Price setting in the Brazilian private health insurance sector.

Brazil's private health insurance market is the second largest in the world, behind only the United States, making it a valuable source of real-world evidence. This paper documents how physicians' inpatient reimbursement fees vary in the country and explores the relationship between these fees and the market share of health providers and health insurance companies. We implement a fixed-effects panel regression and take advantage of an unprecedented database that contains national administrative records of inpatient procedures paid by health insurance companies in 2016. We find a positive correlation between reimbursement for ICU procedures and provider market share. Conversely, we observe a negative correlation with insurers' market share. Additionally, we document substantial variation in procedure prices, both across and within Brazilian states, and observe that more competitive markets in Brazil tend to have higher population and GDP levels. Overall, our research enhances our understanding of the price setting dynamics of physician reimbursement fees in the context of a developing country. The insights gained from this study can assist policymakers in formulating appropriate regulations to ensure appropriate access to healthcare services.

Single laboratory evaluation of umbilical cord blood units processing methodologies for banking.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficiency of 3 different processing methods (Sepax, AutoXpress [AXP], and manual processing with hydroxyethyl starch [HES] sedimentation) used at Stemlab during a 10-year period. METHODS: Historical data were compiled and the analytical results obtained for the 3 different methods were compared. RESULTS: The manual processing (HES) method yielded the highest level of total nucleated cell recovery after processing, and the AXP system yielded the highest CD34+ cell number. The red blood cell reduction was also significantly higher with the HES method. Also, HES showed comparable results to Toticyte technology for umbilical cord blood (UCB) processing. CONCLUSION: These results show that the HES method is as effective as automated technologies for UCB volume reduction; hence, it is a suitable methodology for private and public UCB banks. The HES method also proved to be superior to Toticyte technology for medical applications, with higher recovery yields of total nucleated cells after thawing and equivalent CD34+ cell recovery and functionality.

Programa de exercícios físicos por telerreabilitação em idosos com doença de Parkinson: um estudo experimental / Telerehabilitation exercise program in elderly people with Parkinson's disease: an experimental study

INTRODUÇÃO: As restrições durante a pandemia do COVID-19 limitaram o acesso a centros de reabilitação especializados para tratamento fisioterapêutico de pessoas com Doença de Parkinson (DP). Sabe-se que a falta de exercícios físicos pode agravar as condições de saúde, levar à piora dos sinais típicos da doença e promover o declínio funcional. A telerreabilitação é uma estratégia que pode restaurar o acesso e facilitar a continuidade de assistência fisioterapêutica. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar os efeitos de um programa de exercícios físicos por telerreabilitação no nível de atividade física, no desempenho funcional de Membros Inferiores (MMII), no desempenho nas atividades de vida diária (AVD's) e na qualidade de vida (QV) em idosos com DP. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo experimental, descritivo, longitudinal, em que foram avaliados os efeitos da intervenção por telerreabilitação composta por 12 sessões de 1 hora, feitas 3 vezes/semana, realizada estatística analítica para fins comparativos pelo Teste t de Student. RESULTADOS: 22 participantes concluíram o estudo. Foi observada mudança significativa no nível de atividade física (IPAQ inicial de 0,18 ±0,39 e final de 1,0 ± 0, p = 0,0001), no desempenho funcional dos MMII (teste de sentar e levantar cinco vezes (TSLCV) tempo médio pré 16,22 ± 7.41, e após 12.26 ± 2.83, p= 0,0197), no desempenho nas atividades de vida diária (Brazilian OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (BOMFAQ) de 26,13 ± 6,31 e após de 35,45 ± 5,16, p = 0,0001) e na QV dos idosos com DP (PDQ-39 inicial de 45,92 ±15,36 e final de 23,63 ± 10,19, p = 0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Concluise que houve mudança no nível de atividade física, no desempenho funcional de MMII, no desempenho nas AVD's e na QV.

