Pharmacogenetic predictors of severe peripheral neuropathy in colon cancer patients treated with oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy: a GEMCAD group study.

BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy (CT), widely used as adjuvant therapy for stage III and selected high-risk stage II colon cancer (CC) patients, is often associated with cumulative peripheral neuropathy. Our aim is to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes involved in oxaliplatin metabolism, DNA repair mechanisms, cell cycle control, detoxification or excretion pathways to predict severe (grade 2-3) oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy (OXPN) among CC patients treated with oxaliplatin and fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant CT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded peritumoral samples from 206 high-risk stage II and stage III CC patients receiving oxaliplatin-based adjuvant CT from January 2004 to December 2009. Genotyping was carried out for 34 SNPs in 15 genes using MassARRAY (SEQUENOM) technology. A total of 181 stage II-III CC patients treated with the same CT regimens were enrolled as a validation set. RESULTS: The rs2230641 cyclin H (CCNH) rs2230641 C/C [odd ratio (OR)=5.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.061-2.41, P=0.042] and the ATP-binding cassette subfamily G, member 2 (ABCG2) rs3114018 A/A genotypes (OR=2.67; 95% CI 0.95-4.41; P=0.059) were associated with a higher risk of severe OXPN. In addition, patients harboring the combination of CCNH C/C and/or the ABCG2 rs3114018 A/A genotypes had a higher risk of grade 2-3 OXPN than those with the CCNH any T and ABCG2 any C genotypes (37.73% versus 19.42%; OR=2.46; 95% CI 1.19-5.07; P=0.014) in the logistic regression analysis using age, gender, adjuvant CT regimen and cumulative dose of oxaliplatin as covariates. The ability to predict severe OXPN of this combined analysis was independently validated in the second cohort (58% versus 33.33%; OR=2.99; 95% CI 1.45-6.13; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that SNPs in CCNH and ABCG2 can modulate the development of severe OXPN among stage II-III CC patients who received oxaliplatin-based CT, thus enabling the individualization of adjuvant treatment.

The species and physiological diversity of Bifidobacterium genus in Gallus gallus domesticus are influenced by feeding model and niche adaptations.

Species diversity of the Bifidobacterium genus was scarcely explored in different rearing systems of poultry. The aim of the study was to isolate intestinal species and compare their physiological and traits for adaptation to the avian intestinal niche. Fourteen strains isolated from chickens of intensive rearing farms and free-range hens, were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing, rep-PCR fingerprinting, and carbohydrates fermentation. Strains belonged to species Bifidobacterium pseudolongum subsp. pseudolongum and subsp. globosum, B. pullorum, B. animalis subsp lactis, B. boum, B. thermacidophilum subsp. thermacidophilum and B. thermophilum. One strain of B. animalis and B. pullorum, and two of B. pseudolongum subsp. pseudolongum were obtained from chicks, while the others were from free-range adult hens. Growth (in MRSc) at the poultry physiological temperature, acids production in caecal water with raffinose (rCW), ex vivo adhesion (%) to avian intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), and auto-aggregation (%) were used for discrimination inter- and intra-specific. Significantly different acetic and lactic acids production and growth temperatures were observed in strains of the same species/subspecies. Remarkable auto-aggregation capability was observed in B. thermacidophilum subsp. thermacidophilum LET 406 (40.2 ± 1.1%), while adhesion property was highlighted in B. pseudolongum subsp. pseudolongum LET 408 (65.30 ± 4.75% in jejunum; 46.05 ± 2.80 in ileum). Scanning Electronic Microscopy of the interaction IEC-LET 408 revealed an irregular bacterial surface exhibiting vesicle-like arrangements and filaments that formed a network among bacteria cells and with the epithelial cells, as possible adaptative response to promote its persistence in the gut. These finds will be valuable for bacterial supplements design intended to intensive rearing.

Tocilizumab treatment for nephrotic syndrome due to amyloidosis in Behcet's disease.

Renal involvement is an unusual but significant Behcet´s disease (BD) complication and AA amyloidosis appears to be the most common etiology. IL-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine with an important role in AA amyloidosis development. Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody that has emerged as an effective and specific treatment in AA amyloidosis secondary to chronic inflammatory disorders. We report on a patient diagnosed with BD who developed nephrotic syndrome caused by renal AA amyloidosis with an excellent response to TCZ therapy.

Nephrotic syndrome and AA amyloidosis revealing adult-onset cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome.

