[Investigating effect of Faeces Bombycis on intestinal microflora in rats with syndrome of damp retention in middle-jiao by high-throughput sequencing].

The aim of this paper was to investigate the effect of Faeces Bombycis(FB) on the intestinal microflora in rats with syndrome of damp retention in middle-jiao, and to explore its mechanism in regulating intestinal microflora from the perspective of microorganisms contained in FB. The contents of antidiuretic hormone(ADH) and C-reactive protein(CRP) in serum and aquaporin 3(AQP3) in jejunum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Illumina Miseq platform was used for high-throughput sequencing of the rat feces and FB. The ELISA results showed that as compared with the normal control group, the contents of ADH and CRP in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the content of AQP3 was significantly decreased(P<0.05). After drug administration, the ADH, CRP and AQP3 contents were recovered. Sequencing of rat feces showed that the ACE, Chao1 and Shannon indexes of the intestinal microflora were the lowest in the model group. As compared with the normal control group, the levels from phylum to genus were all significantly changed in model group, and Proteobacteria, Acinetobacter, Anaerobacter, Pseudomonas, and Parabacteroides levels were significantly increased(P<0.05), while Marvinbryantia level was significantly decreased(P<0.05). As compared with the model group, Proteobacteria was significantly decreased in the FB low and high dose groups(P<0.05), and Acinetobacter, Anaerobacter, Pseudomonas, Parabacteroides levels were significantly decreased in the low, medium and high dose groups(P<0.05), while Lachnoanaerobaculum, Intestinimonas and Marvinbryantia were increased significantly in the high dose group(P<0.05). Sequencing analysis of FB showed that the relative abundance of Leclercia, Pantoea, Brachybacterium, Shimwellia, Hartmannibacter, Klebsiella, Serratia, Aurantimonas, Paenibacillus and Bacillus was high in the FB, but they were basically not present or little in the rat feces. In conclusion, FB may play a role in the treatment of "syndrome of damp retention in middle-jiao" by balancing the intestinal microflora, and this effect may be related to the metabolites of microorganisms in the FB.

[Establishment of near-infrared on-line monitoring model and determination of endpoint in frying process of Hordei Fructus Germinatus].

Hordei Fructus Germinatus has been always used by "stir-frying" as a traditional medicine and the endpoint judgment of "fragrant" and "yellow" has been the focus and difficulty in frying process research. In this study, a quantitative calibration model between index components and NIRS was established in order to rapidly detect the contents of reducing sugar, total amino acids, total flavonoids, A420 and moisture; besides, an endpoint judgment method of frying process was put forward based on the "component change rate". Near-infrared spectra of samples with different frying time were collected, and a quantitative analysis model based on near-infrared spectroscopy was established to optimize the parameters such as spectral pretreatment and modeling band. HCA and PLS-DA were used to study the relationship between component and "stir-frying", and the endpoint of frying process was determined. The established calibration model had a good performance that the correlation coefficients between the predicted results and the actual measured values were both more than 0.9, with predicted relative deviations less than 10%. Hordei Fructus Germinatus with different frying time was divided into 4 categories by HCA analysis. PLS-DA analysis showed that total reducing sugar had a significant contribution to distinguishing the Hordei Fructus Germinatus of different frying time. When the change rate of total reducing sugar was 80%, it could judge that the endpoint of frying had been obtained. Results showed that NIRS could not only quickly and accurately determine the contents of reducing sugar, total amino acid, total flavonoid, A420 and moisture in Hordei Fructus Germinatus samples of different frying time, but also judge the endpoint of frying in the process. This study provided a new method for the evaluation and endpoint judgment of "stir-frying" process in research of traditional Chinese medicine.

[Effects of combined administration of Paeoniae Radix Alba on local pharmacokinetics of six aconite alkaloids by skin microdialysis in vivo].

