Press reviews

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to millions of deaths worldwide. Among its major complications is an associated coagulopathy, characterized by hypercoagulation and thromboembolic disorders. These abnormalities, linked to an excessive inflammatory response, manifest as thromboses, pulmonary embolisms, or strokes, and represent a significant factor in the mortality of critically ill patients. This study aimed to establish the association between coagulation parameters and mortality in COVID-19 patients, highlighting potential biomarkers to assess risk and guide clinical care.

Which coagulation markers are associated with mortality?

A meta-analysis of 48 studies, including 6,969 participants, compared deceased patients to survivors. The main parameters analyzed included platelet count, prothrombin time (PT), D-dimer, INR, fibrinogen, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

The results revealed significant thrombocytopenia in deceased patients, characterized by a lower average platelet count compared to survivors. Furthermore, levels of D-dimer, PT, and INR were significantly higher in deceased patients, indicating a hypercoagulable state. In contrast, fibrinogen and aPTT did not show significant differences between the two groups.

COVID-19 and coagulation parameters: a crucial link to mortality

This study emphasizes the critical role of coagulation parameters, such as D-dimer and PT, in assessing the severity and mortality risk in COVID-19 patients. Thrombocytopenia, already recognized as a marker of severity, is also confirmed as a reliable indicator of poor prognosis. These findings support the integration of systematic coagulation testing into clinical monitoring to quickly identify high-risk patients and optimize therapeutic strategies, particularly with anticoagulant use.  

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system, characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and motor impairments that significantly affect quality of life. Despite existing immunomodulatory treatments, chronic fatigue and functional limitations remain largely unaddressed symptoms, highlighting an urgent need for complementary therapies.

In this context, this study explores resistance training (RT) as a non-pharmacological approach to improve muscle strength, functional performance, and quality of life in women with MS.

How does resistance training improve functional abilities and quality of life in MS?

Forty women were selected and divided into three groups:

• Healthy control group (HCON);
• MS group without resistance training (MS+non-RT);
• MS group with resistance training (MS+RT).

Participants were assessed before and after a 12-week intervention. Tests included measurements of muscle strength, functional abilities, and biological markers related to oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, GPx). Quality of life and fatigue were also evaluated using validated questionnaires.

The MS+RT group showed a significant improvement in muscle strength and functional abilities, surpassing both the MS+non-RT and HCON groups. A notable reduction in fatigue and an improvement in quality of life were also observed in this group. However, changes in oxidative stress markers were not significant, suggesting that the benefits of resistance training may be more closely related to physiological and functional mechanisms rather than modulation of oxidative stress.

Resistance training: a promising path to transform MS management

This study highlights the benefits of structured and supervised resistance training in improving motor functions, reducing fatigue, and enhancing quality of life in women with MS. While the effects on oxidative stress require further investigation, the findings suggest that muscle strengthening could be a key strategy in the personalized management of this complex disease.  

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease modulated by estrogen levels, characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial lesions and a pro-inflammatory environment. This condition is associated with microbial dysbiosis, an imbalance in bacterial communities affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) and urogenital (UG) tracts. These microbial alterations not only result from inflammation but also actively contribute to disease progression and symptoms.

To better understand these interactions and optimize therapeutic strategies, this study examines the impact of hormonal factors, sexual behaviors, and surgical interventions on the microbiota of patients with endometriosis.  

What are the key factors influencing dysbiosis in endometriosis patients?

This study compared 33 patients with endometriosis to 15 healthy controls by analyzing stool, urine, and vaginal swab samples. Microbial profiles were determined using sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The impact of hormonal treatments, surgical interventions, and the number of sexual partners on GI and UG microbiota was assessed.  

The analysis revealed that patients with endometriosis exhibit distinct microbiota profiles marked by reduced diversity and altered bacterial compositions in both GI and UG tracts. Specifically, bacterial genera such as Lactobacillus (vaginal tract), Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes (GI tract) are particularly affected. Additionally, a higher number of sexual partners was found to exacerbate dysbiosis and reduce the benefits of treatments. In contrast, surgical interventions and hormonal treatments partially restored microbial homeostasis, though their efficacy varied depending on the site and patient characteristics.  

Toward Personalized Management of Endometriosis

This study highlights the importance of considering microbial factors in the management of endometriosis. The interplay between microbiota, treatments, and sexual behaviors could inform the development of new therapeutic approaches. Combining hormonal, surgical, and antimicrobial treatments may provide a promising avenue to restore a healthy microbiota, enhance treatment responses, and limit disease progression.

Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response caused by infection, is a severe and common condition in older adults. Genetic predispositions, particularly variations in genes regulating immune responses, play a critical role in its development. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a cytokine essential for neutrophil chemotaxis, is heavily implicated in inflammation, with elevated levels associated with sepsis severity. Specifically, studies suggest that the rs4073 polymorphism of the IL-8 gene may increase susceptibility to sepsis. Given conflicting findings, this study investigates the association between the rs4073 polymorphism of the IL-8 gene and sepsis susceptibility in adults.

What is the role of interleukin-8 in sepsis?

The study analyzed 480 patients with sepsis and 840 healthy individuals using the PCR-RFLP technique to evaluate genetic data.  

Find out more. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) is a molecular technique used to detect specific genetic variations (polymorphisms) in DNA. It involves two main steps: amplifying a target DNA fragment via PCR and enzymatically digesting it using restriction enzymes.  

The study identified three genotypes (AA, TA, TT) of the rs4073 polymorphism. Results indicate that the TT genotype and the T allele are significantly associated with an increased risk of sepsis, likely due to heightened IL-8 expression, leading to elevated levels of this pro-inflammatory cytokine in the blood. However, a meta-analysis of four prior studies did not confirm this link, possibly due to high heterogeneity among studies and small sample sizes.  

The IL-8 rs4073 Polymorphism: A Promising Avenue for Predicting and Personalizing Sepsis Management

Current data suggest that the rs4073 polymorphism of the IL-8 gene may play a critical role in regulating inflammatory responses. While further research is needed to validate these findings, they underscore the importance of integrating genetic variations into personalized medicine strategies. This approach could help identify at-risk individuals and develop targeted treatments for optimized sepsis management.  

Stress is a major issue in modern societies, affecting both mental and physical health. Whether caused by work, social pressures, or daily challenges, stress can lead to disorders such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and cardiovascular or immune diseases. Chronic stress also weakens the body and increases the risk of long-term illnesses. Faced with this challenge, simple, accessible, and effective solutions are needed to help individuals better manage stress and preserve their well-being.  

In this context, mobile health applications (mHealth) appear as an innovative and promising solution due to their accessibility, flexibility, and ability to reach a broad audience. This study explores the effectiveness of mHealth applications for stress management.  

Are mHealth Applications Really Effective in Reducing Stress?

Eighty randomized controlled trials involving 16,097 participants were selected and analyzed. The evaluation criteria included self-reported measures (psychological symptoms and distress) and physiological parameters (cardiac response, hormonal activity, heart rate variability).  

The mHealth applications showed a moderate but significant effect on self-reported stress, with variations depending on the type of control. The effect was highest with inactive controls, moderate with non-specific active controls, and lowest against specific active controls. These effects persisted up to three months after the intervention but diminished beyond that.  

Regarding physiological outcomes, the effects were modest but significant. The most effective strategies included muscle/respiratory relaxation and meditation, with marked improvements in acute stress responses and in laboratory contexts where conditions are more controlled. Among physiological indicators, benefits were observed for heart rate variability (HRV) and respiratory rate.  

Finally, the effectiveness of mHealth applications depends on several key factors: regular and prolonged use, as well as personalized guidance in the form of feedback, which significantly improves outcomes compared to unguided interventions.  

mHealth Applications: A Key Tool for Public Health

mHealth applications represent an effective and accessible solution for managing stress within the general population. While their effects remain modest, strategies such as relaxation and meditation prove particularly beneficial. To optimize their effectiveness, it is essential to integrate advanced technologies such as personalized feedback and wearable sensors, while reinforcing long-term studies to evaluate their impact on chronic stress. By combining various multimodal approaches, these tools could become a critical lever in preventive strategies and public health policies.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a combination of metabolic disorders such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. The rapid progression of obesity, combined with inappropriate eating behaviors, exacerbates MetS, making it a major public health concern. Primarily linked to an unbalanced diet and sedentary lifestyle, it significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. To effectively combat its complications, it is essential to promote sustainable solutions aimed at improving eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and fostering better weight control.  

This study explores the impact of a mindfulness mobile application (MMA) combined with a lifestyle intervention (CLI) on weight loss and eating behavior in adults with MetS.  

Do Mobile Applications Really Improve Dietary Control in Metabolic Syndrome?

Thirty participants aged 20 to 75 years were selected and then randomly assigned to two groups:

• CLI only: Weekly sessions of exercise and nutritional counseling over 13 weeks, followed by telephone consultations.
• CLI + MMA: The same CLI program, supplemented by the daily use of a mindfulness mobile application.

 
The evaluation criteria included weight loss and eating behaviors (restrictive, emotional, and external eating). Adherence to the application was also monitored over 26 weeks.  

