Vocal and self-perception effects of straw phonation exercises / Efeitos vocais e de autopercepção da prática da fonação em canudo

ABSTRACT Purpose: to assess the acoustic and self-perceived voice changes in women with and without voice symptoms after 1, 3, 5, and 7 minutes of straw phonation exercises. Methods: a total of 30 women aged 18 to 39 years participated in the study - 17 with and 13 without voice symptoms. The participants filled in the visual analog scale on self-perceived voice discomfort. The sustained vowel /ɛ/ was recorded in maximum phonation time before (m0) and after the first, third, fifth, and seventh minute performing straw phonation exercises. The maximum phonation time was measured, and an acoustic analysis was made, encompassing the following parameters: the number of harmonics, fundamental frequency, noise, glottal-to-noise excitation ratio (GNE), jitter, and shimmer. The Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used to compare each parameter at the different moments, and the Mann-Whitney test, to compare the groups. The 5% significance level was set for the analyses. Results: no changes were found in either the acoustic variables or the self-perception of voice comparing the moments before and after the exercises in either group. The comparison between the groups revealed that the one with voice symptoms had lower GNE and higher noise values at the second moment performing the technique. Conclusion: the straw phonation did not cause acoustic or self-perceived voice changes in women with and without voice symptoms. The comparison between the groups showed that the women with symptoms had lower GNE and higher noise values than those without symptoms, after 1 minute performing straw phonation.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar as modificações acústicas e na autopercepção da voz em mulheres com e sem sintomas vocais, após um, três, cinco e sete minutos da prática de fonação em canudo. Métodos: participaram do estudo 30 mulheres, com idades entre 18 e 39 anos, das quais 17 apresentavam sintomas vocais e 13 não apresentavam sintomas vocais. As participantes preencheram a Escala Visual Analógica sobre a autopercepção de desconforto vocal. Realizou-se a gravação da vogal /ɛ/ sustentada em tempo máximo de fonação antes da prática (m0) e após o primeiro, terceiro, quinto e sétimo minutos de execução do exercício de fonação em canudo. Foi obtida a medida de tempo máximo de fonação e realizada análise acústica. Os parâmetros acústicos analisados foram: número de harmônicos, frequência fundamental, ruído, glottal-to-noise excitation ratio (GNE), Jitter e Shimmer. Foram utilizados os testes de Friedman e Wilcoxon para comparar cada parâmetro nos diferentes momentos e o Teste de Mann-Whitney para comparação entre os grupos. Considerou-se o nível de 5% de significância nas análises. Resultados: não houve modificações nas variáveis acústicas ou na autopercepção da voz quando comparados os momentos pré e pós-exercício em ambos os grupos. Nas comparações entre os grupos, observou-se que o grupo com sintomas vocais apresentou menor GNE e maior ruído no segundo momento de execução da técnica. Conclusão: a fonação em canudo não proporcionou modificações acústicas ou na autopercepção da voz de mulheres com e sem sintomas vocais. Na comparação entre os grupos, as mulheres com sintomas apresentaram menor GNE e maior ruído do que as sem sintomas, após um minuto da prática de fonação em canudo.

Corpos (in)dóceis: a cirurgia bariátrica em seu efeito disciplinar e biopolítico / Body (in)docile: bariatric surgery in its disciplinary and biopolitical effect / Cuerpos (in)dóciles: la cirugía bariátrica en su efecto disciplinario y biopolítico

Na cena contemporânea, a aparência do corpo tem centralidade única. É nesse contexto que a obesidade foi considerada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde como uma epidemia mundial. A cirurgia bariátrica e metabólica vem se popularizando nas últimas décadas como opção de tratamento a essa condição. Este trabalho tem por objetivo articular a obesidade como categoria médico-clínica e sua relação com as formas de poder. Em seu efeito disciplinar, a técnica intervém sobre o corpo individual tornando-o mais "dócil". Em seu efeito biopolítico, define as condições sobre a vida com base em termos quantitativos e universais. A epidemia da obesidade reflete os efeitos de um modelo socioeconômico que impregnou todas as esferas da vida humana e no qual nada se pode recusar.

Body appearance has a unique central role in the contemporary scenario. It is in this context that obesity was considered by the World Health Organization as a worldwide epidemic. Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery has become popular in recent decades as an option for the treatment this condition. This study aims to interweave obesity as a medical-clinical category and its relationship with forms of power. In its disciplinary effect, the technique intervenes over the individual body making it more "docile". In its biopolitical effect, it defines conditions upon life based on quantitative and universal terms. The obesity epidemic reflects the effects of a socio-economic model that has pervaded all spheres of human life and in which nothing can be refused.

En la escena contemporánea, la apariencia del cuerpo tiene una centralidad única. Es en este contexto que la Organización Mundial de la Salud consideró la obesidad como una epidemia mundial. La cirugía bariátrica y metabólica se ha vuelto popular en las últimas décadas como una opción de tratamiento para esta afección. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo articular la obesidad como una categoría médico-clínica y su relación con las formas de poder. En su efecto disciplinario, la técnica interviene en el cuerpo individual haciéndolo más "dócil". En su efecto biopolítico, define las condiciones de la vida desde términos cuantitativos y universales. La epidemia de la obesidad refleja los efectos de un modelo socioeconómico que ha impregnado todas las áreas de la vida humana y en el cual nada se puede rechazar.

