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Although the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), primarily manifests as severe respiratory distress, its impact on the cardiovascular system is also notable. Studies reveal that COVID‐19 patients often suffer from certain vascular diseases, partly attributed to increased proliferation or altered phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Although the association between COVID‐19 and VSMCs is recognized, the precise mechanism underlying SARS‐CoV‐2's influence on VSMC phenotype remains largely under‐reviewed. In this context, while there is a consistent body of literature dissecting the effect of COVID‐19 on the cardiovascular system, few reports delve into the potential role of VSMC switching in the pathophysiology associated with COVID‐19 and the molecular mechanisms involved therein. This review dissects and critiques the link between COVID‐19 and VSMCs, with particular attention to pathways involving cholesterol, calcium, and phosphate. These pathways underpin the interaction between the virus and VSMCs. Such interaction promotes VSMC proliferation, and eventually potentiates vascular calcification as well as worsens prognosis in patients with COVID‐19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Childhood obesity represents a significant public health concern, imposing a substantial burden on the healthcare system. Furthermore, weight‐loss programs often exhibit reduced effectiveness in adults who have a history of childhood obesity. Therefore, early intervention against childhood obesity is imperative. Presently, the primary method for diagnosing childhood obesity relies on body mass index (BMI), yet this approach has inherent limitations. Leptin, a satiety hormone produced by adipocytes, holds promise as a superior tool for predicting both childhood and subsequent adulthood obesity. In this review, we elucidate the tools employed for assessing obesity in children, delve into the biological functions of leptin, and examine the factors governing its expression. Additionally, we discuss maternal and infantile leptin levels as predictors of childhood obesity. By exploring the relationship between leptin levels and weight loss, we present leptin as a potential indicator of the effectiveness of obesity interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biology and ecology of Orchis galilaea Schltr., a species endemic to Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan, is poorly studied, a fact that hinders present and future management and conservation efforts concerning this species. In this paper, we report findings of a field investigation that assessed the impact of altitude, population density, and plant size on the reproductive success of O. galilaea. The results revealed that plant size and population density were significantly correlated with reproductive success while altitude was not. This study is part of ongoing research on the ecological responses of O. galilaea and provides a baseline for understanding the conservation potentials for this rare endemic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]