The results showed moderate weight loss in both groups, with no significant difference. However, the CLI+MMA group demonstrated a notable improvement in restrictive eating behavior, reflecting better control over caloric intake. No significant differences were observed regarding emotional or external eating. Adherence to the application gradually declined, from 6.6 days per week at the beginning of the study to 2 days per week at 26 weeks. Finally, both groups showed high levels of satisfaction and a 100% follow-up rate.

     

A Promising but Imperfect Solution for Managing Metabolic Syndrome

Integrating a mindfulness mobile application into a lifestyle intervention proved to be feasible and well-accepted by participants. Although its impact on weight loss was comparable to that of CLI alone, the application demonstrated significant benefits on restrictive eating behavior, a key factor for weight control. However, further studies are needed to identify effective strategies to improve adherence to mindfulness-based interventions.

Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition associated with chronic pain, infertility, and reduced quality of life. Despite medical advances, current diagnostic methods remain limited in early detection and the assessment of mild lesions. This study investigates the potential of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a reliable serum biomarker for early diagnosis and severity stratification of the disease.

MMP-9: A key to early diagnosis of Endometriosis?

Fifteen studies involving 996 patients with endometriosis were analyzed and compared to 582 controls. Results showed that serum MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with endometriosis compared to healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis further indicated that MMP-9 concentrations increase with disease severity (advanced stages (III-IV) versus early stages (I-II)). Additionally, the research confirmed an overexpression of the MMP-9 gene in endometrial tissues, coupled with the activation of pathways involved in immune regulation, T-cell differentiation, and TNF cytokine production, highlighting the critical role of MMP-9 in endometriosis-related inflammation.

Towards a new era in Endometriosis management

The findings underscore the potential of MMP-9 as a specific biomarker for diagnosing endometriosis and differentiating it from other gynecological conditions. However, further studies with larger cohorts and standardized methodologies are essential to validate these conclusions and establish reliable diagnostic thresholds. These advancements could mark a pivotal step towards more accurate early diagnosis, enabling optimized and more targeted clinical management.  

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, especially among women of childbearing age. Although primarily known for its role in cervical lesions and cervical cancer, particularly with high-risk genotypes such as HPV 16 and 18, its impact on pregnancy remains poorly understood. Several studies suggest a link between HPV and complications such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes (GD), and small-for-gestational-age newborns (SGA). However, findings are contradictory due to varying methodologies and definitions. A better understanding is essential to improve the care of pregnant women affected by HPV.

Do HPV infections truly influence pregnancy complications?

A total of 950 pregnant women were selected to assess the link between HPV infections and pregnancy-related complications. The study analyzed HPV DNA in urine samples collected mid-pregnancy and at delivery, identifying 28 genotypes, including 12 high-risk genotypes (HR-HPV). The monitored complications included hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes (GD), and small-for-gestational-age newborns (SGA). Regression models were used to evaluate potential associations. 

The results revealed that 40% of women tested positive for an HPV genotype, with 24% carrying high-risk HPV genotypes. However, no significant association was found between these infections and the mentioned complications. Additionally, the persistence of HPV infections during pregnancy did not alter these findings, highlighting the complexity of interactions between HPV and pregnancy physiology.

HPV infections during pregnancy: Key takeaways

This study demonstrates that HPV infections, including high-risk genotypes, do not increase the risk of major pregnancy complications, providing reassuring information for patients and their caregivers. However, further research is needed to explore the impact of HPV vaccination on obstetric outcomes. It is also crucial to educate pregnant women on the common and transient nature of HPV to reduce anxiety and the stigma associated with this infection. 

Malaria, an endemic disease affecting nearly 249 million people annually, remains a global public health priority. Given the limitations of current diagnostic methods, the search for new effective biomarkers to distinguish severe from non-severe cases has become critical. In this context, MCP-1/CCL-2, a key chemokine in the inflammatory response, has emerged as a potential candidate for disease diagnosis and severity assessment.

This study was initiated to evaluate whether MCP-1/CCL-2 could be a reliable marker for diagnosing malaria and determining its severity.

MCP-1/CCL-2: A Potential Marker for Malaria Diagnosis?

Thirty-three studies involving 6,804 participants, primarily from malaria-endemic regions in Africa and Asia, were selected. Blood levels of MCP-1/CCL-2 were analyzed using ELISA assays and bead-based tests.

The findings showed no significant differences in MCP-1/CCL-2 levels between infected and uninfected individuals. However, a notable increase in MCP-1/CCL-2 levels was observed in patients with severe malaria. Additionally, the studies highlighted that geography and participant age significantly influenced MCP-1/CCL-2 levels; for instance, infected children exhibited higher levels than adults.

