Figure 5

Semi-quantitative scores. a: S-Q scores of inflammation. Scoring criteria: 0 = no plasma cells; 1 = few, scattered; 2 = clearly present; 3 = multiple plasma cells organized in bands; 4 = massive presence of plasma cells. b: S-Q scores of synovial proliferation. Scoring criteria: 0 = none; 1 = small areas with synovial proliferation; 2 = large areas with synovial proliferation; 3 = invasion into the joint cavity by synovial proliferation; 4 = joint cavity totally occupied by synovial proliferation. A score was made of both the inner and outer synovial linings and the combined score was divided by two. ¤: p < 0.01, *: p < 0.05.