The electrophysiological features of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis in a young male: a case report

This case report describes the detailed electrophysiological features and the corresponding relationship with the structural changes in a case of X-linked juvenile retinoschisis (XLRS). A 25-year-old male presented with a history of several years of decreased visual acuity in both eyes. The best corrected visual acuity was 20/200 in oculus dexter (OD) and 20/80 in oculus sinister. Retinoschisis was found in the macula by optical coherence tomography, which was more severe in OD. Electroretinogram revealed a similar electronegative waveform in both eyes. Visual evoked potential detected a reduced amplitude and delayed phase in P100-wave, which was worse in OD. The patient was diagnosed as XLRS and advised to undergo continuous medical observation. He was followed up for the next year, with no significant change in retinal function and structure being observed. These current findings suggest that electrophysiology permits the detailed analysis of the clinical picture of XLRS and helps to gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis.

Epidemic prevention strategies for COVID-19 key populations

Backgroud: Since 2021, all outbreaks of COVID-19 within mainland China have been associated with imported cases from abroad. The outbreak in Putian, Fujian province, occurred without obvious loopholes in the implementation of epidemic prevention, indicating loopholes in the current epidemic prevention strategies in mainland China. The loopholes should be identified and the epidemic prevention strategies should be improved as soon as possible.Methods: Is there a need to further extend the medical observation period and community health surveillance period for key populations? Is there a need to increase the number of nucleic acid screenings? Is there a need to change the methods of extraction of nucleic acid screening samples? Is there a need to expand the scope of the population for routine epidemic prevention surveillance? The analysis of these questions would contribute to the improvement of the COVID-19 epidemic prevention strategies.Results: There are larger outbreaks following the current intensive isolation medical observation period and community health surveillance period, the phenomenon shows that the loopholes in the assessment of cross-infection risk and health surveillance in China's current COVID-19 prevention and control strategies, especially during health surveillance after the entry of undetected infected individuals into the community when they emerge during isolation medical observation, and during health surveillance in the community for those who regain positive status after case cure.Conclusions: The key points to improve epidemic prevention strategies includ that a scientific and rational assessment around the mean incubation period, cross-infection risk, and surveillance efficiency of COVID-19, and updating routine epidemic prevention surveillance measures for key populations, recently cured patients of COVID-19, and immersion populations. Keywords: COVID-19, epidemic prevention strategy, incubation period, cross-infection

Efficacy and Safety of Lianhuaqingwen Capsules for the Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Prospective Open-Label Controlled Trial

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic. Community and close contact exposures continue to drive the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no confirmed effective treatment for suspected cases and close contacts. Lianhuaqingwen (LH) capsules, a repurposed Chinese herbal product that is currently on the market, have proven effective for influenza and COVID-19. To determine the safety and efficacy of LH capsules for the prevention of COVID-19, we conducted a prospective open-label controlled trial of LH capsules on subjects who had close contact with people infected with COVID-19. Subjects received LH capsules (4 capsules, three times daily) or the usual medical observation for 14 days. The primary endpoint was the rate of positive nucleic acid tests of nasal and pharyngeal swabs during the quarantine medical observation period. We included 1976 patients, including 1101 in the treatment group and 875 in the control group. The rate of positive nucleic acid tests in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.27% vs. 1.14%, respectively; mean difference: −0.87%; 95% CI: −1.83 to −0.13; p = 0.0174 ) during the quarantine medical observation period (14 days). Among subjects with different close contact states, there was no significant difference in the rate of positive nucleic acid test results among close contacts in the treatment group and the control group (6.45% vs. 11.43%, respectively; p = 0.6762 ). Among secondary close contacts, the rate of positive nucleic acid tests in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (0.09% vs. 0.71%, respectively; p = 0.0485 ). No serious adverse events were reported. Taken together, and in light of the safety and effectiveness profiles, these results show that LH capsules can be considered to prevent the progression of COVID-19 after close contact with an infected person. This trial is registered with ChiCTR2100043012.

Recurrent SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity and prolonged viral shedding in a patient with COVID-19: a case report

Background The ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains a major threat to public health. At present, it is recommended that patients with known or suspected COVID-19 undergo quarantine or medical observation for 14 days. However, recurrent SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity and prolonged viral shedding have been documented in convalescent COVID-19 patients, complicating efforts to control viral spread and ensure patient recovery. Case presentation We report the case of a patient who experienced two recurrent episodes of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and IgM positivity and viral shedding over 60 days during hospitalization. Conclusions This case report demonstrates that relapses of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and IgM positivity may occur even after COVID-19 symptoms have resolved, possibly as a consequence of prolonged viral shedding rather than re-infection.

