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PubMed1989

Availability and timing of new drugs in Israel: analysis and international comparison.

Whereas the latest data suggest that the number of new chemical entities (NCE) launches worldwide may be on the increase, both recent and longer term data show a decline in the rate of NCE introductions into Israel. In terms of percentage availability, only 30% of NCEs available worldwide during 1978-1987 were introduced in Israel during the same period, compared with 42% for the U.S.A. In both countries there has been a decreasing percentage availability since 1983/84. The percentage availability of commercially significant NCEs was greater (47%) compared to all NCEs introduced in Israel. Whereas in the U.S.A. the lower the therapeutic rating the higher the proportion of NCEs, in Israel the B- and C-rated drugs were equally represented. NCEs with an A-rating had a similar share of all NCEs (ca 15%) in both countries. The average time lag for NCEs launched worldwide to reach Israel during 1978-1987 was 4 to 5 years, but in recent years there has been a considerable decline. Commercially significant NCEs introduced in Israel had on average a shorter time lag of 0.5 years than the average for all NCEs introduced. In spite of a preponderance of NCEs first launched in the U.S.A. there was on average a slight relative lag into the U.S.A. compared to Israel. This was probably due to there being a number of NCEs first introduced in Israel with a long delay before they were subsequently approved in the U.S.A.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Drugs, Investigational↗
PubMed1995

Regional and temporal fluctuations in the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism in Israel.

It is well known that the incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) differs significantly among different parts of the world. Northern Israel has been shown to be an iodine deficient area with a relatively high incidence of CH. This study aimed to compare the incidence of CH between different regions of Israel and to examine the temporal fluctuations of this disease in each region. All 303 primary CH infants born in Israel during the 10-year period between April 1978 and March 1988 were classified by hospital of birth and place of residence. Using these data we calculated the incidence of CH in the different subdistricts and districts of Israel. We also calculated the annual incidence of CH in each district. The incidence of CH in each hospital was compared to the filter paper T4 levels of all newborns born in that hospital during 1993. The incidence of CH decreased gradually from northern to southern Israel. This trend was also observed for thyroid agenesis, but the incidence of ectopic thyroid was highest in central Israel. Dyshormonogenesis (DHG) was on average 3.5 fold more frequent in the Arab compared to the Jewish populations, but did not show any clear geographic pattern. A significantly increased CH incidence in north-central Israel in 1985 was opposed by a low incidence in the South. A clear correlation exists between the incidence of CH in each hospital and the mean newborns' T4 level in that hospital. The incidence of primary CH in general, and of thyroid agenesis and ectopic thyroid specifically, has a clear regional-temporal pattern. Thus, some of the factors causing CH in Israel may be local factors that show local annual fluctuations.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1994

Implications of Russian immigration on mortality patterns in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Many immigrants from the former USSR arrived in Israel during the period 1989 to 1992 and now comprise 10% of the Israeli population. They are expected to cause a change in the health profile of the country due to their different patterns of disease and an analysis was undertaken to predict these expected changes. METHOD: Official mortality statistics from Israel and the USSR were compared for differences in major causes of death. Russian mortality rates were then incorporated into a calculation taking into account the total size of the Israeli population and the relative size of the immigrant population to give the expected overall age-adjusted mortality in Israel following the wave of immigration. RESULTS: Reported mortality rates in the European republics of the former USSR were found to be higher, by about 40%, than mortality rates in Israel. Cardiovascular diseases (40%) and cancer (20%) were found to contribute equally to male mortality in Israel and the USSR, but cardiovascular diseases were more important in females in the USSR (65% versus 44% in Israel). Cerebrovascular disease was three times more common as a cause of death in the USSR than in Israel, in both sexes. Cancer, though similar in overall rate, was differently distributed in the two countries with lung and stomach cancer predominating and causing much higher mortality in the former USSR. Projections from these observations showed an expected immediate increase in mortality of 6% in males and 4.4% in females, assuming the mortality patterns reported are valid for Russian immigrants to Israel. CONCLUSION: Massive immigration to a country has the potential to significantly affect the overall health picture of the host country. Therefore, an evaluation of the health status and health-related habits of the immigrant population is warranted to target areas requiring intervention in order to both protect the host country and to facilitate assimilation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

