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The invasive brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus (Araneae: Theridiidae), has spread in multiple locations around the world and, along with it, brought associated organisms such as endosymbionts. We investigated endosymbiont diversity and prevalence across putative native and invasive populations of this spider, predicting lower endosymbiont diversity across the invasive range compared to the native range. First, we characterized the microbial community in the putative native (South Africa) and invasive (Israel and the United States) ranges via high throughput 16S sequencing of 103 adult females. All specimens were dominated by reads from only 1–3 amplicon sequence variants (ASV), and most individuals were infected with an apparently uniform strain of Rhabdochlamydia. We also found Rhabdochlamydia in spider eggs, indicating that it is a maternally-inherited endosymbiont. Relatively few other ASV were detected, but included two variant Rhabdochlamydia strains and several Wolbachia, Spiroplasma and Enterobacteriaceae strains. We then diagnostically screened 118 adult female spiders from native and invasive populations specifically for Rhabdochlamydia and Wolbachia. We found Rhabdochlamydia in 86% of individuals and represented in all populations, which suggests that it is a consistent and potentially important associate of L. geometricus. Wolbachia was found at lower overall prevalence (14%) and was represented in all countries, but not all populations. In addition, we found evidence for geographic variation in endosymbiont prevalence: spiders from Israel were more likely to carry Rhabdochlamydia than those from the US and South Africa, and Wolbachia was geographically clustered in both Israel and South Africa. Characterizing endosymbiont prevalence and diversity is a first step in understanding their function inside the host and may shed light on the process of spread and population variability in cosmopolitan invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Spiders are potential natural enemies of insect pests in many crops, and their species composition in the crop may be influenced by nearby natural habitats. Here, we examined the effects of the habitat type (different sampling positions within the vineyard and in the nearby natural habitat) on spider assemblages in vineyards. Spider species richness, assemblage composition, and diversity were evaluated by means of pitfall traps in early and late summer, in three commercial vineyards and their adjacent natural habitats in a Mediterranean landscape in northern Israel. We collected 688 spiders, belonging to 25 families and 61 species and morphospecies. Spider richness differed in the two seasons; more species were documented in early summer (47) than in late summer (33). The natural habitat had the highest species richness, with 34 species, while three vineyard positions were inhabited by only 27–31 species each. The natural habitat assemblage differed from the vineyard assemblages, with 15 species that were found only in the natural habitat, yet 11 species were shared by both the natural habitat and all vineyard positions. Both season (early vs. late in the cropping season) and the habitat (vineyard vs. natural) affected the spider assemblage composition. The study documents the large diversity of spiders in a Mediterranean vineyard agroecosystem. The information that we provide here is critical in assessing the potential for conservation biocontrol, where natural habitats may be a source of natural enemies for nearby vineyards. Natural habitats adjacent to vineyards are presumed to have a positive effect on the diversity of natural enemies within the vineyards. However, these habitats differ in vegetation structure and seasonal phenology and in turn could affect the species composition of natural enemies. Here, we compared the species richness and diversity and the composition of spider assemblages in several locations within three commercial vineyards and the nearby natural habitats in a Mediterranean landscape in northern Israel. We sampled spiders by means of pitfall traps in early and in late summer. Both the time in the season and the habitat (natural versus vineyard) affected spider species richness and diversity. More species were found in early summer (47) than in late summer (33), and more occurred in the natural habitat (34 species) than in the vineyards (27–31 species). Fifteen species were found exclusively in the natural habitat, and only 11 species were shared by the vineyards and natural habitat, four of which were the most abundant and geographically widely distributed species in the samples. In late summer, spider diversity in the natural habitat was higher than within the vineyards: the spider assemblages in the vineyards became dominated by a few species late in the crop season, while those of the natural habitat remained stable. Overall, the natural habitat differed in assemblage composition from all within-vineyard locations, while the three locations within the vineyard did not differ significantly in assemblage composition. Season (early vs. late summer), however, significantly affected the spider assemblage composition. This study documents the large diversity of spiders in a local Mediterranean vineyard agroecosystem. Over 60% of the known spider families in the region occurred in our samples, highlighting the importance of this agroecosystem for spider diversity and the potential for conservation biocontrol, where natural habitats may be a source of natural enemies for nearby vineyards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of firearms is a common means of suicide. We examined the effect of a policy change in the Israeli Defense Forces reducing adolescents' access to firearms on rates of suicide. Following the policy change, suicide rates decreased significantly by 40%. Most of this decrease was due to decrease in suicide using firearms over the weekend. There were no significant changes in rates of suicide during weekdays. Decreasing access to firearms significantly decreases rates of suicide among adolescents. The results of this study illustrate the ability of a relatively simple change in policy to have a major impact on suicide rates.

A combined psychological autopsy and narrative approach was used to study the completed suicides of 67 Israeli soldiers. Three issues were addressed. First, the authors examined the typology of the life narratives of suicide completed during active army duty. Second, focusing on the last 3 weeks of the soldiers' lives, they sought to examine their triggers for suicide, emotional state of mind, army duty functioning, and communication of suicidal intent. Finally, they examined military responses to communication of intent, help provision, and help acceptance. Four types of narratives were identified: regressive, stable, tragic (progression and sudden collapse), and romantic (ups and downs). During the last days of life, suicide completers exhibited a split between an emotional state of mind (evidencing an emotional deterioration) and a behavioral military functioning, which was mostly stable. The analysis also revealed a resistance to receive help and a resistance to provide help, both of which impeded intervention. The gap between functioning and emotional distress in suicidal individuals and the incongruence between crisis and help are highlighted. The need to educate military personnel to look beyond duty functioning and the need to develop clear guideline about referrals to professional helps are discussed. (Contains 4 tables.)

