Resumo: Introdução: O presente ensaio é baseado na experiência de ensino do Programa de Psiquiatria Social e Cultural da Universidade de São Paulo (ProSol)e em fundamentações teóricas do campo da psiquiatria cultural. Desenvolvimento: Neste ensaio, destaca-se a importância do ensino em psiquiatria cultural para a formação de residentes na psiquiatria. A psiquiatria brasileira, ao longo de sua história, ficou marcada pela absorção dos conhecimentos advindos dos países desenvolvidos com pouca preocupação com a realidade brasileira. O ensino dos aspectos culturais, dentro da psiquiatria, possibilita reativar a importância da realidade e especificidade brasileiras para o ensino dos residentes. Conclusão: A tese central deste ensaio é que o ensino de psiquiatria cultural é uma forma de decolonização do ensino, na medida em que torna os psiquiatras mais aptos para enfrentar os vários cenários clínicos de um país diverso e cheio de contradições como o Brasil. Resumo Introdução ProSole ProSol Desenvolvimento destacase destaca se brasileira história culturais Conclusão Brasil

Abstract: Introduction: This essay is based on the teaching experience of theTranscultural Psychiatry Program at the University of São Paulo (ProSol,Programa de Psiquiatria Transcultural da Universidade de São Paulo) and on theoretical foundations in the field of cultural psychiatry. Objective: To highlight the importance of teaching cultural psychiatry for the training of psychiatry residents. Results: Brazilian psychiatry, throughout its history, was marked by the incorporation of knowledge from developed countries with little concern for the Brazilian reality. The teaching of cultural aspects, in the psychiatric field, makes it possible to reactivate the importance of Brazilian reality and specificity for the teaching of residents. Conclusion: The central thesis of this essay is that the teaching of cultural psychiatry is a form of decolonization of teaching, insofar as it makes psychiatrists more apt to face the different clinical scenarios in a diverse country full of contradictions such as Brazil. Abstract Introduction ProSol,Programa ProSolPrograma ProSol Programa Objective residents Results history aspects Conclusion Brazil

Resumo: O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar é uma das mais importantes políticas de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional no Brasil, viabilizando a oferta de uma alimentação saudável e adequada a todos os estudantes matriculados na rede pública da educação básica e criando mercados para agricultores familiares. Nesse sentido, partindo do entendimento de que a inserção de alimentos que dialoguem com a sustentabilidade e a cultura alimentar na alimentação escolar poderiam desencadear diversos efeitos positivos no contexto local, este artigo busca relatar as ações iniciais de um projeto maior, desenvolvido no município de Mostardas, que perpassa pela temática da alimentação escolar e da sociobiodiversidade, descrevendo as apreensões sobre o valor sociocultural e nutricional de alimentos da sociobiodiversidade, bem como o papel da escola e da alimentação escolar para a comunidade local. Para tal, esta etapa da pesquisa compreendeu duas fases: a primeira consistiu em um momento de interação com os atores locais, no qual se apreenderam histórias, significados e saberes sobre receitas à base de alimentos da sociobiodiversidade, como o feijão-sopinha e o milho-catete; e a segunda abrangeu a realização da análise de composição química centesimal e de fibras dos referidos alimentos. A partir dos relatos dos participantes, pôde-se compreender o valor sociocultural de alimentos e preparações que remontam a sua cultura e a sua história de vida, assim como a importância, conferida pela comunidade à escola e à alimentação escolar, no que tange à formação dos hábitos alimentares dos alunos. Para além das apreensões no plano simbólico, a caracterização química revelou o potencial nutricional do feijão-sopinha e do milho-catete, os quais se mostraram nutricionalmente superiores quando comparados a outros feijões e milho de consumo habitual dos brasileiros.

