Material basis and pharmacodynamic mechanism of YangshenDingzhi granules in the intervention of viral pneumonia:Based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology

Background:YangshenDingzhi granules(YSDZ)are clinically effective in preventing and treating COVID-19.The present study elucidates the underlying mechanism of YSDZ intervention in viral pneumonia by employing serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.Methods:The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood were examined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS).Potential protein targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database,and the target genes associated with viral pneumonia were identified using GeneCards,DisGeNET,and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM)databases.The intersection of blood component-related targets and disease-related targets was determined using Venny 2.1.Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database.The Metascape database was employed to perform enrichment analyses of Gene Ontology(GO)functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathways for the targets,while the Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was utilized to construct drug-component-disease-target-pathway networks.Further,in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to establish the therapeutic effectiveness of YSDZ against viral pneumonia.Results:Fifteen compounds and 124 targets linked to viral pneumonia were detected in serum.Among these,MAPK1,MAPK3,AKT1,EGFR,and TNF play significant roles.In vitro tests revealed that the medicated serum suppressed the replication of H1N1,RSV,and SARS-CoV-2 replicon.Further,in vivo testing analysis shows that YSDZ decreases the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with RSV and H1N1.Conclusion:The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood may elicit therapeutic effects against viral pneumonia by targeting multiple proteins and pathways.

To explore the mechanism of Fuyang Jiebiao granules against viral pneumonia based on network pharmacology and pharmacodynamics

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of Fuyang Jiebiao granule(FYJBKL)in the treatment of viral pneumonia.Methods:Firstly,a network model was constructed using network pharmacology to study the target expression sites of FYJBKL viral pneumonia,so as to determine the main targets and important signal transduction pathways for the treatment of viral pneumonia.Secondly,the main components of the drug and the main target are docked.Then,the fever,sweating and inflammation rat models were established to explore the antipyretic,sweating and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of FYJBKL.Finally,the contents of IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-αand IL-6 in blood samples of rats were analyzed by ELISA method,and the morphological changes of lung tissue were observed by HE staining.Results:Quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol,etc.,and the main mechanism targets are IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6 and so on.Thirty signal pathways were identified by KEGG enrichment analysis,including interleukin-17 signaling pathway(IL-17 signaling pathway),human cytomegalovirus infection pathway(human cytomegalovirus infection),Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus infection pathway(Kaposi's sarcoma-as-sociated herpesvirus infection)and so on.After the study of molecular docking,we found that the contact efficiency between active substances and possible key targets is good.The high and middle concentration groups of FYJBKL significantly decreased the expression of IL-17,IL-1β,TNF-αand IL-6 in the blood of rats with inflammation(P<0.05).FYJBKL significantly reduced the foot swelling induced by egg white and inhibited the increase of body temperature induced by yeast in rats(P<0.05).HE staining showed that FYJBKL improved pulmonary fibrosis and inflammatory exudation to varying degrees.Conclusion:The effects of FuyangJiebiao granules on the related signal pathways of anti-virus,anti-immune and anti-inflammation as well as biological and cellular processes may be caused by the binding of quercetin,luteolin,kaempferol and other active ingredients to their shared targets.Fuyang Jiebiao granules can improve the related symptoms caused by viral pneumonia,and its mechanism may be related to the activities of TNF,IL-17,IL-6 and other related channels,which are multiple targets of inflammation regulation.

The Performance of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Various Viral Pneumonia Pandemics: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Objective: To compare the effects of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and routine mechanical ventilation on mortality and the risk of associated adverse events in patients with severe viral pneumonia. Methods: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and other databases were searched to collect case-control or cohort studies on prognoses associated with ECMO treatment for viral pneumonia. Search terms included extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, ECMO, viral pneumonia, COVID-19, influenza, MERS, and others. According to the PICOS principle, two evaluators independently screened the literature, extracted the data, cross-checked the data, and extracted the data again. Two researchers evaluated the risk of bias in the included studies according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and cross-checked the results. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Nine studies were included for analysis, encompassing a total of 4,330 patients, which were categorized into ECMO and CMV groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups in most baseline data;however, the ECMO group had a lower oxygenation index, and some studies reported higher SOFA scores in the ECMO group compared to the CMV group. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the two groups. The length of ICU stay, total hospital stay, and total mechanical ventilation time were longer in the ECMO group than in the CMV group. In terms of adverse events, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of kidney injury between the two groups. Bleeding events were reported in two studies, with more bleeding events occurring in the ECMO group. According to the subgroup analysis of different virus types, there were no statistical differences in the above aspects among patients with swine flu, novel coronavirus, and MERS. Conclusion: ECMO has a certain degree of positive significance in the treatment of severe viral pneumonia, but there is no significant difference in the treatment outcome of ECMO across different epidemic periods. The timing of ECMO treatment, patient management, and withdrawal evaluation still need further research.

Xiaochaihu decoction alleviates viral pneumonia by regulating macrophage polarization

Background:In this investigation,we sought to evaluate the benefits of Xiaochaihu decoction(XCHD)on polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid-induced viral pneumonia in mice and elucidate its mechanisms of action.Method:A viral pneumonia model was established in mice using polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid,with mice being intragastrically administered different doses of XCHD.The benefits of XCHD therapy for mice with viral pneumonia were assessed by determining the weight ratio of lung tissue,wet-to-dry,overall protein concentrations,and total cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,and hematoxylin and eosin staining of lung tissues.By determining the interleukin-1βlevels,interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,nitric oxide,interleukin-10,and interleukin-4,and the mRNA and protein expression of nitric oxide synthase 2,arginase-1,and macrophage mannose receptor 1 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,we assessed consequences of XCHD on macrophage polarization with mice suffering from viral pneumonia.Results:XCHD was found to significantly reduce lung tissue wet-to-dry and the total protein content and total number of cells of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid,while ameliorating pathological modifications to the lung tissues of rodents suffering from viral pneumonia,thereby indicating that this medicinal preparation has a healing impact on model mice with viral pneumonia.In addition,XCHD was found to reduce the magnitudes of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,and nitric oxide and the mRNA and protein manifestation of nitric oxide synthase 2,and promote an increase in the levels of interleukin-10 and interleukin-4 and the mRNA and protein expression of arginase-1 and macrophage mannose receptor 1,thereby indicating that XCHD can favorably mediate polarization of macrophages in mice with viral pneumonia.Conclusion:XCHD has notable therapeutic effects on viral pneumonia in mice,the fundamental workings of action of which may be connected to regulation of macrophage polarization.

The efficacy and safety of anti-humidification traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of viral pneumonia: A meta-analysis

Objective A meta-analysis was used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for dispelling dampness in the treatment of viral pneumonia.Methods The databases of CNKI,CBM,WanFang data,VIP,EMBASE,PubMed,and Cochrane library were searched,and the clinical trials of dispelling dampness TCM in the treatment of viral pneumonia were selected.The retrieval period is from the establishment of the database to December 2022.Stata 17.0 software was used to perform meta-analysis,and review manager 5.3 software was used to assess the risk of bias.Overall efficacy was evaluated by OR,and improvement in major clinical symptoms were evaluated by RR.Results A total of 20 randomized controlled trials were included,with a total of 2136 patients,including 1180 patients in the experimental group and 956 patients in the control group.Meta-analysis showed that TCM for dispelling dampness could significantly improve the efficacy of viral pneumonia patients[OR=2.652,95%CI=(2.187,3.217),Z=9.908,P<0.05];The child with abnormal lung X-rays returned to normal after treatment[RR=4.23,95%CI=(2.42,7.42),Z=5.04,P<0.05];In addition,patients had fewer adverse reactions to dispelling dampness TCM,and the safety of the trial was good.Conclusion This Meta-analysis further clarified the efficacy of TCM for dispelling dampness in the treatment of viral pneumonia by combining clinical data and has suggestive significance for the treatment of novel coronavirus pneumonia.

Epidemiology and outcome of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus health-care associated pneumonia

Objectives: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important cause of health-care-associated pneumonia (HCAP). HCAP confers high morbidity and mortality. In this study, we evaluated risk factors and clinical outomes of MRSA-HCAP. Methods: Between 08/2008 and 09/2010 we conducted a retrospective, singlecenter study. Seven hundred and eighty three patients with MRSA isolated from respiratory cultures were screened. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Results were computed using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The analysis included 63 patients (54.78%) with MRSA HCAP. The mean age (±SD) was 65.95 ± 15.4 years. Thirty seven (58.7%) were males. Fifty six (88.9%) had at least one associated comorbid medical condition. Forty two (66.7%) were treated with vancomycin, 4 (6.3%) with linezolid and the remaining 17 (27%) were switched between the two antimicrobials. Mean APACHE II (±SD) score was 18.8 (±7.3). Mortality rate was 28.6%. APACHE-II score, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and superinfection were found to be independent risk factors for 28-day mortality. Conclusions: MRSA is a significant etiology of HCAP which is more prevalent in the elderly. The associated mortality rate could be high and driven by several factors including APACHE II score and preexisting COPD.

COVID-19 or non-COVID viral pneumonia:How to differentiate based on the radiologic findings?

Influenza viruses were responsible for most adult viral pneumonia.Presently,coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has evolved into serious global pandemic.COVID-19 outbreak is expected to persist in months to come that will be synchronous with the influenza season.The management,prognosis,and protection for these two viral pneumonias differ considerably and differentiating between them has a high impact on the patient outcome.Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction is highly specific but has suboptimal sensitivity.Chest computed tomography(CT)has a high sensitivity for detection of pulmonary disease manifestations and can play a key-role in diagnosing COVID-19.We reviewed 47 studies and delineated CT findings of COVID-19 and influenza pneumonia.The differences observed in the chest CT scan can be helpful in differentiation.For instance,ground glass opacities(GGOs),as the most frequent imaging finding in both diseases,can differ in the pattern of distribution.Peripheral and posterior distribution,multilobular distribution,pure or clear margin GGOs were more commonly reported in COVID-19,whereas central or peri-bronchovascular GGOs and pure consolidations were more seen in influenza A(H1N1).In review of other imaging findings,further differences were noticed.Subpleural curvilinear lines,sugar melted sign,intra-lesional vascular enlargement,reverse halo sign,and fibrotic bands were more reported in COVID-19 than H1N1,while air space nodule,tree-in-bud,bronchiectasia,pleural effusion,and cavitation were more seen in H1N1.This delineation,when combined with clinical manifestations and laboratory results may help to differentiate these two viral infections.

Effect of adjuvant interferon aerosol inhalation on inflammatory response and stress response in neonatal viral pneumonia

Objective: To study the effect of adjuvant interferon aerosol inhalation on inflammatory response and stress response in neonatal viral pneumonia. Methods: The newborns with viral pneumonia who were treated in our hospital between May 2015 and October 2017 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into the IFN group who received interferon inhalation combined with routine symptomatic treatment and the control group who received routine symptomatic treatment The contents of inflammatory cytokines and stress mediators in serum as well as the expression of inflammatory signaling molecules in peripheral blood were measured before treatment and 7 d after treatment. Results: Compared with those of same group before treatment, SP-A, sICAM1, suPAR, sTREM1, Copeptin, Ins, NE and 8-iso-PG levels in serum as well as Tim1, Tim3, TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA expression in peripheral blood of both groups significantly decreased 7 d after treatment, and SP-A, sICAM1, suPAR, sTREM1, Copeptin, Ins, NE and 8-iso-PG levels in serum as well as Tim1, Tim3, TLR2, TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA expression in peripheral blood of IFN group 7 d after treatment were significantly lower than those of control group. Conclusion: Adjuvant interferon aerosol inhalation can reduce the activation of inflammatory response and stress response in neonatal viral pneumonia.

Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of six cases of CA-MRSA pneumonia after influenza

Objective To summarize and analyze the strains’molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of 6strains of post-influenza community-associated methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus(CA-MRSA)pneumonia.Methods Six cases of CA-MRSA pneumonia after influenza from 2014 to 2022 were retrospectively collected and CA-MRSA strains from each patient were cultured.

A (H1N1) Influenza Pneumonia with Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis:A Case Report

INTRODUCTION A 56-year-old Chinese female patient with A （H1N1） influenza pneumonia accompanied by acute disseminated encephalomyelitis （ADEM） of the Central Nervous System （CNS） is described in this article. The patient had typical clinical manifestation, and the diagnosis was reached after MRI and other examinations. From this case, we can conclude that the virus of A （H1N1） influenza can infect CNS, and we should pay more attention to patients of A （H1N1） influenza pneumonia with neurological complications.

Diagnosis and treatment of an elderly patient with 2019-nCoV pneumonia and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Gansu Province:A case report

BACKGROUND In December 2019,the first patient with 2019-novel coronavirus(2019-nCoV)was reported in Wuhan,China,and the disease spread rapidly across the country and surrounding countries within 2 mo.As of February 29,2020,a total of 91 confirmed cases had been reported in Gansu Province.This case report of the diagnosis and treatment of an elderly patient with 2019-nCoV pneumonia complicated by acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Gansu Province aims to provide a better reference for the treatment of patients in the future.CASE SUMMARY The patient,a 94-year-old female,lived in Maiji District of Tianshui,Gansu Province,China.On January 30,2020,she was admitted to the Fourth People’s Hospital of Tianshui after 9 d of close contact with a patient with 2019-nCoV pneumonia.She was subsequently admitted to Gansu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine for isolation and transferred to Tianshui Gansu Provincial Hospital of Infectious Diseases on February 3,2020 for treatment.Upon initial examination,her body temperature was 36.7°C,pulse was 80,breathing was 20,and blood pressure was 130/80 mmHg.She was conscious with normal development and normal nutrition.The pharynx was not red,and bilateral tonsils were not red and swollen.The lungs sounded slightly coarse with no dry or wet rales.The first symptoms were cough and fatigue on 2 February.The patient was hospitalized for 12 d.After active treatment,she was discharged on February 14 with a good prognosis.CONCLUSION A history of exposure to the affected area or patient is a major cause of 2019-nCoV infection,and population clustering is a high risk factor for transmission.Patients may not necessarily have respiratory system symptoms as the only clinical manifestation but may also have concomitant or first onset digestive symptoms.Attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.Nucleic acid testing is extremely important and needs to be repeated several times.Laboratory and auxiliary examination indicators during the first week of admission are extremely important.It is feasible to carry out dynamic and continuous index monitoring,which can predict and guide the prevention and treatment of multiple organ dysfunction and the prognosis of the disease.

Comparison of acute pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in children:a retrospective multi-center cohort study during COVID-19 outbreak

Background:Until January 18,2021,coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19)has infected more than 93 million individuals and has caused a certain degree of panic.Viral pneumonia caused by common viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus,rhinovirus,human metapneumovirus,human bocavirus,and parainfluenza viruses have been more common in children.However,the incidence of COVID-19 in children was significantly lower than that in adults.The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations,treatment and outcomes of COVID-19 in children compared with those of other sources of viral pneumonia diagnosed during the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods:Children with COVID-19 and viral pneumonia admitted to 20 hospitals were enrolled in this retrospective multi-center cohort study.A total of 64 children with COVID-19 were defined as the COVID-19 cohort,of which 40 children who developed pneumonia were defined as the COVID-19 pneumonia cohort.Another 284 children with pneumonia caused by other viruses were defined as the viral pneumonia cohort.The epidemiologic,clinical,and laboratory findings were compared by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test,t-test,Mann-Whitney U test and Contingency table method.Drug usage,immunotherapy,blood transfusion,and need for oxygen support were collected as the treatment indexes.Mortality,intensive care needs and symptomatic duration were collected as the outcome indicators.Results:Compared with the viral pneumonia cohort,children in the COVID-19 cohort were mostly exposed to family members confirmed to have COVID-19(53/64 vs.23/284),were of older median age(6.3 years vs.3.2 years),and had a higher proportion of ground-glass opacity(GGO)on computed tomography(18/40 vs.0/38,P<0.001).Children in the COVID-19 pneumonia cohort had a lower proportion of severe cases(1/40 vs.38/284,P=0.048),and lower cases with high fever(3/40 vs.167/284,P<0.001),requiring intensive care(1/40 vs.32/284,P<0.047)and with shorter symptomatic duration(median 5d vs.8d,P<0.001).The proportion of cases with evaluated inflammatory indicators,biochemical indicators related to organ or tissue damage,D-dimer and secondary bacterial infection were lower in the COVID-19 pneumonia cohort than those in the viral pneumonia cohort(P<0.05).No statistical differences were found in the duration of positive PCR results from pharyngeal swabs in 25 children with COVID-19 who received antiviral drugs(lopinavir-ritonavir,ribavirin,and arbidol)as compared with duration in 39 children without antiviral therapy(median 10d vs.9d,P=0.885).Conclusions:The symptoms and severity of COVID-19 pneumonia in children were no more severe than those in children with other viral pneumonia.Lopinavir-ritonavir,ribavirin and arbidol do not shorten the duration of positive PCR results from pharyngeal swabs in children with COVID-19.During the COVID-19 outbreak,attention also must be given to children with infection by other pathogens infection.

Similarities and Differences of Early Pulmonary CT Features of Pneumonia Caused by SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV: Comparison Based on a Systemic Review

Objective To compare the similarities and differences of early CT manifestations of three types of viral pneumonia induced by SARS-CoV-2(COVID-19),SARS-CoV(SARS)and MERS-CoV(MERS)using a systemic review.Methods Electronic database were searched to identify all original articles and case reports presenting chest CT features for adult patients with COVID-19,SARS and MERS pneumonia respectively.Quality of literature and completeness of presented data were evaluated by consensus reached by three radiologists.Vote-counting method was employed to include cases of each group.Data of patients’manifestations in early chest CT including lesion patterns,distribution of lesions and specific imaging signs for the three groups were extracted and recorded.Data were compared and analyzed using SPSS 22.0.Results A total of 24 studies were included,composing of 10 studies of COVID-19,5 studies of MERS and 9 studies of SARS.The included CT exams were 147,40,and 122 respectively.For the early CT features of the 3 pneumonias,the basic lesion pattern with respect to"mixed ground glass opacity(GGO)and consolidation,GGO mainly,or consolidation mainly"was similar among the 3 groups(χ^2=7.966,P>0.05).There were no significant differences on the lesion distribution(χ^2=13.053,P>0.05)and predominate involvement of the subpleural area of bilateral lower lobes(χ^2=4.809,P>0.05)among the 3 groups.The lesions appeared more focal in COVID-19 pneumonia at early phase(χ^2=23.509,P<0.05).The proportions of crazy-paving pattern(χ^2=23.037,P<0.001),organizing pneumonia pattern(P<0.05)and pleural effusions(P<0.001)in COVID-19 pneumonia were significantly lower than the other two.Although rarely shown in the early CT findings of all three viral pneumonias,the fibrotic changes were more frequent in SARS than COVID-19 and MERS(χ^2=6.275,P<0.05).For other imaging signs,only the MERS pneumonia demonstrated tree-in-buds,cavitation,and its incidence rate of interlobular or intralobular septal thickening presented significantly increased as compared to the other two pneumonia(χ^2=22.412,P<0.05).No pneumothorax,pneumomediastinum and lymphadenopathy was present for each group.Conclusions Imaging findings on early stage of these three coronavirus pneumonias showed similar basic lesion patterns,including GGO and consolidation,bilateral distribution,and predominant involvement of the subpleural area and the lower lobes.Early signs of COVID-19 pneumonia showed less severity of inflammation.Early fibrotic changes appeared in SARS only.MERS had more severe inflammatory changes including cavitation and pleural effusion.The differences may indicate the specific pathophysiological processes for each coronavirus pneumonia.