Invasive species are sometimes less susceptible to natural enemies compared to native species, but the mechanism is often unclear. Here we tested two potential mechanisms for lower parasitism of invasive species: density-dependent parasitism and preference for human-dominated habitats. We investigated how variation in host density and habitat type affect egg sac parasitism in two widow spider species (family Theridiidae). We compared parasitism on the egg sac of the brown widow, Latrodectus geometricus, an urban invasive species, and the white widow, Latrodectus pallidus, a species native to Israel. To investigate variation in host and parasitoid density, we measured nearest-neighbor distance between spider webs and parasitism rates in 16 sites, and in a single site monthly throughout a year. In L. pallidus, denser sites were more heavily parasitized (up to 55%) and parasitism rate increased with population density throughout the season. Extremely dense L. geometricus populations, however, had very low rates of parasitism (0–5%). We then conducted an egg sac transplant experiment in human-dominated and natural habitats. We found no parasitism of either species in the human-dominated habitat, compared to 30% parasitism of both species in the natural habitat. In addition, we found evidence for higher predation of L. pallidus than of L. geometricus egg sacs, particularly in the natural habitat. These combined results suggest that the human-dominated habitats inhabited by L. geometricus have a lower abundance of predators and parasites. We conclude that lower parasitism and predation in human-dominated habitats could contribute to the invasion success of L. geometricus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiders commonly disperse on silk lines as juveniles by means of rappelling or ballooning. These modes of dispersal, especially long‐distance dispersal via ballooning, can greatly increase the distance an individual can move and, at the population level, the speed of range expansion and likelihood of gene flow. Nevertheless, few studies have examined how spiders disperse under field conditions, and which environmental and meteorological conditions may affect their decision to disperse. We tested dispersal by spiderlings of the invasive brown widow (Latrodectus geometricus) under field conditions in the Negev Desert of Israel. We documented pre‐dispersal (climbing and tiptoeing) and dispersal (short‐distance dispersal by rappelling and long‐distance dispersal by ballooning) behaviours during the day (n = 147 spiders) and night (n = 171 spiders), while recording wind speed, temperature and humidity. We found that spiders ballooned significantly more during the day (14.3%) compared with 1.8% of spiders ballooning at night. At night, spiders were more likely to disperse in conditions of higher wind speeds, lower temperature and higher humidity, whereas during the day, environmental factors were less predictive of dispersal behaviour. In addition, we found significant differences in the proportion of spiderlings showing pre‐dispersal and dispersal behaviour depending on family line. In conjunction with human‐mediated dispersal, ballooning and rappelling may be an important mechanism of range expansion in the brown widow spider. Understanding the environmental and genetic factors affecting dispersal may lead to better management of invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During colonization, invasive species establish and spread to new locations, where they may have an advantage over native species. One such advantage may be avoidance of predators or parasites by means of better defenses or due to lower suitability as a host. We conducted field surveys and lab behavioral experiments to investigate the differential susceptibility of two widow spider species—one native to Israel, the white widow spider Latrodectus pallidus , and one invasive species, the brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus —to an egg sac parasitoid wasp, Philolema latrodecti. In collections of egg sacs from six paired sites of L. geometricus and L. pallidus populations in the Negev Desert, Israel, we found higher parasitism rates on the egg sacs of the native L. pallidus. In no-choice trials, we found that wasps were more likely to parasitize and oviposited longer on L. pallidus egg sacs than on L. geometricus egg sacs. In two-choice tests with spider webs and egg sacs, parasitoids made first contact with L. pallidus webs more often and faster. After developing inside of L. pallidus egg sacs, more parasitoids emerged and were larger than those emerging from L. geometricus egg sacs. Potentially better defense of the L. geometricus egg sacs as well as the parasitoid's fitness advantages gained from parasitizing L. pallidus egg sacs may explain the higher parasitism rate in the native species. Our results suggest that the invasion and establishment success of L. geometricus is due, in part, to its ability to escape parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theory and empirical work suggest that behaviours such as dispersal and exploration are predictors of invasive success, and that behaviours may shift predictably after invasive populations have established and spread. However, there are limited data on temporal patterns in the distribution of behavioural traits linked to the timeline of establishment of invasive species. We examined dispersal and exploration, along with life history traits that may be linked to behaviour, across multiple invasive populations of the brown widow spider, Latrodectus geometricus. This global invader has established populations across the United States and Israel. Using this temporal and spatial variation, we tested predictions about changes in suites of traits over establishment time. We compared trait distributions of four U.S. populations of L. geometricus to patterns in four populations in Israel. We predicted that selective filters during the invasion process would result in more dispersive, more exploratory spiders that are larger and more fecund in recently established populations, but, if trade-offs occur, dispersal would be favoured at the expense of fecundity and size in recent populations. We found more frequent and faster dispersal in more recently established populations in Israel, but not the United States. Spiders in more recently established populations in Israel were larger than those in older populations, but there were no consistent patterns across U.S. populations. However, there was evidence in both the U.S. and Israel for differing trade-offs among fecundity, dispersal and size. In more recently established populations, spiders were more variable in resource allocation to eggsacs. The results suggest that in some populations, trade-offs underlying dispersal, fecundity and body size are shaped by the time interval, and thus the number of generations, since establishment, with implications for the role of evolutionary processes in invasion success. • Dispersal was more frequent and faster in recent invasive populations in Israel. • Spiders in more recently established populations in Israel were larger. • Trade-offs underlying dispersal are shaped by the time since invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchards may support high spider diversity relative to annual crops due to their structural complexity and relative stability. Multiple environmental conditions at the landscape, regional, and local scales may influence the assemblage composition of spiders in orchards. We asked which environmental variables best explains spider assemblage composition and the similarity of the assemblages of pomegranate orchards located along a latitudinal gradient in Israel? Spiders were sampled from twelve pomegranate orchards along a climatic gradient from north to south. Orchards located at higher latitudes had richer assemblages than orchards located at lower latitudes. The assemblage composition was influenced at the large scale by latitude and annual crop cover in the surrounding landscape but not by local factors. By contrast, functional groups based on foraging strategies were affected by local scale factors, such as vegetation within the orchards. This study demonstrates the importance of considering environmental variables at different scales to understand the factors affecting the assemblage composition of naturally occurring predators in the orchard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the correlations between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, personal growth and quality of life with learning environment perceptions, perceived academic rank and burnout among medical students. Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaires were administered to medical students at three medical schools in Israel, Malaysia, and China, at the end of one academic year. Surveys included demographic data, students' perceived academic rank, two learning environment perceptions scales, and scales for personal growth, goal orientation, burnout and quality of life. Comparative analyses were made to determine the significance of relationships between the outcome measures and control variables, using a series of t-tests. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to test the hypothesis. Results: Sixty-four percent (400/622) of the students responded. Significant correlations were found between: intrinsic motivation (r(398) =.37, p<.001); personal growth (r(398)=.62, p<.001); and quality of life (r(398)= .48, p <.001) with higher learning environment perceptions, intrinsic motivation (r(398)= .21, p<.001); personal growth (r(398) =.21, p< .001); and quality of life (r(398)=.18, p<.001) with perceived academic rank, and negative correlation between personal growth (r(398) =-.38, p<.001); and quality of life (r(398) =-.42, p<.001) with burnout. Conclusions: Intrinsic motivation, personal growth and quality of life are correlated with higher learning environment perceptions and perceived academic rank. Burnout is influenced by personal growth and quality of life. We suggest focusing on motivation profiles before acceptance to medical school and during studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records of interactions between acrocerid parasitoids (Diptera: Acroceridae) and their hosts are very scarce. Here we report a case of acrocerid fly (most likely Ogcodes sp.) parasitising zodariid spiders of the genus Pax from Israel. We describe the parasitoid development and possible host manipulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To assess whether favourable perceptions of the learning environment (LE) were associated with better quality of life, less burnout and more empathy across three undergraduate medical education programmes in Israel, Malaysia and China. Methods Cross-sectional surveys were administered at the end of the 2013-2014 academic year at three medical schools: Technion American Medical Students Program (TAMS) in Israel, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine (PURCSI) in Malaysia and Peking Union Medical College (PUMC) in China. LE perceptions were assessed using the Johns Hopkins Learning Environment Scale (JHLES). Well-being was assessed using validated items for quality of life and the depersonalisation and emotional exhaustion domains of burnout. The 20-item Jefferson Empathy Scale assessed empathy. Statistical analyses included bivariate regressions and multivariate regressions that adjusted for gender, school, class year and perceived academic rank. Results Overall, 400/622 (64.3%) students responded, with the following rates by site: TAMS 92/121 (76.0%), PURCSI 160/198 (80.1%) and PUMC 148/303 (48.8%). In multivariate models, favourable overall LE perceptions were associated with higher odds of good quality of life (odds ratio [OR], 3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8-5.8; p < 0.001) and lower odds of emotional exhaustion (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.24-0.50; p < 0.001) and depersonaliation (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.24-0.37; p = 0.001). 'Community of Peers', one of seven factors in the JHLES, was the only one to be independently associated with better quality of life and less emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. After adjusting for covariates, there was not a statistically significant association between overall LE and empathy (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.91-2.2; p = 0.12). Conclusions Students' LE perceptions are closely associated with their well-being, and fostering peer community may hold promise for enhancing quality of life and protecting against burnout. Across these three settings, LE and empathy were not closely related, suggesting that any influence of learning environment on empathy would be modest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community and nationwide surveys on adolescent suicidal behaviors using clinical interviews are not abundant. Rates of self-reported suicide attempts in community samples vary greatly between 1 and 20 %. In general, adolescent and parental agreement in child psychiatry practice is low, and their agreement with regard to suicidal behavior is unknown. The current study assesses the rates of suicidal ideation and behaviors as well as the rate of agreement between adolescents and their mothers in a representative nationwide sample. The survey included a representative and randomized community sample of 14- to 17-year-old adolescents ( n = 957), and their mothers who were interviewed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment Inventory (DAWBA). The prevalence of suicidal ideation and self-initiated behaviors was 4.9 and 1.9 %, respectively. The concordance between mothers' and adolescents' reporting on ideation was low (7.3 %). There was no concordance between mothers' and adolescents' reports of suicidal acts. Adolescents reported self-initiated behaviors nearly three times more frequently than their mothers. Paternal unemployment, care by welfare agencies and having a psychiatric disorder, specifically depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, was associated with a higher risk for both suicidal ideation and attempts. In this nationwide community study, by evaluating information gathered by clinical interviews, it was found that the lifetime rates of suicidal ideation were moderate. The rates of suicide attempts were lower than have been previously reported. The concordance between the reports of adolescents and their mothers was low for ideation and nonexistent for attempts. Thus, clinicians should interview adolescents separately from their mothers regarding their suicidality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the role of parental occupations in the etiology of childhood brain tumors (CBT).Methods: Population-based case-control studies were conducted concurrently in seven countries under the coordination of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, gathering 1,218 cases and 2,223 controls. We report here the findings related to parental occupations during the 5-year period before the child's birth. Risk estimates related to a number of paternal and maternal occupations were obtained by unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, year of birth, and center, for all types of CBT combined and for the subgroups of astroglial, primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET), and other glial tumors.Results: An increased risk in relation with agricultural work was seen for all CBT combined and for other glial tumors. Increased risks for all tumors and PNET were seen for paternal occupation as an electrician; the same pattern held for maternal occupation when children under 5 were selected. Paternal occupation as a driver or mechanic, and maternal work in an environment related to motor-vehicles were associated with an increased risk for all CBT and astroglial tumors. More case mothers compared to control mothers were employed in the textile industry.Conclusion: Our study reinforces previous findings relative to the role of parental work in agriculture, electricity, or motor-vehicle related occupations and maternal work in the textile industry. It does not confirm previous associations with work environments including aerospace, the chemical industry, or the food industry, or with maternal occupation as a hairdresser, a nurse, or a sewing machinist, and paternal occupation as a welder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the association between overweight and cardiovascular risk factors is well documented in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, reports of adolescent morbidity associated with underweight in industrialized countries are rare.Methods: This population-based study includes approximately 110,000 17 year old Israeli Jewish males who underwent routine physical examination at army induction centres. Computerized data tapes include overall health profiles, specification of physical and mental conditions, and height and weight measurements. Medically significant conditions are those with sufficient severity to preclude service in a combat unit.Results: Functional limitation is more prevalent at both extremes of the body mass index (BMI) distribution: 149.5/1000 among severely underweight individuals and 164.3/1000 among severely overweight subjects. Overweight was associated with hypertension (14.9/1000 among the severely overweight), as well as joint conditions of the lower extremities, mainly hip, ankle and knee disorders. Functional disorders associated with underweight are bronchial and lung conditions, including asthma (14.2 and 18.9/1000 in the mildly and severely underweight), scoliosis, intestinal conditions and emotional disorders (mainly neurosis).Conclusions: Both under- and overweight are associated with morbidity at age 17. Intervention programmes should begin at an early age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented on the colonial governance in Israel and Palestine and on the establishment of field schools.

