Islet Pericytes Are Required for β-Cell Maturity.

β-Cells rely on the islet microenvironment for their functionality and mass. Pericytes, along with endothelial cells, make up the dense islet capillary network. However, although the role of endothelial cells in supporting β-cell homeostasis has been vastly investigated, the role of pericytes remains largely unknown.

Refractive surgery in Israel Defense Forces recruits.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of refractive surgery history in recruits for military service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) between 1998 to 2005 and to evaluate the effect of surgery on the recruits' fitness to serve in combat units.

Setting: Surgeon General's HQ, Medical Corps, Israel Defense Forces.

Methods: The computerized medical records of all ametropic Israeli army inductees were reviewed.