Comparison of the medical burden of COVID-19 with seasonal influenza and measles outbreaks.

AIM: To examine and compare the medical burden of measles, influenza and COVID-19 outbreaks in the city of Bnei Brak, Israel. METHODS: The study was conducted during 2018-2021. The numbers of hospitalisations for these infections and their complications were recorded. Hospitalisation rates were determined by using the number of children residing in Bnei Brak and hospitalised with these infections during the study period as the numerators. The denominators were the estimated paediatric cases of measles, influenza and COVID-19 in Bnei Brak and were calculated under both pragmatic and conservative assumptions. RESULTS: A total of 247, 65 and 32 children were hospitalised with influenza, COVID-19 and measles respectively. Complication rates were higher following measles than after influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infections. Hospitalisation rates were 10% for measles, 0.6%-1.2% for influenza and 0.15% - 0.25% for COVID-19 infections. Relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for hospitalisation following measles compared with COVID-19 ranged from 42 (26.3-67.3) to 70.1 (43.8-112.1), while the relative risks for influenza hospitalisation ranged from 2.5 (1.83-3.41) to 8.2 (6.0-11.2), compared with COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSION: Hospitalisation rates and direct medical burdens of measles and influenza were significantly higher than those of COVID-19 infection in children.

Vigor among health-care professionals at the workplace: the role of intra- and inter-personal resources.

Feeling vigorous throughout the workday in a medical facility despite exposure to daily job-related stress is essential for productive work-related behavior and for the subjective well-being of health-care professionals. The current study explored the contribution of an intra-personal resource (i.e. coping flexibility) and an inter-personal resource (i.e. social support) to the explained variance of vigor among nurses and physicians. Two hundred two hospital personnel completed self-report questionnaires regarding personal and professional data, vigor, coping flexibility and social support. The results revealed that the intra-personal resource coping flexibility, was positively associated with vigor while the inter-personal resource social support was not found to be associated with vigor. In addition, older age and higher self-rated health positively associated with feeling vigor. The current study shed light on the role of intra-personal resources in feeling vigorous throughout stressful workdays that characterize the workplace of hospital personnel. Tailoring interventions that may enhance coping flexibility among hospital personnel can increase their vigor which in turn may beneficially contribute to their job performance.

Using heated humidified high-flow nasal cannulas for premature infants may result in an underestimated amount of water reaching the airways.

AIM: Condensation often occurs when providing humidified respiratory support. We examined conditions conducive to excess water formation in heated humified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC). METHODS: An HHHFNC device, at 35 or 37°C, was attached with a nasal cannula to a reservoir and tested in five ambient conditions and flows. For Group A, tubing and collection bottle remained at room temperature (23°C). Group B, tubing and reservoir remained inside an incubator (31°C). Group C, tubing and reservoir remained at 33°C. In Group D, the HHHFNC was set to 35°C, the reservoir remained at 33°C, and the nasal cannula and tubing remained at 23°C. Group E, same as D, with HHHFNC at 37°C. RESULTS: The largest amounts of collected water were in groups A and E. Both had highest temperature differences. Median (range) was 4.9°C (4.1-6.9) and 4.0°C, collecting 38.4 (26.4-50.4) and 26.4 (19.2-50.4) ml/24 h, respectively. Smallest amounts of water were seen with lower temperature differences as in groups B, C, and D with 2.7 (1.9-4.7), 1.6 (1.2-2.1), and 2.0°C with 8.4 (0.0-33.6), 2.4 (0.0-14.4), and 9.6 (4.8-16.8) ml/24 h, respectively. CONCLUSION: HHHFNC devices may produce clinically significant amounts of water reaching the upper airways. This may be prevented with appropriate device set-up.

Newborn gender as a predictor of neonatal outcome in mixed gender twins born with very low birth weight.