Grapevines are susceptible and responsive to their surrounding environment. Factors such as climate region and terroir are known to affect polyphenolic compounds in wine and therefore, its quality. The uniqueness of the terroir in Israel is the variety of soil types and the climatic conditions, ranging from Mediterranean to arid climates. Thus, understanding the effects of climate on grapevine performance in Israel may be a test case for the effect of climate change on grapevine at other areas in the future. First, we present a preliminary survey (2012–2014) in different climate zones and terroirs, which showed that trans-resveratrol concentrations in Merlot and Shiraz were high, while those of Cabernet Sauvignon were significantly lower. A further comprehensive countrywide survey (2016) of Merlot wines from 62 vineyards (53 wineries) compared several phenolic compounds' concentrations between five areas of different climate and terroir. Results show a connection between trans-resveratrol concentrations, variety, and terroir properties. Furthermore, we show that trans-resveratrol concentrations are strongly correlated to humidity levels at springtime, precipitation, and soil permeability. This work can be considered a glimpse into the possible alterations of wine composition in currently moderate-climate wine-growing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jewish majority and Arab minority populations in Israel exhibit disparities in nutrition-related chronic diseases, but comparative, population-based dietary studies are lacking. We evaluated ethnic differences in dietary patterns in a population-based, cross-sectional study of Arab and Jewish urban adults (n = 1104; age 25-74 y). Dietary intake was assessed with an interviewer-administered, quantified FFQ. We used principal-component analysis to identify 4 major dietary patterns: Ethnic, Healthy, Fish and Meat Dishes, and Middle Eastern Snacks and Fast Food. The Ethnic and Healthy patterns exhibited major ethnic differences. Participants in the top Ethnic intake tertile (97% Arab) had modified Mediterranean-style Arabic dietary habits, whereas those in the bottom Ethnic tertile (98% Jewish) had central/northern European-style dietary habits. The Arab participants with less strongly ethnicity-associated dietary habits were younger [OR for 10-y decrease = 1.42 (95% CI: 1.21-1.68)] and male IOR = 2.23 (95% CI: 1.53-3.25)]. Jews with less strongly ethnicity-associated dietary habits were less recent immigrants [OR = 8.97 (95% CI: 5.05-15.92)1, older [OR for 10-y decrease = 0.80 (95% CI: 0.69-0.92)], had post-secondary education [OR = 2.04 (95% CI: 1.06-3.94)], and reported other healthy lifestyle behaviors. In relation to the Healthy pattern, Arabs were less likely than Jews to be in the top intake tertile, but the magnitude of the difference was less in diabetic participants. Participants reporting other healthy lifestyle behaviors were more likely to have a high intake of the Healthy pattern. Substantial differences were found between Arabs and Jews in dietary patterns and suggest a need for culturally congruent dietary interventions to address nutrition-related chronic disease disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabet. Med. 29, 748-754 (2012) Abstract Aims To study the age at presentation and factors associated with adult-onset diabetes (≥ 20 years) among Arabs and Jews in Israel. Methods Participants ( n = 1100) were randomly selected from the urban population of the Hadera District in Israel. The study sample was stratified into equal groups according to sex, ethnicity (Arabs and Jews) and age. Information on age at diabetes presentation, family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics was obtained through personal interviews. Self reports of diabetes were compared with medical records and were found reliable (κ = 0.87). The risk for diabetes was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Factors associated with diabetes in both ethnic groups were studied using Cox proportional hazard model. Results The prevalence of adult-onset diabetes was 21% among Arabs and 12% among Jews. Arab participants were younger than Jews at diabetes presentation. By the age of 57 years, 25% of Arabs had diagnosed diabetes; the corresponding age among Jews was 68 years, a difference of 11 years ( P < 0.001). The greater risk for diabetes among Arabs was independent of lifestyle factors, family history of diabetes and, among women, history of gestational diabetes; adjusted hazard ratio 1.70; 95% confidence interval 1.19-2.43. Conclusions Arabs in Israel are at greater risk for adult-onset diabetes than Jews and are younger at diabetes presentation. Culturally sensitive interventions aimed at maintaining normal body weight and active lifestyle should be targeted at this population. Possible genetic factors and gene-environmental interactions underlying the high risk for diabetes among Arabs should be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundAcute stress disorder involves prominent symptoms of threat avoidance. Preliminary cross-sectional data suggest that such threat-avoidance symptoms may also manifest cognitively, as attentional threat avoidance. Confirming these findings in a longitudinal study might provide insights on risk prediction and anxiety prevention in traumatic exposures.MethodAttention-threat bias and post-traumatic symptoms were assessed in soldiers at two points in time: early in basic training and 23 weeks later, during advanced combat training. Based on random assignment, the timing of the repeat assessment occurred in one of two schedules: for a combat simulation group, the repeat assessment occurred immediately following a battlefield simulation exercise, and for a control group, the assessment occurred shortly before this exercise.ResultsBoth groups showed no threat-related attention bias at initial assessments. Following acute stress, the combat simulation group exhibited a shift in attention away from threat whereas the control group showed no change in attention bias. Stronger threat avoidance in the combat simulation group correlated with severity of post-traumatic symptoms. Such an association was not found in the control group.ConclusionsAcute stress may lead some individuals to shift their attention away from threats, perhaps to minimize stress exposure. This acute attention response may come at a psychological cost, given that it correlates with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Further research is needed to determine how these associations relate to full-blown PTSD in soldier and civilian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The parasocial-route hypothesis postulates that coloniality in spiders is driven by the occurrence of high prey densities. This hypothesis is partially supported by comparative studies of colonial species. However, experimental evidence is lacking to confirm that prey availability directly promotes colony formation. We used the web-building spider Cyrtophora citricola (Araneidae) as a model species to investigate the effect of prey availability on coloniality. We conducted field surveys on colonies located on acacia trees in the Arava valley, Israel, to compare colony group size between sites differing markedly in insect abundance. We then performed experiments in net houses to test (1) the effect of prey remains in the females’ webs on juvenile establishment decisions and (2) the effect of food supply on web site fidelity of juveniles. Colony group size and reproductive investment were greater in prey-rich sites than in poor sites. In the experiments, juveniles released on adult females’ webs that contained remains of prey consumed by the adults were more likely to settle than those released on empty webs. Once established, food deprivation slightly increased the number of juveniles leaving the female’s web, suggesting that they are reluctant to disperse after settlement. Relocation in C. citricola is costly, as their webs demand high energy investment. Hence, cues of prey availability are crucial, enabling spiders to acquire information about habitat quality before investing in web construction. Together, our findings provide evidence that prey availability facilitates coloniality and thus supports the parasocial route in the evolution of spider group living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to assess the associations of psychological and military variables with distress and performance evaluation among 168 Israeli soldiers who took part in evacuating fellow Israeli civilians in the summer of 2005 during the disengagement from Gaza. Coping, mastery, stress appraisals, mental preparation, unit cohesion, and psychological distress were assessed at T1, one to two weeks before the disengagement. A sub-sample of 68 of the 168 soldiers completed the distress measure again at T2, eight to nine weeks after T1, together with performance evaluation of the disengagement task. The main findings indicated positive associations of T1 distress with high T1 emotion-focused coping, and negative associations with education and T1 mastery. Emotion-focused coping at T1 predicted low performance evaluation at T2, while mental preparation at T1 predicted high performance evaluation at T2. Stress appraisals at T1 were found to be an important mediator of the associations of T1 coping, mastery, unit cohesion, and mental preparation with T1 distress. Similar mediator results were found for T2 performance evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a randomized controlled trial on lifestyle interventions in Arab women. The study was conducted in two Muslim Arab communities in Israel on 35 to 54 years old obese, non-diabetic women with metabolic syndrome of 1 or more components. Cultural factors were addressed in the design and administration of the interventions. It is concluded that the intervention effectively improved some of the metabolic syndrome components among obese Arab women.

