ABSTRACT Introduction: The response to the Covid-19 pandemic caused the expansion of the volume of scientific data and the encouragement of Open Science (OS) practices as scientists share their data in attempts to control the global public health emergency. As a result, opportunities for OS have also expanded during the pandemic. Objective: The herein study aimed to map shared narratives about OS practices during the pandemic paying particular attention to debates on public access to knowledge and practices and values of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). Methodology: We have conducted a thematic and documental analysis of 30 journal articles, news pieces, blog posts and institutional material published in Portuguese obtained via key-word searches on SciELO, Google, Chamber of Deputies and the Senate databases. Results: Data shows that 36.6% (11) of the documents mentioned EDI while 70% (21) included discussions on public and universal access to scientific knowledge. As the documents could mention both themes, they were coded in both categories as needed. In addition, 23% (7) of the sample did not mention any of these categories while 77% presented discussions on at least one of them. Conclusion: Open Science practices were associated with the need of a rapid response to the pandemic leading to questions on whether these practices will endure following the absence of such urgency. Regardless of being in its preliminary state, the EDI debate pointed to opportunities for co-production of knowledge and the need for more inclusive practices, including live public debates on evidence production.

RESUMO Introdução: A pandemia da Covid-19 produziu um grande volume de dados científicos e fomentou práticas abertas de ciência em função do compartilhamento de dados para o controle do vírus Sars-CoV-2. Tal cenário gerou oportunidades para o movimento da ciência aberta (CA). Objetivo: O intuito deste artigo é mapear as narrativas circulantes sobre práticas de CA durante a pandemia - com destaque aos debates sobre acesso público ao conhecimento e a práticas e valores característicos de Equidade, Diversidade e Inclusão (EDI). Metodologia: Realizou-se análise documental e temática de 30 artigos científicos, notícias na imprensa, posts de blogs e materiais institucionais publicados em português obtidos mediante busca por palavras-chave no SciELO, Google e bibliotecas da Câmara e do Senado. Resultados: Observou-se que 36,6% (11) dos documentos mencionaram valores de EDI, enquanto 70% (21) incluíram discussões sobre acesso público e universal ao conhecimento. Os textos poderiam apresentar ambas as temáticas, sendo contabilizados tanto na categoria de EDI quanto de acesso público. Da amostra, 23% (7) não mencionaram nenhuma dessas duas categorias e 77% apresentaram ao menos uma delas. Conclusão: De modo geral, o uso da ciência aberta foi associado à rápida produção de respostas para a pandemia, o que levanta questões sobre a continuidade de práticas abertas em períodos em que essa urgência não esteja presente. Quanto ao debate sobre EDI, embora ainda incipiente, a pandemia apresenta oportunidades de coprodução do conhecimento e práticas mais inclusivas - com experiências de debates públicos em tempo real da construção de evidências.

Resumo Objetivou-se relatar a experiência no gerenciamento de pesquisa-ação sobre inquérito de hepatite C junto à comunidade carcerária no Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais. A proposta foi desenvolvida entre março de 2019 e março de 2020, alcançando 240 pessoas, com o intuito de conter a disseminação do agravo por meio de inquérito, testagem e acompanhamento dos casos positivos. Adotou-se ação intersetorial, com articulação entre universidades, sociedade médica, hospital de ensino e Secretaria de Estado de Justiça e Segurança Pública. As estratégias para o gerenciamento da pesquisa-ação foram: cenários e atores do estudo, registro e formalização da atividade, aplicação dos testes e manejo dos internos reagentes. Dificuldades foram identificadas quanto à acomodação de rotinas entre equipe de pesquisadores e funcionamento próprio da penitenciária, o que exigiu treinamento ostensivo entre as partes e articulações gerenciais. Considera-se que o relato, quando destaca as estratégias adotadas para a condução da pesquisa, colabora para a organização de investigações futuras que visem acessar essa população ainda invisibilizada.

