As the search for effective treatments for COVID-19 continues, the high mortality rate among critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICU) presents a profound challenge. This study explores the potential benefits of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a supplementary treatment for severe COVID-19. A total of 110 critically ill COVID-19 patients at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Vulcan Hill Hospital between Feb., 2020, and April, 2020 (Wuhan, China) participated in this observational study. All patients received standard supportive care protocols, with a subset of 81 also receiving TCM as an adjunct treatment. Clinical characteristics during the treatment period and the clinical outcome of each patient were closely monitored and analysed. Our findings indicated that the TCM group exhibited a significantly lower mortality rate compared with the non-TCM group (16 of 81 vs 24 of 29; 0.3 vs 2.3 person/month). In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, TCM treatment was associated with improved survival odds (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis also revealed that TCM treatment could partially mitigate inflammatory responses, as evidenced by the reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and contribute to the recovery of multiple organic functions, thereby potentially increasing the survival rate of critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Humans ; COVID-19 ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Critical Illness ; Treatment Outcome

Objective:To analyze and predict the future trend of the premature mortality of major chronic and non-communicable diseases in Anhui Province, evaluate the implementation of the "Healthy China 2030" Plan, and explore its influencing factors.Methods:Using data from death-cause surveillance and statistical yearbooks in Anhui, the trend prediction and analysis on influencing factors were conducted by using methods such as time series accumulation and logarithmic linear Joinpoint regression, principal component regression.Results:In Anhui, 28.10% of the deaths were premature ones, of which 84.40% were attributed to chronic and non-communicable diseases. In premature deaths attributed to chronic and non-communicable diseases, the deaths caused by malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease accounted for 45.88% and 41.65% respectively. The prediction results showed that the premature mortality of major chronic and non-communicable diseases would decrease in Anhui in the future, and by 2030, the goal in the "Healthy China 2030" Plan would be reached only in rural area. To reduce premature death, it is necessary to pay attention to the prevention and control of malignant tumor and cardiovascular disease. Men in urban area are the key population. Factors that reflect urban infrastructure had a significant impact on premature mortality of major chronic non-communicable diseases, such as garden and green space area per capita. Factors such as concentration of PM 2.5 had a negative impact on premature mortality of chronic non-communicable diseases, while factors such as garden and green space area per capita had a positive impact. Conclusions:Disease burden caused by chronic and non-communicable diseases, such as malignant tumor, exits in Anhui. Men in urban area are key population in the prevention and control of chronic and non-communicable diseases in the future.

Objective:To investigate the impact of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rh-EGF) on the epithelial recovery and the tear film stability after trans-epithelial corneal collagen crosslinking in patients with progressive keratoconus.Methods:A randomized controlled clinical trail was designed.Consecutive 66 patients (37 males and 29 females) with an average age of (21.27±3.80) years old diagnosed with primary progressive keratoconus and hospitalized in Xiamen Eye Center Affiliated to Xiamen University from October, 2016 to January, 2017 were enrolled and treated with unilateral enhanced transepithelial corneal crosslinking surgery by iontophoresis, and the patients were randomly divided into control group and experimental group according to random number table method, with 33 patients 33 eyes in each group.The eyes in the control group were treated with carboxy-methylcellulose sodium lubricant eye drops and the eyes in the experimental group were treated with rh-EGF eye drops.The ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionare, slit lamp examination, Schirmer Ⅰ test, corneal fluorescein sodium staining scoring, non-contact tonometry, uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, bulbar conjunctival congestion scoring, lacrimal sevretion test, non-invasive break-up time of tear film (NIBUT), as well as tear meniscus height analysis were performed before surgery, and on day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, day 14 and day 28 after surgery.This study followed the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Xiamen Eye Center Affiliated to Xiamen University (No.2016-ME-003).Results:On day 7 after surgery, the OSDI values were increased in both groups than the preoperative value, while the value in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the overall corneal epithelial staining score values between the two groups at different time points ( Fgroup=16.701, P<0.01; Ftime=454.418, P<0.01). The corneal epithelial staining score in the experimental group on day 3 and day 5 after surgery were significantly lower than those in the control group (1.79±0.65 vs. 2.70±0.68; 0.91±0.46 vs. 1.55±0.51) (both at P<0.01). The conjunctival congestion score in the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group on day 3 and day 5 after surgery (both at P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the overall NIBUT values between the two groups at different time points ( Fgroup=13.084, P<0.01; Ftime=34.383, P<0.01). The NIBUT values were significantly decreased rapidly on day 7, day 14 and day 28 after surgery in both groups (all at P<0.01), but gradually recovered.The NIBUT of the experimental group on day 7 and day 14 after surgery were significantly higher than those of the control group ([8.18±2.26]seconds vs. [5.93±2.33]seconds; [9.49±1.95]seconds vs. [7.52±2.27]seconds) (both at P<0.01). No statistical differences were found in the tonometry value, visual acuity, value of Schirmer I test as well as tear meniscus height at any time point before or after surgery between the two groups (all at P>0.05). Conclusions:Recombinant human epidermal growth factor has positive effects in the patients received enhanced transepithelial corneal crosslinking surgery, presenting with promotion of epithelial healing, relief of post-operative discomfort, and the recovery of tear film stability.