Medical management: a model for giving medical aid to children with infectious-inflammatory diseases of the urinary system

Increasing requirements of medical aid given to children with infectious-inflammatory diseases of the urinary system stipulate the necessity to improve its quality using evidence-based therapeutic-diagnostic and organization technologies. The aim of the work – to substantiate, develop the improved model of the specialized nephrology care for children with infectious inflammatory diseases of the urinary system at the regional level. The official statistical data have been studied (2006 to 2017); information-analytical and statistical methods have been used. A bacteriological study (2009–2016) of urine samples was carried out for 3089 children (0–17 years old) in the Chernivtsi region. They formed the foundation for substantiation and development of an improved functional-organizational model of the system. In addition to the existing and functionally changed elements contains new elements: regional/inter-regional center of specialized medical aid to children with infectious-inflammatory diseases of the urinary system. Implementation of the elements of the suggested improved model in a part of a rational approach in distribution of functions concerning medical observation of patients at the stages of giving medical aid enabled to make the period of hospitalization of nephrological patients 11,40% shorter and an average period of treatment of patients with infectious-inflammatory diseases of the urinary system 2,93% shorter.

Potential Mechanisms of Action of Chinese Patent Medicines for COVID-19: A Review

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an emergent infectious pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is highly contagious and pathogenic. COVID-19 has rapidly swept across the world since it was first discovered in December 2019 and has drawn significant attention worldwide. During the early stages of the outbreak in China, traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) were involved in the whole treatment process. As an indispensable part of TCM, Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) played an irreplaceable role in the prevention and treatment of this epidemic. Their use has achieved remarkable therapeutic efficacy during the period of medical observation and clinical treatment of mild, moderate, severe, and critical cases and during convalescence. In order to better propagate and make full use of the benefits of TCM in the treatment of COVID-19, this review will summarize the potential target of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the theoretical basis and clinical efficacy of recommended 22 CPMs by the National Health Commission and the Administration of TCM and local provinces or cities in the treatment of COVID-19. Additionally, the study will further analyze the drug composition, potential active ingredients, potential targets, regulated signaling pathways, and possible mechanisms for COVID-19 through anti-inflammatory and immunoregulation, antiviral, improve lung injury, antipyretic and organ protection to provide meaningful information about the clinical application of CPMs.

The effect of the synchronized multi-dimensional policies on imported COVID-19 curtailment in China

As countries are lifting restrictions and resuming international travels, the rising risk of COVID-19 importation remains concerning, given that the SARS-CoV-2 virus could be transmitted unintentionally through the global transportation network. To explore and assess the effective strategies for curtailing the epidemic risk from international importation nationwide, we evaluated “the joint prevention and control” mechanism, which made up of 19 containment policies, on how it impacted the change of medical observation and detection time from border arrival to laboratory confirmation of COVID-19 in its burst in China. Based on 1,314 epidemiological-survey cases from February 29 to May 25, 2020, we found that the synchronized approach of implementing multi-dimensional interventional policies, such as a centralized quarantine and nucleic acid testing (NAT), flight service adjustment and border closure, effectively facilitate early identification of infected case. Specifically, the implementation of the international flight service reduction was found to be associated with a reduction of the mean intervals of diagnosis from arrival to lab-confirmation by 0.44 days maximally, and the border closure was associated with a reduction of the diagnosis interval of imported cases by 0.69 days, from arrival to laboratory confirmation. The study suggests that a timely and synchronized implementation of multi-dimensional policies is compelling in preventing domestic spreading from importation.

Acute leukemia and stem cell transplantation

Acute leukemias are a type of clonal proliferative malignancies that affect all ages with a predominance of ALL in children and AML in adults. Left untreated they are lethal and require rapid medical management. Not only it imposes high health risks through complications such as infections, but the treatment itself is also a source of potential risks. Acute leukemias require intense medical observation and care. Current treatment consists of a combination of chemotherapeutic agents, stem cell transplantation and supportive care. Recent research offers a better understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases and provide an advancement in the field of targeted therapeutic agents.