Frequency Of Inflammation Research Articles

Abstract B028: Vigorous physical activity associated changes in immune cell infiltrate are linked with reduced prostate tumour aggressiveness

Abstract Vigorous physical activity has been associated with lower risk of fatal prostate cancer and improved cancer-specific outcomes. However, the mechanisms contributing to this relationship are not understood. The current study characterized inflammation in prostate cancer tissue and evaluated features of the immune microenvironment related to physical activity and prostate cancer aggressiveness. We studied 119 men with prostate cancer participating in the University of North Carolina Health Registry/Cancer Survivorship Cohort who underwent radical prostatectomy. Structured questionnaires were administered at patients' study entry to assess physical activity. Digital image analysis of H&E-stained tissue sections using QuPath was applied to quantify Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) in glands and stroma of tumor and adjacent normal regions. Nanostring gene expression profiling was performed on tumour tissue and a 50-gene signature utilized to predict immune cell types. ERG gene expression was used as a surrogate of TMPRSS2:ERG fusion status. Logistic regression was used to test associations of inflammation features with tumour aggressiveness and recreational physical activity measures. Cox proportional hazards analysis was applied to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between immune cell types and risk of prostate cancer progression, with validation in a separate study of 101 radiation-treated prostate cancer patients. Our study comprised 77% white and 23% black men, and 25% of men had Gleason grade ≥4+3, 29% men reported recreational vigorous activity prior to diagnosis of prostate cancer. Acute tumour inflammation affected 30% of men, while 53% showed acute inflammation of adjacent tissue. TILs were more abundant in glands than stroma; two-fold more in tumour and five-fold more in adjacent tissue. Frequency of inflammation was similar between ERG-positive and ERG-negative tumours. An inverse relationship was observed between recreational vigorous activity and TILs abundance. Expression of the immune gene signature was also significantly lower in men reporting any recreational vigorous activity compared to those reporting none (P=0.044), driven by reduced gene expression-predicted abundance of Th cells, exhausted CD8 T cells, macrophages and neutrophils. Moreover, T cells, Tfh, Treg, exhausted CD8 T cells and macrophages were significantly increased in men with Gleason grade ≥4+3 or clinical stage ≥III. Treg abundance was positively associated with prostate cancer progression (HR, 1.35; 95%CI 1.03-1.78) after adjusting for age and race, which was further strengthened in ERG-positive patients (HR, 1.60; 95%CI 1.03-2.47). We show that the immune landscape in prostate cancer is altered in men reporting vigorous physical activity. Immune cell types associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment, including exhausted CD8 T cells, Tregs, and macrophages, may be potential candidate mechanisms linking recreational vigorous activity with reduced prostate tumour aggressiveness and improved outcomes. Citation Format: Lanshan Huang, Sophia Halliday, Linnea Olsson, Alina Hamilton, Erin Kirk, Laura Farnan, Adrian Gerstel, Stephanie Craig, Stephen Finn, Melissa Wilson, Melissa Troester, Eboneé Butler, Jeannette Bensen, Sara Wobker, Emma Allott. Vigorous physical activity associated changes in immune cell infiltrate are linked with reduced prostate tumour aggressiveness [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Advances in Prostate Cancer Research; 2023 Mar 15-18; Denver, Colorado. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(11 Suppl):Abstract nr B028.