Objective To evaluate the effect of penehyclidine hydrochloride on hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury and the relationship with endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent apoptosis in infantile rats.Methods Ninety-six clean-grade male infantile Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 40-50 g,aged 14 days,were allocated into 4 groups (n =24 each) using a random number table method:control group (C group),penehyclidine hydrochloride group (P group),hyperoxia group (HO group) and hyperoxia plus penehyclidine hydrochloride group (HP group).Infantile rats were intravenously injected with penehyclidine hydrochloride (0.3 mg/kg) at the same time point every day for 3 consecutive days in P and HP groups.Infantile rats were injected with the equal volume of normal saline instead of penehyclidine hydrochloride in C and H groups.Acute lung injury was induced by inhaling oxygen at concentration greater than 90％ for 72 h starting from 4th day after administration.Infantile rats were sacrificed at the end of inhaling,and lungs were removed for examination of the pathological changes and for determination of weight to dry weight ratio (W/D ratio),index of quantitative evaluation for alveolar damage (IQA),pneumonocyte apoptosis (using TUNEL),expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) protein and mRNA in lung tissues (by Western blot or using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction).The mitochondrial injury score was assessed,and apoptotic index (AI) was determined.Results Compared with C group,the W/D ratio,IQA,AI and mitochondrial injury score were significantly increased,and the expression of GRP78 and CHOP protein and mRNA was up-regulated in HO and HP groups (P＜0.05),and no significant change was found in the parameters mentioned above in group P (P＞0.05).Compared with HO group,the W/D ratio,IQA,AI and mitochondrial injury score were significantly decreased,the expression of GRP78 and CHOP protein and mRNA was downregulated (P ＜ 0.05),and the pathological changes of lung tissues were significantly attenuated in HP group.Conclusion Penehyclidine hydrochloride can mitigate hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury,and the mechanism may be related to inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent apoptosis in infantile rats.

Objective To evaluate the role of combination of three-vessel views in ultrasound diagnosis of fetal aortic arch and pulmonary arterial branch anomalies.Methods The data of 66 cases of fetal aortic arch and pulmonary arterial branch anomalies were retrospectively analysed,including echocardiographic data,autopsy and operation records and postnatal follow-up results.Echocardiogaphic features and display frequencies on three vessels and trachea view(3VT),three vessels view(3VV)and three vessels and pulmonary arterial branches view(3VP)were summarized.Results There were 52 cases of aortic arch abnormalities,including 32 cases of right aortic arch with left ductus arteriosus,4 cases of double aortic arch,7 cases of aberrant right subclavian artery,6 cases of coarctation of aorta and 3 cases of interruption of aortic arch.Fourteen cases were diagnosed pulmonary aterial branch abnormalities,including 1 0 cases of crossed pulmonary arteries,2 cases of anomalous origin of left pulmonary artery from aortic arch and 2 cases of pulmonary artery sling.The display frequencies of fetal aortic arch and pulmonary arterial branch anomalies on 3VT,3VV and 3VP were 80.3%,19.7% and 39.4%.Conclusions The combination of three-vessel views is of great value in prenatal diagnosis of fetal aortic arch and pulmonary arterial branch anomalies.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate and compare the value of stair climbing tests and conventional pulmonary function tests in the prediction of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in non-small cell lung cancer patients underwent surgery.

METHODSFrom April 1, 2010 to Jan. 30, 2012, a total of 162 patients with thoracic carcinoma underwent stair climbing test (SCT) and conventional pulmonary function tests (PFT) preoperatively. The correlation of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications with the SCT and PFT parameters were analyzed retrospectively using chi-square test, independent sample t test and binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTSOf the 162 patients, 19 without operation were excluded, due to an advanced stage (9 cases), poor cardiopulmonary function (5 cases), rejecting operation (4 cases) and exploration alone (1 case). 143 cases were eligible and evaluated eventually. Forty-one of the 143 patients (28.7%) had postoperative cardiopulmonary complications, but no death occurred. The patients were stratified into groups based on the time of stair climbing 5 stories (18.36 m, t, <92 s, ≥ 92 s). Exercise oxygen desaturation (EOD) during the stair climbing test (<5%, ≥ 5%) and the difference between the pulse at resting state and the pulse at end of stair climbing test (ΔP, <55 beats/min, ≥ 55 beats/min), respectively. The rate of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications was significantly higher in the group with t ≥ 92 s, EOD ≥ 5% and ΔP < 55 beats/min (38.5%, 42.0% and 35.1%, respectively) than that in the group with t<92 s, EOD<5% and ΔP ≥ 55 beats/min (16.9%, 21.5% and 18.2%, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative cardiopulmonary complications were independently correlated with EOD and lung function which did not meet the requirement of the lung resection operation mode.

CONCLUSIONSA symptom-limited stair climbing test is a safe, simple and low-cost method to evaluate the cardiopulmonary function preoperatively. It can predict the occurrence of postoperative cardiopulmonary complications in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Conventional pulmonary function tests and stair-climbing test can be recommended to be routinely performed in all patients with non-small cell lung cancer before thoracic surgery.

