides were weak and not statistically significant in most of the examined groups. The results of this study provide clinical support for experimental data indicating that peroxidation of lipids is an important factor in the formation of atherosclerotic changes. They also indicate that determination of plasma lipid peroxides may give important supplementary information in monitoring patients with clinical symptoms of atherosclerosis.

Measurement of biventricular septal-to-free wall diameters using sonomicrocrystals.

An ultrasonic system for the measurement of biventricular septal-to-free wall internal diameters in the dog was described. The ventricular endocardial ultrasonic microcrystals were implanted via the left and right atrial appendages and arranged in a straight line, with minimal invasion of the myocardium and pericardium. Reliable signals were obtained during right ventricular pressure overload and septal myocardial ischemia.

Effect of xamoterol in Shy-Drager syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Xamoterol, a cardioselective beta 1-adrenoceptor partial agonist, has been reported to be effective on postural hypotension. We investigated the effect of xamoterol in five patients with Shy-Drager syndrome (SDS) in relation to their prevailing sympathetic nerve activity and sensitivity of beta-adrenoceptors and the change in circadian variation of blood pressure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Ambulatory blood pressure over 24 hours was monitored by noninvasive sphygmomanometer (model 5200, Spacelab). Plasma norepinephrine levels of SDS patients were significantly lower than that of normal subjects (n = 5) both at rest (54 +/- 15 versus 178 +/- 83 pg/ml) and after 10-minute standing (74 +/- 24 versus 318 +/- 143 pg/ml). Infusion of isoproterenol (0.02 micrograms/kg/min) produced a mild rise of systolic blood pressure and tachycardia in normal subjects but resulted in marked hypotension and tachycardia in SDS subjects. After xamoterol administration (200 mg b.i.d.), systolic blood pressure and heart rate were significantly increased in the averages during the day; however, increases were more pronounced at night. In two of the five patients, the improvement in dizziness was large enough to enable them to increase their daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest that 1) beta 1-selective, high intrinsic sympathomimetic activity of xamoterol increases blood pressure and heart rate in patients with SDS as a consequence of their prevailing beta 1-adrenoceptor hypersensitive state, and 2) blood pressure monitoring over 24 hours appears to have important advantages in evaluating the therapeutic effects on postural hypotension.