Монтажные провода как источник зажигания в электрических шкафах

Приведены результаты исследований монтажных проводов электрических шкафов на воспламеняемость под воздействием тока. Выделены три зоны сверхтока, имеющие отличительные особенности появления источника зажигания. Показано влияние изоляции провода на частоту появления воспламенения в местах присоединения его к элементу электрооборудования. Представлены данные о воспламеняемости поливинилхлоридной изоляции в диапазоне пожароопасных значений сверхтока. Предложено характеризовать электрический провод как потенциальный источник зажигания площадью, образованной зависимостью времени воспламенения изоляции в интервале возможных сверхтоков. Wires are widely used for internal installation of electrical cabinets. Number of fire cases caused by wires takes one of the first places in fire statistics. Application of wires in the cabinets has its own fire-prone aspects peculiarities as concerns initiation of electrical nature ignition source. It appears both at single wire laying and at laying in cords where wires touch each other also in connection points of electrical apparatuses and devices located in the cabinet. The article considers issues of ignition source appearance in wires taking into account specifics of their installation in electrical cabinets. Ignition source appearance in a single wire and in wires contacting each other has a difference. There are given experimental data on inflammation frequency of wire insulation material at single wire laying and also at higher resistance in electrical elements connection points. Zones that differ in characteristic features of wire as an ignition source are given in the range of possible overcurrents. Zone A is characterized by insulation ignition with low probability due to low current density that is not enough to heat the wire up to the critical temperature Т, at which thermal decomposition products of wire insulating polymeric cover ignite. Zone B is designated in the range of overcurrent ratio from 2,5 to 18 compared with the long term permissible current value, in which insulation inflammation is observed due to fast conductor heating taking into account the influence of connection points with devices and apparatuses where increased transient resistance is present. It is experimentally confirmed that with the increase in transient resistance at the point of conductor connection with electrical equipment elements, the inflammation frequency of wire insulation increases. At the same time, the overcurrent range where ignition source appears reduces. It is proposed to use the area limited by the dependence of the time before insulation inflammation from the minimum to the maximum current value at which ignition occurs as a characteristic of the wire as an ignition source.

Comparative Experimental Study of Dermal Stability: Acellular Dermal Matrix versus Crayopreserved Dermis.

BACKGROUNDGiven the potential usefulness of Acellular Dermal Matrices (ADM) for wound healing, we aimed to evaluate the stability, histological characteristics, and effectiveness of ADM compared with cryopreserved dermis (CPD) in rat models.METHODSThis experimental study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran, from January to March 2015. The prepared ADM and CPD were transplanted to the full-thickness skin defects on the back of Sprague-Dawley rats. Forty-five days after grafting, the tissues were harvested for histological examination. These two types of the dermis' quality and stability were compared with consideration of the following factors; inflammation, fibroblasts migration, vascularization, collagen formation, capsule formation, and microabscess formation.RESULTSFrom 19 selected rates, nine received CPD, and ten were treated with ADM. After transplantation, the mean (SD) weight of ADM and CPD grafts were 1.74 (0.07) and 1.45 (0.77), respectively (P<0.001). The frequency of inflammation was significantly higher in CPD grafts (P<0.01). Higher grades of collagen organization, fibroblast spreading, and vascularization were more frequent in ADM grafts (P<0.01). The frequency of capsule and microabscesses formation was not significantly different between studied groups.CONCLUSIONADM have a superior effect than CPD in the wound healing process. Both samples had a similar effect in capsule and microabscesses formation and higher costs of ADM preparation. According to the physicians' decision and evaluation of the process's cost-effectiveness, CPD could be appropriately used as an alternative to ADM.

EGCG Containing Combined Dietary Supplement Affects Telomeres and Epigenetic Regulation

Objective: In vitro and in vivo studies in rodents have demonstrated many health promoting properties of individual phytochemicals including antioxidative and chemopreventive effects. Recently combination of substances is claimed to enhance activity. The objective of this study was to investigate health benefits of a daily consumption of a combination of a large variety of phytochemicals (TimeBlock®). To assess potential changes we analyzed specific biomarkers that are associated with aging, oxidative stress and DNA stability: Methylation of LINE-1, c-Myc, IL-6, MLH1, DNTM1, ITGA2B and telomere length. Methods: For this study 110 healthy participants of both sexes between 31-76 years were recruited, 101 subjects were included in further analysis. A small reference group (n=20) without intervention within the same age interval served as control. Participants received a plant based dietary supplement (TimeBlock®) for 6 months by oral administration. Ingredients included extracts from green tea (EGCG), wheatgrass (tocotrienols), barley grass (folic acid), tomatoes (lycopene), tagetes (zeaxanthin, lutein), algae, shiitake mushrooms (vitamin D) and grape seeds (resveratrol). Capillary blood samples were collected from all participants before administration and within 6 days after the end of the study period following DNA extraction, bisulfite conversion and qPCR as well as high resolution melting curve analysis addressing analysis of LINE-1, c-Myc, IL-6, MLH1, DNTM1, ITGA2B and telomere length. Nutrition, lifestyle and health status were assessed with a standardized food and lifestyle questionnaire. Results and discussion: Our results confirmed the positive effect of plant derived antioxidants on telomeres and inflammation frequency. An age-specific drift of analyzed markers could be observed. While methylation of c-Myc-a key factor in telomerase regulation-was not affected by administration, total telomere length showed a significant increase, which we suggest to be linked with an increased cell turnover and accelerated apoptosis of senescent or mutated cells without enhancing telomerase activity. Further, methylation of mismatch repair protein gene MLH1 showed a strong negative correlation with telomere length, supporting the influence of MMR on telomere regulation. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that a combined administration of a variety of phytochemicals can be a potential preventive and therapeutic agent, as each substance exhibits different modes of action and in combination, health promoting effects could be potentiated. Addressing different mechanisms of aging, specific phytochemicals could be used as new therapeutic approach against age-related diseases.