Abstract We aimed to report the experience in managing action research on hepatitis C investigation in the prison community in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The proposal was developed from March 2019 to March 2020, reaching 240 people to contain the spread of the disease through a survey, testing, and monitoring of positive cases. We adopted intersectoral action with articulation between Universities, Medical Society, Teaching Hospital, and State Secretariat for Justice and Public Security. Strategies for the management of action research are described: study settings and stakeholders, registration and formalization of the activity, application of tests, and management of reagent inmates. We identified difficulties regarding the accommodation of routines among the research team and the proper functioning of the penitentiary, which required extensive training between the parties and managerial articulations. We consider that the report collaborates with the organization of future research aimed at accessing this still invisible population, the prison community when it highlights the strategies adopted to conduct the research.

Objective: The objective of this narrative review is to list some historical aspects of the constitution of this technological intervention model originally designed to help control communicable diseases in the last century. Methods: It was builted from selected texts and the author’s experience, para registrar o desenvolvimento nos Estados Unidos e no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Results: The origins of some of the actions that make up the repertoire of epidemiological surveillance are presented, as well as a brief history of the construction of the Center for Disease Control, a North American agency that is exemplar for the way surveillance is carried out in practically the entire word. Likewise, the paths that led to the organization of the surveillance system in the state of São Paulo are outlined, drawing some parallels with the national system. Conclusion: Finally, itconcludes with a conceptual differentiation between epidemiological surveillance, monitoring and health surveillance.

Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es enumerar algunos aspectos históricos de la constitución de este modelo tecnológico de intervención diseñado para apoyar en el control de las enfermedades transmisibles en el último siglo. Métodos: Fue construida a partir de textos seccionados y la experiencia del autor, para registrar o desenvolvimento nos Estados Unidos e no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados: Se presentan los orígenes de algunas de las acciones que componen el repertorio de la vigilancia epidemiológica, así como una breve historia de la construcción del Center for Disease Control, una agencia norteamericana que es ejemplar por la forma en que se realiza la vigilancia en prácticamente todo el mondo. Asimismo, se delinean los caminos que llevaron a la organización del sistema de vigilancia en el estado de São Paulo, trazando algunos paralelos con el sistema nacional. Conclusión: Finalmente, concluye con la diferenciación entre vigilancia epidemiológica, monitoreo y vigilancia en salud. 

Objetivo: O objetivo desta revisão narrativa foi elencar alguns aspectos históricos da constituição desse modelo tecnológico de intervenção, inicialmente desenhado para auxiliar no controle das doenças transmissíveis, no último século. Métodos: Narrativa construída a partir de textos selecionados, para registrar o desenvolvimento da vigilância epidemiológica nos Estados Unidos e no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados: São apresentadas as origens de algumas das ações componentes do repertório da vigilância epidemiológica, e uma breve história da construção do originalmente nomeado Center for Disease Control, agência norte-americana exemplar na forma como se faz vigilância em praticamente todo o mundo. Do mesmo modo, são delineados os caminhos que levaram à organização do sistema de vigilância no estado paulista, traçando alguns paralelos com o sistema nacional. Conclusão: A narrativa é concluída com uma diferenciação conceitual entre vigilância epidemiológica, monitoramento e vigilância em saúde.

ABSTRACT Clinical similarities among viral diseases become even more relevant considering the current scenario, especially in Brazil, where there is a high incidence of these diseases and overlapping seasonality. We report the case of a patient with acute clinical manifestations composed of predominant respiratory symptoms and alveolar hemorrhage in which three etiologies (dengue, influenza and COVID-19) were investigated concomitantly. Only the diagnosis of dengue was confirmed. Then, the patient’s immunological profile in response to stimulation of mononuclear cells with dengue virus antigen was analyzed in an attempt to identify specific characteristics that could be associated with the clinical manifestation.

