Israel: health system review

The Health Systems in Transition (HiT) series consists of country-based reviews that provide a detailed description of a health system and of reform and policy initiatives in progress or under development in a specific country. Each review is produced by country experts in collaboration with the Observatory’s staff. In order to facilitate comparisons between countries, reviews are based on a template, which is revised periodically. The template provides detailed guidelines and specific questions, definitions and examples needed to compile a report. HiTs seek to provide relevant information to support policy-makers and analysts in the development of health systems in Europe. They are building blocks that can be used: • to learn in detail about different approaches to the organization, financing and delivery of health services and the role of the main actors in health systems; • to describe the institutional framework, the process, content and implementation of health-care reform programmes; • to highlight challenges and areas that require more in-depth analysis; • to provide a tool for the dissemination of information on health systems and the exchange of experiences of reform strategies between policymakers and analysts in different countries; and • to assist other researchers in more in-depth comparative health policy analysis. Compiling the reviews poses a number of methodological problems. In many countries, there is relatively little information available on the health system and the impact of reforms. Due to the lack of a uniform data source, quantitative data on health services are based on a number of different sources, including the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe’s European Health for All database, data from national statistical offices, Eurostat, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Health Data, data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank’s World Development Indicators and any other relevant sources considered useful by the authors. Data collection methods and definitions sometimes vary, but typically are consistent within each separate review. A standardized review has certain disadvantages because the financing and delivery of health care differ across countries. However, it also offers advantages, because it raises similar issues and questions. HiTs can be used to inform policy-makers about experiences in other countries that may be relevant to their own national situation. They can also be used to inform comparative analysis of health systems. This series is an ongoing initiative and material is updated at regular intervals. Comments and suggestions for the further development and improvement of the HiT series are most welcome and can be sent to [email protected]. HiTs and HiT summaries are available on the Observatory’s web site http://www.healthobservatory.eu

Microbiota no paciente cirúrgico do aparelho digestivo: diagnóstico e manuseio

There is an intimate and two-way relationship between our microbiome and the genome. The normobiosis corresponds to the situation in which the commensal and symbiotic bacteria are in balance with the enteropathogenic bacteria. In normobiosis we benefit in terms of strengthening the intestinal barrier, immunological tolerance and the production of a huge number of molecules synthesized by the intestinal microbiota. The dysbiosis, where the enteropathogenic bacteria prevail over the symbiotic and commensal, is related to adverse conditions, such as inadequate diet, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco and alcohol consumption, physical and emotional stress, diseases, use of antibiotics and other medications. In dysbiosis, intestinal permeability increases, translocation of microorganisms and inappropriate molecules may occur and an inflammatory response is established whose intensity may depend on the type and intensity of the prevalence of the pathogenic bacteria. With this the benefit of normobiosis is lost. The composition of the intestinal microbiota may be altered in the surgical patient of the digestive system for reasons inherent to the patient, the surgical procedure and the microbiota itself. Interventions with prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics may be useful in reducing postoperative morbidity. With the enormous development of knowledge in this area, the surgeon, knowing the alterations and the modulation of the microbiota and its metagenomics, will be able to greatly benefit his patients.Existe una relación íntima y de doble vía entre nuestro microbioma y el genoma. La normobiosis corresponde a aquella situación en la que las bacterias comensales y simbiontes se encuentran en equilibrio con las enteropatogénicas. En la normobiosis nos beneficiamos en términos de reforzamiento de la barrera intestinal, tolerancia inmunológica y de la producción de un enorme número de moléculas sintetizadas por la microbiota intestinal. La disbiosis, donde prevalecen las bacterias enteropatogénicas sobre las simbióticas y comensales se relaciona con condiciones adversas, como dieta inadecuada, sedentarismo, consumo de tabaco y alcohol, estrés físico y emocional, enfermedades, uso de antibióticos y otros medicamentos. En la disbiosis, aumenta la permeabilidad intestinal, puede ocurrir traslocación de microorganismos y moléculas inadecuadas y se establece una respuesta inflamatoria cuya intensidad puede depender del tipo e intensidad de la prevalencia de bacterias patogénicas. Con eso se pierde el beneficio de la normobiosis. La composición de la microbiota intestinal puede estar alterada en el paciente quirúrgico del aparato digestivo por razones inherentes al paciente, al procedimiento y a la propia microbiota. Las intervenciones con prebióticos, probióticos y simbióticos pueden ser útiles en la reducción de la morbilidad postoperatoria. Con el enorme desarrollo de los conocimientos en esta área, el cirujano, al conocer las alteraciones y la modulación de la microbiota y su metagenómica, podrá beneficiar, en mucho, a sus pacientes.Existe uma relação íntima e de duplo sentido entre o nosso microbioma e o genoma. A normobiose corresponde àquela situação em que as bactérias comensais e simbiontes estão em equilíbrio com as bactérias enteropatogênicas. Na normobiose nós beneficiamos em termos de fortalecimento da barreira intestinal, tolerância imunológica e produção de um grande número de moléculas sintetizadas pela microbiota intestinal. Na disbiose, as bactérias enteropatogénicas prevalecem sobre o simbiótico e as comensais, surge em condições adversas tais como, má alimentação, sedentarismo, consumo de tabaco e álcool, estresse físico e emocional, doenças, antibióticos e outros medicamentos. Em disbiose, aumenta a permeabilidade intestinal, podendo ocorrer a translocação de microorganismos e moléculas, originando uma resposta inflamatória cuja intensidade vai depender do tipo e intensidade da prevalência de bactérias patogénicas. Sendo perdido os benefícios da normobiose. A composição da microbiota intestinal pode estar alterada no paciente cirúrgico do aparelho digestivo por motivos inerentes ao paciente, ao procedimento e a própria microbiota. Intervenções com prebióticos, probióticos e simbióticos podem ser úteis na redução da morbidade pós-operatória. Com o enorme desenvolvimento do conhecimento nessa área, o cirurgião, conhecendo as alterações e a modulação da microbiota e de sua metagenômica, poderá atuar beneficiando seus pacientes