Purinergic Signaling in Gut Inflammation: The Role of Connexins and Pannexins.

Purinergic receptors play an important role in inflammation, and can be activated by ATP released via pannexin channels and/or connexin hemichannels. The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is of interest since it is involved in apoptosis when activated. Most studies focus on the influence of pannexin-1 (Panx1) and connexin 43 (Cx43) on ATP release and how it affects P2X7R function during inflammation. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by uncontrolled inflammation within the gastrointestinal system. At present, the pathophysiology of this disease remains largely unknown but it may involve the interplay between P2X7R, Panx1, and Cx43. There are two main types of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, that are classified by their location and frequency of inflammation. Current research suggests that alterations to normal functioning of innate and adaptive immunity may be a factor in disease progression. The involvement of purinergic receptors, connexins, and pannexins in IBD is a relatively novel notion in the context of gastrointestinal inflammation, and has been explored by various research groups. Thus, the present review focuses on the current research involving connexins, pannexins, and purinergic receptors within the gut and enteric nervous system, and will examine their involvement in inflammation and the pathophysiology of IBD.

Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Uveitis

ABSTRACTPurpose: To study retinal thickness (RT) and choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with inactive uveitis. We also investigated the correlation between RT and CT and the duration and frequency of inflammation and visual acuity in patients with inactive uveitis.Methods: One-hundred and forty-eight eyes from 97 patients (mean age 51.0 ± 15.7 years) and 98 eyes from 55 normal subjects (mean age 59.3 ± 14.4 years) were studied. Routine ophthalmic examination included spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging of the retina and choroid. CT was measured from the outer border of the retinal pigment epithelium to the inner scleral border at 500-µm intervals of the horizontal section between 2.5 mm temporal and 2.5 mm nasal to the fovea. RT was measured between the inner limiting membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium.Results: Mean subfoveal RT did not differ significantly between uveitis patients and controls. Mean CT at multiple locations was significantly lower in patients with uveitis compared to normal subjects; this difference was most significant at the fovea (uveitis group, 229 ± 85 µm vs. control group, 276 ± 74 µm; p < 0.001). Only CT was associated with duration and frequency of inflammation in patients with anterior uveitis (r = –0.298, p = 0.008; r = –0.349, p = 0.002, respectively).Conclusion: CT is reduced in patients with inactive uveitis and is associated with disease duration and frequency whereas RT does not seem to be affected by disease processes.

Muscle pathology grade for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy biopsies.

As we move toward planning for clinical trials in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), a better understanding of the clinical relationship with morphological changes in FSHD muscle biopsies will be important for stratifying patients and understanding post-therapeutic changes in muscle. We performed a prospective cross-sectional study of quadriceps muscle biopsies in 74 genetically confirmed FSHD participants (64 with FSHD type 1 and 10 with FSHD type 2). We compared a 12-point muscle pathology grade to genetic mutation, disease severity score, and quantitative myometry. Pathology grade had moderate correlations with genetic mutation (rho = -0.45, P < 0.001), clinical severity score (rho = 0.53, P < 0.001), disease duration (rho = 0.31, P = 0.03), and quantitative myometry (rho = -0.47, P < 0.001). We found no difference in the frequency of inflammation between FSHD types 1 and 2. The pathology grade of quadriceps muscle may be a useful marker of disease activity in FSHD, and it may have a role in stratification for future clinical trials.

Frequency and characteristics of intraocular inflammation after aflibercept injection.

To report the frequency and characteristics of intraocular inflammation after intravitreal aflibercept injection. A single-center retrospective study was performed in patients who received intravitreal aflibercept from November 2011 through June 2013. There were 28 cases of intraocular inflammation after a total of 5,905 aflibercept injections among 1,660 patients. The mean baseline acuity was 20/57, which decreased to 20/179 at diagnosis (P < 0.0001) but recovered to 20/59 at Month 1, 20/57 at Month 3, and 20/52 at Month 6 (P = not significant). Vitreous culture and injection of antibiotics were performed in eight cases, and all were culture negative; the remainder received only topical corticosteroids. The frequency of inflammation after aflibercept was 0.47% per injection. Visual acuity and inflammation returned to baseline within 1 month in most cases with topical corticosteroid treatment.

Oral High-Dose Ankaferd Administration Effects on Gastrointestinal System

Background and aims: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a herbal extract obtained from five different plants. It has a therapeutic potential for the management of external hemorrhage and controlling gastrointestinal bleeding. However, ABS's effects are not unknown on gastrointestinal systems. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of short- and long-term systemic exposure and gastrointestinal safety following the oral administration of high-dose ABS in rats.Methods: Eighteen healthy adult male rats were included into the study. The rats were divided into 4 groups: group A was fed with high dose ABS (2ml/Kg) for one week, group B for one month, group C for three months and group D's diet did not contain any ABS. On termination of the ABS treatment, the gastrointestinal system from the esophagus to the anus and the liver were surgically removed and histological investigated.Results: During the study period, there was no mortality; signs of intoxication in any of the studied groups. No gastrointestinal tissue fibrosis, dysplasia, or metaplasia was detectable in any of the groups. The stomach had a normal morphology in all groups. However, the other gastrointestinal tract sections showed mucosal inflammation, goblet cell decrements, and intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration. The most common changes were mucosal inflammation in all rats in group B and C. Frequency of inflammation was greater in groups B and C in comparison to group A (P= 0.001). Loss of goblet cell and intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration were not significantly different between groups A and B (P=0.308 and P=0.189, respectively). However, there was significantly higher intra-epithelial lymphocyte infiltration in group C than in group A (P=0.04). Histopathological examination of the liver showed no inflammation, fibrosis, bile duct destruction or proliferation in any of the groups. However, each groups revealed vascular dilatation and erythrocyte accumulation at the sinusoidal structures of the liver.Conclusions: ABS seems to be a safe agent and it can be used for hemorrhage originated from gastric lesions. Further work needs to be done to establish whether ABS leads to be used to stop gastrointestinal bleeding.

Impact of pancreatobiliary reflux in normal pancreatobiliary junction on gallbladder

Objective To explore the impact of pancreatobiliary reflux （PBR） in normal pancreato- biliary junction on gallbladder. Methods A total of 54 patients receiving cholecystectomy for gallbladder diseases underwent uhrasonography to evaluate the thickness of gallbladder wall, inner layer and gallbladder wall blood flow before operation. The bile juice was sampled during ERCP in 45 patients with common bile duct stone and during cholecystectomy in 9 patients to detect amylase level. All patients with normal panere- atobiliary junction enrolled in the study were assigned into PBR group （ n = 24 ） and controlled group （ n = 30） according to their bile amylase level. Resected gallbladder specimens were examined histopathologically and then tested for expression of COX2, Ki-67 and p53 immunohistochemically. Results PBR group in- eluded 20 cases of cholelithiasis and 4 gallbladder polyp, among which 23 were occult PBR （OPBR） and 1 high confluence of pancreatobiliary ducts （ HCPBD）, which was similar to pancreatobiliary maljunction （PBM） pathologically. The control group recruited 28 cases of cholelithiasis and 2 gallbladder polyp. There were no differences in frequency of inflammation, hyperplasia, metaplasia or expression of p53 between the two groups （ p 〉 0.05 ） , while higher presence of dysplasia and higher expression of COX2 and Ki-67 were seen in PBR group （ p 〈 0.05）. Conclusion In patients with OPBR, although hyperplasia and metaplasia in gallbladder epithelium were similar to those induced by cholelithiasis, dysplasia and active proliferation might relate to progress to malignancy. Key words: Gallbladder; High confluence of pancreatobiliary ducts; Occult ancreatobiliary reflux; Biliary amylase

