Cutaneous mast cell tumor in a captive Bush dog (Speothos venaticus): pathological and immunophenotypical aspects - case report / Mastocitoma cutâneo em um cachorro-do-mato vinagre (Speothos venaticus) de cativeiro: aspectos patológicos e imunofenotípicos - relato de caso

A senile male captive bush dog (Speothos venaticus) presented a small perianal cutaneous nodule. Histologically, there was an ulcerated round cell tumor composed of well differentiated mast cells with abundant intracytoplasmic purple Giemsa-positive granules, with a diffuse eosinophilic infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry revealed that 30% of the neoplastic cells were positive for Kit in the cytoplasm and cell membrane, and all neoplastic cells were negative for MAC and CD3. Less than 10% of the neoplastic cells were positive for Ki67. At necropsy other primary tumors were identified in this animal, including an intestinal adenoma, an adrenal cortex adenoma and a testicular interstitial cell tumor.(AU)

Um cachorro-vinagre (Speothos venaticus) apresentou um nódulo cutâneo pequeno na região perianal. Histologicamente havia neoplasia cutânea de células redondas e ulcerada, constituída por mastócitos bem diferenciados, com abundantes grânulos citoplasmáticos metacromáticos na coloração de Giemsa e infiltrado eosinofílico difuso. A imuno-histoquímica demonstrou que 30% das células neoplásicas eram positivas para a proteína Kit no citoplasma e na membrana celular. As células foram negativas para MAC e CD3. Menos de 10% das células neoplásicas foram positivas para Ki67. Durante a necropsia, foram identificados outros tumores primários, como adenoma intestinal, adenoma cortical da adrenal e tumor de células intersticiais do testículo.(AU)

Avaliação independente do desempenho diagnóstico de um índice fisiológico invasivo que dispensa o uso de guias de pressão e manipulação coronária em pacientes diabéticos. Comparação com a reserva do fluxo fracionado / Independent assessment of the diagnostic performance of an invasive physiological index that does not require the use of pressure guides and coronary manipulation in diabetic patients. Comparison with fractional flow reserve

INTRODUÇÃO: A reserva de fluxo fracionada é um índice fisiológico invasivo extensamente validado, que demonstrou custo-efetividade e melhora de desfechos clínicos quanto utilizada para indicar a necessidade de revascularização em pacientes com doença arterial coronária. No entanto, sua utilização na prática clínica ainda é bastante restrita. Um novo índice, que possibilita estimar o significado funcional de estenoses coronárias, sem a necessidade de manipulação do vaso coronário e sem custo adicional à angiografia diagnóstica, tem potencial de ampliar a aplicação de índices funcionais às tomadas de decisão clínica. Com isso, o objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar o desempenho diagnóstico de um novo índice fisiológico invasivo ­ o QFR (do inglês, quantitative flow ratio) ­ que estima o significado funcional de estenoses coronárias a partir de modelos de dinâmica de fluido computacional aplicadas em modelos geométricos tridimensionais das artérias coronárias obtidas durante a cinecoronariografia. MÉTODOS: O QFR foi derivado de 2 modelos de fluxo: (1) com velocidade hiperêmica de fluxo fixa (fQFR) e (2) com velocidade de fluxo hiperêmico ajustada de acordo com o tempo de trânsito do meio de contraste ao longo do segmento estenótico (cQFR). A FFR foi mensurada com guia de pressão específico sob hiperemia máxima induzida com adenosina (140 µg/Kg/min) e foi considerada o método de referência. As análises de QFR foram feitas de forma cega aos valores de FFR. RESULTADOS: QFR foi computado em 37 segmentos vasculares com estenoses coronárias epicárdicas de grau intermediário (diâmetro de estenose do diâmetro entre 40% e 70%) de 31 pacientes diabéticos submetidos à avaliação fisiológica invasiva com mensuração da FFR. A maioria (54,8%) dos pacientes apresentou-se com angina estável. O vaso mais frequentemente investigado foi a artéria descendente anterior (43,3%). A média dos valores de FFR foi 0,84 ± 0,08, com 29,7% das estenoses apresentando um FFR < 0,80. A média do fQFR foi 0,82 ± 0,08, com elevada correlação (r=0,86, p<0,0001) e concordância com os valores de FFR (diferença média: 0,022 ± 0,043, p=0,236). O cQFR apresentou correlação (r=0,94, p<0,0001) e concordância (diferença média: 0,010 ± 0,027, p=0,559) ainda maiores com a FFR. A acurácia diagnóstica do fQFR foi de 86,5%, com sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo de 81,8%, 88,5%, 75,0%, e 92,0%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: O QFR apresentou elevada acurácia diagnóstica em comparação com o método invasivo de referência FFR em uma população complexa de pacientes diabéticos. (AU)

The cytosolic sensor STING is required for intestinal homeostasis and control of inflammation.

