Comparative transcriptome analyses indicate molecular homology of zebrafish swimbladder and mammalian lung

10.1371/journal.pone.0024019PLoS ONE68

Response of mean turbulent energy dissipation rate and spectra to concentrated wall suction

The response of mean turbulent energy dissipation rate and spectra to concentrated suction applied through a porous wall strip has been quantified. Both suction and no suction data of the spectra collapsed reasonably well for Kolmogorov normalised wavenumber k₁* > 0.2. Similar results were also observed for second-order structure functions (not shown) for Kolmogorov normalised radius r* < 10. Although, the quality of collapsed is poorer for transverse component, the result highlights that Kolmogorov similarity hypothesis is reasonably well satisfied. However, the suction results shows a significant departure from the no suction case of the Kolmogorov normalised spectra and second-order structure functions for k₁* < 0.2 and r* > 20, respectively. The departure at the larger scales with collapse at the small scales suggests that suction induce a change in the small-scale motion. This is also reflected in the alteration of mean turbulent energy dissipation rate and Taylor microscale Reynolds number. This change is a result of the weakening of the large-scale structures. The effect is increased as the suction rate is increased

Anvirzel (TM) in combination with cisplatin in breast, colon, lung, prostate, melanoma and pancreatic cancer cell lines

Background: Platinum derivatives are used widely for the treatment of many cancers. However, the toxicity that is observed makes imperative the need for new drugs, or new combinations. Anvirzel (TM) is an extract which has been demonstrated with experimental data that displays anticancer activity. The aim of the present study is to determine whether the combination of Cisplatin and Anvirzel (TM) has a synergistic effect against different types of cancer. Materials and methods: To measure the efficacy of treatment with Cisplatin and Anvirzel (TM), methyl-tetrazolium dye (MTT) chemosensitivity assays were used incorporating established human cancer cell lines. Measurements were performed in triplicates, three times, using different incubation times and different concentrations of the two formulations in combination or on their own. t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: In the majority of the cell lines tested, lower concentrations of Anvirzel (TM) induced a synergistic effect when combined with low concentrations of Cisplatin after an incubation period of 48 to 72 h. The combination of Anvirzel (TM)/Cisplatin showed anti-proliferative effects against a wide range of tumours. Conclusion: The results showed that the combination of Anvirzel (TM) and Cisplatin is more effective than monotherapy, even when administered at low concentrations; thus, undesirable toxic effects can be avoided