The Effect of Luteolin on Human Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is widely recognized as the most common and lethal of the malignant gliomas. Few effective therapeutic treatments are available as five-year survival rates of diagnosed individuals are less than five percent. Luteolin, a common flavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables, has demonstrated significant promise in combating cancers of the breast, colon, liver, lung, and bone. In this study, we investigated the effects of luteolin on glioblastoma multiforme cell lines U-251, U-87, and U-1242. Cell viability was assessed using cell count with trypan blue exclusion and MTT assays. Results revealed that luteolin reduces GBM cell viability and cell proliferation in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Western Blot analysis indicated that luteolin decreased AKT, ERK, and MAPK phosphorylation following treatment with EGF. Additionally, luteolin promoted apoptosis in GBM cells by inducing PARP and caspase-3 cleavage, and decreasing levels of the anti-apoptotic protein BCL-XL. Our results indicate that luteolin exhibits a biological effect and may be used as a therapeutic agent for glioblastoma multiforme

The Role of Long Distance Dispersal Versus Local Retention in Replenishing Marine Populations

Early models and evidence from genetics suggested that long distance dispersal of larvae is likely a common event leading to considerable population connectivity among distant populations. However, recent evidence strongly suggests that local retention is more the rule, and that long distance transport is likely insufficient to sustain marine populations over demographic timescales. We build on earlier model results to examine the probability of larval dispersal to downstream islands within different regions of the Caribbean at varying distances from source populations. Through repeated runs of an ocean circulation model (MICOM), coupled with a random flight model estimating larval sub-grid turbulent motion, we estimate the likelihood of particular circulation events transporting large numbers of larvae to within 9km radii of downstream populations, as well as account for total accumulations of larvae over each year. Further, we incorporate realistic larval behavior and mortality estimates and production variability into our models. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that marine populations must rely on mechanisms enhancing self-recruitment rather than depend on distant ‘source’ populations

Investigation of the Effects of Growth Environment on the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power of Selected Plant Species

Metabolism within the human body creates multiple oxidant by-products. These oxidants may cause cell injury, damage to DNA, and other complications leading to the development of chronic disease. Antioxidants are important dietary components which defend against oxidative damage by scavenging the oxidant by-products. Research has shown that diets rich in antioxidants offer protection against various chronic diseases. The goal of this research is to determine the effects of varying growing conditions on the production of antioxidants, and to ultimately find the best possible plant-growth environment for maximum production of antioxidants. Each plant was grown under three different environmental conditions; positive, negative, and control treatment. The positive treatment consisted of supplying water to field capacity with fertilizer, the negative treatment consisted supplying half of the water required to reach field capacity with no fertilizer, and the control treatment consisted of supplying water to field capacity with no fertilizer. Ferric reducing antioxidant levels were then determined. The ferric reducing antioxidant power evaluates antioxidant potential by reducing ferric iron (Fe3+) to its ferrous form (Fe2+). Addition of excess ferric ions result in the development of a Prussian blue color. The ferric reducing antioxidant power of the extracts was measured by reading the absorbance at 750 nm using a spectrophotometer. The ferric reducing antioxidant power assay was performed on extracts of red clover (Trifolium pratense), Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and wild garlic (Allium vineale). The differing growing conditions resulted in variation in the production of antioxidants by the plants. The data obtained revealed that the plants grown under the negative treatment produced a significantly lower level of antioxidants when compared to the plants grown under the positive treatment. These results indicate that growing conditions can influence antioxidant production in plants

Genetic Diversity in Concentration of a Protein Subcomponent in Selected Wheat Lines

Celiac Disease is a hypersensitive response to gluten caused by HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 T-cell presentation, initiating destruction of intestinal epithelial cells. Studies indicate that an indigestible fragment of the gluten molecule, alpha-gliadin subcomponent 33-mer, rich in proline and glutamine, is responsible for the hypersensitivity response. Determination of 33 mer concentration in wheat lines would be beneficial to future development of wheat lines with reduced 33 mer concentration. Protein from wheat flour was extracted and subjected to western blot in order to quantify the concentration of 33-mer. This will be a valuable tool for future research efforts focused on identification and development of wheat lines with reduced concentrations of 33-mer. Wheat with reduced 33-mer may be suitable for consumption by individuals with celiac disease

Soybean seed protein, oil, fatty acids, and mineral composition as influenced by soybean-corn rotation

Effects of crop rotation on soybean (Glycine max (L) Merr.) seed composition have not been well investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of soybean-corn (Zea mays L.) rotations on seed protein, oil, and fatty acids composition on soybean. Soybeans were grown at Stoneville, MS, from 2005 to 2008 in five different scheduled cropping sequences. In 2007, following three years of rotation with corn, seed oleic acid percentage was significantly higher in any crop rotation than continuous soybean. The increase of oleic fatty acid ranged from 61 to 68% in 2007, and from 27 to 51% in 2008, depending on the rotation. The increase of oleic acid was accompanied by significant increases in seed concentrations of phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and boron (B). In 2007, the increase of P ranged from 60 to 75%, Fe from 70 to 72%, and B from 34 to 69%. In 2008, the increase of P ranged from 82 to 106%, Fe from 32 to 84%, and B from 62 to 77%. Continuous soybean had higher linoleic:oleic ratio and linoleic: palmitic + stearic + oleic ratio, indicating that relative quantity of linoleic acid decreased in rotated crops. The total production of protein, oil, stearic and oleic fatty acids was the lowest in continuous soybean. The total production of palmitic acid was inconsistent across years. The results show that soybean- corn rotation affects seed composition by consistently increasing seed oleic fatty acid, P, Fe, and B concentrations. Higher oleic acid, unsaturated fatty acid, is desirable for oil stability and long-shelf storage. The mechanisms of how these nutrients are involved are not yet understood

