Uri Eliyahu | Ashkelon Academic College (original) (raw)

Papers by Uri Eliyahu

Biomedical statistics and informatics, 2021

Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic and the excess of mortality attributed to COVID... more Background: The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic and the excess of mortality attributed to COVID-19 worldwide raised the need to develop a simple and applicable mathematical model for predicting mortality in different countries, as well as to point out the risk factors for COVID-19 mortality, and, in particular, demographic risk factors. Methods: A linear model was developed based on demographic data (population density, percentage of population over age 65 and degree of urbanity) as well as a clinical data (number of days since the first case was diagnosed in each country) from 10 highly populated (over 8.5 million people) randomly selected European countries

Background Soldiers in modern armies perform tasks that are increasingly technologically dependen... more Background Soldiers in modern armies perform tasks that are increasingly technologically dependent. Training them to obtain necessary technological skills is both complex and expensive. Personnel attrition is costly and can affect military readiness. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of pre-induction tests as a predictor of attrition in the rst year of infantry training. Methods infantry recruits participated in the study. Before beginning military service their health pro le was determined and they were given a Quality Group score, which is determined by psycho-technical tests, a personal interview and the quality of their education. Recruits were screened shortly following induction using a battery of tests including questionnaires, anthropometrics, functional movement screening (FMS), upper and lower quarter Y balance tests, dynamic tests, and followed by orthopaedists and their unit doctors for orthopaedic injuries and problems during the rst year of training. Results 165/303 (54.5%) recruits were diagnosed with injury or pain during the course of their rst year of training. 46 recruits (15.1%) did not complete their rst year of service as combatants and 18 (5.9%) were discharged from service. On multivariable analysis for attrition, protective factors were higher Quality Group scores (OR 0.78, CI 0.69-0.89) and recruits diagnosed with orthopaedic injuries or musculoskeletal pain (OR 0.21 CI 0.09-0.50). Pain in the balance test performed at the beginning of training was a risk factor (OR 3.39, CI 1.47-7.79). These factors together are only responsible for 15.4% of infantry attrition according to partial eta squared analysis. Conclusions The three variables found by multivariable analysis to be associated with infantry attrition in this study together are responsible for 15.4% of the attrition. Measuring these variables would seem to be most valuable in armies in which the number of candidates for a speci c infantry unit greatly exceeds the number of positions. The IDF approach of trying to keep attriters within the Army in non-combatant roles and not discharging them from service is a way to manage the problem of infantry attrition. Trial Registration Prospectively registered on clinicaltrials.gov, registration number NCT02091713 Background

PubMed, Feb 1, 2005

A relation exists between high altitude exposure and a hypercoagulable state, the nature of which... more A relation exists between high altitude exposure and a hypercoagulable state, the nature of which is not entirely clear. This has been mostly reported in mountain climbers. We report a 19-yr-old female, working as a high-altitude chamber instructor, who presented with severe frontal headaches which persisted for a month following routine high altitude chamber training. The patient was in generally good health and was using oral contraceptives for 3 yr prior to the event. Due to the unremitting nature of the symptoms, the patient was admitted to a neurology department, and computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed. Sagittal and transverse sinus vein thrombosis were diagnosed and anticoagulant therapy was initiated (low molecular weight heparin followed by warfarin). Following treatment, a slow symptomatic improvement was observed, and the patient was discharged. On discharge, it was recommended she continue oral anticoagulant therapy (warfarin). A complete coagulation screening panel was performed, which was negative. Although the relation between high altitude exposure and a hypercoagulable state is well known, this is the first time a case of sinus vein thrombosis has been reported after high altitude chamber training. Careful history and closely monitored medical follow-up should be performed on all designated staff exposed to simulated altitude. Even though there is no conclusive evidence regarding it, we suggest, as a matter of caution, that women using oral contraceptives should consider their risks before deciding to undertake exposure to simulated altitude in chambers. Literature review and detailed recommendations for prevention are provided.

