Highlights CCL17, IFN- l 3, IL-6, IP-10, and CXCL9 were predictor for COVID-19 prognosis. CCL17 were showed strong association with the development of severe pneumonia. A flare-up of IFN- l 3, IL-6, IP-10, and CXCL9 were a trigger for severe symptom. The downregulation of CCL17 could be unique in COVID-19.

BackgroundInappropriate antibiotic prescribing is a cause of antimicrobial resistance. Acute Respiratory Tract Infections (ARTI) are common diseases for those antibiotics are most likely prescribed in outpatient setting.ObjectivesTo clarify factors associated with antibiotic prescribing for non-bacterial acute respiratory tract infections (NB-ARTI) and identify targets for reducing inappropriate prescribing for NB-ARTI in Japan.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, observational study using longitudinal claims data between April 2012 and June 2017. We assessed the rate of and factors associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in outpatient settings for all NB-ARTI consultations included in the database.ResultsThe mean monthly antibiotic prescribing rate per 100 NB-ARTI consultations during the study period was 31.65. The monthly antibiotic prescribing rate per 100 NB-ARTI consultations decreased by 19.2% from April 2012 to June 2017. Adolescents (13–18 years) and adults of working age (19–29 and 30–39 years) were more likely prescribed antibiotics compared with elderly patients ≥ 60 years (aOR: 1.493 [95%CI: 1.482–1.503], 1.585 [95%CI: 1.575–1.595], and 1.507 [95%CI: 1.498–1.516], respectively). Outpatient clinics registered as internal medicine or ear, nose, and throat specialty were more likely to prescribe antibiotics than those of paediatric specialty or other specialties. Among health facility type, clinics without beds (aOR 2.123 [95%CI: 2.113–2.133]) and clinics with beds (aOR: 1.752 [95%CI: 1.7371–1.767]) prescribed significantly more antibiotics for NB-ARTI than outpatient departments inside general hospitals.ConclusionsInappropriate antibiotic prescribing for NB-ARTI is common in Japan. Although the antibiotic prescribing rate has decreased, further interventions are required to promote antimicrobial stewardship (ASP). Education and awareness for adults and promotion of ASP among physicians in clinics without beds are key drivers to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in Japan.

Introduction Information on the effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) for preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs), especially among HCWs with frequent contact with patients with SARS-CoV-2, is limited. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study on 49 HCWs who worked in close contact with patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. HCWs had blood samples taken every 2 weeks to test for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using two different types of assay. Results Forty-nine participants (31 nurses, 15 doctors, 3 other workers) were enrolled. In total, 112 blood samples are obtained from participants. The median work days in 2 weeks was 9 (interquartile range (IQR): 5-10) days. In a single work day, 30 of the 49 participants (61.5%) had contact with patients with suspected or conformed SARS-CoV-2 at least 8 times, and approximately 60% of participants had more than 10 minutes of contact with a single patient. The median self-reported compliance to PPE was 90% (IQR: 80-100%). Seven participants tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibody using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); however, none were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody, so the positive ELISA results were assumed to be false-positive. Conclusions The study provides evidence that appropriate PPE is sufficient to prevent infection amongHCWs. It is necessary to establish a system that provides a stable supply of PPE for HCWs to perform their duties.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct hemoperfusion using a polymyxin B‐immobilized polystyrene column (PMX‐DHP) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐positive pneumonia patients. Methods This study was a case series conducted at a designated infectious diseases hospital. Twelve SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patients with partial pressure of arterial oxygen/percentage of inspired oxygen (P/F) ratio < 300 were treated with PMX‐DHP on two consecutive days each during hospitalization. We defined day 1 as the first day when PMX‐DHP was performed. PMX‐DHP efficacy was assessed on days 7 and 14 after the first treatment based on eight categories. Subsequently, improvement in P/F ratio and urinary biomarkers on days 4 and 8, malfunctions, and ventilator and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation avoidance rates were also evaluated. Results On day 14 after the first treatment, disease severity decreased in 58.3% of the patients. P/F ratio increased while urine β2‐microglobulin decreased on days 4 and 8. Cytokine measurement pre‐ and post‐PMX‐DHP revealed decreased levels of interleukin‐6 and the factors involved in vascular endothelial injury, including vascular endothelial growth factor. Twenty‐two PMX‐DHPs were performed, of which seven and five PMX‐DHPs led to increased inlet pressure and membrane coagulation, respectively. When the membranes coagulated, the circuitry needed to be reconfigured. Circuit problems were usually observed when D‐dimer and fibrin degradation product levels were high before PMX‐DHP. Conclusions Future studies are expected to determine the therapeutic effect of PMX‐DHP on COVID‐19. Because of the relatively high risk of circuit coagulation, coagulation capacity should be assessed beforehand.