The Hebrew version of OHIP-14 presented acceptable validity and reliability. Further research is needed to assess the value of this measure in Israel.

This study investigated mechanisms of the hemodynamic effects of oxygen in hemorrhagic shock induced by bleeding 30% of the total blood volume in anesthetized rats. An ultrasonic flowmeter was used to monitor regional blood flow. Changes in tissue perfusion were assessed by the laser-Doppler technique. The inhalation of 100% oxygen induced a significant increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and vascular resistance in the hindquarters, with a concomitant decrease in blood flow in the distal aorta and biceps femoris muscle. In contrast, oxygen did not change vascular resistance in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and renal beds and induced a significant increase in blood flow to the renal artery, SMA, and small bowel in hemorrhaged rats. L-Arginine (100 mg/kg iv) but not D-arginine or the vehicle (0.9% NaCl) completely abolished the effects of oxygen on blood pressure and reversed its effects on blood flow and resistance in the hindquarters and biceps femoris muscle. Administration of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (50 mg/kg iv) significantly increased MABP and the resistance in the three vascular beds. Pretreatment of hemorrhaged rats with a superoxide dismutase mimic, the NO-stable radical 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (5 mg/kg iv), resulted in significantly diminished effects of oxygen on hindquarter hemodynamics. These results demonstrate a differential effect of oxygen, which increases vascular resistance in the hindquarters without a significant effect in the splanchnic and renal beds, thus favoring an increase in splanchnic and renal perfusion. It is suggested that inactivation of NO by reactive oxygen species may underlie the effects of oxygen on hindquarter vascular tone during shock.

BackgroundEpidemiological studies have shown deterioration in dental health accompanying the ageing process. Tooth loss increases with age. Chewing ability is closely correlated with number of natural teeth present: there is a threshold of 20–21 teeth, below which chewing ability declines. The government of Israel is currently considering adding dental treatment for elderly to the basket of services of the National Health Insurance Law. Information on the influence of elderly’s dental health on nutrition and general health status can contribute to the decision making process.MethodsSecondary analysis of data collected on a subsample (N = 1776) of the cross-sectional Mabat Zahav - National Health and Nutrition Survey of the Elderly was done. Intakes of energy, fiber, protein, fruits and vegetables, associations with dental visits, dentures presence and functional ability were analyzed. Linear regression adjusted for confounders was performed.ResultsStatistically significant differences in dietary intake of energy, fiber, protein and vegetables were found between elderly who visited a dentist in the last year and those who did not. Elderly who possessed dentures had lower dietary intakes than their dentate counterparts. Elderly with functional problems such as impaired chewing had worse dietary intakes than the others. This was so after controlling for education, degree of interest in the relationship between nutrition and health and reading the nutrition label.ConclusionsThe findings in our study suggest that those who visited a dentist in the last year, had natural teeth and no denture/s and reported no chewing problems had better dietary intake. The results emphasize the importance of maintaining adequate dental health, preserving natural teeth and regular dental visits in the elderly to assure adequate nutrient status in this age group.