Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected with Delta variant, so as to provide further references for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods:A real-world study was conducted to analyze the characteristics of 166 COVID-19 patients infected with Delta variant at Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University.Results:The study enrolled 5 asymptomatic cases, 123 non-severe cases (mild and moderate type), and 38 severe cases (severe and critical type). Among these patients, 69 (41.6%) were male and 97 (58.4%) were female, with a mean age of 47.0±23.5 years. Thirty-nine cases (23.5%) had received 1 or 2 doses of inactivated vaccine. The incidence of severe COVID-19 cases was 7.7% in 2-doses vaccinated patients, which was lower than that of 11.5% in 1-dose and 26.8% in unvaccinated patients. The proportion of severe cases in 2 dose-vaccinated patients was 7.7%, which was lower than that of 11.5% in 1-dose vaccinated patients and 26.8% in unvaccinated patients, but the difference was not significant ( P>0.05). The most common clinical symptom was fever (134 cases, 83.2%), and 39.1% of cases presented with high-grade fever (≥39 °C); other symptoms were cough, sputum, fatigue, and xerostomia. The proportion of fever in severe cases was significantly higher than that of non-severe cases (97.4% vs. 76.4%, P<0.01). Similarly, the proportion of severe cases with high peak temperature (≥39 ℃) () was also higher than that of non-severe cases (65.8% vs. 30.9%, P<0.01). The median minimal Cycle threshold (Ct) values of viral nucleic acid N gene and ORFlab gene were 20.3 and 21.5, respectively, and the minimum Ct values were 11.9 and 13.5, respectively. Within 48 h of admission, 9.0% of cases presented with decreased white blood cell counts, and 52.4% with decreased lymphocyte counts. The proportions of increased C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, interleukin 6, and interleukin 10 were 32.5%, 57.4%, 65.3%, and 35.7%, respectively. The proportions of elevated C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A and interleukin-6 in severe cases were significantly higher than those in non-severe cases ( P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that older age and higher peak temperature were associated with a higher likelihood of severe cases ( OR>3, 95% CI: 2-7, P<0.01). In terms of treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was used in 97.6% of non-severe cases and 100% in severe cases. Other treatments included respiratory and nutritional support, immunotherapy (such as neutralizing antibodies and plasma of recovered patients). The median times from admission to progression to severe cases, of fever clearance, and of nucleic acid conversion were 5 days, 6 days and 19 days, respectively. No deaths were reported within 28 days. Conclusions:The symptoms of Delta variant infection in Guangzhou are characterized by a high proportion of fever, high peak temperature, long duration of fever, high viral load, a long time to nucleic acid conversion, and a high incidence of severe cases. The severe cases exhibit a higher percentage of elderly patients, a longer duration of fever and have a higher fever rate and a higher hyperthermia rate than non-severe cases. Age and hyperthermia are independent risk factors for progression to severe disease. The combination of TCM and Western medicine can control the progression of the disease effectively.

