Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious respiratory disease that has been prevalent since December 2019. Chinese medicine (CM) has demonstrated its unique advantages in the fight against COVID-19 in the areas of disease prevention, improvement of clinical symptoms, and control of disease progression. This review summarized the relevant material components of CM in the treatment of COVID-19 by searching the relevant literature and reports on CM in the treatment of COVID-19 and combining with the physiological and pathological characteristics of the novel coronavirus. On the basis of sorting out experimental methods in vivo and in vitro, the mechanism of herb action was further clarified in terms of inhibiting virus invasion and replication and improving related complications. The aim of the article is to explore the strengths and characteristics of CM in the treatment of COVID-19, and to provide a basis for the research and scientific, standardized treatment of COVID-19 with CM.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects* ; COVID-19/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology* ; Animals

Ten compounds were isolated and purified from the dichloromethane extract of stems of Ephedra intermedia by various chromatographic methods. Based on the analysis of physicochemical properties and spectral data, the structures of the ten compounds were identified as 1-allyl-3,4-dimethoxy-benzene-5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), lyoniresinol (2), secoisolariciresinol (3), 4,3′,4′-trihydroxy-3-methoxylignan-9,9′-diyldiacetate (4), dehydroconiferyl alcohol (5), isocubebin (6), balanophonin B (7), sesquipinsapol B (8), crataegifin A (9), 1-(2-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)-7-methoxy-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl)ethan-1-one (10). Compound 1 is a new compound, named as 1-allyl-3,4-dimethhoxy-benzene-5-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl, compounds 2-10 are lignans and isolated from this plant for the first time. Compound 3, 4, 8 possess potentially anti-asthmatic activities.

Objective Corruption is the most common cadaver phenomenon in forensic practice and an important basis for inferring time of death(PMI),but the definition of corruption degree and the construction of model inference models have always been difficult in the practice of forensic science.Methods In this study,the late postmortem phenomena were observed.Meanwhile,the microbial flora structure of gut and gravesoil and the nature of gravesoil were detected,for analyzing the changes before and after the key moment of abdominal rupture which naturally happened during the cadaver decay.Results The results found that from the macroscopic and microscopic levels,there were significant differences in cadaver decay,including microbial flora structure and gravesoil properties before and after the key moment of the natural abdominal rupture during cadaver decay.The phenomena are highly observable and can be accurately judged by forensic examinations,as well as related means in the field of biology and physiochemistry.In this study,this critical event was called Rupture Point.Conclusion The Rupture Point can be used as an important node for the assessment of cadaver decay degree in the practice of forensic medicine.It can be utilized for a cut-off point as well when constructing PMI inference models based on microbial flora structure changes.The accuracy of PMI inference models can be improved when the models were constructed in segments.

Objective At present, the grading evaluation of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC) is still a focus and difficulty in related fields. Electroencephalogram (EEG) can directly read and continuously reflect scalp electrical activity generated by brain tissue structure, with high temporal resolution. Auditory stimulation is easy to operate and has broad application prospects in clinical detection of DOC. The causal network can intuitively reflect the direction of information transmission through the causal relationship between time series, helping us better understand the information interaction between different regions of the brain of patients. This paper combines EEG and causal networks to explore the differences in brain functional connectivity between patients with unresponsive arousal syndrome (VS) and those with minimum state of consciousness (MCS) under auditory stimulation. MethodsA total of 23 DOC patients were included, including 11 MCS patients and 12 VS patients. Based on the Oddball paradigm, auditory naming stimulation was performed on DOC patients and EEG signals of DOC patients were synchronously collected. The brain functional networks were constructed using multivariate Granger causality method, and the differences in node degree, clustering coefficient, global efficiency, and causal flow of the brain networks between MCS patients and VS patients were calculated. The differences in network characteristics of patients with different levels of consciousness under auditory stimulation were compared from the perspective of cooperation between brain regions. ResultsThe causal connectivity between most brain regions in MCS patients was stronger than that in VS patients, and MCS patients had more brain network connectivity edges than VS patients. The average degree (P<0.05), average clustering coefficient, and global efficiency (P<0.05) of MCS patients under naming stimulation were higher than those of VS patients. The difference in out-degree between each node of VS patients was larger, and the difference in in-degree between each node of MCS patients was smaller. The difference in in-degree of MCS patients was more significant than that of VS patients, and the inflow and outflow of information in the brain functional network of MCS patients were stronger than those of VS patients. MCS and VS patients had differences of causal flow in the frontal and temporal lobes, the direction of information transmission in the parietal lobe and central region was not the same, and MCS patients had more electrodes as causal sources than VS patients. ConclusionThe information transmission ability of MCS patients is stronger than that of VS patients under auditory naming stimulation. Compared with VS patients, MCS patients have an increase in the number of electrode channels as the causal source, an increase in information output to other brain regions, and also an increase in the information output within brain regions, which may indicate a better state of consciousness in patients. MCS patients have more electrode channels for information output in the frontal lobe than VS patients, and the number of electrode channels for changing the direction of information transmission in the frontal lobe is the highest. The frontal lobe is closely related to the level of consciousness in patients with consciousness disorders. This study can provide a theoretical basis for the grading evaluation of consciousness levels in DOC patients.

