High-Resolution Genomic Profiling of Liver Cancer Links Etiology With Mutation and Epigenetic Signatures.

Background & Aims: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a model of a diverse spectrum of cancers because it is induced by well-known etiologies, mainly hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus. Here, we aimed to identify HCV-specific mutational signatures and explored the link between the HCV-related regional variation in mutations rates and HCV-induced alterations in genome-wide chromatin organization.

Methods: To identify an HCV-specific mutational signature in HCC, we performed high-resolution targeted sequencing to detect passenger mutations on 64 HCC samples from 3 etiology groups: hepatitis B virus, HCV, or other.

The Israeli Surgical Oral Board Examination: Improved Objectivity Increases Knowledge Authenticity.

The oral board examination in general surgery in Israel was recently revised aiming for improved objectivity and standardization. Herein, we describe the current exam model. Between 05/2018 and 11/2020, two exams per year were conducted with the current exam model.

IGF2 Mediates Resistance to Isoform-Selective-Inhibitors of the PI3K in HPV Positive Head and Neck Cancer.

Over 50% of human papilloma positive head-and-neck cancer (HNC) patients harbor genomic-alterations in , leading to hyperactivation of the phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Nevertheless, despite PI3K pathway activation in HNC tumors, the anti-tumor activities of PI3K pathway inhibitors are moderate, mostly due to the emergence of resistance. Thus, for potent and long-term tumor management, drugs blocking resistance mechanisms should be combined with PI3K inhibitors.

Clinical phenotypes of infantile onset CACNA1A-related disorder.

Background: CACNA1A-related disorders present with persistent progressive and non-progressive cerebellar ataxia and paroxysmal events: epileptic seizures and non-epileptic attacks. These phenotypes overlap and co-exist in the majority of patients.

Objective: To describe phenotypes in infantile onset CACNA1A-related disorder and to explore intra-familial variations and genotype-phenotype correlations.

Association Between Knee Osteoarthritis and Functional Changes in Ankle Joint and Achilles Tendon.

Increasing evidence has shown that biomechanical forces often drive the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Attention should be given to the changes in adjacent joints and their relation to knee OA. The purpose of the present study was to examine the changes in Achilles tendon thickness of individuals with knee OA and to evaluate the correlation between Achilles tendon thickness and knee OA severity in a case-control prospective observational study.

A novel self-care biomechanical treatment for obese patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Aim: To examine the effect of a novel biomechanical, home-based, gait training device on gait patterns of obese individuals with knee OA.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of 105 (32 males, 73 females) obese (body mass index > 30 kg/m ) subjects with knee OA who completed a 12-month program using a biomechanical gait training device and performing specified exercises. They underwent a computerized gait test to characterize spatiotemporal parameters, and completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey.

A Novel Non-Invasive Adjuvant Biomechanical Treatment for Patients with Altered Rehabilitation after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Results of a Pilot Investigation.

Background: Many factors contribute to suboptimal results after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) but little is known regarding the value of postsurgical rehabilitation after TKA. We examined the effects of an enhanced closed kinematic chain exercises program (AposTherapy) on gait patterns and clinical outcomes among patients with a lack of progress in their postsurgical rehabilitation.

Methods: Twenty-two patients were prospectively followed during the study.

Low ALT blood levels predict long-term all-cause mortality among adults. A historical prospective cohort study.

Background: Increased blood levels of alanine amino transferase (ALT, also known as SGPT; serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) serve as a marker of liver injury by various mechanisms. Less is known about the clinical implications associated with low-normal ALT levels. Previous studies showed low ALT levels to be associated with poor long-term outcomes among elderlies, serving as a biomarker for increased incidence of frailty and subsequent risk of mortality.

New approach for the rehabilitation of patients following total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of a biomechanical therapy on gait, function and clinical condition in patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods: Seventeen TKA patients participated in the study. Patients received a biomechanical therapy AposTherapy).

Atopic dermatitis in Israeli adolescents - a large retrospective cohort study.

Prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been studied mainly in infants and young children. Surveys on AD in adolescents and adults are based largely on self-reported questionnaires and cohorts of different ages, precluding meaningful comparisons and conclusions. We aimed to provide data on the prevalence of AD and its relation to demographic factors in adolescents.

Novel classification of knee osteoarthritis severity based on spatiotemporal gait analysis.

Objective: To describe a novel classification method for knee osteoarthritis (OA) based on spatiotemporal gait analysis.

Methods: Gait analysis was initially performed on 2911 knee OA patients. Females and males were analyzed separately because of the influence of body height on spatiotemporal parameters.

Differences in gait pattern parameters between medial and anterior knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Background: Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee have unique spatiotemporal gait alterations. These gait changes have not yet been differentiated according to the location of knee pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the gait patterns of patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis that exhibit either anterior or medial joint pain.

Determining minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration of halothane in rats: the effect of incremental change in halothane concentration and number of crossovers.

Computer simulations for the technique of estimating minimum alveolar anesthetic concentration (MAC) in patients (quantal design) suggest that incremental concentration changes and the number of crossovers affect MAC. We hypothesized that these variables may also apply to estimating MAC in rats (bracketing design). This study tested that hypothesis and also examined whether these variables might mask differences in MAC between groups in which MAC might be expected to differ (pregnant [P] versus nonpregnant [NP]).

Increased incidence of diabetes mellitus in the patients with transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder.

The progression of bladder cancer to invasive disease is highly dependent on its ability to penetrate basement membrane of urothelium. Studies on diabetic nephropathy have shown a reduction in proteoglycan content of the glomerular basement membrane. Based on the well-known fact that proteoglycans are one of the main components of basement membrane and extracellular matrix we assessed the relationship between diabetes mellitus, bladder cancer incidence and its behavior.