Training and discovering corpus-based data driven exercices in english teaching (L2/FL) to native speakers of portuguese (L1)

Project submitted as part requirement for the degree of Masters in English teaching,

Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Pregnancy Outcome in a Portuguese Population

Introduction:Women with antiphospholipid syndrome(APS) may suffer from recurrent miscarriage, fetal death, fetal growth restriction (FGR), pre-eclampsia, placental abruption, premature delivery and thrombosis. Treatment with aspirin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) combined with close maternal-fetal surveillance can change these outcomes. Objective: To assess maternal and perinatal outcome in a cohort of Portuguese women with primary APS. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 51 women with primary APS followed in our institution (January 1994 to December 2007). Forty one(80.4%) had past pregnancy morbidity and 35.3%(n=18) suffered previous thrombotic events. In their past they had a total of 116 pregnancies of which only 13.79 % resulted in live births. Forty four patients had positive anticardiolipin antibodies and 33 lupus anticoagulant. All women received treatment with low dose aspirin and LMWH. Results: There were a total of 67 gestations (66 single and one multiple). The live birth rate was 85.1%(57/67) with 10 pregnancy failures: seven in the first and second trimesters, one late fetal death and two medical terminations of pregnancy (one APS related). Mean (± SD) birth weight was 2837 ± 812 g and mean gestational age 37 ± 3.3 weeks. There were nine cases of FGR and 13 hypertensive complications(4 HELLP syndromes). 54.4% of the patients delivered by caesarean section. Conclusions: In our cohort, early treatment with aspirin and LMWH combined with close maternal-fetal surveillance was associated with a very high chance of a live newborn.

The relationship between knowledge acquisition on international assignments and career development: an exploratory study with portuguese repatriates

This paper explores the relationship between the expatriates’ knowledge acquisition (KA) and their career development after an international assignment (IA). The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of expatriates in KA and transfer within International Portuguese multinational corporations. Furthermore, with this empirical study we try to analyse how the knowledge that is acquired and transferred translates into a basis for career development after the IA. This phenomenon has a special relevance in the Portuguese context, because this country is known a growing process of globalization in recent years. Furthermore, (a) there are no empirical studies concerning knowledge transfer and career development of repatriates from Portuguese companies; (b) little is known about the repatriates’ contributions to their home company after IA. This paper is one of the first to focus specifically on the repatriates’ role in KA and transfer from the host company to their Portuguese home company. A qualitative research methodology is used, specifically through an exploratory case study approach, which examines how knowledge management (KM) acquisition or transferring during IA are important for the repatriates’ career development in the Portuguese home company. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews to 42 Portuguese international assignees and 18 organizational representatives from nine Portuguese companies. Preliminary results show that KA and transfer made by Portuguese expatriates contributes directly to their career development. Moreover, evidence reveals that not all repatriates were promoted after their IA; rather some repatriates were even demoted after their IA. Furthermore, the results obtained suggest that the type of knowledge which acquired or transferred plays a central role in the career development after repatriation. According to these results, the paper discusses the major theoretical and practical implications. Suggestions for future research are also presented.

Mechanical properties of chemically modified portuguese pinewood

To turn wood into a construction material with enhanced properties, many methods of chemical modification have been developed in the last few decades. In this work, mechanical properties of pine wood were chemically modified, compared and evaluated. Maritime pine wood (Pinus pinaster) was modified with four chemical processes: 1,3-dimethylol-4,5- dihydroxyethyleneurea, N-methylol melamine formaldehyde, tetra-alkoxysilane and wax. The following mechanical properties were assessed experimentally: Modulus of elasticity measured statically, stiffness stabilization efficiency in different climates (30 and 87% of relative humidity), modulus of rupture, work maximum load, impact bending strength, compression, tensile and shear strength at indoor conditions (65% of relative humidity). In both types of active principle of modification, cell wall or lumen fill, no significant changes on the bending stiffness (modulus of elasticity) were found. In the remaining properties analysed significant changes in the modified wood-material took place compared to unmodified wood control: - Cell wall modification was the most effective method to achieve high stiffness stabilization efficiency (up to 60%) and also increased compression strength (up to 230%). However, modulus of rupture, tensile, shear and the impact bending strength were reduced by both resins, but in a varying extent, where the N-methylol melamine formaldehyde endured less reduction than 1,3-dimethylol-4,5-dihydroxyethyleneurea resin. In the latter, reduction up to 60% can take place. - In the lumen fill modification: tetra-alkoxysilane has no effect in the mechanical properties. Although, a slight increase in shear strength parallel to the grain was found. Wax specimens have shown a slight increase in bending strength, compression, tensile and shear strength as well as in the absorption energy capacity.