Objective:To investigate the different outcomes of two types of acute kidney injury (AKI) according to standard of Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes-AKI (KDIGO-AKI), and to analyze the risk factors that affect the prognosis of intensive care unit (ICU) patients in China.Methods:A secondary analysis was performed on the database of a previous study conducted by China Critical Care Clinical Trial Group (CCCCTG), which was a multicenter prospective study involving 3 063 patients in 22 tertiary ICUs in 19 provinces and autonomous regions of China. The demographic data, scores reflecting severity of illness, laboratory findings, intervention during ICU stay were extracted. All patients were divided into pure AKI (PAKI) and acute on chronic kidney disease (AoCKD). PAKI was defined as meeting the serum creatinine (SCr) standard of KDIGO-AKI (KDIGO-AKI SCr) and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline was ≥ 60 mL·min -1·1.73 m -2, and AoCKD was defined as meeting the KDIGO-AKI SCr standard and baseline eGFR was 15-59 mL·min -1·1.73 m -2. All-cause mortality in ICU within 28 days was the primary outcome, while the length of ICU stay and renal replacement therapy (RRT) were the secondary outcome. The differences in baseline data and outcomes between the two groups were compared. The cumulative survival rate of ICU within 28 days was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve, and the risk factors of ICU death within 28 days were screened by Cox multivariate analysis. Results:Of the 3 063 patients, 1 042 were enrolled, 345 with AKI, 697 without AKI. The AKI incidence was 33.11%, while ICU mortality within 28 days of AKI patients was 13.91% (48/345). Compared with PAKI patients ( n = 322), AoCKD patients ( n = 23) were older [years old: 74 (59, 77) vs. 58 (41, 72)] and more critical when entering ICU [acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) score: 23 (19, 27) vs. 15 (11, 22)], had worse basic renal function [eGFR (mL·min -1·1.73 m -2): 49 (38, 54) vs. 115 (94, 136)], more basic complications [Charlson comorbidity index (CCI): 3 (2, 4) vs. 0 (0, 1)] and higher SCr during ICU stay [peak SCr for diagnosis of AKI (μmol/L): 412 (280, 515) vs. 176 (124, 340), all P < 0.01]. The mortality and RRT incidence within 28 days in ICU of AoCKD patients were significantly higher than those of PAKI patients [39.13% (9/23) vs. 12.11% (39/322), 26.09% (6/23) vs. 4.04% (13/322), both P < 0.01], while no significant difference was found in the length of ICU stay. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the 28-day cumulative survival rate in ICU in AoCKD patients was significantly lower than PAKI patients (Log-Rank: χ2 = 5.939, P = 0.015). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that admission to ICU due to respiratory failure [hazard ratio ( HR) = 4.458, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.141-17.413, P = 0.032], vasoactive agents treatment in ICU ( HR = 5.181, 95% CI was 2.033-13.199, P = 0.001), and AoCKD ( HR = 5.377, 95% CI was 1.303-22.186, P = 0.020) were independent risk factors for ICU death within 28 days. Conclusion:Further detailed classification (PAKI, AoCKD) based on KDIGO-AKI SCr standard combined with eGFR is related to ICU mortality in critical patients within 28 days.

At present, most of the common medical clothes in clinic are uniform medical clothes, but there is no special clothes for patients in intensive care unit (ICU). In recent years, with the extensive application of critical ultrasound in the field of critical medicine, it is obviously difficult to meet the clinical needs on traditional patients' clothes. Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital designed a patient's clothing for critical ultrasound examination. The left/right chest, lateral chest, groin and abdomen of the patient's clothing body were covered with cloth and marked areas. When critically ill patients need to be examined by ultrasound and electrocardiogram, the site can be quickly located only by removing the cloth. At the same time, it can protect patients' privacy, avoid aggravating the condition due to cold, increase patients' comfort in clothing, and also facilitate medical care. It is worthy popularizing in clinic because of its practicability and novel design.

OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of Alprostadil dried emulsion for injection combined with Butylphthalide soft capsules on nerve function,inflammatory factor and coagulation function of patients with severe ischemic stroke. METHODS:A total of 66 patients with severe ischemic stroke selected from our hospital during Jun. 2015-Oct. 2017 were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table,with 33 cases in each group. On the basis of routine treatment, control group was additionally given Butyphthalide soft capsules 0.2 g/time,orally at fasting state,tid. On the basis of control group,observation group was additionally given Alprostadil dried emulsion for injection 10 μg added into 0.9% Sodium chloride injection 10 mL,via slow infusion or slow dripping with pipkin,qd. Both groups were treated for 14 days. NIHSS and Barthel index scores,the levels of serum inflammatory factors(CRP,PCT)and coagulation function indexes(D-D,TT,PT,APTT, FIB)were observed in 2 groups before and after treatment,and the occurrence of ADR was also recorded. RESULTS:Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in above indexes between 2 groups(P>0.05).After treatment,NIHSS scores,the levels of CRP,PCT,D-D and FIB in 2 groups were deceased significantly,while Barthel index scores were increased significantly,TT,PT,APTT were prolonged significantly;observation group was significantly better than control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05). No obvious ADR was found in 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS:Alprostadil dried emulsion for injection combined with Butylphthalide soft capsules can effectively improve nerve function and coagulation function of patients with severe ischemic stroke,and reduce the levels of inflammatory factor with good safety.