A worrying increase in the incidence of mesothelioma in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to asbestos is the main established cause of mesothelioma; the incidence of this tumor is thus often interpreted as an index of past exposure. Asbestos has been widely used in Israel in industry and building, exposing certain population groups to the risk of developing mesothelioma. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the incidence of mesothelioma in Israel during the years 1960-96, and to project its trend for the following years. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study of the incidence of mesothelioma reported to the Israel Cancer Registry during 1960-96. Time trends were analyzed from data on the annual import of asbestos to Israel, which may indicate the magnitude of past exposure. Based on these findings, trends in the incidence of mesothelioma in Israel were projected for the subsequent years. RESULTS: A total of 327 cases of mesothelioma were reported to the Israel Cancer Registry during the study period. The incidence in Jews was higher than in Arabs (age-standardized incidence rate 2.64 vs. 1.35 per million/year, respectively). Among the Jewish population, Israeli-born males and males born in Europe and America showed the highest incidence (ASR 4.23 and 4.15 per million/year, respectively). Israeli-born males were 20 years younger than Jewish males born elsewhere. The incidence was twice as high among males than females and increased sevenfold from its nadir (1.17 per million/year) in 1978-80 to its peak (8.5 per million/year) in 1993-96. During a similar period the incidence among females increased from 0.33 to 2.56 per million/year. The incidence in both sexes does not appear to level off. The large wave of immigration from the former Soviet Union that began in 1989 only partly accounts for the increased incidence in 1993-96. The time trend in the incidence of mesothelioma in both sexes parallels the use of asbestos in Israel, which peaked in the years 1976-78. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of mesothelioma in Israel has increased sharply in recent years, unrelated to a wave of immigration from East Europe, and is predicted to continue to rise for another 10-15 years.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

[Utilization patterns of CT and MRI in Israel].

BACKGROUND: One of the major factors contributing to the escalating increase in the costs of the health system is the accelerated utilization of health technologies such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Prior to this study in Israel, there was no available national database to ascertain the scope and utilization patterns of imaging technologies. A number of trends combine in the need to assess the utilization patterns in Israel. Firstly, imaging examinations constitute a larger and ever-growing predominate role in the diagnostic process. Secondly, these technologies can complement or supplement each other. Thirdly, the rising costs to the health system resulting from the numerous examinations conducted and finally, the importance of protecting public health from the damage caused by exposure to radiation during CT examinations. OBJECTIVES: 1. To describe the utilization patterns for CT and MRI examinations in Israel. 2. To compare the consumption of imaging services with that of other Western countries. METHODS: The initial stage was to identify all the institutions operating CT or MRI devices. Data was collected by means of a questionnaire from these organizations on the extent of use, characteristics of the utilization patterns, indications, accessibility, availability, and referents etc. during the period 1995-1999. RESULTS: In the year 2000, 38 CT and 9 MRI devices were operating in Israel. We observed an increase in the number of CT and MRI examinations between the years 1995-1999 and a rise in the level of examinations per 1,000 population. The rate of MRI examinations per person in Israel was found to be lower in comparison to other Western countries. Upon analysis of the distribution of indications it was found that approximately 37% of the CT examinations were cranial examinations and 18% were spinal examinations. In MRI examinations 38% were cranial and 30% spinal tests. CONCLUSION: The rising trends in the rate of CT and MRI examinations during the period 1995-1999 and their characteristics, match the comparable rise witnessed in most Western countries in recent years. Although the level of CT and MRI devices per population in Israel is low in comparison to the Western world, the devices operate intensively. In light of the high level of accessibility and availability of these imaging devices in Israel, the research findings corroborate the claim that the number of devices influences the scope of utilization and supports the supposition that these imaging devices are used efficiently in Israel.