Biomedical statistics and informatics, 2020

In December 2019, an infectious pandemic outbreak occurred in the city of Wuhan in the Province o... more In December 2019, an infectious pandemic outbreak occurred in the city of Wuhan in the Province of Hubei, China. The pathogen was identified as a novel coronavirus-COVID-19. This virus belongs to a family of viruses that cause Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, known as SARS-COV. The disease is characterized by a high mortality rate among adults aged 60 years or above, particularly those with chronic comorbidities. Databases available on the web provide updated, real-time data on the incidence and mortality rates ascribed to the COVID-19 pandemic in various countries. However, to draw accurate epidemiologic conclusions, demographic data (population density, age distribution, and urbanization level), as well as clinical data (number of screening tests and number of days since the first detected disease case in the country) must be taken into consideration. Informed use of these data affords reliable epidemiologic analysis. For example, a comparison of COVID-19 case fatality rates between Germany and Iran-two countries similar in population size and urbanization level-reveals that the mortality rate in Iran is significantly higher than that of Germany, while the active morbidity burden is much higher in Germany. This may seem surprising, given that Germany's population is considerably older than that of Iran and four times as dense. It may be surmised that the quality and availability of health services in Germany are superior to those in Iran, offering a higher number of screening tests and more effective clinical treatment. Another important factor affecting morbidity spread is the timing of a lockdown policy implementation. For example, a comparison between China and the USA-two countries with similar land area and median age-reveals that in spite of the fact that in China population density is about 4.25 times higher than in the USA, morbidity rate is considerably lower than in the USA. Two factors can be considered responsible for this lower rate: lower urbanization and an earlier lockdown policy compared with the USA.

Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Nov 1, 2017

of LBP and LBP limiting work ability, and identify their potential early risks during a marine tr... more of LBP and LBP limiting work ability, and identify their potential early risks during a marine training course. A further aim was to quantify occupational physical activity during this course. Methods: Demographic and health-related factors gathered from questionnaires, as well as results from tests of strength and movement control, were collected in 53 Swedish Armed Forces marines entering the marine training course (four months). Incidence of LBP and its related effect on work-ability were selfreported weekly during the course, and occupational physical activity was monitored using accelerometers, schedules and selfreports. The association between LBP-incidents during the course and information collected at baseline was regressed using repeated time-to-event methods with discontinuous risk intervals. Results: During the course, 68% of the marines experienced at least one LBP-episode, of which 57% reported related limitations in their ability to work. This yielded a LBP and LBP limiting work ability incidence rate of 13.5 and 6.3 episodes per 1000 person-days, respectively. Previous back pain and shorter body height (<1.81 m) emerged as independent risks for LBP (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4-4.3; HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.3, respectively), and LBP limiting work ability (HR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-8.9; 4.5, 95% CI 2.0-10.0, respectively). The performance of less than four pull-ups emerged as a risk for LBP (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.0), while physical training of fewer than three sessions per week emerged as a risk for LBP limiting work ability (HR 3.0, 95% CI 1.2-7.4). More than eighty percent of the work time measured were spent at low levels of ambulation, while combat equipment (>17.5 kg) were carried for more than half the work time. Conclusions: LBP and related limitations in work ability are common during the marine training course. A history of back pain and few weekly sessions of physical training, or insufficient upper body strength identified by the pull-up test, were identified as risks relevant for secondary preventive actions. The effect of short body height on LBP needs further investigation, including its relationship to specific work exposures. This is further emphasized by combat equipment being carried for more than half of the work time, which may play a considerable role in the aetiology of LBP in this population.

Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, Jun 6, 2019

Purpose: Heat intolerance (HI) is determined in the Israel Defense Force according to a heat tole... more Purpose: Heat intolerance (HI) is determined in the Israel Defense Force according to a heat tolerance test (HTT) before returning to duty after an exertional heat stroke (EHS) event. Recently, increased numbers of female combatants resulted in an increased number of EHS cases among women and a higher percentage of heat intolerance (HI) individuals. We aimed to evaluate the differences between tolerance to heat among women performing an HTT in relation to their menstrual cycle phase. Method: Thirty-three female participants were sorted into two groups: HI and heat tolerant (HT) according to two HTTs performed during both the luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle or while consuming and during a break from consuming contraceptives. Results: HT women had an 18% higher maximal oxygen uptake (p < .005, 95% CI [2.6,9.8]) and 1.2% lower skin temperature in the HTT at the during and follicular phases (p < .01, 95% CI [0.12,0.77]) and 1.7% lower at the off and luteal phases (p < .001, 95% CI [0.34,0.92]). The mean sweat rate was 14% lower among the HI group only at the HTT at the during and follicular phases (p < .05, 95% CI (3,88)]). Conclusion: We found that HT can be predicted using aerobic capacity and core body temperature. Moreover, during the luteal phase, women presented altered thermoregulation that decreased the probability of being HT. This emphasizes the importance of considering the HT/HI criteria in the HTT for women, according to their aerobic ability and menstrual-cycle phase.