STING (stimulator of interferon genes) is a cytosolic sensor for cyclic dinucleotides and also an adaptor molecule for intracellular DNA receptors. Although STING has important functions in the host defense against pathogens and in autoimmune diseases, its physiological relevance in intestinal homeostasis is largely unknown. In this study, we show that STING-/- mice presented defective protective mechanisms of intestinal mucosa, including decreased number of goblet cells, diminished mucus production, and lower levels of secretory IgA, when compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Fecal content and microbiota DNA could activate STING, indicating a role of this molecule in gut. Microbiota composition was altered in STING-/- mice toward a more inflammatory profile, evidencing a reduction in the Allobacolum and Bifidobacterium groups along with increase in Disulfovibrio bacteria. Absence of STING lead to decrease in induced intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and to increase in group 1 innate lymphoid cell (ILC1) as well as ILC3 frequencies and decrease in ILC2 in the colon. Development and function of Foxp3+ and LAP+ regulatory T cells were also compromised in STING-/- mice. Moreover, these mice were highly susceptible to dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis, T-cell-induced colitis, and enteric Salmonella typhimurium infection when compared with WT animals. Therefore, our results identify an important role of STING in maintaining gut homeostasis and also a protective effect in controlling gut inflammation.

Oral Manifestations in Pediatric Patients with Coeliac Disease - A Review Article.

BACKGROUND: Coeliac disease is a chronic enteropathy that remains a challenge for the clinician, due to its atypical manifestations and etiopathogenic complexity. OBJECTIVE: This article intends to describe the oral characteristics of Coeliac Disease in children in order to facilitate their management in the dental office. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed electronically in PubMed (PubMed Central, and MEDLINE) for articles published in English from 2000 to April of 2017. The article is also based on the authors' clinical experience with children with coeliac disease. The searched keywords were "coeliac disease ","oral manifestations ", "dental enamel defects", "recurrent aphthous stomatitis" and "oral aphthous ulcers". RESULTS: There are some oral manifestations which are strictly related to coeliac disease: dental enamel defects, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, delayed tooth eruption, multiple caries, angular cheilitis, atrophic glossitis, dry mouth and burning tongue. CONCLUSION: The complete knowledge of the oral manifestations of coeliac disease can trigger an effective change in the quality of life of the patients with this disease.

The appropriate axillary procedure after a positive sentinel node in breast cancer patients: the 'Hôpital Tenon' score revisited. A two-institution study

Introduction. Until recently, completion ALND has been considered the standard of care after a positive SN in breast cancer patients. However, most patients will not display further axillary involvement. The Tenon score is a simple nomogram that can be used intraoperatively to avoid completion ALND in low-risk patients. We aimed at validating the Tenon score on a SN-positive patient sample that had been preoperatively selected using axillary US examination. Patients and method. We used a retrospective analysis of our bicentric database that included 246 breast cancer patients with a positive SN. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values for each cut-off point. ROCs were constructed and corresponding AUC values were calculated as a measure of discriminative capacity. Results. At least one non-SN was positive in 52 patients (21.1 %). 118 patients (48 %) had a score up to 5. Among them, three had at least one positive non-SN. NPV was 97.5 %. Using that threshold, the ROCs analysis showed an AUC of 0.822 (95 % CI 0.764-0.880). Conclusion. Use of preoperative axillary US examination led to a modification of the proposed Tenon cut-off value from 3.5 to 5 to attain good predictive power for non-SN status. Straightforward intraoperative use of the Tenon score may be considered an advantage over other available nomograms (AU)

No disponible

To donate or not donate, that is the question: an analysis of the critical factors of blood donation. / Doar ou não doar, eis a questão: uma análise dos fatores críticos da doação de sangue.