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is due to gain-of-function mutations in the cryopyrin gene, which determines an overactive inflammatory response. AA amyloidosis is a complication of this syndrome. A 53-year-old man was referred to us because of lower limb edema. Past history: at the age of 20, he complained of arthralgia/arthritis and bilateral hypoacusis. At the age of 35, he presented posterior uveitis, several episodes of conjunctivitis, and progressive loss of visual acuity. Laboratory tests disclosed nephrotic syndrome, and renal biopsy showed AA amyloidosis. He was given anakinra with improvement of arthritis. A genetic study revealed the p.D303N mutation in the cryopyrin gene, and he was diagnosed as having AA amyloidosis due to CAPS. Twenty-one months after starting anakinra, the arthritis has disappeared, although nephrotic-range proteinuria persisted. It is important to be aware of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome because it can cause irreversible complications, and there is effective therapy.

Belting in English is Easier Than It is in Portuguese.

Belting singers receiving care at the speech therapy service mentioned they find it easier to sing in American English than in Brazilian Portuguese. OBJECTIVE: to assess and compare the production of vowels and consonants of excerpts from musicals in Portuguese and English. METHODS: a phonological and phonetic analysis of the same excerpt from musicals was performed in both languages. RESULTS: We have observed that the predominance of fricatives in English and plosives in Portuguese explains the fluidity of singing in English and a greater disruption of speech fluidity in Portuguese. CONCLUSION: therefore, belting in English is easier than it is in Portuguese.

Dysphonia and Throat Clearing in Singers During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil affected the lives of singers, with negative impacts of the disease on the voice, such as dysphonia and throat clearing. This study aims to evaluate the presence of dysphonia and throat clearing in singers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analytical study with a sample of 154 singers from all over Brazil. Data collection was carried out online, by completing the questionnaire created by the researcher using Google Forms. The following were considered the outcome variables: voice impairment and throat clearing. The bivariate analysis was performed to test the relationship between COVID-19 infection and voice impairment, COVID-19 infection and throat clearing, COVID-19 infection and laryngeal complaints (voice impairment and throat clearing). RESULTS: In this study, the mean age of the singers was 35.8 (Standard deviation = ±10.2 years) and 59.2% were female. Most of them worked as professional singers (81.1%) and had more than 10 years of professional experience (57.4%), mainly singing pop music (85.4%). A total of 62% reported vocal alterations during the COVID-19 infection and 53% had vocal alterations after the infection, with 44.0% reporting the onset of throat clearing after the infection. There was a significant association between COVID-19 infection and having voice impairment (P = 0.03; prevalence ratio - PR: 2.33; CI: 1.04-5.46). An association was observed between the onset of throat clearing and the occurrence of COVID-19 infection (P = 0.001; PR: 9.13; CI: 2.47-64.42). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that there is an association between COVID-19 infection and complaints of dysphonia and throat clearing in Brazilian singers. This study demonstrates the importance of guidance to singers infected with COVID-19 by health voice processionals.

What do Sopranos and Singing Teachers Think About Upper High Range Notes?

BACKGROUND: Despite being widely used by professional sopranos, the emission of upper high range notes is still a subject of considerable controversy both to those who use them and those who study them. OBJECTIVE: To compare the opinion of sopranos and singing teachers on the emission of upper high range notes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The participants were asked to answer a questionnaire with objective questions on the emission of upper high range notes and indicate technical aspects involved in their production (singing teachers) and proprioceptive sensations during their emission (sopranos). RESULTS: The sample consisted of 24 sopranos who were, on average, 28 years old and had 9.08 years of a professional career and singing teachers were, on average, 41 years and had 20 years of professional experience. The questionnaire used was considered reliable (pilot Cronbach's alpha = 0.88). There was no statistically significant difference in breath support, tongue positioning, and body adjustments. The differences that were found regarded laryngeal vertical movement (P= 0.02), articulatory pattern (horizontal mouth widening, P= 0.03; and "imagining a smile," P= 0.02), and auditory aspects (decrease in voice volume, P= 0.03; reduction in voice "size," P= 0.03; and change in voice brightness, P= 0.02). CONCLUSION: The proprioceptive description of the sopranos differs from the recommendations described by singing teachers with respect to the larynx movement, articulation, and auditory perception. These findings suggest that the emission of upper high range notes requires individualized adjustments for the emission to occur with good vocal quality and comfortably.

Methadone Destabilizes Cardiac Repolarization During Sleep.