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; surgery ; Exercise Test ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; surgery ; Postoperative Complications ; diagnosis ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Retrospective Studies

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus 0.03％ ointment for the treatment of 2-year-old patients with moderate to severe AD.Methods An open-labeled,non-comparative,multi-center study was carried out,which included 59 2-year-old children with moderate to severe AD.All the patients were given topical tacrolimus 0.03％ ointment twice daily for 3 weeks.The evaluation of patients was scheduled at the baseline,1,2,and 3 weeks after the start of treatment.Clinical outcome parameters included the total response rate,eczema area and severity index score (EASI score),the percentage of body surface area (BSA％) affected,physician's global evaluation (PGE),children's dermatology life quality index (CDLQI),visual analog scale (VAS) pruritus score.Safety was assessed based on adverse events reported by patients or observed by the physicians.Results At the end of the treatment,the total response rate was 65.85％ with an EASI score of 4.18,and BSA％ of 16.41％.Of these patients,85.10％ achieved a satisfactory outcome,2.13％ achieved a complete cure,and all achieved an improvement,with no exacerbation observed.The 3-week treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in VAS pruritus score (from 6.80 to 3.21) and CDLQI (frown 7.06 to 2.91).Side effects mainly manifested as temporary burning sensation at the application site,and no severe adverse events associated with tacrolimus were observed.Conclusion Tacrolimus 0.03％ ointment seems safe and effective for the treatment of 2-year-old patients with moderate to severe AD.

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound(CE-TRUS) in the perineal prostate biopsy. Methods A total of 116 patients was undergone prostate biopsy through the perineum under the direction of tansrectal ultrasound. Prostate biopsy standard was based on 2007 CUA revised guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases.Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to check the prostate and to learn the prostate focal lesion,size, number and echo color Doppler flow characteristics. Of the 116 cases, 43 patients was undergone contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound. Results The biopsy results confirmed the diagnosis of prostate cancer was 64 cases, Benign prostatic hyperplasia was 52 cases. Of 43 cases who undergone contrast-enhanced transrectal ultrasound, Prostate cancer and Benign prostatic hyperplasia were 25 and 18 cases, respectively. CE-TRUS group and TRUS group showed no statistical difference between two groups. Analyzed the cases with PSA≤30 ng/ml, CE-TRUS group had a higher positive rate of biopsy (P=0.046). Conclusion TRUS guided transperineal biopsy of prostate might be an method for the diagnosis of prostate cancer with a higher accuracy rate. CE-TRUS can improve the biopsy positive rate of prostate cancer.

Objective To screen the active tuberculosis patients among HIV infected patients,and investigate the diagnostic methods for active tuberculosis among TB/HIV co-infected patients.Methods From August 2006 to March 2007,660 HIV/AIDS patients were enrolled.The study was conducted at 4 authorized hospitals for AIDS in Nanning and Liuzhou.Chest X-ray(CXR),acid-fast stain test of sputum smear and fast culture were applied if CD+4 T cell counts were below 350 cells/mm3 or the patients at least have one suspected symptom.Result The CD<;+>4 T cell count in 76.1% (502/660) of the patients was less than 200 cells/mm3.TB/HIV coinfection was found in 22.9% (151/660) of the HIV patients.Among them,74.8% (113/151) of them were pulmonary TB patients.One third of them were extra-pulmonary TB patients,and 68.1% of them involved lymph node.In 264 patients with negative sputum smear test and CXR,20.1% (53/264) of them showed positive results in fast culture tests.In addition,the non-tuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) infection accounted for 38.5% culture positive cases.Conclusions The TB/HIV coinfection rate is 22.8%.Liquid rapid culture of sputum plays an import role in diagnosing of active tuberculosis among HIV patients.There are considerable proportions of NTM or extra-pulmonary TB coinfection in HIV patients.

Objective To study the clinical characteristic of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients younger than 15 years old and to explore the influence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on them. Methods The clinical information, including demographic profile, clinical stages of the disease, laboratory test results and developmental status were gathered from 275 antiretroviral therapy naive patients. Results Seventy eight point nine percent patients were infected by vertical transmission. Sixteen percent were infected by receiving blood products. The average age was (7.6±3. 7) years, with 5 cases younger than 1 year old, 104 cases ranging from 1 - 5 years and 166 cases elder than 6 years. Seventy point one percent patients were classified as stage 3 or 4 according to World Health Organization definitions. The average CD4 count was ( 137 ± 159 )/μL, ( 304 ± 317 ) /μL and ( 1 246 ± 776 )/μL respectively in children elder than 6 years, ranging from 1 to 5 years and younger than 1 year. One hundred and eighty one cases suffered from anemia on different severity grading. The most common HIV related symdromes included persistent fever, skin damage, persistent diarrhea, oral candidiasis and recurrent upper respiratory tract infection. Among these infected children, 49. 6% showed height lower than x - 2s and 19. 9% showed weight lower than x - 2s. Conclusions Most survival pediatric AIDS patients are elder than 6 years. HIV infection can significantly affect the children's immune system function,growth and development.