Demonstration of a polariton step potential by local variation of light-matter coupling in a van-der-Waals heterostructure.

The large oscillator strength of excitons in transition metal dichalcogenide layers facilitates the formation of exciton-polariton resonances for monolayers and van-der-Waals heterostructures embedded in optical microcavities. Here, we show, that locally changing the number of layers in a WSe2/hBN/WSe2 van-der-Waals heterostructure embedded in a monolithic, high-quality-factor cavity gives rise to a local variation of the coupling strength. This effect yields a polaritonic stair case potential, which we demonstrate at room temperature. Our result paves the way towards engineering local polaritonic potentials at length scales down to atomically sharp interfaces, based on purely modifying its real part contribution via the coherent light-matter coupling strength g.

Occupational risk factors for prostate cancer in an area of former coal, iron, and steel industries in Germany. Part 2: results from a study performed in the 1990s.

Currently, there is no established occupational risk factor for prostate cancer. However, in the 1980s, a hospital-based case-control study in the greater Dortmund area showed an elevated risk for hard coal miners and, based on few cases, for painters and varnishers. Therefore, approximately 10 yr later, a similar study regarding prostate cancer was performed in this area. In total, 292 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy and 313 controls who underwent transurethral resection of a benign prostatic hyperplasia were investigated by questionnaire. All of them were operated on between 1995 and 1999. This study showed a decreased risk for prostate cancer in hard coal miners (odds ratio [OR] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44-1.03). Occupational exposures related to an elevated risk for prostate cancer were exposures to combustion products (20% cases vs. 11% controls), colorants and dyes (19 vs. 13%), and cutting fluids (8 vs. 6%). The different prostate cancer risks for underground coal miners in two studies with a time interval of approximately 10 yr are striking. Factors to be discussed are the introduction of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for prostate cancer and investigation of cases that underwent radical prostatectomy, where the disease in general is locally confined. Working conditions in the local underground coal mines improved over time but did not change markedly in the period of interest. In essence, the present study does not corroborate an elevated prostate cancer risk in former underground hard coal miners from the greater Dortmund area.

Changes in physical functioning among men and women aged 50-79 years in Germany: an analysis of National Health Interview and Examination Surveys, 1997-1999 and 2008-2011.

BACKGROUND: This study examines changes in physical functioning among adults aged 50-79 years in Germany based on data from two German National Health Interview and Examination Surveys conducted in 1997-1999 (GNHIES98) and 2008-2011 (DEGS1). METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from the two surveys (GNHIES98, n = 2884 and DEGS1, n = 3732), we examined changes in self-reported physical functioning scores (Short Form-36 physical functioning subscale (SF-36 PF)) by sex and age groups (50-64 and 65-79 years). Covariables included educational level, living alone, nine chronic diseases, polypharmacy (≥5 prescribed medicines), body mass index, sports activity, smoking and alcohol consumption. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 chronic diseases. Multivariable models were fitted to examine consistency of changes in physical functioning among certain subgroups and to assess changes in mean SF-36 PF scores, adjusting for changes in covariables between surveys. RESULTS: Mean physical functioning increased among adults aged 50-79 years between surveys in unadjusted analyses, but this change was not as marked among men aged 65-79 years who experienced rising obesity (20.6 to 31.5%, p = 0.004) and diabetes (13.0 to 20.0%, p = 0.014). Prevalence of multimorbidity and polypharmacy use increased among men and women aged 65-79 years. In sex and age specific multivariable analyses, changes in physical functioning over time were consistent across subgroups. Gains in physical functioning were explained by improved education, lower body mass index and improved health-related behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption, sports activity) in women, but less so among men. CONCLUSIONS: Physical functioning improved in Germany among adults aged 50-79 years. Improvements in the population 65-79 years were less evident among men than women, despite increases in multimorbidity prevalence among both sexes. Changes in health behaviours over time differed between sexes and help explain variations in physical functioning. Targeted health behaviour interventions are indicated from this study.

[Mortality follow-up of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS) : methods and first results]. / Mortalitäts-Follow-up der Studie zur Gesundheit Erwachsener in Deutschland (DEGS) : Methodik und erste Ergebnisse.