Evaluating Antioxidant Activity of Selected Plant Species Native to Cedarville, Ohio

Over the past several decades, there has been an increase in the number of synthetic drug molecules developed and utilized to treat various conditions. Although these synthetic drugs have proven useful, there has been growing public concern regarding the potentially negative long-term effects of synthetic agents on the body. As a result, there has been an increased interest in identifying and utilizing plant extracts and purified compounds since they are perceived to be a more natural alternative to synthetic drugs. The goal of this study was to evaluate the specific antioxidant properties of alsike clover Trifolum hybridum when produced under differing growing conditions. The alsike clover was collected from the campus of Cedarville University, Cedarville, Ohio for testing. Alsike clover was removed from the field in January 2013, and transplanted indoors under grow lights for 14 days. These plants were then subjected to three separate 60-day treatments: control treatment - watering to field capacity with no fertilizer; positive treatment - watering to field capacity with fertilizer; and negative treatment - half of the water given to the field capacity treatment with no fertilizer. The rationale for choosing these different treatments was to evaluate the effects of specific growing conditions on bioactive secondary metabolite production in alsike clover. The biological evaluation was accomplished by conducting diphenylpicrylhyrazyl (DPPH) free-radical scavenging and Folin Ciocalteu assays to assess the concentration of polyphenolic compounds. Results from these experiments indicate that the biological and chemical profiles of alsike clover can be influenced by the environmental conditions under which the plants are grown

Soybean Seed Protein, Oil, and Fatty Acids are Altered by S and S + N Fertilizers Under Irrigated or Non-irrigated Environments

Information on the effect of sulfur (S) or sulfur+nitrogen (S + N) on soybean seed composition is scarce. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of S, and S + N fertilizers on soybean [(Glycine max (L.) Merr.)] seed composition in the Early Soybean Production System (ESPS) under irrigated (I) and nonirrigated (NI) environments. Two separate field experiments were conducted from 2005 to 2007. One experiment was irrigated, and the second experiment was nonirrigated. Under I condition, S at a rate of 44.8 kg/ha alone or with N at 112 kg/ha resulted in a consistent increase in seed protein and oleic acid concentrations, and a decrease in oil and linolenic acid concentrations compared with the control (C). For example, in 2006 and compared with the C, application of S + N increased the percentage up to 11.4% and 48.5% for protein and oleic acid, respectively. However, oil concentration decreased by 3%. Protein and oleic acid increase were accompanied by a higher percentage of leaf and seed N and S. Under NI conditions, seed protein and oleic acid concentrations were significantly higher in C than in any S or S + N treatments, but the oil and linolenic acid concentrations were significantly lower. The results indicate that specific rate of S alone or S + N combined can alter seed composition under irrigated or nonirrigated conditions. This knowledge may help plant breeders to develop and release cultivars to suit specific target locations to grow new value-added soybeans or select for specific seed composition traits under specific environmental stress factors such as drought

Field Demonstration of a Real-time Non-intrusive Monitoring System for Condition-based Maintenance

The performance of important electrical loads on mission critical systems like warships or off-shore platforms is often tracked by dedicated monitoring equipment. Individual monitoring of each load is expensive and risky. Expense occurs because of the need for individual sensors and sensor wiring for every load of interest. Reliability is compromised because detected failures or fault conditions might legitimately be due to load failure, but might also be due to errors or failure in the sensor network or recording instruments. The power distribution network on a warship could be pressed into “dual-use” service, providing not only power distribution but also a diagnostic monitoring capability based on observations of the way in which loads draw power from the distribution service. This paper describes field tests of a prototype system that monitors multiple loads using existing electrical wiring. Initial results are presented from a device that monitors a small collection of motors and two other devices that monitor an entire engine room.Grainger Foundation; National Science Foundation (U.S.); United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration; United States. Coast Guard; United States. Office of Naval Research. Electric Ship Research and Development Consortium; NAVSEA; University of North Carolin

Luteolin Decreases EGFR-Mediated Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cell Lines.

Glioblastomas are a subtype of gliomas, which are the most aggressive and deadly form of brain tumours. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed and amplified in glioblastomas. Luteolin is a common bioflavonoid found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. The aim of the present study was to explore the molecular and biological effects of luteolin on EGF-induced cell proliferation and the potential of luteolin to induce apoptosis in glioblastoma cells. In vitro cell viability assays demonstrated that luteolin decreased cell proliferation in the presence or absence of EGF. Immunoblots revealed that luteolin decreased the protein expression levels of phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, p70S6K, and MAPK in the presence of EGF. Furthermore, our results revealed the ability of luteolin to induce caspase and PARP cleavages in glioblastoma cells in addition to promoting cell cycle arrest. Our results demonstrated that luteolin has an inhibitory effect on downstream signalling molecules activated by EGFR, particularly the Akt and MAPK signalling pathways, and provided a rationale for further clinical investigation into the use of luteolin as a therapeutic molecule in the management of glioblastoma. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved