found in eyes with uncomplicated retinal detachments without intraocular fibrosis (360±91 pM [SEMI). Using an in vitro assay, 84-100% of the TGF-,B activity could be blocked with specific antibodies against TGF-fl2, whereas only 10-21% could be blocked by specific antibodies against TGF-,61.TGF-ft, was used in an animal model of traction retinal detachment. Since flI and 2 have essentially identical biologic effects and only human fl1 was available in quantities required, 61 was chosen for these in vivo studies. The injection of TGF-ft, plus fibronectin (FN) but not TGF-,81 alone into the vitreous cavity of rabbits resulted in the increased formation of intraocular fibrosis and traction retinal detachments as compared to control eyes. In previous studies, intravitreal FN levels were also found to be elevated in eyes with intraocular fibrosis.

In ten patients with Prinzmetal's variant form of angina the effects of various drugs were assessed: subcutaneous injection of methacholine (10 mg), atropine (0.7 mg), and epinephrine (0.7 mg); intravenous infusion of isoproterenol (20-25 µg/min); and in the three of the above patients who were having recurrent spontaneous attacks at the time of the examination, oral administration of atropine (0.6-1.2 mg), propranolol (30-90 mg), and phenoxybenzamine (10 mg in one patient). Master's triple two-step test and selective coronary arteriography were done on all the patients. In the three patients who were having spontaneous attacks at the time of the examination, the administration of methacholine induced the attacks and that of atropine suppressed the attacks. Epinephrine induced the attacks in two patients and propranolol was without effect in suppressing the attacks. Phenoxybenzamine (in one patient) suppressed the attacks. Neither Master's triple two-step test nor isoproterenol infusion precipitated the attacks, though heart rate increased to more than 110 beats/min and 160 beats/min respectively in all the patients. Coronary arteriograms were normal in seven of the ten patients. It is concluded that enhanced activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which occurs at rest, is involved in the initiation of the attack by stimulating the sympathetic nerve which in turn probably induces coronary arterial spasm by way of activating alpha (vasoconstrictor) receptors present in the large coronary arteries.

Although severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) was first reported from Japan in 2013, the precise clinical features and the risk factors for SFTS have not been fully investigated in Japan. Ninety-six cases of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) were notified through the national surveillance system between April 2013 and September 2014 in Japan. All cases were from western Japan, and 82 cases (85%) had an onset between April and August. A retrospective observational study of the notified SFTS cases was conducted to identify the clinical features and laboratory findings during the same period. Of 96 notified cases, 49 (51%) were included in this study. Most case-patients were of advanced age (median age 78 years) and were retired or unemployed, or farmers. These case-patients had a history of outdoor activity within 2 weeks before the onset of illness. The median serum C-reactive protein concentration was slightly elevated at admission. Fungal infections such as invasive aspergilosis were found in 10% of these case-patients. Hemophagocytosis was observed in 15 of the 18 case-patients (83%) whose bone marrow samples were available. Fifteen cases were fatal, giving a case-fatality proportion of 31%. The proportion of neurological abnormalities and serum concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase were significantly higher in the fatal cases than in the nonfatal cases during hospitalization. Appearance of neurological abnormality may be useful for predicting the prognosis in SFTS patients.

No abstract

No abstract