Currently, in Brazil, 1.78% of the population area blood donors, a level lower than the ideal one that, according to WHO, should be between 3% and 5% of the population. Following this scenario, the current study has a general goal of identifying and analyzing the main critical factors of the process of blood donation in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, under the perception of donors, potential donors and non donors. A qualitative research approach was conducted, through twenty-four semi-structured interviews. The results highlight the lack of information in the various stages of the blood donation system. During the stages of donor recruitment and awareness, communication actions convey to society incomplete information about the donation process, discouraging future actions of donation. On the other hand, a lack of appreciation of the donation experience and the construction of social values associated with the donor prevent the multiplication of social behaviors for donation. The results of this study, found from theoretical framework outlined in this study, highlight the causes or critical factors that impede changes in behavior, incremental or radical, proposed by social marketing.

Doar ou não doar, eis a questão: uma análise dos fatores críticos da doação de sangue / To donate or not donate, that is the question: an analysis of the critical factors of blood donation

Resumo Atualmente, no Brasil, 1,78% da população é doadora de sangue, um índice abaixo do ideal que, segundo a OMS, deve figurar entre 3% a 5% da população. Mediante este cenário, o presente estudo tem como objetivo geral identificar e analisar os principais fatores críticos do processo de doação de sangue, a partir de uma investigação na cidade de Belo Horizonte, MG, sob a percepção de doadores, potenciais doadores e não doadores de sangue. Foi realizada uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, por meio de vinte e quatro entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os resultados encontrados evidenciam a ausência de informações nas diversas etapas do sistema de doação de sangue. Nas etapas de captação e conscientização de doadores, as ações de comunicação transmitem à sociedade informações incompletas sobre o processo de doação, desestimulando ações futuras de doação. Por outro lado, a não valorização da experiência de doação e a construção de valor social associadas ao doador impedem a multiplicação de comportamentos sociais para a doação. Os resultados encontrados, no contexto teórico delineado neste estudo, evidenciam as causas, ou fatores críticos de impedimento à mudança de comportamento, incremental ou radical, propostas pelo marketing social.

Abstract Currently, in Brazil, 1.78% of the population area blood donors, a level lower than the ideal one that, according to WHO, should be between 3% and 5% of the population. Following this scenario, the current study has a general goal of identifying and analyzing the main critical factors of the process of blood donation in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, under the perception of donors, potential donors and non donors. A qualitative research approach was conducted, through twenty-four semi-structured interviews. The results highlight the lack of information in the various stages of the blood donation system. During the stages of donor recruitment and awareness, communication actions convey to society incomplete information about the donation process, discouraging future actions of donation. On the other hand, a lack of appreciation of the donation experience and the construction of social values associated with the donor prevent the multiplication of social behaviors for donation. The results of this study, found from theoretical framework outlined in this study, highlight the causes or critical factors that impede changes in behavior, incremental or radical, proposed by social marketing.

The appropriate axillary procedure after a positive sentinel node in breast cancer patients: the "Hôpital Tenon" score revisited. A two-institution study.

INTRODUCTION: Until recently, completion ALND has been considered the standard of care after a positive SN in breast cancer patients. However, most patients will not display further axillary involvement. The Tenon score is a simple nomogram that can be used intraoperatively to avoid completion ALND in low-risk patients. We aimed at validating the Tenon score on a SN-positive patient sample that had been preoperatively selected using axillary US examination. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We used a retrospective analysis of our bicentric database that included 246 breast cancer patients with a positive SN. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, as well as positive and negative predictive values for each cut-off point. ROCs were constructed and corresponding AUC values were calculated as a measure of discriminative capacity. RESULTS: At least one non-SN was positive in 52 patients (21.1 %). 118 patients (48 %) had a score up to 5. Among them, three had at least one positive non-SN. NPV was 97.5 %. Using that threshold, the ROCs analysis showed an AUC of 0.822 (95 % CI 0.764-0.880). CONCLUSION: Use of preoperative axillary US examination led to a modification of the proposed Tenon cut-off value from 3.5 to 5 to attain good predictive power for non-SN status. Straightforward intraoperative use of the Tenon score may be considered an advantage over other available nomograms.

