This study examines coping strategies and short-term adjustment in survivors

Staphylococcus aureus produces a protein identified as protein A (SpA) with a molecular weight of 41,000 (ref. 1) which binds to the Fc region of many types of mammalian IgG2, activates complement, blocks opsonins and is both chemotactic and mitogenic. SpA has been used for various immunological purposes including removal of immune complexes, arming effector cells with antibody, distinguishing between antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and natural killing (NK), and exerting anti-tumor activity. We have now demonstrated that SpA induces the production of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in nonadherent, T lymphocyte-depleted (E-), Fc receptor-bearing (FcR+) human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Our data also suggest that IFN-gamma is a potent stimulator of both NK and ADCC activity.

This study examines coping strategies and short-term adjustment in survivors of a tornado. Forty-two subjects were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview-Schedule/Disaster Supplement (DIS/DS) within I month of the event.Rates of psychiatric disorder in survivors were low, and even rates of symptoms were not especially high. Subjects turned to family and friends f o r support as their most frequent coping method. While many utilized active coping techniques such as talking and reading about it, others dealt with their experience by avoidance, trying not to think about the tornado. Many also reported that religious and philosophical perspectives helped them. Few required medication to relieve their upset, and none depended on alcohol.