Methadone, a widely prescribed medication for chronic pain and opioid addiction, is associated with respiratory depression and increased predisposition for torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal arrhythmia. Most methadone-related deaths occur during sleep. The objective of this study was to determine whether methadone's arrhythmogenic effects increase during sleep, with a focus on cardiac repolarization instability using QT variability index (QTVI), a measure shown to predict arrhythmias and mortality. Sleep study data of 24 patients on chronic methadone therapy referred to a tertiary clinic for overnight polysomnography were compared with two matched groups not on methadone: 24 patients referred for overnight polysomnography to the same clinic (clinic group), and 24 volunteers who had overnight polysomnography at home (community group). Despite similar values for heart rate, heart rate variability, corrected QT interval, QTVI, and oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) when awake, patients on methadone had larger QTVI (P = 0.015 vs. clinic, P < 0.001 vs. community) and lower SpO2 (P = 0.008 vs. clinic, P = 0.013 vs. community) during sleep, and the increase in their QTVI during sleep vs. wakefulness correlated with the decrease in SpO2 (r = -0.54, P = 0.013). QTVI positively correlated with methadone dose during sleep (r = 0.51, P = 0.012) and wakefulness (r = 0.73, P < 0.001). High-density ectopy (> 1,000 premature beats per median sleep period), a precursor for torsades de pointes, was uncommon but more frequent in patients on methadone (P = 0.039). This study demonstrates that chronic methadone use is associated with increased cardiac repolarization instability. Methadone's pro-arrhythmic impact may be mediated by sleep-related hypoxemia, which could explain the increased nocturnal mortality associated with this opioid.

Influence of anabolic steroid treatment associated to physical exercise in the ultrasonic vocalization of rats.

Unlike humans, who communicate in frequency bands between 250 Hz and 6 kHz, rats can communicate in frequencies above 18 kHz. Their vocalization types depend on the context and are normally associated to subjective or emotional states. It was reported significant vocal changes due to administration of replacement testosterone in a trained tenor singer with hypogonadism. Speech-Language Pathology clinical practices are being sought by singers who sporadically use anabolic steroids associated with physical exercise. They report difficulties in reaching and keeping high notes, "breakage" in the passage of musical notes and post singing vocal fatigue. Those abnormalities could be raised by the association of anabolic steroids and physical exercise. Thus, in order to verify if this association could promote vocal changes, maximum, minimum and fundamental frequencies and call duration in rats treated with anabolic steroids and physically trained (10 weeks duration) were evaluated. The vocalizations were obtained by handling the animals. At the end of that period, rats treated and trained showed significant decrease in call duration, but not in other parameters. The decrease in call duration could be associated to functional alterations in the vocal folds of treated and trained animals due to a synergism between anabolic steroids and physical training.

Cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis in chronic hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an uncommon cause of cryoglobulinemia. Renal cryoglobulinemia has been rarely reported in the setting of chronic hepatitis B infection. We describe a case of chronic hepatitis B infection with cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis (Gn) and provide information about the treatment and the evolution over a 30-month follow-up. A 41-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis B infection developed nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure; other investigations revealed type 2 cryoglobulinemia; HBV DNA was detected in the cryoprecipitate. Renal biopsy showed findings of cryoglobulinemic Gn. She was given lamivudine, corticosteroids, plasma exchange, and mycophenolate mofetil. The renal function improved, nephrotic syndrome remitted, and HBV DNA became undetectable; there was no compromise of the liver function.

Upper high notes: auditory-perceptual analysis of voice and self-reporting among professional sopranos. / Superagudos: análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz e autorrelato em sopranos profissionais.