Abstract: The National School Feeding Program is one of the most important policies for Food and Nutritional Security in Brazil, enabling the provision of healthy and adequate food to all students enrolled in the public basic education network and creating markets for family farmers. In this sense, based on the understanding that the insertion of food that dialogues with sustainability and food culture in school feeding could trigger several positive effects in the local context, this article seeks to report the initial actions of a larger project, developed in the municipality of Mostardas, which runs through the theme of school feeding and sociobiodiversity, describing concerns about the sociocultural and nutritional value of foods from sociobiodiversity, as well as the role of schools and school feeding for the local community. To this end, this stage of the research comprised two phases: the first consisted of a moment of interaction with the local actors, in which are seized stories, meanings, and knowledge about recipes based on sociobiodiversity foods, such as sopinha bean and catete corn, and the second that included the analysis of chemical composition and fibers of these foods. From the reports of the participants, it is possible to understand the sociocultural value of food and preparations that go back to their culture and their life history, as well as the importance given by the community to the school and school meals, concerning the training students’ eating habits. In addition to the symbolic apprehensions, the chemical characterization revealed the nutritional potential of sopinha bean and catete corn, which proved to be nutritionally superior when compared to other beans and corn of habitual consumption by Brazilians.

Resumen: El Programa Nacional de Alimentación Escolar es una de las políticas más importantes para la Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional en Brasil, que permite la provisión de alimentos saludables y adecuados a todos los estudiantes inscritos en la red pública de educación básica y crea mercados para los agricultores familiares. En este sentido, a partir del entendimiento de que la inserción de alimentos que dialoguen con la sostenibilidad y la cultura alimentaria en la alimentación escolar podrían desencadenar varios efectos positivos en el contexto local, este artículo busca reportar las acciones iniciales de un proyecto mayor, desarrollado en el municipio de Mostardas, que aborda el tema de las comidas escolares y la sociobiodiversidad, describiendo preocupaciones sobre el valor sociocultural y nutricional de los alimentos de la sociobiodiversidad, así como el papel de las escuelas y de las comidas escolares para la comunidad local. Para ello, esta etapa de la investigación comprendió dos fases: la primera consistió en un momento de interacción con los actores locales, en que se aprendieron historias, significados y conocimientos sobre recetas basadas en alimentos de sociobiodiversidad, como frijol sopinha y maíz catete; y el segundo incluyó el análisis de composición química y fibras de estos alimentos. A partir de los relatos de los participantes, es posible comprender el valor sociocultural de los alimentos y preparaciones que se remontan a su cultura y su historia de vida, así como la importancia que la comunidad le da a la escuela y la alimentación escolar, en lo que respecta a la formación de los hábitos alimenticios de los estudiantes. Además de las aprehensiones a nivel simbólico, la caracterización química reveló el potencial nutricional de frijol sopinha y maíz catete, que fueron nutricionalmente superiores en comparación otros frijoles y maíz de consumo habitual por brasileños.

Abstract Venous ulcers are the main causes of chronic lower-limb ulcers. The healing difficulties encourage the research and development of new products in order to achieve better therapeutic results. Fibrin sealant is one of these alternatives. Besides being a validated scaffold and drug delivery system, it possesses excellent healing properties. This review covered the last 25 years of the literature and showed that the fibrin sealant is used in various clinical situations to promote the healing of different types of ulcers, especially chronic ones. These are mostly venous in origin and usually does not respond to conventional treatment. Commercially, only the homologous fibrin sealants obtained from human blood are available, which are highly efficient but very expensive. The heterologous fibrin sealant is a non-commercial experimental low-cost product and easily produced due to the abundance of raw material. The phase I/II clinical trial is already completed and showed that the product is safe and promisingly efficacious for the treatment of chronic venous ulcers. In addition, clinical proteomic strategies to assess disease prognosis have been increasingly used. By analyzing liquid samples from the wounds through proteomic strategies, it is possible to predict before treatment which ulcers will evolve favorably and which ones will be difficult to heal. This prognosis is only possible by evaluating the expression of isolated proteins in exudates and analysis using label-free strategies for shotgun. Multicentric clinical trials will be required to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin sealant to treat chronic ulcers, as well as to validate the proteomic strategies to assess prognosis.

Resumo O Sistema Único de Saúde tem passado por constante evolução e ampliação desde a publicação da Constituição Federal de 1988. O Distrito Federal apresentou contribuições no campo da Política de Atenção Primária à Saúde, sobretudo entre os anos 2016 e 2018, ao definir a Estratégia Saúde da Família como forma definitiva de organização dos serviços na APS e estabelecer um conjunto de ações orientadas para a conversão ao modelo. Esse artigo descreve e analisa os principais processos dessa mudança. Utilizou-se o método de análise documental de portarias, resoluções, relatórios e outros documentos, bem como dados disponíveis nas bases oficiais. Destacam-se a elaboração de um arcabouço normativo que inclui a implantação das equipes, os processos de trabalho dos profissionais, mudanças nas especialidades médicas e reordenamento dos profissionais de saúde que já atuavam na APS. A experiência demonstra a viabilidade de mudanças incrementais nas políticas de saúde em prol da ampliação de acesso da população aos serviços de saúde, por meio da definição de prioridades, melhor gestão da força de trabalho, capacitação e planejamento descentralizado, repercutindo na elevação da cobertura populacional de Saúde da Família dos iniciais 28% para 69%, alcançados em um período de dois anos.