The Aconiti Radix Cocta gel and Aconiti Radix Cocta combined with Paeoniae Radix Alba gel were administered to mice. Physiological saline was taken as perfusate. The perfusion rate was 2 µL•min⁻¹ and the microdialysis samples were collected every 0.5 h intervals for eight times. The six aconitine alkaloids concentration in perfusate were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The concentration-time curves were plotted, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated and analyzed by SPSS. The effects of Paeoniae Radix Alba on transdermal permeation role of six aconitine alkaloids in herb couple of Paeoniae Radix Alba-Aconiti Radix Cocta were investigated. According to the results, Tmax of the three mono-ester aconitum alkaloids of Aconiti Radix Cocta combined with Paeoniae Radix Alba groups were shortened, meanwhile, Cmax and AUC of benzoylaconine and benzoylhypaconine were increased. However, AUC of the three diester-type alkaloids were reduced, with Tmax of hypaconitine prolonged and Cmax lowered. The study suggested that the combined administration of Aconiti Radix Cocta and Paeoniae Radix Alba promoted the transdermal permeation of mono-ester aconitum alkaloids, and inhibited the absorption of parts of diester-type alkaloids. This study proved the decreasing toxicity and increasing efficacy of the combination of Aconiti Radix Cocta and Paeoniae Radix Alba on the transdermal permeation, and provided a reference for studies on the prescription combination regularity and relevant practices.

[Dynamic change rules of active ingredients and inactive ingredients from Fructus Hordei Germinatus with frying process].

It is not scientific to explain that fried Fructus Hordei Germinatus is more effective than row Fructus Hordei Germinatus in resolving food stagnation from the aspects of amylase, tricine and other "active ingredients". In the present experiment, the contents of active ingredients including quercetin, tricine, kaempferol, catechin, ferulic acid and inactive ingredients including 5-hydroxymethyl furfural, acrylamide in frying process were determined by HPLC. The dynamic change rules of active ingredient and inactive ingredients in the frying process were investigated by HCA, PCA and PLS-DA analysis. The results showed that the Fructus Hordei Germinatus samples with different frying temperatures were classified into 4 groups by HCA and PCA analysis. PLS-DA analysis showed that frying temperature mainly impacted the contents of inactive ingredients including 5-hydroxymethyl furfural and acrylamide, with less effects on the contents of active ingredients. Simultaneously, with the increase of time in frying process, the content of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural was significantly increased from 2 min and became stable at 16 min, while the content of acrylamide was increased continuously from 18 min. Based on the variation of the contents of various ingredients, samples at different frying time were classified into 5 groups. The results showed that the content changes of "inactive ingredients" were closely related to the duration and degree of frying process, and the dynamic change rules of "inactive ingredients" can provide scientific basis for evaluating the frying process and elucidating the efficacy mechanism of Fructus Hordei Germinatus.

[Study on Genuineness Recognition of "Jiang Aurantii Fructus" by Analyzing Fingerprint Similarity Using Information Entropy Theory].

OBJECTIVE: To study the genuineness recognition of traditional Chinese medicine by analyzing fingerprint similarity using information entropy theory, Aurantii Fructus was used as the model drug. METHODS: Fingerprints of different sources of Aurantii Fructus were analyzed by HPLC. "Jiang Aurantii Fructus" genuineness was evaluated by analyzing fingerprint similarity using information entropy theory and compared with the results of traditional calculated methods. RESULTS: The new method obviously improved the effect of genuineness recognition of "Jiang Aurantii Fructus". CONCLUSION: This method provides scientific reference for "Jiang Aurantii Fructus" genuineness identification.

Advances in understanding and management of IgG4-related ophthalmic disease.

Immunoglobulin G4-related ophthalmic disease (IgG4-ROD) is an emerging, immune-mediated fibroinflammatory orbital disease, characterized by tumefactive lesions with noticeable IgG4+ plasma cell infiltration and distinctive pathohistological features. This disease is often associated with elevated serum IgG4 concentrations. IgG4-ROD may affect any ophthalmic tissues, particularly the lacrimal gland, extraocular muscles, and trigeminal nerves. Although the exact pathogenic role of IgG4 antibodies remains unclear, B-cell depleting agents have been reported to be an effective treatment. The diverse clinical manifestations of IgG4-ROD complicate diagnosis, and without prompt treatment, visual-threatening complications such as optic neuropathy may arise. Recent advances in understanding and managing IgG4-ROD have revolutionized the diagnosis and treatment of this emerging disease. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in the field of IgG4-ROD.

