Image1_Meta-analysis assessing the effectiveness of SGLT2i+GLP1RA combination therapy versus monotherapy on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes in diabetic patients.JPEG

Relevant meta-analyses have confirmed the cardiovascular and renal benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or cardiorenal disease. However, it is not established whether the combination therapy of SGLT2i and GLP1RA will yield an additive benefit on cardiorenal endpoints. Lopez and colleagues recently did a cohort study (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93) and aimed to address this issue. However, their findings are not consistent with those of previous studies. To confirm Lopez et al.’s findings (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93) and address the aforementioned inconsistencies, we conducted a meta-analysis based on relevant studies. Our meta-analysis identified that SGLT2i + GLP1RA combination therapy was significantly associated with the reduced risks of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular atherosclerotic, heart failure-associated, and death outcomes compared with SGLT2i/GLP1RA monotherapy. These might support this combination therapy used for better reducing cardiovascular and death events in T2D patients, especially in those with high or very high cardiovascular risk. This is a commentary on a previous article (Lopez et al.’s study (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93)) published outside of Frontiers. Therefore, we submitted this manuscript as an Opinion article, as suggested in the Author Guidelines.</p

Image3_Meta-analysis assessing the effectiveness of SGLT2i+GLP1RA combination therapy versus monotherapy on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes in diabetic patients.JPEG

Relevant meta-analyses have confirmed the cardiovascular and renal benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or cardiorenal disease. However, it is not established whether the combination therapy of SGLT2i and GLP1RA will yield an additive benefit on cardiorenal endpoints. Lopez and colleagues recently did a cohort study (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93) and aimed to address this issue. However, their findings are not consistent with those of previous studies. To confirm Lopez et al.’s findings (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93) and address the aforementioned inconsistencies, we conducted a meta-analysis based on relevant studies. Our meta-analysis identified that SGLT2i + GLP1RA combination therapy was significantly associated with the reduced risks of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular atherosclerotic, heart failure-associated, and death outcomes compared with SGLT2i/GLP1RA monotherapy. These might support this combination therapy used for better reducing cardiovascular and death events in T2D patients, especially in those with high or very high cardiovascular risk. This is a commentary on a previous article (Lopez et al.’s study (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93)) published outside of Frontiers. Therefore, we submitted this manuscript as an Opinion article, as suggested in the Author Guidelines.</p

Image2_Meta-analysis assessing the effectiveness of SGLT2i+GLP1RA combination therapy versus monotherapy on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular outcomes in diabetic patients.JPEG

Relevant meta-analyses have confirmed the cardiovascular and renal benefits of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RA) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or cardiorenal disease. However, it is not established whether the combination therapy of SGLT2i and GLP1RA will yield an additive benefit on cardiorenal endpoints. Lopez and colleagues recently did a cohort study (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93) and aimed to address this issue. However, their findings are not consistent with those of previous studies. To confirm Lopez et al.’s findings (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93) and address the aforementioned inconsistencies, we conducted a meta-analysis based on relevant studies. Our meta-analysis identified that SGLT2i + GLP1RA combination therapy was significantly associated with the reduced risks of cardiovascular/cerebrovascular atherosclerotic, heart failure-associated, and death outcomes compared with SGLT2i/GLP1RA monotherapy. These might support this combination therapy used for better reducing cardiovascular and death events in T2D patients, especially in those with high or very high cardiovascular risk. This is a commentary on a previous article (Lopez et al.’s study (Lopez et al., Am. J. Cardiol., 2022, 181, 87–93)) published outside of Frontiers. Therefore, we submitted this manuscript as an Opinion article, as suggested in the Author Guidelines.</p

Species diversity, distribution patterns, and substrate specificity of <i>Strobilurus</i>

<p>The fungal genus <i>Strobilurus</i> belongs to Physalacriaceae and contains approximately 11 species worldwide. Species of this genus grow and reproduce on cones of various conifers, seed pods or fruits of <i>Magnolia</i> and <i>Liquidambar</i>, and branches and wood of conifers. Previous studies focused mainly on samples from Europe and North America. And no genus-specific phylogenetic analysis has been carried out to date. The monophyly, degree of species diversity and substrate specificity, and overall distribution patterns are addressed here using morphological and molecular evidence. The authors collected samples of <i>Strobilurus</i> from much of its known distribution ranges and carried out morphological observations and multilocus phylogenetic analyses using five molecular markers. The results show that <i>Strobilurus</i> is a monophyletic group but may exclude one species, <i>S. ohshimae</i>. A total of 13 species was identified, with two, <i>S. orientalis</i> and <i>S. pachycystidiatus</i>, described as new from China. Several species were shown to be specific to certain substrates, whereas a few less so. Biogeographic analyses indicated that historical exchanges of species between East Asia, Europe, and North America, later vicariance events, and substrate specificity have contributed jointly to diversification of <i>Strobilurus</i>.</p

