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Abstract The impact of N221S mutation in hRRM2B gene, which encodes the small subunit of human ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), on RNR activity and the pathogenesis of mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDDS) was investigated. Our results demonstrate that N221 mutations significantly reduce RNR activity, suggesting its role in the development of MDDS. We proposed an allosteric regulation pathway involving a chain of three phenylalanine residues on the αE helix of RNR small subunit β. This pathway connects the C-terminal loop of β2, transfers the activation signal from the large catalytic subunit α to β active site, and controls access of oxygen for radical generation. N221 is near this pathway and likely plays a role in regulating RNR activity. Mutagenesis studies on residues involved in the phenylalanine chain and the regulation pathway were conducted to confirm our proposed mechanism. We also performed molecular dynamic simulation and protein contact network analysis to support our findings. This study sheds new light on RNR small subunit regulation and provides insight on the pathogenesis of MDDS.

Quails are a valuable type of poultry, as their eggs and meat have high nutritional value. Moreover, quails are distinguished by early sexual maturity, high egg production and small body size. These unique characteristics make them an attractive object for breeding and scientific research. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of feed with extruded components and phytobiotics on the meat productivity and blood biochemistry of Texas quails. The methodology involved dividing 200 quails into experimental and control groups, feeding them different diets over a 60-day period, and analysing their growth performance, meat yield, and biochemical blood parameters using statistical analysis tools. As a result of the research, it was revealed that feed produced according to the developed recipe has a positive effect on the weight gain of quails. In the experimental group (EG), the absolute increase was 313.7 ± 4.34 g, in the control group (CG) – 275.9 ± 2.89 g (not significant difference, P > 0.05). Furthermore, the feed with extruded components and phytobiotics led to improved feed conversion ratio in the EG compared to the control. The birds in the EG also demonstrated higher carcass weight and yield. The experimental diet also appeared to have a positive influence on the immune status of the quails. The results demonstrate the potential benefits of incorporating extruded components and phytobiotics into quail feed to improve growth performance and maintain healthy physiological parameters. Evaluating the biochemical blood test results, it can be indicated that no significant changes in the blood composition were detected, which may indicate the absence of a negative effect of the developed feed on the body of birds. The results obtained may be of practical importance for developing optimal diets for meat quails and improving the quality and safety of their products

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has prompted global research efforts to reduce infection impact, highlighting the potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance research quality and efficiency.MethodsAt the FMUSP-HC academic health system, we implemented innovative flow management routines for collecting, organizing and analyzing demographic data, COVID-related data and biological materials from over 4,500 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized from 2020 to 2022. This strategy was mainly planned in three areas: organizing a database with data from the hospitalizations; setting-up a multidisciplinary taskforce to conduct follow-up assessments after discharge; and organizing a biobank. Additionally, a COVID-19 curated collection was created within the institutional digital library of academic papers to map the research output.ResultsOver the course of the experience, the possible benefits and challenges of this type of research support approach were identified and discussed, leading to a set of recommended strategies to enhance collaboration within the research institution. Demographic and clinical data from COVID-19 hospitalizations were compiled in a database including adults and a minority of children and adolescents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19, covering 2020–2022, with approximately 350 fields per patient. To date, this database has been used in 16 published studies. Additionally, we assessed 700 adults 6 to 11 months after hospitalization through comprehensive, multidisciplinary in-person evaluations; this database, comprising around 2000 fields per subject, was used in 15 publications. Furthermore, thousands of blood samples collected during the acute phase and follow-up assessments remain stored for future investigations. To date, more than 3,700 aliquots have been used in ongoing research investigating various aspects of COVID-19. Lastly, the mapping of the overall research output revealed that between 2020 and 2022 our academic system produced 1,394 scientific articles on COVID-19.DiscussionResearch is a crucial component of an effective epidemic response, and the preparation process should include a well-defined plan for organizing and sharing resources. The initiatives described in the present paper were successful in our aim to foster large-scale research in our institution. Although a single model may not be appropriate for all contexts, cross-disciplinary collaboration and open data sharing should make health research systems more efficient to generate the best evidence.