Promoting effect of the Maillard reaction products produced during the stir-frying process of Hordei Fructus Germinatus on the intestinal absorption of active ingredients in Hordei Fructus Germinatus.

This study was designed to evaluate the absorption promoting capacity of Maillard Reaction Products (MRPs) produced during the stir-frying process of Hordei Fructus Germinatus on catechin, ferulic acid, quercetin and kaempferol by the ex vivo rat everted gut sac model, in situ single-pass intestinal perfusion model and the whole animal model. Moreover, verapamil, EDTA and mannitol were used for determining the transport mechanism of catechin, ferulic acid, quercetin and kaempferol. The tight junction (TJ) proteins including zonula occudens-1(ZO-1) and claudin-1 were chosen to investigate the promoting mechanism of MRPs by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analyses. The results showed that the MRPs produced during the stir-frying process of Hordei Fructus Germinatus could improve the intestinal absorption of catechin, ferulic acid, quercetin and kaempferol. And the absorption-promoting effect of MRPs was related to chelating effect and the reduced expression of claudin-1 and ZO-1. Our results suggested that MRPs could be promising oral absorption promoters, which might be another processing mechanism of Hordei Fructus Germinatus.

Adefovir Dipivoxil plus Chinese Medicine in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Randomized Controlled 48-Week Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a 48-week course of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) plus Chinese medicine (CM) therapy, namely Tiaogan Jianpi Hexue () and Tiaogan Jiedu Huashi () fomulae, in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive Chinese patients. METHODS: A total of 605 HBeAg-positive Chinese CHB patients were screened and 590 eligible participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups in 1:1 ratio including experimental group (EG, received ADV plus CM) and control group (CG, received ADV plus CM-placebo) for 48 weeks. The major study outcomes were the rates of HBeAg and HBV-DNA loss on week 12, 24, 36, 48, respectively. Secondary endpoints including liver functions (enzymes and bilirubin readings) were evaluated every 4 weeks at the beginning of week 24, 36, and 48. Routine blood, urine, and stool analyses in addition to electrocardiogram and abdominal B scan were monitored as safety evaluations. Adverse events (AEs) were documented. RESULTS: The combination therapy demonstrated superior HBeAg loss at 48 weeks, without additional AEs. The full analysis population was 560 and 280 in each group. In the EG, population achieved HBeAg loss on week 12, 24, 36, and 48 were 25 (8.90%), 34 (12.14%), 52 (18.57%), and 83 (29.64%), respectively; the equivalent numbers in the CG were 20 (7.14%), 41 (14.64%), 54 (19.29%), and 50 (17.86%), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between these group values on week 48 (P<0.01). No additional AEs were found in EG. Subgroup analysis suggested different outcomes among treatment patterns. CONCLUSION: Combination of CM and ADV therapy demonstrated superior HBeAg clearance compared with ADV monotherapy. The finding indicates that this combination therapy may provide an improved therapeutic effect and safety profile (ChiCTR-TRC-11001263).

Immunohistochemical features of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and pleomorphic adenoma in the lacrimal gland.

AIM: To investigate C-myc, Ki-67, pan-cytokeratin, and vimentin immunohistochemical features of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (Ca-ex-PA) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA) in the lacrimal gland in order to find some clues in the differential diagnosis between them. METHODS: We reviewed microscopic slides and clinical records of 64 cases of PA and 15 cases of Ca-ex-PA in the lacrimal gland. Immunohistochemical antibodies for C-myc, Ki-67, pan-cytokeratin, and vimentin were employed. RESULTS: Median age of PA was 43.2y (from 21 to 75). The 35 patients (54.7%) were male and 29 patients (45.3%) were female. For the PAs, the average positivity of C-myc was 4.6%; the average proliferation index of Ki-67 was 3.2%; pan-cytokeratin was positive in ductal cells, and vimentin was positive in myoepithelial cells. Median age of Ca-ex-PA was 54.3y (from 26 to 76). There were 7 male patients (46.7%) and 8 female patients (53.3%). Among 15 Ca-ex-PAs, there were 6 myoepithelial carcinomas, 4 adenocarcinomas, 3 epithelial-myoepithelial carcinomas, and 2 squamous cell carcinomas. For the Ca-ex-PAs, the average positivity of C-myc was 36.4%; the average proliferation index of Ki-67 was 29.2%; pan-cytokeratin was positive in all cases, and vimentin was positive in myoepithelial carcinomas. CONCLUSION: PA has a lower positivity of C-myc and Ki-67, while Ca-ex-PA had a higher positivity of these two biomarkers. These four biomarkers as a set could provide valuable clues in the differential diagnosis between Ca-ex-PA and PA. Our results indicate that the activation of C-myc could play an important role in the pathogenesis of Ca-ex-PA and PA.

