recent projects

The Effects of Ambient Temperature on Sperm Quality in the Negev
This study investigated the effect of extreme ambient temperature on sperm quality in the face of climate change and worldwiide decline of sperm quality. We found that extreme cold in winter months can have a deleterious effect on sperm motility, particularly among older men, smokers, and those with existing chronic illness.
Human Biologic Monitoring in the Haifa Bay area compared to the general population: screening within blood donors
During the last decade, higher morbidity rates have been reported among Haifa residents as compared to the rest of the country, possibly contributed by air pollution from local industries. This study was aimed (1) to compare concentrations of heavy metals in blood among blood donors residing in Haifa Bay with donors from other regions in Israel and (2) to estimate the association between the metals’ concentrations and ambient exposures.
Perfluorinated Substances in Placenta among women giving birth, Israel
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) have been associated with cancer, adverse effects on fertility, reduced fetal growth, and reduced ability of the immune system to fight infections. We estimated concentrations of PFAS chemicals in placenta of 50 women giving birth in Soroka Medical Center.  
Environmental drivers of vertigo
Our findings contribute to a growing body of literature that considers the environmental factors that can lead or exacerbate vertigo. 
Air Pollution and Meteorological Conditions Significantly Associated With Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis Exacerbations
This study aims to investigate the association between exposure to meteorological and environmental factors and the incidence of VKC exacerbations.
Environmental factors associated with Parkinson's Disease, a population-based longitudinal study
Primary and co-primary Investigators: Ifergane G.(SUMC), Novack L. (SUMC)
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease whose development is believed to be related to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. In the current study, we estimated the contribution of environmental factors to the onset of PD, in the population PD patients residing in the Negev and treated by Soroka Medical Center during 2001-2020.
Cardiovascular Diseases
temperature, air pollution and particulate matter and cardiovascular illnesses
Our findings contribute to the growing body of evidence on the role of environmental exposures on health and presents air pollution and climate conditions as a factor that plays a role in the development and recurrence of cardiovascular diseases, particularly, in vulnerable subpopulations.
Association between Ambient Dust, Air pollution and meteorological conditions, and Age-Related Cataract in Israel
This is a national study aimed to evaluate the association between air pollution and meteorological conditions, and cataract surgeries in Israel. We estimated a spatial clustering of the events, as well, as their possible association with exposures accumulated over long periods of time.
Metabolic effect
Recent studies demonstrated an adverse effect of chronic exposure to air pollution on metabolic syndrome and its components. NEHRI investigators studied the possible links of pollution with diabetes mellitus, serum glucose, lipids levels and adipose tissue.
Neurology
On air pollution, Headaches and Multiple Sclerosis
In 2 separate studies, we examined an association between air pollution and admissions to emergency room due to headaches and exacerbations of multiple sclerosis.  
Respiratory Medicine
Being located between the Sahara and the Arabian deserts, the Negev region is subjected to extremely high levels of particulate matter (PM) originating from natural dust storms. During the storms, PM levels 10 time exceed those defined as acceptable by WHO (50 μg·m−3), presenting a serious risk for public health.
Projects in Reproductive Health
Temperature and neonatal outcomes
Air pollution and meteorology, are known risk factors for unwanted birth outcomes. Over the last decade we have performed a large number of studies in this field, in collaboration with obstetricians, gynecologists and neonatologists in Soroka hospital.
Projects in reproductive health
Temperature and maternal outcomes
An effect of extreme temperatures frequent in our region was analyzed in several population-based projects with a focus at maternal outcomes.
Projects in Reproductive health
Pollution and neonatal and pediatric outcomes
Here we summarize projects based on retrospectively assembled database of deliveries in our hospital and also the findings from a prospectively enrolled cohort of newborns.
Projects in reproductive health
Heavy metals as biomarkers of ambient exposure and neonatal and pediatric outcomes
We enrolled a cohort of 1823 women of Bedouin-Arab origin arriving for delivery at Soroka ER. We collected an extensive questionnaire on potential hazardous exposures within their household, umbilical cord blood samples and a spot urine sample. The samples were further tested for heavy metals and cell proliferation. 
Heat waves
Along with the rising temperatures, the climatologists report on increasingly common heat waves, that is a prolonged period of extremely hot weather.
The black box of an oxidative stress
We know that extreme meteorological conditions and pollution are adversely associated with health. What is the pathophysiological mechanism in this link? To address this question, the NEHRI team performed a number of biomonitoring studies.
Toxicology
The field of toxicology is closely related to our biomonitoring studies. Here we present the large range of research work, starting from ecological assessments, to the actual enrollment and testing of the participants.
Psychological health
Heat and suicidal attempts
This project was conducted in the Negev (southern Israel), an arid environment located on the dust belt stretching from the Sahara Desert to the Middle East. This region is characterized by low precipitation and high annual temperatures, often exceeding 40°C in summer.
Research methodology
After working for over a decade with the data in environmental epidemiology, it seemed important to share our insights with other investigators.
Environmental exposures in pregnancy among women of Bedouin origin and their possible impact on health
Primary and co-primary Investigators: Novack L., Sarov B., Landau D, Karakis I.
During the period of 2011-2013 we have enrolled close to 2000 women of Bedouin-Arab origin upon their arrival at SUMC for delivery. Extensive exposure questionnaire has been filled out for all the participants and their urine sample and blood cord sample have been collected and partially tested, heavy metals and cell proliferation.  
Pollution and meteorological factors and Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
Primary and co-primary Investigators: Novack L. (SUMC), Novack V. (SUMC), Jaffe E (MDA)
We explored the records of calls to EMS due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the entire Israel for the period of 2016-2017.