Expressão de claudina, paxilina e FRA-1 em lesões mamárias não nodulares associadas a microcalcificações

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE The possible role of adhesion molecules in early breast carcinogenesis has been shown in the literature. We aimed to analyze early adhesion imbalances in non-nodular breast lesions and their association with precursor lesions, in order to ascertain whether these alterations exist and contribute towards early carcinogenesis. DESIGN AND SETTING Retrospective cross-sectional study based on medical records at a private radiological clinic in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all consecutive women attended between August 2006 and July 2007 who presented mammographic evidence of breast microcalcifications classified as Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Atlas (BI-RADS) type 4. These women underwent stereotaxic biopsy. Clinical, radiological and pathological data were collected, and immunohistochemical assays searched for claudin, paxillin, FRA-1 and HER-2. RESULTS Over this period, 127 patients were evaluated. Previous BI-RADS diagnoses showed that 69 cases were in category 4A, 47 in 4B and 11 in 4C. Morphological assessment showed benign entities in 86.5%. Most of the benign lesions showed preserved claudin expression, associated with paxillin (P < 0.001). Paxillin and HER-2 expressions were correlated. FRA-1 expression was also strongly associated with HER-2 expression (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Although already present in smaller amounts, imbalance of adhesion molecules is not necessarily prevalent in non-nodular breast lesions. Since FRA-1 expression reached statistically significant correlations with radiological and morphological diagnoses and HER-2 status, it may have a predictive role in this setting.CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO A literatura tem mostrado a importância de moléculas de adesão na carcinogênese precoce de mama. Objetivamos analisar desequilíbrios precoces de adesão em lesões não nodulares da mama e associação com lesões precursoras, a fim de verificar se essas alterações existem e contribuem com a carcinogênese. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL Estudo retrospectivo baseado em prontuários médicos, numa clínica radiológica privada em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS Revisamos retrospectivamente prontuários de todas as mulheres consecutivamente atendidas com evidência mamográfica de microcalcificações mamárias, classificadas como tipo 4 do Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System Atlas (BI-RADS) entre agosto de 2006 e julho de 2007. Elas foram submetidas a biópsia estereotáxica. Dados clínicos, radiológicos e histopatológicos foram coletados e ensaios de imunoistoquímica procuraram por claudina, paxilina, HER-2 e FRA-1. RESULTADOS No período, 127 pacientes foram avaliadas. Diagnósticos de BI-RADS anteriores tinham 69 casos na categoria 4A, 47 em 4B, e 11 em 4C. A avaliação morfológica mostrou entidades benignas em 86,5%. A maioria das lesões benignas mostrou expressão preservada de claudina, associada a paxilina (P < 0,001). Expressões de paxilina e HER-2 foram correlacionadas. Expressão de FRA-1 associou-se à de HER-2 (P < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES Embora já presente em menor quantidade, o desequilíbrio de moléculas de adesão não é necessariamente prevalente em lesões mamárias nodulares e talvez a expressão de FRA-1 possa ter um papel preditivo neste cenário, uma vez que atingiu correlações estatisticamente significativas com o diagnóstico radiológico e morfológico e com o status de HER-2.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Researcher in the Department of Morphology Department in CURA LaboratoryUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of PathologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of RadiologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of MorphologyUNIFESP, Researcher in the Department of Morphology Department in CURA LaboratoryUNIFESP, Department of PathologyUNIFESP, Department of RadiologyUNIFESP, Department of MorphologySciEL

Plant Polyphenols in Obesity and Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorders: A Narrative Review of Resveratrol and Flavonoids Upon the Molecular Basis of Inflammation

Background: The epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is currently unsustainable for Public Health systems, and preventive and therapeutic approaches are urgently sought to improve health outcomes for affected individuals. Aim: In this study, we aim to further explore and synthetize available evidence on the effects of selected plant polyphenols (PP) upon molecular mechanisms associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. We also aim to briefly discuss PP supplementation as therapeutic tool for the prevention and management of prevalent obesity-associated metabolic disorders. Methods: This narrative review was performed in the PubMed database in June 2018 without restriction of publication period. Results: PP influence a broad range of cell signalling pathways; by modulating the activity of nuclear transcription factors, PP modulate gene expression and antioxidant responses, as well as inflammation and its resolution. Several interventional studies have investigated the effects of PP supplementation in a variety of sample populations, but no consensus has yet been reached regarding composition, dosage or course of treatment for therapeutic purposes. However, overall results tend to suggest a positive effect of PP in either improving metabolic profile or minimizing negative disease outcomes. Careful consideration on PP supplementation is paramount; adverse effects have already been described. Conclusion: The successful prevention and management or treatment of obesity-associated metabolic disorders may be achieved through an effective multidisciplinary approach to tackle their modifiable risk factors. A balanced diet, which includes naturally occurring sources of PP associated with lower consumption of ultra-processed foods, is a relevant approach for the positive health outcomes desired

Expressão de c-myc em lesões mamárias associadas a microcalcificações detectadas por mamografia de rotina

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Genetic abnormalities in cell proliferation-regulating genes have been described in premalignant lesions. The aims here were to evaluate c-myc protein expression in non-palpable breast lesions associated with microcalcifications, detected by screening mammography, and to compare these results with histopathological, clinical and epidemiological variables. DESIGN AND SETTING: Analytical cross-sectional study, with retrospective data collection, in a university hospital in São Paulo. METHODS: Seventy-nine female patients who underwent routine mammography between 1998 and 2004 were studied. Lesions classified by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) as 4 or 5 underwent percutaneous biopsy using a large-core needle. Ninety-eight lesions were studied anatomopathologically. Paraffin blocks properly representing the lesions were selected for immunohistochemical analyses using the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase technique with monoclonal mouse c-myc antibodies. RESULTS: Among the 98 lesions, 29 (29.6%) contained malignant neoplasia; 40 (40.8%) had a positive immunohistochemical reaction for c-myc. When the groups were divided between lesions without atypias versus atypical lesions plus malignant lesions, 31.03% of the 58 lesions without atypias were positive for c-myc and 55% of the 40 malignant and atypical lesions (P = 0.018). Comparing the atypical lesions with ductal carcinoma in situ versus the benign lesions without atypias, c-myc was present in 51.61% of the 31 atypical lesions and 31.03% of the benign lesions without atypias (P = 0.057). CONCLUSION: C-myc protein was more frequently expressed in atypical and malignant lesions than in benign lesions without atypias. C-myc expression correlated with the presence of atypias (P = 0.018).CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Alterações nos genes reguladores da proliferação celular foram descritas em lesões pré-malignas. Os objetivos foram avaliar a expressão da proteína c-myc em biópsias de lesões mamárias não-palpáveis associadas a microcalcificações detectadas em mamografias de rastreamento e comparar estes resultados com as variáveis histopatológicas, clínicas e epidemiológicas. DESENHO E LOCAL: Estudo retrospectivo, em um hospital universitário em São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Setenta e nove pacientes do sexo feminino submetidas a mamografia de rotina de 1998 a 2004 foram estudadas. As lesões classificadas pelo sistema BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data) como 4 e 5 sofreram biópsias percutâneas com agulha grossa. Do ponto de vista anatomopatológico, foram estudadas 98 lesões. Os blocos com representação adequada para estudo imunoistoquímico com a técnica da estreptoavidina-biotina-peroxidase com o anticorpo monoclonal de camundongo c-myc foram incluídos. RESULTADOS: Das 98 lesões, 29 (29,6%), continham neoplasia maligna; 40 (40,8%) tiveram reação de imunoistoquímica positiva para o c-myc. Quando divididos os grupos em lesões sem atipia versus lesões atípicas mais lesões malignas, encontramos o c-myc positivo em 31,03% das 58 lesões sem atipias e 55% das 40 lesões atípicas e malignas (P = 0,018). Quando agrupamos as lesões atípicas com o carcinoma ductal in situ (CDIS) versus as lesões benignas sem atipias, observamos a presença do c-myc em 51,61% das 31 lesões atípicas e 31,03% das lesões benignas sem atipias (P = 0,057). CONCLUSÃO: A proteína c-myc está mais frequentemente expressa em lesões atípicas e malignas do que em lesões benignas sem atipia. A expressão do c-myc está correlacionada com a presença de atipia (P = 0,018).Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Department of GynecologyUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Department of PathologyUNIFESP, EPM, Department of GynecologyUNIFESP, EPM, Department of PathologySciEL

Israel’s rapid rollout of vaccinations for COVID-19

As of the end of 2020, the State of Israel, with a population of 9.3 million, had administered more COVID-19 vaccine doses than all countries aside from China, the US, and the UK. Moreover, Israel had administered almost 11.0 doses per 100 population, while the next highest rates were 3.5 (in Bahrain) and 1.4 (in the United Kingdom). All other countries had administered less than 1 dose per 100 population. While Israel’s rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations was not problem-free, its initial phase had clearly been rapid and effective. A large number of factors contributed to this early success, and they can be divided into three major groups. The first group of factors consists of long-standing characteristics of Israel which are extrinsic to health care. They include: Israel’s small size (in terms of both area and population), a relatively young population, relatively warm weather in December 2020, a centralized national system of government, and well-developed infrastructure for implementing prompt responses to large-scale national emergencies. The second group of factors are also long-standing, but they are health-system specific. They include: the organizational, IT and logistical capacities of Israel’s community-based health care providers, the availability of a cadre of well-trained, salaried, community-based nurses who are directly employed by those providers, a tradition of effective cooperation between government, health plans, hospitals, and emergency care providers – particularly during national emergencies; and support tools and decisionmaking frameworks to support vaccination campaigns. The third group consists of factors that are more recent and are specific to the COVID-19 vaccination effort. They include: the mobilization of special government funding for vaccine purchase and distribution, timely contracting for a large amount of vaccines relative to Israel’s population, the use of simple, clear and easily implementable criteria for determining who had priority for receiving vaccines in the early phases of the distribution process, a creative technical response that addressed the demanding cold storage requirements of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, and well-tailored outreach efforts to encourage Israelis to sign up for vaccinations and then show up to get vaccinated. While many of these facilitating factors are not unique to Israel, part of what made the Israeli rollout successful was its combination of facilitating factors (as opposed to each factor being unique separately) and the synergies it created among them. Moreover, some high-income countries (including the US, the UK, and Canada) are lacking several of these facilitating factors, apparently contributing to the slower pace of the rollout in those countries