Racial differences in clinically localized prostate cancers of black and white men

PURPOSE: Tumor grade, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ploidy, proliferation, p53 and bcl-2 expression were examined in clinically localized prostate cancers of black and white American men to learn whether these features showed racial differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 117 prostate cancers (43 black and 74 white patients) obtained at radical prostatectomy for clinically localized disease were assigned Gleason scores by a single pathologist. Enzymatically dissociated nuclei from archival prostate cancers were examined by DNA flow cytometry using propidium iodide staining and the multicycle program to remove debris and sliced nuclei and to perform cell cycle analysis. For immunostaining after microwave antigen retrieval we used a DO-1/DO-7 monoclonal antibody cocktail for p53 and the clone 124 antibody for bcl-2. RESULTS: Significantly more black than white men had Gleason score 7 tumors. The DNA ploidy distribution of Gleason 6 or less tumors was similar for both races. As anticipated, the ploidy distribution of higher grade prostate cancer in white men was more abnormal but, unexpectedly, this was not found for higher grade prostate cancer in black men. No significant racial differences were found in S phase fractions, p53 or bcl-2 immunopositivity. However, for prostate cancer in black men there was a significant association between bcl-2 immunopositivity and higher S-phase fractions. CONCLUSIONS: The aggressive prostate cancers of black men may be characterized by the 2 features of high proliferation and a block to programmed cell death.     

Black/white differences in the relationship between MMSE scores and disability: the Women's Health and Aging Study

The purpose of this article is to examine Black/White differences among older women in the relationship between physical functional difficulties and variations in cognitive status, measured within the low to high normal range of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We studied 3,585 women with MMSE scores of 18 and above from a population-based random sample of 3,841 community-dwelling women aged 65 and older living in East Baltimore, Maryland. Trained interviewers administered the MMSE and obtained information on demographics, medical conditions, and functional difficulties. Prevalence of any functional difficulty was 43.3% in Whites and 48.5% in Blacks, who were 25% of the study sample. After adjusting for age and education, a significant trend for increasing functional difficulty with decreasing MMSE scores was found in White women but not in Black women. Since no explanation for these racial differences could be identified, these findings suggest that the MMSE may not be a valid predictor of functional difficulty in Black women who score > or = 18 on the instrument.     

The kinetics of ACTH expression in rat leukocyte subpopulations

The peripherin gene has three potential ATG translation initiation sites at positions 38, 56, and 290. The second ATG has been proposed to be the initiation codon used for translation of the protein, but there is no experimental evidence for this conjecture. We have isolated a full-length peripherin cDNA (designated as p61-11) from a rat brain cDNA library. Upon sequencing, we found that this cDNA contains a point mutation at the second potential translation initiation codon, which changes this ATG to ACG. When expressed in SW13 cl.2 vim- cells, a cell line without any detectable cytoplasmic intermediate filaments, the protein product of p61-11 cannot form a filamentous network and the major product is 45 kDa in size, which is most likely initiated from the third ATG. The protein product from the first ATG (57 kDa in size) of p61-11 is also detected albeit in smaller amounts. We introduced a frame-shift mutation upstream of the third ATG in p61-11 to create p61-11FS and showed that the third ATG is able to initiate translation efficiently even in the presence of the first ATG, and the 45 kDa protein leads to a diffuse nonfilamentous staining pattern in vim- cells confirming that the first ATG may not be the preferred translation initiation codon, since it cannot suppress a downstream ATG. We increased the translation efficiency from the first ATG of p61-11 by mutating the three nucleotides preceding this first ATG and thereby placing it in a better Kozak consensus sequence for translation initiation. The resulting 57 kDa protein is able to form a filamentous network in vim- cells. We corrected the mutation in the original p61-11 by polymerase chain reaction and generated two peripherin constructs: perM1M2 (which contains all three translation initiation codons) and per delta 1M2 (the first ATG is deleted, but the other two are present). When transfected, their protein products, about 57 kDa in size, form filamentous networks in the absence of other cytoplasmic intermediate filaments. Since there is no 45 kDa protein detected for these latter two constructs, it is reasonable to conclude that in the presence of the second ATG, little or no translation is initiated from the third ATG. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the second ATG is the preferred translation initiation codon for the peripherin gene.     

