Cepstral Peak Prominence Smoothed - CPPS and Acoustic Voice Quality Index - AVQI in healthy and altered children's voices: comparation, relationship with auditory-perceptual judgment and cut-off points. / Cepstral Peak Prominence Smoothed - CPPS e Acoustic Voice Quality Index - AVQI em vozes infantis saudáveis e alteradas: comparação, relação com julgamento perceptivo-auditivo e pontos de corte.

PURPOSE: To compare the acoustic measurements of Cepstral Peak Prominence Smoothed (CPPS) and Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) of children with normal and altered voices, to relationship with auditory-perceptual judgment (APJ) and to establish cut-off points. METHODS: Vocal recordings of the sustained vowel and number counting tasks of 185 children were selected from a database and submitted to acoustic analysis with extraction of CPPS and AVQI measurements, and to APJ. The APJ was performed individually for each task, classified as normal or altered, and for the tasks together defining whether the child would pass or fail in a situation of vocal screening. RESULTS: Children with altered APJ and who failed the screening had lower CPPS values and higher AVQI values, than those with normal APJ and who passed the screening. The APJ of the sustained vowel task was related to CPPS and AVQI, and APJ of the number counting task was related only to AVQI and CPPS numbers. The cut-off points that differentiate children with and without vocal deviation are 14.07 for the vowel CPPS, 7.62 for the CPPS numbers and 2.01 for the AVQI. CONCLUSION: Children with altered voices, have higher AVQI values and lower CPPS values, when detected in children with voices within the normal range. The acoustic measurements were related to the auditory perceptual judgment of vocal quality in the sustained vowel task, however, the number counting task was related only to the AVQI and CPPS. The cut-off points that differentiate children with and without vocal deviation are 14.07 for the CPPS vowel, 7.62 for the CPPS numbers and 2.01 for the AVQI. The three measures were similar in identifying voices without deviation and dysphonic voices.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as medidas acústicas de Cepstral Peak Prominence Smoothed (CPPS) e Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) de crianças com vozes normais e alteradas, relacionar com o julgamento perceptivo-auditivo (JPA) da voz e estabelecer pontos de corte. MÉTODO: Gravações vocais das tarefas de vogal sustentada e contagem de números de 185 crianças foram selecionadas em um banco de dados e submetidas a análise acústica com extração das medidas de CPPS e AVQI, e ao JPA. O JPA foi realizado individualmente para cada tarefa e as amostras foram classificadas posteriormente como normal ou alterada, e para as tarefas em conjunto definindo-se se a criança passaria ou falharia em uma situação de triagem vocal. RESULTADOS: Crianças com JPA alterado e que falharam na triagem apresentaram valores menores de CPPS e maiores de AVQI, do que as com JPA normal e que passaram na triagem. O JPA da tarefa de vogal sustentada se relacionou ao CPPS e AVQI, e da tarefa de contagem de números relacionou-se apenas ao AVQI e CPPS números. Os pontos de corte que diferenciam crianças com e sem desvio vocal são 14,07 para o CPPS vogal, 7,62 para o CPPS números e 2,01 para o AVQI. CONCLUSÃO: Crianças com JPA alterado apresentaram maiores valores de AVQI e menores valores de CPPs. O JPA da tarefa de vogal previu todas as medidas acústicas, porém, de contagem previu apenas as medidas extraídas dela. As três medidas foram semelhantes na identificação de vozes sem desvio e vozes disfônicas.

Immediate effect of inspiratory exercise with exerciser and respiratory encourager in women without vocal complaints. / Efeito imediato de exercício inspiratório com exercitador e incentivador respiratório em mulheres sem queixas vocais.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the immediate effect of the inspiratory exercise with a booster and a respiratory exerciser on the voice of women without vocal complaints. METHODS: 25 women with no vocal complaints, between 18 and 34 years old, with a score of 1 on the Vocal Disorder Screening Index (ITDV) participated. Data collection was performed before and after performing the inspiratory exercise and consisted of recording the sustained vowel /a/, connected speech and maximum phonatory times (MPT) of vowels, fricative phonemes and counting numbers. In the auditory-perceptual judgment, the Vocal Deviation Scale (VSD) was used to verify the general degree of vocal deviation. Acoustic evaluation was performed using the PRAAT software and the parameters fundamental frequency (f0), jitter, shimmer, harmonium-to-noise ratio (HNR), Cepstral Peak Prominence Smoothed (CPPS), Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) and Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI). To measure the aerodynamic measurements, the time of each emission was extracted in the Audacity program. Data were statistically analyzed using the Statistica for Windows software and normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. To compare the results, Student's and Wilcoxon's t tests were applied, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the results of the JPA and the acoustic measures, in the pre and post inspiratory exercise moments. As for the aerodynamic measures, it was possible to observe a significant increase in the value of the TMF /s/ (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: There was no change in vocal quality after the inspiratory exercise with stimulator and respiratory exerciser, but an increase in the MPT of the phoneme /s/ was observed after the exercise.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito imediato do exercício inspiratório com incentivador e exercitador respiratório na voz de mulheres sem queixas vocais. MÉTODO: Participaram 25 mulheres sem queixas vocais, entre 18 e 34 anos, com pontuação 1 no Índice de Triagem para Distúrbio Vocal (ITDV). A coleta de dados foi realizada nos momentos antes e após realização de exercício inspiratório e consistiu na gravação de vogal sustentada /a/, fala encadeada e tempos máximos fonatórios (TMF) de vogais, fonemas fricativos e contagem de números. No julgamento perceptivo-auditivo foi utilizada a Escala de Desvio Vocal (EDV) para verificar o grau geral do desvio vocal. Avaliação acústica foi feita no software PRAAT e foram extraídos os parâmetros frequência fundamental (f0), jitter, shimmer, proporção harmônico -ruído (HNR), Cepstral Peak Prominence Smoothed (CPPS), Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) e Acoustic Breathiness Index (ABI). Para mensuração das medidas aerodinâmicas, o tempo de emissão foi extraído no programa Audacity. Para comparar os resultados utilizou-se o teste paramétrico t de Student para amostras dependentes na análise das variáveis com distribuição normal e o teste de Wilcoxon para variáveis com distribuição não normal. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferenças entre os resultados do JPA e das medidas acústicas, nos momentos pré e pós exercício inspiratório. Quanto às medidas aerodinâmicas foi possível observar aumento significativo no valor do TMF /s/ (p=0,008). CONCLUSÃO: Não houve modificação na qualidade vocal após o exercício inspiratório com incentivador e exercitador respiratório, porém foi observado aumento do TMF do fonema /s/ após a realização do exercício.