AIM To explore the clinical effects of comprehensive treatment regimen of traditional Chinese medicine on patients with refractory rhinosinusitis.METHODS One hundred and sixty-four patients were randomly assigned into control group(82 cases)for 3-month intervention of comprehensive treatment regimen of western medicine(Physiological Seawater Nasal Spray,Budesonide Nasal Spray,Clarithromycin Tablets),and observation group(82 cases)for 3-month intervention of comprehensive treatment regimen of traditional Chinese medicine(Xinzhi Tongqiao Granules,Xinbai Nasal Fumigation Powder,acupuncture of sphenopalatine ganglion).The changes in clinical effects,subjective disease indices(clinical symptom scores,SNOT-20 score,Lung Meridian Heat Accumulation Syndrome score),objective disease indices(Lund-Kennedy score,T&T olfactory score,MTT,MTR),inflammatory indices(LTC4,IL-17a,IL-33,ECP),immune indices(CD4+,CD8+,Treg,Th17,CD4+/CD8+,Th17/Treg)and safety indices were detected.RESULTS The observation group demonstrated higher total control rate than the control group(P＜0.05).After the treatment and at 3-month follow-up,the two groups displayed decreased clinical symptom scores,inflammatory indices,CD8+,Th17,Th17/Treg,SNOT-20 score,Lung Meridian Heat Accumulation Syndrome score,Lund-Kennedy score,T&T olfactory score(P＜0.05),increased CD4+,Treg,CD4+/CD8+,MTR(P＜0.05),and shortened MTT(P＜0.05),especially for the observation group(P＜0.05).No obvious adverse reactions were observable in the two groups.CONCLUSION For the patients with refractory rhinosinusitis,the comprehensive treatment regimen of traditional Chinese medicine can safely and effectively improve inflammatory responses,immune functions and mucociliary motor functions,repair the status and functions of nasal mucosa,alleviate subjective and objective symptoms,and enhance life quality.

Objective To clarify and analyze the reasons for failure in screening healthy menopausal female in a bioequivalence trial.Methods To summarize and clarify the data of 185 healthy menopausal female subjects participating in a bioequivalence trial of estradiol valerate conducted,and summarize the reasons for screening failure.Results The main reasons for screening failure include laboratory tests(32.04％),gynecological transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound(16.57％),vital signs(14.36％),chest computed tomography(CT,11.60％),and medical history/medication history(7.73％).Conclusion Screening failures in healthy menopausal female subjects were characterized mainly by abnormal gynecological transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound and non-compliance with basal hormone levels compared to generally healthy subjects.

The construction method and simulation parameter settings for the discrete element model of Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules, as the primary material of Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, are not yet clear. The accuracy of the simulation model significantly influences the dynamic response characteristics between granules. Therefore, it is necessary to calibrate the parameters to improve the accuracy of the simulation parameters. Using the repose angle of Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules as the response value, the response surface methodology was employed to optimize and calibrate the discrete element parameters. Physical experiments were conducted to determine the physical properties of Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules. Based on the Hertz-Mindlin with Johnson-Kendall-Roberts(JKR) V2 model and virtual simulation methods, a repose angle determination model was constructed in EDEM software. The repose angle was measured using image analysis and numerical fitting methods. The Plackett-Burman experiment was used to screen the initial parameters for significance in the discrete element simulation. The significant parameters were then subjected to a steepest ascent experiment to determine the optimal parameter range. Furthermore, based on the Box-Behnken experiment, a second-order regression equation between significant parameters and repose angle was established, with the repose angle of 37.64° in the physical experiment as the target value. The regression equation was optimized and solved. The significance screening experiment revealed that the granule-granule static friction coefficient, granule-granule rolling friction, and granule-steel plate rolling friction of Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules significantly influenced the simulated repose angle. The optimal parameter combination was found to be 0.330, 0.222, and 0.229. The simulation results with this optimal parameter combination showed that there was no significant difference between the simulated repose angle and the repose angle obtained in the physical experiment, with a relative error of 0.05%, which further validated the reliability of the calibrated discrete element parameters for Jianwei Xiaoshi Granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Calibration ; Computer Simulation

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

In the digital transformation of Chinese pharmaceutical industry, how to efficiently govern and analyze industrial data and excavate the valuable information contained therein to guide the production of drug products has always been a research hotspot and application difficulty. Generally, the Chinese pharmaceutical technique is relatively extensive, and the consistency of drug quality needs to be improved. To address this problem, we proposed an optimization method combining advanced calculation tools(e.g., Bayesian network, convolutional neural network, and Pareto multi-objective optimization algorithm) with lean six sigma tools(e.g., Shewhart control chart and process performance index) to dig deeply into historical industrial data and guide the continuous improvement of pharmaceutical processes. Further, we employed this strategy to optimize the manufacturing process of sporoderm-removal Ganoderma lucidum spore powder. After optimization, we preliminarily obtained the possible interval combination of critical parameters to ensure the P_(pk) values of the critical quality properties including moisture, fineness, crude polysaccharide, and total triterpenes of the sporoderm-removal G. lucidum spore powder to be no less than 1.33. The results indicate that the proposed strategy has an industrial application value.
Bayes Theorem ; Data Mining ; Drug Industry ; Powders ; Reishi ; Spores, Fungal

COVID-19 has been prevalent for three years. The virulence of SARS-CoV-2 is weaken as it mutates continuously. However, elderly patients, especially those with underlying diseases, are still at high risk of developing severe infections. With the continuous study of the molecular structure and pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2, antiviral drugs for COVID-19 have been successively marketed, and these anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs can effectively reduce the severe rate and mortality of elderly patients. This article reviews the mechanism, clinical medication regimens, drug interactions and adverse reactions of five small molecule antiviral drugs currently approved for marketing in China, so as to provide advice for the clinical rational use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in the elderly.