PURPOSE: To describe the emission of upper high notes by professional sopranos by means of the auditory-perceptual evaluation of the singers' voices and self-reports. METHODS: Five professional sopranos performed an excerpt from a Bellini opera which involved the emission of an upper high note. The auditory-perceptual evaluation was carried out by three speech-language therapists and three singing teachers, who considered brightness, loudness, metal quality, vibrato, breathiness, and resonance on a visual-analytical scale, based on each singer's emission of high notes. After the recording, the singers were asked to answer a proprioceptive questionnaire on the physical sensations that they had as they emitted upper high notes. An inferential analysis of the data from the auditory-perceptual evaluation was conducted, and the singers' self-reports were summarized and then orthographically transcribed. RESULTS: In the auditory-perceptual analysis, the emission of upper high notes was characterized according to the presence of brightness, loudness, metal quality, vibrato, and anterior resonance, as perceived by speech-language therapists and singing teachers. In the proprioceptive report, all singers reported laryngeal elevation and a need to use respiratory support in order to emit upper high notes. CONCLUSION: Upper high notes are characterized by a bright vocal emission, enhanced loudness, with a metallic quality and vibrato, little or no breathiness, accompanied by a sensation of laryngeal elevation and a need for respiratory support.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a emissão de superagudos em sopranos profissionais por meio da avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da voz e do autorrelato das cantoras. MÉTODO: Cinco sopranos profissionais executaram o trecho de uma ópera de Bellini no qual havia a emissão de uma nota superaguda. A avaliação perceptivo-auditiva foi realizada por seis avaliadores (três fonoaudiólogos e três professores de canto) que consideraram brilho, loudness, metal, vibrato, soprosidade e ressonância em uma escala visual-analítica, tendo como base a emissão aguda de cada uma das cantoras. Após a gravação, as cantoras responderam a um questionário proprioceptivo sobre as sensações físicas durante a produção dos superagudos. Foi realizada uma análise inferencial dos dados da avaliação perceptivo-auditiva e transcrição ortográfica resumida do autorrelato das cantoras. RESULTADOS: Na análise perceptivo-auditiva, a emissão superaguda foi caracterizada por presença de brilho, loudness, metal, vibrato e ressonância anteriorizada percebida por fonoaudiólogos e professores de canto. No relato proprioceptivo, todas as cantoras referiram elevação de laringe e necessidade de utilização do apoio respiratório para emitir a nota superaguda. CONCLUSÃO: Os superagudos foram caracterizados por uma emissão vocal brilhante, loudness aumentada, metálica, com vibrato, com pouca ou nenhuma soprosidade, com sensação de elevação da laringe e necessidade de apoio respiratório.

Effects of topical application of 0.4% oxybuprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution and 1% ropivacaine hydrochloride on corneal sensitivity in rats.

The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the degree and duration of corneal anesthesia following topical application of 0.4% oxybuprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution and 1% ropivacaine hydrochloride treatment in healthy rats. A randomized, blinded, crossover study was conducted on 20 healthy adult Wistar rats, following complete physical and ophthalmological examination. Baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) was determined in the central corneal area of both eyes with a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer, in mm filament length. Oxybuprocaine was randomly applied to one eye and 0.9% sterile sodium chloride solution was instilled into the contralateral eye. Subsequent CTT measurements were performed in both eyes 5 minutes after topical application and at 5-minute intervals thereafter for 75-minutes in the anesthetized eye. Following a 2-week washout period, this protocol was repeated with ropivacaine. Quantitative data were summarized as mean ± standard deviation, median and inter-quartile range (Q1-Q3). Repeated measures data were analyzed over time and between treatments using Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test with Bonferroni adjustment (p < 0.05). Baseline CTT values were 60 mm in all eyes. With oxybuprocaine, CTT values decreased significantly for 65 minutes (0-55 mm; p = 0.002) when compared with baseline; the maximal anesthetic effect (no blink response at 5 mm filament length) was maintained for up to 15 minutes (p < 0.0001). With ropivacaine, CTT values were significantly lower than baseline for 30 minutes (0-55 mm; p = 0.002), with a maximal anesthetic effect recorded at 5 minutes in 18 eyes (p < 0.0001). Oxybuprocaine induced a significantly lower CTT than ropivacaine (p = 0.002) from 10 to 65 minutes following topical application. Both anesthetic agents induced significant corneal anesthesia; however, oxybuprocaine provided a greater and longer anesthetic effect, making it more suitable for potentially painful ophthalmologic procedures.

Remission of minimal change disease in Type 2 diabetes after streptococcus bacteremia.

A 41-year-old man with Type 2 diabetes developed sudden onset of nephrotic syndrome. He initially refused a renal biopsy. However, 3 months later, the nephrotic syndrome persisted and percutaneous renal biopsy was performed. The study with light microscopy, immunofluorescence and electron microscopy showed minimal change disease. Three weeks after biopsy, before immunosuppressive therapy was begun, the patient presented Group A Streptococcus (GAS) bacteremia and acute renal failure which needed hemodialysis. Afterwards, the renal function recovered and complete remission of the nephrotic syndrome, maintained during a 22-month follow-up, was observed. We discuss the possible mechanisms implicated in the remission. This report extends the spectrum of infections associated with remission of minimal change disease (MCD).