Effects of Nandrolone Decanoate on Skeletal Muscle and Neuromuscular Junction of Sedentary and Exercised Rats.

Background and Objectives: Nandrolone decanoate (ND) is the most widely used among the anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), synthetic substances derived from testosterone, to improve muscular and health gains associated with exercises. The AAS leads to physical performance enhancement and presents anti-aging properties, but its abuse is associated with several adverse effects. Supraphysiological doses of AAS with or without physical exercise can cause morphological and functional alterations in neuromuscular interactions. This study aims to investigate the effects of ND supraphysiological doses in neuromuscular interactions, focusing on the soleus muscle and its neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in rats, associated or not with physical exercise. Materials and Methods: Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: sedentary and exercised groups, with or without ND at the dose of 10 mg/kg/week. The animals were treated for eight weeks, with intramuscular injections, and the soleus muscle was collected for morphological analyses. Results: The supraphysiological doses of ND in the sedentary group caused muscle degeneration, evidenced by splitting fibers, clusters of small fibers, irregular myofibrils, altered sarcomeres, an increase in collagen deposition and in the number of type I muscle fibers (slow-twitch) and central nuclei, as well as a decrease in fibers with peripheral nuclei. On the other hand, in the ND exercise group, there was an increase in the NMJs diameter with scattering of its acetylcholine receptors, although no major morphological changes were found in the skeletal muscle. Thus, the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats were partially reversed by physical exercise. Conclusions: The supraphysiological ND exposure in the sedentary rats promoted an increase in muscle oxidative pattern and adverse morphological alterations in skeletal muscle, resulting from damage or post-injury regeneration. In the ND-exercised rats, no major morphological changes were found. Thus, the physical exercise partially reversed the alterations caused by ND in sedentary rats.

Future teachers and the self-perception of vocal symptoms and knowledge about vocal health and hygiene. / Futuros professores e a autopercepção de sintomas vocais e conhecimento em saúde e higiene vocal.

PURPOSE: To analyze responses of future teachers regarding the self-perception of vocal symptoms and knowledge about vocal health and vocal hygiene, relating them to sociodemographic and occupational variables and previous knowledge about voice. METHODS: Observational, analytical and cross-sectional study. A total of 264 undergraduate students participated and the Vocal Health and Hygiene Questionnaire (QSHV), Vocal Symptoms Scale (ESV) and a questionnaire with sociodemographic, occupational and vocal questions were applied. Data were statistically analyzed considering a 5% significance level. RESULTS: QSHV of future teachers had a total mean score of 21.89, suggestive of lack of knowledge about vocal health and hygiene. The results of the ESV are above the instrument's cutoff score, in each of the three domains and in the total score, there was greater symptomatology in first-year students when compared to other students, in the emotional, limitation and total domains. There was a difference when comparing the QSHV with the year of graduation (p=0.001), in which third and fourth year students obtained higher scores. A positive correlation was observed between the total QSHV score and the age variable (p=0.019). CONCLUSION: Future teachers present important vocal symptomatology, compatible with dysphonic individuals, and have insufficient knowledge about vocal health and hygiene. Knowledge is even lower among students in the early undergraduate years and at a younger age. Older future teachers demonstrate more knowledge about vocal health and hygiene. It is necessary to propose preventive actions with this population, even during the graduation period, aiming to reduce the risks of developing vocal problems in the medium or long term during teaching.

OBJETIVO: Analisar respostas de futuros professores quanto à autopercepção de sintomas vocais e conhecimento sobre saúde vocal e higiene vocal, relacionando-os às variáveis sociodemográficas, ocupacionais e conhecimento prévio sobre voz. MÉTODO: Estudo observacional, analítico e transversal. Participaram 264 alunos de licenciatura, foram aplicados Questionário de Saúde e Higiene Vocal (QSHV), Escala de Sintomas Vocais (ESV) e questionário com perguntas sociodemográficas, ocupacionais e vocais. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente considerando nível de significância 5%. RESULTADOS: QSHV de futuros professores apresentou escore médio total de 21,89, sugestivo de conhecimento insuficiente sobre saúde e higiene vocal. Resultados da ESV estão acima da nota de corte do instrumento, nos três domínios e no escore total, observou-se maior sintomatologia em estudantes do primeiro ano quando comparados aos demais estudantes, nos domínios emocional, limitação e total. Houve diferença na comparação do QSHV com o ano da graduação (p=0,001), em que alunos dos terceiros e quartos anos obtiveram pontuações maiores. Observou-se correlação positiva entre escore total do QSHV e variável idade (p=0,019). CONCLUSÃO: Futuros professores apresentam sintomatologia vocal importante, compatível aos indivíduos disfônicos, e possuem conhecimento insuficiente sobre saúde e higiene vocal. O conhecimento é ainda menor em alunos dos anos de graduação iniciais e com menor idade. Futuros professores com mais idade demonstram ter mais conhecimento sobre saúde e higiene vocal. Faz-se necessária a proposição de ações preventivas à essa população, ainda no período da graduação, visando à diminuição dos riscos ao desenvolvimento de problemas vocais em médio ou longo prazo durante a docência.