Rhabdomyoma of the orbit.

The authors describe a rare case of orbital rhabdomyoma in a 3-year-old girl who presented with progressive proptosis of the left eye. An axial computed tomographic scan of the left orbit demonstrated an irregular retrobulbar mass. The tumor was resected locally from the lateral wall of the orbit and the resected specimens were diagnosed as orbital rhabdomyoma. The authors review the literature and discuss the diagnostic implications and treatment strategies.

[Studies on pharmacokinetics of artemether patch in mice].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a HPLC-MS-MS determination method of artemether (ARM) and active derivatives DHA, and compare the pharmacokinetic parameters of ARM after transdermal and oral administration. METHOD: The mice were divided two groups (transdermal and oral) by parallel design. ARM and active derivatives DHA in plasma of mice at different sampling time were determined. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.0 and by statistic analysis. RESULT: compare oral administration, the pharmacokinetic parameters of ARM after transdermal, Cmax Tmax , AUC(0-t) MRT, had significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The artemether patch has long-releasing property.

Frequency of IL-10-producing regulatory B cells associated with disease activity in thyroid-associated orbitopathy.

AIM: To investigate the association between IL-10-producing regulatory B (B10) cells and the clinical features of thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO). METHODS: A total of 30 patients with TAO were recruited at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center from May 2015 to December 2015. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated from blood samples of 30 TAO patients and 16 healthy controls and stimulated with CD40 ligand and CpG for 48h. The frequency of IL-10+ B cells was examined by flow cytometry and the correlation between the frequency of IL-10+ B cells and clinical features of TAO was analyzed by SPSS. RESULTS: The frequency of IL-10+ B cells among CD19+ B cells in TAO patients was significantly lower than in healthy controls (TAO: 4.66%±1.88% vs healthy control: 6.82%±2.40%, P<0.01). The frequency of IL-10+ B cells showed a positive correlation with disease activity of TAO measured by Clinical Activity Score (CAS) (r=0.50, P<0.01), and became higher in TAO patients with family history of Graves' disease (GD) (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The decrease of the frequency of IL-10+ B cells in TAO patients indicates the deficiency of B10 cells in TAO, and the positive association with disease activity suggests its important role in TAO inflammation regulation.

Expression of multidrug-resistance associated proteins in human retinoblastoma treated by primary enucleation.

AIM: To reveal the expression of multidrug-resistance associated proteins: glutathione-S-transferase π (GSTπ), P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and vault protein lung resistance protein (LRP) in retinoblastoma (RB) without any conservative treatment before primary enucleation and to correlate this expression with histopathological tumor features. METHODS: A total of 42 specimens of RB undergone primary enucleation were selected for the research. Sections from the formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens were stained with HE and immunohistochemistry to detect the expression of GSTπ, P-gp and LRP. RESULTS: GSTπ was expressed in 39/42 (92.86%) RBs and in 9/9 (100%) well-differentiated RBs. P-gp/GSTπ was found in 30 (71.42%) of 42 RBs. Totally 9 (21.43%) tumors were well differentiated and 33 (78.57%) were poorly differentiated. Totally 15 (35.71%) eyes had optic nerve (ON) tumor invasion, 36 (85.71%) had choroidal tumor invasion, and 14 (33.33%) had simultaneous choroidal and ON invasion. There was no statistically significant relationship between P-gp, GSTπ, LRP positivity and the degree of ocular layer tumor invasion and ON tumor invasion (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: RB intrinsically expresses GSTπ, P-gp and LRP. GSTπ expression is positive in 100% well-differentiation ones, so in which way it is correlated with differentiation. But the other two proteins expressions are not related to tumor differentiation and to the degree of tumor invasion. GSTπ may be a new target of chemotherapy in RB.

