[Investigation on Angiostrongylus cantonensis Infection in Rodents in Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province].

Objective: To investigate the Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in rodents in Zhangzhou City and provide basis for control the disease. Methods: Eighteen villages in 4 counties, which located in coastal and mountain regions of rodent breeding, were selected between 2013-2015. Rodents were collected by cage trapping, and organs of heart and lungs were prepared for microscopic examination of A. cantonensis after identification of the species and age of the rodent. The infection rate was calculated and correlation between natural environment and the infection rate was analyzed. Results: A total of 1 551 rodents were collected and identified to be Rattus flavipectus, R. norvegicus, Sorex araneus, Mus musculus and R. lossea with a high-to-low ranking of R. flavipectus（41.8%）, R. norvegicus（28.4%） and S. araneus（20.9%）. The overall infection mice was 9.2%（142/1 551）. The infection rates of R. norvegicus and R. flavipectus were 13.2%（58/441） and 11.4%（74/649） respectively, both significantly higher than that of Sorex araneusï¼»1.5%（5/323）］, Mus musculusï¼»1.4%（1/74）］ and R. losseaï¼»6.3%（4/63）］ （P<0.05）. The infection rate in the costal regions was 12.4%（83/668）, significantly higher than that in the mountain regions（6.68%, 59/883）（χ2=15.083, P<0.05）. Moreover, in contrast with the significant difference in the infection rate between hilly（9.2%, 46/499） and mountainous areas（3.4%, 13/384）, there the infection rate showed no significant difference between coastal flatland（12.7%, 53/416） and coastal hilly areas（11.9%, 30/252） （χ2=2.264, P>0.05）. In addition, 696 adult worms were found in 142 infected rodents. These worms mainly located in the pulmonary artery（94.3%）, then and the heart （5.7%）. There was also no significant difference in infection rate between male（9.2%, 73/795） and female rodents（9.1%, 69/756） （P>0.05）. Conclusion: R. flavipectus and R. norvegicus are the important reservoir hosts for A. cantonensis in Zhangzhou. The infection rate in different species of rodents varies in different ecological environments.

[A new species of the genus Nanhaipotamon (Decapoda:Potamidae) serving as intermediate host of Paragonimus skrjabini].

OBJECTIVE: To describe a new species of the genus Nanhaipotamon. METHODS: Freshwater crabs were collected in the counties of Yongtai, Minqing, Youxi, Songxi, Zhenghe and Shouning, Fujian Province. The morphological characteristics of the crabs were described. The habitats were observed and crabs examined for the presence of Paragonimus metacerariae. RESULTS: A new species of freshwater crabs named as Nanhaipotamon fujianense sp. nov. was described: holotype (FJ6132-1): male, carapace length 18.44 mm, breadth 23.64 mm, thickness 12.61 mm; allotype (FJ6132-2): female, length 18.76 mm, breadth 25.25 mm, thicknes 14.31 mm, collected from Yongtai County in the middle of Fujian (N 25 degrees 44,778'; E118 degrees 32,278', and 232 m above sea lever). Distal segment of the first male pleopod with triangle convex inner-distal angle, and the axe-like expanded out-distal angle. The out-lateral border slightly sloped downwards. The segment length is 2.1 times as long as the subdistal segment. The crabs usually lived in the crevice of small stream. Paragonimus metacerariae were found in the crabs collected from Yongtai, Minqing, Youxi, Songxi and Zhenghe Counties. CONCLUSION: A new species of freshwater crab (Nanhaipotamon fujianense sp. nov.) has been recorded which serves as the intermediate hosts of Paragonimus skrjabini.

