A Voice Rehabilitation Protocol With the Semioccluded Ventilation Mask in Subjects With Symptoms of Vocal Fatigue and Phonatory Effort.

PURPOSE: The present study was designed to assess the efficacy of a six-session physiologic voice therapy program with the semioccluded ventilation mask (SOVM) in a group of subjects with voice complaints (vocal effort and fatigue). METHODS: Thirty-four participants with functional dysphonia were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: (1) voice treatment with physiologic voice therapy plus vocal hygiene program (n = 17), and (2) vocal hygiene program only (n = 17). Laryngoscopic assessment was performed in all subjects to confirm laryngeal diagnosis. Before and after voice therapy, participants underwent aerodynamic assessment. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS), and self-assessment of resonant voice were also performed. The treatment included six voice therapy sessions. For the experimental group, the exercises consisted of a sequence of seven phonatory tasks performed with the SOVM. Comparison for all variables was performed between experimental group and control group. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed significant improvements for experimental group for VHI (decrease), VTDS (decrease), and self-perception of resonant voice quality (increase). Significant decrease for experimental group was observed in subglottic pressure and phonation threshold pressure. CONCLUSION: Physiologic voice therapy based on the SOVM with connected speech exercises seems to be an effective tool to improve voice in subjects diagnosed with voice complaints. Apparently, improvements are reflected in both subjective and objective outcomes. A reduction in phonatory effort and perceptual aspects of vocal fatigue are the main subjective improvements. A decrease in air pressure-related variables seems to be the most important objective change after voice therapy.

Variation on Vocal Economy After Different Semioccluded Vocal Tract Exercises in Subjects With Normal Voice and Dysphonia.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed at observing the possible differential effects of eight semioccluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE) on vocal economy measured by the Quasi Output Cost Ratio (QOCR). METHODS: Thirty-six participants were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group of subjects diagnosed with mild hyperfunctional dysphonia (n = 17) and a control group of vocally healthy subjects (n = 19). Participants were required to randomly select and produce a series of three SOVTE from a list of eight exercises. The electroglottographic based measure QOCR was used to calculate the vocal economy before and after each voice exercise. RESULTS: Significant differences were found when comparing pre and poststages regardless of the vocal condition (normal voice or dysphonia) or the specific SOVTE used. Moreover, when individually comparing the effect of each SOVTE, only tube in water (10 cm) showed significant differences between pre and postconditions (QOCR values were higher after exercises). CONCLUSION: In general, semioccluded vocal tract exercises tend to increase vocal economy regardless the vocal condition (normal voice or dysphonia) or the specific SOVTE used. Phonation into a tube submerged deep into water promoted the highest increase in vocal economy. An increased acoustic output, nonproportional increase in vocal folds adduction and an effortless voice production would cause this increase in vocal economy after water resistance therapy.

Efecto de inulina en la saciedad en humanos / Inulin Effect in Human Satiety

Resumen Antecedentes: actualmente, existe un creciente interés en investigar los componentes de los alimentos que tengan la característica de la saciedad. Algunos constituyentes de la fibra dietética presentan esta característica, como la inulina, que corresponde a un prebiótico. Objetivo: analizar y discutir el efecto de la inulina en la saciedad en humanos. Materiales y métodos: se hizo una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases Scielo, Science Direct, Pubmed, Oxford Journals, revisando artículos de nutrición y alimentos. Resultados: se revisaron estudios en diversos grupos poblacionales, con diferentes métodos de evaluación de la saciedad y diversas dosis de inulina. Los resultados obtenidos fueron controversiales, en algunos casos se demostró efecto en la saciedad; y en otros, no; por lo tanto, no es posible afirmar que la inulina tenga el efecto de generar saciedad en humanos; se observa un efecto potenciador de la saciedad al ser añadido a algunas preparaciones que producen saciedad individualmente. Conclusiones: no es posible afirmar que la inulina tenga el efecto de generar saciedad en humanos.

Abstract Background: There is currently a growing interest in researching components of foods that have satiety power. Some constituents of dietary fiber have this characteristic, like the inulin that corresponds to a prebiotic. Objective: Analyze and discuss the effect of inulin on satiety in humans. Materials and Methods: A bibliographic search was done using Scielo, Science Direct, Pubmed, and Oxford Journals databases, reviewing nutrition and food items. Results: Studies were reviewed in different population groups, with different methods of evaluation of satiety and various doses of inulin. Controversial results were obtained, some cases showed an effect on satiety and others did not, therefore it is not possible to affirm that inulin has the effect of satiety in humans; an increase in satiety effect is observed when inulin is added to some individual preparations that already produce satiety. Conclusion: It is not possible to affirm that inulin has the effect of generating satiety in humans.

GRAZING ON GIANT KELP MICROSCOPIC PHASES AND THE RECRUITMENT SUCCESS OF ANNUAL POPULATIONS OF MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA (LAMINARIALES, PHAEOPHYTA) IN SOUTHERN CHILE(1).

The giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. Agardh is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere, yet it exhibits distinct population dynamics at local to regional spatial scales. Giant kelp populations are typically perennial with the potential for year-round reproduction and recruitment. In southern Chile, however, annual giant kelp populations exist and often persist entirely on secondary substrata (e.g., shells of the slipper limpet Crepipatella fecunda [Gastropoda, Calyptraeidae]) that can cover up to 90% of the rocky bottom. In these populations, the macroscopic sporophyte phase disappears annually during winter and early spring, leaving a 3-4 month period in which a persistent microscopic phase remains to support the subsequent year's recruitment. We tested the effects of a suite of grazers on the recruitment success of this critical microscopic phase at two sites in southern Chile. Field experiments indicated that the snail Tegula atra negatively impacted M. pyrifera sporophyte recruitment, but that recruitment was highest in the presence of sessile female limpets, C. fecunda. Conversely, small male C. fecunda (biofilm grazers) did not regulate kelp recruitment. Laboratory observations showed that C. fecunda males only grazed on microscopic kelp gametophytes and small (<250 µm) sporophytes, rejecting larger sporophytes, whereas T. atra grazed on all the kelp stages. Recruitment to the C. fecunda treatments far exceeded that to bare rock in the absence of grazers but was not due to the physical presence of C. fecunda shells. We concluded that the key to M. pyrifera recruitment success in southern Chile is its capacity to colonize secondary substrates provided by the slipper limpet C. fecunda.