Serotonin activates glycolysis and mitochondria biogenesis in human breast cancer cells through activation of the Jak1/STAT3/ERK1/2 and adenylate cyclase/PKA, respectively.

BACKGROUND: Although produced by several types of tumours, the role of serotonin on cancer biology is yet to be understood. METHODS: The effects of serotonin (5-HT) on human breast cancer cells proliferation, signalling pathways and metabolic profile were evaluated by cytometry, western blotting, qPCR, enzymology and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Our results revealed that incubation of MCF-7 cells with 10 µM 5-HT increased cell growth rate by 28%, an effect that was prevented by the 5-HTR2A/C antagonist, ketanserin. Conversely, increasing concentrations of 5-HT promoted glucose consumption and lactate production by MCF-7 cells. We also showed that increased glucose metabolism is provoked by the upregulation of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) isoform through 5-HTR2A/C-triggered activation of Jak1/STAT3 and ERK1/2 subcellular pathways. However, we noticed a decrease in the rate of produced lactate per consumed glucose as a function of the hormone concentration, suggesting a disruption of the Warburg effect. The latter effect is due to 5-HTR2A/C-dependent mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolism, which is triggered by adenylyl cyclase/PKA, enhancing the oxidation of lactate within these cells. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that serotonin, through 5-HTR2A/C, interferes with breast cancer cells proliferation and metabolism by triggering two distinct signalling pathways: Jak1/STAT3 that boosts glycolysis through upregulation of PKM2, and adenylyl cyclase/PKA that enhances mitochondrial biogenesis.

Animal models of hyperandrogenism and ovarian morphology changes as features of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder, affecting 9-18% of women in reproductive age that causes hyperandrogenism and infertility due to dysfunctional follicular maturation and anovulation. The etiology of PCOS is still poorly known, and information from experimental animal models may help improve current understanding of the mechanisms of PCOS initiation and development. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review of currently available methods for simulation of PCOS in experimental models, focusing on two main endocrine traits: ovarian morphology changes and circulating levels of sex hormones and gonadotropins.We searched the MEDLINE database for articles in English or Spanish published until October 2016. Of 933 studies identified, 39 were included in the systematic review. One study compared interventions with androgens versus estrogens, 18 used androgen-induced stimulation, 9 used estrogens or drugs with estrogen action, including endocrine disruptors, to induce PCOS-like models, and 12 used miscellaneous interventions. Broad differences were found among the studies concerning hormonal interventions, animal species, and developmental stage at the time of the experiments, and most models resulted in ovarian morphology changes, mainly increases in the number of cystic and antral follicles and decreases in the corpus luteum. Hyperandrogenism was produced by using androgens and other drugs as the stimulatory agent. However, studies using drugs with estrogenic effect did not observe changes in circulating androgens.In conclusion, medium- or long-term testosterone administration in the pre- and postnatal periods performed best for induction of a PCOS-like phenotype, in rhesus macaque and rat models respectively. In rats, postnatal exposure to androgens results in reprogramming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-axis. Thus, comparisons between different intervention models may be useful to define the timing of reproductive PCOS phenotypes in experimental animal models.

Análise dos efeitos dos exercícios aquáticos na qualidade de vida de indivíduos com doença venosa crônica / Analysis of the effects of aquatic exercise on the quality of life of people with chronic venous disease

CONTEXTO: O uso dos exercícios aquáticos se tornou uma modalidade terapêutica muito importante na doença venosa crônica (DVC). Tais exercícios têm sido apontados pela literatura como um mecanismo favorável ao retorno venoso, sendo importantes na reeducação vascular. Também contribuem para a diminuição da hipertensão venosa ocasionada pela doença, melhorando a qualidade de vida dos indivíduos acometidos. OBJETIVOS: Analisar os efeitos dos exercícios aquáticos na qualidade de vida de pacientes com DVC. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo-piloto, interventivo prospectivo longitudinal, composto por 16 indivíduos com DVC classificados de C1 a C5. Os participantes foram avaliados através de um formulário de coleta de dados e instruídos a responder dois questionários sobre qualidade de vida: SF-36 (Geral) e AVVQ-Brasil (específico para DVC), além da Escala Visual Analógica da dor (EVA). Em seguida, foram submetidos a 10 sessões de exercícios aquáticos, três vezes por semana, tendo respondido novamente aos questionários de qualidade de vida e EVA após o termino de todas as sessões. RESULTADOS: Os dados coletados foram tratados estatisticamente, com nível de significância de p < 0,05. Os pacientes apresentaram melhora na qualidade de vida medida pelo SF-36 nos domínios capacidade funcional, limitação e dor (p < 0,05). O nível de dor nos pacientes tratados reduziu segundo a EVA (p = 0,007). Em relação ao questionário AVVQ-Brasil, apenas o domínio Dor e Disfunção apresentou melhora significativa (p = 0,013). CONCLUSÃO: Os exercícios aquáticos foram capazes de melhorar aspectos da qualidade de vida e de reduzir a dor, demonstrando trazer benefícios para pacientes com DVC.