Databases, Factual↗
PubMed1996

Comparative seroreactivity to Bartonella henselae and Bartonella quintana among cats from Israel and North Carolina.

Bartonella henselae, the predominant cause of cat scratch disease, and Bartonella quintana, the cause of trench fever, are closely related Bartonella species that induce cross-reactivity when cat or human sera are tested using an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test. Cats are the natural reservoir for B. henselae, whereas a mammalian reservoir host for B. quintana has not been identified. Serum samples from 114 cats from Israel and 114 cats from North Carolina were tested by IFA for seroreactivity to B. henselae and B. quintana antigens. Similar numbers of cats from Israel [45 (39.5%)] and from North Carolina [46(40.4%)] were seroreactive to both antigens, however, as compared to cats from North Carolina [8 (7%)], a significantly (P = 0.001) larger number of cats from Israel were seroreactive to B. quintana antigen only [23 (20.2%)]. In addition, mean antibody titers were lower to B. henselae than to B. quintana (P = 0.0001) in the cats from Israel, whereas similar mean titers to both antigens were identified in cats from North Carolina. Absorption of serum using whole B. henselae organisms resulted in a significantly greater (P = 0.0001) decrease in antibody titer to B. henselae between absorbed and non-absorbed sera, as compared to the decrease in antibody titer following absorption with whole B. quintana organisms. There was a similar decrease in antibody titer in sera from cats experimentally infected with B. henselae and in cats naturally exposed to Bartonella species from Israel and North Carolina. Our results indicate that absorption of serum will, in most instances, distinguish species-specific reactivity by IFA to B. henselae from cross-reactivity to B. quintana in cats experimentally infected with B. henselae. The data support the conclusion that B. henselae is the principal Bartonella species responsible for seroreactivity against B. henselae and B. quintana in naturally exposed cats from Israel or North Carolina. It also suggests that in Israel, cats are exposed to one or more antigenically different Bartonella species, sub-species or strains, that seroreact by IFA more intensely with B. quintana antigen.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Molecular epidemiology of HIV in Israel.

The aim of this study was to identify the HIV types and subtypes prevalent in Israel among different populations in terms of risk or geographic origin of the HIV infection. A total of 149 blood samples were collected from HIV-positive persons from different risk groups for HIV infection who were living in Israel. HIV subtyping was performed by a V3-based peptide enzyme immunoassay, supplemented by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products from the V3 region. Multiple HIV-1 subtypes were shown to circulate in Israel; whereas most of the infections among Israelis and Palestinians were of subtype B, infections among the large Ethiopian population in Israel were caused by HIV-1 subtype C. Occasionally, we found HIV-1 subtypes A and D and a putative B/C recombinant. No HIV-2 infection was identified. Sequence comparisons and phylogenetic tree analyses point at multiple introductions of HIV into the country. The presence of mainly two different HIV-1 subtypes, B and C, in two separated populations in Israel may result in two distinct epidemiologic patterns among HIV-infected individuals in Israel. Subtype C infection among the Ethiopians in Israel opens new research avenues toward better understanding the natural history of infection with HIV-1 subtype C in Ethiopians living in a Western society compared with those living in Ethiopia.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Dirofilaria repens infection in a dog in Israel.

Only one case of canine infection with Dirofilaria repens has been reported in Israel to date; this occurred in 1934. This publication, 65 years later, represents the second case of D. repens infection in a dog in Israel. This dog was infected locally since it was born in Israel and was never taken abroad, suggesting that the life cycle of the filaria was completed in Israel. Since dogs, cats, and foxes serve as a reservoir for the filaria and these are abundant in Israel, and mosquitoes of the genera Culex and Aedes (both of which occur in Israel and the Middle East) are vectors, the conditions for establishment of the filaria in Israel exist, and warrant regional epidemiologic investigation.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed1998

[Drowning in Israel--1990-1992].