BackgroundAntenatal education is part of antenatal care in many countries. Physical and mental preparation for childbirth and information on pain management are considered key elements of antenatal education classes. Evidence suggests that women who participate in antenatal education classes appear to benefit in terms of self-efficacy and childbirth experience. In particular, women with increased fear of childbirth benefit from trained breathing and relaxation techniques in antenatal education. However, little is known about the effect of breathing and relaxation techniques on the outcomes of healthy pregnant women without fear of childbirth or who do not have medical or obstetric risks, or on neonatal outcomes.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to test whether including a breathing and relaxation technique in an antenatal education class will improve self-efficacy towards birth compared to a standard antenatal education class.MethodsThe study will be a two-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT). Healthy pregnant women between the 12th and 30th week of gestation with singleton low-risk pregnancies and who are receiving routine antenatal care will be recruited in a hospital in Switzerland. All women included will attend an 8-hour antenatal education class. The intervention group will additionally practise a breathing and relaxation technique, receive a handbook to guide their exercise practice at home, and be provided with access to an online brochure with video and audio recordings for guidance. Data on maternal and neonatal outcomes will be collected after recruitment, in the 37th week of pregnancy, and two to four weeks postpartum.DiscussionThe effectiveness of including a breathing and relaxation technique in antenatal education classes on women's self-efficacy is discussed as a means to improving women's pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.Trial registration numberNCT06003946, SNCTP000005672.

Several studies are conducted to explain the 2.6 A x-ray crystal structure of the human p53R2 (hp53R2), a p53-inducible ribonucleotide reductase. The structural differences observed between different regions of hp53R2 and other similar compounds are discussed.

Abstract This work aims to develop analytical methods using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) for analysis and quantification of avermectins (AVMs) and milbemycins (MBMs) in bulk samples. First, the methods were optimized and some parameters such as temperature, flow rate, injection volume and mobile phase with different proportions of solvents were evaluated. The best chromatographic conditions were obtained using the Phenomenex® C18 (150 × 4.60 mm, 5 μm) column at a temperature of 20 °C, flow rate of 1.2 mL min-1, injection volume of 20 μL, and detection at 250 nm. Acetonitrile: ultrapure water (87: 13, v/v) was used as mobile phase for moxidectin and eprinomectin, and acetonitrile: methanol: ultrapure water (53: 35: 12, v/v/v) for abamectin and ivermectin. Under these conditions satisfactory results were obtained, with appropriate limits of detection and quantification, acceptable linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. These methods satisfy the need for analytical methods for the multi-determination of MBMs and the B1a and B1b forms of AVMs by HPLC-DAD, which can be considered simple, effective, innovative and should aid in the development of the field.

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic increased global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) and resulted in shortages. The study evaluated the re-use of surgical masks and respirators by analysing their performance and safety before and after reprocessing using the following methods: oven, thermal drying, autoclave, and hydrogen peroxide plasma vapour. Methods: In total, 45 surgical masks and 69 respirators were decontaminated. Visual integrity, air permeability, burst resistance, pressure differential and particulate filtration efficiency of new and decontaminated surgical masks and respirators were evaluated. In addition, 14 used respirators were analysed after work shifts before and after decontamination using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and viral culturing. Finally, reprocessed respirators were evaluated by users in terms of functionality and comfort. Results: Oven decontamination (75 °C for 45 min) was found to be the simplest decontamination method. Physical and filtration assays indicated that all reprocessing methods were safe after one cycle. Oven decontamination maintained the characteristics of surgical masks and respirators for at least five reprocessing cycles. Viral RNA was detected by RT-PCR in two of the 14 used respirators. Four respirators submitted to viral culture were PCR-negative and culture-negative. Reprocessed respirators used in work shifts were evaluated positively by users, even after three decontamination cycles. Conclusion: Oven decontamination is a safe method for reprocessing surgical masks and respirators for at least five cycles, and is feasible in the hospital setting.

