[Evaluation of secondary care in oral health: a study of specialty clinics in Brazil].

This article discusses the evaluation of secondary care in the area of health surveillance. This was a descriptive and normative/evaluative study. Performance analysis drew on secondary data, based on a historical series of dental procedures conducted at the specialized dental clinics implemented in Brazil and recorded by the Outpatient Information System of the Unified National Health System (SIA/SUS) in 2007, as well as primary data from site visits to the clinics, based on questionnaires completed by clinic staff.

Toxicological evaluation of Pterocaulon polystachyum extract: a medicinal plant with antifungal activity.

Pterocaulon polystachyum DC is a native species to southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northeastern Argentina. It is utilized to treat animal problems popularly diagnosed as "mycoses". The antifungal and amebicidal activity of its hexane extract has been previously reported, although there are no studies confirming the safety of this plant for therapeutic purposes to date.