BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fruit and vegetable consumption of children in the United States falls below recommendations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a national free-fruit and vegetable school distribution program designed to address this problem. This permanent, legislated program provides funding to qualified elementary schools for provision of additional fruit and vegetables outside of school meals. The objective of this study was to understand children's perceptions of FFVP after the intervention and formulate recommendations that may improve success of the intervention. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Secondary data were obtained from 5,265 4th-6th graders at 51 randomly-selected FFVP intervention schools in Indiana. Anonymous questionnaires were completed late in the 2011-2012 academic year. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to determine associations between students' perceptions of program effects (4 close-ended items) and their preference toward the program. Content analysis was applied to a single open-ended item for program comments. RESULTS: Over 47% of students reported greater intake of fruit and vegetables due to FFVP, and over 66% reported liking the program. Student-reported program effects were positively associated with preference for the program (P < 0.01). Themes that emerged during analysis of 3,811 comments, included, students liked: the opportunity to try different kinds of fruit and vegetables, types and flavors of fruits served, and benefits of eating fruit. Fewer students liked the types of vegetables and their benefits. A small group disliked the program citing poor flavor of vegetables and quality of fruits. Important suggestions for the program include serving more dipping sauces for vegetables, cooking vegetables, and providing a greater variety of produce. CONCLUSIONS: The degree that students liked FFVP may predict the program's effects on fruit and vegetable intake. FFVP may become more acceptable to students by incorporating their suggestions. Program planners should consider these options for achieving program goals.
Accidental Falls ; Agriculture ; Anonyms and Pseudonyms ; Child ; Cooking ; Eating ; Financial Management ; Fruit* ; Humans ; Indiana ; Logistic Models ; Meals ; Program Evaluation ; United States Department of Agriculture* ; United States* ; Vegetables*

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Fruit and vegetable consumption of children in the United States falls below recommendations. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP) is a national free-fruit and vegetable school distribution program designed to address this problem. This permanent, legislated program provides funding to qualified elementary schools for provision of additional fruit and vegetables outside of school meals. The objective of this study was to understand children's perceptions of FFVP after the intervention and formulate recommendations that may improve success of the intervention. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Secondary data were obtained from 5,265 4th-6th graders at 51 randomly-selected FFVP intervention schools in Indiana. Anonymous questionnaires were completed late in the 2011-2012 academic year. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to determine associations between students' perceptions of program effects (4 close-ended items) and their preference toward the program. Content analysis was applied to a single open-ended item for program comments. RESULTS: Over 47% of students reported greater intake of fruit and vegetables due to FFVP, and over 66% reported liking the program. Student-reported program effects were positively associated with preference for the program (P < 0.01). Themes that emerged during analysis of 3,811 comments, included, students liked: the opportunity to try different kinds of fruit and vegetables, types and flavors of fruits served, and benefits of eating fruit. Fewer students liked the types of vegetables and their benefits. A small group disliked the program citing poor flavor of vegetables and quality of fruits. Important suggestions for the program include serving more dipping sauces for vegetables, cooking vegetables, and providing a greater variety of produce. CONCLUSIONS: The degree that students liked FFVP may predict the program's effects on fruit and vegetable intake. FFVP may become more acceptable to students by incorporating their suggestions. Program planners should consider these options for achieving program goals.
Accidental Falls ; Agriculture ; Anonyms and Pseudonyms ; Child ; Cooking ; Eating ; Financial Management ; Fruit* ; Humans ; Indiana ; Logistic Models ; Meals ; Program Evaluation ; United States Department of Agriculture* ; United States* ; Vegetables*

To clone porcine bone marrow stromal antigen-2 (BST-2) gene, construct its recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid and induce the expression of the fusion antiviral protein, we amplified BST-2 gene by RT-PCR from the total RNA extracted from PK15 cells. The recombinant expression plasmid pcDNA-BST-2 was constructed and then was transfected into HEK293T cells to expresse the BST-2 fusion protein. Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) were performed, and the biological activity was detected. The results showed that the construction of recombinant plasmid pcDNA-BST-2 was confirmed by restriction enzyme digestion and sequencing. The expressed product had antiviral activity against Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), Avian influenza virus (AIV) and Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In conclusion, the research paves the way for further research on bioactivity assayand antiviral medication.
Animals ; Antigens, CD ; genetics ; immunology ; Cell Line ; Chickens ; Cloning, Molecular ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Influenza in Birds ; immunology ; virology ; Orthomyxoviridae ; physiology ; Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome ; immunology ; virology ; Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus ; physiology ; Swine ; Vesicular Stomatitis ; immunology ; virology ; Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus ; physiology ; Virus Replication