Black/white differences in the relationship of maternal age to birthweight: a population-based test of the weathering hypothesis

A cDNA clone encoding phytochrome (apoprotein) of the zygnematophycean green alga Mougeotia scalaris has been isolated and sequenced. The clone consisted of 3372 bp, encoded 1124 amino acids, and showed strainspecific nucleotide exchanges for M. scalaris, originating from different habitats. No indication was found of multiple phytochrome genes in Mougeotia. The 5' non-coding region of the Mougeotia PHY cDNA harbours a striking stem-loop structure. Homologies with higher-plant phytochromes were 52-53% for PHYA and 57-59% for PHYB. Highest homology scores were found with lower-plant phytochromes, for example 67% for Selaginella (Lycopodiopsida), 64% for Physcomitrella (Bryopsida) and 73% for Mesotaenium (Zygnematophyceae). In an unrooted phylogenetic tree, the position of Mougeotia PHY appeared most distant to all other known PHYs. The amino acids Gly-Val in the chromophore-binding domain (-Arg-Gly-Val-His-Gly-Cys-) were characteristic of the zygnematophycean PHYs known to date. There was no indication of a transmembrane region in Mougeotia phytochrome in particular, but a carboxyl-terminal 16-mer three-fold repeat in both, Mougeotia and Mesotaenium PHYs may represent a microtubule-binding domain. Unexpected for a non-angiosperm phytochrome, its expression was autoregulated in Mougeotia in a red/far-red reversible manner: under Pr conditions, phytochrome mRNA levels were tenfold higher than under Pfr conditions.     

Black and white in international perspective.

Surveys areas of conflict on the international scene and concludes that the role of racial differences in most is minor or nonexistent. Recent developments in the United States, e.g., black studies programs, black power, and black nationalism, are outlined. Some research findings which add perspective to approaches to racism are noted: (a) effects of poverty and overcrowding on learning ability; (b) influence of training and exercise on the development of the brain; (c) consequences of teachers' expectations; (d) value of compensatory learning; (e) changes in performance that accompany changes in environment; (f) importance of motivational and other personality factors in determining test performance and educational achievement; (g) the lack of true correspondence between skin color and measure of social disorganization; and (h) the extent to which perception, cognition and thinking are related to social and cultural factors. The responsibilities and tasks of psychologists in combating racism are briefly discussed. (26 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Elevated prostate-specific antigen levels in black men and white men

The usual ranges for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) are derived from a community-based population of White men but are used for screening on all men on the assumption that the differences between the PSA levels of different racial groups are small or have no clinical significance. Recently published reports, however, suggest that PSA levels in a specific racial population may vary directly with the relative risk of prostatic cancer within that population. PSA ranges were determined in Black and White men registered with the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, Maryland. The total patient census of 122,602 has near-equal numbers of Black and White men and maintains records of race designation for inpatients. Among the male patients with no known prostatic cancer, there were 10,808 men 40 years of age or older and 19,482 PSA test results. In this group, there were 3274 men identified as Black; 2993 identified as White, Not of Hispanic Origin, and 4541 identified as Other Race or Race Unknown. The 95th percentile PSA values in Black men and White men 40 through 49 years of age were 2.80 ng/mL and 2.01 ng/mL, respectively; 50 through 59 years old, 5.40 ng/mL and 4.19 ng/mL, respectively; 60 through 69 years old, 9.59 ng/mL and 7.00 ng/mL, respectively; 70 through 79 years old, 15.45 ng/mL and 9.40 ng/mL, respectively; and for men older than 80 years of age, the 95th PSA values were 21.05 ng/mL in Black men and 18.25 ng/mL in White men. In every age group, Black men had a higher range (for the 95th percentile) than did White men. The largest difference was found in men 70 through 79 years old; in this age group, the ratio of the upper limit of PSA for Black men compared with White men was 1.6 ng/mL.     