Aspectos oromiofuncionais e fatores associados à autopercepção sobre a qualidade do sono em indivíduos com queixa de ronco / Oromyofunctional aspects and factors associated with self-perception of sleep quality in individuals with snoring complaints / Aspectos oromiofuncionales y factores asociados a la autopercepción de la calidad del sueño en individuos con quejas de ronquidos

Introdução: O sono é uma função vital e essencial para a sobrevivência humana e tem por objetivo favorecer o reparo corporal e mental. Objetivo: Investigar os fatores associados à autopercepção sobre a qualidade do sono, bem como possíveis alterações das estruturas orofaciais e funções estomatognáticas em indivíduos com queixa de ronco. Material e Método: Trata-se de estudo observacional, analítico e transversal, realizado com 30 indivíduos adultos com queixa de ronco durante o sono, com idade média de 45 anos e 5 meses. Para a avaliação de motricidade oromiofuncional foi utilizado o protocolo AMIOFE. Foram aplicados questionários para investigação do ronco e qualidade de sono dos participantes: Questionário de Berlin, Escala de Sonolência de Epworth e Questionário de qualidade de sono de Pittsburgh. Resultados: Os resultados do questionário de Pittsburgh indicaram disfunção na qualidade do sono em 66,67% dos participantes. A sonolência diurna foi evidenciada em 33,33%, por meio da Escala de Epworth. 60% dos participantes apresentaram alto risco para AOS, por meio dos escores obtidos no instrumento de Berlin. Indivíduos que não praticam exercício físico e com posição habitual de língua no assoalho bucal apresentaram maiores escores no questionário de Berlin. Houve correlação positiva estatisticamente significante e moderada entre as variáveis Índice de massa corporal (IMC) e os escores do Questionário de Berlin. Conclusão: Indivíduos com queixa de ronco apresentam dificuldades relacionadas à qualidade do sono. A autopercepção negativa de qualidade do sono teve relação com dados de motricidade orofacial, hábitos alimentares, composição corporal e hábitos de estilo de vida. (AU)

Introduction: Sleep is a vital and essential function for human survival and aims to promote bodily and mental repair. Objective: To investigate factors associated with self-perception of sleep quality, as well as possible alterations in orofacial structures and stomatognathic functions in individuals with snoring complaints. Material and Method: Observational, analytical and cross-sectional study, conducted with 30 adult individuals complaining of snoring during sleep, with a mean age of 45 years and 5 months. For the evaluation of orofacial myofunctional motricity, the (AMIOFE) was used. Questionnaires were applied to investigate the snoring and sleep quality of the participants: Berlin Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire. Results: The Pittsburgh questionnaire results indicated sleep quality dysfunction in 66.67% of participants. Daytime sleepiness was evidenced in 33.33%, using the Epworth Scale. 60% of the participants presented high risk for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA), through the scores obtained in the Berlin questionnaire. Individuals who do not practice physical exercise and with usual tongue position on the oral floor presented higher scores in the Berlin questionnaire. There was a statistically significant and moderate positive correlation between the variables Body Mass Index (BMI) and the Berlin questionnaire scores. Conclusion: Individuals complaining of snoring self-reported difficulties related to sleep quality. The sleep quality difficulties self-reported were related to data on orofacial motricity, eating habits, body composition and lifestyle habits. (AU)

Introducción: El sueño es uma función vital y essencial para la supervivência human, tien como objetivo promover la reparación corporal y mental. Objetivo: Investigar los factores asociados con la autopercepción de la calidad del sueño, así como posibles alteraciones en las estructuras orofaciales y funciones estomatognáticas en individuos con quejas de ronquidos. Metodo: Se trata de estudio observacional, analítico, transversal, realizado con 30 individuos adultos con queja de ronquidos durante el sueño y edad media de 45 años y 5 meses. Para la evaluación de la motricidad oromiofuncional se utilizó el protocolo (AMIOFE/OMES). Se aplicaron cuestionarios para investigar el ronquido y la calidad de sueño de los participantes: Cuestionario de Berlín; Escala de Somnolencia de Epworth; Cuestionario de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh. Resultados: Los resultados del cuestionario de Pittsburgh indicaron disfunción en la calidad del sueño en 66,67%. La Escala de Epworth evidenció somnolencia diurna en 33,33%. El 60% presentaron alto riesgo de AOS, conforme las puntuaciones obtenidas en el instrumento de Berlín. Los que no practican ejercicio físico y que tienen la posición habitual de la lengua en el piso de la boca obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas en el cuestionario de Berlín. Hubo correlación positiva estadísticamente significativa y moderada entre las variables del IMC y las puntuaciones del Cuestionario de Berlín. Conclusión: Individuos con quejas de ronquidos refieren dificultades relacionadas con la calidad del sueño. Las dificultades estuvieron relacionadas con datos de motricidad orofacial, hábitos alimentarios, composición corporal y los hábitos de estilo de vida. (AU)

Acoustic measurements of CPPS and AVQI pre and post speech therapy. / Medidas acústicas de CPPS e AVQI pré e pós terapia fonoaudiológica.

PURPOSE: To compare the acoustic measurements of Cepstral Peak Prominence-Smoothed (CPPS) and Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) at pre- and post-voice therapy times. METHODS: This is a before and after intervention study, with retrospective data collection. Twenty-two subjects with a mean age of 49.9 years participated in the study. The vocal therapy occurred between the years 2016 to 2019 in a teaching clinic, and the subjects had vocal samples collected before and after the therapeutic processes. CPPS and AVQI data extractions were performed during pre- and post-therapy. In order to characterize the sample, auditory-perceptual evaluation (APE) regarding the overall degree of vocal deviation at pre- and post-therapy moments was performed. The data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The APE data indicated a decrease in the median values of overall vocal deviation degree at the post-therapy stage for both the vowel (p=0.00) and number (p=0.00) samples. The average CPPS for the vowel was 14.53 pre-therapy and 16.37 post-therapy (p=0.01); for the number emission, it was 8.22 pre-therapy and 9.06 post-therapy (p=0.02), there was a difference in the CPPS of the vowel and numbers indicating vocal improvement at post-therapy. The average AVQI was 2.27 pre-therapy and 1.54 post-therapy (p=0.05). There was an improvement in the AVQI results, with borderline p-value. CONCLUSION: Vocal therapy produced changes in the general degree of vocal deviation, as well as in CPPS and AVQI measurements, and the results at the post-therapy moment are similar to those of vocally healthy individuals.