Efficacy of budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder in treating viral pneumonia in children

BACKGROUND Respiratory viruses are increasingly detected in children with communityacquired pneumonia.Further strategies to limit antibiotic use in children with viral pneumonia are warranted.AIM To explore clinical efficacy of budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder for viral pneumonia in children and its impact on cellular immunity and inflammatory factor production.METHODS A total of 60 children with viral pneumonia were recruited:30 receiving budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder and 30 conventional symptomatic treatment.Outcome measures included peripheral blood levels of inflammatory cytokines,CD4^(+),CD8^(+),Th1,Th2,Th17 and Treg,clinical efficacy,and incidence of adverse reactions.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the observation group showed a significant reduction in interleukin-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels after treatment.Compared with the control group,the observation group showed a significant increase in CD4^(+)/CD8^(+)and Th1/Th2 levels,and a decrease in Th17/Treg levels after treatment.The total effective rates in the observation group and the control group were 93.75%and 85.00%,respectively,which was a significant difference(P=0.003).CONCLUSION Budesonide/formoterol inhalation powder significantly improved therapeutic efficacy for viral pneumonia in children.The mechanism of action may be related to downregulation of the inflammatory response and improved cellular immune function.

Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae at a military academy

In 2019, an outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae(M. pneumoniae) occurred at a military academy in China. The attack rate(10.08%, 60/595) was significantly different among the units. High-intensity training and crowded environments to which cadets are exposed are the high risk factors for the outbreak of M. pneumoniae. In-time prevention and control measures effectively controlled the spread of the epidemic.

Infection Route Analysis of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia

Objective A prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care center to identify the risk factors of ventilator associated pneumonia(VAP) through phenotypic and molecular biological methods. Methods The patients who were mechanically ventilated in the respiratory intensive care unit(RICU) and the neurological internal intensive care unit(NICU) were enrolled in our study, and samples were collected from the lower respiratory tract, oropharynx and stomach. Other samples, including the environmental air, swabs of nurses' hands, subglottic secretion and ventilator circuit, were also collected. Microorganisms in the collected samples were recovered and identified at species level by biochemical detection. Genetic relationship of dominant species was further characterized by pulsed field gel electrophoresis(PFGE). Results Out of 48 enrolled patients, 22 cases developed VAP and bacterial cultures were recovered from the lower respiratory tract samples of 14 cases. The average hospitalization time with VAP was significantly longer than that of patients without VAP(P < 0.05). Among the recovered bacteria cultures, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were dominant. It was more likely that subglottic secretion and gastric juice samples contained the same isolates as recovered in the lower respiratory tract by PFGE analysis. Conclusions Mechanical ventilation in RICU and NICU was a high risk factor for VAP development. Special emphasis of VAP prophylaxis should be paid on subglottic secretion and gastric juice reflux.

Molecular epidemiology of serotype 19A Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from children in Beijing, 1997-2006

Background Despite the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A, the molecular characteristics of this serotype are yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the homology of the serotype 19A in China. Methods Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing were done to these forty-nine serotype 19A isolates to investigate the relationship between the strains prevalent in Beijing and other regions. Results From 1997 to 2006, the percentage of serotype 19A isolates increased. The susceptibility rate to penicillin and amoxicillin decreased and the resistance rate to cefuroxime increased. ST320 was the most prevalent ST, followed by ST3546. There were six new STs identified in our study. The serotype 19A strains were classified into six different pulsed-field gel electrophoresis （PFGE） patterns. ST320, which was associated with two different PFGE patterns （A and D）, accounted for 32 isolates, and ST3546, which was associated with two PFGE patterns （B and E）, accounted for eight isolates. Conclusions From 2003 onwards, ST320 was the most common ST and the rate of resistance to cefuroxime increased significantly. Further long-term surveys of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A are required to monitor ST prevalence and antimicrobial resistance, in this important human pathogen.