BACKGROUND: Most studies have revealed that the incidence of morbidity and mortality of preterm male infants is greater than that of preterm female infants. Recently, conflicting outcomes have been reported regarding mixed-gender twins. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between gender and outcome in newborn twins of different gender. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of mixed-gender twins weighing < 1500 g that were born at Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh) between the years 1995 and 2016 (158 newborns). The incidence of morbidity and mortality until discharge from the hospital were evaluated while looking at gender differences. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in neonatal mortality or morbidity between females and males from different-gender twins. Even after considering confounding variables (gestational age, birth weight & birth order) in linear and logistic regression models, no significant differences were found between the genders. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that there are no significant differences in neonatal mortality or morbidity among different-gender twins. Our results support the need for further studies.

Different effects of long-term exposures to SO2 and NO2 air pollutants on asthma severity in young adults.

Numerous studies demonstrated that exposure to ambient air pollutants contributes to severity and frequency of asthma exacerbations. However, whether common air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), exert differential effects on asthma occurrence and severity is unclear. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether exposure to NO2 and/or SO2 may initiate different long-term effects on prevalence and severity of asthma in young adults. Medical records of 137,040 males, 17 years old, who underwent standard premilitary service health examinations during 1999-2008 were examined. Air-pollution data for NO2 and SO2 were linked to the place of residence of each subject. The influence of specific air pollutants on asthma prevalence and severity was evaluated using bivariate logistic regression, controlling for individuals' sociodemographic attributes. For both ambient air pollutants, there was a significant dose-response effect on severity of asthma at ambient concentrations below the current National Ambient Air Quality Standards. However, in residential areas with high levels of SO2 (13.3-592.7µg/m(3)) and high levels of NO2 (27.2-43.2µg/m(3)) the risk of asthma occurrence was significantly higher than that in residential areas with high levels of NO2 (27.2-43.2 µg/m(3)) and intermediate levels (6.7-13.3 µg/m(3)) of SO2 pollution. The effects of exposure to SO2 and NO2 air pollutants on the respiratory airways system appear to differ, with possible implications regarding medical management, even in cases of exposure to mixtures of these pollutants.

The Association Between Psychological Distress and Decision Regret During Armed Conflict Among Hospital Personnel.

The association between psychological distress and decision regret during armed conflict among hospital personnel is of interest. The objective of this study was to learn of the association between psychological distress and decision regret during armed conflict. Data was collected from 178 hospital personnel in Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, Israel during Operation Protective Edge. The survey was based on intranet data collection about: demographics, self-rated health, life satisfaction, psychological distress and decision regret. Among hospital personnel, having higher psychological distress and being young were associated with higher decision regret. This study adds to the existing knowledge by providing novel data about the association between psychological distress and decision regret among hospital personnel during armed conflict. This data opens a new venue of future research to other potentially detrimental factor on medical decision making and medical error done during crisis.

[INTERDEPENDENCY BETWEEN ZINC AND THYROID GLAND: THE DISCUSSION IS TO BE CONTINUED].

INTRODUCTION: Both hypothyroidism and zinc deficiency have been diagnosed over a long time. The endemic character of both disorders inspired an investigation into the relationship between these two phenomena. Zinc has a role in multiple metabolic processes; therefore, zinc depletion may lead to a serious and prolonged illness. It is well known that changes of zinc levels may correlate with changes in thyroid functions and vice versa. Nevertheless, despite this evidence, thyroid dysfunction does not always improve after zinc supplementation, even in cases of low zinc levels. This review reveals the complexity of the relationship between hypothyroid and zinc deficiency and discusses the options for evaluation and treatment of this mutual relationship.

[DIVERSITY IN PRODUCT SELECTION AND THRESHOLDS FOR PLATELETS TRANSFUSION IN NEONATES AND PREMATURE INFANTS].