Table_1_Prevalence of depressive symptoms and correlates among individuals who self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection after optimizing the COVID-19 response in China.DOCX

BackgroundThe burden of depression symptoms has increased among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 remain uncertain after optimizing the COVID-19 response in China.MethodsAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted among the public from January 6 to 30, 2023, using a convenience sampling method. Sociodemographic and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors were collected. The depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the associated factors with depressive symptoms.ResultsA total of 2,726 participants completed the survey. The prevalence of depression symptoms was 35.3%. About 58% of the participants reported experiencing insufficient drug supply. More than 40% of participants reported that they had missed healthcare appointments or delayed treatment. One-third of participants responded experiencing a shortage of healthcare staff and a long waiting time during medical treatment. Logistic regression analysis revealed several factors that were associated with depression symptoms, including sleep difficulties (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.34–3.44), chronic diseases (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.64–2.82), inpatient treatment for COVID-19 (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.19–4.77), with COVID-19 symptoms more than 13 days (OR, 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.63), re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07–2.15), and the increased in demand for healthcare services (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.08–1.61).ConclusionThis study reveals a moderate prevalence of depression symptoms among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. The findings underscore the importance of continued focus on depressive symptoms among vulnerable individuals, including those with sleeping difficulties, chronic diseases, and inpatient treatment for COVID-19. It is necessary to provide mental health services and psychological interventions for these vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 epidemic.</p

Fluorofenidone reduces PKC-ζ expression in the kidney of <i>db/db</i> mice.

<p>The expression of PKC-ζ and GAPDH in the indicated groups of animals was examined by western blot. Typical results are shown (A). Western blot results of individual animals were quantified, and expressed as fold change compared to PKC-ζ in <i>db/m</i> kidneys. Means±SD (n = 3 per group) are graphed. *: <i>p</i><0.05 in comparison to <i>db/m</i>; # <i>p</i><0.05 in comparison to the respective Ctrl mice (B). C) PKC-ζ in mice (n = 3 per group) treated with FD and LOS was expressed as the percentages of PKC-ζ in the kidneys of mock-treated <i>db/db</i> mice. The indicated comparisons were also analyzed.</p

Fluorofenidone inhibits TGF-β1 upregulation in the kidneys of <i>db/db</i> mice in a DN progression dependent manner.

<p>A) RNA was purified from the indicated mice (n = 3 per group). TGF-β1 mRNA abundance was subsequently determined by real-time PCR following our published methodology <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0111242#pone.0111242-Peng1" target="_blank">[15]</a>, <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0111242#pone.0111242-Wang2" target="_blank">[17]</a>, <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0111242#pone.0111242-Wang1" target="_blank">[16]</a>. Real-time PCR was performed 3 times in triplicate. TGF-β1 mRNA levels were normalized to actin, and expressed as the fold change in reference to TGF-β1 mRNA in <i>db/m</i> mice. *: <i>p</i><0.05 in comparison to <i>db/m</i>; #: <i>p</i><0.05 in comparison to the respective Ctrl mice; other comparison are also presented. B) TGF-β1 protein in the indicated mice (n = 6 per group) was quantified using ELISA. Assay was repeated three times in triplicate. TGF-β1 protein was expressed as ng per mg of total protein (ng/mg total protein). Statistical analysis was performed as detailed above.</p

Fluorofenidone and losartan are without effects on diabetic pathogenesis of <i>db/db</i> mice.

<p>Fluorofenidone and losartan are without effects on diabetic pathogenesis of <i>db/db</i> mice.</p

Fluorofenidone decreased p22^phox expression in the kidney of <i>db/db</i> mice at earlier stages of DN development.

<p>A) The expression of p22^phox and GAPDH in the indicated groups of animals was determined by western blot. Typical results are included. B) Western blot results of individual animals were quantified, and expressed as fold change compared to p22^phox in <i>db/m</i> mice. Means±SD are graphed. The symbols * and # represent <i>p</i><0.05 in comparison to <i>db/m</i> and the individual Ctrl mice, respectively. C) The p22^phox expression in mice treated with FD and LOS was expressed as the percentages of p22^phox in the kidneys of mock-treated <i>db/db</i> mice. The indicated comparison (FD 5-week vs FD 12-week) was analyzed by 2-tailed Student t-test. Three mice were used in individual groups.</p

Fluorofenidone and losartan protect the progression of diabetic nephropathy in <i>db/db</i> mice.

<p>Fluorofenidone and losartan protect the progression of diabetic nephropathy in <i>db/db</i> mice.</p