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of biofeedbackand thecharacteristics of pelvic floor surface electromyography in elderly patients with functional constipation. Methods Analysis 258 cases of functional constipation patients with 12 index of five steps of the pelvic floor surface electromyographic. Of these, 74 patients(50 older age-group and 24 control group)with functional constipation were treated with biofeedback. Use constipation patient symptomself-assessment scale,before and after treatment,compared two groups with the scord and clinical effect,analysis 12 index of the pelvic floor surface electromyographic in older age-group. Results Compared to control group,the older age-group had a lower amplitude during pre-baseline step,flick step,tonic step,endurance step and pos-baseline step.The older age-group had a higher CV(coefficient of vari-ance)during pre-baseline step and endurance step,median frequency during tonic step and endurance step. Onset time during flick step,CV during tonic step andpos-baseline step in the older age-group is as well as control group. The maximal contraction amplitude,continuous contraction and prolonged contraction amplitude were all increased in the elderly group after biofeedback treatment. The variation coefficient of the prebaseline and the duration of the endurance contraction was decreased. The value frequency of the durable contraction decreases. Conclusion The characteristics of pelvic floor surface electromyography in elderly patients:had a lower ampli-tude duringpre-baseline step,flick step,tonic step,endurance step and pos-baseline step,had a higher CV during pre-baseline step and endurance step,median frequency during tonic step and endurance step.Biofeedback therapy can improve pelvic floor muscle tension and the coordination of sports.

Objective To investigate the predictive value of central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (Pcv-aCO2) on the prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis.Methods 208 elderly patients who met the diagnostic criteria of the Sepsis-3 and with the age of more than 60 years old, and admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Guangdong General Hospital from January to December in 2017 were enrolled. According to the prognosis, the patients were divided into death group (n = 46) and survival group (n = 162). The Pcv-aCO2, central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2), serum procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ (APACHEⅡ) were collected for all patients. The differences of each index between the two groups were compared. The correlations between Pcv-aCO2 and ScvO2, PCT, CRP, SOFA, APACHEⅡscores were analyzed respectively with Pearson correlation. The prognostic value of Pcv-aCO2 in elderly patients with sepsis was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).Results Compared with survival group, the Pcv-aCO2, PCT, CRP, SOFA and APACHEⅡscores in death group were significantly increased [Pcv-aCO2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 6.13±3.33 vs. 4.40±2.65, PCT (μg/L): 31.41±12.83 vs. 3.01±2.69, CRP (mg/L): 130.51± 42.23 vs. 104.46±50.12, SOFA: 12.01±2.25 vs. 9.05±2.06, APACHEⅡ: 29.52±5.03 vs. 20.01±3.21, allP < 0.05], and ScvO2 in death group was significantly decreased (0.571±0.136 vs. 0.685±0.106,P < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed that the Pcv-aCO2 was negatively correlated with ScvO2 (r = -0.762,P = 0.001) and was positively correlated with PCT, CRP, SOFA and APACHEⅡscores (r value was 0.737, 0.625, 0.738, 0.713, respectively, allP < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of Pcv-aCO2 prediction of death in patients with sepsis was 0.826, the cut-off was 6.62 mmHg, the sensitivity was 84.7％, the specificity was 77.5％, the positive likelihood ratio was 3.76, and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.19.Conclusion Pcv-aCO2 has a great value in evaluating the prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis and can accurately determine the prognosis of sepsis.