El lugar de la poesía en las orientaciones curriculares oficiales portuguesas

O artigo analisa o lugar da poesia nas diversas orientações curriculares oficiais portuguesas: no Currículo Nacional do Ensino Básico, publicado em 2001, no Programa de Português do Ensino Básico, que entrou em vigor em 2011, e nas Metas Curriculares de Português para o Ensino Básico, já em vigor. Os autores concluem que, apesar de a poesia constituir uma mais-valia para a criança, ao facultar-lhe, de modo natural e harmonioso, o domínio de uma série de competências relevantes ao nível linguístico-literário, os documentos oficiais não lhe concedem grande relevância.The article analyzes the place of poetry in several Portuguese official curriculum guidelines: in the National Curriculum of Basic Education, published in 2001, in the Portuguese Program for Basic Education, which came into force in 2011, and in the Portuguese Curricular Goals for Basic Education already in place. The authors conclude that although poetry is an asset for the child, because it provides him, in a natural and harmonious way, the domain of a range of relevant skills on the linguistic and literary levels, official documents do not provide poetry a great relevance.El artículo analiza el lugar de la poesía en varios textos curriculares oficiales portugueses: en el Currículo Nacional de Educación Básica, publicado en 2001, en el Programa Portugués para la Educación Básica, que entró en vigor en 2011, y los Objetivos de Portugués Curriculares para la Educación Básica ya en el lugar. Los autores concluyen que aunque la poesía constituye un activo para el niño, por ofrecerle, de una manera natural y armoniosa, el dominio de una serie de habilidades relacionadas con el nivel lingüístico y literario, los documentos oficiales no le proporcionan gran relevancia.CIEC - Centro de Investigação em Estudos da Criança, IE, UMinho (UI 317 da FCT), Portugalinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The relevance of fiscal rules for fiscal and yield developments

Numerical fiscal rules mitigate the bias of pro-cyclicality, as an alternative to discretionary measures conducted by policy makers. We assess whether fiscal rules impact budget balances and sovereign yields, and we perform a simulation exercise to compute debt developments of EU countries, assuming that they had implemented a numerical expenditure rule in 1990. Our panel analysis covers 27 EU countries between 1990 and 2011. We find that fiscal rules contribute to the reduction of budget deficits, specifically expenditure rules, which significantly impact primary expenditure and conclude that countries with rules experienced lower sovereign bond yields. The simulations show that when the same rule is applied to different countries, it produces very different results, particularly on account of the initial level of primary expenditure

The relevance of fiscal rules for fiscal and sovereign yield developments

We assess whether numerical fiscal rules impact budget balances and sovereign yields. For a panel of 27 EU countries between 1990 and 2011, we find that fiscal rules reduce budget deficits, specifically expenditure rules, while countries with better fiscal rules experienced lower sovereign bond yields.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Fiscal rules : budgetary and sovereign yield developments

Mestrado em Economia Monetária e FinanceiraNumerical fiscal rules appear in the literature as a solution for the bias of pro-cyclicality and as an alternative to discretionary measures conducted by policy makers. With this work we will try to understand if fiscal rules do, in fact, impact budget balances and sovereign yields, and afterwards perform a simulation exercise to assess what would have been the debt level if a numerical expenditure rule had been applied in 1990. The empirical analysis is based in a data panel of 27 EU countries covering the years between 1990 and 2011. We find that fiscal rules contribute to the reduction of budget balances, specifically expenditure rules significantly impact primary expenditure and that countries with rules applied experienced smaller sovereign bond yields. The simulations show that the same rule applied to different countries produces very different results, particularly due to the initial level of primary expenditure

Adjuvant vs. neoadjuvant chemotherapy: quality of life and psychosocial variables in women with breast cancer

background: A breast cancer diagnosis with all that it entails is a highly stressful moment for women. Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments for this type of cancer, and it also brings several side effects and physical changes that often lead to emotional distress and adjustment difficulties. This study aims to analyse the quality of life and psychosocial variables in women with breast cancer submitted to different chemotherapy procedures. participants and procedure We used a convenience sample of 50 women with breast cancer submitted to adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Women were interviewed after obtaining their informed consent. The instruments used were: a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Breast, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being–12-Item, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Brief Resilient Coping Scale. results Participants demonstrated reasonable levels of all dimensions analysed, except for resilient coping, which was relatively low. Neither treatment significantly improves quality of life or any other psychosocial variable more than the other. Most of the variables were correlated, especially quality of life. conclusions The results show that the choice of treatment according to the most favourable objective criteria (e.g., stage, patients’ characteristics) and multidisciplinary work with the integration of a psychologist are vital to achieve good outcomes and the best possible quality of life. Interesting insights were obtained, such as the need for health literacy to make informed decisions and the variation of needs during the cancer course. Future research could use a longitudinal approach and a more representative sample.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