Abstract Conclusion The Unified Health System has undergone constant evolution and expansion since the publication of Brazil’s 1988 Federal Constitution. The Federal District has provided contributions to the field of Primary Health Care Policy, especially between 2016 and 2018, by defining the Family Health Strategy as the definitive way of organizing Primary Health Care (PHC) services and by establishing a set of actions aimed at conversion of existing PHC services to this model. This article describes and analyzes the key processes of this change. The method used was analysis of ordinances, resolutions, reports and other documents, as well as assessment of data from official databases. We emphasize the development of a normative structure that includes the teams’ implementation, the professionals’ work processes, changes in medical specialties and reorganization of the health professionals who already worked in PHC. with an effect of increasing the population’s Family Health Strategy coverage (in a population of approximately 3 million inhabitants) from 28% to 69% during a two-year period, the experience demonstrates the feasibility of incremental changes in health policies such as defining priorities, better management of the workforce, training and decentralized planning to increase access to health services.

Resumo O Sistema Único de Saúde tem passado por constante evolução e ampliação desde a publicação da Constituição Federal de 1988. O Distrito Federal apresentou contribuições no campo da Política de Atenção Primária à Saúde, sobretudo entre os anos 2016 e 2018, ao definir a Estratégia Saúde da Família como forma definitiva de organização dos serviços na APS e estabelecer um conjunto de ações orientadas para a conversão ao modelo. Esse artigo descreve e analisa os principais processos dessa mudança. Utilizou-se o método de análise documental de portarias, resoluções, relatórios e outros documentos, bem como dados disponíveis nas bases oficiais. Destacam-se a elaboração de um arcabouço normativo que inclui a implantação das equipes, os processos de trabalho dos profissionais, mudanças nas especialidades médicas e reordenamento dos profissionais de saúde que já atuavam na APS. A experiência demonstra a viabilidade de mudanças incrementais nas políticas de saúde em prol da ampliação de acesso da população aos serviços de saúde, por meio da definição de prioridades, melhor gestão da força de trabalho, capacitação e planejamento descentralizado, repercutindo na elevação da cobertura populacional de Saúde da Família dos iniciais 28% para 69%, alcançados em um período de dois anos.

Abstract Conclusion The Unified Health System has undergone constant evolution and expansion since the publication of Brazil’s 1988 Federal Constitution. The Federal District has provided contributions to the field of Primary Health Care Policy, especially between 2016 and 2018, by defining the Family Health Strategy as the definitive way of organizing Primary Health Care (PHC) services and by establishing a set of actions aimed at conversion of existing PHC services to this model. This article describes and analyzes the key processes of this change. The method used was analysis of ordinances, resolutions, reports and other documents, as well as assessment of data from official databases. We emphasize the development of a normative structure that includes the teams’ implementation, the professionals’ work processes, changes in medical specialties and reorganization of the health professionals who already worked in PHC. with an effect of increasing the population’s Family Health Strategy coverage (in a population of approximately 3 million inhabitants) from 28% to 69% during a two-year period, the experience demonstrates the feasibility of incremental changes in health policies such as defining priorities, better management of the workforce, training and decentralized planning to increase access to health services.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a associação entre capacidade respiratória, qualidade de vida e função cognitiva em idosos. Métodos A amostra incluiu 386 idosos (232 mulheres). A capacidade respiratória foi avaliada pela pressão expiratória máxima obtida no pico de fluxo expiratório. Com base nos resultados máximos de fluxo expiratório, os indivíduos foram classificados de acordo com o valor previsto para sexo, idade e estatura em capacidade respiratória normal (curva de fluxo expiratório de pico inferior a 80% e superior a 60%) ou capacidade respiratória reduzida (curva de fluxo expiratório de pico menor que 60%). O questionário World Health Organization Quality of Life e o Miniexame do Estado Mental foram utilizados para avaliar a qualidade de vida e a função cognitiva, respectivamente. Resultados Em comparação com mulheres idosas com capacidade respiratória normal, as pessoas com capacidade respiratória reduzida apresentaram escores mais baixos para o Miniexame do Estado Mental (p=0,048) e qualidade de vida (p=0,040). Nos homens, não foram observadas diferenças (p>0,05). Conclusão Capacidade respiratória reduzida foi associada à pior qualidade de vida e à função cognitiva em mulheres idosas. Essas associações não foram observadas em idosos do sexo masculino.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate associations between respiratory capacity, quality of life and cognitive function in elderly individuals. Methods The sample included 386 elderly individuals (232 women). Respiratory capacity assessment was based on maximal expiratory pressure measured at peak expiratory flow. Subjects were classified according to peak expiratory flow values adjusted for sex, age and height of individuals with normal (peak expiratory flow curve <80% and >60%) or reduced (peak expiratory flow curve < 60%) respiratory capacity. The World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Mini-Mental State Examination were used to assess quality of life and cognitive function, respectively. Results Elderly women with reduced respiratory capacity scored lower on the Mini-Mental State Examination (p=0.048) and quality of life questionnaire (p=0.040) compared to those with normal respiratory capacity. These differences were not observed in men (p>0.05). Conclusion Reduced respiratory capacity was associated with poorer quality of life and cognitive function in elderly women. These associations were not observed in elderly men.