OBJETIVO: Comparar as medidas acústicas de Proeminência do Pico Cepstral Suavizado (CPPS) e Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) nos momentos pré e pós-terapia Vocal. MÉTODO: Trata-se de estudo de intervenção antes e após, com coleta de dados retrospectiva. Participaram do estudo 22 sujeitos com média de idade de 49,9 anos. A terapia vocal ocorreu entre os anos de 2016 a 2019 em uma clínica-escola, sendo que antes e após os processos terapêuticos, os sujeitos tiveram amostras vocais coletadas. Foram realizadas as extrações dos dados de CPPS e AVQI nos momentos pré e pós-terapia. A fim de caracterizar a amostra, foi realizado julgamento perceptivo-auditivo (JPA) referente ao grau geral do desvio vocal nos momentos pré e pós-terapia. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente. RESULTADOS: Os dados do JPA indicaram diminuição nos valores medianos de grau geral do desvio vocal no momento pós-terapia, tanto para a amostra de vogal (p=0,00) quanto de números (p=0,00). A média do CPPS para a vogal foi de 14,53 pré-terapia e 16,37 pós-terapia (p= 0,01) e na emissão dos números foi de 8,22 pré-terapia e 9,06 pós-terapia (p=0,02), houve diferença no CPPS da vogal e dos números indicando melhora vocal pós-terapia. A média do AVQI foi de 2,27 pré-terapia e 1,54 pós-terapia (p= 0,05), houve melhora nos resultados do AVQI, com valor de p limítrofe. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia vocal produziu modificações no grau geral do desvio vocal e nas medidas de CPPS e AVQI, sendo que no momento pós terapia os resultados são semelhantes aos apresentados por indivíduos vocalmente saudáveis.

Sex differences in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and its roles in hypertension, cardiovascular, and kidney diseases.

Cardiovascular disease is a pathology that exhibits well-researched biological sex differences, making it possible for physicians to tailor preventative and therapeutic approaches for various diseases. Hypertension, which is defined as blood pressure greater than 130/80 mmHg, is the primary risk factor for developing coronary artery disease, stroke, and renal failure. Approximately 48% of American men and 43% of American women suffer from hypertension. Epidemiological data suggests that during reproductive years, women have much lower rates of hypertension than men. However, this protective effect disappears after the onset of menopause. Treatment-resistant hypertension affects approximately 10.3 million US adults and is unable to be controlled even after implementing ≥3 antihypertensives with complementary mechanisms. This indicates that other mechanisms responsible for modulating blood pressure are still unclear. Understanding the differences in genetic and hormonal mechanisms that lead to hypertension would allow for sex-specific treatment and an opportunity to improve patient outcomes. Therefore, this invited review will review and discuss recent advances in studying the sex-specific physiological mechanisms that affect the renin-angiotensin system and contribute to blood pressure control. It will also discuss research on sex differences in hypertension management, treatment, and outcomes.

Neuroregeneration and immune response after neurorrhaphy are improved with the use of heterologous fibrin biopolymer in addition to suture repair alone.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: Peripheral nerve injuries result in impaired neuromuscular interactions, leading to morphological and functional alterations. Adjuvant suture repair methods have been used to improve nerve regeneration and modulate the immune response. Heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB), a scaffold with adhesive properties, plays a critical role in tissue repair. The aim of this study is to evaluate neuroregeneration and immune response focusing on neuromuscular recovery, using suture-associated HFB for sciatic nerve repair. METHODS: Forty adult male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups (n = 10): C (control), only sciatic nerve location; D (denervated), neurotmesis and 6-mm gap removal and fixation stumps in subcutaneous tissue; S (suture), neurotmesis followed by suture; and SB (suture + HFB), neurotmesis followed by suture and HFB. Analysis of M2 macrophages (CD206+ ), as well as the morphology and morphometry of nerves, soleus muscle, and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), were performed at 7 and 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: The SB group had the highest M2 macrophage area in both periods. After 7 days, SB was the only group similar to the C group regarding the number of axons; furthermore, after 30 days, the SB group was closer to the C group concerning blood vessel and central myonuclear numbers, NMJ angle, and connective tissue volume. After 7 days, increases in nerve area, as well as the number and area of blood vessels, were also observed in SB. DISCUSSION: HFB potentiates the immune response, increases axonal regeneration, induces angiogenesis, prevents severe muscle degeneration, and assists in NMJ recovery. In conclusion, suture-associated HFB has major implications for improved peripheral nerve repair.

Auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice: comparing different speech tasks to identify children with and without laryngeal lesions. / Avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da voz: comparação de diferentes tarefas de fala na identificação de crianças com e sem lesões laríngeas.

PURPOSE: To compare the vowel emission and number counting tasks in perceptual-auditory differentiation among children with and without laryngeal lesions. METHODS: Observational, analytical, and cross-sectional methods were used. Medical records of 44 children were selected from a database of an otorhinolaryngology service at a University Hospital and they were divided into groups: without laryngeal lesion (WOLL), and with laryngeal lesion (WLL), with 33 and 11 children. For the auditory-perceptual evaluation, the vocal samples were separated according to the type of task. They were analyzed separately by a judge who analyzed the general degree of vocal deviation and assessed whether the child would pass or fail in the face of a screening situation. RESULTS: There was a difference between the WOLL and WLL groups in terms of the overall degree of vocal deviation for the task of number counting, with a predominance of mild deviations in WOLL and moderate in WLL. In the screening, there was a difference between the groups during the number counting task, with more failures in the WLL. The groups were similar in the sustained vowel task, both in terms of the overall degree of vocal deviation and the vocal screening. Most children in the WLL failed in both tasks during vocal screening compared to the children in the WOLL who, in general, failed in only one task. CONCLUSION: The task of number counting contributes to the auditory differentiation in children with and without laryngeal lesion, by identifying deviations of greater intensity in children with laryngeal lesion.