[Clinical efficacy of fire needling combined with cupping therapy on herpes zoster of acute stage and the effect on Th17/Treg cellular immune balance].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy between the combined therapy of fire needling and cupping, and western medication on herpes zoster of acute stage, as well as the effects on Th17 and Treg cells and inflammatory factors, i.e. IL-10 and IL-17 in the peripheral blood. METHODS: Eighty patients with herpes zoster of acute stage were randomly divided into a combined therapy (fire needling plus cupping) group and a western medication group, 40 cases in each one. In the combined therapy group, the pricking and scattering techniques with fire needle were used at ashi points and Jiaji (EX-B 2) corresponding to the affected spinal segments; afterwards, cupping therapy was delivered. The combined treatment was given once daily. In the western medication group, valaciclovir hydrochloride tablet and vitamin B1 tablet were administered orally. The duration of treatment in each group was 10 days. Before each treatment from day 1 to day 10 and on day 11 , the score of symptoms and physical signs was observed in the two groups separately. Before each treatment from day 1 to day 10 and on day 11, 30, 60, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) and skin lesion indexes were observed in the two groups. On day 60, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia was recorded in the two groups. The levels of Th17 and Treg cells, Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were detected before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: From day 6 to day 10 during treatment and on day 11, the scores of symptoms and physical signs in the combined therapy group were lower than those of the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On day 3, day 6 to day 10 during treatment and day 11, day 30, VAS scores in the combined therapy group were lower than those of the western medication group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On day 60, the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia in the combined therapy group was lower compared with that in the western medication group (P<0.05). The blister arresting time and scabbing time in the combined therapy group were shorter than those of the western medication group (P<0.05). After treatment, the level of Th17, and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as the serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 were all lower in comparison with those in the western medication group (P<0.05). The curative and remarkably effective rate was 82.5% (33/40) in the combined therapy group, higher than 62.5% (25/40) in the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The early application of fire needling combined with cupping therapy can effectively treat herpes zoster of acute stage, relieve pain, and reduce the incidence of postherpetic neuralgia, which may be related to reducing the levels of Th17 and Treg cells, and Th17/Treg ratio in the peripheral blood, as well as the serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17 so that the cellular immune balance is modulated.

[A new species of the genus Nanhaipotamon (Decapoda: Potamidae) from China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the species of freshwater crabs in Fujian Province, China. METHODS: Fresh-water crabs were collected in Pingtan County of Fujian Province. The morphological characteristics of the crabs and the habitats were observed. The crab morphology was described and crabs examined for the presence of Paragonimus metacercariae. RESULTS: A new species of freshwater crabs named Nanhaipotamon pingtanense sp. nov. was obtained, holotype (FJ6133,1): male, carapace length 36.1 mm, breadth 46.8 mm, thickness 26.7 mm; allotype (FJ6133,2): female, carapace length 33.9 mm, breadth 42.7 mm, thickness 25.4 mm, collected from Pingtan County (N 26 degrees 52.958'; E 119 degrees 58.722', and 16-47 m above sea lever). Distal segment of the first male pleopod with squarish-rounded inner-distal angle, and the comparatively stout out-distal angle's end narrowed. The out-lateral border sloped downwards, concave situated in the middle. The segment length is 2.3 times as long as the subdistal segment. This species usually lived in the ditch and hid in mud hole. Paragonimus metacercariae were not found. CONCLUSION: A new species of Nanhaipotamon collected from Pingtan County of Fujian Province were described, and named as Nanhaipotamon pingtanense.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in the clinical application of "Dayingxiang"].

The paper introduces professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion at "Dayingxiang". Based on the application of Neiyingxiang (internal LI 20), professor LIN defines the entire nasal cavity and its adjacent nasopharynx as "Dayingxiang", of which, "Neiyingxiang" and "Biyandian" (nasopharynx point) are commonly stimulated with acupuncture-moxibustion. "Dayingxiang" may regulate lung qi and promote the circulation of the marrow sea in treatment of the disorders of lung system and the marrow. Fire needling with twirling or burning-scallion technique is predominated in manipulation. "Neiyingxiang" is stimulated for the shallow-located disorders, while, "Biyandian" is for the deep-located ones. These two points are optioned alternatively or in combination to enhance the therapeutic effect.