Human mitochondrial pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase (PYCR) is a house-keeping enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate to proline. This enzymatic cycle plays pivotal roles in amino acid metabolism, intracellular redox potential and mitochondrial integrity. Here, we hypothesize that PYCR1 might be a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for breast cancer. In this study, breast cancer tissue samples were obtained from Zhejiang University (ZJU set). Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to detect the protein level of PYCR1, and Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional analyses were employed in this outcome study. The prognostic signifcance and performance of PYCR1 mRNA were validated on 13 worldwide independent microarray data sets, composed of 2500 assessable breast cancer cases. Our findings revealed that both PYCR1 mRNA and protein expression were significantly associated with tumor size, grade and invasive molecular subtypes of breast cancers. Independent and pooled analyses verified that higher PYCR1 mRNA levels were signifcantly associated with poor survival of breast cancer patients, regardless of estrogen receptor (ER) status. For in vitro studies, inhibition of PYCR1 by small-hairpin RNA significantly reduced the growth and invasion capabilities of the cells, while enhancing the cytotoxicity of doxorubicin in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (ER positive) and MDA-MB-231 (ER negative). Further population study also validated that chemotherapy signifcantly improved survival in early-stage breast cancer patients with low PYCR1 expression levels. Therefore, PYCR1 might serve as a prognostic biomaker for either ER-positive or ER-negative breast cancer subtypes and can also be a potential target for breast cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main research directions of the situation in European higher education and Ukraine such as emergency transition to distance learning and teaching; problems related to internationalization and academic mobility; the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on research; the importance of cooperation with various organizations; strengthening of European higher education at the international level; and consequences of the crisis and prospects for higher education have been defined. The threats and potential emergence of destabilizing natural circumstances for the development of educational systems in a society, in particular higher education, have been described in global, European and national dimensions. Four groups of teachers that have been formed in forced transition to distance education. The groups have included the teachers of the subjects that required a significant amount of practical and laboratory work; teachers who actively used digital technology before the pandemic; teachers familiar with digital technologies; teachers who failed to master new tools for organizing learning, teamwork and expanded use of digital resources. The problems of the lack of professionally developed programs for online learning, insufficient funding, the need for methodological training of teachers to work with students online, which are common to most universities, have been identified.

Abstract Introduction The understanding of normal vocal production is essential to guide any voice professional as it is fundamental to understand the effects of the posterior glottal gap on the vocal quality. Objective The aim of the present study was to verify the association between glottic closure, acoustic parameters, and some characteristics of the videolaryngostroboscopy of young women without vocal complaints nor laryngeal disorders. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with 56 women between 20 and 30 years old who underwent videolaryngostroboscopy. The acoustic parameters of the vowel /a:/ were analyzed using the Praat software, Release 4.6.10 (Paul Boersman and David Weenik, Amsterdam, Netherlands). Statistical Analysis The chi-squared, Fischer, and Kruskall-Wallis tests were applied, with 5% significance. Results Significant occurrence of posterior glottal gap (85.71%, p

Aim. Identifying the laws for natural resources deposits that can and should be the basis for a long-term program of activities for the inevitable and painless transition to renewable fuel energy resources within environmentally acceptable limits.Methods.Methods of measuring and evaluating the sustainability of geosystems are used illustrated in the paper.Results. Basing on a comparative analysis of generalized indexes of population density on the energy supply and food we found patterns that are the theoretical basis for controlling the structure of the economy and settlement in the context of ecological regulation of social and economic policy of the Republic of Dagestan.Conclusions.Latest global evaluation of anthropogenic burden resulting from the geosphere concept allows making significant corrections in previously completed evaluation under the biosphere concept.

Este estudo objetiva realizar levantamento bibliográfico para verificar a possível influência da Levodopa sobre a fase oral da deglutição de indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson. Foi realizado levantamento bibliográfico em periódicos indexados no Science Direct, periódicos Capes, LILACS, SciELO, MedLine e Scopus e livros. Para busca foram utilizados os termos disfagia, medicamentos, levodopa, Parkinson, dysphagia, drugs, swallowing disorders, Parkinson's disease, disfagia, las drogas e enfermedad de parkinson. Foram identificados 16 artigos internacionais e 25 nacionais, após a leitura de todos os artigos identificados foram selecionados 32, utilizaram-se ainda quatro livros e um resumo de anais de congresso. Para tal seleção utilizou-se como critério de inclusão aqueles artigos que considerassem o comprometimento causado pela Doença de Parkinson, especialmente na fase oral da deglutição, bem como os efeitos da levodopa sobre a mesma, e como critério de exclusão a influência do fármaco na fase faríngea, pois geralmente ele parece ter maior efeito na fase oral. Existe discordância na literatura quanto aos possíveis efeitos da Levodopa na deglutição. Quando estes ocorrem, geralmente afetam a fase oral desta função, uma vez que as dificuldades que o portador da Doença de Parkinson já apresenta são maximizadas pela xerostomia decorrente da administração deste fármaco. Em virtude da grande diversidade dos resultados dos estudos encontrados, faz-se necessária a realização de estudos controlados para uma elucidação mais detalhada dos efeitos da Levodopa na deglutição.

