Recent Publications

Species host diverse microbial communities that can impact their digestion and health, which has led to much interest in understanding the factors that influence their microbiota. We studied the developmental, environmental, and social factors that influence the microbiota of nestling barn owls (Tyto alba) through a partial cross-fostering experiment that manipulated the social and nest environment of the nestlings.

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 3 artificial intelligence language models-GPT-3.5, GPT-4o, and Gemini, in delivering patient-centered information about thyroid eye disease (TED). 

Ethnocultural differences between Jewish and Arab communities in Northern Israel may contribute to disparities in type 2 diabetes prevalence. Widespread screening strategies, including hospital-based initiatives, are crucial for early detection of hyperglycemia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of postprandial hyperglycemia and identify its associated factors in a diverse population of non-diabetic adults visiting the Galilee Medical Center, a tertiary care hospital in Northern Israel. 

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of oral probiotic supplementation in preventing vulvovaginal infections (VVIs) in pregnant women, specifically focusing on abnormal vaginal flora (AVF), bacterial vaginosis (BV), and vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).

This study compared the performance of molecular vs stool culture assays for gastrointestinal infection (GII) detection, with focus on defining cycle threshold (Ct) cut-off values for positive culture results. 

Several cannabis plant-derived compounds, especially cannabinoids, exhibit therapeutic potential in numerous diseases and conditions. In particular, THC and CBD impart palliative, antiemetic, as well as anticancer effects. The antitumor effects include inhibition of cancerous cell growth and metastasis and induction of cell death, all mediated by cannabinoid interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). However, the exact molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. In addition, their effects on leukemia have scarcely been investigated.

In the complex landscape of modern warfare, understanding combat-related injuries leading to hospitalization is crucial for optimizing injury treatment. This study aims to compare combat casualty characteristics and outcomes during the major conflicts between Israel and Hamas in 2023 and 2014 as a basis for understanding the effectiveness of trauma care practices for wounded soldiers.

Investigates primiparous women's partners for knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the physical home food environment (PHFE), and to assess if the first pregnancy provides a teachable opportunity to enhance the PHFE of first-time pregnant couples.

Facultatively anaerobic Staphylococcus spp. and anaerobic Cutibacterium spp. are among the most prominent bacteria on human skin. Although skin microbes generally grow as multispecies biofilms, few studies have investigated the interaction between staphylococci and Cutibacterium spp. in dual-species biofilms. Here, we measured the mono- and dual-species biofilm formation of four staphylococcal species (S. epidermidis, S. hominis, S. capitis, and S. aureus) and two Cutibacterium spp. (C. acnes and C. avidum) cultured in vitro under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

Simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty (SimBTHA) offers benefits such as reduced hospital stay and costs for patients with bilateral hip disease. However, the optimal surgical approach remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes of SimBTHA performed via the direct anterior approach (DAA) versus the posterior approach (PA).

While ample research links health beliefs to physical health in both healthy and clinical populations, the specific health beliefs that drive this effect remain underexplored. Addressing this gap is critical for mechanistic examinations and targeted intervention development. Building on previous work, this study aimed to assess subjective beliefs about immune system efficacy and develop a novel Perceived Immunity scale.

The effectiveness of the direct anterior approach (DAA) compared to other surgical approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with lumbar spine stiffness remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare clinical outcomes, including dislocation rates and other complications, between DAA and other surgical approaches for THA in patients with lumbar spine stiffness.

This updated database provides unique information on 1055 chimeric breakpoints derived from public datasets using chromosome conformation capture techniques (the Hi-C datasets). It also includes an expanded list of gene fusions that are potential drug targets, and chimeric breakpoints across 934 cell lines, positioning ChiTaRS 8.0 as a valuable resource for testing personalized cancer therapies. 

In plants, RNA interference (RNAi) serves as a critical defense mechanism against viral infections by regulating gene expression. However, viruses have developed RNA silencing suppressor (RSS) proteins to evade this defense mechanism....Our study focuses on P8, an RSS protein from HPWMoV. Understanding its structure and assembly is a crucial step toward comprehending how these viruses counteract host defenses, aiding in combatting malnutrition.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a common and debilitating disease, is widely held not to be life-limiting, but the mortality of CSU has not been investigated. Objective: To assess all-cause mortality in CSU patients, risk for comorbidities that are leading causes of death and impact of guideline-recommended urticaria treatments on mortality rates.