Prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis Infection among Preschool Children in Kindergartens of Taipei City, Taiwan in 2008

The prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among preschool children was reported to be low based on a 5-year screening program in Taipei City, Taiwan. The Taipei City government intended to terminate the E. vermicularis screening program among preschool children. Thus, we were entrusted with confirming whether pinworm infections among preschool children in Taipei City had truly declined. From each of 12 administrative districts 2-3 kindergartens were randomly selected for investigation. In total, 4,349 children were examined, of which 2,537 were boys and 1,812 were girls. The cellophane tape adhered to a glass slide was used, and all examinations were done by certified medical technologists. Results indicated that the overall prevalence rate of pinworm infections was 0.62% (27/4,349). Although the infection rate was higher among boys (0.67%, 17/2,537) than in girls (0.55%, 10/1,812), no significant difference was found (chi2 = 0.399, P = 0.62). According to the administrative district, the infection rate ranged from no positive cases of E. vermicularis infection in the Xinyi, Zhongzhen, and Wanhua Districts (0%; 0/299, 0/165, and 0/358, respectively), to 0.26% (1/131) in Songshan District, with the highest rate of 1.88% (7/373) in Wenshan District. Because the overall infection rate (0.62%, 27/4,349) in the present study was unchanged compared to that (0.40%, 197/49,541) previously reported in 2005, we propose that regular pinworm screening and treatment programs should be continued in some parts of Taipei City.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Taiwan / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

In the past, education of acupuncture/ moxibustion in Taiwan depended on the masters-disciples relation. The knowledge of acupuncture/ moxibustion was transmitted to disciples individually.<BR>Since its establishment in 1955, The Taipei Society Acupuncture and Moxibustion improved educational pro- gram to more systematic one. In the following 20 years varieties of studies in this field were conducted, people also turned their eyes to these traditional remedies<BR>Though acupuncture and moxibustion had begun to be accepted by people, the new medical law was en- forced in 1975, which disqualified the acupuncturists for medcial practice. As a result, many of the acupuncturists and moxibustionists left Taiwan for overseas. Unlike many other nations, Taiwan has no system for certification of acupuncturists/ moxibustionists. The traditional Chinese doctor in Taiwan, after passing the examination for Chinese Medicinal exam can practice the Chinese herbal medicine and the acupuncture/ moxibustion. It seems an inconceivable system.<BR>It is only after 1989 that the subjects on acupuncture/ moxibustion medicine were included in the exams for the traditional Chinese doctor in Taiwan. But it still doesn't include tests of practical skills. This is more of a hindrance than a contribution to acupuncture and moxibustion in Taiwan.<BR>Though there has been the legalization movement for acupuncturists/ moxibustionists during the past 30 years, it met opposition from both of the health bureau and the traditional Chinese doctor trade union. The license system for acupunturist is still left uncertain.<BR>Now in Japan, the high tech device like electronic microscope, micro inductor and micro-electric are introduced in the studies of acupuncture/ moxibustion medicine. And in the field of scientific research of the acupuncture and moxibustion, Japanese seem to have more grant view than other country. The health government of Taiwan should turn their eyes to the reality and change its policies towards this effective medicine.<BR>Now acupuncture and moxibustion medicine has become one of the international research topics. In recent years WFAS academic congresses are held every year in the different nations. Here I would like to suggest that in advanced country like Japan, a new university specializing in acupuncture/moxibustion medicine should be established and it should accept and educate foreign student from overseas with international curriculum. Only the continuous and faithful exchange of the young scholars would recover the true friendship between Taiwan and Japan.