OBJETIVO: comparar as tarefas de emissão de vogal e de contagem de números na diferenciação perceptivo-auditiva de crianças com e sem lesão laríngea. MÉTODO: Estudo observacional, analítico, transversal. Utilizou-se banco de dados de uma pesquisa de doutorado, com resultados de avaliações laringológicas e gravação de amostras vocais de 44 crianças que se dividiram em: Grupo sem lesão laríngea (GSLL), com 33 crianças; e grupo com lesão laríngea (GCLL), com 11 crianças. Para a avaliação perceptivo-auditiva, as amostras vocais foram separadas de acordo com o tipo de tarefa e analisadas separadamente por uma juíza, que analisou o grau geral do desvio vocal e informou se, diante de uma situação de triagem, a criança passaria ou falharia. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença entre os grupos GSLL e GCLL quanto ao grau geral do desvio vocal para tarefa de emissão de números, com predomínio de desvios discretos no GSLL e moderados no GCLL. Quanto à triagem, houve diferença entre os grupos para a tarefa de contagem, com mais falhas no GCLL. Os grupos foram semelhantes na tarefa de vogal, tanto no que se refere à intensidade do desvio quanto ao resultado da triagem. A maior parte das crianças do GCLL falhou em ambas as tarefas na situação de triagem vocal, com diferença em relação às crianças do GSLL que, em geral, falharam em apenas uma tarefa. CONCLUSÃO: A tarefa de contagem de números contribui para a diferenciação auditiva de crianças com e sem lesão laríngea, por identificar desvios de maior intensidade em crianças com lesão.

Acetylcholine receptors of the neuromuscular junctions present normal distribution after peripheral nerve injury and repair through nerve guidance associated with fibrin biopolymer.

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) lead to alterations in the Agrin-LRP4-MuSK pathway. This results in disaggregation of AChRs and change from epsilon (mature, innervated) to gamma (immature, denervated) subunit. Tubulization technique has been shown to be effective for PNI repair and it also allows the use of adjuvants, such as fibrin biopolymer (FB). This study evaluated the effect of the association of tubulization with FB after PNI on AChRs and associated proteins. Fifty-two adults male Wistar rats were used, distributed in 4 experimental groups: Sham Control (S), Denervated Control (D); Tubulization (TB) and Tubulization + Fibrin Biopolymer (TB+FB). Catwalk was performed every 15 days. Ninety days after surgery the right soleus muscles and ischiatic nerves were submitted to the following analyses: (a) morphological and morphometric analysis of AChRs by confocal microscopy; (b) morphological and morphometric analysis of the ischiatic nerve; (c) protein quantification of AChRs: alpha, gama, and epsilon, of Schwann cells, agrin, LRP4, MuSK, rapsyn, MMP3, MyoD, myogenin, MURF1 and atrogin-1. The main results were about the NMJs that in the TB+FB group presented morphological and morphometric approximation (compactness index; area of the AChRs and motor plate) to the S group. In addition, there were also an increase of S100 and AChRε protein expression and a decrease of MyoD. These positive association resulted in AChRs stabilization that potentiate the neuromuscular regeneration, which strengthens the use of TB for severe injuries repair and the beneficial effect of FB, along with tubulization technique.

Avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da voz: comparação de diferentes tarefas de fala na identificação de crianças com e sem lesões laríngeas / Auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice: comparing different speech tasks to identify children with and without laryngeal lesions

RESUMO Objetivo comparar as tarefas de emissão de vogal e de contagem de números na diferenciação perceptivo-auditiva de crianças com e sem lesão laríngea. Método Estudo observacional, analítico, transversal. Utilizou-se banco de dados de uma pesquisa de doutorado, com resultados de avaliações laringológicas e gravação de amostras vocais de 44 crianças que se dividiram em: Grupo sem lesão laríngea (GSLL), com 33 crianças; e grupo com lesão laríngea (GCLL), com 11 crianças. Para a avaliação perceptivo-auditiva, as amostras vocais foram separadas de acordo com o tipo de tarefa e analisadas separadamente por uma juíza, que analisou o grau geral do desvio vocal e informou se, diante de uma situação de triagem, a criança passaria ou falharia. Resultados Houve diferença entre os grupos GSLL e GCLL quanto ao grau geral do desvio vocal para tarefa de emissão de números, com predomínio de desvios discretos no GSLL e moderados no GCLL. Quanto à triagem, houve diferença entre os grupos para a tarefa de contagem, com mais falhas no GCLL. Os grupos foram semelhantes na tarefa de vogal, tanto no que se refere à intensidade do desvio quanto ao resultado da triagem. A maior parte das crianças do GCLL falhou em ambas as tarefas na situação de triagem vocal, com diferença em relação às crianças do GSLL que, em geral, falharam em apenas uma tarefa. Conclusão A tarefa de contagem de números contribui para a diferenciação auditiva de crianças com e sem lesão laríngea, por identificar desvios de maior intensidade em crianças com lesão.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the vowel emission and number counting tasks in perceptual-auditory differentiation among children with and without laryngeal lesions. Methods Observational, analytical, and cross-sectional methods were used. Medical records of 44 children were selected from a database of an otorhinolaryngology service at a University Hospital and they were divided into groups: without laryngeal lesion (WOLL), and with laryngeal lesion (WLL), with 33 and 11 children. For the auditory-perceptual evaluation, the vocal samples were separated according to the type of task. They were analyzed separately by a judge who analyzed the general degree of vocal deviation and assessed whether the child would pass or fail in the face of a screening situation. Results There was a difference between the WOLL and WLL groups in terms of the overall degree of vocal deviation for the task of number counting, with a predominance of mild deviations in WOLL and moderate in WLL. In the screening, there was a difference between the groups during the number counting task, with more failures in the WLL. The groups were similar in the sustained vowel task, both in terms of the overall degree of vocal deviation and the vocal screening. Most children in the WLL failed in both tasks during vocal screening compared to the children in the WOLL who, in general, failed in only one task. Conclusion The task of number counting contributes to the auditory differentiation in children with and without laryngeal lesion, by identifying deviations of greater intensity in children with laryngeal lesion.