A study comparing two consecutive historical periods in breast cancer with a focus on surgical treatment, loco-regional recurrence, distant metastases and mortality

Background and aim: Recent introduction of breast units, mass-screening programmes (SP) and sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has impacted on the clinical care of breast cancer patients (BC), resulting in a significant increase of breast-conserving surgery with the goal of achieving completely free margins and good cosmetic outcome, along with significantly less axillary morbidity. In order to ascertain the combined impact of SP and SNB on BC patients, we have reviewed the primary therapeutic approach of patients diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma in our centre, both before and after implementation of the two new procedures. Methods: 1,942 patients operated for BC between 1997 and 2013 in two clinical centres. Two historical periods were considered: before and after the advent of the Breast Unit in our institutions and the concurrent implementation of SP and SNB (September 2002). Results: Rates of breast-conserving surgery and re-operations improved in the second period. Intraoperative margin re-excision increased in the second period. Breast-conserving surgery decreased in parallel to stage: from 79 % for stage I to 31 % for stage III. The Cox analysis, including stage as adjusted for all significant variables, showed statistically significant differences in favour of the initial stages but only for specific mortality, not overall mortality. Conclusions: Combined implementation of breast units, SP, and SNB have resulted in a significant improvement of BC treatment leading to increased rates of breast-conserving surgery and decreased disease recurrence and mortality (AU)

No disponible

Differential patterns of recurrence and specific survival between luminal A and luminal B breast cancer according to recent changes in the 2013 St Gallen immunohistochemical classification

Introduction. In 2011, the St Gallen panel introduced several changes in breast cancer classification, thereby creating the luminal B Her2− subtype. In 2013, the panel also included Ki67 overexpression and PR <20 % as risk factors, while excluding GH3 in the absence of increased Ki67. We compared the classification of 2011 modified with the new 2013 St Gallen classification. Patients and method. Consecutive breast cancer patients referred to the Breast Unit of the University Hospital Mútua Terrassa and Hospital of Terrassa for surgical treatment of either primary or recurrent tumors were prospectively included between 1997 and 2014. Eventually, 1,874 cases were included for the four-subtype analysis. The median follow-up was of 66 months. Results. Using the 2013 St Gallen classification no significant differences were found in specific mortality rates between luminal A and B subtypes. There were significant differences at 5, 10, and, 15 years if we excluded luminal A GH3 patients in the absence of increased Ki67 (p = 0.004, 0.005, and 0.007). Luminal A sub-type patients showed significantly less distant metastases than the rest, including luminal B Her2− patients (p < 0.001). Also, luminal B patients showed significantly less distant metastases than pure Her2 (0.05) and triple negative (TN) (p < 0.001). There were no differences between pure Her2 and TN patients (0.055), neither among the different luminal B sub-types. Conclusion. GH3, PR, and Ki67 may all be discriminatory factors for metastasis and specific mortality. Therefore, we suggest including GH3 in the luminal B subtype in the absence of Ki67 (AU)

No disponible

Differential patterns of recurrence and specific survival between luminal A and luminal B breast cancer according to recent changes in the 2013 St Gallen immunohistochemical classification.

INTRODUCTION: In 2011, the St Gallen panel introduced several changes in breast cancer classification, thereby creating the luminal B Her2- subtype. In 2013, the panel also included Ki67 overexpression and PR <20 % as risk factors, while excluding GH3 in the absence of increased Ki67. We compared the classification of 2011 modified with the new 2013 St Gallen classification. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Consecutive breast cancer patients referred to the Breast Unit of the University Hospital Mútua Terrassa and Hospital of Terrassa for surgical treatment of either primary or recurrent tumors were prospectively included between 1997 and 2014. Eventually, 1,874 cases were included for the four-subtype analysis. The median follow-up was of 66 months. RESULTS: Using the 2013 St Gallen classification no significant differences were found in specific mortality rates between luminal A and B subtypes. There were significant differences at 5, 10, and, 15 years if we excluded luminal A GH3 patients in the absence of increased Ki67 (p = 0.004, 0.005, and 0.007). Luminal A sub-type patients showed significantly less distant metastases than the rest, including luminal B Her2- patients (p < 0.001). Also, luminal B patients showed significantly less distant metastases than pure Her2 (0.05) and triple negative (TN) (p < 0.001). There were no differences between pure Her2 and TN patients (0.055), neither among the different luminal B sub-types. CONCLUSION: GH3, PR, and Ki67 may all be discriminatory factors for metastasis and specific mortality. Therefore, we suggest including GH3 in the luminal B subtype in the absence of Ki67.

