Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris determined in two cases after COVID-19 infection

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) is a rare disease characterized by iris atrophy. Although it can be self-limiting, it is sometimes progressive and can lead to glaucoma and severe vision loss. Two female patients were admitted to our clinic because of a change in iris color following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. After the exclusion of other etiologies in the eye examination, BADI was diagnosed in both cases. Thus, it was shown that COVID-19 may also be involved in the etiology of BADI.

Food and nutrition security in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic / Journal of Rural Medicine

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic placed the Philippines’ food and nutrition issues front and center. In this paper, we discuss the response of its government in addressing food and nutrition security at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and describe its implications on nutritional status. We also cite initiatives that address food accessibility and availability in the communities. Lastly, we explore the importance of nutrition security dimension in food security.Methods: We analyze food and nutrition security issues in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic through online reports and news articles.Results: The distribution of food and financial assistance in the country was extensive, albeit insufficient, considering the prolonged lockdown restrictions. Constantly changing community quarantine guidelines have affected the movement of food supply, delivery of health services, and household economic security. Nutrition programs, such as vitamin A supplementation, feeding for children, and micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women, had lower coverage rates, and by the latter half of 2020, the country had reached its highest recorded hunger rate. Cases of both undernutrition and overnutrition are predicted to rise because of dietary imbalances and a variety of factors. Conversely, community members and some local government units took it upon themselves to improve the food situation in their areas. The provision of food packs containing fresh fruits and vegetables was lauded, as it exemplified a conscious effort to deal with nutrition security.Conclusion: Efforts to address food security have always focused on increasing accessibility, availability, and affordability, often neglecting the nutritional components of foods. Strategies that incorporate nutrition security into food security are much needed in the country, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visualized Analysis of Advances and Hot Spots of Lianhua Qingwen in Recent 10 Years / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo analyze relevant literature on Lianhua Qingwen preparations and clarify the research advances and hot spots in this field， so as to provide references for clinical rational application and further research. MethodLiterature related to Lianhua Qingwen preparations in the recent 10 years was retrieved from six databases， including China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）， VIP， Wanfang Data， PubMed， and Web of Science， followed by management and analysis by NoteExpress and CiteSpace. ResultFinally， 344 and 76 Chinese and English research articles were included， and the number of publications increased in recent years. The research articles were published in 162 Chinese and 48 English journals. Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co.， Ltd. and Guangzhou Medical University were institutions with the largest number of Chinese and English publications， respectively. LIU Minyan was the author who had published the most articles. Keywords with high frequency included clinical efficacy， Lianhua Qingwen， inflammatory factors， traditional Chinese medicine， and coronavirus disease-2019（COVID-19）. Nineteen clusters， including clinical efficacy， Chinese medicine， Lianhua Qingwen， COVID-19， and influenza A virus， and 47 emergent keywords， including herpes zoster， pneumonia， inflammatory factors， influenza， and gut microbiota， were generated. ConclusionCooperation and exchanges in this field are insufficient. Research focuses on the clinical efficacy of Lianhua Qingwen in the treatment of COVID-19 and other diseases， pharmacological action and mechanism of antiviral drugs， and micro-mechanism research focuses on related pathways and target proteins， as well as the combination of Chinese and western medicines.

Evolution of the newest diagnostic methods for COVID-19: a Chinese perspective / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has continued to spread globally since late 2019, representing a formidable challenge to the world's healthcare systems, wreaking havoc, and spreading rapidly through human contact. With fever, fatigue, and a persistent dry cough being the hallmark symptoms, this disease threatened to destabilize the delicate balance of our global community. Rapid and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is a prerequisite for understanding the number of confirmed cases in the world or a region, and an important factor in epidemic assessment and the development of control measures. It also plays a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the appropriate medical treatment, leading to optimal patient care. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology is currently the most mature method for detecting viral nucleic acids, but it has many drawbacks. Meanwhile, a variety of COVID-19 detection methods, including molecular biological diagnostic, immunodiagnostic, imaging, and artificial intelligence methods have been developed and applied in clinical practice to meet diverse scenarios and needs. These methods can help clinicians diagnose and treat COVID-19 patients. This review describes the variety of such methods used in China, providing an important reference in the field of the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19.