Futuros professores e a autopercepção de sintomas vocais e conhecimento em saúde e higiene vocal / Future teachers and the self-perception of vocal symptoms and knowledge about vocal health and hygiene

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar respostas de futuros professores quanto à autopercepção de sintomas vocais e conhecimento sobre saúde vocal e higiene vocal, relacionando-os às variáveis sociodemográficas, ocupacionais e conhecimento prévio sobre voz. Método Estudo observacional, analítico e transversal. Participaram 264 alunos de licenciatura, foram aplicados Questionário de Saúde e Higiene Vocal (QSHV), Escala de Sintomas Vocais (ESV) e questionário com perguntas sociodemográficas, ocupacionais e vocais. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente considerando nível de significância 5%. Resultados QSHV de futuros professores apresentou escore médio total de 21,89, sugestivo de conhecimento insuficiente sobre saúde e higiene vocal. Resultados da ESV estão acima da nota de corte do instrumento, nos três domínios e no escore total, observou-se maior sintomatologia em estudantes do primeiro ano quando comparados aos demais estudantes, nos domínios emocional, limitação e total. Houve diferença na comparação do QSHV com o ano da graduação (p=0,001), em que alunos dos terceiros e quartos anos obtiveram pontuações maiores. Observou-se correlação positiva entre escore total do QSHV e variável idade (p=0,019). Conclusão Futuros professores apresentam sintomatologia vocal importante, compatível aos indivíduos disfônicos, e possuem conhecimento insuficiente sobre saúde e higiene vocal. O conhecimento é ainda menor em alunos dos anos de graduação iniciais e com menor idade. Futuros professores com mais idade demonstram ter mais conhecimento sobre saúde e higiene vocal. Faz-se necessária a proposição de ações preventivas à essa população, ainda no período da graduação, visando à diminuição dos riscos ao desenvolvimento de problemas vocais em médio ou longo prazo durante a docência.

ABSTRACT Purpose To analyze responses of future teachers regarding the self-perception of vocal symptoms and knowledge about vocal health and vocal hygiene, relating them to sociodemographic and occupational variables and previous knowledge about voice. Methods Observational, analytical and cross-sectional study. A total of 264 undergraduate students participated and the Vocal Health and Hygiene Questionnaire (QSHV), Vocal Symptoms Scale (ESV) and a questionnaire with sociodemographic, occupational and vocal questions were applied. Data were statistically analyzed considering a 5% significance level. Results QSHV of future teachers had a total mean score of 21.89, suggestive of lack of knowledge about vocal health and hygiene. The results of the ESV are above the instrument's cutoff score, in each of the three domains and in the total score, there was greater symptomatology in first-year students when compared to other students, in the emotional, limitation and total domains. There was a difference when comparing the QSHV with the year of graduation (p=0.001), in which third and fourth year students obtained higher scores. A positive correlation was observed between the total QSHV score and the age variable (p=0.019). Conclusion Future teachers present important vocal symptomatology, compatible with dysphonic individuals, and have insufficient knowledge about vocal health and hygiene. Knowledge is even lower among students in the early undergraduate years and at a younger age. Older future teachers demonstrate more knowledge about vocal health and hygiene. It is necessary to propose preventive actions with this population, even during the graduation period, aiming to reduce the risks of developing vocal problems in the medium or long term during teaching.

Medidas acústicas de CPPS e AVQI pré e pós terapia fonoaudiológica / Acoustic measurements of CPPS and AVQI pre and post speech therapy

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar as medidas acústicas de Proeminência do Pico Cepstral Suavizado (CPPS) e Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) nos momentos pré e pós-terapia Vocal. Método Trata-se de estudo de intervenção antes e após, com coleta de dados retrospectiva. Participaram do estudo 22 sujeitos com média de idade de 49,9 anos. A terapia vocal ocorreu entre os anos de 2016 a 2019 em uma clínica-escola, sendo que antes e após os processos terapêuticos, os sujeitos tiveram amostras vocais coletadas. Foram realizadas as extrações dos dados de CPPS e AVQI nos momentos pré e pós-terapia. A fim de caracterizar a amostra, foi realizado julgamento perceptivo-auditivo (JPA) referente ao grau geral do desvio vocal nos momentos pré e pós-terapia. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente. Resultados Os dados do JPA indicaram diminuição nos valores medianos de grau geral do desvio vocal no momento pós-terapia, tanto para a amostra de vogal (p=0,00) quanto de números (p=0,00). A média do CPPS para a vogal foi de 14,53 pré-terapia e 16,37 pós-terapia (p= 0,01) e na emissão dos números foi de 8,22 pré-terapia e 9,06 pós-terapia (p=0,02), houve diferença no CPPS da vogal e dos números indicando melhora vocal pós-terapia. A média do AVQI foi de 2,27 pré-terapia e 1,54 pós-terapia (p= 0,05), houve melhora nos resultados do AVQI, com valor de p limítrofe. Conclusão A terapia vocal produziu modificações no grau geral do desvio vocal e nas medidas de CPPS e AVQI, sendo que no momento pós terapia os resultados são semelhantes aos apresentados por indivíduos vocalmente saudáveis.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the acoustic measurements of Cepstral Peak Prominence-Smoothed (CPPS) and Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) at pre- and post-voice therapy times. Methods This is a before and after intervention study, with retrospective data collection. Twenty-two subjects with a mean age of 49.9 years participated in the study. The vocal therapy occurred between the years 2016 to 2019 in a teaching clinic, and the subjects had vocal samples collected before and after the therapeutic processes. CPPS and AVQI data extractions were performed during pre- and post-therapy. In order to characterize the sample, auditory-perceptual evaluation (APE) regarding the overall degree of vocal deviation at pre- and post-therapy moments was performed. The data were analyzed statistically. Results The APE data indicated a decrease in the median values of overall vocal deviation degree at the post-therapy stage for both the vowel (p=0.00) and number (p=0.00) samples. The average CPPS for the vowel was 14.53 pre-therapy and 16.37 post-therapy (p=0.01); for the number emission, it was 8.22 pre-therapy and 9.06 post-therapy (p=0.02), there was a difference in the CPPS of the vowel and numbers indicating vocal improvement at post-therapy. The average AVQI was 2.27 pre-therapy and 1.54 post-therapy (p=0.05). There was an improvement in the AVQI results, with borderline p-value. Conclusion Vocal therapy produced changes in the general degree of vocal deviation, as well as in CPPS and AVQI measurements, and the results at the post-therapy moment are similar to those of vocally healthy individuals.