OBJECTIVES: Within the framework of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS), the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) conducted a nationwide mortality follow-up study. As there is no national mortality register in Germany, mortality and causes of death were investigated individually and under observance of state-specific data protection conditions. METHODS: The German Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 (GNHIES98) provided the database including 7,124 participants aged 18-79 years. A total of 6,979 participants of GNHIES98 (98 %) who consented to be re-contacted were invited between October 2008 and October 2011 to also participate in the first data collection wave of DEGS (DEGS1). In this context, the vital status and the causes of death for deceased participants were assessed. Age- and sex-specific probabilities of survival and death rates were calculated and grouped by main causes of death according to ICD-10 groups. RESULTS: A total of 671 individuals (285 women, 386 men) died between the two survey contacts. For all deceased persons the date of death and for 539 (80.3 %) the causes of death could be determined. With a median follow-up time of 12.0 years, 8,0742.5 person years were available for survival analysis. The crude overall death rate amounted to 8.3 per 1,000 persons-years (women: 7.2; men: 9.5). Among 539 persons with available information on causes of death, 209 (38.8 %) were attributable to cardiovascular diseases, 188 (34.9 %) to cancer, 135 (25.0 %) to other causes, and seven (1.3 %) could not be unambiguously assigned. CONCLUSIONS: A mortality follow-up was successfully integrated in the longitudinal component of DEGS as part of the national health monitoring at the RKI. Death rates and cause-specific mortality in relation to highly prevalent chronic diseases and risk factors provide essential information for assessing the potential of prevention and quality of care among adults in Germany. This requires a regular and complete conduction of mortality follow-ups.

[Medication use of adults in Germany: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)]. / Arzneimittelanwendung von Erwachsenen in Deutschland : Ergebnisse der Studie zur Gesundheit Erwachsener in Deutschland (DEGS1).

The first wave of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults, 2008-2011 (DEGS1), assesses current medicine use among participating adults aged 18-79 years in the 7 days prior to the medical examination as part of a standardised interview. About three quarters (74.4 %) of all men and women state that they used at least one preparation. Prevalence is highest among 70-79 year olds (men 94.9 %; women 96.3 %). Overall women have a significantly higher prevalence rate (85.4 %) than men (63.8 %). Preparations for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases are the most frequently used medicines (men 27.2 %; women 29.5 %). Polypharmacy (the use of 5 or more preparations) increases continuously with age and is observed significantly more often in women than in men in all age groups with the exception of the age group 70-79. Of the 20,084 recorded preparations, 71.8 % are prescribed by a doctor and 27.7 % are self-medicated. While there are no differences in overall medication linked to social status, a social gradient is observed in prescribed preparations and self-medication. The results presented here describe key indicators of medication use representative of the German adult population. Based on the extensive data of DEGS1, further analyses into aspects such as co- and multimedication will be addressed in the future. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink as supplemental.

[Prevalence of hysterectomy in women 18 to 79 years old: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)]. / Prävalenz von Hysterektomien bei Frauen im Alter von 18 bis 79 Jahren: Ergebnisse der Studie zur Gesundheit Erwachsener in Deutschland (DEGS1).

In many countries, hysterectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in gynaecology. The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence of hysterectomy in Germany by socio-demographic factors and factors of (reproductive) health. Analyses are based on data from the "German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)", which is part of the health monitoring of the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The prevalence of hysterectomy among participating women (18-79 years old) was 17.5% (n = 689). Most women (49.1%) were 40-49 years old when surgery was performed. 6.1% of hysterectomised women had cancer of the uterus or ovaries, and 19.7% underwent a simultaneous oophorectomy. There were significant differences in the prevalence of hysterectomy regarding social status, place of residence in 1988, number of live births, and body weight. DEGS1 is the first study showing the prevalence of hysterectomy in a representative sample of the German population. More detailed analyses of the DEGS data, among other data sources, are needed to evaluate the importance of the described associations and to assess trends. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink as supplemental.

[Prevalence of dyslipidemia among adults in Germany: results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS 1)]. / Verbreitung von Fettstoffwechselstörungen bei Erwachsenen in Deutschland: Ergebnisse der Studie zur Gesundheit Erwachsener in Deutschland (DEGS1).

