Abstract:There are a large number of elderly people in China, who often suffer from malnutrition and comorbidities and are susceptible to the infection of 2019 coronavirus(2019-nCoV) because of weakened resistance to pathogens. The mortality rate was significantly higher, and the prognosis was poor for the elderly patients with chronic diseases and complications. Therefore, they are the susceptible and high-risk population of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), accounting for the majority of the critically ill cases in the current outbreak. To effectively cut off the transmission of 2019-nCoV and reduce the infection rate, it is recommended for the elderly people to avoid going out as much as possible. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance for the home-living elderly people to have a sensible diet, to strengthen their awareness of prevention and control, to improve the ability of protection, and to avoid malnutrition caused by the decline of body functions and adverse health consequences.

Abstract:A pulmonary epidemic caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, provisionally named 2019 novel coronavirus) has broken out in China since December 2019, which is named as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by World Health Organization The viruses, identified with strong infectivity and pathogenicity, can infect people, not only in respiratory system, but also often involving many other organs or systems, such as the heart, the liver, blood coagulation and immunity system. Although the population is generally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, the morbidity and mortality are quite higher in the elderly patients, especially those with underlying comorbidities. So far, the treatment is mainly supportive therapy. In this article, we provide the diagnosis and treatment strategies of COVID-19 for the elderly from the aspects of clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment based on our own experience.

Abstract:Objective To explore the significance of coronavirus infection-related multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by bioinformatics prediction for molecular mechanism and intervention drugs. MethodsAfter the whole genome expression profile of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was obtained from the public database Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the Impute package of R language, Limma package and the Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) algorithm were used respectively to standardize the data, screen differential expression genes (DEGs), and screen significant DEGs. Then epigenomic mechanism analysis was performed using the R language Clusterprofile package for GO function enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. EpiMed (Epigenomic Precision Medicine Prediction platform) established earlier by us was used to screen potential intervention drugs. Results Bioinformatics analysis indicated that in the SARS-CoV-2 infected mice, lung injury was based on asthma signaling pathways, heart damage on viral myocarditis signaling pathways, kidney damage on proximal tubule bicarbonate recycle signaling pathways, liver injury on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease signaling pathways, and hematopoietic function damage on hematopoietic cell lineage signaling pathways. EpiMed platform screened out the drugs with potential intervention effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced MODS, including TNF-1 inhibitors, polygonum cuspidatum, ritonavir, houttuynia cordata, nevirapine, patrinia, famciclovir, siduofovir, forsythia, interferon-α, chloroquine phosphate, remdesivir and abidol. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause MODS through organ-specific related pathways, and a series of potential intervention drugs are predicted based on these pathways, which need further in vivo and in vitro experiments and clinical validation. Our study helps to guide clinical and basic research on COVID-19 related MODS.

Abstract:Objective To provide helpful information for public health decision making, this study focused on the epidemic data of three coronavirus pandemics in history [severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)], exploring the transmission characteristics and epidemiological patterns, and the key time points for epidemic control. Methods Descriptive statistics and time trend analysis were performed for the three epidemics in the respects of cumulative infection cases, new infections, cumulative deaths in relation to time. Subgroup analysis was further conducted of COVID-19 and SARS based on geographical regions to investigate the regional similarities and differences. SPSS statistics 17.0 was used for analysis. Results Among the three coronavirus pneumonia, COVID-19 had the highest infection rate and lowest mortality (2.96%), and MERS had the lowest infection rate and highest mortality (30.49%). COVID-19 and SARS were similar in the epidemiological patterns with a rapid increase of infections in a short period and S-shaped curves for cumulative infections, while MERS mainly featured sporadic infections. Conclusion There exists a negative correlation between the infectivity and lethality of coronavirus, i.e., the stronger the infectivity, the lower the lethality. The key to controlling the spread of coronavirus is to cut off the transmission routes effectively at the early stage.

Abstract:Objective To primarily analyze the epidemiological characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), provisionally named 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the elderly in Shandong province, in order to provide theoretical basis for formulating control measures and countermeasures of the disease. Methods The epidemic data published by the authorities of public health committee of Shandong Province and its cities during January 22th to February 16th were collected and primarily analyzed in order to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of the disease in the elderly. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistics 20.0. Results The average age of the enrolled cases were (68.59±8.21) years. The infected elderly cases had reached 95 till 24:00 in Shandong province on February 16,2020. The incidence rate of COVID-19 was 0.65/0.1 million, cure rate 6.32%, and mortality rate 2.11% in the elderly. The peak incidence was from January 30th to February 9th. Qingdao had the most cases (13 cases, 13.68%), and Rizhao had the least (1 case, 1.05%). Significant differences were observed in the incidence among the different regions of Shandong Province (χ²=86.370, P<0.05). The incidence rates for the patients in the 60~69,70~79,80~89 and ≥90 years old groups were 0.463/0.1 million, 0.386/0.1 million, 0.041/0.1 million, and 0.415/0.1 million, respectively, with obvious differences among them (χ²=27.628, P<0.05). There were more female than male cases, and the ratio of male to female was 0.7∶1.0, but no statistical difference was seen between the genders (0.379/0.1 million vs 0.501/0.1 million, χ²=0.813, P>0.05). What's more, there were obvious differences in the incidence among the patients with different number of comorbidities (F=82.557, P<0.05). Cluster of cases were quite obvious, and they accounted for 67.37% (64/95). The mean incubation period of the disease was 6.3 d. Conclusion The incidence of COVID-19 for the elderly in Shandong Province is relatively low. Since the first case was found in January 22th, the peak incidence had been concentrated from January 30th to February 9 th, and the incidence has decreased gradually since February 10th. There are more females and fewer males in the infected, with the characteristics of clustering. Next, we should focus on the prevention and control of local interpersonal communication.