A study comparing two consecutive historical periods in breast cancer with a focus on surgical treatment, loco-regional recurrence, distant metastases and mortality.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recent introduction of breast units, mass-screening programmes (SP) and sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has impacted on the clinical care of breast cancer patients (BC), resulting in a significant increase of breast-conserving surgery with the goal of achieving completely free margins and good cosmetic outcome, along with significantly less axillary morbidity. In order to ascertain the combined impact of SP and SNB on BC patients, we have reviewed the primary therapeutic approach of patients diagnosed with invasive breast carcinoma in our centre, both before and after implementation of the two new procedures. METHODS: 1,942 patients operated for BC between 1997 and 2013 in two clinical centres. Two historical periods were considered: before and after the advent of the Breast Unit in our institutions and the concurrent implementation of SP and SNB (September 2002). RESULTS: Rates of breast-conserving surgery and re-operations improved in the second period. Intraoperative margin re-excision increased in the second period. Breast-conserving surgery decreased in parallel to stage: from 79 % for stage I to 31 % for stage III. The Cox analysis, including stage as adjusted for all significant variables, showed statistically significant differences in favour of the initial stages but only for specific mortality, not overall mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Combined implementation of breast units, SP, and SNB have resulted in a significant improvement of BC treatment leading to increased rates of breast-conserving surgery and decreased disease recurrence and mortality.

Tendências metodológicas em marketing: entre as contribuições dos grupos focais as abordagens contemporâneas / Methodological trends in marketing: from the focus groups to the contributions of contemporany approaches

Percebe-se nas pesquisas em ciências sociais uma predominância histórica dos métodos quantitativos sobre os qualitativos, como parte da influência do pensamento positivista. Contudo, na atualidade, em contextos cujo foco se dá sobre os fenômenos intrínsecos às relações humanas (que por sua vez se inserem em um cenário social mais amplo), as abordagens qualitativas têm ganhado espaço. Se considerado o campo de estudos do marketing, mais especificamente do comportamento do consumidor, e em consonância com as demandas do mercado, algumas técnicas neurocientíficas vêm despertando a atenção, tanto por permitirem melhor avaliação de produtos quanto, com menor profusão, por facilitarem desenvolvimentos em branding (gerencia¬mento da marca), embora poucos estudos neurocientíficos em marketing venham sendo conduzidos na América Latina. O presente estudo apresenta uma atualização das tendências metodológicas que despontam no marketing, com ênfase em (1) grupos focais; (2) segmentação de mercado a partir da dis-tinção entre shoppers, consumidores e usuários; (3) neuromarketing. Em relação a este último, são apre¬sentadas ferramentas neurocientíficas (EEG, fMRI, ECG, RGP e rastreamento ocular) para a avaliação de aspectos não-declarativos do comportamento. Após a apresentação destas tendências, são discu¬tidas as possibilidades de integração que delineiam, sob a premissa de se fortalecer o campo.

When it comes to social sciences, one can detect a historical prominence of qualitative over quantitative methods, as part of the influence from positivist though. However, at present, in contexts where the focus is on phenomena intrinsic to human relations (which in turn are part of a broader social scenario) the qualitative approaches have been expanding. If one considers the marketing fields of study, specifically consumer behaviour, and in line with the market demands, some neuroscientific techniques have been emerging that allow a better product evaluation as well as, to a lesser extent, facilitate developments in brand management, though only a few neuroscientific studies in marketing have been conducted in Latin America. The present study offers a review of the methodological trends that emerge in marketing, with emphasis in (1) focal groups; (2) market segmentation stemming from the distinction between shoppers, consumers and users; (3) neuromarketing. Regarding the latter, neuroscientific tools are presented (EEG, fMRI, ECG, RGP and eye-tracking) for evaluation of non-declarative aspects of behaviour. Once these trends are presented, integration possibilities are discussed, for the sake of strengthening the field of study.

Modificações na angulação coronária após implante de suporte vascular bioabsorvível e de stents de cromo-cobalto e aço inoxidável / Changes in coronary angulation after bioresorbable vascular scaffold and cobalt-chromium and stainless steel stent implantation