[Beneficial effects of Qiangxin capsule on controlling protein expression of myocardial apoptosis in heart failure rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Qiangxin Capsule on myocardial apoptosis in chronic heart failure rats. METHODS: The model was established by injecting ADR in intraperitoneal of Wistar rat. The models were devided into three groups those were prvention group with Chinese medicine, treatment group with Chinese medicine and control group with medicine. Cardiac myocyte apoptosis were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferaseediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL), Fas and cardiac expression level of Bcl-2 were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Qiangxin capsule could inhibit myocardial apoptosis and Fas protein expression on chronic heart failure rat obviously , and improve Bcl-2 protein expression. CONCLUSION: Qianxin capsule can inhibit myocardial apoptosis and control Fas/Bcl-2 obviously. It may be one of its effects in delaying chronic heart failure.

[A preliminary study in establishment of mice model of experimental uveal melanoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods to establish a nude mice model of experimental uveal melanoma by the implantation the primary cultured cells into anterior chamber or subcutaneous injection. METHODS: 35 nude mice, which applied with the SPF grade standard by national healthy department, were divided into 3 groups: anterior chamber group (15), subcutaneous A group (10) and subcutaneous B group (10), respectively. (2 - 3) x 10(5) melanoma cells were inoculated into the anterior chamber of each nude mouse, while 2 x 10(6) cells were inoculated into every subcutaneous of the hind legs in A group. Besides this, the fresh mass of the tumor come from enucleated eye were transplanted into every subcutaneous of the hind legs in B group. Then the condition of transplanted tumor were observed under the slit lamp and naked eye, all nude mice were followed for 3 months the rates of tumor induction were compared. RESULTS: The results of the rates of tumor induction in the 3 groups were 7 (46.6%) of 15, 2 (20%) of 10 and 0 of 10, respectively. The discrepancy were of significance (chi(2) = 7.080, P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Uveal melanoma can be induced successfully by inoculation the primary cultured human uveal melanoma cells into anterior chamber or subcutaneous in nude mice. The results suggest that the ration of the tumor growth is higher in subcutaneous mass transplant than any other groups.

[Diagnosis and surgical management of 209 cases of orbital cavernous hemangioma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features, preoperative diagnosis and surgical choice of orbital cavernous hemangioma. METHODS: Records of all cavernous hemangioma patients (209 cases) who were seen in Eye Hospital, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University from January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2000 were reviewed. RESULTS: Among 209 cases, 123 patients were females and 86 were males. The left orbit was affected in 123 cases and the right orbit in 86 cases. No case was bilaterally involved. The mean age was 39.2 years old, ranging from 5 to 68 years. A painless, gradually progressive proptosis and visual disturbance were the main clinical signs. Ninety-five percent (199/209) of them could be accurately diagnosed preoperatively based on ultrasound scan and CT/MRI examination. The tumors were removed successfully by the surgical procedure of standard lateral orbitotomy in 36% (75/209) of patients and anterior orbitotomy in 64% cases (134/209). CONCLUSIONS: Nearly all patients with cavernous hemangioma could be correctly diagnosed by preoperative image studying. The simple surgical procedure of anterior orbitotomy can be successfully used in about two third of cases with less surgical complication.

[The inhibition effect of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on interleukin-1 alpha-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression on orbital fibroblasts and adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells].

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to identify whether interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) inhibits interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha)-induced intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on cultured orbital fibroblasts, and adhesion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to orbital fibroblasts, and to investigate the clinical application potential of IL-1ra in the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). METHODS: Cultured orbital fibroblasts from patients with GO and controls were challenged with IL-1 alpha or/and IL-1ra. Immunocytochemical staining was used to examine the changes of ICAM-1 in response to IL-1ra treatment; fluorescent photomicroscope was used to measure the adhesion between the labeled PBMC and orbital fibroblasts. Neutralizing antibody against ICAM-1 was used to demonstrate the role of ICAM-1 in the IL-1 alpha-induced adhesion. RESULTS: IL-1ra inhibits IL-1 alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression in cultured orbital fibroblasts both from GO patients and controls; IL-1ra inhibits IL-1 alpha-induced adhesion of PBMC to orbital fibroblasts in a concentration and time dependent manner. Moreover, a monoclonal anti-human ICAM-1 antibody produced a concentration dependent inhibition of the IL-1 alpha-induced adhesion of PBMC to the fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1ra inhibits IL-1 alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression in cultured orbital fibroblasts and the adhesion of PBMC to fibroblasts. IL-1 alpha-induced ICAM-1 expression may play an important role in the adhesion process. IL-1ra may be useful in the prevention or treatment of GO.