Colonial spiders construct individual capture webs within a matrix of shared supporting frame threads. Cyrtophora citricola is a colonial orb-weaving spider with a complex three-dimensional web. Colonies may contain a few to several hundred individuals, but individuals may also occur solitarily. Local conditions such as food supply and substrate availability are likely to influence colony formation. In this study we explored the influence of local conditions and dispersal behavior on colony establishment in a desert population of C. citricola in the hyper-arid Arava Valley in Israel. Colonies in the Arava occur primarily on scattered Acacia trees and less commonly on shrubs. The spatial distribution of colonies was clustered and was not influenced by the condition of the Acacia trees (leaf flush, flowering, or fruiting). In a controlled experiment, we showed that dispersing spiders remained longer and built webs faster in trees that contained conspecific webs than in trees without webs. We propose that spiders benefit from establishing webs in the proximity of other spiders, while dispersal to another tree may not result in arrival at an improved habitat. These two factors may promote colony living even in prey-poor environments such as the extreme desert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Retrospective studies indicate that patients with psychotic disorders and schizophrenia often suffer from depressive symptoms before the onset of psychosis. In a historical-prospective design, we studied the association between dysthymia in adolescence and later hospitalization for psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. Methods: The Israeli Draft Board screens the entire, unselected population of 16–17 years old male adolescents for psychiatric disorders. These adolescents were followed for hospitalization for psychotic disorders and schizophrenia using the Israeli National Psychiatric Hospitalization Case Registry. Of 275 705 male adolescents screened, 1267 (0.5%) were hospitalized for psychotic disorders (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]-10 20.0–29.9), and 757 (0.3%) were hospitalized for schizophrenia (ICD-10 20.0–20.9) over the next 1–10 years. Results: Of 275 705 male adolescents screened, 513 (0.2%) were diagnosed as suffering from dysthymia by the Draft Board. Of these adolescents, 10/513 (2.0%) were later hospitalized for psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia, HR = 3.967, 95%CI (confidence intervals): 2.129–7.390), and 4/513 (0.8%) were later hospitalized for schizophrenia (HR = 2.664, 95%CI: 0.997–7.116). Conclusions: In this population-based cohort of male adolescents, dysthymia was associated with increased risk for future psychotic disorders. Dysthymia in some adolescents might be a prodromal symptom, while in others it might be a risk factor for later psychosis. Clinicians assessing dysthymic adolescents should be aware that these symptoms might be part of the prodrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are reasons to suspect that dietary changes through adult life may modify risk for some cancers. We examined the association of recent and past dietary habits and changes in dietary intake over time with ovarian cancer risk. Long-term nutritional assessment was performed retrospectively in 631 incident cases of invasive epithelial ovarian cancer and in 1174 matched controls (matched by age +/- 2 y, country of origin, and period of immigration) as part of a nationwide case-control study of ovarian cancer conducted between the years of 1994 and 1996 in Israel. Using a 2-step quantified Food Frequency Questionnaire, participants were first asked about their consumption of food items 1 y prior to the interview, and then whether their consumption had changed over time. The time of the change and consumption level before the change were recorded, allowing reconstruction of daily intakes for several time points. The reported mean percentage of animal fat intake decreased by 1.3% in cases but by 1.9% in controls (P for difference = 0.003). Conditional multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios adjusted for total energy, parity, and oral contraceptive use. Substituting nonanimal fat in preference to animal fat over a relatively short term (between 2 and 7 y prior to interview) decreased the risk of ovarian cancer [OR = 0.65/100 kcal (418.4 kJ), 95% CI = 0.50 - 0.85]. Our results suggest that substitution of nonanimal for animal fat during adult life might reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, but this requires confirmation in prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of the study on the relationship between advancing paternal age at birth of offspring and their risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on a population-based study conducted in Israel. It was revealed that advanced paternal age was associated with increased risk of ASD caused by biological mechanisms like de novo mutations with advancing age or alterations in genetic imprinting.

Israel marks a crossroads between three continents encompassing several phytogeographical and zoogeographical zones. In this complex area, the flow of species from different biogeographical regions creates opportunities to study how geographical division and colonization routes affect current distribution and structure of resident populations of organisms associated with desert and arid environments, habitats that may have persisted throughout Pleistocene glacial periods. The present paper analyses the population history of the spiderStegodyphus lineatusin the contiguous Negev and Judean deserts in Israel using allozyme and mtDNA variation. The distinct patterns of variation indicate that Judean and Negev populations are vicariant lineages. The residence time was longer in Judea, where populations were more polymorphic for mtDNA, showed isolation by distance and were less structured than in the Negev. The Negev population, possibly linked to other Mediterranean populations ofS. lineatus, consisted of two subdivisions derived from a recent eastward expansion across the central Negev watershed. Despite differences in age and level of structure, all lineages show similar dispersal processes dominated by restricted gene flow. The distribution patterns of allozyme and mtDNA markers are unrelated to geographical patterns of precipitation and vegetation. Rather, they follow large-scale topographic features, namely the water divide between Mediterranean and Afro-Syrian rift drainages and between eastern and western Negev drainages. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London,Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005,84, 739–754. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was undertaken to characterize primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) compared with ovarian carcinoma (OvC). Study design: Within the framework of a nationwide epidemiologic Israeli study, 95 PPC patients were identified and compared with 117 FIGO stage III-IV epithelial OvC patients matched by age and continent of birth. Data were abstracted from medical records and personal interviews. Results: Our data confirm the similarities between PPC and OvC. A higher rate of abdominal distention, volume of ascites, and malignant cells in ascitic fluid and lower rate of pelvic palpable mass and personal breast cancer history were found in the PPC compared with the OvC group. The overall survival was similar in both groups (30-33 months). In optimally cytoreduced patients, survival was better in the OvC group. Diameter of residual disease was associated with better survival only in the OvC group. Conclusion: The clinical differences do not enable a preoperative distinction between the neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the habitats and interspecific associations of eight species of zodariid spiders in the Negev Desert of Israel. The spiders were collected for 3 years using pitfall traps at 10 sites in the northern and central Negev Desert as part of a large-scale pitfall-trapping project. Zodariidae were the second most abundant family of spiders (after Gnaphosidae) collected in the pitfall traps. One species, Zodarion nitidum, was the most abundant of all trapped spiders (17.5%). Lachesana blackwalli showed a preference for sand; Trygetus sexoculatus, Lachesana rufiventris, Z. nitidum, and Ranops expers, for rock; and Zodarion judaeorum, for loess. Further, T. sexoculatus showed an affinity to wadi habitats, and Z. judaeorum, Zodarion cyrenaicum, and L. blackwalli, to plateau habitats, whereas Z. nitidum and R. expers occurred mainly on slopes. T. sexoculatus and Z. nitidum tended to occur at northern (low-altitude) sites with higher rainfall. Palaestina eremica, L. blackwalli, and R. expers were more abundant in southern (high-altitude) sites, but with low rainfall. Analysis of the interspecific associations provides a list of spiders of other families that are found in association with zodariid spiders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study verified variations in suicide rates throughout the days of the week among Israel Defense Force soldiers during 1974 - 2001. Results confirmed the findings of most previous studies.The first workday was associated with a 60% increase in suicide rate among young men.This increase was not observed among female reserve or professional soldiers.This finding might indicate a particular susceptibility of men to contextual and situational factors.The explanation of the increased suicide risk on the first workday stresses such processes as the broken-promise effect as well as difficulty in facing the demands of service and transitions from the weekend to the workweek. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Israel, some population characteristics and lifestyle patterns make epidemiological research on suicide of particular interest. The Israeli population is characterized by ethnic diversity, with a multi-religious, multi-national mosaic of Jews and Arabs. These subgroups also vary in their suicidal behavior. The aims of the present study were to examine the trends in suicide incidence rates in Israel from 1984 to 1994, to identify sub-populations at high risk for suicide and to identify suicide methods associated with increased risk.Methods: Suicide rate trends in Israel over the period from 1984 to 1994 were examined for four subgroups: Jewish men and women, and Arab men and women. Cases of undetermined external cause (UEC) of death were also considered. Mortality data were obtained from the computerized data files of the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, which includes cause of death and sociodemographic variables. Suicide was classified according to the ICD-9 codes.Results: Suicide rates were higher for Jews than for Arabs, and higher for men than for women. The rates among both population and sex groups increased directly with age. A significant increase over the years studied was found for Jewish men, particularly in the 18- to 21-year-old age group. An increase in the use of firearms was noted, mainly in the groups in which total suicide rates increased.Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the need for further studies to identify both sub-populations at high risk for suicide, and societal trends such as lifestyles, immigration, military service, and media exposure to violence, as first steps toward planning of intervention programs to reduce suicide rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a single national reference is appropriate for assessing prevalence of overweight in heterogeneous populations, or whether ethnic-specific references are needed. DESIGN: A population-based study of Israeli Jewish males who underwent routine physical and clinical examinations prior to army recruitment served as the basis for the development of two types of references for body mass index (BMI): a national reference (NR) and an ethnic-specific reference (ER). SUBJECTS: Consecutive cohorts of all 17-y-old Jewish male recruits (n=109, 570). MEASUREMENTS: Weight, height and blood pressure values were obtained. BMI was calculated, and the 85th percentile of BMI was used as a cut-off point for overweight, using both types of references. Prevalence of hypertension among recruits was used as a biomarker to support the reliability of the ER when discrepancy in classification between the two references was found. RESULTS: As compared to the NR, three ethnic groups had a BMI distribution shifted to the left (light subpopulation) and five were shifted to the right (heavy sub-population). In the light sub-population, 7% of the inductees who were classified as having normal weight by the NR were considered overweight by the ER and had a hypertension rate similar to that of those defined as overweight by both references (3.1 per 1000). In the heavy sub-population the 4% of subjects who were overweight by NR and normal by ER had hypertension rates similar to those defined as normal weight by both references (2.7/1000), and significantly lower than that of those classified as overweight by both references (10.8/1000). CONCLUSION: In heterogeneous populations, ethnic references should be used to evaluate prevalence of overweight, rather than one national reference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the Israeli cinema. Applications of the approaches to culture to the study of cinema; Contributions to Hebrew and Israeli culture; Involvement of Zionist ideology in films.

Focuses on the implications of women in Israeli cinema. Characterization of women; Critique of Israeli society; Representation of women as self-constituting subjects.

Caves share unique conditions that have led to convergent adaptations of cave-dwelling animals. In addition, local factors act as filters on regional species-pools to shape the assemblage composition of local caves. Surveys of 35 Levantine caves, distributed along a climate gradient from the mesic in the north of Israel to hyper-arid areas in the south of Israel, were conducted to test the effect of cave characteristics, location, climate, bat presence, and guano level on the spider assemblage. We found 62 spider species and assigned four species as troglobites, 28 as troglophiles, and 30 as accidentals. Precipitation, elevation, latitude, minimum temperature, and guano levels significantly affected the composition of cave-dwelling spider assemblages. Caves situated in the Mediterranean region had higher species richness and abundance, as well as more troglobite and troglophile arachnids. These discoveries contribute to the knowledge of the local arachnofauna and are important for the conservation of cave ecosystems. By comparing spider assemblages of Levantine caves to European caves, we identified gaps in the taxonomic research, focusing our efforts on spider families that may have additional cryptic or yet to be described cave-dwelling spider species. Our faunistic surveys are crucial stages for understanding the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms of arachnid speciation in Levantine caves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the incidence of acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among medical staff members serving in Judea and Samaria during 2000-2003. Methods: The study population included 141 medics and 19 medical doctors who provided emergency medical treatment during 23 violent events. Information regarding the incidence of ASD and PTSD was abstracted from Israel Defense Forces mental health files, as was a history of previous exposures to similar events, personal acquaintance with the victims, being under fire during the event, number of victims killed and/or wounded in the event, and length of time in service. Results: One medic was affected by PTSD, whereas one medical doctor and 12 medics suffered from ASD. The number of people killed in the event was associated with ASD in medics (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: The prevalence of PTSD within the study population was very low, possibly because of post-trauma treatment and the training process for the medical staff members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bruchid beetles are the pests of many plant species worldwide. One or more grubs can develop inside a seed by consuming it and impairing its germination. Vachellia trees are important for preserving diverse and healthy arid ecosystems, but they are often threatened by human activities and hostile environmental conditions. Seed predation by bruchid beetles is one of the major causes of the decline in the populations of Vachellia trees in Israel. In a hyper-arid desert ecosystem affected by two major oil spills (in 1975 and 2014), we evaluated whether oil pollution increases seed predation rates of the seeds of Vachellia tortilis and V. raddiana. We recorded remarkably high predation rates for both species, particularly at the ground level, which suggests that conservation measures to reduce repeated infestations on fallen pods may be important to preserve these tree species. However, we found no clear evidence of a negative effect of oil pollution on seed predation, indicating that it did not increase the vulnerability of the seeds to bruchids even in trees affected by the recent oil spill. Acacia trees are keystone species in many arid environments, supporting high levels of plant and animal diversity. In Israel, the populations of Vachellia (formerly Acacia) tortilis (Forssk.) and V. raddiana (Savi) are declining at an alarming rate. Severe infestations by bruchid beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) are among the major causes of seed mortality, but additional environmental stressors can reduce the defence level of the seeds, exacerbating their susceptibility to predators. In a hyper-arid desert ecosystem affected by two major oil spills (in 1975 and 2014), we quantified seed predation rates caused by insect granivores before and after the pods dropped to the ground. We recorded predation rates of up to 84% for both tree species, and higher predation rates at the ground level than in the canopy, suggesting that repeated infestations occur. These results reinforce the call to protect the populations of large ungulates such as gazelles, which kill the bruchids by feeding upon the pods, and promote seed germination and dispersion. We found no clear evidence of a negative effect of the oil spill on seed predation, indicating that oil pollution did not increase the vulnerability of the seeds to granivores even in trees affected by the recent oil spill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study attempted to examine the relationship between month and season of birth and risk for autism spectrum disorders. Method: The cohort included all Jewish individuals born in Israel over 5 consecutive years (N=311,169) and assessed by the Israeli Draft Board as part of the mandatory assessment of eligibility for military service conducted at age 17. The outcome of autism spectrum disorders was ascertained from the Draft Board Medical Registry, which contains information about medical and psychiatric disorders for this population of adolescents. Results: There was no association between month or season of birth and the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorders. Conclusions: The findings from this historical, population-based cohort study do not support an association between season of birth and autistic spectrum disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses gynecologic surgeries and risk of ovarian cancer in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers among the Israeli population. Cumulative risk of developing ovarian cancer; Information on the single most effective intervention to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer; Concern that was raised on studies that show risk reduction.

• The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a high level of psychological distress in the general population. • This manifests in symptoms of depression, anxiety, somatization and loneliness. • Our sample comprised 587 Israeli participants (426 females and 161 males), whose age ranged between 16 and 85. • Women exhibited higher levels of these symptoms than men—but this fluctuates with age. • Men exhibited higher levels of somatization than the women in old age. The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a high level of psychological distress in the general population. The aims of this study were to examine the mental health of men and women in the general population in Israel during the first lockdown. The sample comprised 587 participants (426 females and 161 males), whose age ranged between 16 and 85. They completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), the Psychosomatic Symptoms Scale , and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC2). Psychological distress was expressed in our measures of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and somatization, in conjunction with high resilience. Women exhibited higher levels of these symptoms than men—but this fluctuates with age, and can match the levels of these symptoms reported by men. Specifically, no difference between the genders was found for loneliness, in age groups 24–39 and 56–85; and for depression, in age groups 40–55 and 56–85. For somatization, the difference is reversed for age group 56–85. In contrast, while women generally scored lower than the men for resilience, this was specifically for age group 16–23. Our findings suggest that young women report more mental health problems, and that men and women may be differentially vulnerable to disaster-related stressors, such as experienced during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantation forests are being planted at an increasing rate and account for 7% of the global forested area. The majority of planted forests are composed of exotic tree species, and Eucalyptus trees have become the most widely planted hardwood species in the world. While Eucalyptus plantations have economic importance, their role in native biodiversity conservation, especially in areas without naturally occurring forests, is little explored. In the present study, we assessed the impact on biodiversity of replacing natural semi-deserts with Eucalyptus camaldulensis plantations. The impact was evaluated by comparing epigeal spider communities of seven plantations with previously sampled communities of seven natural habitats in the northwestern Negev, Israel. In contrast to our assumptions, spider species richness was higher in Eucalyptus plantations compared to natural semi-deserts. However, substantial differences in species composition between the two habitat types were observed. Few species found in natural semi-deserts were sampled in the plantations, suggesting that Eucalyptus plantations cannot substitute for natural semi-desert habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the utilization of