AVALIAÇÃO DOS SINAIS NEUROLÓGICOS MOTORES DISCRETOS: ANÁLISE CONFIRMATÓRIA DA VERSÃO PORTUGUESA DA BRIEF OF MOTOR SCALE (BMS-P)

Motor Neurological Soft Signs (MNSS) has been increasingly studied in people with schizophrenia spectrum, contributing to the knowledge of psychomotor disorders.  However, there is still scarce the availability of valid and reliable instruments for this assessment worldwide, and in Portugal there is none. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the factor structure model of the Portuguese version of the Brief Motor Scale. Method: The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in a sample of 103 participants with schizophrenia, 82 males and 21 females, mean age 44.21 (+11.25). A one-factor model was compared with three two-factor models based on the literature and a previous exploratory factor analysis. Results: The results of this study showed good fit indices and provide evidence to support a two-factor model for the assessment of motor neurological soft signs in persons with schizophrenia. Conclusions: It was proposed a new construct for MNSS assessment consists of 2 domains and 9 items distributed among them.Los Signos Neurológicos Motores Blandos (SNMB)) han sido cada vez más estudiados en personas con esquizofrenia, contribuyendo así al conocimiento de los trastornos psicomotores.  Sin embargo, la disponibilidad de instrumentos válidos y fiables para esta evaluación es todavía escasa en todo el mundo, e inexistente en Portugal. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el modelo de estructura factorial de la versión portuguesa de la Escala Motora Breve. Método: Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatoria en una muestra de 103 participantes con esquizofrenia, 82 hombres y 21 mujeres, con una edad media de 44,21 (+11,25). Se comparó un modelo de un factor, con tres modelos de dos factores basados en la literatura y en un análisis factorial exploratoria previa. Resultados: Los resultados de este estudio mostraron buenos índices de ajuste, destacando la evidencia para apoyar un modelo de dos factores para la evaluación del SNMB en personas con esquizofrenia. Conclusiones: Se propuso un nuevo constructo para la evaluación del SNMB compuesto por 2 dominios y 9 ítems distribuidos entre ellos.Motor Neurological Soft Signs (MNSS) has been increasingly studied in people with schizophrenia spectrum, contributing to the knowledge of psychomotor disorders.  However, there is still scarce the availability of valid and reliable instruments for this assessment worldwide, and in Portugal there is none. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the factor structure model of the Portuguese version of the Brief Motor Scale. Method: The confirmatory factor analysis was conducted in a sample of 103 participants with schizophrenia, 82 males and 21 females, mean age 44.21 (+11.25). A one-factor model was compared with three two-factor models based on the literature and a previous exploratory factor analysis. Results: The results of this study showed good fit indices and provide evidence to support a two-factor model for the assessment of motor neurological soft signs in persons with schizophrenia. Conclusions: It was proposed a new construct for MNSS assessment consists of 2 domains and 9 items distributed among them.Os Sinais Neurológicos Motores Discretos (SNMD) têm sido cada vez mais estudados em pessoas com espectro da esquizofrenia, contribuindo assim para o conhecimento das perturbações psicomotoras.  No entanto, ainda é escassa a disponibilidade de instrumentos válidos e fidedignos para esta avaliação a nível mundial, e inexistente em Portugal. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o modelo de estrutura fatorial da versão em português da Brief of Motor Scale. Método: A análise fatorial confirmatória foi realizada numa amostra de 103 participantes com esquizofrenia, 82 do sexo masculino e 21 do sexo feminino, com idade média de 44.21 (+11.25). Um modelo de apenas um fator foi comparado com três modelos de dois fatores baseados na literatura e numa análise fatorial exploratória prévia. Resultados: Os resultados deste estudo mostraram bons índices de ajustamento, destacando evidências que apoiam um modelo de dois fatores para a avaliação SNMD em pessoas com esquizofrenia. Conclusões: Foi proposto um novo construto para avaliação dos SNMD composto por 2 domínios e 9 itens distribuídos entre eles

