Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
RhumatologyIncreased consumption of dietary retinol may protect against rheumatoid arthritis
This study explored the association between dietary retinol intake and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).The main objective was to determine whether increased dietary retinol intake could play a protective role against RA, a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly affects the joints.To do this, the authors analysed data coverin
NeurologyThe use of Immersive Virtual Reality would be effective against Mild Cognitive Disorders
The increase in cases of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) highlights the urgent need to find effective methods of slowing its progression. Given the limited effectiveness of current pharmacological options in preventing or treating the early stages of MCI, non-pharmacological alternatives are of particular importance. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a cognitive-motor intervention based
GynecologyStudy on the use of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for pain management in patients suffering from endometriosis
Endometriosis is often accompanied by central sensitisation syndrome (CSS), characterised by a loss of analgesia and a central amplification of pain, similar to other chronic pain conditions.Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) has been shown in recent studies to be an effective intervention for improving pain generated by other chronic pathologies affected by CSS, such as fibromyalgia a
Dermatology and VenereologyImpact of diaper changing frequency on the skin microbiota of preterm infants
The main objective of this research was to evaluate how the impact of the frequency of diaper changes, as well as other clinical factors, influence the development of the cutaneous microbiota in premature babies. To do this, a randomised controlled trial with a parallel design was used. Stable preterm infants, born before 33 weeks' gestation, were randomised to receive diaper changes every 3 hours
Cardiology and Vascular MedicineLong-term effects of COVID-19 on endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and blood pressure
The SARS-CoV-19 pandemic has highlighted numerous health impacts, particularly on the cardiovascular system. While the immediate effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection are well documented, the long-term effects remain largely unexplored, especially in young adults. This study focuses on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on endothelial function, arterial stiffness and blood pressure in university students
NeurologyThe protective effects of lithium on Alzheimer's disease
Malgré les progrès réalisés dans la compréhension des mécanismes physiopathologiques de la maladie d'Alzheimer, les traitements efficaces restent rares. Les sels de lithium, reconnus comme stabilisateurs de l'humeur dans les troubles bipolaires, ont été largement étudiés pour leurs effets neuroprotecteurs. Plusieurs études indiquent que le lithium pourrait être un agent modificateur de la maladie
GynecologyThe beneficial effects of Vitamin D supplementation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of childbearing age. It is characterised by hormonal imbalances, menstrual disorders and ovarian cysts. PCOS is one of the main causes of female infertility and is associated with a variety of symptoms and complications. This study explored the effects of vitamin D supplementation on metabolic parameters in women with
PsychiatryCorrelations between prenatal eating habits and autism diagnosis
Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction and behaviour. Symptoms generally appear in early childhood, often before the age of three, and persist throughout life. The term ‘spectrum’ underlines the great variability in the manifestations and levels of severity of autism. The study entitled ‘Healthy Prenatal Di
Endocrinology and MetabolismConsumption of sugary drinks promotes chronic back pain
Chronic lumbar pain is defined as pain in the lumbar region that has been present for more than 3 months. This pain may radiate to the buttock, the iliac crest or even the thigh, and only exceptionally extends beyond the knee. This study examined the relationship between sweetened beverage consumption (SSB) and chronic low back pain (CLBP). SSB consumption has become a major public health problem
Endocrinology and MetabolismThe distribution of adipose tissue and muscle mass has an impact on mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes
The distribution of adipose tissue and muscle mass in different regions of the body may reflect various mechanisms influencing mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of this study was to explore the associations between body fat and muscle mass and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-cardiovascular disease (non-CVD).The study was carried out on a sample of 141
Endocrinology and MetabolismHigh levels of HDL cholesterol reduce the risk of developing low back pain
Low back pain affects many people and can have a variety of causes, including metabolic factors. Lipid levels, such as HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), have been associated with various health problems, but their link with low back pain remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess whether lipid levels directly influenced the risk of low back pain usi
NeurologyThe mediating role of depression in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and migraine
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and migraine are common and often co-exist in patients. Understanding the link between these two conditions could improve the clinical management and prevention of both conditions. This study used Mendelian randomisation (MR) methods to assess these relationships while taking into account potential confounding factors and the role of depression as a mediato