Genetic Deletion of AT1a Receptor or Na+/H+ Exchanger 3 Selectively in the Proximal Tubules of the Kidney Attenuates Two-Kidney, One-Clip Goldblatt Hypertension in Mice.

The roles of angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1 (AT1a) receptors and its downstream target Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) in the proximal tubules in the development of two-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) Goldblatt hypertension have not been investigated previously. The present study tested the hypothesis that deletion of the AT1a receptor or NHE3 selectively in the proximal tubules of the kidney attenuates the development of 2K1C hypertension using novel mouse models with proximal tubule-specific deletion of AT1a receptors or NHE3. 2K1C Goldblatt hypertension was induced by placing a silver clip (0.12 mm) on the left renal artery for 4 weeks in adult male wild-type (WT), global Agtr1a−/−, proximal tubule (PT)-specific PT-Agtr1a−/− or PT-Nhe3−/− mice, respectively. As expected, telemetry blood pressure increased in a time-dependent manner in WT mice, reaching a maximal response by Week 3 (p < 0.01). 2K1C hypertension in WT mice was associated with increases in renin expression in the clipped kidney and decreases in the nonclipped kidney (p < 0.05). Plasma and kidney Ang II were significantly increased in WT mice with 2K1C hypertension (p < 0.05). Tubulointerstitial fibrotic responses were significantly increased in the clipped kidney (p < 0.01). Whole-body deletion of AT1a receptors completely blocked the development of 2K1C hypertension in Agtr1a−/− mice (p < 0.01 vs. WT). Likewise, proximal tubule-specific deletion of Agtr1a in PT-Agtr1a−/− mice or NHE3 in PT-Nhe3−/− mice also blocked the development of 2K1C hypertension (p < 0.01 vs. WT). Taken together, the present study provides new evidence for a critical role of proximal tubule Ang II/AT1 (AT1a)/NHE3 axis in the development of 2K1C Goldblatt hypertension.

Aberrant paracrine signalling for bone remodelling underlies the mutant histone-driven giant cell tumour of bone.

Oncohistones represent compelling evidence for a causative role of epigenetic perturbations in cancer. Giant cell tumours of bone (GCTs) are characterised by a mutated histone H3.3 as the sole genetic driver present in bone-forming osteoprogenitor cells but absent from abnormally large bone-resorbing osteoclasts which represent the hallmark of these neoplasms. While these striking features imply a pathogenic interaction between mesenchymal and myelomonocytic lineages during GCT development, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We show that the changes in the transcriptome and epigenome in the mesenchymal cells caused by the H3.3-G34W mutation contribute to increase osteoclast recruitment in part via reduced expression of the TGFß-like soluble factor, SCUBE3. Transcriptional changes in SCUBE3 are associated with altered histone marks and H3.3G34W enrichment at its enhancer regions. In turn, osteoclasts secrete unregulated amounts of SEMA4D which enhances proliferation of mutated osteoprogenitors arresting their maturation. These findings provide a mechanism by which GCTs undergo differentiation in response to denosumab, a drug that depletes the tumour of osteoclasts. In contrast, hTERT alterations, commonly found in malignant GCT, result in the histone-mutated neoplastic cells being independent of osteoclasts for their proliferation, predicting unresponsiveness to denosumab. We provide a mechanism for the initiation of GCT, the basis of which is dysfunctional cross-talk between bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells. The findings highlight the role of tumour/microenvironment bidirectional interactions in tumorigenesis and how this is exploited in the treatment of GCT.

The Na+/H+ Exchanger 3 in the Intestines and the Proximal Tubule of the Kidney: Localization, Physiological Function, and Key Roles in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension.

The sodium (Na+)/hydrogen (H+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) is one of the most important Na+/H+ antiporters in the small intestines of the gastrointestinal tract and the proximal tubules of the kidney. The roles of NHE3 in the regulation of intracellular pH and acid-base balance have been well established in cellular physiology using in vitro techniques. Localized primarily on the apical membranes in small intestines and proximal tubules, the key action of NHE3 is to facilitate the entry of luminal Na+ and the extrusion of intracellular H+ from intestinal and proximal tubule tubular epithelial cells. NHE3 is, directly and indirectly, responsible for absorbing the majority of ingested Na+ from small and large intestines and reabsorbing >50% of filtered Na+ in the proximal tubules of the kidney. However, the roles of NHE3 in the regulation of proximal tubular Na+ transport in the integrative physiological settings and its contributions to the basal blood pressure regulation and angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension have not been well studied previously due to the lack of suitable animal models. Recently, novel genetically modified mouse models with whole-body, kidney-specific, or proximal tubule-specific deletion of NHE3 have been generated by us and others to determine the critical roles and underlying mechanisms of NHE3 in maintaining basal body salt and fluid balance, blood pressure homeostasis, and the development of Ang II-induced hypertension at the whole-body, kidney, or proximal tubule levels. The objective of this invited article is to review, update, and discuss recent findings on the critical roles of intestinal and proximal tubule NHE3 in maintaining basal blood pressure homeostasis and their potential therapeutic implications in the development of angiotensin II (Ang II)-dependent hypertension.