There are no epidemiological studies of drowning in Israel in the scientific literature, despite prominent reports in the media. We analyzed the extent of mortality from drowning in Israel during 1990-92, attempting to identify and characterize groups at high risk, and to determine trends and differences between Israel and other countries. Computerized death certificate files were provided by the Israel government Central Bureau of Statistics; deaths from drowning were included among external causes codes E-830, 832, E-910, E-954, E-964, E-984. In Israel, as in the United States, mortality from drowning is the fourth cause of death among all unintentional causes, and the second cause in age-groups 1-24, ranking after transport accidents. During 1990-92 there were 1.2 drownings a year/100,000 population. The highest rates were found among young non-Jews 15-24 years old (7.8/100,000) and among elderly Jews (3.5/100,000). Unintentional drowning accounted for 89% of all deaths; while about 10% were defined as suicides. Males had a rate almost 3 times greater than females, and the among Arabs was 2.4 times greater than among Jews. The 1990-92 drowning rate was slightly lower than in previous years. Drowning rates in Israel are lower than in the United States, except in the elderly. Apparently the principal reason for this difference is difference in sites of drowning. In Israel most drownings occur in the sea, so site data are unavailable for international comparisons. Careful consideration of the categories (E-codes) included in the rates, and of local registration procedures, is necessary for international comparisons. Foreign workers, tourists and other nonresidents are not included in national vital statistics. But estimations based on Ministry of Interior sources show that foreign workers (most, recent arrivals) during the last few years are an extremely high risk group. Population-based drowning rates are not an accurate estimation of drowning risk, since universal exposure to the "opportunity to drown" is assumed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Estimation of prevalence and incidence rates and causes of blindness in Israel, 1998-2003.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and incidence of blindness in Israel appear to be comparable to other western countries. Comparisons are difficult because of different definitions of blindness, and the uniqueness of the Israeli Registry of the Blind. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the population who were registered as Blind in Israel in the years 1998-2003 and estimate the prevalence and incidence of blindness by age and causes of blindness. METHODS: A retrospective review of the annual report of the national Registry of the Blind in Israel between 1998 and 2003 identified 21,585 blind persons who received a certificate for blindness. Blind persons are identified by ophthalmologists throughout Israel and referred to the Registry of the Blind if they have a visual acuity of 3/60 or worse, or a visual field loss of <20 degrees in their better eye. This report includes prevalence data on 21,585 persons enrolled in this review still alive and living in Israel in 2003. We estimated the prevalence rate of blindness nationwide and the incidence rate for each cause of blindness for every year. RESULTS: The main leading causes of blindness in Israel in 1998 were (in percent of the total number of newly registered patients): age-related macular degeneration (20.1%), glaucoma (13.8%), myopic maculopathy (12%), cataract (10.4%), diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy (10.1%), and optic atrophy (7.9%), and in 2003, 28%, 11.8%, 7.4%, 6.5%, 14.4% and 6.5% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the incidence of age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy in Israel is increasing, while that of glaucoma, myopic maculopthy, optic atrophy and cataract is decreasing.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Atmospheric sulfur flux rates to and from Israel.

Both field measurements and model simulation studies have shown that Israel is the recipient of long range transported air pollutants that originated over various parts of Europe. The present paper presents results of aircraft measurements aimed at quantitizing the sulfur flux arriving at Israel's western coast from Europe and the Israeli pollution contribution to the air masses leaving its eastern borders towards Jordan. During the research flights, measurements of sulfur dioxide and sulfate particulates and meteorological data were recorded. Two different legs were performed for each research flight: one over the Mediterranean Sea, west of the coast and the second along the Jordan Valley. All flights were carried out at a height of approximately 300 m above ground level. A total of 14 research flights were performed covering the summer and autumn seasons. The results indicate that the influx of sulfur arriving at the Israeli coast from Europe varied in the range of 1-30 mg S/h, depending on the measuring season. The particulate sulfate level in the incoming LRT air masses was at least 50% of the total sulfur content. The contribution of the local pollutant sources to the outgoing easterly fluxes also varies strongly according to season. During the early and late summer, the Israeli sources contributed an average of 25 mg S/h to the total pollution flux as compared to only approximately 9 mg S/h during the autumn period. Synoptic analysis indicates that conditions during the summer in Israel favor the accumulation of pollution species above the Mediterranean basin from upwind European sources. This season features a shallow mixed layer and weak zonal flow leads to poor ventilation rates, inhibiting an efficient dispersion of these pollutants while being transported eastward. Under these conditions, in flux, local contribution and the total out-flux of these pollutants are elevated as opposed to during other seasons. During the fall, the eastern Mediterranean region is usually subjected to weak easterly winds, interrupted at times by strong westerly wind flows inducing higher ventilation rates. These meteorological conditions and the lack of major emitting sources eastwards of Israel result in lower sulfur budgets to and from Israel for this season. An estimate of the yearly flux showed that approximately 0.06 tg S arrived at the Israeli coast from the west. This is approximately 15% of the estimated pollution leaving Europe towards the eastern edge of the Mediterranean basin. The local contribution to the out-flux towards Jordan was calculated to be 0.13 tg S per year, almost all of the sulfur air pollutants emitted in Israel.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1997