Estudo dos mecanismos de distribuição e motilidade peroxissomal baseados em microtubulos, utilizando o fungo filamentoso U. maydis

Doutoramento em BiologiaPeroxisomes are ubiquitous subcellular organelles, which fulfil important metabolic functions, notably the β-oxidation of fatty acids and the metabolism of hydrogen peroxide, and are thus essential for human health and development. The filamentous fungus Ustilago maydis is a biotrophic, basidiomycete responsible for corn smut disease. U. maydis exhibits several features similar to mammals including polar growth, microtubule-dependent organelle trafficking and open mitosis. In this study, we have exploited U. maydis as a new model system for studying fundamental processes in peroxisome biology. An intimate interrelationship between peroxisomes and mitochondria is emerging, where both organelles cooperate in cellular lipid homeostasis, oxidative balance, and innate immune response. As mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation is lacking in yeast and plants, suitable genetically accessible model systems to study this interrelationship are scarce. Combined molecular, cell biology and bioinformatics analyses were performed to provide a first comprehensive inventory of U. maydis peroxisomal proteins and pathways. Studies with a peroxisome-deficient Δpex3 mutant revealed the existence of parallel and complex, cooperative β-oxidation pathways in peroxisomes and mitochondria, mimicking the mammalian system. In mammalian cells, peroxisomes bind to and move along microtubules. In contrast, peroxisome motility in yeasts and plants requires the actin cytoskeleton. Peroxisome motility and dynamics are important prerequisites for peroxisome inheritance, proper intracellular distribution, positioning, organelle interactions, and biogenesis. A loss of trafficking and disturbed cytoplasmic distribution of peroxisomes can lead to a regional loss of essential peroxisomal activities and thus, to cell damage and degeneration. We revealed that peroxisomes in U. maydis move along microtubules, but peroxisome motility is early endosome-dependent. Moreover, lipid droplets and the ER appear to share a similar mechanism. Even distribution of peroxisomes is critical for cellular functions. However, the exact mechanism(s) for uniform peroxisome distribution are elusive. Using U. maydis, we demonstrated that the distribution and positioning of peroxisomes is dependent on microtubule-based processes and an actin-based polar drift. Microtubule-based processes include directed transport and active diffusion, which is a result of a constant flow and activity of motor proteins and organelles. These counteracting forces allow the proper distribution of peroxisomes throughout the hyphal cell. Moreover, work in mammalian cells, revealed a similar mechanism for proper distribution of peroxisomes. In summary, we provide novel evidence that the filamentous fungus U. maydis represents a suitable model to study fundamental biological processes of mammalian cells. Peroxisome motility and dynamics are important for cellular function and may prevent cell damage and degeneration. The use of U. maydis as a model system will lead to a better understanding of peroxisome dynamics and biology and will thus be of great cell biological and biomedical importance.Os peroxissomas são organelos subcelulares ubíquos responsáveis por diversas funções metabólicas, nomeadamente a β-oxidação de ácidos gordos e destoxificação de espécies reativas de oxigénio, sendo por isso essenciais para a saúde e desenvolvimento humanos. O fungo filamentoso Ustilago maydis é um organismo biotrófico, do filo basidiomycota, que infesta o milho. Possui características similares às células de mamífero, nomeadamente a mobilidade através dos microtúbulos, o crescimento polar e a mitose aberta. Neste estudo usámos o U. maydis como modelo para o estudo de processos fundamentais da biologia dos peroxissomas. A cooperação entre os peroxissomas e a mitocôndrias tem-se revelado de grande interesse dada a existência de colaboração na β-oxidação de ácidos gordos, manutenção do equilíbrio oxidativo e do sistema imunitário inato. As mitocôndrias das plantas e leveduras não realizam β-oxidação, deste modo, é essencial um modelo geneticamente acessível para o estudo da relação entre os organelos. Assim, combinámos técnicas de biologia celular, molecular e de bioinformática gerámos um inventário das proteínas peroxissomais e das suas vias no U. maydis. Estudos com um mutante deficiente em peroxissomas, Pex3, revelaram a existência de uma cooperação paralela e complexa das vias de β- oxidação nas mitocôndrias e nos peroxissomas, à semelhança do que se observa nos mamíferos. Enquanto em leveduras e plantas os peroxissomas movem-se por filamentos de actina, em mamíferos os peroxissomas interagem e movimentam-se através dos microtúbulos. A mobilidade e dinâmica dos peroxissomas é fundamental para a distribuição intracelular, posicionamento, interações entre organelos e formação de novos organelos. Alterações no tráfico e/ou distribuição citoplasmática dos peroxissomas pode levar à perda de funções essenciais e levar à degeneração e morte celular. Aqui mostrámos que no U. maydis os peroxissomas se movem ao longo dos microtúbulos, mas este movimento é dependente dos endossomas primários. Adicionalmente, mostrámos que os corpos lipídicos e o retículo endoplasmático parecem partilhar um mecanismo semelhante. A distribuição uniforme dos peroxissomas é tida como essencial para as suas funções. No entanto, o mecanismo para a distribuição destes organelos é ainda desconhecido. Usando o U. maydis podémos verificar que os processos baseados no transporte através dos microtúbulos e distribuição polar, dependente da actina, são essenciais para a posicionamento dos peroxissomas. Os processos baseados no transporte através dos microtúbulos incluem transporte direto e difusão ativa. Estudos nas células de mamífero COS-7 revelaram um mecanismo semelhante na distribuição dos peroxissomas. Em suma, dispomos de novas evidências uso do U. maydis como modelo poderá conduzir a um melhor entendimento da dinâmica e biologia dos peroxissomas, o que poder-se-á revelar de grande valor biológico e de importância biomédic