Significance of Biogenic Amines in Cold-Smoked Fish and Their Relation to Microbiological Characteristics of Products Available in Portuguese Retail Markets

Studies on microbial characterization of cold-smoked salmon and salmon trout during cold storage were performed on samples available in the Portuguese market. Samples were also classified microbiologically according to guidelines for ready-to-eat (RTE) products. Further investigations on sample variability and microbial abilities to produce tyramine and histamine were also performed. The coefficient of variation for viable counts of different groups of microorganisms of samples collected at retail market point was high in the first 2 wk of storage, mainly in the Enterobacteriaceae group and aerobic plate count (APC), suggesting that microbiological characteristics of samples were different in numbers, even within the same batch from the same producer. This variation seemed to be decreased when storage and temperature were controlled under lab conditions. The numbers of Enterobacteriaceae were influenced by storage temperature, as indicated by low microbial numbers in samples from controlled refrigeration. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Enterobacteriaceae were predominant in commercial products, a significant percentage of which were tyramine and less histamine producers. These results might be influenced by (1) the technological processes in the early stages of production, (2) contamination during the smoking process, and (3) conditions and temperature fluctuations during cold storage at retail market point of sale.

Unemployment, technological revolution and competition from developing countries

Unemployment is probably the most important social problem of our times in the rich industrial world. There are 35 million people unemployed in OECD countries(about 8,5%): the situation however differs between the USA and Europe. In this paper we will discuss the reasons for suche a difference.

Perinatal Bacterial Infection: Screenning of Vertical Transmitted Infections

Perinatal bacterial infection may be caused by any microorganism colonizing the vaginal tract. Neonatologists and paediatricians are especially concerned about group B Stretpococcus (GBS). However, Enterobactereacea, mainly E.coli and Proteus, are also responsible for infection. GBS screening may be accomplished in over 90% of pregnant women. In our maternity in 2007-2008, 85% of the mothers had been screened. Screening and prophylaxis were responsible for a decreasing incidence of neonatal infection - from 0.6/1000 to 0.15/1000 live births in Portugal, from 2002 to 2007. However there are some difficulties related to screening. In the second Portuguese study 16/57 NB with early-onset infection (28%) were born to “negative” mothers. Several factors illustrate how difficult is to draw national screening policies: a wide range of carrier’s state rate throughout a country - in Portugal from 12% to 30%. The success of any screening policy may also be affected by additional technical and organizational problems. In countries where home delivery is a tradition or a trend intrapartum GBS prophylaxis requires a very well organized assistance.. Moreover factors usually accepted as protective are not so effective. In the Portuguese study 24/57 infected newborns (42%) were delivery by caesarean section. Another subject deals with the workload in the postnatal ward generated by deficient compliance to the guidelines a problem not confirm by a study of our group. Decreasing the importance of GBS, highlight the importance of E. coli in perinatal infection. From the 16 340 registrations of the National Registry 1676 were newborns with mother-related infection. Applying the same reasoning to E.coli as to GBS and Listeria monocytogenes – that is considering all of them are of maternal origin - 6.7% of these infections were due to E. coli, 4.6% to SGB and 0.5% to Listeria monocytogenes. In conclusion screening and prophylaxis may be not the best way to prevent all GBS neonatal infections but by now it is the only available procedure. The other bacteria continue to demand a high suspicion level and immediate intervention.

Acolhimento Familiar em Portugal e Espanha: Uma Investigação Comparada sobre a Satisfação dos Acolhedores