mental health services by adolescent smokers, the presence of untreated mental disorders in this young population and the associated emotional and behavioral difficulties. We performed a nationwide survey study of an Israeli representative sample of 906 adolescents and their mothers. Mental disorders were assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) Inventory. Emotional and behavioral difficulties were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Mental health services use and smoking habits were evaluated by relevant questionnaires. Adolescent smokers were using significantly more mental health services than non-smokers (79% vs. 63%, respectively, P <0.001), independently of their mental health status or ethnic group. Adolescent smokers also reported more emotional and behavioral difficulties in most areas (P <0.001), which are consistent with their mothers’ reports, except in the area of peer relationships. The treatment gap for the smoking adolescents was 53% compared to 69% in the non-smokers (P <0.001). This is the first study characterizing the use of mental health services and the related emotional and behavioral difficulties in a nationally-representative sample of adolescents. The findings of a wide treatment gap and the rates of the associated emotional and behavioral difficulties are highly relevant to the psychiatric assessment and national treatment plans of adolescent smokers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Generalist predators in agroecosystems may immigrate into the crop fields from the surrounding environment or may be agrobiont species that maintain stable populations in crop fields but are scarce in natural habitats. This study compared pest consumption of two main spider groups in wheat fields of a semi-desert agroecosystem of Israel, the immigrant spiders of the family Theridiidae (Enoplognatha spp.) and the agrobiont family Linyphiidae, to identify their potential role in biological control. The consumption of pest (aphids and Hessian flies) and non-pest arthropods (Collembola) was examined using PCR-based molecular gut content analysis. We describe the development of one new set of primer pairs targeting Hessian flies. We also used existing aphid- and collembolan-specific primers to test the hypotheses that agrobiont spiders are more likely to consume the most common prey species, while immigrant species will utilize pest prey more frequently than agrobionts. Our results indicated that a significantly higher proportion of immigrating Enoplognatha consumed aphids as compared to the agrobiont linyphiids, which mostly consumed collembolans. The results suggest that Enoplognatha have some degree of prey selection toward the crop pests (aphids). We therefore conclude that immigrant spiders may be particularly important biological control agents in the semi-arid wheat agroecosystem in Israel. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Intensively cultivated arable land and semi-desert are two dominant habitat types in the arid agroecosystem in the northwest Negev Desert (Israel). The present study compares activity-densities and species richness of spiders in these distinctive habitat types. Sixteen wheat fields and twelve locations in the semi-desert were sampled during the winter vowing season of wheat. Semi-desert habitats had more spider species and higher spider activity-densities than irrigated wheat fields. The majority of spider families, namely Gnaphosidae, Thomisidae, Salticidae, Zodariidae, Philodromidae, Dysderidae, and Clubionidae had significantly higher activity-densities in the semi-desert compared to wheat. Only two families, the Linyphiidae that strongly dominated the arable spider community and Corinnidae had higher activity--densities in wheat than in semi-desert. Out of a total of 94 spider species, fourteen had significantly higher activity-densities in semi-desert than in wheat fields and eight species had significantly higher activity-densities in wheat fields than in semi--desert. Spider families and species that dominated the semi-desert communities also occurred in the wheat fields but at lower activity-densities. In conclusion, the semi-desert is a potential source of spider species and families that may immigrate into arable fields during winter. In particular, active hunting spiders may be sustained in crops through immigration from nearby semi-desert habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Information on premorbid functioning is often based on patients recalling their past. Premorbid functioning is relevant as it is associated with treatment response and other outcomes. The extent to which memory impairments of persons with schizophrenia may bias such reporting has not been investigated. The purpose of the current study was to assess the extent to which persons with schizophrenia might exhibit biased reporting relative to controls. Methods: Seventy males with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 51 males with no psychiatric symptoms participated in the study. Contemporaneous and retrospective reports from a behavioral functioning assessment conducted as part of the Israeli Draft Board were compared. This assessment routinely administered to all 17 years old males in the country assesses social functioning, individual autonomy, organizational ability, physical activity and functioning in structured environments. We compared the groups on the Draft Board behavioral measures at age 17 and at re-assessment. We also examined the relationship between symptom severity, neuropsychological performance and differences between age 17 and current behavioral assessment scores. Results: In a repeated measures MANCOVA of the five measures there was no overall significant difference in accuracy of reporting between persons with schizophrenia and those without. Both groups showed a slight tendency to glorify their past. Consistency of reporting was not significantly correlated with neuropsychological performance or levels of psychotic symptoms. Conclusions: We found that when reporting on personal and social functioning during teen age years persons with schizophrenia report with the same level of consistency as persons without schizophrenia. This suggests that self-report of premorbid functioning of persons with schizophrenia can be trusted as being reasonably accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: Case-control and cohort studies have established that gynecologic surgeries reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer. It is not clear whether these surgeries also reduce risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. We studied Jewish women with incident ovarian cancer and tested for an Ashkenazi founder mutation (185 delAG and 5382insC in BRCA1 and/or 6174delT in BRCA2) to assess risk of ovarian cancer following gynecologic surgery.METHODS: Cases were identified in a population-based case-control study between 1994 and 1999. Controls were selected from the Central Population Registry and were matched to the cases based on age (within 2 years), area of birth, and place and length of residence in Israel. Excluding subjects reporting a bilateral oophorectomy, we tested 840 cases and 751 controls for the founder mutations. There were 244 (29%) cases that tested positive for BRCA1 and BRCA2, and 13 (1.7%) controls that tested positive. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for developing ovarian cancer following selected gynecologic surgeries.RESULTS: Overall, gynecologic surgeries reduced the risk of ovarian cancer by 45% compared to women never having a gynecologic surgery (odds ratio (OR) = 0.55, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) = 0.44–0.70) after adjusting for age, ethnicity, parity, and oral contraceptive use. The risk estimate for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers with a gynecologic surgery compared to the controls was also protective (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.32–0.81).CONCLUSION: Israeli women who are carriers or non-carriers of mutations in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 appear to benefit from a reduced risk of ovarian cancer following a gynecologic surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The need to establish a borderline between legitimate and illegitimate political trial is one of the central societal discourses. In this paper the author claims that the issues are complex and that a political trial can remain legitimate as long as it is not dealing with a confrontation with the symbolic order on which the society (and the court itself) is founded and as long as the subject (or action) it is dealing with does not threaten the symbolic order's (or the "Big Other") existence. When the symbolic order's existence is in danger, the court is bound to participate in an act of "sacrifice" that is intended to protect the "order." The author uses Jacques Lacan's psychoanalytic theory of the "Big Other" (and its development to ideological-political terms) in examining three categories of sacrifice. Through these categories the author claims that in extreme cases of confrontation with the existence of the symbolic order, the court cannot remain objective and it would be difficult to justify the trial as legitimate (especially in historical perspective).