Manifestações orais do uso de metanfetaminas

A metanfetamina é uma droga estimulante do sistema nervoso central usada com objetivo terapêutico ou como droga de abuso quando consumida em doses acima do recomendado. Em Portugal, a prevalência do consumo de anfetaminas aumentou 0,4% de 2001 para 2007, verificando-se ainda um aumento desta substância na população mais jovem. Os efeitos adversos mais frequentemente observados a nível da cavidade oral são a xerostomia, a cárie dentária, o bruxismo e a doença periodontal. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica sobre o mecanismo de ação das metanfetaminas, bem como as suas manifestações orais, utilizando as bases de dados PubMed, Sciencedirect e b-on. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram: «metanfetaminas», «medicina dentária», «cárie dentária», «saúde oral» e «farmacologia» e respetivas combinações, limitando a pesquisa a 30 artigos, publicados desde 2000, na língua inglesa, portuguesa e castelhana.Methamphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant drug used for therapeutic purpose or as abuse drug when used higher than recommended. In Portugal, amphetamine use prevalence increased 0.4% from 2001 to 2007 and youngest population is increasing this use. Dry mouth, tooth decay, bruxism and periodontal disease, are the most common adverse effects within the oral cavity. A review of the literature on oral manifestations of methamphetamine use, using the PubMed, Sciencedirect and b-on was performed. The keywords used were “meth”, “dentistry”, “dental caries”, “oral health” and “pharmacology” limiting to 30 articles in English, Portuguese and Spanish since 2000.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

3D facial video retrieval and management for decision support in speech and language therapy

3D video is introducing great changes in many health related areas. The realism of such information provides health professionals with strong evidence analysis tools to facilitate clinical decision processes. Speech and language therapy aims to help subjects in correcting several disorders. The assessment of the patient by the speech and language therapist (SLT), requires several visual and audio analysis procedures that can interfere with the patient's production of speech. In this context, the main contribution of this paper is a 3D video system to improve health information management processes in speech and language therapy. The 3D video retrieval and management system supports multimodal health records and provides the SLTs with tools to support their work in many ways: (i) it allows SLTs to easily maintain a database of patients' orofacial and speech exercises; (ii) supports three-dimensional orofacial measurement and analysis in a non-intrusive way; and (iii) search patient speech-exercises by similar facial characteristics, using facial image analysis techniques. The second contribution is a dataset with 3D videos of patients performing orofacial speech exercises. The whole system was evaluated successfully in a user study involving 22 SLTs. The user study illustrated the importance of the retrieval by similar orofacial speech exercise.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio