Characterization of a monoclonal antibody, KR-P8, that detects a new prostate-specific marker

This report characterizes a prostate-specific monoclonal antibody, KP-P8, which was prepared against the human prostate cell line PC3. The antigen detected by KR-P8 was identified on the surfaces of 90% of cells of the PC3 line, as well as on 67% of cells of the Du-145 prostate line, but it was absent from the surfaces of normal peripheral blood leukocytes and cells of a number of lymphoblastoid lines. As judged by immunoperoxidase staining techniques, KR-P8 reacted with the glandular epithelium of all specimens of normal, benign hypertrophic, and malignant prostate glands tested. However, no reactivity was noted with numerous other human tissues including normal bladder, lung, liver, kidney, testis, colon, parotid gland, thyroid gland, and spleen. These results indicate that the antigen detected by KR-P8 is prostate organ-specific. Competitive blocking studies showed that the antibody did not recognize the previously described prostate-specific antigen or the alpha-Pro-3 antigen described by other investigators. The KR-P8 antibody also did not bind to purified prostatic acid phosphatase. The presence of the KR-P8 antigen was demonstrated in cell-free preparations of dilute seminal plasma by radioimmunoassay, indicating that this antigen is secreted by the glandular cells of the prostate gland. The clinical significance of this marker was demonstrated by its ability to identify prostate metastases of the lymph node.     

Cancer and other mortality patterns among United States furniture workers

Cause specific mortality was investigated among 36,622 members of a national furniture workers' union who were first employed in unionised shops between 1946 and 1962. Overall mortality for each race and sex group was less than expected when compared with United States death rates (white men SMR = 0.8, black men SMR = 0.7, white women SMR = 0.8, black women SMR = 0.5); however, raised risks were observed among white men employed in specific types of furniture industries and followed up for 20 or more years after first employment. Lymphatic and haematopoietic cancers were significantly raised (SMR = 1.8) among wood furniture workers followed up for at least 20 years due to excess deaths from leukaemia (SMR = 2.0) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SMR = 2.0). Mortality from acute myeloid leukaemia was particularly high in this group (SMR = 4.7) based on six observed cases. Metal furniture workers followed up for at least 20 years experienced a significant excess of all cancers combined (SMR = 1.6), with non-significant increases in cancers of the lung, stomach, and colorectum. This group also had non-significant excesses of liver cirrhosis, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Nasal cancer was not found to be significantly raised in this cohort, though the average follow up period may not have been sufficient to detect an excess risk for this uncommon tumour.     

Update on the use of preoperative pneumoperitoneum prior to the repair of large hernias of the abdominal wall

A review of eight repairs of large hernias of the abdomen pretreated with progressive artificial pneumoperitoneum is presented. Although three recurrences were noted during the follow-up period, two of the recurrences were repaired easily without further herniation. The advantages and complications of this procedure are discussed. Although the use of pneumoperitoneum prior to herniorrhaphy has been well described in the past, current emphasis on prosthetic mesh repairs has overshadowed its advantages. Progressive preoperative pneumoperitoneum as an adjunct to the repair of large abdominal hernias and eventrations should be part of the armamentarium of surgeons who are confronted with these difficult operative problems.     

Inhibition of protein kinase C by defensins, antibiotic peptides from human neutrophils

Defensins, human neutrophil peptide (HNP) antibiotics, potently inhibited phospholipid/Ca2+ protein kinase (protein kinase C, PKC) and phosphorylation of endogenous proteins from rat brains catalyzed by the enzyme. Of the three defensin peptides, HNP-2 appeared to be more potent than HNP-1 and HNP-3. Kinetic studies indicated that defensins inhibited PKC noncompetitively with respect to phosphatidylserine (a phospholipid cofactor), Ca2+ (an activator), ATP (a phosphoryl donor) and histone H1 (a substrate protein) with Ki values ranging from 1.2 to 1.7 microM. Defensins, unlike polymyxin B (another peptide inhibitor of PKC), did not inhibit the binding of [3H]phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate to PKC; however, defensins, like polymyxin B, inhibited the PKC activity stimulated by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Defensins had little or no effect on myosin light chain kinase (a calmodulin/Ca2+-dependent protein kinase) and the holoenzyme or catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, indicating a specificity of action of defensins. It is suggested that defensins, among the most potent peptide inhibitors of PKC so far identified, may have profound effects on functions of neutrophils and other mammalian cells, in addition to their well-recognized antimicrobial activities.     

Resistance to alcohol impairment of visual-motor performance: does it help to pay attention?

In a 2 x 2 factorial design, moderately intoxicated (BAC = .05) college students (n = 40) were exposed to a cognitive set (to concentrate) and/or an auditory feedback signal while performing a modified pursuit-rotor task across five postbeverage trials. Self-reported "highness" was also assessed. A control group received placebo drinks and performed without aids. Hypothesized main effects for both set and signal revealed that intoxicated aided subjects outperformed their unaided counterparts. Moreover, subjects who received both aids outperformed all other intoxicated subjects and performed equivalently with unaided placebo subjects. Separate analyses of the first postbeverage trial and use of covariance analyses provided confidence that the obtained effects were not attributable to acute or chronic tolerance. Highness correlated negatively with performance; but set and signal effects on highness failed to reach significance. Although alcohol-induced motor impairment is not recognized in the research literature as being under volitional control, subjects in the present study exhibited clear resistance to alcohol impairment. Possible psychological mediators and moderators of the obtained effects are discussed, as well as the relevance of these findings for tolerance research. Practical implications are also considered.     

"Color Your Life:" an assessment and treatment strategy for children

The "Color Your Life" technique, a form of play therapy, is designed to help children become aware of the range of feelings possible, to talk about their own feelings and to move from action to verbal forms of expression. In this article, the authors describe the technique and its variations, and provide examples of its application in both assessment and treatment contexts.