Potential and Limitations of Inflammatory Markers

While MCP-1/CCL-2 shows potential as a biomarker for severe malaria, its lack of specificity for milder forms limits its diagnostic utility. Exploring additional chemokines in combination with MCP-1/CCL-2 could enhance diagnostic accuracy. In the long term, integrating such biomarkers into rapid and accessible diagnostic tools could revolutionize detection and clinical management strategies, paving the way for improved malaria care.

Robotic surgery is no longer a technology of the future: it has become a standard for managing complex pathologies. In urology, procedures such as nephrectomy, prostatectomy, and cystectomy particularly benefit from these innovations, offering enhanced precision and reduced surgical risks. For over two decades, the da Vinci system has dominated this field with its proven performance. However, its high cost limits accessibility. In this context, the Kangduo (KD), a recently developed surgical robot, emerges as a promising alternative. The question arises: can it rival the established leader, da Vinci?  

Can Kangduo compete with Da Vinci?

A total of 201 adult patients who underwent urological surgeries — nephrectomy, cystectomy, or prostatectomy — were selected and divided into two groups based on the system used (Kangduo or da Vinci). The performance of the two robots was compared using several criteria: operating time, blood loss, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction.  

The results reveal that although the operating time is longer with the KD system (180 minutes compared to 130 minutes for da Vinci), it presents notable advantages. Specifically, blood loss is reduced, thereby lowering the risk of hemorrhage. Furthermore, postoperative complications are less frequent, with an infection rate of 11.7% compared to 29.1% for da Vinci, and fever rates of 15% compared to 30.5%. Patient satisfaction is comparable between the two systems, exceeding 95% in both groups. Finally, the cost of the KD system is approximately 25-30% of that of the da Vinci system, providing a significant economic advantage.  

Kangduo: a promising alternative in robotic surgery

The Kangduo system delivers performance comparable to that of da Vinci, with notable advantages such as reduced blood loss and lower postoperative complication rates. While operating times are currently longer with the KD system, this delay could decrease as surgeons become more familiar with the technology.  

Strabismus surgery is crucial for correcting eye alignment and restoring binocular vision. It requires effective anesthesia to minimize pain and optimize outcomes. Among recent innovations, dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 receptor agonist, stands out as a promising adjunct to local anesthetics. But what is the best route of administration—intravenous or peribulbar? This article examines the advantages of these two approaches.  

What is the best route of administration for Dexmedetomidine?

In this study, 46 adult patients undergoing strabismus surgery were selected and divided into two groups:

• Intravenous: Administration of 50 µg of dexmedetomidine via infusion, followed by a standard peribulbar block.
• Peribulbar: Addition of 50 µg of dexmedetomidine directly to the local anesthetic mixture.

The study first demonstrated that the peribulbar route provided 3.2 hours of longer postoperative analgesia compared to the intravenous route. Similarly, a significantly longer duration of motor block was observed in the peribulbar group. Regarding operating time, the intravenous administration allowed for shorter surgeries. Finally, patient and surgeon satisfaction scores were higher in the peribulbar group.  

Dexmedetomidine: new horizons in surgical anesthesia

This study demonstrates that peribulbar dexmedetomidine offers superior benefits in terms of patient comfort and effectiveness. However, intravenous administration remains a viable alternative for faster procedures due to enhanced sedation. Multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are now needed to confirm these results, refine anesthesia protocols, and explore potential applications of dexmedetomidine in other surgical contexts requiring regional blocks.  

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette syndrome (TS), significantly impact the quality of life for affected children and their families. While their etiology is complex and multifactorial, recent studies have explored the potential role of viral infections, particularly human herpesviruses (HHV), as triggering or aggravating factors.

This study examines the causal relationship between HHV infections and these neurodevelopmental disorders.

What is the connection between neurodevelopmental disorders and viral infections?

Using European genomic datasets, researchers investigated genetic variants associated with HHV infections (HSV, VZV, EBV, CMV) and analyzed their potential impact on ASD, ADHD, and TS. These analyses revealed no significant association between genetically predicted HHV infections and the risk of NDD. Similarly, sensitivity analyses (leave-one-out method) showed no major bias linked to specific variants.

Additionally, twenty-seven observational studies were reviewed to evaluate the clinical links between HHV infections and NDD. These findings, though more variable, highlighted a significant association between CMV, HHV-6, and ASD. Regarding EBV and CMV, an increased risk of TS was identified in the Chinese population. Finally, no clear correlation between HSV or HHV-7 and NDD was established.