ABSTRACT Understanding local epidemiology is essential to reduce the burden of malaria in complex contexts, such as Brazilian municipalities that share borders with endemic countries. A descriptive study of malaria in the period 2003 to 2020 was conducted using data from the Malaria Epidemiological Surveillance Information System related to a remote municipality with an extensive border with Peru to understand the disease transmission, focusing on the obstacles to its elimination. The transmission increases at the end of the rainy season. During the period of 18 years, 53,575 malaria cases were reported (Mean of API 224.7 cases/1,000), of which 11% were imported from Peru. Thirteen outbreaks of malaria were observed during the studied period, the last one in 2018. The highest burden of cases was caused by P. vivax (73.2%), but P. falciparum was also prevalent at the beginning of the study period (50% in 2006). Several changes in the epidemiological risk were observed: (1) the proportion of international imported cases of malaria changed from 30.7% in 2003 to 3.5% in 2020 (p<0.05); (2) indigenous people affected increased from 24.3% in 2003 to 89.5% in 2020 (p<0.0001); (3) infected children and adolescents < 15 years old increased from 50.2% in 2003 to 67.4% in 2020 (p<0.01); (4) the proportion of men decreased from 56.7% in 2003 to 50.4% in 2020 (p<0.01); (5) the likelihood of P. falciparum malaria has significantly declined (p<0.01). The number of cases and the incidence of malaria in 2019 and 2020 were the lowest in the period of 18 years. The burden of malaria in indigenous areas and its determinants, seasonality, geographical access and the long international border are obstacles for the elimination of malaria that must be overcome.

Abstract We aimed to report the experience in managing action research on hepatitis C investigation in the prison community in the Triângulo Mineiro region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The proposal was developed from March 2019 to March 2020, reaching 240 people to contain the spread of the disease through a survey, testing, and monitoring of positive cases. We adopted intersectoral action with articulation between Universities, Medical Society, Teaching Hospital, and State Secretariat for Justice and Public Security. Strategies for the management of action research are described: study settings and stakeholders, registration and formalization of the activity, application of tests, and management of reagent inmates. We identified difficulties regarding the accommodation of routines among the research team and the proper functioning of the penitentiary, which required extensive training between the parties and managerial articulations. We consider that the report collaborates with the organization of future research aimed at accessing this still invisible population, the prison community when it highlights the strategies adopted to conduct the research.

Resumo Objetivou-se relatar a experiência no gerenciamento de pesquisa-ação sobre inquérito de hepatite C junto à comunidade carcerária no Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais. A proposta foi desenvolvida entre março de 2019 e março de 2020, alcançando 240 pessoas, com o intuito de conter a disseminação do agravo por meio de inquérito, testagem e acompanhamento dos casos positivos. Adotou-se ação intersetorial, com articulação entre universidades, sociedade médica, hospital de ensino e Secretaria de Estado de Justiça e Segurança Pública. As estratégias para o gerenciamento da pesquisa-ação foram: cenários e atores do estudo, registro e formalização da atividade, aplicação dos testes e manejo dos internos reagentes. Dificuldades foram identificadas quanto à acomodação de rotinas entre equipe de pesquisadores e funcionamento próprio da penitenciária, o que exigiu treinamento ostensivo entre as partes e articulações gerenciais. Considera-se que o relato, quando destaca as estratégias adotadas para a condução da pesquisa, colabora para a organização de investigações futuras que visem acessar essa população ainda invisibilizada.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo desta revisão narrativa foi elencar alguns aspectos históricos da vigilância epidemiológica, modelo tecnológico de intervenção inicialmente desenhado para auxiliar no controle das doenças transmissíveis, no último século. Métodos Narrativa construída a partir de textos selecionados, para registrar o desenvolvimento da vigilância epidemiológica nos Estados Unidos e no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados São apresentadas as origens de algumas das ações componentes do repertório da vigilância epidemiológica, e uma breve história da construção do originalmente nomeado Center for Disease Control, agência dos Estados Unidos exemplar na forma como se faz vigilância em praticamente todo o mundo. Do mesmo modo, são delineados os caminhos que levaram à organização do sistema de vigilância no estado de São Paulo, traçando alguns paralelos com o sistema brasileiro. Conclusão A narrativa é concluída com uma diferenciação conceitual entre vigilância epidemiológica, monitoramento e vigilância em saúde.

