Publications
Selected publications and academic work. I publish under Menachem Jacobs.
Pharmacologic Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging with SPECT and PET in Liver Transplant Candidates: Physiologic Limitations, Current Evidence, and Future Directions
Current Cardiology Reports · 2026 · DOI: 10.1007/s11886-026-02429-6
This review examines how cirrhosis affects SPECT and PET myocardial perfusion imaging in liver transplant candidates. It explains the limitations of relative perfusion imaging and the potential value of quantitative PET, while emphasizing that transplant-specific thresholds and effects on clinical outcomes remain unvalidated.
Association of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Despite Normal Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
American Journal of Preventive Cardiology
A retrospective matched-cohort study found that rheumatoid arthritis was associated with higher rates of major adverse cardiovascular events even when myocardial perfusion imaging showed no ischemia. The findings highlight residual cardiovascular risk that a normal SPECT or PET perfusion study may not capture.
Evaluating the Quality of Cardiovascular Disease Information From AI Chatbots: A Comparative Study
PMID: 40821349
This comparative study evaluated the readability, quality, understandability, and actionability of four AI chatbots answering common questions about heart attacks, heart failure, and arrhythmias. Performance varied across the models and topics tested, underscoring the need to evaluate patient-facing cardiovascular information beyond factual accuracy alone.
Lipoprotein(a): A Review of Risk Factors, Measurements, and Novel Treatment Modalities
PMID: 38415744
This review examines lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), as a cardiovascular risk factor, including the evidence linking it to atherosclerotic disease, challenges in measurement, and emerging treatment approaches. It brings together observational and genetic evidence to explain why Lp(a) matters in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Harnessing the Power of AI: A Comprehensive Review of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Assessment With Echocardiography
PMID: 38520327
This review explores how artificial intelligence can help estimate left ventricular ejection fraction from echocardiography, with potential benefits for speed, consistency, and accuracy. It examines an evolving approach to assessing cardiac function rather than assuming that automated measurements can replace clinical interpretation.
The Role of Tongxinluo Capsule in Cardiac Disease: Composition, Mechanisms, and Applications
PMID: 40047439
A narrative review of Tongxinluo, a traditional Chinese medicine formulation studied in cardiovascular disease, covering its composition, proposed pharmacologic mechanisms, and clinical applications. The paper provides an overview of the evidence rather than a recommendation for individual treatment.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Winter 2021/2022: The Association of Varying Clinical Manifestations With and Without Prior Vaccination
PMCID: PMC9888590
A cross-sectional survey of adults in Jewish communities in the New York tristate area examined COVID-19 symptoms during winter 2021–2022. Prior vaccination and booster doses were associated with lower odds of symptomatic infection, although the survey design cannot establish causation.
Physical Activity and Sleeping Duration Among Adolescents in the US
PMCID: PMC9613397
Using the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, this cross-sectional study found that physically active US adolescents were more likely to report at least eight hours of sleep on school nights. The association persisted after adjustment for demographic and other measured factors, without proving that exercise caused longer sleep.
Bullying Victimization as a Risk Factor for Gun Carrying Among US Adolescents
PMCID: PMC9776024
An analysis of the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that adolescents reporting bullying on school property had higher odds of reporting gun carrying. The cross-sectional findings describe an association relevant to school safety and adolescent health, rather than proving that bullying causes firearm carrying.
Association of Height and Prevalence of Kidney Stones
PMCID: PMC9872204
This NHANES analysis found that shorter adult height was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting a history of kidney stones after adjustment for weight and other measured factors. The observational findings explore body size and kidney stone prevalence without establishing a causal relationship.
A Rare Case of Viridans Group Streptococci Pyogenic Liver Abscess in a Young Male With No Prior Risk Factors
PMCID: PMC10191615
This case report describes a large pyogenic liver abscess caused by viridans group streptococci in a previously healthy young adult. It highlights the diagnostic value of considering liver abscess despite the absence of typical risk factors, with recovery following drainage and intravenous antibiotics.
The Role of Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference in Gender-Specific Risk Factors for Stress Urinary Incontinence: A Cross-Sectional Study
PMCID: PMC10257796
A cross-sectional NHANES study found that higher body mass index and waist circumference were associated with stress urinary incontinence in both men and women. Waist circumference models fit the data better than BMI models, but the study did not test whether weight loss improves symptoms.
Investigating the Anti-inflammatory Effect of Allopurinol on the Prevention of Prostate Cancer
PMCID: PMC10325819
This NHANES analysis examined whether allopurinol use was associated with prostate cancer after accounting for demographic and metabolic factors. It found no statistically significant association, providing no evidence of a protective effect in this dataset.
Exploring the Relationship Between Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Prostate Cancer Risk: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis
PMCID: PMC10955788
A cross-sectional NHANES analysis investigated the relationship between hepatitis C infection and prostate cancer and found no statistically significant association. The findings add to a mixed literature while leaving questions that require larger prospective studies.
A Complex Case of Histoplasmosis in an Immunocompromised Patient: Diagnostic Challenges, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, and Environmental Factors
PMCID: PMC10822101
This case report examines the diagnostic challenges of histoplasmosis in an immunocompromised patient. It highlights how exposure history, fungal testing, imaging, and multidisciplinary assessment can help identify an infection with varied clinical manifestations.
Urinary Defense Begins in the Kidney
PMCID: PMC7269155
This commentary explains how kidney intercalated cells help defend the urinary tract through acidification and antimicrobial proteins. It connects renal innate immunity with insulin signaling and diabetes-related susceptibility to urinary tract infection.