TEMA: características vocais de gêmeos monozigóticos e sua relação com a normalidade. PROCEDIMENTOS: participaram da pesquisa dois pares de gêmeos adultos, um par de cada sexo, que realizaram avaliação otorrinolaringológica, auditiva, vocal perceptivo-auditiva e acústica da fonte glótica. Os dados foram apresentados de forma descritiva e discutidos comparativamente com os dados de normalidade da literatura e do programa utilizado. Para testar a diferença entre as médias e a normalidade, utilizou-se o teste t de Student (significância 5%). RESULTADOS: não houve diferenças quanto ao ataque vocal, articulação, loudness, ressonância, modo e tipo respiratórios em ambos os pares de gêmeos monozigóticos avaliados, estando os resultados dentro dos padrões de normalidade. Houve sinais de hipertensão muscular relacionada à produção vocal em ambos os pares, o tipo de voz foi considerado discretamente alterado em ambos os pares, e houve diferença quanto ao tempo máximo de fonação dos gêmeos. Todas as medidas acústicas relacionadas à frequência fundamental estiveram dentro dos padrões de normalidade do Multi Dimensional Vocal Program. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados encontrados no presente estudo se apresentaram dentro da normalidade e parecem seguir a tendência daquelas descritas em estudos que avaliaram gêmeos monozigóticos.BACKGROUND: vocal features of monozygotic twins and their relation with the normative data for unrelated peers. PROCEDURES: the sample was composed of two pairs of adult twins, one pair of each gender had undergone otorhinolaryngologic, auditive, vocal auditory perceptual and acoustic evaluations. Data was showed in a descriptive way and discussed comparatively with the normative data for unrelated peers on literature and on the applied program. The test t of Student (significance 5%) was used to test the differences between the average and the normative values. RESULTS: there were no differences related to voice onset, articulation, loudness, resonance, breathing type and mode in both evaluated monozygotic twin pairs, and they were adequate. There were signs of muscular hypertension related to vocal production in both pairs, the type of voice was considered slightly altered in both pairs and there was a difference regarding the twin's Maximum Phonation Time. All the acoustic measurements were in accordance to the normative patterns of Multi Dimensional Vocal Program. CONCLUSION: the measurements found in this study seem to follow the trend of those described in studies that evaluated monozygotic twins.