Black/white interracial young adults: quest for a racial identity

The racial self-identification of 119 young adults of mixed black and white racial heredity was explored. Data showed interracial identity to be the most prevalent, and that it was associated with the least conflict. Compartmentalization into a private interracial identity and a public black one appeared to be the most frequently utilized coping mechanism for dealing with societal pressures to negate white roots.     

Chronic stress, leukocyte subpopulations, and humoral response to latent viruses.

Compared total numbers of leukocytes and lymphocyte subpopulations (determined by flow cytometry) and antibody titers to latent and nonlatent viruses among 12 chronically stressed individuals (mean age 36.6 yrs) living near the damaged Three Mile Island (TMI) nuclear power plant with those of 8 age-matched, demographically comparable controls. Urinary catecholamine and cortisol levels were also examined. Residents of the TMI area exhibited greater numbers of neutrophils, which were positively correlated with epinephrine levels. The TMI group also exhibited fewer B lymphocytes, T-suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. Antibody titers to herpes simplex were significantly different between the groups as well. TMI Ss showed more evidence of stress responding than controls. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Utility of major leukocyte subpopulations for monitoring secondary cytomegalovirus infections in renal-allograft recipients by PCR

The feasibility of the major peripheral blood leukocyte (PBL) subsets for use in qualitative and quantitative PCR to monitor secondary cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and ganciclovir therapy was assessed with 188 blood samples derived from 40 CMV immunoglobulin G-positive renal-allograft recipients. In pp65 antigen-positive patients all leukocyte fractions, but only 79.5% of plasma preparations, were PCR positive. In pp65 antigen-negative samples from patients after antiviral treatment only 7.3% of polymorphonuclear cell (PMNL) samples, but 81.8% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and 10.9% of plasma samples remained PCR positive. Similarly, in patients with latent infections only 5.0% of PMNL, but 51.7% of PBMC preparations, and 8.0% of plasma samples were PCR positive. Regarding patients with active CMV infection, CMV DNA copy numbers in PMNL correlated significantly with pp65 antigen-positive cell counts before and after onset of ganciclovir therapy. Significant differences in CMV DNA copy numbers in PMNL and plasma were observed (i) between patients with symptomatic infection and those with asymptomatic infection and (ii) between patients with active infection and those with latent infection. In contrast, PBMC harbored equally low CMV DNA levels both in patients with active infection and those with latent infections, and no decline of CMV DNA load in PBMC was observed during antiviral treatment. We conclude that detection of CMV DNA in PMNL, not in PBMC, is associated with active infections and is more sensitive than detection of CMV DNA in plasma. Negative PCR results for PMNL after antiviral therapy indicate recovery, and fewer unwanted positive results occur compared to PBMC and plasma. Therefore, purified PMNL should be preferred for analysis by qualitative CMV PCR to avoid unwanted positive results. The CMV DNA load in PBMC compared with that in PMNL is negligible during active infection, so mixed PBL are sufficient for use in quantitative PCR.     

Personality differences among men in selected Air Force specialties.

Notes that job placement based on aptitude has provided the human resources necessary to perform the U.S. Air Force mission but has not produced a work force that is satisfied with the duty assignments. A consideration of enlistee personality and interests might refine this job placement system. To determine if personality differences exist among 108 male career officers in selected Air Force specialties, Ss were given the Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI). The specialties were compared further by means of the Environmental Assessment Technique (EAT). Significant differences among the specialties of electronics technician, administrative specialist, inflight refueling operator specialist, and security policeman were found on VPI Realistic, Intellectual, Self-Control, and Status scales. In general, the EAT did not differentiate among the specialties. Implications for counselors of prospective and enlisted airmen are drawn. Further research of this type is recommended to provide the data necessary for more refined and effective job placement in the Air Force. (16 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Reactions to diversity in recruitment advertising--are differences black and white?