Acupuncture for improving a case of widespread herpes zoster after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster presents as clustered blisters on one side of the body, accompanied by nerve pain. This is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, and it occurs primarily in people with weakened immunity. Tumor and chemotherapy drugs can impair the patient's immune function, induce herpes zoster and prolong the course of disease.In these patients, skin changes can last for months and blisters can recur and cause serious complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.Acupuncture is a common alternative therapy for herpes zoster in East Asia. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of an elderly male patient with widespread herpes zoster in the trunk after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma chemotherapy. The patient had received conventional treatment with valaciclovir and mecobalamin within 24 hours of symptom onset. Because neither the clustered blisters nor the nerve pain were improved a week later, acupuncture and related techniques were applied. These included electro-acupuncture, surrounding acupuncture, fire acupuncture, and cupping. The patient recovered 20 days after the herpes zoster attack, and there were no adverse reactions during the treatment process. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that acupuncture and related techniques are effective interventions for this condition.This case report is innovative because it shows that acupuncture as an adjuvant treatment can improve the skin lesions in patients with HZ after tumour chemotherapy, relieve pain, and shorten the course of HZ.

Morning Versus Evening Dosing of Sublingual Immunotherapy in Allergic Asthma: A Prospective Study.

Background: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been proved to be an effective and safe treatment for allergic asthma (AS) in children. Nonetheless, several issues regarding SLIT remain to be resolved, including the information about optimal administration timing. Methods: A total of 163 AS children aged 4-13 years were enrolled and randomized into the morning dosing (MD) group and the evening dosing (ED) group. Participants received SLIT with Dermatophagoides farinae drops between 7:00 a. m. and 9:00 a.m. (for the MD group) or between 8:00 p. m. and 10:00 p.m. (for the ED group). The total asthma symptom score (TASS), total asthma medicine score (TAMS), Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/forced volume vital capacity (FVC), fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and adverse events (AEs) were assessed at baseline, 0.5 and 1 year during the 1-year SLIT. Results: After 1 year, 62 patients in the MD group and 63 patients in the ED group completed the entire study. The clinical efficacy, pulmonary function and FeNO in both groups improved significantly at 0.5 and 1 year (p < 0.001). Compared to the MD group, the ED group showed significant lower ACQ score at 0.5 year (p < 0.001) and lower FeNO at 1 year (p < 0.05). No significant difference between two groups was observed in AE rate (p > 0.05). All AEs occurred in the first month, with no systemic AEs reported. Conclusion: 1-year house dust mite (HDM) SLIT is effective and well-tolerated in AS children regardless of administration time. SLIT dosing in the evening might enhance the asthma control level and reduce FeNO level compared with SLIT dosing in the morning.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience in staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia].

The paper summarizes professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience in staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. Professor LIN Guo-hua adheres to "essence and marrow deficiency and primary yang decline" as the pathogenesis and "conducting yin from yang " as the treating principle. By regulating the conception vessel and the governor vessel and focusing on yang meridians, in association with meridian differentiation and the location differentiation, professor LIN provides the staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. At the oral phase, yangming is dysfunction, manifested as facial paralysis and flaccid tongue. In treatment, reducing method is predominated at yangming meridian specially. At the pharyngeal phase, shaoyang is invaded by pathogens, manifested as pivoting dysfunction. The treatment focuses on communicating the exterior with the interior and promoting shaoyang meridian. At the esophageal phase, yangming meridian is deficiency and the turbid qi fails to descend, thus the reinforcing method is dominated to promote and tonify yangming. Additionally, the kinesiotherapy of acupuncture is assisted and the Lingnan fire needling therapy is used particularly. All of the summaries above provide the reference for the clinical treatment of post-stroke dysphagia.