Profile and Migration of Members of Residency Programs in Family Medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sociodemographic profile and analyze the migratory characteristics of the members of the Residency Programs in Family Medicine in 2020 in Brazil. METHODS: The study follows a cross-sectional observational design of a quantitative nature from the perspective of the members of the Residency Programs in Family Medicine. Questionnaires adapted for each participating group were developed, applied through an online platform. RESULTS: Most participants are female and white. Most supervisors and preceptors were residents of Residency Programs in Family Medicine, however, there are some who are not specialists in the field. Most participants are based in capitals or metropolitan regions. In relation to retention, 41.1% of supervisors and 73.1% of preceptors are affiliated to a program in the same municipality where they lived. For most resident physicians, the place of residence coincides with the place of birth and/or graduation (57.4%), and 48.5% are in the same place of graduation. CONCLUSIONS: The research reinforces the need for policies to promote the migration of residents to Residency Programs in Family Medicine outside capital cities and metropolitan regions, as well as encouraging the retention of graduates trained outside large urban centers so that they can contribute to distribution and provision of doctors where they are still needed.

Angiotensin II and AT1a Receptors in the Proximal Tubules of the Kidney: New Roles in Blood Pressure Control and Hypertension.

Contrary to public perception, hypertension remains one of the most important public health problems in the United States, affecting 46% of adults with increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney diseases. The mechanisms underlying poorly controlled hypertension remain incompletely understood. Recent development in the Cre/LoxP approach to study gain or loss of function of a particular gene has significantly helped advance our new insights into the role of proximal tubule angiotensin II (Ang II) and its AT1 (AT1a) receptors in basal blood pressure control and the development of Ang II-induced hypertension. This novel approach has provided us and others with an important tool to generate novel mouse models with proximal tubule-specific loss (deletion) or gain of the function (overexpression). The objective of this invited review article is to review and discuss recent findings using novel genetically modifying proximal tubule-specific mouse models. These new studies have consistently demonstrated that deletion of AT1 (AT1a) receptors or its direct downstream target Na+/H+ exchanger 3 (NHE3) selectively in the proximal tubules of the kidney lowers basal blood pressure, increases the pressure-natriuresis response, and induces natriuretic responses, whereas overexpression of an intracellular Ang II fusion protein or AT1 (AT1a) receptors selectively in the proximal tubules increases proximal tubule Na+ reabsorption, impairs the pressure-natriuresis response, and elevates blood pressure. Furthermore, the development of Ang II-induced hypertension by systemic Ang II infusion or by proximal tubule-specific overexpression of an intracellular Ang II fusion protein was attenuated in mutant mice with proximal tubule-specific deletion of AT1 (AT1a) receptors or NHE3. Thus, these recent studies provide evidence for and new insights into the important roles of intratubular Ang II via AT1 (AT1a) receptors and NHE3 in the proximal tubules in maintaining basal blood pressure homeostasis and the development of Ang II-induced hypertension.

Vocal Characteristics of Children With Short Stature Before and After Growth Hormone Treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the vocal characteristics of children with short stature before and 12 months after growth hormone treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This analytical, observational cohort study included 23 children (age 5-11 years) diagnosed with short stature. Children in the short stature group (SSG) were matched (1:1) for age and sex with children with normal growth (normal stature group; NSG). Participants in the SSG underwent assessments before and 12 months after growth hormone treatment, while those in the NSG underwent the same assessments at baseline and 12 months. The assessments included evaluation of (A) vocal characteristics (history, vocal self-assessment, auditory-perceptual evaluation, and acoustic analysis), (B) anthropometry, (C) bone age, and (D) measurement of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. RESULTS: Children in the SSG had more vocal complaints (P = 0.026) than those in the NSG. The groups were similar in terms of vocal self-assessment and auditory-perceptual evaluation (P = nonsignificant). Results of acoustic analysis were also similar for fundamental frequency (F 0) and perturbation measures (P for both = nonsignificant). F 0 and speech frequency decreased significantly at 12 months in both groups. F1 values were higher at 12 months in the NSG, while F2 values were significantly higher in the baseline evaluation in boys in the SSG. Children in the SSG compared with those in the NSG presented a greater increase in height measurements at 12 months, although the anthropometric means were lower in both evaluations (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Vocal characteristics in children with short stature before and after treatment with growth hormone are comparable to those in children with normal growth.

Effect of Wearing a Face Mask on Vocal Self-Perception during a Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the vocal self-perception of individuals who wore face masks for essential activities and those who wore them for professional and essential activities during the coronavirus disease pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. The study included 468 individuals who were stratified into two groups: the Working Group, comprising individuals who wore face masks for professional and essential activities during the pandemic; and the Essential Activities Group, with individuals who wore face masks only for essential activities during the pandemic. The outcome measures tested were self-perception of vocal fatigue, vocal tract discomfort, vocal effort, speech intelligibility, auditory feedback, and coordination between speech and breathing. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. RESULTS: Face masks increased the perception of vocal effort, difficulty in speech intelligibility, auditory feedback, and difficulty in coordinating speech and breathing, irrespective of usage. Individuals who wore face masks for professional and essential activities had a greater perception of symptoms of vocal fatigue and discomfort, vocal effort, difficulties in speech intelligibility, and in coordinating speech and breathing. CONCLUSION: Use of face masks increases the perception of vocal symptoms and discomfort, especially in individuals who wore it for professional and essential activities.