Este estudo apresenta uma comparação entre as experiências de famílias de acolhimento de Portugal e Espanha, avaliando-se a sua satisfação com a informação recebida antes do acolhimento; a preparação da criança para o acolhimento; os apoios técnico e fi nanceiro; e a evolução do processo de acolhimento. Pretende-se contribuir para melhorar e promover a medida de acolhimento familiar nos dois países. Os processos de acolhimento familiar dependem de fatores históricos e culturais que produzem diferenças importantes nos diversos contextos internacionais. Assim, foram realizadas entrevistas em duas amostras aleatórias constituídas por 52 famílias de acolhimento em Portugal e 46 na Espanha, cujos resultados foram comparados através de testes estatísticos paramétricos e não paramétricos. Os acolhedores, em ambos os países, mostraram um elevado grau de satisfação com o processo de acolhimento. No entanto, em Portugal, existe maior preocupação com o fraco apoio fi nanceiro, as informações não fornecidas pelos serviços de acolhimento ou a má preparação da criança para o acolhimento. Por fi m, são apresentadas sugestões para a melhoria da gestão e implementação desta resposta social. Palavras-chave: Bem-estar da criança, acolhimento familiar, satisfação dos acolhedores, estudo comparativo.

Acolhimento Familiar em Portugal e Espanha: Uma Investigação Comparada sobre a Satisfação dos Acolhedores

Este estudo apresenta uma comparação entre as experiências de famílias de acolhimento de Portugal e Espanha, avaliando-se a sua satisfação com a informação recebida antes do acolhimento; a preparação da criança para o acolhimento; os apoios técnico e fi nanceiro; e a evolução do processo de acolhimento. Pretende-se contribuir para melhorar e promover a medida de acolhimento familiar nos dois países. Os processos de acolhimento familiar dependem de fatores históricos e culturais que produzem diferenças importantes nos diversos contextos internacionais. Assim, foram realizadas entrevistas em duas amostras aleatórias constituídas por 52 famílias de acolhimento em Portugal e 46 na Espanha, cujos resultados foram comparados através de testes estatísticos paramétricos e não paramétricos. Os acolhedores, em ambos os países, mostraram um elevado grau de satisfação com o processo de acolhimento. No entanto, em Portugal, existe maior preocupação com o fraco apoio fi nanceiro, as informações não fornecidas pelos serviços de acolhimento ou a má preparação da criança para o acolhimento. Por fi m, são apresentadas sugestões para a melhoria da gestão e implementação desta resposta social.

Renal Pathology in Portuguese HIV-Infected Patients

HIV-infected patients may be affected by a variety of renal disorders. Portugal has a high incidence of HIV2 infection and a low prevalence of HIV-infected patients under dialysis treatment. The aim of this study was to characterise the type of renal disease in Portuguese HIV-infected patients and to determine if HIV2 infection is associated to renal pathology. Only 60 of the 5158 HIV-infected patients followed in our hospital underwent renal biopsy. Clinical and laboratory data and the type of renal disease were reviewed. Male gender was predominant (76.7%), as was Caucasian race (78.3%). Mean age was 37.9±10.6 years. The majority had criteria for AIDS, 66% were on combined antiretroviral therapy and 18.3% were on dialysis. The predominant lesions were immunecomplex glomerulonephritis (n=19), tubulointerstitial nephropathy (n=12), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(n=11), followed by HIVAN (n=8). Other patterns(amyloidosis, vasculitis, minimal change lesion) were observed. Only three patients were HIV2 infected, and presented diabetic nephropathy, acute tubular necrosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis. No correlations between clinical findings and renal pathology were found. In conclusion, renal disease in HIV patients has a broad spectrum, and renal biopsy remains the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis and guide treatment. Renal disease is not frequent in HIV2-infected patients, and, when present, is probably not directly associated with HIV infection.

Achieving K/DOQI Targets with Cinacalcet in Dialysis Patients with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism. A Portuguese Observational Study

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is a common complication of chronic kidney disease. The elevated serum intact parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, calcium and calcium x phosphorus product have been independently associated with an increased relative risk of mortality. The standard therapy for secondary hyperparathyroidism, including active vitamin D analogues and phosphate binders, is often insufficient to allow patients to achieve the recommended Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative targets for bone and mineral metabolism. Randomised controlled phase III clinical studies in chronic kidney disease patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism have shown that cinacalcet treatment increases the proportion of patients achieving the recommended Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative targets for intact parathyroid hormone, phosphorus, calcium and calcium x phosphorus product. Aims: This observational multicentre study aims to evaluate cinacalcet’s ability to achieve and maintain Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative targets in a population with secondary hyperparathyroidism on chronic haemodialysis in Portugal. Patients and Methods: Patients on chronic dialysis that received cinacalcet during a free sampling programme were enrolled. Retrospective and prospective monthly data were collected from 3 months before until 6 months after the beginning of cinacalcet treatment. Additional assessment included a 12 month evaluation of all parameters. Results: 140 dialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism were enrolled, 60% male, mean age 57.4±14.1 years. The mean intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, and calcium x phosphorus product values at baseline were 751.7±498.8 pg/ml, 9.7±3.8 mg/dl, 5.5±1.5 mg/dl, and 52.7±25.3 mg2/dl2, respectively. After 6 months’ cinacalcet treatment, 26.2%, 53.6%, 59.3%, and 81.0% of the patients achieved the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative recommended levels for intact parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, and calcium x phosphorus product, respectively. The mean dose of cinacalcet at 6 months was 57.1±29.7 mg/day. Conclusions: The use of cinacalcet in clinical practice is an effective option for the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism in chronic dialysis patients, allowing more patients to reach and maintain the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative targets.