[Clinical analysis of tumors of the iris and ciliary body].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features, different diagnosis, pathological features, management, and prognosis of tumors of the iris and ciliary body. METHODS: Medical records, photographs, pathological findings and the results of follow-up of 37 cases with tumors of the iris and ciliary body were reviewed as a retrospective study. RESULTS: Of the 37 cases with tumors of the iris and ciliary body, 26 were male and 11 were female. The mean age at diagnosis was 38 years, ranged from 5 - 64 years. According to the histopathological examination, melanoma was the most common tumor in the iris and ciliary body (15 cases, 40.5%), followed by metastatic tumors (8 cases, 21.6%), teratoid medulloepitheliomas (3 cases, 8.1%) and iris nevus (2 cases, 5.4%). MANAGEMENT: The tumors were excised in 14 cases. Enucleation was performed in 21 cases. Two cases were observed without any surgical treatment. Thirty-four cases were followed-up for 2 months to 15 years, averaged 31 months. Most melanomas of the iris and ciliary body are round or semi-spherical dark brown vascularized mass, with engorged episcleral sentinel vessels in some cases. The tumor showed a shadow during transillumination. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a low to medium echoic solid lesion, with echoic changes in adjacent infiltrated tissues. Melanoma showed positive immunoreactivity for melanoma-specific antigen, and had a good prognosis. Metastatic tumors of the iris and ciliary body were flat or near round, dirty, single or multiple neoplasms, growth rapidly, with abundant neovascularization, and had a poor prognosis. Primary carcinomas could be found in other parts of the body. CONCLUSIONS: Melanoma of the iris and ciliary body has typical features that may help to distinguish them from other tumors. Metastatic tumor has characteristic features, but the diagnosis can be made only with supplementary examination and immunocytochemical studies. Medulloepitheliomas should be differentiated from retinoblastoma.

[Clinical analysis of 339 cases of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical manifestation of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO), to analyze the thyroid function and to monitor the therapeutic effect of anti-hyperthyroidism on the progression of TAO. METHODS: Three hundred and thirty nine TAO cases (597 eyes) were collected from 1994 to 2001 and their clinical manifestations were summarize and analyzed. RESULTS: TAO occurred mostly in individuals over 40 years with no gender preference. Exophthalmos and diplopia were the major manifestations and main reasons for ophthalmic examination. Retraction of eyelids and involvement of extraocular muscle were present in over 70% cases. In 339 TAO cases, euthyroidism was found in 93 cases and abnormal thyroid function (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) was present in 246 cases. The V and VI grade of TAO occurred more frequently in patients with abnormal thyroid function than those with euthyroidism. (131)I, oral anti-hyperthyroidism drug, or thyroidectomy was used for all patients with abnormal thyroid function. TAO occurred in 39.3% cases treated with (131)I, in 15.6% cases with oral anti-hyperthyroidism drug, and in 14% cases with thyroidectomy. All ocular pathologic changes occurred after hyperthyroidism had been controlled and hypothyroidism was found in most of these cases. CONCLUSIONS: The condition of thyroid function has a certain relationship to the severity of TAO. Over-fast and undue anti-hyperthyroidism therapy may impact an untoward effect on TAO; immediate and appropriate treatment can improve the effect of therapy on TAO.

[Study on the allergens of shrimps and crabs].

AIM: To investigate the allergen composition in the species of shrimp and crab. METHODS: The main allergens of shrimps and crabs were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot assay. RESULTS: The molecule weight of main allergic protein in shrimps was near to 36 000, and the main allergic proteins in different kinds of crabs were about 29 000, 36 000, 66 000, 89 000 molecule weight. CONCLUSION: There are common allergens among different kinds of shrimps and crabs.