Publications by authors named "Idan Levy"

Aims And Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and Syndecan-1 (SDC1) are involved in multiple functions during tumorigenesis. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of these serum proteins, as potential biomarkers, in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and benign pancreatic cysts.

Methods: In this case-control study, patients with newly diagnosed PDAC (N = 121) were compared with the benign cyst (N = 66) and healthy control (N = 48) groups.

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Background: Sedation increases colonoscopy risks and prolongs recovery time. We examined whether virtual reality (VR) can substitute for sedation. The primary outcome was the overall satisfaction of patients who underwent colonoscopy with VR headset compared with patients who underwent standard sedation.

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Current guidelines recommend that clinically staged T1N0 esophageal cancers are to be referred to surgery or endoscopic resection. Using the National Cancer Database, we identified 733 individuals with clinically staged T1N0 esophageal carcinoma, who underwent upfront surgery and did not receive any prior treatment. We assessed upstaging, which was defined as ≥ T2 disease or positive lymph nodes.

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The binding of transcription factors (TFs) along genomes is restricted to a subset of sites containing their preferred motifs. TF-binding specificity is often attributed to the co-binding of interacting TFs; however, apart from specific examples, this model remains untested. Here, we define dependencies among budding yeast TFs that localize to overlapping promoters by profiling the genome-wide consequences of co-depleting multiple TFs.

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Locoregional treatment modalities for hepatocellular carcinoma are generally effective and safe and benefit the subset of patients who are not eligible for surgery or have marginal hepatic function. This case report discusses a 77-year-old patient with cirrhosis who underwent microwave lesion ablation for 3 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules. On the 12th day after ablation, the patient was diagnosed with a perforation of the anterior wall of the stomach near one of the target ablation sites on the left side of the liver.

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(1) Background: Predicting which patients with upper gastro-intestinal bleeding (UGIB) will receive intervention during urgent endoscopy can allow for better triaging and resource utilization but remains sub-optimal. Using machine learning modelling we aimed to devise an improved endoscopic intervention predicting tool. (2) Methods: A retrospective cohort study of adult patients diagnosed with UGIB between 2012−2018 who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) during hospitalization.

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The performance of artificial intelligence-aided colonoscopy (AIAC) in a real-world setting has not been described. We compared adenoma and polyp detection rates (ADR/PDR) in a 6-month period before (pre-AIAC) and after introduction of AIAC (GI Genius, Medtronic) in all endoscopy suites in our large-volume center. The ADR and PDR in the AIAC group was lower compared with those in the pre-AIAC group (30.

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Introduction: Syndecan-1 (SDC1) has multiple functions in tumorigenesis in general and specifically in pancreatic cancer. We aimed to evaluate SDC1 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods: In this case-control study, patients newly diagnosed with a biopsy-proven PDAC were enrolled alongside healthy individuals in a derivation-validation cohort design.

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Background: Current guidelines recommend neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locoregional gastric adenocarcinoma. Patients diagnosed with early stage gastric adenocarcinoma are usually managed with upfront surgical intervention. However, pathologic staging in a subset of these clinically staged patients identifies more advanced locoregional disease requiring adjuvant treatment.

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Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder approaching epidemic proportions. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) regularly coexists with metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Recently, we demonstrated that the voltage-dependent anion channel 1 (VDAC1) is involved in NAFLD.

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The substantial heat generation in highly dense electronic devices requires the use of materials tailored to facilitate efficient thermal management. The design of such materials may be based on the loading of thermally conductive fillers into the polymer matrix applied - as a thermal interface material - on the interface between two surfaces to reduce contact resistance. On the one hand, these additives enhance the thermal conductivity of the composite, but on the other hand, they increase the viscosity of the composite and hence impair its workability.

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Thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement of an insulating polymer matrix at low filler concentration is possible through the loading of a high aspect ratio, thermally conductive single filler. Unfortunately, the dispersion of high-aspect-ratio particles greatly influences the rheological behavior of the polymer host at relatively low volume fractions, which makes further polymer processing or mixing difficult. A possible remedy is using two (hybrid) fillers, differing in their aspect ratios: (1) a plate-like filler, which sharply increases both viscosity and TC, and (2) an isotropic filler, which gradually increases these properties.

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Endoscopy is an inherent and an invaluable tool in every gastroenterologist's armamentarium. The prerequisite for quality and safety remains foremost. Adverse events should be minimized and proactive steps should taken before, during and after the endoscopic procedure.

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Background & Aims: It is not clear what serum levels of anti-tumor necrosis factor are associated with reduced intestinal inflammation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to identify serum levels of infliximab and adalimumab associated with mucosal healing in patients with IBD and to evaluate the putative gain in control of inflammation by incremental increases in drug levels.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of 145 patients with IBD treated with infliximab (n = 78) or adalimumab (n = 67) at a medical center in Israel from 2009 through 2014.

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