[Lingnan fire needling combined with 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops in the treatment of xerophthalmia: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Lingnan fire needling combined with artificial tears in the treatment of xerophthalmia. METHODS: A total of 86 xerophthalmia patients were equally and randomly divided into treatment group and control group. The patients of both groups were received treatment with 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops in their eyes 3 times a day, one drop in each eye. In addition, the patients of treatment group also treated by Lingnan fire needling on bilateral Shaoze (SI1), Neichengqi and beside lacrimal puncta once a week. The treatment was conducted for 4 consecutive weeks. Before and after 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical efficacy, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, ocular symptom score, OSDI score, fluorescence staining （FL） score, schemer I, tear menisci height, tear film break-up time (BUT) and eye redness index were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: After the treatment, self-comparison showed that the symptom score, OSDI score, FL score and eye redness index were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and BUT was notably increased in both groups (P<0.05) in comparison with their own pre-treatment. The tear menisci height in the treatment group was higher than that before the treatment (P<0.05). Comparison between the two groups showed that the symptom score, OSDI score and eye redness index were obviously lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05), whereas the BUT and tear menisci height were evidently higher (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the treatment group was 84.88% (73/86), better than 76.74% (66/86) of the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Lingnan fire needling combined with 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drops is more effective than simple sodium hyaluronate eye drops for xerophthalmia patients, with significant curative effect and no adverse reactions.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in treating intractable sudden deafness with acupuncture and moxibustion].

Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience and medical record in the treatment of intractable sudden deafness with acupuncture is introduced. Professor LIN believes that this disease is mainly caused by the blockage of shaoyang meridians, and should be treated with acupuncture therapy as soon as possible. According to the root cause and the pathogenesis of shaoyang blockage, the method of "soothing shaoyang, clearing the ear and opening the orifices" is adopted. In the treatment, Tinggong (SI 19) and acupoints in shaoyang meridians are selected as the main acupoints, and other acupoints based on meridian differentiation are selected as assisting acupoints. The manipulatingmethods of "fameng acupuncture" "blowing warm air into ear", and "Lingnan fire needling" are used synthetically. And qi and spirit are also regulated and front mu points are added if necessary to obtain satisfied effect of restore hearing.

[ZHANG Jia-wei's experience for treating press ulcer with fire-moxibustion].

To summarize ZHANG Jia-wei 's experience for treating press ulcer with fire-moxibustion. Through syndrome differentiation and examined factors, ZHANG Jia-wei believes that the disease is caused by qi deficiency and blood stasis, and advocates that the treatment should be weighed against deficiency and excess, and selection by stages. The cotton-moxibustion is used to diffusing and obstruction-removing qi and blood duingⅠstage of press ulcer. The Lingnan fire-needling is adopted for removing dampness, blood stasis and toxic substance to generate new muscles duringⅡand Ⅲ stage of press ulcer. Stage Ⅳof pressure ulcer and deep pressure ulcer should be treated with Taiyi moxa stick and aconite cake-separated moxibustion combined or alternately to expel toxin and grow muscles.

Auricular acupressure promotes uterine involution after cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum subinvolution of the uterus is a more common condition after cesarean section. Auricular acupressure (AA) is widely used for the treatment of postpartum diseases. However, few studies have explored the effects of AA as a treatment of uterine involution following cesarean section to date. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of AA for uterine involution after cesarean section. METHODS: A total of 109 women who underwent cesarean section participated in this study. They were randomly allocated to either real AA or sham AA in a 1:1 ratio by a computer program. For 3 days, the real AA and sham AA groups received treatment 3 times daily. A series of assessments at 42 days after cesarean section, namely on the uterine size, the incidence of hydrometra, the first anal exsufflation time, bleeding volume at 6 hours, bleeding volume at 6-24 hours along with other general assessments were carried out. RESULTS: A total of 89 women completed the study. The uterine size at 42 days after a cesarean section was 6.3 cm smaller in the real AA group than in the sham AA group (P < 0.01). The incidence of hydrometra on day 42 postpartum was lower in the real AA group than in the sham AA group (P < 0.01). The lochia duration and the first anal exsufflation time after cesarean section were shorter in the real AA group than in the sham AA group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AA improves uterine involution after cesarean section. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR1800015569.

