Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Jan 2022
[What is ultra-processed food and how is it related to diet-related diseases?]
Ultra-processed food is part of a modern lifestyle and accounts for about 46 % of daily energy intake in Germany. Cross-sectional and cohort studies indicate associations between consumption of ultra-processed food and a range of non-communicable diseases (obesity, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression). As underlying mechanisms, a high energy density, altered food matrix, an unbalanced nutritional composition, high glycemic index, adverse additives, processing- and packaging contaminants are discussed. In order to understand the role of these potential mechanisms and to provide a scientifically based and risk-associated definition of ultra-processed food it is important to conduct appropriate intervention studies and to improve dietary assessment of processed food in prospective cohort studies.
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Jan 2022
Review[Wind turbine and infrasound: No evidence for health-related impairment - a physical, medical and social report].
Based on the recent discussion about health impacts of wind turbine noise and infrasound emissions, we present the physical facts and summarize related studies in a narrative review. We are exposed to infrasound emissions from different sources, where wind turbine farms do not cause particularly high infrasound emissions. ⋯ Health complaints are more frequently proven, if anti-wind-turbine-groups were active, which is consistent with the psychogenic hypotheses with nocebo effects likely play an important role. Without evidence of health impacts from wind turbine farms, an ongoing slowdown in the urgently needed expansion of renewable energies is not justifiable.
-
Dtsch. Med. Wochenschr. · Jan 2022
[Wave riding - 12 months of COVID-19 in a German tertiary care center].
With more than 1400 COVID-19 inpatients, the university hospital of Essen is the main regional caregiver during COVID-19 pandemic. We present outcome data of our inpatients during the first 12 months of pandemic and our derived clinical care concepts. ⋯ The mortality of both patient groups ranges within the numbers published by other international groups. The vast impact of usual comorbidities could be observed as well as the high rate of complications in serious ill COVID-19 patients. The mean age of both patient groups was lower than expected (60 years standard care versus 63 years intermediate/ intensive care). A maximum of patient and staff protection measures, a fast and efficient testing strategy during primary triage, standardized concepts from emergency department to intensive care units and dynamic adjustment of resources to daily changing needs can ensure a high quality of care even during peak of pandemic.