Roy W. Geib

Isolation and characterization of an interleukin-8-like peptide in the bovine species

Human interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a biologically active peptide which displays chemo-attractive activity for neutrophils and T-cells. The molecule is produced by a variety of cell types upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide, interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor. Recombinant human IL-8 also stimulates chemotaxis of bovine cells in a dose dependent manner. The purpose of this series of studies was to investigate the ability of bovine cells to produce an active IL-8-like molecule and to determine if bovine cells respond to human recombinant IL-8. Stimulation of purified peripheral blood mononuclear cells results in the time dependent production of an IL-8-like molecule as determined using an anti-human IL-8 ELISA assay and a bovine neutrophil chemotactic assay. Physical characterization indicates that the biological activity of the molecule was significantly reduced by heat inactivation at 56 degrees C for 30 min or exposure to extreme acidic or basic conditions. The peptide was affinity purified using an anti-human IL-8 antibody produced from ATCC hybridoma HB9647. SDS-PAGE analysis yields a distinct band at 7.8 kDa. The isoelectric point of the purified protein was determined to be 8.65. Biological activity of the purified protein was confirmed and the anti-human IL-8 antibody was capable of partially neutralizing the chemotactic activity.

Infection and transformation of Fν-2rr erythroprogenitor cells with Friend virus

Friend virus was used to infect and transform Fv-2rr erythroprogenitor cells in vivo. The RB (Fv-2rr) cell line was characteristic of Friend virus-induced cell lines in Fv-2ss mice, i.e., it produced infectious Friend virus and synthesized hemoglogin. The RB (Fv-2rr) cell line expressed the envelope protein of the spleen focus-forming virus (gp52) and a novel, related envelope protein (gp48). The results demonstrate that Fv-2rr erythroprogenitor cells can be infected and transformed in vivo.

Characterization of cell lines derived from enlarged spleens induced in C57BL/6 mice by the variant BSB strain of Friend erythroleukemia virus

BSB is a variant strain of Friend virus selected for pathogenicity in C57BL/6 mice that are resistant to parental Friend virus strains by virtue of their homozygosity for the recessive Fv-2r allele (Steeves et al., 1970, Int. J. Cancer 5, 346-356). Lines and clones of erythroleukemia cells could readily be established in culture from the enlarged spleens of BSB-infected Fv-2r homozygotes. All lines expressed viral gene products and could be induced to express hemoglobin. Some lines produced infectious virus. In addition to the viral envelope-related proteins (gPr85, gp70, and gp52) detected by precipitation with goat anti-Rauscher gp70 antiserum from tumor cell lines induced by parental Friend virus strains, BSB-induced cell lines also expressed gp80, p52, and gp45 products precipitable with the same antiserum. A rat monoclonal antibody that recognizes an epitope of an amino-terminal region of gp52 (Wolff et al., 1982, J. Virol. 43, 472-481) also precipitated the gp80 and gp45 viral proteins. The data indicate that the BSB strain of Friend virus is oncogenic in Fv-2r homozygotes. Transformation is correlated with the expression of an altered SFFV env-gene product.

Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Belief into Action Scale

ABSTRACT The Belief into Action Scale (BIAC) is a comprehensive measure of religious involvement intended for monotheistic religious traditions. We examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the BIAC for administration in Muslim populations. A convenience sample of Arabic-speaking Muslims completed an online survey including the 10-item Arabic BIAC and other psychosocial and religious measures. Psychometric properties of the BIAC were examined, including internal reliability, test–retest reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and factor analytic validity. Two hundred and eleven participants completed the BIAC (100% Muslim, average age 31.9, 54% male). The average score was 47.6 (SD = 15.7). Cronbach alpha was .80 (95% CI .76–.84) and intra-class correlation coefficient between two administrations (n = 30) was .88 (95% CI .77–.94). Convergent validity was demonstrated by high correlations between the BIAC and existing religiosity scales (r = .52–.58); divergent validity by weak correlations with psychosocial measures (.09–.21); construct validity by high correlations between individual items and total scale score (r’s .53–.72); factor analytic validity by a single factor that explained 81.8% of the scale’s variance and predictive validity by small correlations with psychosocial outcomes in expected directions. The Arabic BIAC is a reliable and valid scale for assessing religious involvement in Muslim Arabic-speaking populations.

Developing a mind–body exercise programme for stressed children

Objective: To describe the process of developing a Health Qigong programme for stressed children using a formative evaluation approach. Methods: A multi-step formative evaluation method was utilised. These steps included (1) identifying programme content and drafting the curriculum, (2) synthesising effective and age-appropriate pedagogies, (3) consulting an expert panel, (4) teaching pilot lessons and soliciting feedback from students and (5) revising and finalising the programme. Results: A total of 16 theme-based lessons were generated in order to help children manage stress by imitating interesting plants and animals, such as sunflowers, pine trees, white cranes, tigers, sleeping lions and deer. Five age-appropriate teaching strategies were synthesised to make the programme fun and enjoyable for children. These included (1) using theme-based lesson plans, (2) building mind–body connections, (3) balancing repetition and creativity, (4) interweaving pictures, stories, volunteers and teamwork and (5) involving parents and school teachers. Modifications based on feedback from the expert panel and students were incorporated to make the programme relevant to elementary school settings. Conclusion: This Health Qigong for Stressed Children programme appears effective in reducing stress over a 16-week period. Future studies should explore the efficacy and wider applicability of the programme with a larger and more diverse population of children.