Health risks of immigration: the Yemenite and Ethiopian cases in Israel.

Immigration almost always involves major cultural changes in dietary, social and health-related beliefs and behaviour. Two years after the arrival of the earliest Yemenite immigration wave to Israel, about 30 years ago, the prevalence rate of diabetes in that population was almost nonexistent (approximately 0.06%), increasing to approximately 12% 25 years later. Obesity and hyperlipoproteinemia were not always correlated with diabetes. Ethiopians, mainly from the northern regions, first immigrated to Israel ten years ago. At that time, their prevalence rate of diabetes was 0-0.4%. Though it is too early to determine the overall prevalence rate in this population, 5-8% rates have been reported after up to 5 years in Israel. The objective of the present work was to study the effect of the diversity of ethnic food patterns and adaptability on the nutritional status of Ethiopian immigrants. Two groups were studied--teenagers and adults. After 2 and 18 months in Israel, adult Ethiopians who arrived in Israel in 1991 (n = 426) had an average body mass index (BMI) of 20-22 kg/m2, which was below western values; a waist:hip ratio (WHR) of 0.9 suggested abdominal fat accumulation. Fasting serum- glucose levels were within the norm, whereas insulin levels were high (24 micrograms/mL). Plasma triglycerides (TG) increased with age, from about 100 to 150 mg/dL, whereas cholesterol and lipoprotein levels remained stable and normal. The BMI of Ethiopian teenagers (n = 15) 5-7 years in Israel was similar to that found in adults. Fasting serum insulin levels were significantly lower in boys than in girls (approximately 16.6 vs approximately 18.6 microU/mL, respectively). Cholesterol values were significantly higher in girls than in boys (approximately 184 vs approximately 150 mg/dL); TG, high density and low density lipoprotein values were normal. These data indicate the existence of early signs of risk factors for diabetes, which may not manifest itself clinically unless provoked. Several causes, rendered detrimental by progress, could be setting the stage for early manifestation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Of these, two are of pertinence to this work: a genetic endowment for low-energy output and the thrifty genotype, and maternal undernutrition.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Asthma mortality in Israel 1971-1990.