INTRODUCTION: Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic limited access to specialized rehabilitation centers for physical therapy treatment of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). It is known that lack of exercise can worsen health conditions, lead to worsening typical signs of the disease, and promote functional decline. Telerehabilitation is a strategy that can restore access and facilitate the continuity of physical therapy care. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a telerehabilitation exercise program on the level of physical activity, functional capacity of lower limbs, performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life (QoL) in elderly patients with PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an experimental, descriptive, exploratory, longitudinal study, in which the effects of intervention by telerehabilitation were evaluated, the program was composed of 12 sessions of 1 hour, 3 times a week. Analytical statistics was done for comparative purposes by Student's t test. RESULTS: 22 participants completed the study. Significant change was observed in physical activity level (IPAQ initial 0.18 ±0.39 and final 1.0 ± 0, p = 0.0001), in the functional capacity of lower limbs (5 times sit and stand test (TSLCV) mean time pre 16.22 ± 7.41, and post 12.26 ± 2. 83, p= 0.0197), in the performance in the activities of daily living (Brazilian OARS Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire (BOMFAQ) of 26.13 ± 6.31 and after of 35.45 ± 5.16, p = 0.0001) and in the QL of the elderly with PD (PDQ-39 initial of 45.92 ±15.36 and final of 23.63 ± 10.19, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We conclude that there was a change in the level of physical activity, in the functional capacity of lower limbs, in the performance of ADLs and in QL.

CeO2 nanostructured electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous recognition of diethylstilbestrol and 17ß-estradiol hormones.

A new highly sensitive, selective, and inexpensive electrochemical method has been developed for simultaneously detecting diethylstilbestrol (DES) and 17ß-estradiol (E2) in environmental samples (groundwater and lake water) using a graphite sensor modified by cerium oxide nanoparticles (CPE-CeO2 NPs). The developed sensor and the materials used in its preparation were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The ab initio simulation was used to evaluate the adsorption energies between both DES and E2 with the surface of the sensor. The peak current of oxidation of both hormones showed two regions of linearity. The region of greatest sensitivity was observed for the linear range of 10 nM-100 nM. The detection and quantification limits for this concentration range were 0.8/2.6 nM and 1.3/4.3 nM for DES and E2, respectively. The analytical performance of the developed method showed high sensitivity, precision, repeatability, reproducibility, and selectivity. The CPE-CeO2 NPs sensor was successfully applied to simultaneously detect DES and E2 in real samples with recovery levels above 98%.

Effect of socioeconomic inequalities and vulnerabilities on health-system preparedness and response to COVID-19 in Brazil: a comprehensive analysis.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 spread rapidly in Brazil despite the country's well established health and social protection systems. Understanding the relationships between health-system preparedness, responses to COVID-19, and the pattern of spread of the epidemic is particularly important in a country marked by wide inequalities in socioeconomic characteristics (eg, housing and employment status) and other health risks (age structure and burden of chronic disease). METHODS: From several publicly available sources in Brazil, we obtained data on health risk factors for severe COVID-19 (proportion of the population with chronic disease and proportion aged ≥60 years), socioeconomic vulnerability (proportions of the population with housing vulnerability or without formal work), health-system capacity (numbers of intensive care unit beds and physicians), coverage of health and social assistance, deaths from COVID-19, and state-level responses of government in terms of physical distancing policies. We also obtained data on the proportion of the population staying at home, based on locational data, as a measure of physical distancing adherence. We developed a socioeconomic vulnerability index (SVI) based on household characteristics and the Human Development Index. Data were analysed at the state and municipal levels. Descriptive statistics and correlations between state-level indicators were used to characterise the relationship between the availability of health-care resources and socioeconomic characteristics and the spread of the epidemic and the response of governments and populations in terms of new investments, legislation, and physical distancing. We used linear regressions on a municipality-by-month dataset from February to October, 2020, to characterise the dynamics of COVID-19 deaths and response to the epidemic across municipalities. FINDINGS: The initial spread of COVID-19 was mostly affected by patterns of socioeconomic vulnerability as measured by the SVI rather than population age structure and prevalence of health risk factors. The states with a high (greater than median) SVI were able to expand hospital capacity, to enact stringent COVID-19-related legislation, and to increase physical distancing adherence in the population, although not sufficiently to prevent higher COVID-19 mortality during the initial phase of the epidemic compared with states with a low SVI. Death rates accelerated until June, 2020, particularly in municipalities with the highest socioeconomic vulnerability. Throughout the following months, however, differences in policy response converged in municipalities with lower and higher SVIs, while physical distancing remained relatively higher and death rates became relatively lower in the municipalities with the highest SVIs compared with those with lower SVIs. INTERPRETATION: In Brazil, existing socioeconomic inequalities, rather than age, health status, and other risk factors for COVID-19, have affected the course of the epidemic, with a disproportionate adverse burden on states and municipalities with high socioeconomic vulnerability. Local government responses and population behaviour in the states and municipalities with higher socioeconomic vulnerability have helped to contain the effects of the epidemic. Targeted policies and actions are needed to protect those with the greatest socioeconomic vulnerability. This experience could be relevant in other low-income and middle-income countries where socioeconomic vulnerability varies greatly. FUNDING: None. TRANSLATION: For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Magnetic resonance imaging aspects after surgical repair of knee cartilage: pictorial essay.