The effect of vitamin E or vitamin A on the prevention of renal scarring in children with acute pyelonephritis

Numerous factors may contribute to renal tissue injury after urinary tract infection. We have evaluated the effects of vitamins A or E supplementation in combination with antibiotics for the prevention of renal scarring in acute pyelonephritis. A simple non-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 61 children aged 1 month to 10 years between 2004 and 2006. The inclusion criteria were positive urine culture, clinical findings, and 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy-based evidence in favor of acute pyelonephritis. The children were randomized into three treatment groups: 10-day treatment with only antibiotics (control group; n = 25) and 10-day treatment with supplements of vitamin A (n = 17) or vitamin E (n = 18) in addition to antibiotics during the acute phase of infection. The final analysis was performed after excluding male patients. Each patient was evaluated twice by 99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy performed at least 6 months apart. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The analysis included 108 kidney units. The frequency of inflammation at the beginning of therapy was not significantly different in the three groups (63.3 % in vitamin A, 61 % in vitamin E, and 76.2 % in the control group). A worsening of lesions, based on the second 99mTc-DMSA scan, was observed in 42.5, 0, and 23.3 % of the control, vitamin E, and vitamin A patients, respectively (LR = 26.3, P < 0.001). Vitamins A or E supplements were effective in reducing renal scarring secondary to acute pyelonephritis.

Which components of malnutrition–inflammation–atherosclerosis syndrome are more common in haemodialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy?

Malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome (MIA) in haemodialysis (HD) patients is a common clinical condition characterized by increased mortality rate. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of MIA components in a selected population of HD patients with and without diabetic nephropathy. The frequency of MIA components was analysed in 49 patients with an over 10-year history of diabetes before initiation of HD (DM group) and 49 non-diabetic HD patients (non-DM group). The chance for occurrence of atherosclerosis (odds ratio = 3.26) was markedly higher in DM than non-DM subjects. The most frequent MIA component in DM and non-DM subjects was atherosclerosis (67.3% and 40.8%, respectively). Atherosclerosis frequently coexisted with inflammation in both groups (51.5% in DM and 20.0% in non-DM) and less frequently with malnutrition. The frequency of inflammation was only slightly higher in DM, while of malnutrition was similar. Patients with atherosclerosis in the DM group had significantly higher serum concentrations of interleukin-6 than the ones in the non-DM group: 11 (6-24) versus 5 (2-9) pg/mL, respectively (P = 0.002). We can conclude that: (i) atherosclerosis is more common in HD patients with diabetic nephropathy; and (ii) this fact may explain the poor outcome of these patients and indicates the challenge in diagnostic and therapeutic management.

Could seborrhoeic dermatitis be implicated in the pathogenesis of parkinsonism?

The spouses of a group of aged sufferers have been demonstrated to have multifarious differences relevant to parkinsonism from matched controls, which were difficult to explain by selective mating, learned or reactive behaviour. Could parkinsonism be transmissible? The frequency of inflammation and scaling on head or neck was greater (P = 0.05) in these spouses (19 available) than in controls (36), the best discriminating site of inflammation being scalp (P = 0.02). Both seborrhoeic dermatitis and overt, or pre-clinical, parkinsonism occurred in sufferers and spouses: to presume they are not causally related is to accept multiple entities. In favour of seborrhoeic dermatitis being causal for parkinsonism, rather than vice versa, is the involvement of a known organism, Pityrosporum ovale, in the dermatitis, and that the evidence of parkinsonism in the spouses indicated that they were only part way down the path towards the clinical condition.