After action review of the COVID-19 pandemic response in North West province, South Africa

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with major disruptions globally. Northwest Province Department of Health (NWDoH) in South Africa set up comprehensive epidemiological emergency response plans for preventing, finding, containing and stopping the spread of COVID-19 in accordance with the National Disaster Management Act. Objectives: This After-Action Report (AAR) describes the provincial response to the pandemic from September 2020 to October 2022. Method: The AAR was conducted using the World Health Organization AAR methodology. Focus groups discussed five items: coordination, leadership and governance; epidemiology, surveillance and laboratory; case management and continuity of essential services; risk communication and community engagement and COVID-19 vaccination. Results: The timely establishment and activation of provincial intergovernmental and intersectoral coordinating structures led to effective coordination, resource mobilisation, leadership, decision-making and intervention. The effective communication in the department and other stakeholders resulted in improved surveillance data quality, timelier response and increased ownership of data. Dissemination, training and implementation of case management protocols ensured standardised case management. The multi-channel information dissemination targeting different audiences empowered people with real-time knowledge on the infection and encouraged health-seeking behaviours. Conclusion: The AAR demonstrated the importance of coordinated epidemiological, laboratory and communication response that requires significant public health reserve capacity in peacetime for rapid expansion in an emergency. Contribution: This review contributes to the body of knowledge emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and provides guidance on enhanced public health response to future emergencies.

Clinical research progress on drugs against SARS-CoV-2 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#The rapid spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection has had a devastating impact on public health and the global economy. Tremendous efforts had been put on urgent development of prophylactic or therapeutic drugs against SARS-CoV-2,mainly smallmolecule antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies,to reduce the impact and burden of COVID-19. Currently,National Medical Products Administration(NMPA)of China or Food and Drug Administration(FDA)of the United States have approved three small-molecule drugs and three monoclonal antibodies for use. This paper reviews the clinical research progress and challenges of the main drugs against SARS-CoV-2 on the market at present.

Verification of detection method for multiple pathogens in plasma of convalescent patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Objective To systematically verify the detection method for multiple pathogens in plasma of convalescent patients(CPs)with Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19).Methods According to the actual situation of plasma samples and the requirements of kit,the molecular biological detection method for multiple pathogens in plasma of CPs with COVID-19 was systematically verified for specificity,reproducibility,intermediate precision and limit of detection(LOD),and confirmed for applicability by detecting 50 plasma samples of CPs with COVID-19.Results The results of interference test and cross test showed that the detection of positive samples and negative samples were not affected;The RSDs of melting temperature values(Tm)of the positive control four pathogens by the same or different test personnels at different time under the same test conditions were 0.07%,0.14%,0.07%,0.14% and 0.06%,0.23%,0.23%,0.20%,and those of internal control(IC)and amplification control(AC)1 and 2 were 0.07%,0.01%,0.07%,0.14% and 0.11%,0.10%,0.15%,0.22%,respectively.Meanwhile,the RSDs of reproducibility and intermediate precision were less than 15% and20% respectively,which met the requirements;The minimum LOD of 22 pathogens were determined;No pathogen was detected in 50 plasma samples of CPs with COVID-19.Conclusion The method for detecting pathogens in plasma of CPs with COVID-19 was specific,stable,reliable and reproducible,which was suitable for the detection of pathogens in plasma of CPs with COVID-19.

TONG Xiaolin's Cold-Damp Epidemic Differentiation and Treatment Concepts and Diagnostic and Therapeutic Key Points / 中医杂志

Building on a clear understanding of the diagnosis and treatment patterns for cold-damp epidemics， and incorporating the insights of Academician TONG Xiaolin regarding the differentiation and treatment of such epidemics， this article have distilled the key diagnostic principles. These principles primarily entail observing color and pulse， initially distinguishing between yin and yang， with treatment focusing on dispelling cold and dampness. A comprehensive approach is adopted throughout treatment， with a combination of overall strategies and tailored treatments that evolve in line with the patient's condition. In critical and severe cases， particular attention is given to aspects such as sweating， pulse analysis， and consciousness， preventing the pathogen from penetrating deeply. Efforts are made to open and close organ networks， expelling external pathogens without fixating on resolving constipation. The dosage and efficacy of herbal remedies are adjusted based on individual circumstances and clinical symptoms. The objective is to eliminate pathogens comprehensively， while being vigilant against relapses， ultimately achieving a full recovery. This overview of the thought processes and clinical principles for diagnosing and treating cold-damp epidemics will guide precise clinical practices and provide a theoretical foundation for the involvement of traditional Chinese medicine in epidemic prevention and treatment.

Psychological Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Mental Health Practitioners in Selangor, Malaysia

@#Introduction: The Coronavirus disease pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19) has had psychological implications and altered the public’s well-being. In response to the pandemic, mental health practitioners play an essential role in mitigating the adverse psychological effects among the public. However, as the demand for mental health services increases, the responsibilities of mental health professionals are far stretched from what they can handle. Therefore, this research is aimed to explore the psychological impact of the pandemic on the mental health practitioners in Selangor and their coping strategies. Method: A total of 10 mental health practitioners who are clinical psychologists and counselors participated in the one-to-one interview. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis. Result: The higher client loads, the transition to virtual therapy, burnout, and anxiety were found to have an impact on the mental health practitioners’ well-being. Despite the challenging psychological impact, the mental health practitioners expressed a high level of satisfaction with their jobs, which they attributed to the supportive organisational culture and their intrinsic drive for selecting this profession. The mental health practitioners have reported that perceived organisational support, social support, and self-care approaches are effective coping mechanisms. Mindfulness skills such as breathing techniques and meditation are often practiced by the participants to calm the mind and body from a long day of work. Conclusion: The implication of the study contributes to breaking the stigmatisation of help seeking behaviour among the helping professions, as well as urging the policy makers, governments, and foundations to play a part in providing accessible and quality mental healthcare to the society.

Perioperative mechanical ventilation strategy for COVID-19 patients: Recommendation / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Since December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has gradually spread all over the world. With the implementation of class B infectious disease management policy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), China has experienced a pandemic. For patients receiving a time-sensitive or emergency surgery, SARS-CoV-2 infection may increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications. An appropriate perioperative mechanical ventilation strategy, such as lung protective ventilation strategy, is particularly important for preventing postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing general anesthesia. In addition, how to protect medical personnel from being infected is also the focus we need to pay attention to. This article will discuss the perioperative mechanical ventilation strategy for COVID-19 patients and the protection of medical personnel, in order to provide reference for the development of guidelines.

Seroincidencia de anticuerpos IgG del SARS-CoV-2 y factores de riesgo en trabajadores sanitarios asintomáticos del hospital Departamental de Villavicencio