[Two new species of freshwater crabs (Decapoda: Potamidae) serving as intermediate hosts of Paragonimus in Fujian, China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the natural resources of the freshwater crab which can serve as the intermediate hosts of Paragonimus in Pinghe and Youxi of Fujian Province. METHODS: Freshwater crabs were collected. The morphological characteristics of the crabs and the habitats were observed. The crabs were dissected and examined for the presence of Paragonimus metacercariae. RESULTS: Two new species of crabs were described, named as Sinopotamon zhangzhouense sp. nov. and Bottapotamon youxiense sp. nov.. S. zhangzhouense sp. nov., holotype: male, carapace length 35.9 mm, breadth 42.8 mm, thickness 18.6 mm, collected from Pinghe County in southwest of Fujian. (24 degrees 14.206' N, 117 degrees 12.594' E). Distal segment of the first pleopod of male tended flattish, and showed palm nest-shaped concave, which divided into two point leafs, and longitudinal crack clearly identified in back. The end half of distal segment reversed to ventral outwardly. This species usually lived in the sluggish stream. The infection rate of Paragonimus westermani and P. cenocopiosus in S. zhangzhouense sp. nov. was 44.9% (35/78). B. youxiense sp. nov., holotype: male, carapace length 13.35 mm, breadth 16.63 mm, thickness 7.20 mm, collected from Youxi County in central Fujian (26 degrees 10.558' N, 118 degrees 22.012' E). The first pleopod of male was in slightly flat shape, ample and developed, as bow-like uplift. This species usually lived in the relatively flat terrain of stream. The infection rate of P. skrjabini metacercariae in B. youxiense sp. nov. was 92.1% (58/63). CONCLUSION: Two new species of freshwater crabs (S. zhangzhouense sp nov. and Ryouxiense sp. nov.) serving as the intermediate hosts of Paragonimus have been described.

[Survey on the foci of Paragonimus in Youxi, Yongtai and Pinghe Counties of Fujian Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the natural foci of paragonimiasis in Youxi, Yongtai and Pinghe Counties of Fujian Province. METHODS: One village each from the three counties was selected according to reported paragonimiasis cases. Freshwater snails collected from fields were examined for cercariae. Freshwater crabs obtained in the fields were examined for metacercariae by washing filtration method or direct compression method. Feces of cats and dogs were collected for the detection of eggs by water precipitation. In order to identify the species of Paragonimus, 4 cats were orally fed with metacercariae. At the same time, the habitat of three survey sites was observed. RESULTS: Three fluke species, namely, P. skrjabini, P. westermani and P. cenocopiosus(Syn. Euparagonimus cenocopiosus) were found. In Banlin Village of Youxi County and Chishui Village of Yongtai County, the seropositive rate by IgG ELISA were 6.8% (21/309) and 6.8% (9/133), respectively. Four species of freshwater snails were found, two species of Tricula and one species of Pseudobythinella were newly identified first intermediate hosts of Paragonimus. Four species of freshwater carbs were found, one species of Nanhaipotamon served as a new second intermediate host of Paragonimus. In Youxi, the infection rate of P. skrjabini cercariae in snails and metacercariae in crabs was 2.1% (27/1 344) and 92.1% (58/63), respectively; the index of crab infection and the positive ratio of Paragonimus eggs in cat feces was 171.91 and 1/7, respectively. In Yongtai, the cercariae infection rate in Pseudobythinella and Tricula snails infected with P. skrjabini was 0.6% (4/690) and 0.1% (2/ 2330), respectively; the infection rate of P. skrjabini metacercariae in crabs was 18.2% (18/99); the index of crab infection was 9.12. In Pinghe, the infection rate of cercariae in Semisulcospira libertina and metacercariae in crabs was 03% (3/1092) and 44.9% (35/78), respectively; the index of crab infection was 616. CONCLUSION: Paragonimus skrjabini P. westermani and P. cenocopiosus have been found from the three counties of Fujian Province with different infection level in snails and crabs.

[Exploration of fire needling therapy on coronavirus disease 2019].

Combined with previous clinical experience in anti-epidemic and acupuncture, the prevention program of fire needling therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was drawn out. Fire needling therapy has the effects of clearing heat, removing dampness, replenishing for the deficiency, removing stasis and detoxifying, which is mainly aimed at preventing populations, light and common types cases, and cases in the recovery period. Acupoints of governor vessel, lung meridian, bladder meridian and stomach meridian are mainly used in this program. For the special groups, such as children, elderly and weak, and pregnant women, Shenzhu (GV 12), Danshu (BL 19), Geshu (BL 17), Zhigou (TE 6), etc. are added. It is hoped that fire needling therapy will be applied in the community and square cabin hospitals as an effective supplement to anti-epidemic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