INTRODUCTION: Many premature and full-term newborns receive prophylactic platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding, particularly the most prevalent one, i.e, intracranial hemorrhages. However, the platelet count threshold above which bleeding is prevented and the efficacy of platelet transfusion in thrombocytopenic neonates, have yet to be established. Therefore, inter-Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) variations in treatment indications and practices are expected. Considerable inter-NICU variations will emphasize the need for guidelines on platelet transfusions to neonates and premature infants. AIMS: To examine platelet products selection and indications for transfusion among neonatologists in Israel. Research and Methods: Electronic questionnaires addressing the choice of platelet products and the platelet count threshold for transfusion in various clinical settings were sent to 25 neonatal units. RESULTS: All 25 neonatal units responded (100% response rate). There was considerable variation in product selection among the different neonatal units. Up to 24% of the participating units reported selecting nontraditional products. Variation was also found in thresholds for platelet transfusion - several units used high thresholds while others used low ones. Traditional guidelines were followed in up to 64% of cases in selected clinical scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: There is considerable variation in both platelet product selection and platelet count thresholds for transfusion among the different neonatal units. DISCUSSION: A low threshold for platelet transfusion increases the risk for bleeding, whereas a high threshold increases the prevalence of complications from transfusion of blood products. Adherence to guidelines may prevent both such sequelae. Summary: Such variation in platelet transfusion among neonatologists emphasizes the need for an accepted policy. We recommend setting up a committee of neonatologists, pediatric hematologists and blood service experts which aims to establish an appropriate policy regarding the prevention of platelet transfusion sequelae in newborns.

Real-time detection, classification, and quantification of apneic episodes using miniature surface motion sensors in rats.

BACKGROUND: Real-time detection and classification of apneic episodes remain significant challenges. This study explores the applicability of a novel method of monitoring the respiratory effort and dynamics for rapid detection and classification of apneic episodes. METHODS: Obstructive apnea (OA) and hypopnea/central apnea (CA) were induced in nine tracheostomized rats, by short-lived airway obstruction and administration of succinylcholine, respectively. Esophageal pressure (EP), EtCO2, arterial O2 saturation (SpO2), heart rate, and blood pressure were monitored. Respiratory dynamics were monitored utilizing three miniature motion sensors placed on the chest and epigastrium. Three indices were derived from these sensors: amplitude of the tidal chest wall displacement (TDi), breath time length (BTL), that included inspiration and rapid expiration phases, and amplitude time integral (ATI), the integral of breath amplitude over time. RESULTS: OA induced a progressive 6.42 ± 3.48-fold increase in EP from baseline, which paralleled a 3.04 ± 1.19-fold increase in TDi (P < 0.0012), a 1.39 ± 0.22-fold increase in BTL (P < 0.0002), and a 3.32 ± 1.40-fold rise in the ATI (P < 0.024). During central hypopneic/apneic episodes, each sensor revealed a gradual decrease in TDi, which culminated in absence of breathing attempts. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive monitoring of chest wall dynamics enables detection and classification of central and obstructive apneic episodes, which tightly correlates with the EP.

Prophylactic treatment of asthma by an ozone scavenger in a mouse model.

Our hypothesis that inflammation in asthma involves production of ozone by white blood cells and that ozone could be an inflammatory mediator suggests that scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS), for example, electron-rich olefins, could serve for prophylactic treatment of asthma. Olefins could provide chemical protection against either exogenous or endogenous ozone and other ROS. BALB/c mice pretreated by inhalation of d-limonene before an ovalbumin challenge exhibited significant attenuation of the allergic asthma symptoms. Diminution of the inflammatory process was evident by reduced levels of aldehydes, reduced counts of neutrophils in the BAL fluid and by histological tests. A surprising systemic effect was observed by decreased levels of aldehydes in the spleen, suggesting that the examination of tissues and organs that are remote from the inflammation foci could provide valuable information on the distribution of the oxidative stress and may serve as guide for targeted treatment.

Maternal and infantile hypercalcemia caused by vitamin-D-hydroxylase mutations and vitamin D intake.

BACKGROUND: Hypercalcemia is caused by many different conditions and may lead to severe complications. Loss-of-function mutations of CYP24A1, encoding vitamin D-24-hydroxylase, have recently been identified in idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia and in adult kidney stone disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetics and clinical features of both infantile and maternal hypercalcemia. METHODS: We studied members of four unrelated Israeli families with hypercalcemia, namely, one woman during pregnancy and after delivery and three infants. Clinical and biochemical data were obtained from probands' medical charts. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood and CYP24A1 was sequenced. RESULTS: Typical symptoms of hypercalcemia associated with the intake of recommended doses of vitamin D developed in the infants and pregnant woman. Four different loss-of-function CYP24A1 mutations were identified, two of which are reported here for the first time (p.Trp134Gly and p.Glu315*). The infants from families 1 and 2, respectively, were found to be compound heterozygotes, and the infant from family 3 and the pregnant woman were found to be homozygous. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of maternal hypercalcemia caused by a CYP24A1 mutation, showing that not only infants are at risk for this complication. Our findings emphasize the importance of recognition, genetic diagnosis and proper treatment of this recently identified hypercalcemic disorder in this era of widespread vitamin D supplements.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with parechovirus 3 infection.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) denotes the common final pathway of a potentially fatal hyperinflammatory condition of diverse etiologies. We describe the first case of documented HLH associated with human parechovirus 3. A monoallelic Ala91Val mutation was found in the PRF1 gene, but the contribution of this mutation to HLH remains controversial. The diagnosis, based on accepted criteria, was established early in the course of the disease and led to successful treatment and complete recovery. The awareness of this new association is clinically important in facilitating early treatment, preventing organ damage, and increasing the likelihood of complete recovery.

Childhood tuberculosis in Israel: epidemiological trends and treatment outcomes, 1999-2010.

Childhood tuberculosis (TB) poses a high risk for morbidity and death. This study describes the characteristics of childhood TB in Israel and examines treatment outcomes. Data sources were the National TB Registry and the National Civil Census. Between 1999 and 2010, 416 children (aged <18 years) had TB, averaging 1.5 per 100 000 children (range 0.6-3.2), demonstrating a declining trend. The average proportion of all TB cases reported annually that were in children was 8.4% (range 5.4-11.8%). Most (n=320, 79%) of the childhood TB cases were pulmonary. TB rates were highest for the 0-4-year age group and lowest for the 10-14-year age group. Of all childhood TB cases, 236 (56.7%) were born in countries with high prevalence of TB: 214 were Israeli citizens who were Ethiopian-born and 22 were non-Israeli citizens. The overall childhood TB incidence in 2010 was 1.05 cases per 100 000 children. The incidence of TB for Israeli-born children, children whose parents were Ethiopian-born and children of migrant workers was 0.55 per 100 000, 7.5 per 100 000 and 50-100 per 100 000, respectively. Cultures were taken from 60% of all childhood TB cases. Most children (97.8%) achieved treatment success, while three children (0.7%) died. Overall, rates of childhood TB rates in Israel are decreasing. However, children of parents born in countries with a high prevalence of TB are still at high risk of developing TB. Bacteriological confirmation should be encouraged to improve control of childhood TB.

Electrocardiographic changes in young patients with spontaneous pneumothorax: A retrospective study.