Interview and laboratory data from the first wave of the German health interview and examination survey for adults (DEGS1) from 2008 to 2011 were used to provide current estimates of the prevalence of dyslipidemia which are representative of the population in Germany 18 to 79 years of age. A total of 56.6 % of men and 60.5 % of women 18 to 79 years have elevated serum total cholesterol concentrations in excess of the currently recommended threshold of 190 mg/dL; 17.9 % of men and 20.3 % of women have highly elevated total cholesterol concentrations ≥ 240 mg/dL. A total of 19.3 % of men and 3.6 % of women have high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations below 40 mg/dL. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia (total cholesterol ≥ 190 mg/dL or medical diagnosis of dyslipidemia) is 64.5 % for men and 65.7 % for women. Of these, more than half of both men and women have previously undiagnosed dyslipidemia. Among persons with known dyslipidemia, 30.8% take lipid-lowering medication. Dyslipidemia is widely prevalent among adults in Germany. More in-depth analyses will examine time trends in the prevalence of dyslipidemia in Germany and in an international comparison. An English full-text version of this article is available at SpringerLink as supplemental.

[Possibilites and limitations of retrospective research on cause of death within the framework of a nationwide epidemiological study]. / Möglichkeiten und Grenzen retrospektiver Todesursachenrecherchen im Rahmen bundesweiter epidemiologischer Studien.

Cause-specific mortality is an important endpoint in longitudinal epidemiological studies to research causal health links and carry out individual process analyses. As in Germany no national mortality register exists, state-specific data-protection conditions for and approaches to cause of death studies were researched and tested within the framework of a pilot project. The database was provided by a sample of deceased study participants from the 1998 nationwide health survey. Under the given conditions, cause of death research in a nationwide epidemiological study is possible in principle, but requires a great deal of time and effort. In Rhineland-Palatinate research needs to be carried out in a timely manner as the health authorities' retention period for death certificates is limited to minimum of 5 years. In Berlin the research situation is particularly difficult as, while the death certificates are held 3 years by the statistics bureau, this department cannot release any pseudonymous data. In Berlin it is possible to research the cause of death for some of the deceased through the doctors and hospitals that issued the death certificates and through the GKR Berlin-Brandenburg (in keeping with the special data protection measures of the cancer registry). In North Rhine Westphalia the written consent obtained during people's lifetimes, including an explicit release from medical confidentiality, is required to carry out cause of death research. In all other German states exceptions are possible, in all cases requiring the consent of the state's data protection commissioners. The results of the pilot project underline the need for a national mortality register. Until this is established the approach used in the pilot study can be used and, working together with the state and national data protection authorities and with the highest national health authorities, can be further optimized in order to avoid losing data and to use resources efficiently.

[Sticking guide wire. Problems with a high-flow catheter]. / "Der Draht hakt". Probleme mit einem "High-flow"-Katheter.

In the case presented an intravenous line for large volume infusion rates was to be placed in a patient with an aortic aneurysm during clinical preoperative care. After a high-flow catheter had been placed without any problems retraction of the guide wire was found to be impossible. Computer tomography revealed that the reason was a kink in the catheter resulting in the guide wire being nipped off. Fortunately both catheter and guide wire could be removed completely without any further complications.

Tunable exciton-polaritons emerging from WS2 monolayer excitons in a photonic lattice at room temperature.

Engineering non-linear hybrid light-matter states in tailored lattices is a central research strategy for the simulation of complex Hamiltonians. Excitons in atomically thin crystals are an ideal active medium for such purposes, since they couple strongly with light and bear the potential to harness giant non-linearities and interactions while presenting a simple sample-processing and room temperature operability. We demonstrate lattice polaritons, based on an open, high-quality optical cavity, with an imprinted photonic lattice strongly coupled to excitons in a WS2 monolayer. We experimentally observe the emergence of the canonical band-structure of particles in a one-dimensional lattice at room temperature, and demonstrate frequency reconfigurability over a spectral window exceeding 85 meV, as well as the systematic variation of the nearest-neighbour coupling, reflected by a tunability in the bandwidth of the p-band polaritons by 7 meV. The technology presented in this work is a critical demonstration towards reconfigurable photonic emulators operated with non-linear photonic fluids, offering a simple experimental implementation and working at ambient conditions.

