GDF15 ameliorates sepsis-induced lung injury via AMPK-mediated inhibition of glycolysis in alveolar macrophage.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) as a stress response cytokine is involved in the development and progression of several diseases associated with metabolic disorders. However, the regulatory role and the underlying mechanisms of GDF15 in sepsis remain poorly defined. Our study analyzed the levels of GDF15 and its correlations with the clinical prognosis of patients with sepsis.

[Clinical features and risk factors for secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in elderly patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection: a multicenter retrospective cohort study].

Objective: To explore the incidence of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (sHLH) in elderly patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, and to analyze and summarize its clinical features and risk factors for early identification of high-risk groups.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. From January to May 2020, No.

Corticosteroid treatment in severe patients with SARS-CoV-2 and chronic HBV co-infection: a retrospective multicenter study.

Background: The impact of corticosteroids on patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)/chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection is currently unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of corticosteroids on these patients.

Methods: This retrospective multicenter study screened 5447 confirmed COVID-19 patients hospitalized between Jan 1, 2020 to Apr 18, 2020 in seven centers in China, where the prevalence of chronic HBV infection is moderate to high.

Pregnant outcomes of critically ill pregnant patients with pulmonary hypertension: A multicenter retrospective study.

Objective: To identify the pregnancy outcomes and risk factors of critically ill pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients with intensive care unit (ICU) admission.

Methods: The multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed on 60,306 parturients from January 2013 to December 2018 in China. Diagnosis of PH was based on the estimation of systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (sPAP) echocardiography.

Sex Differences on Clinical Characteristics, Severity, and Mortality in Adult Patients With COVID-19: A Multicentre Retrospective Study.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) epidemic is spreading globally. Sex differences in the severity and mortality of COVID-19 emerged. This study aims to describe the impact of sex on outcomes in COVOD-19 with a special focus on the effect of estrogen.

Risk factors for severe COVID-19 in middle-aged patients without comorbidities: a multicentre retrospective study.

Background: Information regarding characteristics and risk factors of COVID-19 amongst middle-aged (40-59 years) patients without comorbidities is scarce.

Methods: We therefore conducted this multicentre retrospective study and collected data of middle-aged COVID-19 patients without comorbidities at admission from three designated hospitals in China.

Results: Among 119 middle-aged patients without comorbidities, 18 (15.

A retrospective study of risk factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections in hospitalized adult patients.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infection spread worldwide.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with severe incidence of SARS ‑CoV‑2 infection.

Patients And Methods: All adult patients (median [IQR] age, 52 [37-58] years) consecutively admitted to the Dabieshan Medical Center from January 30, 2020 to February 11, 2020 were collected and reviewed.

[Incidence and mortality risk factors of acute kidney injury in critical ill pregnancies: a single center retrospective analysis].

Objective: To evaluate the incidence and mortality risk factors of pregnancy-related acute kidney injury (PR-AKI) in intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted. Critically ill pregnancies admitted to ICU of Shandong University Affiliated Provincial Hospital from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2016 were enrolled.

The Effects of High-volume Hemofiltration by Different Ultrasound Directing on Extra Vascular Lung Water Index in Patients with Septic Shock.

Background: We explored the effects of high-volume hemofiltration(HVHF) by different ultrasound directing on the plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-Pro-BNP), extra vascular lung water index (EVLWI), liquid net balance quantity and prognosis in patients with septic shock.

Methods: Overall, 107 intensive patients with septic shock were enrolled by retrospective analysis from Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University from 2014-2017. According to HVHF by different ultrasound directing, all the patients were divided into two groups ((ultrasonic cardiac output monitor (USCOM), group A, n=51cases)) and ((critical bedside ultrasound (CBU), group B, n=56cases)).

Red blood cell distribution width as a risk factor for inhospital mortality in obstetric patients admitted to an intensive care unit: a single centre retrospective cohort study.

Background: Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has been shown to predict mortality in critically ill patients. To our knowledge, whether or not RDW is associated with clinical outcomes of obstetric patients requiring critical care has not been evaluated.

Methods: This was a single centre, retrospective, observational study of obstetric patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Effects of atorvastatin combined with low-molecular-weight heparin on plasma inflammatory cytokine level and pulmonary pathophysiology of rats with sepsis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of atorvastatin combined with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on plasma early inflammatory cytokine levels as well as pulmonary pathophysiology of rats with sepsis. A total of 122 rats were randomly divided into five groups including the sham operation group (n=10), CLP group (n=10), atorvastatin group (n=34, 20 mg/kg/day), LMWH group (n=34, 100 IU/kg/day), and atorvastatin combined with LMWH group (n=34). Blood samples from 6 rats in each group were collected to detect TNF-α, IL-1β and HMGB1 concentration in plasma by linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and postoperatively at 4, 8, 12 and 24 h.

[Protective effects of combined use of atorvastatin and low molecular weight heparin on the inflammatory reaction and pulmonary functions in rats with sepsis].

Objective: To investigate the influence of combined use of atorvastatin (ATO) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) on the inflammatory reaction and pulmonary protection functions in rats with sepsis.

Methods: A total of 122 healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into five groups using a random number table: sham-operated group (sham group, n =10),sepsis group (n =10),ATO group (n =34),LMWH group (n =34),and ATO combined with LMWH group (ATO+LMWH group, n =34).The rat model of sepsis was reproduced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP),while in sham group, rats were only subjected to laparotomy without cecum ligation and puncture.

Effect of probiotics on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled multicenter trial.

Purpose: To evaluate the potential preventive effect of probiotics on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Methods: This was an open-label, randomized, controlled multicenter trial involving 235 critically ill adult patients who were expected to receive mechanical ventilation for ≥48 h. The patients were randomized to receive (1) a probiotics capsule containing live Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis (Medilac-S) 0.

[Angiotensin II induces expression of inflammatory mediators in vascular adventitial fibroblasts].

Vascular adventitial fibroblasts (AF) may play an important role in vascular inflammation. This study was aimed to investigate the expression pattern of inflammatory mediators in AF induced by angiotensin II (AngII) and to explore the effects of AF-derived inflammatory mediators on the adhesion and migration of macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. We used real-time RT-PCR to detect the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in cultured AF.

Expression of HMGB1/RAGE protein in renal carcinoma and its clinical significance.

Objective: To investigate the expression of high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) and its receptor, receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE), in renal cancer tissue and surrounding normal tissue and to analyze the relationship between the expression level of the protein and receptor as well as the clinical pathological characteristics and prognosis in renal cancer patients.

Methods: A total of 80 renal carcinoma patients who were surgically treated in our hospital from February 2004 to December 2012 were included in this study. Normal paratumoral tissues were collected as a control.

[Study of the effects of high volume hemofiltration on extra vascular lung water and alveolar-arterial oxygen exchange in patients with septic shock].

Objective: To explore the effects of high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) on inflammatory factors, extra vascular lung water and alveolar-arterial oxygen exchange in patients with septic shock.

Methods: The data of 87 patients with septic shock underwent fluid resuscitation admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether HVHF was used or not, all the patients were divided into fluid resuscitation group (n=41) and HVHF group (n=46).

[Effect of continuous high-volume hemofiltration in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome].

Objective: To investigate the effect of continuous high-volume hemofiltration (CHVHF) in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty-five patients with severe ARDS admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) from June 2007 to June 2011 were divided into control group (n=28) and treatment group (n=37).

RhoA-Rho kinase signaling pathway mediates adventitial fibroblasts differentiation to myofibroblasts induced by TGF-β1.

Vascular adventitial fibroblasts (AF) differentiation to myofibroblasts (MF) is the critical physiopathologic feature of vascular remodeling. This study was to investigate the role of RhoA-Rho kinase signaling pathway in AF differentiation to MF induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). The results showed that TGF-β1 up-regulated total RhoA protein expression and RhoA activity in cultured AF by Western blotting and Rho pull-down assay, respectively.

[Adenovirus mediated N19RhoA gene transfer attenuates neointimal formation in rats after carotid artery balloon injury].

Objective: To investigate the role of small G-protein RhoA in neointimal formation following rat carotid artery balloon injury and related mechanisms.

Methods: Male 3-4-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used in the present study (10 rats per group). Group A: control; Group B: carotid artery balloon injury; Group C: injury + Ad-CMV-eGFP + Pluronic F-127; Group D: injury + Ad-CMV-N19RhoA-eGFP + Pluronic F-127; Group E: non injury + Ad-CMV-eGFP + Pluronic F-127.

Effectiveness of combining plasma exchange with continuous hemodiafiltration on acute Fatty liver of pregnancy complicated by multiple organ dysfunction.

Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) is a rare disease of progressive hepatic insufficiency and secondary systemic complications that induce significant maternal risk. The application of combining plasma exchange (PE) and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) is a novel concept for patients with AFLP. Since 2002, we have utilized the combination of PE with CHDF as adjunctive medical therapy for 11 AFLP patients with multiple organ dysfunction.

[The effects of joint administration of 6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 and high-volume hemofiltration on patients with acute lung injury and acute kidney injury].

Objective: To evaluate the effects of administration of 6% hydroxyethyl starch (6% HES 130/0.4, voluven) in combination with high volume hemofiltration (HVHF) in patients with ALI and AKI.

Methods: One hundred and eight patients with acute lung injury (ALI) and acute kidney injury (AKI) were enrolled from Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University between August 2006 and May 2011.

Effects of high-volume hemofiltration on alveolar-arterial oxygen exchange in patients with refractory septic shock.

Background: High-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) is technically possible in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) patients complicated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Continuous HVHF is expected to become a beneficial adjunct therapy for SAP complicated with MODS. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of fluid resuscitation and HVHF on alveolar-arterial oxygen exchange, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score in patients with refractory septic shock.

[The role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in interleukin-6 induction by lipopolysaccharide in vascular smooth muscle cells].

Objective: To investigate the regulation mechanism of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) in interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods: Rat VSMCs were divided into LPS group, SB203580+LPS group, SB203580 group and control group. LPS group was treated with 100 microg/L LPS for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours, SB203580+LPS group was first treated with 10 micromol/L SB203580 for 2 hours and then exposed to 100 microg/L LPS for 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours, SB203580 group was pretreated with 10 micromol/L SB203580 for 2 hours.

Incidence and risk factors of gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients.

Background: The widespread use of gastrointestinal bleeding prophylaxis in critically ill patients was one of the most controversial issues. Since few studies reported the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients, this study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors related to gastrointestinal bleeding in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for more than 48 hours.

Methods: A total of 283 ICU patients who had received mechanical ventilation for longer than 48 hours at a provincial hospital affiliated to Shandong University from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009 were analyzed retrospectively.