ABSTRACT: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) commonly occurs in adolescents. PSP symptoms can mimic cardiac event. We aimed to examine electrocardiography (ECG) changes that accompanied PSP in relation to side and size of pneumothorax.A retrospectively reviewed 57 adolescents presented with PSP and underwent a cardiac evaluation.Overall, 49 patients (86%) were male, median age of 16 years. Of these, 1 patient had a known mitral valve prolapse. In 56 patients the initial episode of PSP was unilateral (16 left sided and 40 right sided), and 1 was bilateral. The main initial symptom was chest pain or dyspnea and chest pain 66.6% and 33.3% respectively. Small pneumothorax was right and left sided in 1and 8 patients respectively, medium right (n = 8) medium left (n = 22), large right (n = 7) and large left (n = 10). One additional patient had medium bilateral pneumothorax. ECG findings were abnormal in 12 patients (21%) and included ST elevation in 5 patients, inverted T wave in 2 patients, incomplete right bundle branch block in 2 patients, poor R wave progression, left axis deviation and low QRS voltage in 1 patient each. Only 2 patients had abnormal echocardiography findings, MPV (n = 1) and minimal mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (n = 1). Serum troponin-T levels were normal in all patients.ECG changes were found in 21% among pediatric patients with PSP. No correlation was observed between ECG changes and side/size of pneumothorax. It is important to rule out pneumothorax among children presented with chest pain, dyspnea and ECG changes.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in children: A single institutional experience.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) remains controversial. We aimed to examine the role of chest computed tomography (CT), the advantages of pigtail catheter versus chest tube regarding duration of drainage or hospitalization period, and the impact of small PSP and surgical treatment on recurrence rate. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 109 children with PSP (20 years' period). Patients with recurrent and those with non-recurrent PSP were compared. RESULTS: We recorded 183 episodes of PSP (45% recurrences), 89 patients (97%) were male, and the median age at presentation was 16 years. There were no significant differences between recurrence and non-recurrence PSP regarding age, gender, medical background, presentation symptoms, type of chest drain, median hospitalization length and median follow-up period. Recurrences were less frequent among patients who presented with small PSP and were treated conservatively (P = 0.029). PSP was almost always unilateral and the recurrence was observed ipsilateral in almost 80% of the cases. CT was more frequently used and blebs/bullae were more frequently found among patients with recurrent PSP. Pigtail use had no advantage in reducing hospitalization period and surgical procedures prevented recurrences. CONCLUSION: The size of pneumothorax at presentation helps to predict recurrences. There are no differences regarding duration of drainage or hospitalization period in the use of pigtail compared to chest tube. CT helps evaluate findings in the lungs in recurrent cases of PSP and surgery prevents recurrences effectively.

Age-Dependent Sensory Impairment in COVID-19 Infection and its Correlation with ACE2 Expression.

Among individuals who tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019, smell and taste sensations were significantly less impaired among children than among adults, in a stepwise manner. Sensory impairment was correlated with recent data of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 expression in the corresponding age groups. This is the first report to compare sensory impairment in children and adults testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019.

The interaction effect between gender and profession in posttraumatic growth among hospital personnel.

AIM: To explore if there is an interaction effect between gender (men and women) and profession (nurses and physicians) in posttraumatic growth (PTG). BACKGROUND: PTG is defined as a positive psychological change experienced as a result of struggling with highly challenging life circumstances. It may take the form of improved self-image, a deeper understanding of self, increased spirituality, and/or enhanced interpersonal relationships. Gender and profession were found separately to be associated with PTG, but to date were not examined under interaction effect. METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional study conducted in the tertiary medical center in Israel using a convenience sample. One hundred and twenty-eight nurses and seventy-eight physicians gave their consent and agreed to fill out self-report questionnaires regarding personal and professional data and PTG Inventory. FINDINGS: The correlation matrix revealed that being a woman was associated with higher PTG total scale (r = 0.242; P ≤ 0.001) and its subscales except for spiritual change that showed no evidence of statistical effect. Similar pattern was found for being a nurse with PTG total scale (r = 0.223; P ≤0.001) and its subscales except for relating to others that showed no evidence of statistical effect. However, the interaction effect revealed that among men, there was no difference in the level of PTG and its subscales based on profession (Physicians men = 62.54 (20.82) versus Nurses men = 60.26 (22.39); F = 9.618; P = 0.002). Among women, nurses had a significantly higher scores in PTG (Physicians women = 61.81 (18.51) versus Nurses women = 73.87 (12.36); F = 9.618; P = 0.002) and its subscales in comparison to physicians except for subscale relating to other. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest implications for research and practice namely exploring PTG among nurses and physicians would benefit from applying interaction effect of gender and profession. For practice, advocating PTG within the health care organization is needed to be tailored with gender and professional sensitivity.