The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of dry mouth among elderly population of Korea and to evaluate associate factors and their impact.
Study Design. Telephone interviews were conducted on a stratified random sample of 1,012 subjects aged >= 55 years. Prevalence of dry mouth symptoms, severity of overall oral dryness, and associated factors were assessed using a structured questionnaire.
Results. Among the subjects, 70.1% reported to have at least one dry mouth-related BI-D1870 symptom and 25.8% were classified with considerable dry mouth. Overall oral dryness severity of each of these groups was 4.30 +/- 2.67 and 6.09 +/- 2.25, respectively,
on a 0-10 scale. Odds ratio of dry mouth increased in women, in smokers, and with increased age and number of medications taken. Women and number of medications taken were significantly associated with overall oral dryness severity.
Conclusion. A major portion of the Korean elderly reported various dry mouth symptoms, and a wide range of severity and discomfort was caused by these symptoms. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol
Endod 2010;110:475-483)”
“The effect of homogeneous and constant external electric fields on the structural stability of chignolin, a typical Cell Cycle inhibitor beta-hairpin peptide, has been studied for 10ns using molecular dynamics simulations. The peptide aligns quickly its total dipole moment with the external electric field and then a constant stress is applied on its charged residues. For weaker fields this has mixed effects on the creation, destruction or strength of hydrogen bonds, but ultimately for strong fields chignolin unfolds starting by the separation of the terminal residues.
Since the function of proteins is critically linked to their three-dimensional structures, these findings indicate that exposure to external electric fields may induce changes in conformation that can potentially initiate severe cellular dysfunction. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3585867]“
“Background: Patients receiving implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) often have severely impaired left ventricular function and a poor prognosis. Having an ICD in situ effectively denies them the possibility of a quick, arrhythmic death. It is still unclear if BAY 63-2521 Others inhibitor and when the end of life and device deactivation should be discussed with patients and how much patients want to know prior to ICD implantation.
Methods: Patients with an active ICD for chronic heart failure were interviewed regarding their attitude toward the ICD, their recollection of the consent procedure, and how they felt the end of life should be discussed with ICD patients (n = 54). Patients who had received ICD therapies (n = 25) were reviewed as a subgroup with extended questions regarding attitudes toward device deactivation.
Results: Fifty-four patients were recruited. Most patients were not aware that the ICD could be deactivated.