Radiologists should be familiar with the main techniques of knee cartilage repair and the imaging methods available for its evaluation, in order to optimize the postoperative follow-up of patients. The objective of this study was to present a series of clinical cases seen at our facility, illustrating the main techniques necessary for the repair of knee cartilage, as well as the magnetic resonance imaging techniques used in the postoperative evaluation and the relevant radiological findings.

Radiologistas devem estar familiarizados com as principais técnicas de reparo cirúrgico da cartilagem do joelho e os métodos de imagem disponíveis para sua avaliação, no intuito de otimizar o seguimento pós-operatório do paciente. O presente estudo tem por finalidade, por meio de uma coletânea de casos do nosso serviço, ilustrar as principais técnicas cirúrgicas aplicadas ao reparo da cartilagem do joelho, bem como as técnicas de ressonância magnética usualmente utilizadas na avaliação pós-operatória e os achados radiológicos relevantes.

Magnetic resonance imaging aspects after surgical repair of knee cartilage: pictorial essay / Aspectos na ressonância magnética pós-reparo cirúrgico da cartilagem do joelho: ensaio iconográfico

Abstract Radiologists should be familiar with the main techniques of knee cartilage repair and the imaging methods available for its evaluation, in order to optimize the postoperative follow-up of patients. The objective of this study was to present a series of clinical cases seen at our facility, illustrating the main techniques necessary for the repair of knee cartilage, as well as the magnetic resonance imaging techniques used in the postoperative evaluation and the relevant radiological findings.

Resumo Radiologistas devem estar familiarizados com as principais técnicas de reparo cirúrgico da cartilagem do joelho e os métodos de imagem disponíveis para sua avaliação, no intuito de otimizar o seguimento pós-operatório do paciente. O presente estudo tem por finalidade, por meio de uma coletânea de casos do nosso serviço, ilustrar as principais técnicas cirúrgicas aplicadas ao reparo da cartilagem do joelho, bem como as técnicas de ressonância magnética usualmente utilizadas na avaliação pós-operatória e os achados radiológicos relevantes.

Correlação entre ansiedade e depressão em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular / Correlation between anxiety and depression in patients with temporomandibular disorder

Objetivo: avaliar a correlação entre ansiedade e depressão com a presença de Disfunção Temporomandibular. Material e Métodos: participaram do estudo sessenta pacientes atendidos no Serviço ATM da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, localizado na cidade de Juiz de Fora/Minas Gerais. Desses sessenta, trinta possuíam diagnósticos de disfunção temporomandibular, a partir do Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder, e trinta não apresentavam o diagnóstico de disfunção. Todos os participantes responderam os questionários Escala Hospitalar de ansiedade e depressão e o Inventário de ansiedade de Beck. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio do programa Statistical Package for the Social Science 14.0 com o teste de Qui-quadrado e nível de significância de 5% (p<0,05). Resultados: houve correlação significativa entre os parâmetros gênero (p=0,024), idade média (p=0,033), presença de disfunção temporomandibular (p=0,034) e a variável ansiedade. Já para a variável depressão, houve correlação significativa para o diagnóstico de disfunção temporomandibular (p=0,029), e correlação não significativa para gênero (p=0,608) e idade média (p=0,175). Conclusão: há relação entre fatores psicológicos e psicossociais, como a ansiedade e a depressão e disfunção temporomandibular