INTRODUÇÃO: A conformabilidade do stent, definida como a adaptação da prótese à forma natural do vaso, é a principal responsável pelas alterações geométricas produzidas após o implante do dispositivo, sendo influenciada pelo material e pelo desenho do stent. Ela pode ser aferida medindo-se as modificações da curvatura e a angulação do segmento tratado após o implante do stent. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as mudanças na angulação coronária após implante do suporte vascular bioabsorvível (SVB) e das plataformas metálicas de cromo-cobalto e aço inoxidável, utilizadas em stents farmacológicos de segunda geração. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos, nesta análise retrospectiva, 50 pacientes com lesões únicas, de novo, em coronárias nativas, com diâmetro entre 2,5 e 3,5 mm e extensão de até 23 mm. Vinte e cinco pacientes foram tratados com SVB e 25 pacientes com plataformas metálicas de cromo-cobalto (n = 12) ou de aço inoxidável (n = 13). A angulação foi medida usando um software de angiografia coronária quantitativa dedicado. RESULTADOS: A angulação do vaso modificou-se significativamente após o implante dos dispositivos. No grupo submetido ao implante de plataformas metálicas, houve maior modificação do ângulo coronário quando comparado ao tratado com SVB (41,6% vs. 14,9%; P < 0,01). Quando observado o comportamento do SVB e das diferentes plataformas metálicas, a alteração do ângulo coronário foi maior para as plataformas de aço inoxidável, seguida das plataformas de cromo-cobalto e os SVB (53,7% vs. 28,5% vs. 14,9%; P < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: Nesta avaliação preliminar, o SVB produziu uma menor mudança da angulação coronária. O impacto clínico deste achado necessita ser investigado prospectivamente em uma coorte maior e mais complexa.

BACKGROUND: The conformability of the stent, defined as the adaptation of the prosthesis to the natural shape of the vessel, is the major cause of geometrical changes after stenting and is influenced by the stent material and design. It may be assessed by measuring changes in the curvature and the angulation of the treated segment after stent implantation. The objective of this study was to compare changes in coronary angulation after implantation of the bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) and cobalt-chromium and stainless steel metal platforms used in second-generation drug-eluting stents. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, 50 patients with single de novo lesions in native coronary arteries and diameter between 2.5 and 3.5 mm and length up to 23 mm were included. Twenty-five patients were treated with BVS and 25 patients were treated with cobalt-chromium (n = 12) or stainless steel (n = 13) platforms. Angulation was measured using a dedicated quantitative angiography analysis software. RESULTS: Vessel angulation significantly changed after device implantation. In the group submitted to the implantation of metal platforms there was greater coronary angulation change when compared to the group treated with BVS (41.6% vs. 14.9%; P < 0.01). When we analyzed the performance of the BVS and the different metal platforms, coronary angulation change was greater for the stainless steel platforms, followed by cobalt-chromium platforms and the BVS (53.7% vs. 28.5% vs. 14.9%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary assessment, the BVS produced a smaller coronary angulation change. The clinical impact of this finding must be prospectively investigated in a larger and more complex cohort.

Tendências metodológicas em marketing: entre as contribuições dos grupos focais as abordagens contemporâneas / Methodological trends in marketing: from the focus groups to the contributions of contemporany approaches

Percebe-se nas pesquisas em ciências sociais uma predominância histórica dos métodos quantitativos sobre os qualitativos, como parte da influência do pensamento positivista. Contudo, na atualidade, em contextos cujo foco se dá sobre os fenômenos intrínsecos às relações humanas (que por sua vez se inserem em um cenário social mais amplo), as abordagens qualitativas têm ganhado espaço. Se considerado o campo de estudos do marketing, mais especificamente do comportamento do consumidor, e em consonância com as demandas do mercado, algumas técnicas neurocientíficas vêm despertando a atenção, tanto por permitirem melhor avaliação de produtos quanto, com menor profusão, por facilitarem desenvolvimentos em branding (gerencia¬mento da marca), embora poucos estudos neurocientíficos em marketing venham sendo conduzidos na América Latina. O presente estudo apresenta uma atualização das tendências metodológicas que despontam no marketing, com ênfase em (1) grupos focais; (2) segmentação de mercado a partir da dis-tinção entre shoppers, consumidores e usuários; (3) neuromarketing. Em relação a este último, são apre¬sentadas ferramentas neurocientíficas (EEG, fMRI, ECG, RGP e rastreamento ocular) para a avaliação de aspectos não-declarativos do comportamento. Após a apresentação destas tendências, são discu¬tidas as possibilidades de integração que delineiam, sob a premissa de se fortalecer o campo.