Abstract Hemostatic and adhesive agents date back to World War II, when homologous fibrin sealant came onto scene. Considering that infectious diseases can be transmitted via human blood, a new heterologous fibrin sealant was standardized in the 1990s. Its components were a serine protease (a thrombin-like enzyme) extracted from the venom of Crotalus durissus terrificus snakes and a fibrinogen-rich cryoprecipitate extracted from the blood of Bubalus bubalis buffaloes. This new bioproduct has been used as a coagulant, sealant, adhesive and recently as a candidate scaffold for mesenchymal stem cells and bone and cartilage repair. This review discusses the composition of a new heterologous fibrin sealant, and cites published articles related to its preclinical applications aiming at repairing nervous system traumas and regenerating bone marrow. Finally, we present an innovative safety trial I/II that found the product to be a safe and clinically promising candidate for treating chronic venous ulcers. A multicenter clinical trial, phase II/III, with a larger number of participants will be performed to prove the efficacy of an innovative biopharmaceutical product derived from animal venom.

Abstract Background Classically, Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt) venom can be described, according to chromatographic criteria, as a simple venom, composed of four major toxins, namely: gyroxin, crotamine, crotoxin and convulxin. Crotoxin is a non-covalent heterodimeric neurotoxin constituted of two subunits: an active phospholipase A2 and a chaperone protein, termed crotapotin. This molecule is composed of three peptide chains connected by seven disulfide bridges. Naturally occurring variants/isoforms of either crotoxin or crotapotin itself have already been reported. Methods The crude Cdt venom was separated by using RP-HPLC and the toxins were identified by mass spectrometry (MS). Crotapotin was purified, reduced and alkylated in order to separate the peptide chains that were further analyzed by mass spectrometry and de novo peptide sequencing. Results The RP-HPLC profile of the isolated crotapotin chains already indicated that the α chain would present isoforms, which was corroborated by the MS and tandem mass spectrometry analyses. Conclusion It was possible to observe that the Cdt crotapotin displays a preferred amino acid substitution pattern present in the α chain, at positions 31 and 40. Moreover, substitutions could also be observed in β and γ chains (one for each). The combinations of these four different peptides, with the already described chains, would produce ten different crotapotins, which is compatible to our previous observations for the Cdt venom.

Abstract Lesions to the nervous system often produce hemorrhage and tissue loss that are difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Therefore, scar formation, inflammation and cavitation take place, expanding the lesion epicenter. This significantly worsens the patient conditions and impairment, increasing neuronal loss and glial reaction, which in turn further decreases the chances of a positive outcome. The possibility of using hemostatic substances that also function as a scaffold, such as the fibrin sealant, reduces surgical time and improve postoperative recovery. To date, several studies have demonstrated that human blood derived fibrin sealant produces positive effects in different interventions, becoming an efficient alternative to suturing. To provide an alternative to homologous fibrin sealants, the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP, Brazil) has proposed a new bioproduct composed of certified animal components, including a thrombin-like enzyme obtained from snake venom and bubaline fibrinogen. Thus, the present review brings up to date literature assessment on the use of fibrin sealant for nervous system repair and positions the new heterologous bioproduct from CEVAP as an alternative to the commercial counterparts. In this way, clinical and pre-clinical data are discussed in different topics, ranging from central nervous system to peripheral nervous system applications, specifying positive results as well as future enhancements that are necessary for improving the use of fibrin sealant therapy.