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate risk factors of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) infection in elderly patients of ICU,and to provide reference for formulation and implementation of MDROs prevention and control measures.METHODS:A total of 146 elderly patients were selected from ICU of our hospital during Dec.2013-Jun.2016.Throat swab,sputum swab and anal swab specimens (1 copy,respectively) were collected to conduct active screening of MRSA and ESBLs-producing Enterobacteriaceae.Risk factors of MDROs infection,pathogen distribution and drug resistance were analyzed.RESULTS:Among samples of 146 patients,there were 34 MRSA positive samples in throat swab with positive rate of 23.3％;there were 30 MRSA positive samples in sputum swab with positive rate of 20.5％;there were 99 ESBLs-producing bacteria positive samples in anal swab (containing 50 ESBLs-producing Escherichia coli positive samples and 49 ESBLs-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae positive samples) with positive rate of 67.8％.The positive rate of throat swab MRSA screening was not correlated with patient's gender,age,tracheal intubation or mechanical ventilation (P＞0.05),but it was related with hospitalization time in ICU (P＜0.05).The positive rate of sputum swab MRSA screening was not correlated with patient' s gender,tracheal intubation or mechanical ventilation;the positive rate of anal swab ESBLs-producing bacteria screening were not related with patient's gender(P＞0.05).But they were related with age and hospitalization time in ICU (P＜0.05).Compared with negative patients,there was no statistical significance in the times of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in throat/sputum swab MRSA screening positive patients (P＞0.05).The times of enema,the times of bladder irrigation,the times of urethral catheterization and the duration of indwelling catheter in anal swab ESBLs-producing bacteria screening positive patients were significantly more or longer than negative patients,with statistical significance (P＜0.05).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that hospitalization time in ICU was risk factor of positive active screening of throat swab in elderly patients of ICU[OR=1.119,95 ％ CI (1.071,1.385),P=0.021];age was risk factor of positive active screening of sputum swab[OR=1.893,95 ％ CI (1.232,4.042),P=0.032];age and hospitalization time in ICU were risk factors of positive active screening of anal swab [OR were 1.046,1.022,95％CI were (1.005,1.088) (1.006,3.283),P were 0.027,0.031].A total of 163 strains of MDROs were detected,among which there were 64 strains of MRSA,50 strains of ESBLs-producing E.coli and 49 strains of ESBLs-producing K.pneumoniae.They were generally highly resistant to compound preparation containing enzyme inhibitors.CONCLUSIONS:The results of MDROs active screening in elderly patients of ICU are related with age,hospitalization time in ICU,the times of enema,the times of bladder irrigation,the times of urethral catheterization and the duration of indwelling catheter.Age and hospitalization time in ICU were risk factors of MDROs infection.The pathogens are mainly ESBLs-producing Enterobacteriaceae,and drug resistance is severe.For elderly critical patients with MDROs infection,clinical prevention and intervention measures should be taken to prevent and control the prevalence and spread of MDROs in ICU.

Objective To investigate the effect of Simo decoction oral liquid on inflammatory in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mouse serum and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and to explore the mechanism.Methods Fifty BALB/c mice were divided into normal control group, ARDS model group, small, moderate and large dose Simo decoction oral liquid-treated groups (simplified as Simo groups) according to random number table method (n=10, in each group). The ARDS model mice were replicated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tracheal instillation, and the mice in normal control group were given the same amount of normal saline. Immediately after the success of modeling, the mice were gavaged with 1, 2, 4 times the equivalent dose Simo decoction oral liquid of 7.56 mL·kg-1·d-1 in small, moderate or large dose Simo groups respectively, and there was no intervention in the normal control group or ARDS model group. All the mice were sacrificed at 24 hours after the respective drug amount or normal saline was given in various groups. The lung samples were taken for histologic evaluation, and BALF and serum samples were analyzed for the tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin (IL-1β, IL-6), and in the mean time the level of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) was detected.Results The pathological observation of lung tissue showed: there was no obvious inflammatory exudation in lung tissue of mice in normal control group; the inflammatory exudation in lung tissue of mice was increased significantly, the level of TNF-α (ng/L: 1759±303 vs. 104±27, 2506±674 vs. 507±46), IL-1β(ng/L: 209±16 vs. 114±11, 7325±826 vs. 3513±498) and IL-6 (ng/L: 144±38 vs. 47±7, 126±38 vs. 15±7) in serum and BALF were significantly increased, and the content of SOD (kU/L: 40.26±2.54 vs. 50.68±3.75) in serum was significantly decreased in ARDS model group (allP < 0.05), indicating that