Adrenal responsiveness to a low-dose ACTH challenge in early and late lactating dairy cows

To improve the evaluation of the chronic stress conditions, the adrenal responsiveness to low dose ACTH stimulation, in different lactation stages, was checked in 56 multiparous dairy cows from 2 herds (25-350 days in milk). Cows were retrospectively ranked in 3 stages: early (<75) average (75-150) and late (<150 DIM) lactation. Herd B (vs. herd A) showed higher basal cortisol and frequency of inflammation. Early stage (vs. others) showed higher basal cortisol, bilirubin, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin, as well as lower ones of cholesterol and lower rise of plasma cortisol during ACTH challenge (P< 0.001). Cortisol peak was also correlated negatively with ceruloplasmin, bilirubin, ROM, and positively with cholesterol, vitamin A and E. Both, basal cortisol and cortisol response to ACTH, are associated to inflammation but in opposite way: basal cortisol positively and cortisol response negatively. This latter results are likely due to lower transcortin synthesis, that could be ensued in early lactating cows suffering inflammation.

The association between clinical and pathological features in histologically identified chronic endometritis

Although described originally as the sine qua non for endometriosis, plasma cells have been identified in the endometrium in a variety of other situations. This study of patients who did and did not have plasma cells in their endometrium was carried out to establish the association between the clinical presentations and a variety of pathological characteristics, particularly the presence of inflammatory cells including plasma cells in the endometrium. There was no evidence of an association between any of the presenting clinical conditions and the distribution, intensity or frequency of inflammation, including the component cell types (lymphocytes, eosinophils, plasma cells and neutrophil polymorphs) or stromal pigment, although there was an association between a history of abnormal bleeding and reactive changes in the surface endometrium (P = 0.0259). Thus this study confirms the findings of others that there is no specific clinical syndrome that is associated with the presence of plasma cells in the endometrium.

Complications of axillary lymph node dissection for carcinoma of the breast: a report based on a patient survey.

Axillary lymph node dissection is commonly performed as part of the primary management of breast carcinoma. Its value in patient management, however, has recently been questioned. Few studies exist that document long term complications. Four hundred thirty-two patients with Stage I or II breast carcinoma who were free of recurrence 2-5 years after surgery were identified. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of long term symptoms and complications as perceived by the patient, and patient and treatment factors that may have predicted complications were determined. Three hundred thirty of the 432 (76%) completed a mailed, self-administered questionnaire. In addition, the medical records of the 330 patients were reviewed. Patient and treatment factors were analyzed with logistic regression. Numbness was reported by 35% of patients at the time of the survey. Pain was noted in 30%, arm swelling in 15%, and limitation of arm movement in 8%. Eight percent reported episodes of infection or inflammation at some point since the diagnosis of breast carcinoma. The majority of symptoms were mild and interfered minimally with daily activities. Younger age (P=0.001) was associated with more frequent reporting of pain. Numbness was more common in younger patients (P=0.004) as well as in those with a history of smoking (P=0.012). There was a positive association of limitation of arm motion with adjuvant tamoxifen therapy (P=0.016). Arm swelling was associated with both younger age (P=0.004) and greater body surface area (P=0.008). Radiation therapy was associated with a higher frequency of infection or inflammation in the arm and/or breast (P=0.001). Mild symptoms, especially pain and numbness, are common 2-5 years after axillary lymph node dissection. The frequency of inflammation or infection in patients treated with radiation to the breast or chest wall after an axillary lymph node dissection may be greater than previously appreciated. Severe complications or symptoms that have a major impact on daily activities are uncommon. These findings should help health care providers and their patients with breast carcinoma weigh the pros and cons of axillary lymph node dissection.

Therapie der okulären Form des Morbus Behçet mit Cyclosporin A

Three patients with Behçet's disease and therapy-resistant posterior uveitis have been treated with cyclosporin A (CS-A) for four years. The uveitis has been controlled better, as indicated by the reduced frequency of inflammation, and there was an initial improvement in visual acuity. However, it has not been possible to prevent a slight, gradual loss of visual acuity over the years. Relapses were observed after dose reductions to blood levels below 400-500 ng/ml and following discontinuation of CS-A therapy. Few relapses occurred at higher CS-A concentrations. It was found that both types of relapse could be controlled by increasing the CS-A dose. An at least transitory increase in creatinine levels as a side effect of CS-A was observed in all patients. The authors' results and reports in the literature suggest that CS-A is an effective immunosuppressive therapy in Behçet's disease and is superior to other immunosuppressives used so far.