BACKGROUND: One of the enigmas in asthma is that our improved understanding of the pathophysiology and the introduction of new modalities to treat asthma has not led to a parallel decrease in asthma mortality. On the contrary, morbidity and mortality from asthma have increased since the mid-seventies in most of the western countries. This trend of increased asthma mortality rate was not observed in Israel in a survey that examined the changes in asthma mortality rate in Israel during 1960-1986. A small but statistically insignificant increase in asthma mortality rate during the last years of that survey solicited for reexamination and extension of the survey. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the changes in the asthma mortality rate in Israel during the years 1971-1990. METHODS: We extracted the statistical data on asthma mortality rate in Israel during the 1971-1990 period. Because of the small numbers each year and the variations in asthma mortality rate between years, the data were analyzed after grouping the asthma mortality rate into 5-year periods. RESULTS: The rates, expressed as deaths per 100,000 population per year, were 0.43, 0.18, 0.39, and 0.40 in the 5- to 34-year-old group for the periods 1971-1975. 1976-1980, 1981-1985, and 1986-1990, respectively. We found a statistically significant increase in asthma mortality rate during the 1981-1985 and 1986-1990 periods as compared with 1975-1980 in the young (<34 years old) population. The increase in asthma mortality rate was greater among males. The mortality rate in the older population (35-64 year olds) decreased during 1976-80 as compared with 1971-1975 but did not change thereafter. The rates were 10.4, 4.8, 4.5, and 4.4 cases per 100,000 for 1971-1975, 1976-80, 1981-85, and 1986-90, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma mortality rate increased in Israel in the young age group (5-34 years) during 1980-1990. This is similar to reports from many other countries with advanced medical care systems. The decrease of asthma mortality rate in 1976-80 probably reflect the general improvement in medical care in Israel during these years.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

The control of mumps in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine replaced monovalent measles vaccine in the routine childhood vaccination schedule in Israel in December 1988, primarily to achieve the elimination of the congenital rubella syndrome. In this observational study, we report on changes in reported mumps incidence in Israel from the time of the introduction of MMR vaccine until the end of 1998. METHODS: The report is based upon passive national surveillance of mumps incidence, which has been notifiable in Israel since 1977. RESULTS: Reported mumps incidence in Israel is now less than 2% the pre-vaccine incidence. CONCLUSIONS: In the decade since the introduction of routine mumps vaccination in 1-year-olds in Israel, mumps control has been achieved. Although small outbreaks occur and may continue to occur in future years, because of under-vaccination of children, primary vaccine failure and waning immunity, it can tentatively be said that mumps is no longer a public health problem in Israel.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1998

Absorption of nursing students: new immigrants in the general academic nursing programme in Israel.

Two years after upgrading its nursing programme to university level, Israel experienced a massive wave of immigration from the former Soviet Union. Previous studies have shown that Russian immigrants in general, and in nursing in particular, have several unique characteristics that need to be taken into consideration in planning curricula and absorption programmes. The aim of the present work was to update these data, focusing on the reasons new immigrants choose nursing as a career, their image of the profession and their satisfaction with it. The study population consisted of 302 students attending five major academic schools of nursing in Israel. Students were divided into two groups: new immigrants (less than 4 years in Israel) and long-time Israelis (more than 4 years in Israel). All completed a 30-item questionnaire of proven validity and reliability. Findings were analysed by length of time in Israel and year of study. Using a series of statistical tests, we found that compared with the long-time Israelis, the new immigrants came from a higher socio-economic/professional stratum (in their mother country), had a less 'technical' perception of nursing, and were attracted to the profession primarily for extrinsic reasons ('close to medicine', economics). Both groups showed highest satisfaction in the clinical domain; however, the difference was significant only in the long-time Israeli group, even though the new immigrants had rated this domain highest in importance. The new immigrants showed least satisfaction in the academic domain. These results could be explained by several factors: the financial and housing problems that accompany immigration; the higher proportion of married students in the new immigrant group; and especially language difficulties, which are multiplied in Israel, where mastery in both Hebrew and English is necessary. Of particular interest was the fact that many of the immigrant students had already begun or completed medical school in their old country but were forced to compromise their dreams on immigration. This affected both their image of nursing and their reasons for choosing it as a career. We believe these findings will help nurse educators identify areas in which they can help ease the absorption process for maximal benefit to both the students and the profession.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