Abstract:The elderly patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases are more vulnerable to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These patients run higher risk of becoming severe cases and death. Some of the drugs used in such patients remain controversial. This paper reviews the clinical characteristics of the COVID-19 and its management in the elderly patients with underlying cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract:On February 12,2020, 2019 novel coronavirus infection was named by the World Health Organization as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The elderly are at high risk of the virus infection because of their immune dysfunction and underlying comorbidities such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. In this paper, we reviewed whether the virus can be transmitted through the digestive tract, and during the epidemic, how the digestive tract symptoms should be managed in the elderly and how gastrointestinal diseases can be prevented in a view to providing reference for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in the elderly.

Abstract:The situation of prevention and control for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still quite serious in China. Elderly patients are the main population suffering from severe and critical COVID-19. So, it is of great importance and urgency to carry out well control and prevention for the elderly. Evidence shows that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has effectiveness in the treatment of the disease. This review focuses on the history of TCM in the treatment of epidemic diseases and the understanding about COVID-19, and puts forward to the TCM prevention points and coping strategies for the elderly in view of the physiological specificity of the elderly and complexity of COVID-19.

Abstract:At the end of 2019, a pulmonary epidemic caused by a novel coronavirus (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19), become a widespread disease in China. Evidence has shown that the severely infected patients are commonly complicated with diabetes mellitus, and the diabetic patients are susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Moreover, the elderly patients with diabetes may progress more rapidly and severely after infection, and get poorer prognosis. During the outbreak, we need to strengthen the protection and prevention, psychological counseling, and integrated management for the elderly diabetic patients. It is essential to enhance their immunity, prevent or reduce infection, control blood glucose, and reduce the acute complications caused by poorly controlled glucose. In this paper, we summarize the management of elderly diabetic patients from the aspects of diet, exercise, standardized treatment and blood glucose monitoring, so as to help the patients understand the glucose control standards and do a good job in all aspects to maintain the stability of the disease.

Abstract:In December 2019, dozen of cases of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus were reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The identified virus, named as 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), is single-stranded positive sense RNA, and can infect a variety of animals and people because of its strong infectivity. The clinical features of the novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia are similar to those of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), A/H5N1 avian influenza adenovirus pneumonia, and A H1N1 influenza, and thus, the disease is not easy to be distinguished. In this paper, we review the commonalities and specificities in epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory results and radiological features among above mentioned viral pneumonia, and hope to provide guidance to the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of clinical cases.

Abstract:The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has exerted huge impact on public health in China. Since dementia patients are not easy to fully understand the prevention and control measures, they are not only susceptible population, but also more likely to become new spreaders once being infected. Therefore, it is quite urgent to prevent and control the epidemic situation for them. In this way, it will guide the family caregiver for dementia patients, reduce the risk of infection and make timely risk prevention. In this article, we summarize the experts' suggestions, and aim to help patients survive smoothly through the epidemic and reduce the effect of the epidemic on dementia patients and their family life.

Abstract:The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan posed one of the biggest public health challenges in China. The elderly, with weakened immune systems and frequent comorbidity of chronic underlying diseases, are a risk population for infectious diseases. Since COVID-19 is more severe in the elderly, it is of great significance to enhance their awareness of its prevention and treatment. This paper summarized the key precautions against COVID-19 for the elderly, a result of practical efforts from Jiaxing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Abstract:An outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the end of 2019 rapidly becomes a public health emergency of international concern in the following 2020. At present, clinical data revealed that multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is the leading cause of patient death. However, the detailed mechanism is poorly understood. In this article, we aim to discuss the pathoge-nesis of MODS induced by 2019-nCoV infection based on current clinical data and previous studies.

Abstract:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an epidemic pneumonia caused by 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), is of rapid spread and high contagiousness, and has been recognized by World Health Organization as a public health emergency. Once the elderly is infected, they are at high risk for severe illness and higher motility. So, great importance should be attached to their protection. Generally, oral diseases are quite common in the elderly, and the psychological stress in the epidemic period can aggravate the conditions. In outpatient dental clinics, dentists and patients are in very close contact, and a large number of aerosols are generated during operation. To avoid cross-infection and ensure epidemic prevention, oral treatment is currently performed only in case of emergency. Based on the psychological state and oral characteristics of the aged patients, we put forward to the treatment and preventive measures of oral diseases, analyze the significance of oral health for epidemic prevention, and make recommendations for oral diagnosis and treatment for the aged population in the epidemic period.

Abstract:Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious. Once the elderly has been infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus, the treatment is difficult and the mortality is high. The COVID-19 epidemic challenges and requires the construction and operation of geriatric hospitals in China. Considering the construction standard and evaluation standard for geriatric hospitals performed currently by national and provincial medical institutions management authorities, together with our working experiences in hospital administrations, we discussed the way it can be improved in the following aspects, including requirements for infectious disease prevention and control, improvement in architecture design, personnel allocation, cross-connection of geriatrics and hospital buildings design, and construction and operation optimization of medical treatment group company, etc. It is expected to be helpful for better service provided to the elderly in geriatric hospitals.