Abstract Objective The objective of this narrative review was to list some historical aspects of epidemiological surveillance, a technological intervention model initially designed to help control communicable diseases in the last century. Methods This narrative was built based on texts selected to record the development of epidemiological surveillance in the United States and in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Results The origins of some of the actions that constitute epidemiological surveillance activities are presented, as well as a brief history of the establishment of the originally named Center for Disease Control, a United States agency that is held up as an example in relation to the way surveillance has been performed, practically all over the world. Likewise, we outline the paths that led to the establishment of the surveillance system in the state of São Paulo, drawing some parallels with the Brazilian system. Conclusion The narrative concludes with a conceptual differentiation between epidemiological surveillance, monitoring and health surveillance.

Resumen Objetivo El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es enumerar algunos aspectos históricos de la vigilancia epidemiológica modelo tecnológico de intervención diseñado para apoyar en el control de las enfermedades transmisibles en el último siglo. Métodos Narrativa construida a partir de textos seleccionados y la experiencia del autor, para registrar el desarrollo dsen en los Estados Unidos y en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados Se presentan los orígenes de algunas de las acciones que componen el repertorio de la vigilancia epidemiológica, así como una breve historia de la construcción del Center for Disease Control, una agencia de Estados Unidos que es ejemplar por la forma en que realiza la vigilancia en, prácticamente, todo el mundo. Asimismo, se delinean los caminos que llevaron a la organización del sistema de vigilancia en el estado de São Paulo, trazando algunos paralelos con el sistema brasileño. Conclusión Finalmente, concluye con la diferenciación entre vigilancia epidemiológica, monitoreo y vigilancia en salud.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo desta revisão narrativa foi elencar alguns aspectos históricos da vigilância epidemiológica, modelo tecnológico de intervenção inicialmente desenhado para auxiliar no controle das doenças transmissíveis, no último século. Métodos Narrativa construída a partir de textos selecionados, para registrar o desenvolvimento da vigilância epidemiológica nos Estados Unidos e no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados São apresentadas as origens de algumas das ações componentes do repertório da vigilância epidemiológica, e uma breve história da construção do originalmente nomeado Center for Disease Control, agência dos Estados Unidos exemplar na forma como se faz vigilância em praticamente todo o mundo. Do mesmo modo, são delineados os caminhos que levaram à organização do sistema de vigilância no estado de São Paulo, traçando alguns paralelos com o sistema brasileiro. Conclusão A narrativa é concluída com uma diferenciação conceitual entre vigilância epidemiológica, monitoramento e vigilância em saúde. transmissíveis século selecionados Paulo Brasil Control mundo modo brasileiro saúde

Resumen Objetivo El objetivo de esta revisión narrativa es enumerar algunos aspectos históricos de la vigilancia epidemiológica modelo tecnológico de intervención diseñado para apoyar en el control de las enfermedades transmisibles en el último siglo. Métodos Narrativa construida a partir de textos seleccionados y la experiencia del autor, para registrar el desarrollo dsen en los Estados Unidos y en el estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Resultados Se presentan los orígenes de algunas de las acciones que componen el repertorio de la vigilancia epidemiológica, así como una breve historia de la construcción del Center for Disease Control, una agencia de Estados Unidos que es ejemplar por la forma en que realiza la vigilancia en, prácticamente, todo el mundo. Asimismo, se delinean los caminos que llevaron a la organización del sistema de vigilancia en el estado de São Paulo, trazando algunos paralelos con el sistema brasileño. Conclusión Finalmente, concluye con la diferenciación entre vigilancia epidemiológica, monitoreo y vigilancia en salud. siglo autor Paulo Brasil Control prácticamente mundo Asimismo brasileño Finalmente salud