Changes of menopausal hormone therapy use pattern since 2000: results of the Berlin Spandau Longitudinal Health Study.

BACKGROUND: There are virtually no prospective cohort studies in Germany regarding the changes of menopausal hormone therapy (HT) use pattern and factors associated with HT discontinuation after the release of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial results. METHODS: We assessed HT prevalence and use pattern as well as factors associated with HT discontinuation in a cohort of 903 women 40 years of age and older, who participated in two consecutive follow-up visits in a 20-year prospective health study from July 2000 to February and from August 2002 to December 2004. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of HT users in the cohort declined significantly from 35.4% in 2000-2002 to 22.5% in 2002-2004. Adjusting for aging of the population, a statistically significant decrease in HT user prevalence was consistently observed across subgroups of HT users defined by type and duration of HT use. The decline was most pronounced with respect to women using combined estrogen-progestin regimens (-10.5%), higher-dose estrogens (-11.6%), oral preparations (-11.1%), as well as long-term HT users (-8.4%). The prevalence of women indicating HT use for climacteric symptoms decreased significantly (-12.4%), whereas the prevalence of women reporting use of HT for the prevention of osteoporosis increased (+1.8%) significantly. Irrespective of hysterectomy status, half of the women who continued HT changed their HT preparations and switched to lower estrogen doses (11.5%), topical estrogens (8.2%), or phytohormones (3.8%). We did not observe any significant differences between women who continued and discontinued HT regarding health-related characteristics of the study population as of 2000-2002. However, women seeing a gynecologist in the 12 months preceding the 2002-2004 visit were significantly less likely to discontinue HT use in bivariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial declines in HT user prevalence as well as changes in HT use patterns to lower-dose estrogen preparations and non-oral routes of administration are likely to reflect effects of the publication of the WHI results. Consulting a gynecologist appeared to be relevant for a woman's decision to continue HT.

Comedication related to comorbidities: a study in 1203 hospitalized patients with severe psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a common dermatological disorder characterized by an immune-mediated chronic inflammation which is associated with a variety of other diseases commonly referred to as comorbidities. The treatments for these diseases may interfere with the course and the treatment of psoriasis. Little is known on the general drug intake of patients with psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To gain more insight into the general drug intake of patients with severe psoriasis. A correlation of comedication to respective diseases could lead to a better knowledge of comorbidities. METHODS: Data on demographics, comedication and comorbidities from 1203 patients with severe psoriasis in Germany were analysed. As a control group data from 7099 subjects from the German National Health Survey 1998 were used. RESULTS: Patients with severe psoriasis are receiving significantly more different systemic drugs on average than the general population, with the most prominent difference in multidrug treatment. Drugs used in the treatment of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and other diseases of the metabolic syndrome as well as oral anticoagulants and anticonvulsant agents showed the greatest differences. Special characteristics of antihypertensive drug treatments could be determined. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained in this study provide the basis for an improved management of patients with psoriasis. Knowledge of existing comedication and comorbidities may lead to the ability to treat psoriasis and comorbidities at the same time more safely and to use possible synergistic effects.

Improvements in culturing exfoliated urothelial cells in vitro from human urine.

Human bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor that may be produced by factors such as lifestyle, environment and occupation. The aim of this study was to evaluate parameters related to the viability of exfoliated urothelial cells. Exfoliated urothelial cells were obtained from 83 urine samples of 22 healthy participants (20-53 yr). From 67 of these samples, cells were transferred to collagen-coated 24-well plates. Parameters including sample volume, pH, osmolality and participant age and gender were examined on cell viability. In successive cultures, the numbers of cell colonies and cells per cell colony were determined. The number of viable cells in the urinary sediments of males varied from 0 to 6.5 x 10(3) cells per sample (mean 1 x 10(3)). Higher cell numbers in urine samples from females (6 x 10(3)) were due to considerable amounts of exfoliated vaginal cells. Cell numbers in males were positively related to volume, osmolality, and pH of the samples, as well as to the retention time of urine in the bladder. Cell proliferation was achieved in 25 out of 67 samples and was positively related to sample osmolality and pH. Participant age and content of urinary oxalates exerted negative effects on cell proliferation in vitro. The mean number of cell colonies per sample was 1.7. The mean cell number per colony was 11.7 x 10(3). It appears that high variability in individual excretion of urothelial cells able to proliferate is a limiting factor for routine use of these cells for in vitro toxicology.