In the last decade, we have gained significant understanding of the mechanism by which vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) specifically kills cancer cells. Dysregulation of translation and defective innate immunity are both thought to contribute to VSV oncolysis. Safety and efficacy are important objectives to consider in evaluating VSV as a therapy for malignant disease. Ongoing efforts may enable VSV virotherapy to be considered in the near future to treat drug-resistant ovarian cancer when other options have been exhausted. In this article, we review the development of VSV as a potential therapeutic approach for recurrent or drug-resistant ovarian cancer.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; Cell Proliferation ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm ; Female ; Humans ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Oncolytic Virotherapy ; methods ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy ; virology ; Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus ; physiology ; Virus Replication

Recently, along with technology development of endoscopic equipment, a stent has been developed for the convenience of operation, shortening of recovery times, and reduction of patient's pain. To this end, optimal factors are simulated for the stent structure and mechanical reaction and verified using finite element analysis. In order to compare to present commercialized product such as Zilver (Cook, Bloomington, Indiana, USA) and S.M.A.R.T (Cordis, Bridgewater Towsnhip, New Jersey, USA), mechanical impact factors were determined through Taguchi factor analysis, and flexibility and expandability of all the products including ours were tested using finite element analysis. Also, important factors were sought that fulfill the optimal condition using central composition method of response surface analysis, and optimal design were carried out based on the important factors. From the centra composition method of Response surface analysis, it is found that importat factors for flexibility is stent thickness (T) and unit area (W) and those for expandability is stent thickness (T). In results, important factors for optimum condition are 0.17 mm for stent thickness (T) and 0.09 mm2 for unit area (W). Determined and verified by finite element analysis in out research institute, a stent was manufactured and tested with the results of better flexibility and expandability in optimal condition compared to other products. Recently, As Finite element analysis stent mechanical property assessment for research much proceed. But time and reduce expenses research rarely stent of optimum coditions. In this research, Important factor as mechanical impact factor stent Taguchi factor analysis arrangement to find flexibility with expansibility as Finite element analysis. Also, Using to Center composition method of Response surface method appropriate optimized condition searching for important factor, these considering had design optimized. Production stent time and reduce expenses was able to do the more coincide with optimum conditions. These kind of things as application plan industry of stent development period of time and reduce expenses etc. be of help to many economic development.
Academies and Institutes ; Finite Element Analysis ; Indiana ; New Jersey ; Pliability ; Stents

Equine interferon-gamma (eIFN-gamma) expressed both in E. coli and baculovirus were evaluated for antiviral activity against recombinant Vesicular Stomatits Virus expressing green fluorescence protein (rVSV-GFP) in EFK-78 cells. The assays were conducted in 96-well plate. Virus infectivity was measured by quantifying GFP-positive cells, instead of quantifying the CPE reduction. Prior to infection of EFK-78 cells with rVSV-GFP, the cells were incubated with eIFN-gamma. The GFP expression in the EFK-78 cells dramatically decreased in the cells treated with eIFN-gamma in a dose-dependent manner, comparing with the mock-treated cells. The titers of antiviral activity were 1 x 10(3) AU/mL and 1 x 10(5) AU/mL of eIFN-gamma expressed from E. coli and baculovirus, respectively. The antiviral activities of the recombinant eIFN-gamma were highly efficient and specific, as it was blocked by mAbs against eIFN-gamma.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; immunology ; Antiviral Agents ; metabolism ; pharmacology ; Baculoviridae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Escherichia coli ; genetics ; metabolism ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; metabolism ; Horses ; Interferon-gamma ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; pharmacology ; Recombinant Proteins ; Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus ; drug effects ; metabolism

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to compare the complications and urodynamic parameters of the patients who underwent orthotopic bladder substitution with using ileocolic or ileal segments after radical cystectomy for treating invasive bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1990 and April 2006, 260 patients with invasive bladder cancer underwent radical cystectomy and construction of the urinary diversion; ileal conduit, indiana pouch, ileocolic neobladder, ileal neobladder were all done at St. Mary's Hospital. The mean age of the patient was 61.8 years (range: 46-86). The ratio of male and female was 88%/12%. Forty nine patients received an orthotopic ileocolic neobladder and 45 patients received an orthotopic ileal neobladder. The complications and urodynamic parameters were compared in both groups. RESULTS: The orthotopic ileocolic neobladder after radical cystectomy for treating invasive bladder cancer has been performed between 1990 and 1996 and the orthotopic ileal neobladder has been performed between 1996 and 2006. Ileocolic neobladder related complications developed in 10 patients; neobladder leakage in 1 (2%), neobladder rupture in 1 (2%), stricture of the ureteroenteric anastomosis site in 4 (8.2%), and stricture of the urethral anastomosis site in 4 (8.2%). Ileal neobladder related complications developed in 11 patients; ureteroenteric stricture in 7 (15.5%), stricture of the urethral anastomosis site in 3 (6.6%) and acute pyelonephritis in 1 (2.2%). The results of the mean maximal flow rate and mean postvoid residual volume were better in the ileal neobladder group than those in the ileocolic neobladder group. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in complications between ileocolic neobladder and ileal neobladder. The maximal uroflow and residual urine volume of the ileal neobladder were superior to those of the ileocolic neobladder on urodynamic study.
Colon ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Cystectomy* ; Female ; Humans ; Ileum ; Indiana ; Male ; Pyelonephritis ; Residual Volume ; Rupture ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; Urinary Bladder* ; Urinary Diversion ; Urodynamics*