Abstract Objective The objective of this narrative review was to list some historical aspects of epidemiological surveillance, a technological intervention model initially designed to help control communicable diseases in the last century. Methods This narrative was built based on texts selected to record the development of epidemiological surveillance in the United States and in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Results The origins of some of the actions that constitute epidemiological surveillance activities are presented, as well as a brief history of the establishment of the originally named Center for Disease Control, a United States agency that is held up as an example in relation to the way surveillance has been performed, practically all over the world. Likewise, we outline the paths that led to the establishment of the surveillance system in the state of São Paulo, drawing some parallels with the Brazilian system. Conclusion The narrative concludes with a conceptual differentiation between epidemiological surveillance, monitoring and health surveillance. century Paulo Brazil presented Control performed world Likewise

ABSTRACT This study aims to generate the diagnosis and spatial variability maps of soil fertility attributes, as well as teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) production through geostatistics. The study was conducted on a commercial farm in the municipality of Capitão Poço, state of Pará, Brazil. Soil and yield data were collected from 155 sampled georeferenced points and 143 were used in the study (after outlier removal). The collected soil samples were submitted to laboratory analysis to obtain the values of the following variables: pH, organic matter (OM), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K), available phosphorus (P), aluminum (Al), Base Sum (BS), cation exchange capacity at pH 7.0 (T), effective cation exchange capacity (t), base saturation (V%) and aluminum saturation (m %). Thereafter a diagnosis, linear correlation univariate and geostatistical analysis were applied in the resulting data. The univariate statistics showed that normal distribution is not required when evaluating spatial variability of chemical and production variables. Soil fertility diagnosis showed K, OM and P as the most limiting parameters in the commercial teak plot and the importance to fertilize forest areas. Positive correlation was found between P, OM, K with volume per tree. All soil fertility and teak volume variables showed spatial dependence, which enabled the production of spatial variability maps. The variability maps showed to be used complementary with univariate statistics to enable more precise interventions in a teak production area, as it showed the shortage of K in the area and the relation of P and volume per tree.

Abstract The potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict the physicochemical characteristics of the porcine longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was evaluated in comparison to the standard methods of pH and color for meat quality analysis compared to the pH results with Colorimeter and pH meter. Spectral information from each sample (n = 77) was obtained as the average of 32 successive scans acquired over a spectral range from 400 - 2498 nm with a 2 - nm gap for calibration and validation models. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was used for each individual model. An R2 and a residual predictive deviation (RPD) of 0.67/1.7, 0.86/2, and 0.76/1.9 were estimated for color parameters L*, a *, and b*, respectively. Final pH had an R2 of 0.67 and a RPD of 1.6. NIRS showed great potential to predict color parameter a * of porcine LD muscle. Further studies with larger samples should help improve model quality.

RESUMO: Embora existam diversos estudos a respeito do linfoma multicêntrico em cães, os dados sobre linfoma esplênico primário são escassos. O diagnóstico do linfoma esplênico utilizando a classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) pode melhorar a caracterização da doença. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os principais tipos de linfoma esplênico primário em cães no Brasil de acordo com a classificação da OMS. Foram avaliados 33 casos de linfoma esplênico diagnosticados por histopatologia e imuno-histoquímica submetidos ao Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (VETPAT, Campinas/SP). A imuno-histoquímica foi realizada utilizando os anticorpos CD3 para linfomas T, CD79α para linfomas B. A média de idade dos pacientes com linfoma esplênico foi de 9,8 anos. Os animais sem raça definida (SRD) foram os mais acometidos (33%) seguidos de PitBulls e Yorkshire (9,0%). O tipo histológico mais comum foi o linfoma de zona marginal representando 60,7% dos casos seguido do linfoma difuso de grandes células B (12,1%) e linfoma linfoblástico T (12,1%). A caracterização histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica do linfoma esplênico é importante devido à alta prevalência de linfomas indolentes como o linfoma de zona marginal, que devido ao seu comportamento indolente apresenta prognóstico e tratamento distintos quando comparado aos linfomas de alto grau.