When it comes to social sciences, one can detect a historical prominence of qualitative over quantitative methods, as part of the influence from positivist though. However, at present, in contexts where the focus is on phenomena intrinsic to human relations (which in turn are part of a broader social scenario) the qualitative approaches have been expanding. If one considers the marketing fields of study, specifically consumer behaviour, and in line with the market demands, some neuroscientific techniques have been emerging that allow a better product evaluation as well as, to a lesser extent, facilitate developments in brand management, though only a few neuroscientific studies in marketing have been conducted in Latin America. The present study offers a review of the methodological trends that emerge in marketing, with emphasis in (1) focal groups; (2) market segmentation stemming from the distinction between shoppers, consumers and users; (3) neuromarketing. Regarding the latter, neuroscientific tools are presented (EEG, fMRI, ECG, RGP and eye-tracking) for evaluation of non-declarative aspects of behaviour. Once these trends are presented, integration possibilities are discussed, for the sake of strengthening the field of study.

Comparação da retração aguda do stent entre o suporte vascular bioabsorvível eluidor de everolimus e dois diferentes stents metálicos farmacológicos / Comparison of acute stent recoil between the everolimus-eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffold and two different drug-eluting metallic stents

INTRODUÇÃO: Suportes vasculares bioabsorvíveis (SVB) têm sido desenvolvidos como forma de fornecer sustentação à parede do vaso enquanto ocorre o processo de cicatrização, após a intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP), sendo absorvido posteriormente. Pelo fato da plataforma ser de material polimérico, existe preocupação em relação à retração aguda do dispositivo. Avaliamos aqui a retração aguda do SVB com a de dois diferentes stents farmacológicos metálicos. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 50 pacientes com lesões não complexas. Dentre esses pacientes, 25 foram tratados com SVB e comparados a outros 25 pacientes tratados com stent de cromo-cobalto eluidor de everolimus (EES; n = 12) ou stent de aço inoxidável eluidor de biolimus (BES; n = 13). A retração aguda foi definida como a diferença entre o diâmetro médio do balão durante a pressão máxima de inflação (X) e o diâmetro médio do stent após o esvaziamento do balão (Y). A porcentagem de retração aguda foi definida como (X - Y)/X. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa em relação às características clínicas e angiográficas basais. O ganho luminal agudo foi menor com o SVB comparado ao EES e ao BES (1,51 ± 0,41 mm vs. 1,76 ± 0,28 mm vs. 1,9 ± 0,42 mm; P = 0,02). A retração aguda foi de 0,21 ± 0,13 mm vs. 0,15 ± 0,08 mm vs. 0,14 ± 0,08 mm (P = 0,21), e o porcentual de retração aguda foi de 7,0 ± 4,6% vs. 5,0 ± 2,2% vs. 5,7 ± 4,1% (P = 0,16). CONCLUSÕES: O SVB demonstrou ter retração aguda ligeiramente maior, embora não significativa, que os stents metálicos farmacológicos de segunda geração.

BACKGROUND: Bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) have been developed to provide support to the vessel wall during the healing process after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), being reabsorbed afterwards. Because the scaffold is made of polymeric material, there is a concern regarding the acute recoil of the device. We compared the BVS acute recoil with that of two different metallic drug-eluting stents. METHODS: Fifty patients with non-complex lesions were included. Twenty-five of these patients were treated with a BVS who were compared to 25 patients treated with a cobalt-chromium everolimus-eluting stent (EES, n = 12) or a stainless steel biolimus-eluting stent (BES, n = 13). Acute recoil was defined as the difference between the mean diameter of the balloon during maximum inflation pressure (X) and the mean diameter of the stent immediately after balloon deflation (Y). The percentage of acute recoil was defined as (X-Y)/X. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics. Acute luminal gain was lower with BVS compared to EES and BES (1.51 ± 0.41 mm vs. 1.76 ± 0.28 mm vs. 1.9 ± 0.42 mm, P = 0.02). Acute recoil was 0.21 ± 0.13 mm vs. 0.15 ± 0.08 mm vs. 0.14 ± 0.08 mm (P = 0.21) and the percentage of acute recoil was 7.0 ± 4.6% vs. 5.0 ± 2.2% vs. 5.7 ± 4.1% (P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: BVS presented a slightly higher, although not significant, acute recoil than the two second-generation metallic drug-eluting stents.

[Analysis of the decision to buy medicine in light of the existence of generic products: a study in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil]. / Análise da decisão de compra de medicamentos frente à existência de produtos substitutos: um estudo no município de Belo Horizonte, Brasil.