Impact of preoperative antiandrogen medication and nerve-sparing surgery on the outcome of radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Radical prostatectomy in antiandrogen-medicated patients, as well as nerve-sparing surgery, has increased within recent years. We investigated the impact of antiandrogen medication on loss of blood and of nerve-sparing surgery on continence and potency. METHODS: A total of 401 men who underwent radical prostatectomy between January 1995 and September 1999 at our clinic were asked about antiandrogenic medication prior to radical prostatectomy and about daily life activities, overall satisfaction, voiding ability, and sexual activities. Consumption of erythrocyte concentrates and cryoprecipitated plasma was taken from the records. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 36 months. Seventy-two percent (n = 289) of our patients replied. Sixty-seven men (23%) who replied to our questionnaire had received antiandrogen medication prior to radical prostatectomy. In 53 (18%) of the men, the nerve-sparing technique was used. In antiandrogen-medicated patients, we observed a significantly elevated consumption of erythrocyte concentrates (antiandrogen-medicated 0.93, not antiandrogen-medicated 0.44; P = 0.013) and of cryoprecipitated plasma (antiandrogen-medicated 0.39, not antiandrogen-medicated 0.08; P = 0.010). Patients who underwent the nerve-sparing technique reported better results in daily life activities, general health status, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and continence. CONCLUSION: Our results point to a higher quality of life in patients who had undergone nerve-sparing surgery.

[Oral hygiene. KIGGS data on caries preventative behaviour]. / Mundhygiene. Daten des KiGGS zum Karies-präventiven Verhalten.

The present analysis deals with the identification of populations at risk with regard to oral hygiene and the prevention of caries in children and adolescents in Germany. Using a written questionnaire, which constituted a part of the KIGGS Survey for children and adolescents, 17,641 participants aged between 0 to 17 years were asked about how frequently they brushed their teeth, and how often they had dental check-ups. During a standardised medical interview caries preventative medications were recorded. In consideration of socio-demographic factors, risk populations for insufficient dental hygiene and caries prophylaxis were identified by means of logistic regression. Determinants for insufficient dental hygiene are male sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.6), low social status (OR 2.2) and migrational background (OR 2.3). The social and culture-specific determinancy is also mirrored in the insufficient utilisation of dental check-ups. In addition, there are significant differences between East and West Germany (OR West 1.3) and urban residence (OR 1.9). Age (0-2 years OR 10.4), social and migrational status proved to be significant factors influencing use of tablet fluoridation. These results stress the necessity of preventative measures for these specific target groups to improve dental hygiene and health.

[Management of multiresistant bacteria in urology]. / Management multiresistenter Erreger in der Urologie.

Contamination and infection with extensive drug resistant (XDR) bacteria are increasing in urology with the exception of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (stabilization). They often lead to logistic and therapeutical problems. Only 30-50% of XDR cases are of exogenous origin. To slow this trend, screening, hygiene programs, isolation, decontamination, targeted therapy of symptomatic infections, education programs, and success controls should be applied. Furthermore, all regulatory and legal instructions should be followed. Local hygiene networks help to find apt measures for XDR control. It is important to balance hygiene measures against hygiene hysteria. To prepare urological instruments, a local instrument preparation plan that takes into consideration all legal instructions should be followed. The efforts in health system general prophylactic measures should be supported. Only with consistent implementation in all areas of daily life (health care, local environment, animal husbandry, and soil contaminated within the framework of animal husbandry) can a substantial reduction of XDR bacteria be achieved in the long term.

[Hygiene, Screening and Management of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens (3MRGN, 4 MRGN, MRSA) in Urology]. / Hygiene, Screening und Management multiresistenter Erreger (3MRGN, 4 MRGN, MRSA) in der Urologie.