Integrative Cancer Therapies, Nov 2, 2017

Background: Homeopathy has the potential to reduce symptoms related to cancer treatment. The pres... more Background: Homeopathy has the potential to reduce symptoms related to cancer treatment. The present study examined the feasibility of a homeopathic consultation and treatment program, provided as part of an integrative oncology service. Methods: The electronic medical files of patients undergoing a homeopathic consultation in an integrative oncology service clinic were examined retrospectively. Adherence to the homeopathic treatment regimen and perceived response to the treatment were evaluated. Results: The files of 124 patient (34 males, 90 females) were examined, of which two-thirds reported acquiring and self-administering the homeopathic remedy as prescribed, and nearly three-quarters reporting a beneficial effect. Adherence to the homeopathic treatment regimen was greatest among patients attending a second visit, as opposed to having only telephone/e-mail follow-up (P < .005). An association was found between a perceived beneficial effect of treatment with attending a follow-up visit (P = .04), female gender (P = .02), younger age (P = .048), diagnosis of breast cancer (P = .014), and current radiation treatment (vs chemotherapy; P = .003). Patients reporting chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy were also more likely to report a beneficial effect (P = .004), as were female patients reporting hot flashes (P = .005) and those referred by an oncologist (P = .046). No adverse effects were attributed to the homeopathic treatment. Conclusions: Homeopathy can be successfully incorporated within a supportive care integrative oncology service. In addition to demographic and cancer-related characteristics, as well as symptoms, patients attending a second visit (vs only telephone/e-mail follow-up) were more likely to adhere to and perceive a beneficial effect from the homeopathic regimen.

Diabetes-metabolism Research and Reviews, Apr 4, 2023

Military Medicine, Apr 1, 2007

Sleep-deprived individuals appear to have decreased psychological and physical capabilities. Stud... more Sleep-deprived individuals appear to have decreased psychological and physical capabilities. Studies have shown how major psychological aspects, such as alertness, complex mental performance, and memory, are strongly affected by sleep deprivation. Military use of psychostimulants dates back many years, especially in units that operate over long hours and deprive soldiers of sleep. During prolonged military operations, pilots are regularly kept awake for hours and days without fulfilling their biological sleep requirements. This consequently affects their natural circadian rhythm. This article deals with both the benefits and the side effects of two kinds of psychostimulants, namely, dextroamphetamine, which is more popular and is most widely used, and modafinil, which is a relatively newer type. There is growing evidence that modafinil has fewer side effects, in comparison with its predecessor dextroamphetamine, while still maintaining all of the latter's beneficial characteristics.

BMC Public Health

Objective Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children and youth worldwide. This... more Objective Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children and youth worldwide. This study aims to examine differences in the rates of drowning (fatal and non-fatal drowning) among children and youth in Israel stratified by age, sex, sector, place of drowning, and the drowning outcome. In addition, we compared the results of studies reported in other countries in specific age groups based on statistics of about 100,000 drowning cases. Method A statistical analysis of 474 drownings between 2008 and 2018 was conducted. All cases refer to youngsters aged 7–17 in the State of Israel. Statistical analysis was performed on data obtained from the Beterem – Safe Kids Israel organization and from the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics. Disparities between groups within the examined population were analyzed based on gender, sector (Jewish versus non-Jewish), and drowning site. Results Of the 474 drownings that occurred during 2008–2018, 38.4% ended in death. 79% of the cases occ...

Journal of Thermal Biology, Oct 1, 2004

A 'double-container model' was used for core temperature (T c) measurement by microwave emission ... more A 'double-container model' was used for core temperature (T c) measurement by microwave emission radiometry (MR) of warm fluid inside a tube, placed in a container with a cooler fluid. The intensity of microwaves emitted from the warmer fluid inside the tube were measured using a MR metering device, consisting of an antenna linked to a lownoise radio frequency amplifier (bandwidth $500 MHz, centered at 4.0 GHz). Based on the MR measurements, a T c prediction model was developed for measuring the temperature of fluid inside a tube, achieving a sensitivity of 70.5 1C at environmental temperature of 33-37 1C.

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews

BMJ Military Health, 2021

IntroductionInfantry recruit attrition wastes resources and can affect combat readiness. The purp... more IntroductionInfantry recruit attrition wastes resources and can affect combat readiness. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of preinduction tests as a predictor of attrition among conscripts in the first year of infantry training.Methods303 infantry conscripted recruits participated in a prospective study. Before their service, recruits received health profile and Quality Group Scores (QGSs). Recruits were screened at induction using questionnaires, by functional movement screening (FMS) and by upper and lower quarter Y-balance, dynamic and anthropometric tests. They were followed for musculoskeletal injuries and attrition during the first year of training.Results165/303 (54.5%) recruits were diagnosed with musculoskeletal injury or pain during the first year of their training. 15.2% did not complete their first year of service as combatants and 5.9% were discharged. On multivariable binary stepwise logistic regression analysis for attrition, protective factors wer...

Military Medicine, 2007