Summer Vacations not Only a Memory for Life, but Also a Rare Infection

Introduction: Rhinoscleroma is a rare, chronic, granulomatous disease that most frequently affects the upper respiratory tract, especially the nasal cavity and sometimes extends through the lower respiratory tract. Is associated with Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, which is endemic in certain geographic regions namely Central America. The pathogenesis and risk factors remain unclear. Clinical case: We report a five years Old Portuguese boy, previously healthy, brought to the Emergency Department with epistaxis, without other accompanying signs or symptoms. The Otorhinolaryngologist (ORL) performed rhinoscopy and identified an intranasal bleeding mass. The MRI revealed an intranasal mass with extension to the ethmoid bone sinus, and performed biopsy. The histopathology was vital, making the diagnosis of Rhinoscleroma. The child had traveled abroad for the first time on vacations a year before to Dominican Republic. The bacteriologic exam identified a Klebsiella spp. sensible to the association of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Blood test performed excluded association of immunodeficiency. Since it’s a rare disease genetic study are under course. Monthly evaluation by ORL and pediatrician was performed which documented progressive reduction until total disappearing of the macro and microscopic lesion, and negative bacteriologic exam. Six months of antibiotic therapy were completed without any known secondary effects. The child remained asymptomatic up to the last visit, 3 months following treatment and has shown no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion: Globalization and free transit of people to areas far from origin countries here some rare diseases are endemic brings a new challenge to modern medicine. Sometimes vacations bring more than memories.

Skin lesions in envenoming by cnidarians (Portuguese man-of-war and jellyfish): etiology and severity of accidents on the Brazilian coast

This work attempts to establish dermatological identification patterns for Brazilian cnidarian species and a probable correlation with envenoming severity. In an observational prospective study, one hundred and twenty-eight patients from the North Coast region of São Paulo State, Brazil were seen between 2002 and 2008. About 80% of these showed only local effects (erythema, edema, and pain) with small, less than 20 cm, oval or round skin marks and impressions from small tentacles. Approximately 20% of the victims had long, more than 20 cm, linear and crossed marks with frequent systemic phenomena, such as malaise, vomiting, dyspnea, and tachycardia. The former is compatible with the common hydromedusa from Southeast and Southern Brazil (Olindias sambaquiensis). The long linear marks with intense pain and systemic phenomena are compatible with envenoming by the box jellyfish Tamoya haplonema and Chiropsalmus quadrumanus and the hydrozoan Portuguese man-of-war (Physalis physalis). There was an association between skin marks and probable accident etiology. This simple observation rule can be indicative of severity, as the Cubozoa Class (box jellyfish) and Portuguese man-of-war cause the most severe accidents. In such cases, medical attention, including intensive care, is important, as the systemic manifestations can be associated with death.

HIV Voluntary Testing among Portuguese Women Attending Family Planning Clinics: Implications for HIV Prevention Education and Testing

Objectives: The aim of this article is to analyze the factors associated with HIV testing among 767 sexually active women. Methods: Participants were administered several self-report questionnaires that assessed behavioral and psychosocial measures. Results: Overall, 59.8% of the participants reported ever having tested for HIV. Results show that higher levels of education, being pregnant or having been pregnant, concern about AIDS, AIDS knowledge, self-efficacy in condom negotiation and perception of no risk in partner significantly predicted the likelihood of testing among women. Attending the mass was negatively associated with HIV testing. Conclusions: These findings provide information that can be used in the development of a focused gender sensitive HIV prevention program to increase HIV testing.