Objective: Ban Fenghe recorded in the Quality Standard of Yao Medicine of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Volume 1) is derived from the dried stems and leaves of Semiliquidambar cathayensis. It is usually confused with medicinal herbs from Pterospermum heterophyllum and Dendropanax dentiger. However, they are very different in chemical composition, and should not be used as the same drug. To ensure their safety and efficacy, a method based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics was developed to distinguish them. Methods: A total of 14 batches of Ban Fenghe samples from three species were collected from different producing areas in China. The macroscopic characteristics were examined by observing external traits. The tissue structures of transverse sections of stems and leaves, the leaf epidermis, and the powder were observed microscopically. Results: The branchlets and leaf surfaces of S. cathayensis and P. heterophyllum were hairy, especially the lower leaf surfaces of P. heterophyllum were densely covered with hairs, but those of D. dentiger were hairless. The pericyclic fibers of S. cathayensis stems were intermittently distributed in a circular shape and accompanied by stone cells, whereas those of P. heterophyllum and D. dentiger were bundled without stone cells. So stone cells and hairs were present in S. cathayensis powder, stone cells were not found in P. heterophyllum and D. dentiger powder, and hairs were not present in D. dentiger powder. The distribution sites, sizes and types of secretory tissues of these three species were also different in transverse sections of stems and leaves. Stomata on the lower epidermis of S. cathayensis leaves were paracytic, whereas those of P. heterophyllum and D. dentiger were anomocytic. Conclusion: Ban Fenghe drugs derived from S. cathayensis could readily be distinguished from those of P. heterophyllum and D. dentiger by macroscopic and microscopic features.

Objective: To study the clinical features and treatment of children with influenza, and provide evidence for clinical screening and appropriate treatment timely. Methods: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory features and drug therapy of 978 pediatric patients with influenza in Beijing New Century International Children's Hospital in 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among the 978 pediatric patients with influenza, 90.8%were outpatients, while 9.92% were inpatients. The incidence was the highest in winter (85.28%). The age of most cases ranged from 1 to 5 years (57.16%). The cases with type A influenza accounted for 81.29%. High fever (99.59%) and cough (85.89%) were the two main symptoms. The average count of WBC was 6.86±2.68×10⁹/L, lymphocyte percentage was lower than the proportion of neutrophils. CRP was normal (66.16%) or slightly-increased (19.00± 15.12 mg/l). Compared with type A influenza, digestive tract symptoms were more common in cases with type B (P=0.000). Analysis of 97 hospitalized cases: the main diagnosis was lower respiratory tract infection (71.13%). Nearly 23.71% cases had been detected to have combined infection with other pathogenic agents. Course of fever in cases who started taking oseltamivir after fever of 48 hours was significantly longer than those who took within 48 hours (P=0.000). Seven severe pneumonia cases were mainly in young children, cases with underlying disease or mixed infection, they were all cured by active and comprehensive therapy. Conclusions Influenza in children is characterized by high fever and cough, digestive tract symptoms frequently occurred in patients with type B influenza. Early application of oseltamivir could signficantly shorten the period of fever. Severe cases should be given active and comprehensive treatments.