TEMA: lesões organofuncionais são formações benignas decorrentes de comportamento vocal alterado e inadequado, sendo as mais comuns: nódulos, pólipos vocais e edema de Reinke. OBJETIVO: realizar um estudo comparativo dos dados descritos na literatura sobre prega vocal normal e afecções organofuncionais do tipo nódulos, pólipos e edema de Reinke. O estudo foi realizado por meio de um levantamento bibliográfico em periódicos indexados no Science Direct, periódicos Capes, LILACS, SciELO, MedLine e Scopus e livros, no período de 1999 a 2010. CONCLUSÃO: a distribuição dos constituintes da matriz extracelular da lâmina própria lw32da mucosa, fibras elásticas, colágenas, ácido hialurônico e fibronectina, encontra-se alterada nas três afecções. Ocorre modificação das características vibratórias de amplitude, propagação da onda de mucosa e simetria do padrão vibratório devido à presença do aumento de massa nas pregas vocais, ao contrário do que se observa nas pregas vocais sem afecção. O sinal perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal encontrado nas três lesões é a rouquidão, seguida da soprosidade e da aspereza (exceção do edema de Reinke), sinalizando a presença de ruído acústico à emissão, estando presente também, no edema de Reinke, o agravamento considerável da frequência fundamental. Quanto à etiologia observou-se a predominância dos usos incorretos, e quanto à incidência, nódulos e edema de Reinke predominam no sexo feminino e pólipos no sexo masculino.BACKGROUND: vocal nodules, vocal polyps and Reinke's edema are the most common benign organic lesions resulting from vocal misuse or abuse. PURPOSE: to conduct a comparative study about the normal vocal folds and the benign organic lesions, nodules, polyps and Reinke's edema. The study was performed using a literature review in indexed journals at Science Direct, Capes, LILACS, SciELO, MedLine and Scopus and books from 1999 to 2010. CONCLUSION: the distribution of extracellular matrix components of the proper lamina of the mucosa, elastic fibers, collagen fibers, hyaluronic acid and fibronectin is altered in all three disorders. There is a change in vibratory characteristics concerning amplitude, mucosal wave velocity and symmetry of vibratory pattern due to presence of increased mass in the vocal cords, contrary to what is seen in vocal cords with no disorder. Perceptual-auditory signal of vocal quality found is hoarseness, followed by breathiness and roughness (except for Reinke's edema), during speech production. In Reinke's edema, considerable reduction of voice fundamental frequency was also present. In all three lesions, there might be an incomplete glottal closure, but in Reinke's edema, depending on lesion symmetry, there may be complete glottic closure. As far as etiology is concerned, incorrect uses prevailed; as to incidence, nodules and Reinke's edema were predominant in females, and polyps were more frequent in males.

OBJETIVO: conhecer os efeitos da técnica de fonação reversa, realizando análise da sua eficácia sobre vozes femininas normais, por meio da espectrografia acústica de banda larga e de banda estreita. MÉTODOS: 32 mulheres adultas jovens, que assinaram o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido da pesquisa, submeteram-se à avaliação otorrinolaringológica e triagem fonoaudiológica a fim de eliminar possíveis alterações que pudessem interferir nos resultados da pesquisa. Tiveram amostras vocais coletadas antes e após realizar três séries de 15 repetições de fonação reversa em tempo máximo de fonação com tom e intensidade habituais, com 30 segundos de repouso passivo entre cada série. Utilizou-se o software Real Time Spectrogram (Kay Elemetrics Corp.) para gerar espectrogramas de banda larga e de banda estreita. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio de porcentagem simples e do teste do Qui-Quadrado, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: houve tendência percentual ao aumento da definição de harmônicos, da regularidade do traçado, da intensidade e da definição dos Formantes 3 e 4, da intensidade das altas frequências e em todo o espectro; e aumento significante da definição do Formante 1. CONCLUSÃO: acredita-se que a técnica favoreça o alongamento e a vibração das pregas vocais com possível homogeneização e modificações ocorridas na mucosa, e conseqüente melhoria do sinal vocal, com maior regularidade de vibração e melhora de ressonância.PURPOSE: to improve knowledge on the effects of reverse phonation technique based on an analysis of its efficiency on normal female voice, using wideband and narrowband spectrograph. METHODS: 32 young adult women who signed the Informed Consent were submitted to otorhinolaryngologic evaluation and speech and hearing screening in order to avoid alterations that could interfere in the results of the study; voice samples were collected before and after three series containing 15 reverse phonation repetitions, at maximum phonation time with habitual tone and intensity, and 30-seconds interval of passive rest between the series. We used the Real Time Spectrogram software (Kay Elemetrics Corp.) to generate wideband and narrowband spectrograph. Data were analyzed by means of the simple percentage and the Qui-Square test, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: there was a trend to increase in the definition of harmonics; an increase in the regularity the spectrograph; in the intensity and definition of Formants 3 and 4 frequencies; in the intensity of high frequencies and in the entire spectrum; as well as a significant increase in the definition of Formant 1. CONCLUSION: finally, we believe that the technique enables the stretching and vibration of the vocal folds, with a possible homogenization and modifications in the mucous, consequently improving the vocal signal with a higher vibration regularity and an improvement in resonance.