RESUMO Objetivo comparar os indicadores de qualidade de saúde de vida (QV) entre idosos homens e mulheres institucionalizados e aqueles que vivem na comunidade sozinhos ou com a família. Método estudo transversal com amostra composta por 496 idosos homens e mulheres, entrevistados por pesquisadores em um hospital privado que atende idosos institucionalizados e da comunidade. Os indicadores de QV (World Health Organization Quality of Life), atividades da vida diária (Katz questionnaire), atividades instrumentais da vida diária (Lawton questionnaire), exame do estado mental (mini-mental), teste de força de preensão manual (Handgrip) e capacidade funcional (Timed up to go) foram obtidos. Resultados homens institucionalizados apresentaram maiores escores de QV no domínio físico e psicológico em relação aos idosos que vivem na comunidade sozinhos (p<0,05). Nas mulheres, os escores em todos os domínios de QV (físico, psicológico, relações sociais e ambientais) foram semelhantes entre as idosas institucionalizadas e as residentes na comunidade, que vivem sozinhas ou com a família. Conclusão homens idosos institucionalizados relataram melhores escores de QV nos domínios físico e psicológico em comparação com pares que vivem na comunidade, enquanto, em mulheres, resultados similares foram observados nas idosas institucionalizadas e da comunidade.

SUMMARY Objective To compare the health-related quality of life (HRQL) indicators between institutionalized and community-dwelling elderly men and women. Method This was a cross-sectional study with a sample of 496 elderly men and women, surveyed by researchers at a private hospital that attends institutionalized and community-dwelling elderly. HRQL (World Health Organization Quality of Life), daily living activities (Katz questionnaire), and instrumental daily living activities (Lawton questionnaire), mini-mental state examination, handgrip strength test, and function capacity (timed up and go test) were obtained. Results Institutionalized men presented higher scores in physical and psychological domains of HRQL compared to elderly men living alone (p<0.05). Among women, the scores in all domains (physical, psychological, relationship, and environment) were similar between institutionalized and community-dwelling individuals. Conclusion Institutionalized elderly men reported better scores in physical and psychological domains of HRQL compared to their community-dwelling pairs, while both institutionalized and community-dwelling elderly women presented similar HRQL.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to verify if there is sex difference in the associations among handgrip strength, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and timed up and go (TUG) test results. METHODS: The sample included 288 consecutive elderly men (n=93) and women (n=195). Functional capacity was measured using the TUG test, and muscle strength was measured based on handgrip. Moreover, as a measure of current health status, PEF was evaluated. Linear regression procedures were performed to analyze the relationships between handgrip and both PEF and TUG test results, with adjustment for confounders, and to identify the possible mediating role of PEF in the association between handgrip strength and TUG test results. RESULTS: In men, handgrip strength was associated with both PEF and TUG performance (p<0.01). After adjustment for PEF, the relationship between handgrip strength and TUG performance remained significant. In women, handgrip strength was also associated with both PEF and TUG performance (p<0.01). However, after adjustment for PEF, the relationship between handgrip strength and TUG performance was no longer significant. CONCLUSION: Mobility in the elderly is sex dependent. In particular, PEF mediates the relationship between handgrip strength and TUG performance in women, but not in men.

