Strength in Numbers: Identifying a Significant Association between High Serum Ferritin Levels and Newly Diagnosed Malignancy in a Large Health Organization Cohort.

Background: Ferritin, an iron storage protein and acute phase reactant, has been implicated in various aspects of human health and disease, including cancer. Previous studies have identified elevated serum ferritin (SF) levels in several cancer types, but a comprehensive examination across different malignancies remains lacking. This study aims to fill this gap by utilizing anonymized data from Maccabi Health Services (MHS), one of Israel's largest health organizations, to explore the association between elevated SF levels and the diagnosis of different malignancies.

Opioid trends and risk factors for sustained use among children and adolescents in Israel: a retrospective cohort study.

Despite growing global concern over opioids, little is known about the epidemiology of opioid use in children and adolescents. This retrospective study investigated opioid use trends and identified risk factors associated with sustained opioid use among outpatient children and adolescents in Israel. Electronic health records of 110,955 children and adolescents were used to establish opioid purchase trends in outpatient settings between 2003 and 2021.

False-positive HIV screening tests during the COVID-19 pandemic, a passing trend?

False-positive fourth-generation HIV screening tests are rare and are usually associated with various infections and autoimmune diseases. SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination were recently linked with false-positive HIV screening test results. However, little is known about false-positives in people who performed HIV screening tests after outbreaks of different SARS-CoV-2 strains and vaccination campaigns.

Coping mechanisms and burnout among checkpoint soldiers in the IDF: a salutogenic perspective.

While many military positions are characterized by rigorous routines and long-hour shifts, some positions also require the practice of sensitivity and empathy alongside diligence and attention. Prolonged exposure to such conditions may promote emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and diminished self-accomplishment perception, all part of work-related burnout which may affect soldiers' ability to practice their duty. The service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) checkpoint unit is an example of such conditions due to the soldiers' constant interaction with civilian population.

Community Vs. hospital HIV testing sites in Jerusalem, Israel - who's tested and who's at risk?

Background: After decades of constant increase in HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men (MSM), a gradual decrease has been reported in recent years. Timely detection of HIV leads to early treatment and behavioral changes which decrease further transmissions. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess demographic and behavioral characteristics of individuals who were tested for HIV in Jerusalem, Israel.