The portrayal of racial diversity in corporate recruitment advertisements has become increasingly common. Despite widespread sentiment that ad diversity attracts a broader scope of applicants, empirical research on this topic is sparse. Consequently, the present study manipulated ad diversity at 2 hierarchical levels to assess its impact on organizational attractiveness for 273 Black and White university students. In contrast to the predictions of relational demography, White viewers exhibited no effect for ad diversity. Black viewers were attracted by ad diversity but only when it extended to supervisory level positions. More importantly, the effect of race on reactions to ad diversity was contingent on the viewer's openness to racial diversity (other-group orientation). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Language differences between black children and white children.

Examined 48 black and 48 white children, matched for social class and nonverbal intelligence, in a free-recall situation on vocabulary words and sentences presented in black dialect and standard English. On standard English sentences, both groups performed equally well. On sentences in black dialect, the white Ss performed significantly worse. Findings are interpreted as support for bilingual language development in black ghetto children and emphasize the importance of social class and intelligence when comparing black and white Ss on language tasks. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Issues in the prevention of AIDS among Black and Hispanic men.

Ethnic minority men, particularly Blacks and Hispanics, make up a significant proportion of all AIDS cases in the United States, with these cases linked primarily to homosexual or bisexual behavior and intravenous (IV) drug use. Difficulties in developing successful prevention strategies include (a) limited data on the prevalence of AIDS risk behaviors among minorities, (b) limited information on successful community interventions for minority populations, and (c) problems in using social networks for AIDS prevention. Suggestions are made to include culturally appropriate information in developing communication messages and to consider culture-specific values, norms, attitudes, and expectations in designing community interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

White–Black achievement differences: The narrowing gap.

Discusses findings from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the College Entrance Examination Board that demonstrate consistent reductions during recent years in the size of average achievement differences between White and Black elementary and secondary school students. Societal changes that may have contributed to increasing the average achievement levels for Black students (e.g., desegregation) are examined, and it is noted that these trends are not necessarily due to the effects of educational and social programs designed toward this end. It is argued that the difference in enrollment levels for high school algebra and geometry courses between predominantly White schools and predominantly Black schools accounts for part of the average White–Black difference in 17-yr-olds' mathematics achievement scores. Further, if average enrollments in mathematics courses for Blacks became more similar to average enrollments for Whites, White–Black average mathematics achievement differences might be reduced further. (25 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychiatric history and symptom differences in black and white depressed patients.

Compared 159 black psychiatric patients with 555 white patients on a battery of social, personality, and psychiatric history variables, as well as presenting symptoms. In making these comparisons, race differences in age, social class status, and sex were controlled. Both black and white depressed patients were remarkably similar on presenting symptoms, especially the core symptoms of depression, when the groups were equated or controlled for age and social class differences. However, some differences did emerge on a number of hostility variables. There was a greater tendency toward negativism and the introjection of anger in blacks than in whites. In addition, depressed black males indicated that they were more likely than their white counterparts to strike back, either verbally or physically, when they felt their rights were being violated. There was also a very high incidence of suicide threats or attempts among the black males. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychophysiological reactivity to mental arithmetic stress in Black and White normotensive men.

34 Black and 42 White male normotensives 34–55 yrs old performed a mental arithmetic task while blood pressure, heart rate, and skin conductance were recorded. Compared with Whites, Blacks had significantly higher baseline diastolic blood pressure and lower skin conductance levels. These effects persisted during performance of the mental arithmetic task. When baseline differences were covaried, there were no significant physiological effects associated with the task. There were no significant race or family history effects, and task performance did not influence the outcome. Failure to demonstrate greater cardiovascular reactivity in Blacks and all men with a positive family history of hypertension is discussed with regard to possible survivor effects and methodologic limitations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)