Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as an activator of nanosystems for targeted drug delivery in pancreatic cancer.

Specific cancer cell targeting is a pre-requisite for efficient drug delivery as well as for high-resolution imaging and still represents a major technical challenge. Tumor-associated enzyme-assisted targeting is a new concept that takes advantage of the presence of a specific activity in the tumor entity. MMP-9 is a protease found to be upregulated in virtually all malignant tumors.

Intradermal air pouch leukocytosis as an in vivo test for nanoparticles.

The need for test systems for nanoparticle biocompatibility, toxicity, and inflammatory or adaptive immunological responses is paramount. Nanoparticles should be free of microbiological and chemical contaminants, and devoid of toxicity. Nevertheless, in the absence of contamination, these particles may still induce undesired immunological effects in vivo, such as enhanced autoimmunity, hypersensitivity reactions, and fibrosis.

New noninvasive index for evaluation of the vascular age of healthy and sick people.

We conducted a study on 861 healthy and sick subjects and demonstrated that some calculated parameters based on measurement of the dynamic light scattering (DLS) signal from the finger correlate highly with chronological age ranging from 1.5 to 85 years old. Measurements of DLS signals were obtained during both occlusion and nonocclusion of blood flow in the finger.

The P. CEZANNE Project: innovative approaches to continuous glucose Monitoring.

Our EC-funded project, (FP6 contract No. 031867), "Development of an Implanted Biosensor for Continuous Care and Monitoring System of Diabetic Patients", addresses the pressing needs for the improvement of Blood Glucose monitoring and management through the development of an implanted sensor. This reagentless device integrates a novel nanobiotechnological glucose-sensing array at the heart of a ground-breaking fluorimetric detector, itself using an innovative hydrogel waveguide technology.

Prevalence and evaluation of B12 deficiency in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease.

Background: Patients with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) have a higher prevalence of pernicious anemia compared with the general population. Clinical signs of B12 deficiency may be subtle and missed, particularly in patients with known autoimmune disease. We assessed the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with AITD and whether their evaluation may be simplified by measuring fasting gastrin levels.

Comparing the distress of American and Israeli medical students studying in Israel during a period of terror.

Introduction: Medical school is a very stressful environment with multiple sources of stress, including academic, social and other issues. International medical students are exposed to additional stressors such as homesickness and culture shock.

Methods: In order to assess the influence of cultural background on the level of perceived distress, we examined Israeli and American students studying at the same university during a period of terror.

Cultural perception of harassment in two groups of medical students: American and Israeli.

The aims of this study were to determine whether harassment occurs in the authors' school, the Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, and to address the possible influence of cultural background on the perception of harassment. The unique makeup of the school was utilized, with two separate programs for American and Israeli students trained at the same sites and by the same faculty. A two-part questionnaire was developed that included students' reports on the occurrence of harassment, at what stage of their studies, by whom and its nature as well as demographic data.

A tale of two exposures: a comparison of two approaches to early clinical exposure.

Purpose: Early Clinical Exposure (ECE) programs are an increasingly widespread component of undergraduate medical education. Little systematic research exists on the topic. This report compares the approach and cost/benefits of two parallel ECE programs at the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University.

The effects of coffee consumption on sleep and melatonin secretion.

Background: In this study we examined the effects of caffeine on sleep quality and melatonin secretion. Melatonin is the principal hormone responsible for synchronization of sleep. Melatonin secretion is controlled by neurotransmitters that can be affected by caffeine.

Is the treatment of hyperlipidemia as secondary prevention adequate in different age groups in Israel?

Background: Treatment of hyperlipidemia is important for secondary prevention in patients suffering from coronary heart disease. It has been proven that "young elderly" (patients aged 65-75 years) can benefit from the treatment at least as much as younger patients.

Objective: To assess the adequacy of treatment as part of secondary prevention in "young elderly" and younger patients.

Overnight dexamethasone suppression test: a reliable screen for Cushing's syndrome in the obese.

Objective: Reevaluation of the validity of the 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST) as a screening test for Cushing's syndrome in obese patients.

Research Methods And Procedures: Eighty-six obese patients (body mass index, 30 to 53 kg/m(2)) that were referred to a general endocrine outpatient clinic for evaluation of simple obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, polycystic ovary disease, or pituitary tumor. One milligram dexamethasone was administered orally at 11:00 PM, and serum cortisol levels were measured the following morning between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.