Objective: to evaluate the correlation between anxiety and depression in the presence of temporomandibular Dysfunction. Material and Methods: sixty patients attended at the TMJ Service of the Dental School of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora, located in the city of Juiz de Fora/Minas Gerais, Brazil, participated in the study. Of these sixty, thirty had diagnoses of temporomandibular disorder from the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorder, and thirty did not have a diagnosis of dysfunction. All participants answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. The data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science 14.0 program with the Chi-square test and a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). Results: there was a significant correlation between the parameters gender (p=0.024), mean age (p=0.033), presence of temporomandibular disorder (p=0.034) and the anxiety variable. As for the variable depression, there was a significant correlation for the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (p=0.029), and a non-significant correlation for gender (p=0.608) and mean age (p=0.175). Conclusion: there is a relationship between psychological and psychosocial factors, such as anxiety and depression with temporomandibular disorders

Posicionamento das entidades odontológicas sobre a Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal, no período de 2015-2017 / Positioning of dental entities on the National Oral Health Policy, in the period 2015-2017

RESUMO Este estudo analisou o posicionamento de entidades odontológicas nacionais sobre a Política Nacional de Saúde Bucal (PNSB), entre 2015 e 2017, no Brasil, como espaço de relações de força entre agentes e instituições. Foi realizada análise documental das publicações relacionadas sobre a política nos sites oficiais, em redes sociais e em notícias do Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO), da Associação Brasileira de Odontologia (ABO), das Federações de sindicatos e da Associação de Saúde Bucal Coletiva (Abrasbuco). O monitoramento foi semanal, segundo categorias: ações e posicionamento da entidade sobre a política, demandas profissionais e relações com o campo político. Observou-se, nesse período, que CFO e Federação Interestadual dos Odontologistas foram as entidades que mais publicaram sobre a política. As entidades sindicais e os representantes da Abrasbuco se posicionaram mais criticamente sobre as sucessivas mudanças na Coordenação Geral de Saúde Bucal em 2015. O fato que mobilizou todas as entidades, à exceção da ABO, foi a possível extinção da coordenação, em 2016. Destaca-se o posicionamento comum das entidades pela defesa da expansão da política com novos postos de trabalho no SUS e articulação com o poder legislativo na aprovação de projetos de lei, como o da odontologia na Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo (UTI) e da transformação da PNSB em política de Estado.

ABSTRACT This study analyzed the positioning of national dental entities on the National Oral Health Policy (PNSB), between 2015 and 2017, in Brazil, as a space for relations of strength between agents and institutions. A documentary analysis of the related publications about politics was carried out on official websites, social networks and news from the Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO), of the Brazilian Association of Dentistry (ABO), the Federations of unions and the Association of Collective Oral Health (Abrasbuco). The monitoring was weekly, according to categories: actions and positioning of the entity on the politics, professional demands and relations with the political field. It was observed, during this period, that CFO and Interstate Odontologists Federation were the entities that most published about politics. The unions and representatives of Abrasbuco were more critically positioned about the successive changes in the General Coordination of Oral Health in 2015. The fact that mobilized all entities, with the exception of ABO, was the possible extinction of coordination, in 2016. It stands out the common position of entities for the defense of the expansion of the policy with new jobs in the SUS and articulation with the legislative power in the approval of bills, such as dentistry in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the transformation of the PNSB into State politics.

Mechanical and aesthetics compatibility of Brazilian red propolis micellar nanocomposite as a cavity cleaning agent.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a natural substance produced by bees and is known to have antimicrobial activity. Our aim was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of micellar nanocomposites loaded with an ethyl acetate extract of Brazilian red propolis as a cavity cleaning agent and its influence on the color and microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of the dentin/resin interface. METHODS: An ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (UPLC-DAD) assay was used to determine the flavonoids and isoflavones present in an ethyl acetate extract of Brazilian red propolis (EARP) and micellar nanocomposites loaded with EARP (MNRP). The antimicrobial activity of EARP and MNRP was tested against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans. One of the following experimental treatments was applied to etched dentin (phosphoric acid, 15 s): 5 µL of MNRP (RP3, 0.3%; RP6, 0.6%; or RP1, 1.0% w/v), placebo, and 2% chlorhexidine digluconate. Single Bond adhesive (3 M/ESPE) was applied and a 4-mm-thick resin crown (Z350XT, 3 M/ESPE) was built up. After 24 h, the teeth were sectioned into sticks for the µTBS test and scanning electron microscopy. Spectrophotometry according to the CIE L*a*b* chromatic space was used to evaluate the color. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Tukey test or Kruskal-Wallis test and the same test for pairwise comparisons between the means (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The UPLC-DAD assay identified the flavonoids liquiritigenin, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, and isoliquiritigenin and the isoflavonoids daidzein, formononetin, and biochanin A in the EARP and micellar nanocomposites. EARP and MNRP presented antimicrobial activity against the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, and for Candida albicans. ΔE values varied from 2.31 to 3.67 (P = 0.457). The mean µTBS for RP1 was significantly lower than for the other groups (P < 0.001). Dentin treated with RP1 showed the shortest resin tags followed by RP6 and RP3. CONCLUSIONS: The EARP and (MNRP) showed antimicrobial activity for the main agents causing dental caries (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and for Candida albicans. MNRP at concentrations of 0.3 and 0.6% used as a cavity cleaner do not compromise the aesthetics or µTBS of the dentin/resin interface.

