Arnon D. Cohen

Bio: Arnon D. Cohen is an academic researcher from Clalit Health Services. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Odds ratio. The author has an hindex of 41, co-authored 374 publications receiving 7913 citations. Previous affiliations of Arnon D. Cohen include University of Milan & University of Connecticut.

Chronic urticaria and irritable bowel syndrome: a cross-sectional study of 11 271 patients.

Abstract: The human body interacts with the environment mainly through three major tissues: the lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In each one, an intensive nervous network is present, conjugated with abundant mast cells (MC). While MC-mediated disorders in airways and the skin are extensively discussed, MC-mediated disorders of the GI tract remain relatively uncommon. Since the GI tract is one of the three main environment-interacting tissues, it is reasonable that MC-mediated disorders of the GI may have the same weight and impact as asthma or chronic urticaria (CU). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)-Associated Hospitalization and Mortality in Patients with Psoriasis: A Population-Based Study.

Abstract: The impact of immune-related conditions on the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is poorly understood. Determinants of COVID-19 outcomes among patients with psoriasis are yet to be established. Th objective of this study was to characterize a large cohort of patients with psoriasis with COVID-19 and to identify predictors of COVID-19-associated hospitalization and mortality. A population-based nested case-control study was performed using the computerized database of Clalit Health Services, Israel. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence (CIs) of predictors for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and mortality. The study population included 3151 patients with psoriasis who tested positive for COVID-19. Subclinical COVID-19 infection occurred in 2818 (89.4%) of the patients while 122 (3.9%), 71 (2.3%), 123 (3.9%), and 16 (0.5%) of the patients experienced a mild, moderate, severe, and critical disease, respectively. Overall, 332 (10.5%) patients were hospitalized and 50 (1.6%) patients died because of COVID-19 complications. Intake of methotrexate independently predicted COVID-19-associated hospitalization (adjusted OR 2.30; 95% CI 1.11–4.78; p = 0.025). Use of biologic agents was not associated with COVID-19-associated hospitalization (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.32–1.73; p = 0.491) or mortality (OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.12–6.21; p = 0.870). Older age, the presence of comorbid cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic renal failure independently predicted both COVID-19-associated hospitalization and mortality. The use of oral methotrexate was associated with an increased odds of COVID-associated hospitalization, whereas the use of biologic drugs was not associated with worse outcomes of COVID-19 among patients with psoriasis.

Is there an association between alopecia areata and systemic lupus erythematosus? A population-based study.

Abstract: The coexistence of alopecia areata (AA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been described, but the association between these conditions is yet to be firmly established. We aimed to evaluate the association between AA and SLE using a large-scale real-life computerized database. A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing the prevalence of SLE among patients with AA and among age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control subjects. Chi-square and t tests were used for univariate analysis, and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. The study was performed utilizing the computerized database of Clalit Health Services ensuring 4.4 million subjects. A total of 51,561 patients with AA and 51,410 controls were included in the study. The prevalence of SLE was increased in patients with AA as compared to the control group (0.3% vs. 0.1%, respectively; OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.6–2.9; P < 0.001). The association increased consistently with age and was stronger among female and Jewish patients. In a multivariate analysis adjusting for sex, age, ethnicity, and other comorbidities, AA was still associated with SLE (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.6–2.9; P < 0.001). To conclude, a significant positive association was observed between AA and SLE. Further longitudinal observational studies are necessary to establish these findings in other study populations. Physicians treating patients with AA may be aware of this possible association and may consider screening for SLE in patients with relevant symptoms.

Detection of One-Lung Intubation Incidents

Abstract: Lung sounds are very common source for monitoring and diagnosis of pulmonary function. This approach can be used for detecting one lung intubation (OLI) during anesthesia or intensive care. In this paper, an algorithm for detecting OLI from lung sounds is presented. The algorithm assumes a multiple-input-multiple-output system, in which a multi-dimensional auto-regressive model relates the input (lungs) and the output (recorded sounds). An OLI detector is developed based on the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT), assuming coherent distributed sources for each lung. This method exhibited reliable results also when the lungs were modeled by incoherent distributed sources, which is a more accurate model for lung sources. The algorithm was tested using real breathing sounds recorded in an operating room, and it achieved an OLI detection rate of more than 95%, for each breathing cycle.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis associated with gemcitabine therapy in a patient with metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Abstract: The authors report on a case of treatment-related toxic epidermal necrolysis in an elderly man receiving chemotherapy (gemcitabine) for transitional cell carcinoma of bladder and discuss the implications of the case.

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine

Abstract: The 11th edition of Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine welcomes Anthony Fauci to its editorial staff, in addition to more than 85 new contributors. While the organization of the book is similar to previous editions, major emphasis has been placed on disorders that affect multiple organ systems. Important advances in genetics, immunology, and oncology are emphasized. Many chapters of the book have been rewritten and describe major advances in internal medicine. Subjects that received only a paragraph or two of attention in previous editions are now covered in entire chapters. Among the chapters that have been extensively revised are the chapters on infections in the compromised host, on skin rashes in infections, on many of the viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus, on sexually transmitted diseases, on diabetes mellitus, on disorders of bone and mineral metabolism, and on lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. The major revisions in these chapters and many

The Self-Organizing Map

Abstract: An overview of the self-organizing map algorithm, on which the papers in this issue are based, is presented in this article.

The Geometry of Algorithms with Orthogonality Constraints

Abstract: In this paper we develop new Newton and conjugate gradient algorithms on the Grassmann and Stiefel manifolds. These manifolds represent the constraints that arise in such areas as the symmetric eigenvalue problem, nonlinear eigenvalue problems, electronic structures computations, and signal processing. In addition to the new algorithms, we show how the geometrical framework gives penetrating new insights allowing us to create, understand, and compare algorithms. The theory proposed here provides a taxonomy for numerical linear algebra algorithms that provide a top level mathematical view of previously unrelated algorithms. It is our hope that developers of new algorithms and perturbation theories will benefit from the theory, methods, and examples in this paper.

Sarcoidosis

Abstract: 结节病易误诊,据王洪武等~([1])收集国内18篇关于此病误诊的文献,误诊率高达63.2%,当然有误诊就会有误治,如孙永昌等~([2])报道26例结节病在影像学检查诊断的第一印象中拟诊结核5例,其中就有2例完成规范的抗结核治疗,为此应引起临床对本病诊治的重视。

Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an expanding global health problem, closely linked to the epidemic of obesity. Individuals with T2DM are at high risk for both microvascular complications (including retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) and macrovascular complications (such as cardiovascular comorbidities), owing to hyperglycaemia and individual components of the insulin resistance (metabolic) syndrome. Environmental factors (for example, obesity, an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity) and genetic factors contribute to the multiple pathophysiological disturbances that are responsible for impaired glucose homeostasis in T2DM. Insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion remain the core defects in T2DM, but at least six other pathophysiological abnormalities contribute to the dysregulation of glucose metabolism. The multiple pathogenetic disturbances present in T2DM dictate that multiple antidiabetic agents, used in combination, will be required to maintain normoglycaemia. The treatment must not only be effective and safe but also improve the quality of life. Several novel medications are in development, but the greatest need is for agents that enhance insulin sensitivity, halt the progressive pancreatic β-cell failure that is characteristic of T2DM and prevent or reverse the microvascular complications. For an illustrated summary of this Primer, visit: http://go.nature.com/V2eGfN.