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as mudanças vocais e laríngeas ocasionadas pelo som basal em cinco indivíduos adultos do sexo feminino sem alterações vocais e laríngeas. Para isso, realizou-se gravação digital da emissão da vogal /a/ e do exame videolaringoestroboscópico. Em seguida, os sujeitos realizaram o som basal durante três séries de 15 repetições, com intervalo de 30 segundos entre cada série, e realizaram-se novamente o exame laríngeo e a gravação da vogal /a/ sustentada. Os dados laríngeos e vocais pré e pós-realização da técnica foram submetidos às análises acústica, perceptivo-auditiva e videolaringoestroboscópica. A análise acústica foi gerada pelo programa Multi Speech. Constatou-se, após o som basal: aumento da vibração da mucosa das pregas vocais; alteração ou manutenção do tipo de voz e do pitch; diminuição ou manutenção das medidas relacionadas ao jitter e shimmer e do índice que sugere ruído glótico; diminuição do índice de fonação suave; manutenção ou alteração da qualidade vocal e do foco ressonantal, com predomínio laringofaríngeo; diminuição da frequência fundamental; e aumento da variação da frequência e da amplitude. Concluiu-se que, nesta sequência de casos, o som basal promoveu efeito positivo sobre a vibração da mucosa das pregas vocais e sobre o ruído da voz, e efeito negativo sobre a ressonância e a estabilidade da voz.The aim of this study was to verify vocal and laryngeal modifications caused by vocal fry in five female subjects without vocal or laryngeal complaints. For this purpose, the sustained emission of the vowel /a/ was digitally recorded, as well as the recording of a videostroboscopic examination of the larynx. Subsequently, the subjects performed the vocal fry in three series of 15 repetitions, with a 30-second interval of passive rest between series, and carried out a second evaluation (recording of the sustained emission of the vowel /a/ and the videostroboscopic examination of the larynx). Both laryngeal and vocal data found prior to and after the vocal fry technique were submitted to acoustic, auditory-perceptive, and videostroboscopic analyses. The acoustic analysis was generated by the Multi Speech program. Analyses showed the following effects of the vocal fry: increase of the vibration of the vocal folds mucosa; alteration or maintenance of voice type and pitch; decrease or maintenance of measures related to jitter and shimmer, as well as the index that suggests glottic noise; decrease of the soft phonation index; maintenance or alteration of the vocal quality and resonance focus, with laryngopharyngeal prevalence; decrease of the fundamental frequency; and increase of frequency and width variations. The study allowed the conclusion that vocal fry had a positive effect on the vibration of the vocal folds mucosa as well as on voice noise, and a negative effect on voice resonance and stability.

OBJETIVO: verificar a ocorrência de queixas de distúrbios alérgicos e/ou digestivos em pacientes com disfonia organofuncional, atendidos no Setor de Voz de uma clínica-escola de Fonoaudiologia. MÉTODOS: este estudo caracteriza-se como estudo de série, retrospectivo e transversal. Realizou-se uma análise de 113 prontuários de pacientes com disfonia organofuncional que apresentavam queixas de distúrbios alérgicos e/ou digestivos, na faixa etária de cinco a 76 anos, sendo 41 do sexo masculino e 72 do feminino. O procedimento estatístico utilizado foi o Teste de Hipótese para Duas Proporções. RESULTADOS: houve significante frequência de queixas de distúrbios alérgicos e digestivos associados nos pacientes dos disfonia organofuncional; entre as queixas de distúrbios alérgicos, de distúrbios digestivos, e de ambas associadas, as queixas de distúrbios alérgicos foram significantemente mais frequentes nos pacientes com disfonia organofuncional. CONCLUSÃO: existe uma relação entre as queixas de distúrbios alérgicos e/ou digestivos e a disfonia, uma vez que esses são co-fatores para o estabelecimento da disfonia e da lesão laríngea. A alta freqüência de queixas de distúrbios alérgicos nos indivíduos com disfonia organofuncional, no presente estudo, pode ter relação com o clima do sul do Brasil.PURPOSE: to check the occurrence of the complains of allergic and digestive disturbance in patients with organic-functional dysphonia that were attended in Speech and Language Therapist School Clinic. METHODS: this study is a sequence, retrospective, transverse study. We have done an analysis of 113 patients' medical records with organic-functional dysphonia that had complains of allergic and/or digestive disturbance, from 05 to 76-years-old, 41 male and 72 female. The hypothesis test for 2 proportions was used for the statistic analysis of data. RESULTS: there was a significant relationship of complains on associated allergic and digestive disturbance in patients with organic-functional dysphonia among the complains of allergic disturbance, digestive disturbance, and of both associated, the ones of allergic disturbance were significantly more frequent in patients with Organic-functional dysphonia. CONCLUSION: there is a relationship among the complains of allergic and/or digestive disturbance and the Organic-functional dysphonia, once that they are co-factors for causing dysphonia and larynx lesions. The high frequency concerning complaints of allergic disturbances in people with organic-functional dysphonia in this study can be linked with the weather in the south of Brazil.