[Analysis of adverse reactions of acupoint catgut embedding therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To objectively evaluate the safety of acupoint catgut embedding therapy. METHODS: A total of 331 patients who received acupoint catgut embedding therapy were enrolled and summarized through the inpatient medical record system, follow-up record and adverse reaction report card. The statistical analysis was performed from the aspects of patients' gender, age, marital status, history of allergy, history of diabetes and the time, symptoms, duration and prognosis of adverse reactions, etc. RESULTS: Among 331 patients who received acupoint catgut embedding therapy, 70 patients had adverse reactions, which were divided into 9 types, including post-treatment discomfort, local hematoma or subcutaneous hemorrhage, local swelling, local induration, severe pain, thread-body rejection, local pruritus, post-treatment body temperature rising, local redness, swelling, fever and pain. The incidence rate of adverse events was 21.15%, and the incidence of serious adverse events was 0. Among the patients with adverse reactions, 58 patients (82.86%) relieved without treatment, and 12 patients (17.14%) received after symptomatic treatment; all patients had no sequelae. CONCLUSION: The acupoint catgut embedding therapy is relatively safe and the incidence of adverse reactions is low.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in the new clinical application of Yinjiao (GV 28)].

Yinjiao (GV 28) is generally used in treatment of lumbago and anorectal diseases. Professor LIN Guo-hua believes that Yinjiao (GV 28) is indicated in the disorders related to the sea of marrow and lower jiao by regulating the governor vessel and the conception vessel, promoting qi and blood circulation, tonifying the sea of marrow and adjusting the lower jiao. Based on professor Lin's clinical experience, "three Yinjiao" points are innovated, named Yinjiao (GV 28, upper Yinjiao), external Yinjiao and lower Yinjiao. Acupuncture therapy is generally optioned at Yinjiao (GV 28) and 5 needling principles are emphasized, i.e. accurate acupoint location, strong needling sensation, needling combined with body movement, alternative stimulation and allied stimulation. All of those mentioned above provide a new approach to the clinical treatment for the disorders related to the sea of marrow and lower jiao.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience in treatment of progressive muscular dystrophy with acupuncture].

Professor LIN Guo-hua's experience is introduced in treatment of progressive muscular dystrophy with acupuncture. It is believed that the pathogenesis of this disease is related to spleen and kidney deficiency, qi and blood insufficiency and malnutrition of tendon and muscle. The treatment is determined in terms of the pathogenesis and focuses on the regulation of spleen and kidney functions. The thinking of treatment is summarized as exerting the strong stimulation of acupuncture specially at the acupoints on the head, supplementing the sea of marrow, adjusting simultaneously the three yang meridians, rather than treating particularly yangming meridian and regulating qi in priority and considering the lung function for wei (flaccid) syndrome. Moreover, in clinical treatment, the acupoint thread-embedding therapy is commonly combined to ensure the significant therapeutic effect.

[Professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience of acupuncture for oculomotor nerve paralysis].

Professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience of acupuncture for oculomotor nerve palsy was summarized and one typical case was introduced. Professor LIN skillfully applied traditional acupuncture theory and classical acupuncture method, and proposed a diagnosis and treatment system combining meridian syndrome differentiation and specific acupuncture techniques. In addition, Professor LIN combined the yuan-primary and luo-connecting acupoints combination method, theory of "removing the stagnation of blood and qi " and theory of root-stem and origin-end, etc. into the treatment of oculomotor nerve palsy, and achieved good results.

Complement activation by carotenoid derived aldehydes in cultured human vein epithelial cells.

This study was designed to determine the complement activation effects of carotenoid-derived aldehydes (CDA) on cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). A dose-dependent complement activation upon incubation of HUVEC with CDA was observed. Interestingly, the data showed that the alternative pathway was not activated. In addition, upon CDA treatment a significant number of apoptotic cells was also observed. The results revealed that CDA could activate the complement by way of the classical pathway. The study suggests that high carotenoid supplementation for the treatment of coronary heart disease should be used cautiously.