The increasing development of resistance to antibiotics has fatal consequences for the treatment of infectious diseases. One of the main causes is the inappropriate use, and therefore overuse, of these substances. Today, multidrug-resistant pathogens are a major problem for facilities of the public health system, especially for hospitals. Pathogens of particular interest are methicillin-resistant S. aureus and multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Adapted hygienic measures, effective screening and functioning management of affected patients are required to reduce the risk of infection for patients and staff as well as the spread of pathogens.

N-RAS gene activation in acute myeloid leukemia: association with expression of interleukin-6.

The 21 kDa proteins encoded by RAS genes are thought to be involved in intracellular signal transduction. Expression of RAS genes activated by point mutations after transfection into mammalian cells can modulate the response of these cells to exogenously added growth factors and their expression patterns of growth factors. We analyzed leukemic cells from 50 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for the presence of activating point mutations of the N-RAS gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and differential oligonucleotide hybridization. This assay allows semiquantitative determination of the relative abundance of cells carrying N-RAS mutations. Clonal activation of N-RAS, noted in the large majority of leukemic cells of the six of these patients, was correlated significantly (p = 0.0003) with the ability of these cells to express interleukin 6 (IL-6), previously shown to be expressed at high levels in approximately 30% of primary AML cells. In 16 patients, the presence of N-RAS mutations was observed only in subpopulations of leukemic cells. The 'subclonal' involvement of some but not all leukemic cells was further demonstrated by PCR analysis of individual clones grown in soft agar culture. We investigated whether additional, complementary changes in oncogene structure occurred in cells exhibiting clonal activation of N-RAS. For instance, concomitant activation of N-RAS and amplification or rearrangement of c-MYC have been observed in various tumor tissues. Southern blot analysis did not, however, reveal gross alternations of MYC gene structure or copy number in these cells.

Preparation of europium-streptavidin in a time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay for interleukin-3.

The preparation and immunoassay performance of europium-labeled streptavidin is described. The Eu-streptavidin conjugate can serve as a general detection reagent in time-resolved fluoroimmunoassays (TRFIA). The usefulness of such a strategy has previously been demonstrated with the Eu3+ chelate 4,7-bis(chlorosulfophenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid (Diamandis et al. 1988). In this report the conjugation of streptavidin was accomplished with the Eu3+ chelate of N1-(p-isothiocyanatobenzyl)diethylenetriamine-N1,N3,N3(+)-tetraace tic acid, using a 50 M excess of the label. The conjugation ratio of Eu3+/streptavidin was 16. The use of the Eu-streptavidin reagent in a two-site immunometric assay to measure human recombinant interleukin-3 in human plasma, showed that the useful range of the assay was 20-25,000 pg/ml.

Synthesis and surface expression of ICAM-1 in polymorphonuclear neutrophilic leukocytes in normal subjects and during inflammatory disease.

During bacterial peritonitis of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) leukocytes, particularly polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs), migrate into the peritoneal cavity. However, at the site of inflammation PMNs are not sufficiently able to protect the host against micro-organisms. Adhesion molecules, such as ICAM-1 (CD54), are involved in the interaction between endothelial cells and PMNs leading to the accumulation of PMNs at the site of inflammation. As PMNs are the predominant cell type in the peritoneal cavity in peritonitis, the aim of this study was to find out whether PMNs from CAPD peritonitis patients were able to express ICAM-1. Flow cytometric analyses with the anti-CD54 monoclonal antibody demonstrated that normal PMNs constitutively express slight amounts of ICAM-1. In contrast to normal PMNs, peritoneal PMNs from patients with CAPD peritonitis expressed high amounts of ICAM-1 (p = 0.003). Furthermore, ICAM-1 expression on peripheral blood PMNs of these patients significantly differed from PMNs from healthy donor (p = 0.01). Furthermore, Northern blot analysis revealed a weak signal of ICAM-1 mRNA in normal PMNs. However, peritoneal PMNs from CAPD peritonitis patients expressed a strong signal for ICAM-1 mRNA, suggesting that ICAM-1 is newly synthesized when PMNs invade the peritoneal cavity. In summary, this study clearly demonstrates that peritoneal PMNs of CAPD peritonitis express high amounts of ICAM-1 receptor on the level of mRNA and on the surface. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that peritoneal PMNs interact amongst each other between ICAM-1 and its counter receptors CD11a,b/CD18 receptor.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)