It is important to establish normal voice standards in order to help guide voice professionals. AIM: to describe acoustic voice measures of adult young women with normal larynxes and without voice complaints. METHOD: 56 women underwent ENT evaluation and speech screening. The "A" vowel utterance was digitally recorded and analyzed by means of the Praat (Version 4.6.10) software. The data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and by the Shapiro-Wilk test with a 5% significance level. The study was cross-section and exploratory. RESULTS: normal distribution measures were: fundamental frequency; Jitter (local); Jitter (local, absolute); Jitter (ppq5); Jitter (ddp). The Jitter (rap), all the Shimmer, the noise/harmonic ratio (NHR) and the harmonic/noise ratio (HNR) values did not follow a normal distribution. CONCLUSION: It seems that the measures which followed the normal distribution can be used as base-normal values for the interpretation of acoustic voice analysis of those women with and without laryngeal disorders. All the values with and without normal distribution showed results similar to the ones present in the national and international literature.O estabelecimento de padrões de base da normalidade é importante para guiar os profissionais na área da voz. OBJETIVO: Descrever as medidas acústicas de vozes de mulheres adultas jovens, com laringe normal e sem queixas de voz. MÉTODO: 56 mulheres realizaram avaliação otorrinolaringológica e triagem fonoaudiológica. A emissão da vogal /a/ foi gravada digitalmente e analisada por meio do software Praat (versão 4.6.10). Os dados foram analisados por meio da estatística descritiva, e pelo teste Shapiro-Wilk, em nível de significância de 5%. O estudo foi transversal e exploratório. RESULTADOS: Medidas com distribuição normal foram: Frequência fundamental; Jitter (local); Jitter (local, absoluto); Jitter (ppq5); Jitter (ddp). As medidas de Jitter (rap); todas as de Shimmer; a Proporção ruído/harmônico (NHR) e a Proporção harmônico/ruído (HNR) não seguiram distribuição normal. CONCLUSÃO: As medidas que seguiram distribuição normal parecem ser passíveis de serem utilizadas como valores base de normalidade para a interpretação dos resultados de análises vocais acústicas femininas, com e sem afecção laríngea. Todas as medidas com e sem distribuição normal mostraram resultados semelhantes aos da literatura nacional e internacional.