ABSTRACT: Although there are several studies addressing multicentric lymphoma in dogs, data regarding splenic lymphoma remains scarce. The diagnosis of splenic lymphoma using the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system can aid prognostic characterization of splenic lymphoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the most common histological types of splenic lymphoma in dogs from Brazil according to the WHO classification. We assessed 33 cases of splenic lymphoma diagnosed by histopathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis submitted to VETPAT- Pathology Laboratory, Campinas-SP, Brazil. IHC was performed using antibodies against CD3 for T-cell and CD79α for B-cell identification . Mean age of patients with splenic lymphoma was 9.8 years. The most affected breeds were mixed breed dogs (33%) followed by Pit bulls and Yorkshires (9.0%). The most prevalent histological type was marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (60.7%) followed by diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (12.1%) and lymphoblastic T-cell lymphoma (12.1%). Histological and immunohistochemical characterization of splenic lymphoma is important due to the high prevalence of indolent lymphomas such as marginal zone, which may be less aggressive and thus have different prognostic and distinct forms of treatment when compared to high-grade lymphomas.

ABSTRACT Science communication has emerged as a new field over the last 50 years, and its progress has been marked by a rise in jobs, training courses, research, associations, conferences and publications. This paper describes science communication internationally and the trends and challenges it faces, before looking at the national level. We have documented science communication activities in Brazil, the training courses, research, financial support and associations/societies. By analyzing the publication of papers, dissertations and theses we have tracked the growth of this field, and compared the level of activity in Brazil with other countries. Brazil has boosted its national research publications since 2002, with a bigger contribution from postgraduate programs in education and communication, but compared to its national research activity Brazil has only a small international presence in science communication. The language barrier, the tradition of publishing in national journals and the solid roots in education are some of the reasons for that. Brazil could improve its international participation, first by considering collaborations within Latin America. International publication is dominated by the USA and the UK. There is a need to take science communication to the next level by developing more sophisticated tools for conceptualizing and analyzing science communication, and Brazil can be part of that.

ABSTRACT This article reports a list with 912 specimens of the subfamily Triatominae deposited in the Entomological Collection of the Faculty of Public Health of the University of Sao Paulo. The collection is composed of 1 holotype, 3 alotypes, 15 paralectotypes, 77 paratypes, distributed in 5 tribes and 12 genera: Tribus Alberprosenini: genus Alberprosenia Martinez & Carcavallo, 1977; Tribus Bolboderini: genus Microtriatoma Prosen & Martinez, 1952; Tribus Cavernicolini: genus Cavernicola Barber, 1937; Tribus Rhodnini: genus Psammolestes Bergroth, 1941; genus Rhodnius Stal, 1859; Tribus Triatomini: genus Dipetalogaster Usinger 1939; genus Eratyrus Stal 1859; genus Hermanlentia Jurberg & Galvão, 1997; genus Linshcosteus Distant, 1904; 1944; genus Panstrongylus Berg 1879; genus Paratriatoma Barber 1938; genus Triatoma Laporte 1833.

ABSTRACT Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) are neglected diseases with limited data regarding prevalence in Brazil and many other countries. In increasingly urban societies, investigating the profile and socioenvironmental determinants of IPIs in the general population of slum dwellers is necessary for establishing appropriate public policies catered to these environments. This study assessed the socioenvironmental conditions and prevalence of IPIs in slums of Rio de Janeiro, RJ State, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study covering an agglomeration of urban slums was conducted between 2015 and 2016 using participants observation, a socioeconomic survey, and the spontaneous sedimentation method with three slides per sample to analyze fresh stool specimens ( n =595) searching for intestinal parasites. Results Endolimax nana ( n =95, 16.0%) and Entamoeba coli ( n =65, 10.9%) were the most frequently identified agents, followed by Giardia intestinalis ( n =24, 4.0%) and Ascaris lumbricoides ( n =11, 1.8%). Coinfections caused by E. nana and E. histolytica/dispar and by Entamoeba coli/A. lumbricoides were significant. The use of piped water as drinking water, the presence of A. lumbricoides , and contamination with coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli were more common in major area (MA) 1. Children (0-19 years) had a greater chance of living in poverty (OR 3.36; 95% CI: 2.50- 4.52; p <0.001) which was pervasive. The predominance of protozoa parasites suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach focusing on preventive chemotherapy for soil-transmitted helminths is not appropriate for all communities in developing countries. It is important that both residents and health professionals consider the socioenvironmental conditions of urban slums when assessing intestinal parasitic infections for disease control and health promotion initiatives.