Objetivo: Estimar la seroincidencia acumulada de inmunoglobulinas (Ig) clase G (IgG) anti-SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de la salud asintomáticos y su asociación epidemiológica dentro de las áreas funcionales del Hospital Departamental de Villavicencio (HDV). Metodología: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional analítico longitudinal de una cohorte de trabajadores, donde cada 21 días, en tres oportunidades, se midieron IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 en suero sanguíneo, a través de ELISA indirecto, en una muestra representativa aleatoria (n= 105) de trabajadores sanitarios del hospital (N= 756). Como instrumento de recolección de datos se utilizó una encuesta, donde cada trabajador sanitario declaró no haber sido diagnosticado con COVID-19, e igualmente registró la información sobre las variables independientes: sexo, edad, condición laboral, área funcional y comorbilidades. Resultados: La prevalencia inicial para SARS-CoV-2 entre los trabajadores sanitarios asintomáticos del HDV fue de 9,52 % (IC 95 % 5,25-16,65). La seroincidencia acumulada durante 42 días fue de 12,38 % (IC 95 % 7,38-20,04). El riesgo relativo (RR) se utilizó para establecer los factores de riesgo asociados a las variables independientes. El sexo masculino (RR ajustado = 3,34, IC 95 % 1,98-5,86), obesidad (RR ajustado = 10,98, IC 95 % 1,41-85,98) y sexo femenino (RR ajustado = 2,15, IC 95 % 1,12-4,31) en las áreas funcionales de Hospitalización, Medicina Crítica y Urgencias, respectivamente, son factores de riesgo en el HDV. Conclusión: Un total de 13 de 105 trabajadores sanitarios del hospital seroconvirtieron positivamente para SARS-CoV-2 y fueron asintomáticos durante 42 días de seguimiento epidemiológico. Además, existen factores de riesgo importantes en su exposición a este virus en el HDV.

Objective: To estimate the cumulative seroincidence of antisars-CoV-2 immunoglobulin (Ig) class G (IgG) in asymptomatic health care workers and its epidemiological association within the functional areas of the Villavicencio Departmental Hospital (HDV). Methodology: A longitudinal analytical observational study of a cohort of workers was conducted in which anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels in blood serum were measured every 21 days on three occasions using an indirect ELISA in a random representative sample (n = 105) of hospital health workers (N = 756). The data collection tool was a survey in which each healthcare worker indicated that they had not been diagnosed with COVID-19 and provided information on the independent variables: sex, age, job status, functional area, and comorbidities. Results: The baseline prevalence for SARS-CoV-2 among asymptomatic HDV healthcare workers was 9.52% (CI 95% 5.25-16.65). Cumulative seroincidence over 42 days was 12.38% (CI 95% 7.38-20.04). Relative risk (RR) was used to establish the risk factors associated with the independent variables. Male sex (adjusted RR 3.34, CI 95% 1.98-5.86), obesity (adjusted RR 10.98, CI 95% 1.41- 85.98) and female sex (adjusted RR 2.15, CI 95% 1.12-4.31) in the functional areas of Hospitalization, Critical Medicine and Emergency, respectively, are risk factors in the HDV. Conclusion: During 42 days of epidemiological follow-up, 13 out of 105 hospital healthcare workers seroconverted positively for SARS-CoV-2 and remained asymptomatic. Additionally, significant risk factors are associated with their exposure to this virus in the HDV.

Objetivo: Estimar a incidência zero acumulada de imunoglobulinas (Ig) classe G (IgG) anti-SARS-CoV-2 em profissionais de saúde assintomáticos e sua associação epidemiológica dentro das áreas funcionais do Hospital Estadual de Villavicencio (HDV). Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo observacional analítico longitudinal de uma coorte de profissionais, no qual a cada 21 dias, em três ocasiões mediram-se IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 em soro sanguíneo, através de ELISA indireto, em uma amostra representativa aleatória (n = 105) de profissionais de saúde do hospital (N =756). Como instrumento de recolecção de dados foi usada uma pesquisa, onde cada profissional de saúde declarou não ter sido diagnosticado com COVID-19, e igualmente registrou a informação sobre as variáveis independentes: sexo, idade, condições de trabalho, área de atuação e comorbidades. Resultados: A prevalência inicial para SARS-CoV-2 entre os profissionais de saúde assintomáticos do HDV foi de 9,52% (IC 95% 5,25-16,65). A incidência zero acumulada durante 42 dias foi de 12,38% (IC 95% 7,38-20,04). O risco relativo (RR) foi utilizado para estabelecer os fatores de risco associados às variáveis independentes. O sexo masculino (RR ajustado 3,34, IC 95% 1,98-5,86), obesidade (RR ajustado 10,98, IC 95% 1,41-85,98) e sexo feminino (RR ajustado 2,15, IC 95% 1,12-4,31) nas áreas funcionais de Internação, Unidade de Terapia Intensiva e Urgências, respectivamente, são fatores de risco no HDV. Conclusão: Um total de 13 de 105 profissionais de saúde do hospital foram detectados positivamente para SARS-CoV-2 e foram assintomáticos durante 42 dias de seguimento epidemiológico. Além disso, existem importantes fatores de risco na sua exposição a este vírus no HDV.