PURPOSE: The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is important in development. Recently,ectopic activation of this pathway has been implicated in several forms of solid cancer including basal cell carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. There are three HH proteins involved in the pathway: Sonic HH, Indiana HH, and Desert HH. Cyclopamine disrupts Sonic HH signaling by inhibition of the seven-transmembrane receptor Smoothened (SMO). Whereas cyclopamine is cytotoxic to several human cancer cells, its effect on thyroid cancer cellsis unknown. We therefore investigated the effect of cyclopamine on cell proliferation in human thyroid cancer cell lines. METHODS: We used fivethyroid cancer cell lines: TPC-1 (papillary), FTC-133, FTC-236, FTC-238 (follicular), and XTC-1 (Hurthle cell). The MTT assay and cell cycle analysis were used to evaluate anti-proliferative effects. Tomatidine, a structural analogue of cyclopamine, was used as a control agent. Statistical significance was tested by ANOVA. RESULTS: After 4 days of treatment, the percent inhibition of growth with a concentration of 5, 10, and 20 M cyclopamine in the cell lines were 23.6±4.9%, 66.4±4.7% and 69.3±1.3% in TPC-1 7.5±2.8%, 10.7±3.2% and 49.6±6.4% in FTC-133, 19.2±9.5%, 50.4±4.8% and 60.4±2.0% in FTC- 236 22.8±4.2%, 53.4±5.5% and 63.7±4.8% in FTC- 238 7.6±5.8%, 16.6±2.2%, 24.0±4.3% in XTC-1. Treatment with tomatidine at the same concentrations did not significantly affect cell growth. Exposure to cyclopamine, however, did not affect the cell cycle significantly CONCLUSION: Cyclopamine inhibits cancer cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner in thyroid cancer cell lines. The Hh signaling pathway might be a useful therapeutic target for thyroid cancer.
Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line* ; Cell Proliferation* ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Hedgehogs ; Humans ; Indiana ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms*

Transgenic chicken and oviduct bioreactor are growing to be one of the hotspot of scientific study in the field of biology. The most successful method of producing transgenic chicken is pseudotyped retrovirus vector system, but no one has reported the production of transgenic chicken by retrovirus system recently in our country. In order to accelerate our study in this field, we introduced the relevant technical methods such as packaging retrovirus and vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein (VSV-G) pseudotyped retrovirus, optimizing the conditions of packaging retrovirus, concentrating VSV-G pseudotyped retrovirus, helper virus assays, and microinjection of retrovirus. Furthermore, we successfully conducted in vivo study for detecting the marker gene EGFP of chicken embryo as well as in vitro study for detecting that gene of chicken embryo myoblast (CFM), thus we have provided an applied technical platform for studies of transgenic chicken in the future.
Animals ; Animals, Genetically Modified ; Chick Embryo ; Chickens ; genetics ; DNA Primers ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Retroviridae ; genetics ; Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus ; genetics

To determine whether addition of vitamin C (Vit C) to single-unit plasma could influence the efficacy of inactivating viruses and could maintain the activity of plasma proteins by methylene blue (MB)-light treatment. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) Indiana strain was used as the indicating virus. Human plasma containing VSV was added with different concentrations of Vit C and final concentration 1 micromol/L MB and irradiated by fluorescence at an intensity of 40,000 lx, samples were collected at different times for detection. Cytopathic effect was used to test the effect of virus inactivation. A segment of the nucleic acid encoding capsid protein of VSV was amplified with RT-PCR. Some methods, such as the Clauss method, the one-stage method, microimmunoelectrophoresis, were used to investigate the changes of plasma components. The results showed that when the VSV plasma was added with 240 micromol/L Vit C and treated by MB-light irradiation for 60 min, the titer of VSV decreased by more than 8 lg TICD50/ml. Meanwhile, target segment amplification of VSV was also negative. The recovery rates of fibrinogen and coagulation factor VIII (FVIII: C) were 83.55% and 81.67% respectively, which had significant difference comparing with the routine MB-fluorescent light treatment. Most of plasma proteins were not affected significantly. No change in immunogenicity of these proteins was observed by using microimmunoelectrophoresis. It is concluded that virus inactivation is not influenced and plasma proteins are effectively protected by Vit C. Vit C can be used as a protector and is beneficial to improving the quality of plasma subjected to MB- photodynamic treatment.
Ascorbic Acid ; pharmacology ; Blood Proteins ; metabolism ; Humans ; Light ; Methylene Blue ; pharmacology ; Plasma ; virology ; Vesicular stomatitis Indiana virus ; drug effects ; Virus Inactivation ; drug effects