The urgent need for integrated science to fight COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has become the leading societal concern. The pandemic has shown that the public health concern is not only a medical problem, but also affects society as a whole; so, it has also become the leading scientific concern. We discuss in this treatise the importance of bringing the world's scientists together to find effective solutions for controlling the pandemic. By applying novel research frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration promises to manage the pandemic's consequences and prevent recurrences of similar pandemics.

Ectopic calcification in diabetic vascular disease.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular diseases represent over one-half of all deaths in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In diabetic patients, vascular calcifications are more frequently observed than in people without diabetes. In particular, elevated degrees of coronary artery and valvular calcifications are reported in populations with diabetes. AREAS COVERED: We will present and discuss findings from clinical and basic science studies that investigate the pathophysiological processes leading to exaggerated arterial/valve calcification in diabetic patients. We will also illustrate the likely effects of the current therapies on vascular calcification progression in diabetic patients. A special focus will be dedicated to the contribution of resident/circulating calcifying cells to the calcific processes observed under diabetic conditions. EXPERT OPINION: Interest in the topic of ectopic calcification in diabetic vascular disease is expanding and more knowledge is adding on its mechanisms and consequences. Importantly, new therapeutic targets are emerging, implying possible future chances to modulate vascular calcification for cardiovascular protection.