Outcome of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia treated with high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy: A retrospective study

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy and evaluate possible factors associated with 28-day mortality in hospitalised patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: We conducted a single-centre retrospective cohort study on hospitalised patients with clinical, epidemiological, and/or radiologically confirmed and suspected COVID-19 at Bitlis Tatvan State Hospital in Turkey between December 1, 2020 and June 1, 2021. All data of the study participants were recorded, and all patients received intravenous high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy. The Ordinal Scale for Clinical Improvement (OSCI), Charlson Comorbidity Index and Total Severity Score were calculated. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were performed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory parameters that may affect the 28-day mortality. Results: A total of 126 patients were included in the analysis. The 28-day mortality rate of the patients was 22.2%. Laboratory and clinical improvement were observed in 77.8% (98/126) of patients after high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy. There was a statistically significant difference between the survivors and non-survivors in terms of age, platelet count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and OSCI, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and Total Severity Score (P<0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age [HR 1.047 (95% CI 1.01-1.08)], use of prophylactic anticoagulation [HR 0.838 (95% CI 0.79-0.89)], and bacterial co-infection [HR 3.966 (95% CI 1.40-11.21)] were significant determinants of mortality. Early C-reactive protein (CRP) response, decreased oxygen requirement, and improving respiratory rate/OSCI scores after administration of high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy could contribute to clinical improvement. Conclusions: CRP response, needed oxygen and OSCI scores can be used as prognostic factors to select patients who will benefit from high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy.

A Case of Post Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Condition, in which the Patient Suffered from a Severe Sense of Fatigue and Brain fog Successfully Treated with Kampo Therapy / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We report a case of post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition, in which the patient suffered from a severe sense of fatigue and brain fog that was successfully treated with Kampo therapy. The patient was a 21-year-old man. He had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized for follow-up examinations. He recovered without any complications and was discharged from the hospital, but continued to suffer from a severe sense of fatigue, coldness, dizziness, and a loss of concentration. Because of these symptoms, he had to spend most of the day lying down. One month later, he was hospitalized to receive Kampo therapy. We administered bukuryoshigyakuto for 2 weeks referring to his severe coldness and fatigue and then changed to renjuin for his fluid disturbance and blood deficiency. After starting Kampo therapy, his fatigue and dizziness gradually improved. He was discharged after 3 weeks of hospitalization and received Kampo therapy as an outpatient. One month later, he reported a dull feeling in his stomach and depression. We switched to kamikihitogohangekobokuto and added hachimigan. His activities of daily living improved and he could take 4.5-kilometer walk. He could return to work 4 months later. Kampo therapy may be useful for post COVID-19 condition that causes a sense of fatigue and brain fog.