The scope of this study is to identify the factors that influence the consumer's decision when buying medicine. Prior to the Generics Act (Lei dos Genéricos), consumers had at their disposal two product purchase options in the private market, namely buying a reference drug and a similar one. Generic drugs are part of a public policy which was intended to broaden access to medication by the general population at more accessible costs, while maintaining the same quality as the reference drug, as ensured by bioequivalence tests from the national health surveillance agency ANVISA. Nevertheless, a question arises as to whether the potential consumer knows the difference between generic, similar and reference drugs, especially when taking into account the decision at the moment of purchase. In order to fulfill the proposed objective, a survey was conducted with 403 residents in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The data gathered was tabulated and analyzed using factor analysis and crosstab. The results made it possible to infer that there is a strong predisposition among consumers to accept the suggestions of the pharmacists and/or salesman, and a significant portion of the population is confused at the moment of purchase.

Análise da decisão de compra de medicamentos frente à existência de produtos substitutos: um estudo no município de Belo Horizonte, Brasil / Analysis of the decision to buy medicine in light of the existence of generic products: a study in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Este estudo tem como objetivo identificar e analisar os fatores que influenciam a tomada de decisão do consumidor na compra de um medicamento. Antes da implementação da Lei dos Genéricos, os consumidores desfrutavam de duas opções para aquisição do produto no mercado privado: os medicamentos de referência e os similares. Os medicamentos genéricos são parte de uma política pública com o objetivo de ampliar o acesso à medicação para a população, com custos mais acessíveis, mantendo-se a mesma qualidade do medicamento de referência, assegurados por testes de bioequivalência atestados pela ANVISA. Não obstante, gerou-se a dúvida se este consumidor potencial sabe quais são as diferenças entre um medicamento genérico, similar ou de referência, em especial se considerado o momento da compra. Para atender aos objetivos estabelecidos foi realizada pesquisa de abordagem quantitativa com 403 potenciais consumidores de medicamentos, residentes na cidade de Belo Horizonte. Os dados colhidos foram tabulados e analisados de acordo com a técnica de análise fatorial e tabulação cruzada. Os resultados encontrados permitem inferir que existe forte disposição dos consumidores em aceitar as sugestões dos farmacêuticos/balconistas e parcela importante da população se confunde no momento da compra.

The scope of this study is to identify the factors that influence the consumer's decision when buying medicine. Prior to the Generics Act (Lei dos Genéricos), consumers had at their disposal two product purchase options in the private market, namely buying a reference drug and a similar one. Generic drugs are part of a public policy which was intended to broaden access to medication by the general population at more accessible costs, while maintaining the same quality as the reference drug, as ensured by bioequivalence tests from the national health surveillance agency ANVISA. Nevertheless, a question arises as to whether the potential consumer knows the difference between generic, similar and reference drugs, especially when taking into account the decision at the moment of purchase. In order to fulfill the proposed objective, a survey was conducted with 403 residents in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The data gathered was tabulated and analyzed using factor analysis and crosstab. The results made it possible to infer that there is a strong predisposition among consumers to accept the suggestions of the pharmacists and/or salesman, and a significant portion of the population is confused at the moment of purchase.

Positive versus negative sentinel nodes in early breast cancer patients: axillary or loco-regional relapse and survival. A study spanning 2000-2012.

Sentinel Node Biopsy (SNB) is a minimally invasive alternative to elective axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for nodal staging in early breast cancer. The present study was conducted to evaluate prognostic implications of a negative sentinel node (SN) versus a positive SN (followed by completion ALND) in a closely followed-up sample of early breast cancer patients. We studied 889 consecutive breast cancer patients operated for 908 primaries. Patients received adjuvant therapy with chemotherapy, hormone therapy and eventually trastuzumab. Radiation therapy was based on tangential radiation fields that usually included axillary level I. Median follow-up was 47 months. Axillary recurrence was seen in 1.2% (2/162) of positive SN patients, and 0.8% (5/625) of negative SN patients (p = n.s.). There was an overall 3.2% loco-regional failure rate (29/908). Incidence of distant recurrence was 3.3% (23/693) for negative SN patients, and 4.6% (9/196) for positive SN patients (p = n.s.). Overall mortality rate was 4% (8/198) for positive SN patients, while the corresponding specific mortality rate was 2.5% (5/198). For patients with negative SNs, overall mortality was 4.9% (34/693), and the specific mortality was 1.4% (19/693) (p = n.s.). We did not find significant differences in axillary/loco-regional relapse, distant metastases, disease-free interval or mortality between SN negative and SN positive patients, with a follow-up over 4 years.