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- Bousquet, J, et al.
(author)
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Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19: time for research to develop adaptation strategies
- 2020
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In: Clinical and translational allergy. - : Wiley. - 2045-7022. ; 10:1, s. 58-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPARγ:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NFκB: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2α:Elongation initiation factor 2α). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT1R axis (AT1R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity.
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- Winning, Tracey, et al.
(author)
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Evidence-based care and the curriculum
- 2008
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In: European journal of dental education. - : Wiley. - 1396-5883 .- 1600-0579. ; 12:Suppl 1, s. 48-63
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Research review (other academic/artistic)abstract
- An evidence-based (EB) approach has been a significant driver in reforming healthcare over the past two decades. This change has extended across a broad range of health professions, including oral healthcare. A key element in achieving an EB approach to oral healthcare is educating our practitioners, both current and future. This involves providing opportunities integrated within simulated and actual clinical settings for practitioners to learn and apply the principles and processes of evidence-based oral healthcare (EBOHC). Therefore, the focus of this discussion will be on ways in which EBOHC and associated research activities can be implemented into curricula, with the aim of improving patient care. This paper will initially define the scope of EBOHC and research, what these involve, why they are important, and issues that we need to manage when implementing EBOHC. This will be followed by a discussion of factors that enable successful implementation of EBOHC and research into curricula. The paper concludes with suggestions on the future of EBOHC and research in curricula. Key recommendations related to curricula include strengthening of the culture of a scientific approach to education and oral healthcare provision; complete integration of EBOHC into the curriculum at all levels; and faculty development to implement EBOHC based on their needs and evidence of effective approaches. Key recommendations to support implementation and maintenance of EBOHC include recognition and funding for high-quality systematic reviews and development of associated methodologies relevant for global environments; building global capacity of EBOHC researchers; research into improving translation of effective interventions into education and healthcare practice, including patient-reported outcomes, safety and harms, understanding and incorporation of patient values into EB decision-making, economic evaluation research specific to oral healthcare and effective methods for changing practitioner (faculty) behaviours; and extend access to synthesized research in 'user friendly' formats and languages tailored to meet users' needs. Realizing these recommendations may help to improve access to effective healthcare as a basic human right.
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- Coward, Jermaine, et al.
(author)
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Interleukin-6 as a Therapeutic Target in Human Ovarian Cancer
- 2011
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In: Clinical Cancer Research. - 1078-0432. ; 17:18, s. 6083-6096
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose: We investigated whether inhibition of interleukin 6 (IL-6) has therapeutic activity in ovarian cancer via abrogation of a tumor-promoting cytokine network. Experimental Design: We combined preclinical and in silico experiments with a phase 2 clinical trial of the anti-IL-6 antibody siltuximab in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Results: Automated immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays from 221 ovarian cancer cases showed that intensity of IL-6 staining in malignant cells significantly associated with poor prognosis. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with siltuximab reduced constitutive cytokine and chemokine production and also inhibited IL-6 signaling, tumor growth, the tumor-associated macrophage infiltrate and angiogenesis in IL-6-producing intraperitoneal ovarian cancer xenografts. In the clinical trial, the primary endpoint was response rate as assessed by combined RECIST and CA125 criteria. One patient of eighteen evaluable had a partial response, while seven others had periods of disease stabilization. In patients treated for 6 months, there was a significant decline in plasma levels of IL-6-regulated CCL2, CXCL12, and VEGF. Gene expression levels of factors that were reduced by siltuximab treatment in the patients significantly correlated with high IL-6 pathway gene expression and macrophage markers in microarray analyses of ovarian cancer biopsies. Conclusion: IL-6 stimulates inflammatory cytokine production, tumor angiogenesis, and the tumor macrophage infiltrate in ovarian cancer and these actions can be inhibited by a neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibody in preclinical and clinical studies. Clin Cancer Res; 17(18); 6083-96. (C) 2011 AACR.
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- Vassilev, Nikolay, et al.
(author)
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Production of manganese peroxidase by Phanerochaete chrisosporium grown on medium containing agro-wastes/rock phosphate and biocontrol properties of the final product
- 2009
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In: Industrial crops and products (Print). - : Elsevier BV. - 0926-6690 .- 1872-633X. ; 30:1, s. 28-32
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A mixture of dry olive wastes, sugar beet wastes, and rock phosphate was treated with Phanerochaete chrisosporium. Optimizing the solid-state fermentation parameters, the fungus was able to simultaneously produce 1100U/l manganese peroxidase and solubilize rock phosphate (26 mg/flask soluble P) after a 21-day process. The final fermentation product was found to significantly improve growth and N and P uptake of mycorrhized plants. Combined application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and microbially treated agro-wastes and partially solubilized rock phosphate exerted biocontrol functions on Fusarium oxysporum inoculated in a typical Mediterranean soil. The described biotechnological scheme offers an environmentally safe alternative to chemical fungicide application.
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- Vassileva, Iana, 1983-, et al.
(author)
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Perceptions and adoption of evs for private use and policy lessons learned
- 2016
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In: Technologies and Applications for Smart Charging of Electric and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles. - Cham : Springer International Publishing. - 9783319436517 - 9783319436494 ; , s. 283-300
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered one of the most promising solutions to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions produced in the transport sector. EVs have many potential advantages (e.g., in terms of avoided local and global pollutant emissions and noise reduction), but may also create new problems (e.g., in terms of stress on the electric distribution network or congested public transport lanes). The ultimate pollution emission benefit depends strongly on the fuel mix for electricity generation. Numerous governments at all levels worldwide have started to provide monetary and other incentives to render EVs more attractive for users, including research, development, and dissemination (RD&D) support, vehicle subsidies, provision of charging infrastructure, and privileged usage of bus lanes and dedicated parking lots. This chapter presents the different barriers explaining the slow market penetration of EVs so far, consumer perceptions and misconceptions, as well as lessons learned by policy makers and new empirical evidence and insights. Early adopter characteristics and selected examples where EV uptake has been particularly fast are also described. The conclusions show that subsidy and other incentive programs need to be carefully designed in scope, contents, and duration. In light of information deficiencies and misperceptions, information provision to potential EV adopters seems to be a no-regret policy option.
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