Lipoxin A 4 (LxA 4 ) Promotes Reduction and Antibiotic Efficacy Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P aeruginosa) is an opportunistic bacterium commonly found in wound infections and airways of cystic fibrosis patients P aeruginosa readily forms biofilms which can reduce the efficacy of antibiotics used to eradicate the pathogen We have previously shown that a Specialized Pro resolving Mediator ( Lipoxin A 4 (LxA 4 is a quorum sensing inhibitor which can reduce P aeruginosa virulence In this study, we examined the direct actions of LxA 4 and RvD 2 on P aeruginosa biofilm formation and virulence gene expression The influence of LxA 4 on antibiotic efficacy and the combined effects on biofilm formation were also investigated LxA 4 and RvD 2 reduced P aeruginosa biofilm formation and virulence gene expression LxA 4 increased ciprofloxacin inhibition on biofilm formation but did not affect ciprofloxacin’s action on non adherent bacteria On the other hand, LxA 4 increased bacterial killing action of imipenem but did not affect imipenem’s action on biofilm We also found that LxA 4 can increase ciprofloxacin’s bacterial killing ability in established biofilm Together these results suggest that LxA 4 has direct effects on P aeruginosa biofilm formation and can increase antibiotic efficacy directly

Experimental study of a compact unglazed Solar Thermal Facade (STF) for energy-efficient buildings

This paper presents a real-time experimental measurement of a novel compact unglazed solar thermal facade (STF) system at outdoor environment in Shanghai, China for about a whole summer week. It demonstrates the daily average solar thermal efficiency fluctuated from 40% to 45.5%. The overall result indicates the advantages of the STF with simple structure, low cost and high feasibility in architectural design for energy-efficient building application, especially at future district or city levels

Wissenschaft und Innovation: Wissenschaftsforschung Jahrbuch 2009

Technologische Innovationen sind kreative Reaktionen auf Veränderungen des Bedarfs an neuer Technik. Sie bilden ein System zur Durchsetzung des Neuen in einer technologisch ausgerichteten Zukunftswelt und erzeugen einen permanenten Druck zum Fortschritt. Eine Welt ohne technologische Innovationen wird es nicht geben. Sie dienen der Sicherung unseres Wohlstandes und bedürfen einer vielseitigen wissenschaftlichen Begleitforschung. Dabei werden Innovationsfähigkeiten in der Erwartung entwickelt, dass sich kreative Ideen als Innovationen auf dem Weltmarkt durchsetzten. Die zukünftige Gesellschaft wird auf das Leistungsvermögen ihrer industriellen Arbeitskultur angewiesen sein. Eine Steigerung des Arbeitsbedarfs kann nur durch Wachstum des industriellen Innovationspotenzials erreicht werden. Die Gesellschaft für Wissenschaftsforschung hat sich dieser Fragestellung angenommen und sie im Rahmen ihrer Jahrestagung im Produktionstechnischen Zentrum der Technischen Universität Berlin am 27. und 28. März 2009 unter dem Thema „Wissenschaft und Innovation“ analysiert und diskutiert. Dabei ist es gelungen, theoretische Überlegungen mit historischen und aktuellen Fakten zu verbinden. Die Ergebnisse dieser Tagung werden in diesem Jahrbuch der Gesellschaft für Wissenschaftsforschung dem interessierten Leser vorgestellt.Peer Reviewe

Identification and Actions of a Novel Third Maresin Conjugate in Tissue Regeneration: MCTR3

Maresin conjugates in tissue regeneration (MCTR) are a new family of evolutionarily conserved chemical signals that orchestrate host responses to promote tissue regeneration and resolution of infections. Herein, we identified the novel MCTR3 and established rank order potencies and matched the stereochemistries of MCTR1, MCTR2 and MCTR3 using material prepared by total organic synthesis and mediators isolated from both mouse and human systems. MCTR3 was produced from endogenous substrate by E. coli activated human macrophages and identified in sepsis patients. Each of the three synthetic MCTR dose-dependently (1–100nM) accelerated tissue regeneration in planaria by 0.6–0.9 days. When administered at the onset or peak of inflammation, each of the MCTR promoted resolution of E. coli infections in mice. They increased bacterial phagocytosis by exudate leukocytes (~15–50%), limited neutrophil infiltration (~20–50%), promoted efferocytosis (~30%) and reduced eicosanoids. MCTR1 and MCTR2 upregulated human neutrophil and macrophage phagocytic responses where MCTR3 also proved to possess potent actions. These results establish the complete stereochemistry and rank order potencies for MCTR1, MCTR2 and MCTR3 that provide novel resolution moduli in regulating host responses to clear infections and promote tissue regeneration