Towards a better understanding of herpesviruses’ role in neurodevelopmental disorders

While genetic analyses do not establish direct causality between HHV infections and NDDs, observational data suggest significant links between certain human herpesviruses (CMV, HHV-6, and EBV) and specific neurodevelopmental disorders. These disparities may be explained by factors such as geographical variations, differences in detection methods, or individual genetic susceptibilities.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, leading to pain and disability. While factors such as smoking and pollution are well-known contributors to an increased risk of RA, the impact of diet remains less understood. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids could reduce inflammation, while other foods, such as tea or coffee, might worsen the condition. Given the rising incidence of RA, understanding the role of diet in its development is crucial for improving prevention and treatment strategies.  

This analysis investigates the dose-response relationships between various foods and the risk of RA.  

How does diet influence the risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

This study reviews 30 prospective studies involving nearly 3 million participants and 9,677 cases of RA. It examines the consumption of 32 foods and beverages, ranging from fruits to alcohol. A dose-response analysis was also conducted to identify the links between these dietary habits and the risk of developing RA.  

The findings show that certain foods can reduce the risk of RA. For instance, every increase of two alcohol units per week lowers the risk by 4%. Similarly, an additional 80 g/day of fruit reduces the risk by 5%, while 30 g/day of cereals decreases it by 3%. Conversely, drinking more than one cup of tea per day appears to increase the risk by 4%.  

Diet as a preventive factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis  

This study highlights that targeted dietary adjustments, such as increased consumption of fruits, cereals, fatty fish, and vitamin D supplementation, could reduce the risk of RA. On the other hand, the roles of tea and coffee remain controversial and warrant further investigation. These findings pave the way for personalized dietary recommendations that are critical for the prevention and management of RA. They may also transform the clinical approach to autoimmune diseases.  

The increasing sedentary behavior among university students is a global public health concern. Nearly 30% of students fail to meet the minimum physical activity recommendations, putting them at higher risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. In response to this challenge, digital technologies—including mobile apps, wearable devices, and social platforms—present an innovative opportunity to encourage young adults to adopt a more active lifestyle.  

This study investigates the effectiveness of digital interventions in promoting physical activity within this population.  

Can digital interventions improve physical activity in university students?

Eight randomized controlled trials involving 569 students aged 18 to 29 were analyzed. Digital technologies included mobile applications, personalized text messages, and wearable devices like pedometers and smartwatches. Key metrics measured were light physical activity (LPA), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST), and daily step count.  

The analysis revealed a significant increase in daily step count among students exposed to digital interventions compared to control groups. However, no significant effects were observed on light physical activity (LPA) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), nor on sedentary time (ST), although a slight favorable trend was noted. These findings highlight the effectiveness of digital tools in encouraging simple active behaviors, such as walking, while also exposing their limitations in promoting more demanding physical activities or reducing sedentary behavior.  

Digital technologies: a key tool for promoting physical activity among students  

This study demonstrates that digital technologies have significant potential to promote daily walking among university students, a key indicator of both physical and mental health. However, their impact remains limited in driving moderate-to-vigorous physical activities and reducing sedentary behavior. To maximize their effectiveness, it is crucial to develop personalized programs, integrate social elements, and adopt more diverse strategies. As technology continues to evolve, digital tools could become a cornerstone of public health policies targeting young adults.Haut du formulaire.

The decline in physical fitness among children and adolescents is a concerning public health issue. According to the WHO, fewer than 20% of young people meet the recommended daily physical activity guidelines, exposing them to increased risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. In light of this, aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT) have been identified as crucial strategies for enhancing youth physical development. But which type of training delivers the greatest benefits?

Key insights on training methods. Aerobic training, focused on enhancing cardiorespiratory endurance, strengthens the heart, optimizes blood circulation, and boosts physical stamina. Resistance training, targeting muscle and bone strength, plays a crucial role in injury prevention, posture improvement, and supporting bone growth.

How effective is combined training?

This study examined the impact of combined training (CT), which integrates AT and RT, on the physical fitness of 2,658 young people with an average age of 14.32 years. Researchers assessed key indicators such as VO2 max (cardiovascular endurance) and muscle power (vertical jump - CMJ).

Key findings include:

• Cardiovascular endurance: CT and AT produced similar improvements in VO2 max, but alternating AT and RT (CRED group) achieved the highest scores.
• Muscle power: CT outperformed RT alone in vertical jump performance, with consecutive RT-AT training (CRE) yielding the best results.
• Lower limb strength: Isolated RT remained the most effective. Overall, all these approaches, including HIIT, outperformed team sports in improving VO2 max.

Combined training: an effective strategy for enhancing youth fitness