Trends in Patients with Long COVID (COVID-19 Long-Term Effects) in the Kampo Outpatient Department of Infectious Diseases at Our Clinic — From Early Cases / 日本東洋医学雑誌

In response to the increasing numbers of patients with long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we started using Kampo (traditional Japanese) medicine for some outpatients. We analyzed the patients' characteristics and the treatments used in each case. Our subjects were 9 patients who visited our clinic between May and September 2021. All subjects provided their written informed consent and were followed for several months. Decoctions or extract formulations were prescribed for treatment based on pattern identification, and general guidance related to lifestyle habits based on traditional thought was also provided. Fatigue, lifestyle of intemperance (due to excessive amounts of cold foods and drinks), and mental/physical stress were present in each patient. Some patients also felt strong anxiety about the lack of any established Western medical treatment and insufficient follow-up systems for patients with long-term effects of COVID-19 (long COVID). Tonic formulas and formulas of involving Bupleuri radix were often used. All 9 patients showed a tendency to improve their symptoms within 4 or 5 weeks of treatment. Our impression is that the prompt effect of Kampo medicine was achieved by combining the use of Kampo medicines with instructions to stop eating excessive amounts of cold foods and/or drinks. Further study is needed in the future. For long COVID, no Western medical treatment has yet been established. On the other hand, in our experience with these patients, Kampo medicine based on the concept of mind-body unity was useful.

The Role of Forensic Medicine in Responding to Emergencies and New Major Epidemics / 法医学杂志

In recent years, human beings are constantly facing the threat of emerging infectious diseases. Forensic technology plays a unique role in responding to the emergencies and new epidemics. In epidemic prevention and control, forensic partitioners can provide important clues for the identification of vector animal species and the traceability of pathogen regions based on non-human DNA testing technology. In epidemic-related judicial practice, forensic partitioners bear more and more evidence responsibilities in dealing with biosafety laws-related issues, such as improper handling of epidemics and vaccine safety issues, which require forensic evidence. In terms of pathogen tracing, forensic physical evidence examinations identify species and individuals through biological materials extracted from the scene of death and autopsy of infectious diseases, are expected to provide informative clues for epidemiological investigations and point out the direction for pathogen tracing. In addition, forensic pathological examination can provide an important pathophysiological basis for determining the cause of death and the mechanism of death through autopsy, also offer necessary scientific evidence for clarifying the epidemiological characteristics of the epidemic and predicting the development trend of the epidemic.

Occupational burnout analysis of border guards in the background of COVID-19 / 中国职业医学

@#Objective To analyze the occupational burnout status and its influencing factors of border guards in the prevention （ - ）Methods and control of coronavirus disease COVID 19 . A total of 1 313 border guards who participate in the prevention and control of epidemic diseases were selected as research subjects using the random cluster sampling method. Military Occupational Burnout Scale and Military Occupational Stress Scale were used to investigate the occupational burnout status and Results occupational stress in the research subjects. The median and 25th and 75th percentiles of military occupational （ ， ） （ ， ）， burnout and occupational stress total scores were 9.0 3.0 15.0 and 76.0 70.0 86.0 respectively. About 73.1% of the subjects were suffered from high occupational stress. The results of multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the higher the scores of interpersonal relationship, military special life, work pressure, unclear role and leadership ability factor in P occupational stress, and the lower the score of personal development, the more serious the occupational burnout (all <0.05 ) ， after excluding the influence of confounding factors; subjects with panic psychology inconvenience caused by closed ， management fear on accountability for poor prevention and no personal hobbies had more serious occupational burnout than （ P ） Conclusion - ， subjects without those factors all <0.05 . In the period of COVID 19 prevention the level of occupational burnout and occupational stress of border guards were generally low. The occupational burnout was mainly affected by occupational stress and fear of the epidemic.