Genomic Epidemiology of Carbapenemaseproducing Klebsiella pneumoniae in China

The rapid spread of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae(cpKP)poses serious threats to public health;however,the underlying genetic basis for its dissemination is still unknown.We conducted a comprehensive genomic epidemiology analysis on 420 cpKP isolates collected from 70 hospitals in 24 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities of China during 2009–2017 by short-/long-read sequencing.The results showed that most cpKP isolates were categorized into clonal group 258(CG258),in which ST11 was the dominant clone.Phylogenetic analysis revealed three major clades including the top one of Clade 3 for CG258 cpKP isolates.Additionally,carbapenemase gene analysis indicated that blaKPC was dominant in the cpKP isolates,and most blaKPC genes were located in five major incompatibility(Inc)groups of blaKPC-harboring plasmids.Importantly,three advantageous combinations of host–blaKPC-carrying plasmid(Clade 3.1+3.2–IncFIIpHN7A8,Clade 3.1+3.2–IncFIIpHN7A8:IncR,and Clade 3.3–IncFIIpHN7A8:IncpA1763-KPC)were identified to confer cpKP isolates the advantages in both genotypes(strong correlation/coevolution)and phenotypes(resistance/growth/competition)to facilitate the nationwide spread of ST11/CG258 cpKP.Intriguingly,Bayesian skyline analysis illustrated that the three advantageous combinations might be directly associated with the strong population expansion during 2007–2008 and subsequent maintenance of the population of ST11/CG258 cpKP after 2008.We then examined drug resistance profiles of these cpKP isolates and proposed combination treatment regimens for CG258/non-CG258 cpKP infections.Thus,the findings of our systematical analysis shed light on the molecular epidemiology and genetic basis for the dissemination of ST11/CG258 cpKP in China,and much emphasis should be given to the close monitoring of advantageous cpKP–plasmid combinations.

Update on global epidemiology of viral hepatitis and preventive strategies

Viral hepatitis is one of the major public health concerns around the world but until recently it has drawn little attention or funding from global health policymakers.Every year 1.4 million people die from viral hepatitisrelated cirrhosis and liver cancer.However,the majority of the infected population are unaware of their condition.This population have significant obstacles to overcome such as lack of awareness,vulnerability,increased migration,disease stigma,discrimination,as well as poor health resources,conflict in policy development and program implementation.Despite implementing infection control measures over the last few decades eradication or significant disease reduction remains elusive.This study aims to present the current global prevalence status and examines potential elimination strategies.The information for this research were obtained through a systematic review,published scientific literatures,the official websites of various government organisations,international public health organisations and internationally recognised regulatory bodies over a period of 40 years between 1978 and2018.

Xuebijing injection,a Chinese patent medicine,against severe pneumonia:Current research progress and future perspectives

Severe pneumonia is one of the most common infectious diseases and the leading cause of sepsis and septic shock.Preventing infection,balancing the patient’s immune status,and anti-coagulation therapy are all important elements in the treatment of severe pneumonia.As multi-target agents,Xuebijing injection(XBJ)has shown unique advantages in targeting complex conditions and saving the lives of patients with severe pneumonia.This review outlines progress in the understanding of XBJ’s anti-inflammatory,endotoxin antagonism,and anticoagulation effects.From the hundreds of publications released over the past few years,the key results from representative clinical studies of XBJ in the treatment of severe pneumonia were selected and summarized.XBJ was observed to effectively suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines,counter the effects of endotoxin,and assert an anticoagulation effect in most clinical trials,which are consistent with experimental studies.Collectively,this evidence suggests that XBJ could play an important and expanding role in clinical medicine,especially for sepsis,septic shock and severe pneumonia.