BACKGROUND: Aquatic exercises have become a very important therapeutic option for chronic venous disease (CVD). There is evidence in the literature showing that this type of exercise is a mechanism that improves venous return and is important in vascular reeducation. These exercises also help to reduce the venous hypertension caused by CVD, improving patients’ quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of aquatic exercises on the quality of life of patients with CVD. METHODS: This was a longitudinal, prospective, interventional pilot study conducted with 16 people with CVD classified from C1 to C5. Participants were assessed at baseline using a data collection form and administration of two quality of life questionnaires, the SF-36 (Generic) and the AVVQ-Brazil (CVD-specific), and an Analog Visual Pain Scale (AVPS). They then undertook a program of 10 sessions of aquatic exercises, three times per week. The quality of life questionnaires and the AVPS were administered once more after all sessions had been conducted. RESULTS: The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis to a significance level of p < 0.05. Patients exhibited improved quality of life as measured by the SF-36 in the domains Physical functioning, Physical role limitation and Pain (p < 0.05). The patient's pain levels reduced after treatment according to the AVPS (p = 0.007). Only scores for the Pain and dysfunction domain of the AVVQ-Brazil questionnaire exhibited significant improvement (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Aquatic exercises were capable of improving aspects of quality of life and of reducing pain, demonstrating that they benefit patients with CVD.

Antidiabetic activity of Sedum dendroideum: metabolic enzymes as putative targets for the bioactive flavonoid kaempferitrin.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic potential of a leaf extract and flavonoids from Sedum dendroideum (SD). Additionally, our goals were to establish a possible structure/activity relationship between these flavonoids and to assess the most active flavonoid on the glycolytic enzyme 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK). SD juice (LJ), a flavonoid-rich fraction (BF), and separately five flavonoids were evaluated intraperitoneally for their acute hypoglycemic activity in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. First, the major flavonoids kaempferol 3,7-dirhamnoside or kaempferitrin (1), kaempferol 3-glucoside-7-rhamnoside (2), and kaempferol 3-neohesperidoside-7-rhamnoside (3) were tested. Then, the monoglycosides kaempferol 7-rhamnoside (5) and kaempferol 3-rhamnoside (6) were assayed to establish their structure/activity relationship. The effect of 1 on PFK was evaluated in skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue from treated mice. LJ (400 mg/kg), BF (40 mg/kg), and flavonoid 1 (4 mg/kg) reduced glycemia in diabetic mice (120 min) by 52, 53, and 61%, respectively. Flavonoids 2, 3, 5, and 6 were inactive or showed little activity, suggesting that the two rhamnosyl moieties in kaempferitrin are important requirements. Kaempferitrin enhanced the PFK activity chiefly in hepatic tissue, suggesting that it is able to stimulate tissue glucose utilization. This result is confirmed testing kaempferitrin on C2C12 cell line, where it enhanced glucose consumption, lactate production, and the key regulatory glycolytic enzymes. The hypoglycemic activity of kaempferitrin depends on the presence of both rhamnosyl residues in the flavonoid structure when intraperitoneally administered. Our findings show for the first time that a flavonoid is capable of stimulating PFK in a model of diabetes and that kaempferitrin stimulates glucose-metabolizing enzymes. This study contributes to the knowledge of the mechanisms by which this flavonoid exerts its hypoglycemic activity.

Cigarette smoke impairs granulosa cell proliferation and oocyte growth after exposure cessation in young Swiss mice: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoke is associated with decreased female fertility, causing damage to ovarian function and disturbing follicle development. However, the effects of cigarette toxicants on ovarian function depend on duration and intensity of exposure. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of brief, intense exposure to tobacco smoke on granulosa cell number, oocyte growth, and follicle size during puberty in female Swiss mice. METHODS: Ten female Swiss mice aged 35 days were exposed to tobacco smoke from 3R4F reference research cigarettes. They were exposed to an automatic smoking machine 8 h/day, 7 days/week for 15 days. Ten age-matched controls were kept in a different room and exposed to ambient air. At the end of 15 days, five mice in each group were euthanized and the ovaries were analyzed for follicular morphometry and granulosa cell count. The remaining animals were kept for an additional 30 days for further analysis as an ex-smoker group and control group. Comparison between the two groups was evaluated by the Student's t-test or a two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-test was applied for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: We found that cigarette smoke impaired antral follicular growth even after exposure cessation (p < 0.001). Both smoking and ex-smoking groups exhibited similar follicle diameter. However, at the same follicular stage, the number of granulosa cells was smaller in the ex-smoking group compared to smoking animals (p < 0.001). This was associated with increased oocyte diameter in ex-smoking animals compared to smoking animals (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The negative effects of cigarette smoking seem to last even after exposure has been interrupted. Moreover, brief exposure during puberty may induce silent oocyte disruption, which could in turn lead to decreased fecundity rates.