Popular and Classical Female Singers: Acoustic Comparison of Voice Use in the Song Melodia Sentimental (Sentimental Melody) by Heitor Villa-Lobos.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare acoustic characteristics of classical and popular female singers' vocal performances in Heitor Villa-Lobos' Melodia Sentimental (Sentimental Melody). METHOD: Long-term average spectrum acoustic analysis and long-term voice onset time (VOT) were performed for two consonants /d/ in the first six verses of Melodia Sentimental sang by 10 professional singers: five classical (GC) and five popular (GP). RESULTS: Classical singers presented prominence in the region of the frequencies between 2.5 and 3.5 kHz, not observed in the majority of the popular singers' group. The GC group showed lighter spectral decline curves and the numerical value of decline was also lower. Classical singers presented lower long-term voice onset time values, which indicates a longer period of glottic closure. CONCLUSION: Acoustic analysis revealed that classical singers have more energy in glottic closure associated with a shorter duration of glottic coaptation.

The taping method effects on the trapezius muscle in healthy adults. / Os efeitos da bandagem elástica no músculo trapézio em adultos saudáveis.

PURPOSE: To verify the elastic therapeutic tape effects on the trapezius muscle in healthy adults, using data from surface electromyography and a self-reported questionnaire. METHODS: A total of 51 across sex healthy adults were enrolled in this study, whose age range was 20 to 35 years.. The individuals were divided into three groups: G1, who wore the elastic therapeutic tape applied with tension; G2, who wore the elastic therapeutic tape applied with no tension; and G3, control group, who did not wear the elastic therapeutic tape. The elastic therapeutic tape was bilaterally applied on the trapezius muscle. For measuring results, surface electromyography signals were collected before, while and after the elastic therapeutic tape was worn, and a qualitative questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in either pre- or post-electromyography findings within each group, or when groups were compared. When comparing G1 and G2 moments before and while the elastic therapeutic tape was worn, a statistically significant difference was noted during the maximum voluntary contraction variable on the individuals' left side. When answering the questionnaire, most individuals mentioned a relaxing feeling while wearing the elastic therapeutic tape. CONCLUSION: The individuals wearing the elastic therapeutic tape in this sample did not present any significant differences during the surface electromyography assessment. As for the questionnaire, most of the individuals investigated reported a relaxing feeling after wearing the elastic therapeutic tape.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da bandagem elástica no músculo trapézio, por meio da eletromiografia e de um questionário autorreferido em adultos saudáveis. MÉTODO: Participaram 51 adultos saudáveis, de ambos os sexos, na faixa etária entre 20 e 35 anos. Os sujeitos foram divididos em três grupos: G1, que utilizou a bandagem elástica com tensão; G2, que utilizou a bandagem elástica sem tensão; e G3, grupo controle, que não utilizou a bandagem. A aplicação da bandagem ocorreu no músculo trapézio, bilateralmente. Para a mensuração dos resultados, foram coletados sinais eletromiográficos antes, durante e depois do uso da bandagem, e foi aplicado um questionário qualitativo. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças significativas nos achados eletromiográficos antes e depois do uso da bandagem, em cada grupo e na comparação entre os grupos. Na confrontação G1 com G2, nos momentos antes e durante o uso da bandagem, foi verificada uma diferença estatisticamente significante na variável contração voluntária máxima do lado esquerdo. No questionário, a maioria dos sujeitos relatou sensação de relaxamento com o uso da bandagem. CONCLUSÃO: Os sujeitos da amostra que utilizaram a bandagem não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes na eletromiografia. Em relação ao questionário, a maioria dos sujeitos pesquisados afirmou sensação de relaxamento após o uso da bandagem.

Acute effects of radioiodine therapy on the voice and larynx of Basedow-Graves patients.

UNLABELLED: Graves's disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. There are three current therapeutic options: anti-thyroid medication, surgery, and radioactive iodine (I 131). There are few data in the literature regarding the effects of radioiodine therapy on the larynx and voice. The aim and the AIM: os this study was: to assess the effect of radioiodine therapy on the voice of Basedow-Graves patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective study was done. Following the diagnosis of Grave's disease, patients underwent investigation of their voice, measurement of maximum phonatory time (/a/) and the s/z ratio, fundamental frequency analysis (Praat software), laringoscopy and (perceptive-auditory) analysis in three different conditions: pre-treatment, 4 days, and 20 days post-radioiodine therapy. Conditions are based on the inflammatory pattern of thyroid tissue (Jones et al. 1999). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in voice characteristics in these three conditions. CONCLUSION: Radioiodine therapy does not affect voice quality.