中耳腔炎症所見の局在性に関するヒト側頭骨病理組織学的研究

When we treat patients of otitis media, it is important to know the pathogenesis of otitis media. Therefore histopathological change of epithelium and bone in each site of tympanic cavity was observed using human temporal bones. Histopathological change of epithelium was classified as: acute, subacute and chronic in eighteen sites of tympanic cavity. Histopathological change of bone was observed in thirteen sites of tympanic cavity. And the frequency of histopathological change of epithelium and bone in each site was compared. A review of 350 temporal bones collected from autopsy cases revealed 171 (49.1%) to have otitis media, and a review of 170 temporal bones of otitis media cases revealed 165 (97.1%) to have bone changes. Differences in frequency of histopathological change of epithelium and bone existed in each site. Histopathological change in inferior portion of mastoid cells, round window niche and tympanic sinus was more frequent than in the other sites. Change of epithelium: in acute inflammation, no differences in frequency of histopathological change existed; in subacute inflammation and chronic inflammation, differences in frequency of histopathological change existed in each site. Change of bone: most changes were bone formation and bone reconstruction, but there was no clear finding that bone formation narrowed tympanic cavity without mastoid cells. Osseous destruction was found in mastoidectomy cases and cholesteatoma cases. It is thought that the frequency of inflammation is related to structure of cavity, aeration, immunologic activity or structure of the epithelium, and that the pathogenesis of otitis media, especially in chronic otitis media, is different in each site of tympanic cavity. It is thought that because the subjects of this study were not operated cases but autopsy cases, slight bone change was very frequent, but severe bone change, was rare. And we examined the pathogenesis of tympanic cavity of each case of acute inflammation and chronic inflammation of pars tensa and cases where there were no findings of inflammation in the pars tensa. In most cases of acute inflammation of pars tensa, inflammation of tympanic cavity was acute; in chronic inflammation of pars tensa, chronic. It was interesting that, in cases of normal pars tensa, inflammation was frequently found in tympanic cavity. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the possibility of inflammation in tympanic cavity, even if the tympanic membrane appears normal.

A microbiologic and clinical study of placental inflammation at term

This study describes the relationships between histologically evident inflammation of the placenta, membranes, and umbilical cords, and correlates these lesions with clinical outcome and with amniotic fluid and amniotic membrane cultures in pregnancies at risk for clinical infection. The overall frequency of inflammation in 123 placentas was 85.45%. There were good interrelationships between inflammatory lesions at various sites. Membrane infiltrates of 3+ were seen in 90.9% of intra-amniotic infection cases, but in only 18.4% of asymptomatic patients (P less than .001). Conversely, 76.9% of patients with 3+ inflammation had intra-amniotic infection, whereas only 7% with lesser degrees of inflammation had intra-amniotic infection. Inflammation of any degree (1-3+) had a low specificity (28%) for febrile maternal outcome. Bacteria were recovered in 117 (95.1%) of the amniotic fluids. The grade of histologic lesions was associated with total colony count of bacteria in amniotic fluid (P less than .05) and with high-virulence bacteria in amniotic fluid (P less than .05), and Mycoplasma hominis in amniotic fluid (P less than .05). Bacteria were found in 67.6% and mycoplasmas in 18.6% of amniotic membrane cultures. Chlamydia trachomatis was not recovered in any of 35 amniotic membrane cultures. No significant correlation was seen between organisms in the amniotic membrane and histologic inflammation. Thus, positive amniotic fluid culture results are associated with histologic inflammation, and may cause the inflammatory response. A logistic regression model revealed that predictors of histologic inflammation include maternal diagnosis, amniotic fluid colony count, and M hominis in amniotic fluid.

Тканевая эозинофилия при опухолях

According to the author's observations, tissue eosinophilia is more frequent and stronger in cancers, less often in sarcomas, while in benign tumors it is usually absent. This difference is partly related to the frequency of inflammation and the tendency of tumors to autolysis.