Recent Publications

Methotrexate (MTX) is an efficient treatment for ectopic pregnancy, used according to ‘single‐dose’ protocol. Treatment success is evaluated on days 4 and 7 after dose administration, and defined as a decline of ≥15% in beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) levels, with a positive predictive value of 93%. A decrease on day 4 β‐hCG levels was determined to be a good predictor for treatment success. We retrospectively examined changes in β‐hCG levels between days 0 and 4 after MTX treatment as an early predictor for treatment outcome. (Noy Shatkin Hamish, Maya Wolf, Rene Tendler, Avishalom Sharon, Jacob Bornstein, Marwan Odeh)

The serum or plasma microRNA (miRNA) molecules have been suggested as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, in various pathological conditions. However, these molecules are also found in different serum fractions, such as exosomes and Argonaute (Ago) protein complexes. Ago1 is the predominant Ago protein expressed in heart tissue. The objective of the study was to examine the hypothesis that Ago1-associated miRNAs may be more relevant to cardiac disease and heart failure compared with the serum.

Left untreated, obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (OSDB) are associated with adverse effects on growth and development. History and physical examination alone are used for diagnosing children with OSDB, as polysomnography is not always feasible. Our objective was to develop and validate a Hebrew version of the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) to help to diagnose and follow-up children before and after adenotonsillectomy surgery for OSDB.

Prophylactic antibiotic use in preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes (PPROM) is associated with a significant reduction in intra-amniotic infection and improved neonatal outcome. However, data is insufficient to determine the optimal antibiotic regimen. Considering the rise in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia early-onset sepsis rate and the emergence of ampicillin resistance, our aim is to compare the efficiency of two antibiotic regimens in prolonging pregnancy and reducing infectious morbidity. (Maya Frank Wolf, Inshirah Sgayer, Amir Krencel, Vered Fleisher Sheffer, David Peleg, Inbar Ben Shachar, Hagai Rechnitzer and Jacob Bornstein)

Letter to the editor

The life expectancy of hemophiliacs is similar to that of the general population. As a result, the prevalence of age-related cardiovascular diseases has increased. We present our experience with hemophilia patients who underwent cardiac surgery in our Medical Center between 2004 and 2019. (Amjad Shalabi, Erez Kachel, Liza Grosman-Rimon, Ronny Ben-Avi, Diab Ghanem)

See correction/erratum. 

Immobilization, such as prolonged bed rest, is a risk factor for bone loss in humans. Motivated by the emerging utility of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal of choice for the study of musculoskeletal disease, here we report a model of restricted-mobility-induced osteopenia in adult zebrafish.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of a new experience-based educational program aiming to teach social determinants of health (SDH) and health disparities, through a post-discharge home-visit conducted with patients recruited in hospital.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is essential for managing biliary and pancreatic disorders. Infection is the most morbid complication of ERCP and among the most common causes of ERCP-related death. (Fahed Merei, Ibrahim Abu Shakra, Amitai Bickel, Samer Ganam & Eli Kakiashvili)

One anastomosis gastric bypass- minigastric bypass (OAGB-MGB) is an emerging bariatric surgery that is being endorsed by surgeons worldwide. Internal herniation is a rare and dreaded complication after malabsorptive bariatric procedures, which necessitates early diagnosis and intervention. This article describes a 29-year-old male with chylous ascites caused by an internal hernia 8 months following laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass. (Ibrahim Abu Shakra, Maxim Bez, Amitai Bickel, Walid Kassis, Samer Ganam, Fahed Merei, Nour Karra, Khatib Kamal, Doron Fischer & Eli Kakiashvili)

Evaluates the association between lupus severity and cell-bound complement activation products (CB-CAPs) or low complement proteins C3 and C4.

Emerging urinary biomarkers continue to show promise in evaluating lupus nephritis (LN). Here, we screen urine from active LN patients for 1129 proteins using an aptamer-based platform, followed by ELISA validation in two independent cohorts comprised of 127 inactive lupus, 107 active LN, 67 active non-renal lupus patients and 74 healthy controls, of three different ethnicities. 

Analyzes the effect of human papilloma virus (HPV) sperm infection on sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.

Thymoma is a rare tumor of the anterior mediastinum with slow progressive presentation, which is usually detected incidentally on radiographic images. We present a case of a young patient who was evaluated for hoarseness resulting from left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy, and was found to have pericardial effusion secondary to thymoma with local structural invasion.

Buried bumper syndrome (BBS) mostly occurs as a late complication after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) insertion; however, early BBS has been rarely reported, and the treatment of this condition is still unclear.