OBJETIVO: Descrever as modificações vocais acústicas e as sensações ocorridas após a técnica vocal de fonação reversa em mulheres adultas jovens, sem queixas vocais e com laringe normal. MÉTODOS: Trinta e duas mulheres adultas jovens submeteram-se à avaliação otorrinolaringológica e triagem fonoaudiológica para descartar possíveis alterações que pudessem interferir nos resultados da pesquisa; tiveram amostras vocais coletadas antes e após realizarem três séries de 15 repetições de fonação reversa, em tempo máximo de fonação com tom e intensidade habituais, e 30 segundos de repouso passivo entre cada série. Após, responderam a um questionário referente às sensações percebidas. A análise vocal acústica foi realizada através do software Praat (versão 4.6.10) e os dados analisados por meio da estatística descritiva e pelo teste de Wilcoxon, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Aumento estatisticamente significativo da frequência fundamental e da frequência máxima; diminuição da frequência mínima; aumento das medidas de Jitter, exceto da medida de Jitter local-absoluto que diminuiu; diminuição das medidas de Shimmer, relação ruído/harmônico (NHR) e relação harmônico/ruído (HNR); e predomínio das sensações positivas. CONCLUSÃO: A fonação reversa pareceu promover efeito positivo sobre a vibração da mucosa das pregas vocais e sobre o seu alongamento. Sugere efeito sobre a musculatura, favorecendo mudanças de frequência fundamental; e sobre sua homogeneização e modificação da camada de muco. Além disso, promoveu melhora global do sinal vocal e das sensações durante sua produção.PURPOSE: To describe the acoustic vocal modifications and the sensations occurred after the reverse phonation technique in young adult women without vocal complaints and with normal larynx. METHODS: Thirty-two young adult women were submitted to otorhinolaryngologic and speech-language pathology screening to discard possible alterations that could interfere with the results of the research; had vocal samples collected before and after carrying out three series of 15 repetitions of reverse phonation, in maximum time of phonation with the habitual tone and intensity, and 30 seconds of passive rest between series. After that, they answered a questionnaire regarding their sensations. Vocal acoustic analysis was carried out using the software Praat (version 4.6.10), and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon test, with a 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Statistically significant increase of the fundamental frequency and the maximum frequency; decrease of the minimum frequency; increase of the measures of Jitter, except for the local-absolute Jitter, which diminished; decrease of Shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and harmonic-to-noise ratio measures; and predominance of positive sensations. CONCLUSION: Reverse phonation promoted a positive effect over the vibration of the mucosa of the vocal folds and over their stretching. This result suggests an effect over the vocal muscles, favoring changes of fundamental frequency; and over the homogenization and modification of mucus layer. Moreover, it promoted a global improvement of the vocal signal and of the sensations during its production.

OBJETIVO: verificar o resultado da relação s/z e do tipo de voz em pacientes com diagnóstico de disfonias orgânico-funcionais (DOF) e disfonias funcionais por uso incorreto da voz (DFUIV), bem como a ocorrência das diferentes patologias dentro das DOF. MÉTODOS: 70 indivíduos, de ambos os sexos, entre cinco e 65 anos de idade, atendidos numa clínica-escola, cadastrados em Banco de Dados, entre 1998 e 2006, com DOF e DFUIV, ambos classificados em três subgrupos: casos em que a relação s/z indicava hipercontração, normalidade, e falta de coaptação das pregas vocais durante a fonação. Os tipos de voz foram classificados conforme a ocorrência em: sem alteração; ruidosa; ruidosa, comprimida e/ou apresentando alteração de f0h; ruidosa e/ou apresentando alteração de f0h; e comprimida. RESULTADOS: ocorrência significativa de DOF e de DOF com nódulos vocais; nas DOF e DFUIV, ocorrência significante de relação s/z normal com tempos isolados de /s/ e /z/ abaixo do normal e voz ruidosa. CONCLUSÕES: O resultado da relação s/z foi estatisticamente significativo a favor da faixa de normalidade estabelecida, tanto nos pacientes com diagnóstico de DOF, quanto naqueles com DFUIV, sendo que, em ambos os grupos de pacientes, a voz ruidosa foi a mais freqüente. Dentro das DOF, os nódulos vocais foram significativamente mais freqüentes do que as demais patologias.PURPOSE: to check the result of s/z ratio and types of voice in patients with diagnosis of organic-functional dysphonias (DOF) and functional dysphonias by incorrect use of voice (DFUIV), as well as the occurrence of the various pathologies within the DOF. METHODS: 70 subjects of both genders, between 5 and 65 years old, seen in a clinic-school, registered in a data bank from 1998 to 2006, with DOF and DFUIV, both classified in three sub-groups: cases in which the s/z ratio indicated hypercontraction, normality and lack of coaptation of the vocal folds during phonation. According to the occurrence, the types of voice were classified in: without alteration; noisy; compressed and/or presenting alteration of f0h; noisy and/or with alteration of f0h; and compressed. RESULTS: significant presence of DOF and DOF with vocal nodules; in DOF and DFUIV, significant presence of the normal s/z ratio with isolated times of /s/ and /z/ below the normal and noisy voice. CONCLUSIONS: the result of the s/z ratio was statistically significant in favor of the range of established normalcy, both in patients with a diagnosis of DOF, as well as with those with DFUIV, and that, in both groups of patients, the noisy voice was the most frequent. Within the DOF, the vocal nodules were significantly more frequent than the other pathologies.