Effectiveness and mechanisms of sodium-dependent glucose transporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes and heart failure patients

We comment on an article by GrubićRotkvićet al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Cardiology.We specifically focused on possible factors affecting the therapeutic effectiveness of sodium-dependent glucose transporter inhibitors(SGLT2i)in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)and their impact on comorbidities.SGLT2i inhibits SGLT2 in the proximal tubules of the kidneys,lowering blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose reabsorption by the kidneys and causing excess glucose to be excreted in the urine.Previous studies have demonstrated a role of SGLT2i in cardiovascular function in patients with diabetes who take metformin but still have poor glycemic control.In addition,SGLT2i has been shown to be effective in anti-apoptosis,weight loss,and cardiovascular protection.Accordingly,it is feasible to treat patients with T2DM with cardiovascular or renal diseases using SGLT2i.

Understanding the etiology of mental health problems in postrehabilitation COVID-19 patients:Insights and strategies for effective intervention

In this editorial,we comment on an article by Alhammad et al that was published in a recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases(Manuscript No.:91134).We specifically focus on the mental health problems caused by coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19),their mechanisms,and targeted rehabilitation strategies.Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2,via its spike protein,binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and other receptors prior to infiltrating diverse cells within the central nervous system,including endothelial cells,neurons,astrocytes,and oligodendrocytes,thereby contributing to the development of mental illnesses.Epidemiological data from 2020 underscored the global upsurge in major depressive and anxiety disorders by 27.6%and 25.6%,respectively,during the pandemic.The commented research show that 30%of post-intensive care unit discharge patients with COVID-19 in the Arabic region exhibited Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores that were indicative of anxiety and depression.While acknowledging psychosocial factors,such as grief and loss,it is crucial to recognize the potential neurological impact of the virus through various mechanisms.Accordingly,interventions that encompass dietary measures,health supplements,and traditional Chinese medicine with neuroprotective properties are necessary.This editorial underscores the urgency to implement comprehensive rehabilitation approaches to address the intricate interplay between COVID-19 and mental well-being.

Food allergy and related risk factors in 2540 preschool children: an epidemiological survey in Guangdong Province, southern China

Background:Although the number of studies on allergic diseases in the general population of southern China is increasing,only a few have addressed food allergy(FA)in children in this region.The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence,clinical manifestations,spectrum of allergens,and related risk factors of FA in preschool children in Guangdong Province,southern China.Methods:A random cluster-sampling method was used to select 24 kindergartens from 12 cities in Guangdong Province.The parents or guardians of the children were requested to complete a questionnaire on general information and data regarding FA diagnosis and symptoms in the children and their first-degree relatives.Thereafter,the Chi-square test,multivariate regression analysis,and Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient analysis were performed to identify statistically significant differences.Results:Analysis of 2540 valid questionnaires revealed an FA prevalence rate of 4%.Adverse food reactions were due to the consumption of shrimp(4.4%),crab(3.2%),mango(2.3%),cow's milk and dairy products(1.9%),and eggs(1.4%).Logistic regression analysis indicated that a history of FA and a history of allergic rhinitis in the first-degree relatives were the major factors leading to FA in children.Conclusions:The incidence of FA in children in Guangdong Province is higher than that commonly believed.An individual's genetic background is an important risk factor for FA.Hence,mitigation of the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors should be carefully considered to reduce the incidence of childhood FA.