Prevention， Treatment， and Recuperation of Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Variants by Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Idea of Epidemic Prevention of Jiangnan Medical School / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Because of the frequent occurrence of epidemics in Jiangnan since ancient times， the local medical schools have accumulated rich experience in epidemic prevention， among which Yushan medical school， Wumen medical school， and Qiantang medical school are famous. The physicians have inherited the theory in Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases and developed the therapies for febrile diseases. Adhering to the idea of integrating cold and febrile diseases， the physicians in Jiangnan flexibly adapt ZHANG Zhongjing's theory by combining regional climate， patient physique and other factors to explain the pathogenesis， which is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of epidemics. Therefore， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has demonstrated good curative effect on coronavirus disease-2019 （COVID-19） in China. However， the SARS-CoV-2 variants （Delta and Omicron） characterized by strong infectivity， pathogenicity， and immune escape capacity keep emerging， which bring great challenges to the global prevention and control of this pandemic. To this end， we studied the ways of Jiangnan medical school for the prevention and treatment of epidemics， reviewed the evolution of TCM treatment protocols for COVID-19， and summarized China's experience in fighting against the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Further， we explored the measures of TCM in treating SARS-CoV-2 variants from prevention， treatment， and rehabilitation according to the theory for epidemic prevention of Jiangnan medical school. This paper provides reference for the prevention and treatment of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant and facilitates the development of TCM epidemiology.

Efficacy of Fuzheng Huayu Tablets for Treating Pulmonary Inflammation in COVID-19 Patients / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the efficacy and safety of Fuzheng Huayu tablets （FHT） for treating pulmonary inflammation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19）. MethodA total of 70（4 cases were lost to follow-up, and 66 cases were finally completed） COVID-19 patients were recruited from February 1 to April 15 in 2020. They were assigned to a control group （35 patients） and a FHT group （31 patients）. The patients in the control group received routine treatment alone and those in the FHT group received FHT in addition to routine treatment. The primary outcome was the ratio of patients showing improvement in chest computed tomographic manifestations after 14 days. The secondary outcome measures included remission rate or progression rate of critical illness， clinical remission rate of respiratory symptoms， routine blood examination， C-reactive protein （CPR） level， procalcitonin （PCT） level， and blood oxygen saturation （SPO2）. The safety was assessed based on liver and kidney functions and adverse events. ResultAfter the 14-day treatment， the ratio of patients showing improvement in the FHT group （100%） was higher than that in the control group （77.1%） （χ2=8.063，P<0.01）. The ratio of disease stages after treatment showed no significant difference between two groups. In the FHT group， the symptoms including cough， dyspnea， and fatigue were alleviated after treatment （P<0.01）. In the control group， the symptoms including fever， cough， and dyspnea were alleviated （P<0.01）， while the fatigue was not relieved after treatment. No significant difference was observed in the clinical symptoms between the two groups after treatment. After treatment， the FHT group showed decreased white blood cell （WBC） count and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio （NLR） （P<0.01）， elevated platelet （PLT） level （P<0.05）， lowered CRP level （P<0.05）， and no significant difference in lymphocyte （LYM）， hemoglobin （Hb）， SPO2 or PCT level. The control group showed decreased NLR （P<0.05） and WBC count （P<0.01）， elevated PCT level （P<0.05）， and no significant change in LYM， Hb， PLT， SPO2 or CRP level after treatment. Furthermore， the FHT group had higher PLT level than the control group （P<0.05） after treatment， and other indicators had no significant differences between the two groups. The liver and kidney functions had no significant difference between the two groups after treatment. ConclusionFHT can safely promote the absorption of acute pulmonary inflammation in COVID-19 patients.