Goodpasture's syndrome in a patient using cocaine--a case report and review of the literature.

Glomerulonephritis is a very rare form of cocaine-induced renal pathology. We report a 26-year-old woman having inhaled cocaine, who presented with antiglomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage. She was treated with immunosuppressive therapy and plasmapheresis. Maintenance hemodialysis was required on discharge. We stress the importance of early detection and treatment of this renal association for the potential fatal consequences implicated.

The Effects of the Yes You Can! Curriculum on the Sexual Knowledge and Intent of Middle School Students.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of the "Yes You Can!" (YYC) curriculum on sexual knowledge and behavioral intent of program participants. METHODS: Participants included students ages 10-14 from schools in a northeast US urban area. Yes You Can! program lessons were designed to support healthy relationships. The curriculum was taught by trained instructors. The testing instrument was a 30-item questionnaire, which included sexual knowledge and intent items. Students completed the questionnaire before program implementation, immediately following intervention, and a third time at follow-up. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance. Pretest knowledge scores were used as the covariate for the knowledge analyses. Pretest intent scores were used as the covariate for the intent analyses. RESULTS: Results showed the intervention group had less intent to engage in sexual intercourse than the control group at post-test (p < .001) and at follow-up (p < .001). Similarly, the intervention group had higher knowledge scores than the control group at post-test (p < .001) and at follow-up (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that the YYC program had a statistically significant, positive impact on knowledge and sexual intent. These variables are important precursors to actual behavior. Future research should examine the effects of the program on changes in sexual behavior.

Vocal handicap index in popular and erudite professional singers. / Índice de desvantagem vocal em cantores populares e eruditos profissionais.

PURPOSE: To compare the voice handicap index of popular and erudite professional singers according to gender, age, professional experience time, and presence or absence of self-reported vocal complaints. METHODS: One hundred thirty-two professional singers, 74 popular and 58 erudite, who responded to a questionnaire with regards to identification, age, gender, professional experience time in singing, musical genres (for popular singers), vocal classification (for erudite singers), presence of self-reported vocal complaints, and the specific protocols for popular (Modern Singing Handicap Index - MSHI) and erudite (Classical Singing Handicap Index - CSHI) singing. RESULTS: Higher proportion of women and higher incidence of vocal complaints were observed in the popular singers compared with the erudite singers. Most of the popular singers belonged to the genre of Brazilian Popular Music. Regarding the classification of erudite singers, there was greater participation of sopranos and tenors. No statistical differences were observed with respect to age and professional experience time between the groups. Comparison of the MSHI and CSHI scores showed no statistically significant difference between these scores and genre or age in both groups of singers. Professional experience time was related to the total score and the subscales disability and impairment in the MSHI, only for popular singers with vocal complaints. There was no correlation between these variables and the CSHI for erudite singers. CONCLUSION: The impact of vocal difficulty/problem interferes differently in these two musical genres when related to vocal complaint and professional experience time. The MSHI and CSHI protocols proved to be important tools not only for the identification of problems, but also for the understanding of how these individuals relate their voices with this occupational activity.

Aspects of the speaking voice of elderly women with choral singing experience. / Características da voz falada de idosas com prática de canto coral.

INTRODUCTION: Despite several studies related to singing and aging voice found in the literature, there is still the need for investigation seeking to understand the effects of this practice in the speaking voice of the elderly. OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of the speaking voice of elderlies with experience in choral singing with those of elderlies without this experience. METHOD: Participants were 75 elderly women: 50 with experience in choral singing - group of singers (SG) and 25 without experience - group of nonsingers (NSG). A questionnaire was applied to characterize the elderly and collect data with respect to lifestyle and voice. Speech samples (sustained vowels, repetition of sentences, and running speech excerpts) were collected in a quiet room in sitting position. The voices were analyzed by three expert speech-language pathologists according to the protocol Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V). Data were submitted to descriptive and statistical analysis. RESULTS: The voices of elderly nonsingers (NSG) showed significant increase in scores related to the overall degree of deviance and presence of roughness and strain. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the aspects of the speaking voice of subjects in the SG, compared with that of subjects in the NSG, showed better overall degree of deviance due to lower roughness and strain.