National Registry for the Blind in Israel: estimation of prevalence and incidence rates and causes of blindness.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the population registered as blind in Israel and estimate the prevalence and incidence of blindness, by age, sex and the causes of blindness. METHODS: Israel has maintained a Registry for the Blind since 1987. Patients are identified by ophthalmologists and registered if they have a visual acuity of < or = 0.05 (20/400) or a visual field of < 20 degrees radius in their better eye. The Registry consists of all eligible citizens living in Israel at the time of registration. This report includes prevalence data on 18,891 persons enrolled in the Registry from 1987-1999 and still alive and living in Israel in 1999, and incidence data on 2,511 persons newly registered in 1999. Data were collected on visual acuity and visual field loss, cause of blindness, and patient demographics. RESULTS: In 1999, the estimated prevalence rate of blindness nationwide was 0.31% and the estimated incidence rate was 0.037%. The major causes of blindness in the complete Registry were age related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma (14%), followed by diabetic retinopathy (11%), cataract and myopic maculopathy (10%), and optic atrophy (8.4%). The leading causes of newly diagnosed blindness were age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (20%), glaucoma (14%), diabetic retinopathy (12%), myopic maculopathy (11%), and optic atrophy and cataract (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Israel has one of the few nationwide blindness registries in the world. The prevalence and incidence of blindness in Israel appear to be comparable to other western countries. Comparisons are difficult because of different definitions of blindness, age distributions, and the uniqueness of the Israeli Registry.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Cardiovascular nursing in Israel.

Cardiovascular (CV) nursing as an entity in Israel dates back to 1952, when the nurses in Tel-Hashomer hospital took care of postoperative heart surgery patients. The first intensive cardiac care units (ICCUs) were established in 1971. In 1982, the first ICCU course was established in Tel-Hashomer hospital nursing school. Today, most of the nursing staff in Israels ICCUs are graduates of ICCU courses. The nurses professional society, the Society for Nursing of Israel, was established in 1947. In 1989 the Society for Advancement of Cardiac Nursing in Israel (SACN) was established. The main goals of the society were: the exchange of CV nursing knowledge, CV nursing research, CV nursing education in nursing schools, education of nurses in other departments in the care of the cardiac patient, and CV nursing education in the community. The CV nurse takes a large role in the total care of the cardiac patient, which includes rehabilitation within the hospital and in the ambulatory setting and coordination of nursing in national and international multicenter clinical trials. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health Nursing Division, Israeli CV nurses participate in national and international projects to: develop and upgrade nursing education; train new CV nurses; develop, review, and revise nursing protocols and guidelines; and establish new, more advanced ICCUs in underdeveloped areas within Israel and around the world. Our vision for the future development of CV nursing in Israel includes coordination and management roles in the hospital setting, and the establishment and management of home-care programs.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1996

International epidemiological and microbiological study of outbreak of Salmonella agona infection from a ready to eat savoury snack--II: Israel.

OBJECTIVES: To explain an increase in the incidence of salmonellosis caused by Salmonella agona in Israel between October 1994 and January 1995 in the light of an outbreak of S agona phage type 15 infection in England and Wales caused by consumption of a ready to eat savoury snack produced in Israel. DESIGN: Epidemiology of S agona in 1994-5 was analysed and two consecutive, case-control studies of 32 and 26 case-control pairs were performed. Phage typing and molecular methods were used to characterise strains of S agona isolated from cases and samples of the snack in Israel and England and Wales. RESULTS: The increase in the incidence of S agona between October 1994 and January 1995 was countrywide. Cases of infection with group B salmonella increased from 60% to 80% in children under 5 years old. In both case-control studies, cases consumed more of the snack than did controls (4.25 v 2.94 packets per week in the first study (P = 0.086) and 4.04 v 2.37 packets per week in the second study (P = 0.034)). When the two studies were combined there was a significant dose-response relation for the number of packets consumed weekly. Compared with consumption of less than two packets, the odds ratio was 1.43 for between two and six packets and 3.37 for seven or more packets (chi 2 for trend = 5.27, P = 0.02) S agona phage type 15 was isolated from a packet of the snack sold in Israel, and the strain was identical with those isolated from packets and cases in Israel and England and Wales. CONCLUSIONS: This outbreak of S agona was caused by the contamination of a snack produced in Israel. Even under modern operating conditions, large, widespread international outbreaks of foodborne disease can occur. The success of this investigation resulted from excellent international collaboration between public health authorities.

Case-Control Studies↗