Abstract Background American visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the intracellular parasiteLeishmania (L.) infantum chagasi, and transmitted by the sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis. Since treatment is based on classical chemotherapeutics with significant side effects, the search for new drugs remains the greatest global challenge. Thus, this in vitro study aimed to evaluate the leishmanicidal effect ofCrotalus durissus terrificus venom fractions on promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi. Methods Phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) and a pool of peptide fraction (<3 kDa) were purified from Crotalusvenom. Furthermore, promastigotes and peritoneal macrophages of mice infected by amastigotes were exposed to serial dilutions of the PLA 2 and peptides at intervals varying between 1.5625 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL. Both showed activity against promastigotes that varied according to the tested concentration and the time of incubation (24, 48 and 72 h). Results MTT assay for promastigotes showed IC 50 of 52.07 μg/mL for PLA2 and 16.98 μg/mL for the peptide fraction of the venom. The cytotoxicity assessment in peritoneal macrophages showed IC50 of 98 μg/mL and 16.98 μg/mL for PLA 2 and peptide by MTT assay, respectively. In peritoneal macrophages infected by Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi amastigotes, the PLA 2 stimulated growth of parasites, and at higher doses reduced growth by 23 %. The peptide fraction prevented 43 % of the intracellular parasite growth at a dose of 16.98 μg/mL, demonstrating the toxicity of this dose to macrophages. Both fractions stimulated H 2 O 2 production by macrophages but only PLA 2 was able to stimulate NO production. Conclusion We have demonstrated the in vitro leishmanicidal activity of the PLA2 and peptide fraction ofCrotalus venom. The results encourage further studies to describe the metabolic pathways involved in cell death, as well as the prospecting of molecules with antiparasitic activity present in the peptide fraction of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom.

Introdução: Desde a sua criação, modificações no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) levaram a uma melhoria significativa nos índices nacionais de saúde. No entanto, alguns desafios ainda precisam ser enfrentados, especialmente o acesso de pacientes do SUS aos serviços de apoio de laboratório de qualidade.Objetivo:Avaliar a situação atual da assistência laboratorial no SUS em 31 municípios de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2008 e 2011.Material e método: Foi realizado levantamento de dados do Departamento de Informática do SUS (DATASUS) e de entrevistas com gestores utilizando questionário estruturado.Resultados: Dos municípios estudados, 21 possuíam laboratório próprio, sendo que 90,2% deles apresentavam instalações físicas precárias, fora das especificações previstas na legislação vigente, e empregavam procedimentos e técnicas inadequadas, com utilização de equipamentos obsoletos. O perfil de exames era restrito, necessitando da utilização de laboratórios de apoio. Nenhum dos laboratórios avaliados apresentava programas de educação permanente, de controle da qualidade dos exames laboratoriais, de manutenção dos equipamentos analíticos, de aferição de instrumentos críticos e de segurança e biossegurança.Conclusão: O papel efetivo dos resultados dos testes de laboratório na decisão médica mostrou-se, sem dúvida, prejudicado, acarretando risco à segurança dos pacientes usuários do SUS. O presente trabalho revelou a precariedade da assistência laboratorial pública em MG e propõe a mudança para um modelo de gestão capaz de aliar qualidade operacional, desenvolvimento tecnológico, otimização de recursos humanos e materiais e maior produtividade.

Introduction: Modifications in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) have led to a significant improvement in the national health indexes. However, some challenges still need to be faced, especially concerning SUS patients' access to high-quality laboratory support services.Objective: To evaluate the present status of laboratory services in SUS in 31 cities of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2008 and 2011.Material and method: This analysis was performed through data from the Information Technology Department of SUS (DATASUS) and through interviews with local public health managers with structured questionnaires.Results: Among all the studied cities, 21 had their own laboratory, 90.2% of which were in precarious conditions, not meeting the requirements established by the legislation in force, and employing inappropriate procedures and techniques, in addition to using obsolete equipment. The range of available laboratory tests was limited, what demanded the services of supporting laboratories. None of the evaluated laboratories developed any systematic activity on quality management, including control of analytical quality, maintenance of laboratory equipment, calibration and performance evaluation of critical equipment, continuing education programs, and safety and biosecurity.Conclusion: The effective role of laboratory test results in medical decision is unquestionably impaired, risking the safety of SUS patients. The present work reveals the deficiencies of public laboratory services in Minas Gerais, and proposes a new management model, which is able to associate operational quality, technological development and optimization of human and material resources with higher productivity.

Financial conventions and basic interest rate in Brazil. This article discusses the thesis that the Brazilian interest rate is a convention, focusing on the basic interest rate under the inflation targeting regime. On the one hand, there are some complications involved in this debate. In order to show this, we consider the theoretical works that have been references for the Brazilian economists who see an interest rate convention in the country. On the other hand, despite the difficulties, it is possible to find signs of conventionality in the determination of the Brazilian basic rate, by analyzing two properties of conventions: conformity of some with the conformity of others; and arbitrariness.