animal model of ARDS was set up successfully. Compared with ARDS model group, in small, moderate and large dose Simo groups, the inflammation exudation in lung tissue of mouse was reduced, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1βand IL-6 in serum and BALF were reduced, and the content of SOD in serum was increased [serum: TNF-α(ng/L) was 1642±276, 1126±154, 817±102 vs. 1759±303, IL-1β(ng/L)was 198±12, 170±11, 141±13 vs. 209±16, IL-6 (ng/L) was 127±22, 82±16, 41±15 vs. 144±38, SOD (kU/L) was 42.11±1.64, 48.09±1.23 vs. 40.26±2.54; BALF: TNF-α(ng/L) was 2479±446, 1632±330, 1067±223 vs. 2506±674, IL-1β(ng/L): 6939±725, 5398±625, 4401±210 vs. 7325±826, IL-6 (ng/L): 106±30, 68±13, 34±10 vs. 126±38, allP < 0.05], showing the Simo decoction inhibiting the lung inflammation and the above levels of indexes inserum and BALF was in a dose-dependent manner, and the changes in large dose Simo group was the most significant 45.18±1.15, .Conclusions Simo decoction oral liquid can inhibit the inflammatory response of ARDS, reduce the oxidative stress and decrease the lung injury of mice with ARDS.

BACKGROUND:It is unclear about dexamethasone effect on the regulation of microRNA-155 expression in macrophages.
OBJCTIVE:To explore whether dexamethasone can regulate the expression of microRNA-155 in macrophages.
METHODS:(1) Lipopolysaccharide stimulation of mouse macrophages: mouse macrophage cel lines, Raw264.7 cels, were culturedin vitro and stimulated by lipopolysaccharide. Cultured cels were colected at 0, 0.5, 2, 6 hours after culture to detect the dynamical expression of microRNA-155. (2) Dexamethasone intervention for macrophages: Macrophages were divided into four groups: control group treated with phosphate buffer; lipopolysaccharide group stimulated by lipopolysaccharide; combined group given intervention with dexamethasone and lipopolysaccharide; dexamethasone group cultured with dexamethasone. At 6 hours after culture, cel supernatant was colected to detect the expression of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 using ELISA method. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of microRNA-155 in the Raw264.7 macrophages.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Lipopolysaccharide significantly increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6 and microRNA-155 after 6 hours of culture (P < 0.05). Combined use of dexamethasone and lipopolysaccharide slightly increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6 and microRNA-155 (P< 0.05). Dexamethasone alone had no influence on the expression of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6, but significantly decreased the expression of microRNA-155 (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that dexamethasone can inhibit the expression of microRNA-155 in the macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide.

OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of simvastatin on oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in aged mice with myocardi-al ischemia-reperfusion (IR). METHODS:Aged mice were randomly divided into sham operation group (phosphate buffer solu-tion),model group(phosphate buffer solution)and simvastatin low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose groups(2.5,5 and 20 mg/kg) with 14 mice in each group. Those groups were given relevant medicine intraperitoneally before modeling for 7 d,once a day. IR model was induced in those groups except for sham operation group. The area ratio of myocardial infarction,myocardial cell apop-tosis rate,activity of myocardial tissue apoptosis gene Caspase-3,the protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2,Akt phosphorylation, serum concent of MDA and activity of SOD were all detected. RESULTS:Compared with sham operation group,the area ratio of myocardial infarction,myocardial cell apoptosis rate,Caspase-3 activity,the protein expression of Bax and MDA content were all increased in model group,while the protein expression of Bcl-2,Akt phosphorylation and SOD activity were decreased(P<0.01). Compared with model group,the area ratio of myocardial infarction,myocardial apoptosis rate,Caspase-3 activity,the protein ex-pression of Bax and MDA content were all decreased in simvastatin high-dose group,while the protein expression of Bcl-2,Akt phosphorylation and SOD activity were increased (P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in above indexes in simvastatin low-dose and medium-dose groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Simvastatin can relieve myocardial IR injury in aged mice,and the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting myocardial cell apoptosis and the generation of oxidative stress.