Excessive inflammation and failed resolution of the inflammatory response are underlying components of numerous conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Hence, therapeutics that dampen inflammation and enhance resolution are of considerable interest. In this study, we demonstrate the proresolving activity of sub-100-nm nanoparticles (NPs) containing the anti-inflammatory peptide Ac2-26, an annexin A1/lipocortin 1-mimetic peptide. These NPs were engineered using biodegradable diblock poly(lacticco-glycolic acid)-b-polyethyleneglycol and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-polyethyleneglycol collagen IV-targeted polymers. Using a self-limited zymosan-induced peritonitis model, we show that the Ac2-26 NPs (100 ng per mouse) were significantly more potent than Ac2-26 native peptide at limiting recruitment of polymononuclear neutrophils (56% vs. 30%) and at decreasing the resolution interval up to 4 h. Moreover, systemic administration of collagen IV targeted Ac2-26 NPs (in as low as 1 μg peptide per mouse) was shown to significantly block tissue damage in hind-limb ischemiareperfusion injury by up to 30% in comparison with controls.Together, these findings demonstrate that Ac2-26 NPs are proresolving in vivo and raise the prospect of their use in chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.nanomedicine | nanotechnology | controlled release | inflammation resolution
A technology assessment of the future potential of hail suppression and all its possible ramifications in the United States in future years has included an attempt to define the current status of hail suppression. Hail suppression is at a stage in which the socioeconomic impacts of its use and the means to optimize its future utilization can be adequately treated. The estimation of a wide range of future suppression capabilities was based on the current status, which was defined after inspecting three sources of information: 1) results from preliminary evaluations of six recent projects, 2) findings on four published assessments of weather modification, and 3) results from two opinion surveys. This investigation indicates: 1) scientific beliefs about existing capabilities are widely different, with the majority of experts believing there is no capability; 2) the published reviews are optimistic but largely nondefinitive; and 3) the results of five of six recent suppression projects show suppression levels of 20-50%, but the results are largely not significant at the 5% level. This difference between average beliefs of experts and the results of recent projects suggests the need for an extensive investigation of the data and results of these recent projects.
Abstract:The aim of this work is to assess damage to the City of Belgrade caused by the unfavorable weather condition of hail due to the absence of anti-hail defense of the city, and to argumentatively point out the necessity of introducing new technical-technological systems for preventing the effects of adverse weather conditions. The results are based on the direct correlation-analyses of two real unfavorable weather events and the estimated financial damage caused by these events. The overall calculation also takes into account financial investments (new financial model) necessary to establish two essentially different systems for anti-hail protection. The damage caused by the hail on the territory of the City of Belgrade and the financial investment in anti-hail protection to reduce it are empirically established for the first time. It is shown how the damage could be transformed to profit, as the financial investment in anti-hail protection is lower than the damage that hail can cause.
The measurement and evaluation of R&D performance has always posed a very challenging task to managers, primarily because of the long gestation period and difficulties in identifying a tangible output. According to Wang and Hwang (2007) AbstractThis paper has twofold purpose. Firstly, an assessment method aimed to evaluate R&D strategic performance indicators is introduced. The proposed framework is based on fuzzy set theory which represents an adequate tool for quantitatively describing the vague and ambiguous nature of the R&D function. The second purpose of the paper is to analyze relevant R&D performance indicators in Magneti Marelli S.p.A. Serbia, a leading supplier in Serbian automotive industry. Specific findings of this empirical analysis are discussed and suggestions for further research are provided.
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