Significance of "Qingfei" and "Paidu" of Qingfei Paidu Decoction in Treatment of COVID-19 / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has played an important role in the prevention and treatment of novel coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19）. Qingfei Paidu decoction，as a general prescription of Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol for Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia from the sixth to eighth versions，has been proved effective clinically and is suitable for mild，moderate，severe，and critical patients. It can significantly improve clinical symptoms such as fever， cough，asthma，fatigue， etc. On the basis of the findings of relevant research papers，this paper summarized the TCM understanding of COVID-19， including etiology，pathogenesis， disease location， and treatment，and concluded that the disease is caused by the pestilential Qi，localized in the lungs， and can affect the five organs. It is mainly characterized by coldness，dampness，heat，toxicity，stasis，and deficiency. In response to the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease，the therapeutic principles at all stages are dominated by the elimination of pathogens and removal of toxicity. According to the stages of disease development，the treatment should combine the severity of the disease and the course of the disease with the TCM syndromes. Furthermore，from the clinical application of Qingfei Paidu decoction，this paper discussed the therapeutic intention of "Qingfei （clearing of lungs）" and "Paidu （removal of toxicity）". Qingfei Paidu decoction can clear the pathogenic toxin in the lungs and eliminate external pestilential Qi，which is in line with the therapeutic principles for this pandemic by regulating the triple energizer and protecting healthy Qi using both coldness and warmth to treat both the symptoms and the root cause. Additionally，the experimental research progress on Qingfei Paidu decoction and its modified prescriptions were summarized. As studied， this prescription can inhibit cytokine storm，moderate the overactive immune response，potentiate the immune function and anti-viral ability of the body，and exert its effect on COVID-19 with multiple components，multiple targets，multiple pathways， and multiple biological functions. In conclusion，Qingfei Paidu decoction，as a core prescription for the treatment of COVID-19，can rapidly contain the development of COVID-19， which has been confirmed in terms of TCM theory，clinical efficacy， and experimental research.

Clinical Efficacy of Modified Sanxiaoyin in Treatment of Mild or Moderate COVID-19 Patients： Based on Retrospective Analysis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo retrospectively analyze the clinical data of 52 patients with coronavirus disease-2019 （COVID-19） and explore the clinical efficacy of modified Sanxiaoyin on mild/moderate COVID-19 patients. MethodThe propensity score matching method was used to collect the clinical data of mild or moderate COVID-19 patients enrolled in the designated hospital of the Second Hospital of Jingzhou from December 2019 to May 2020. A total of 26 eligible patients who were treated with modified Sanxiaoyin were included in the observation group， and the 26 patients treated with conventional method were the regarded as the control. The disappearance of clinical symptoms， disappearance time of main symptoms， efficacy on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptoms， hospitalization duration， laboratory test indicators， and CT imaging changes in the two groups were compared. ResultThe general data in the two groups were insignificantly different and thus they were comparable. After 7 days of treatment， the disappearance rate of fever， cough， fatigue， dry throat， anorexia， poor mental state， and poor sleep quality in the observation group was higher than that in the control group （P<0.05）， and the difference in the disappearance rate of expectoration and chest distress was insignificant. For the cases with the disappearance of symptoms， the main symptoms （fever， cough， fatigue， dry throat， anorexia， chest distress） disappeared earlier in the observation group than in the control group （P<0.01）. After 7 days of treatment， the scores of the TCM symptom scale of both groups decreased （P<0.01）， and the decrease of the observation group was larger that of the control group （P<0.01）. All patients in the two groups were cured and discharged. The average hospitalization duration in the observation group ［（12.79±2.68） d］ was shorter than that in the control group ［（15.27±3.11） d］ （P<0.01）. The effective rate in the observation group （92.31%， 24/26） was higher than that in the control group （76.92%， 20/26） . After 7 days of treatment， the lymphocyte （LYM） count increased （P<0.05）， and white blood cell （WBC） count and neutrophil （NEUT） count decreased insignificantly in the two groups. Moreover， levels of C-reactive protein （CRP）， erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR）， and procalcitonin （PCT） reduced in the two groups after treatment （P<0.01） and the reduction in the observation group was larger than that in the control group （P<0.01）. Through 7 days of treatment， the total effective rate on pulmonary shadow in the observation group （90.00%， 18/20） was higher than that in the control group （77.27%， 17/22） （P>0.05） and the improvement of lung shadow in the observation group was better than that in the control group （P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Sanxiaoyin can significantly alleviate fever， cough， fatigue， anorexia， chest distress， poor sleep quality， and other symptoms of patients with mild or moderate COVID-19， improve biochemical indicators， and promote the recovery of lung function. This paper provides clinical evidence for the application of modified Sanxiaoyin in the treatment of mild or moderate COVID-19.