VALORES DE REMUNERAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL DE TRÊS PLANOS ODONTOLÓGICOS DA CIDADE DE MACEIÓ-AL EM RELAÇÃO À TABELA DO CFO / Professional values remuneration of three dental plans of the Maceió-AL city in relation to the CFO table

Objetivo: Verificar se os valores pagos por operadoras de planos odontológicos na cidade de Maceió (AL), aos profissionais credenciados, estão condizentes com os preconizados pelo Conselho Federal de Odontologia (CFO) em sua tabela de Valores de Referência para Procedimentos Odontológicos (VRPO). Materiais e Métodos: Utilizaram-se três tabelas de honorários profissionais, de procedimentos de dentística, de planos odontológicos na cidade de Maceió (AL). Como grupo de controle para comparação dos valores discriminados nas tabelas dos planos, adotou-se a tabela VRPO do CFO. Foram analisados comparativamente os valores dos procedimentos pagos pelos planos de acordo com os materiais restauradores (amálgama, resina e ionômero) e de outros (clareamento dentário, restauração temporária/tratamento expectante), sendo calculado o valor percentual de acréscimo ou defasagem em relação à VRPO. Resultados: Os maiores descontos aplicados sobre os preços sugeridos pelo CFO foram observados para procedimentos restauradores de resina fotopolimerizável (81 a 87%, em média). Conclusão: A remuneração oferecida pelos três planos odontológicos na cidade de Maceió (AL), nos procedimentos que constam da especialidade de dentística restauradora, está aquém dos valores definidos na tabela VRPO-CFO.

Objective: To determine whether the amounts paid for dental care plan operators from Maceió, the accredited professionals are consistent with those recommended by the Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO) in his table of reference values for Dental Procedures (VRPO). Materials and Methods: three tables of professional fees, dentistry procedures, dental care plans from Maceió (AL). As a control group for comparison of the amounts shown in the tables of the plans it has used the VRPO table. In this work, were analyzed the comparative values of procedures paid by the plans according to the restorative materials (amalgam, resin and ionomer) and others (tooth whitening, temporary restoration / expectant treatment); calculating the percentage difference to the VRPO. Results: The highest discounts applied on prices suggested by the CFO were observed for light-cured resin restorative procedures (81-87% on average). Conclusion: The remuneration offered by the three dental plans of the city of Maceio (AL), involving the specialty of restorative dentistry, it is less than the values defined in Table VRPO-CFO.

In vitro growth-inhibitory effect of Brazilian plants extracts against Paenibacillus larvae and toxicity in bees.

American foulbrood (AFB) is a serious worldwide spreading disease in bees caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Plants extracts are known to decrease or inhibit the growth of these bacteria. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Calendula. officinalis, Cariniana domestica, and Nasturtium officinale extracts against the P. larvae and to evaluate the toxicity of the extracts in bees. In vitro activity against P. larvae of the extracts was evaluated by micro dilution method and the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were also determined. The concentrations used in the toxicity test were established based on the MIC values and by the spraying application method. The P. larvae was susceptible to the evaluated crude extract of C. officinalis and N. officinale. To C. domestica, only the ethyl acetate (EtAc) fraction and n-butanol (BuOH) fractions had activity against P. larvae. Toxicity analysis in bees showed no toxicity for N. officinale crude extract and for C. domestica BuOH fraction during 15 days of treatment, however, some deaths of bees occurred during the first three days of treatment with C. officinalis and C. domestica EtAc fraction. The results with these species were firstly described and showed that N. officinale crude extract and C. domestica BuOH fraction both presented not toxic effects in the concentration tested by the spraying application method, and can be a useful alternative for treatment or prevention of AFB.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant capacity of Tabernaemontana catharinensis A. DC. Fruits and branches.