Abstract Introduction: Empathy is the mediating role of the physician-patient relationship. Through this process the practitioner seeks to understand the patient's frame of reference and also to establish a relationship of openness, mutual respect, trust and deep understanding. Objective: This study aims to analyze the perceptions of medical students on the importance of empathy in the doctor-patient relationship, and to analyze the gender differences and in the different years of the course. It is also intended to identify a taxonomy of students based on their perceptions of empathy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate medical students. A total of 208 medical students responded to the Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Student Portuguese Version (JSPE-spv). Principal Components Analysis with varimax rotation was used to identify the number and compositions of emerged factors. The scores of the retained factors were submitted to a cluster analysis to identify different groups of students, based on the dimension of empathy. A One-way Anova analysis and post-hoc tests of Tukey supported the identified cluster. Results: This study shows statistically significant differences between genders, i.e., female individuals show higher scores than male individuals. Empathy increases over the course, but with no statistically significant differences. Six factors emerged from factor analysis, and three of them are empathy dimensions found in other studies: “adoption of perspectives”, “compassionate care”, and “standing in the patients shoes”. Cluster analysis divided the students into five groups according to the dimensions of empathy identified. Conclusions: In this medical school in Portugal, it may be concluded that women are more empathetic than men, and empathy grows throughout the course. It is recommended to carry out a longitudinal study, in order to follow the evolution of these students, as well as to analyze factors that contribute to the increase in empathy characteristics.

Resumen Introducción. La empatía es el papel mediador de la relación médico-paciente. A través de este proceso el profesional busca entender el marco de referencia del paciente y también para establecer una relación de transparencia, el respeto mutuo, la confianza y la comprensión profunda. Objetivo. Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las percepciones de los estudiantes de medicina acerca de la importancia de la empatía en la relación médico-paciente y analizar la existencia de diferencias de género y en los diferentes años de la carrera. También se pretende identificar una taxonomía de los estudiantes basada en sus percepciones de la empatía. Método. Este estudio transversal se llevó a cabo entre los estudiantes de pregrado de medicina. Un total de 208 estudiantes de medicina respondió a la Escala Jefferson de empatía médica del estudiante versión en portugués. Se utilizó análisis de componentes principales con rotación varimax para identificar el número y composición de factores surgido. Las puntuaciones de los factores retenidos fueron sometidos a un análisis de clusters para identificar diferentes grupos de estudiantes basados en la dimensión de la empatía. Un análisis Oneway-ANOVA y los test post-hoc de Tukey han soportado la agrupación identificada. Resultados. Este estudio presenta diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los géneros, es decir, los individuos femeninos revelan puntuaciones más altas que los individuos de sexo masculino, la empatía aumenta durante el curso, pero sin diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Seis factores emergieron del análisis factorial y tres de ellos son dimensiones de empatía que se encuentran en otros estudios: «la adopción de perspectivas», «atención humanitaria» y «colocarse en lugar de los otros». El análisis de clusters divide a los alumnos en cinco grupos, de acuerdo con las dimensiones de la empatía identificadas. Conclusiones. Es posible concluir que, en esta escuela de medicina en Portugal, las mujeres son más empáticas que los hombres, y, a medida que atraviesan los diferentes años en el curso en general, la empatía crece. Se recomienda llevar a cabo un estudio longitudinal, con el fin de seguir la evolución de estos estudiantes y analizar los factores que contribuyen para el aumento de las características de empatía.