The antioxidant capacity of the crude extract and fractions of Tabernaemontana catharinensis fruits and branches, was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and the content of polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and condensed tannins were determined by the spectrophotometric method. The ethyl acetate fraction of the fruits and the n-butanol fraction of the branches showed IC50 of 181.82 µg/mL and 78.19 µg/mL, respectively. All fractions were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), in the branches were quantified chlorogenic acid in the chloroform (8.96 mg/g), ethyl acetate (4.31 mg/g) and n-butanol (3.33 mg/g) fractions; caffeic acid in the ethyl acetate (5.24 mg/g) and n-butanol (1.81 mg/g); gallic acid (0.52 mg/g) in the n-butanol. In the fruits, chlorogenic acid in the chloroform (1.67 mg/g); rutin in the ethyl acetate (3.45 mg/g) and n-butanol (8.98 mg/g) fractions. The present study showed that these quantified compounds can contribute to antioxidant capacity which was higher in the branches than in the fruits.

HPLC analysis of phenolics compounds and antioxidant capacity of leaves of Vitex megapotamica (Sprengel) Moldenke.

Vitex megapotamica (Sprengel) Moldenke belongs to the Verbenaceae family and is popularly known as "tarumã". The antioxidant capacity of fractions and crude extract from the leaves of V. megapotamica were determined in this study through the capacity to remove reactive species and phenolic compounds were quantified in the various fractions. The IC50 (DPPH) ranged from 14.17 ± 0.76 to 37.63 ± 0.98 µg/mL. The ethyl acetate fraction might contain the strongest lipid peroxidation inhibitory compounds with an IC50 of 16.36 ± 5.09 µg/mL, being also the one with the highest content of polyphenols (522.4 ± 1.12 mg/g), flavonoids (220.48 ± 0.30 mg/g) and condensed tannins (3.86 ± 0.53 mg/g). Compounds quantified by HPLC/DAD in the crude extract and fractions were chlorogenic and rosmarinic acids. Higher dosages of the extracts were more effective in reducing levels of plasma protein carbonyls and were also shown to be able to remove reactive species by a 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay, reducing oxidative stress in all tested fractions. Results obtained indicated that V. megapotamica exhibits good potential to prevent diseases caused by the overproduction of free radicals and it might also be used as a potential source of natural antioxidant agents.

A questão socioambiental e a atuação do assistente social / The environmental issues and the practice of social worker

O presente artigo objetiva contribuir com reflexões acerca das possibilidades de atuação do assistente social no âmbito das questões socioambientais. Para alcançar tal proposta, inicialmente, a luz da teoria marxista, apresenta-se a discussão de que o atual sistema de produção intensifica a desigualdade social e a espoliação econômica, corporificadas em pobreza, degradação ambiental, entre outras manifestações aparentemente contraditórias, que sob um sistema de dependência, dominação e superexploração do trabalho, afetam sobremaneira os países latino-americanos. Na sequência, apreendendo que suas diversas refrações vêm se constituindo em um novo desafio à categoria profissional, elencam-se algumas ações do assistente social frente às demandas trazidas pela questão socioambiental e encerra-se afirmando a necessidade desta categoria qualificar sua inserção no debate em torno desta temática emergente...

This article aims to contribute to reflections about the possibilities of action of the social worker in the context of social and environmental issues. To achieve such a proposal, initially, the Marxist theory context, presents a discussion that the current production system intensifies the social inequality and economic spoliation, embodied in hunger, poverty, environmental degradation, among other manifestations seemingly contradictory, which under a system of dependency, domination and overexploitation of labor, significantly affect the Latin American countries. As a result, apprehending that their various refractions are constituting a new challenge in the professional category, following stand out some actions of the social worker face the demands brought by the environmental issue and ends up affirming the need for this category qualify their inclusion in the debate around this emerging thematic...