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Controlled-release formulations reduce the frequency of injections and better maintain plasma concentrations within the therapeutic window. Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) is currently the most frequently used biodegradable polymer for this application. In order to be able to control the release rate, it is vital to know the underlying release mechanisms. A novel method for measuring the diff
The aim was to explore the inherent meaning of total fat and to examine the associations between relative fat intake and postmenopausal breast cancer. Furthermore, the impacts of the alterations in dietary assessment routines are discussed. This thesis uses data from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study, a prospective cohort study. Information on dietary habits, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors wa
The incidence of sexual selection in plants is today acknowledged, however, just as in animals, evolution and maintenance of mate choice is gravely underexplored. Moreover, the potential for sexual conflicts to occur in plants has only been assessed empirically to a very limited degree. Using the hermaphroditic annual herb Collinsia heterophylla, I looked deeper into the role of pollen-pollen comp
Thalidomide has a chiral center and the racemate of (+)-(R) and (-)-(S)-thalidomide was introduced as a hypnotic/sedative drug in 1957. In 1961 it was withdrawn due to teratogenicity and neuropathy. There is a growing interest in thalidomide treatment of immunomodulatory diseases. Given this renewed interest the aim of this thesis was to achieve a more rational use of thalidomide. Therefore some c
The outermost layer of skin (i.e., the stratum corneum, SC) is the interface that separates the water-rich inside of the body from the relatively dry external environment. SC forms an effective permeability barrier, which has to be overcome in transdermal drug delivery. Its function as a barrier for molecular diffusion depends on the SC molecular structure and phase behavior. Both structure and ph
We have examined the functional and structural roles of the cytoskeletal protein desmin in cardiac and skeletal muscles using a genetically modified mouse (Des-/-) with the desmin gene ablated. Desmin forms filaments at the Z-disks in the striated muscle sarcomere, have connections to the sarcolemma and most likely align sarcomeres and whole cells. We have shown a decreased contractile function of
Principles for sensorimotor transformation and plasticity in the spinal cord and functional repair in the root-avulsed spinal cord were studied. A comparative study confirmed that the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) system is composed of reflex modules, with each performing a finely tuned transformation of skin sensory input to activity in one muscle. This suggests that modularity of the NWR s
Abstract One important task for the mental health services is to prevent suicidal behaviour, especially among persons at high risk, e.g. those who have attempted suicide. In two follow-up samples, one and three months after a suicide attempts, both n=97, we found that 32% and 38% of the patients respectively had no treatment and 30% in each sample had suicidal thoughts. In a randomised controlled
The properties of different connective tissues depend on the synthesis and assembly of macromolecular structures composed of collagen and other extracellular matrix components. Mechanisms modulating these events play important roles in the formation of a functional tissue. We have studied the role of collagen-binding extracellular matrix leucine-rich repeat glycoproteins/proteoglycans in the forma
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is believed to be an important cause of cerebral hypoperfusion, leading to chronic fatigue, blurred vision, unsteadiness, dizziness and sometimes syncope. It may also result in episodes of confusion, falls and fractures. The coupling between OH and organic dementia is not clear. Our findings in a large group of patients with Alzheimer's disease, vascular- and frontotem
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of some tumor suppressor gene products (with emphasis on the retinoblastoma suppressor gene product) in the regulation of differentiation and proliferation in leukemic and normal hematopoietic cells. For this purpose, the expression of the tumor suppressor genes RB, p53 and p16 were artificially altered. Cells used were human leukemic cell lines an
The vascular endothelium is an important regulatory organ in circulatory physiology and plays a central role in the response to acute inflammation and ischemia/reperfusion. Activation and dysfunction of the pulmonary vascular endothelium are closely related to clinical findings of pulmonary dysfunction. The endothelial-derived relaxing factor, nitric oxide (NO), is a gas, which can be administered
The aim of this study was to investigate clinical, pathophysiological and structural aspects of vibration-induced peripheral neuropathy since work with hand-held vibrating tools may lead to progressive neurological and vascular hand symptoms. Symptomatic vibration-exposed men were examined clinically and by neurography, tactilometry, and vibrometry and by measurement of temperature perception thre
This thesis deals with the interactions between superantigens and their receptors. Superantigens are proteins that are secreted by various bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. Superantigens are able to cross-link T cells and antigen presenting cells by binding to the T cell receptor (TCR) and MHC class II. They bind as unprocessed antigens and activate up to 20 % of
The initial signal for contraction in smooth muscle is an increase in [Ca2+]i. Ca2+ ions can either enter the cytosol from the extracellular medium or be released from intracellular stores. Voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOC) play a dominant role in the activation of smooth muscle contraction. This thesis describes two novel regulatory mechanisms of the dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive VOC in smoo
The aim of the thesis was to investigate how different abiotic and biotic parameters may affect microorganisms and the process performance in various biological wastewater treatment systems. The type of carbon source in the influent wastewater may have a profound effect on the composition and the activity of denitrifying activated sludge bacteria in nutrient removal. Of four investigated carbon s
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a worldwide used tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of prostate cancer. It is a serine protease and belongs to the family of glandular kallikreins. Humans have three classical glandular kallikreins, but it has been reported that rodents have many more. Lately, the family has been expanded to contain 12 new genes, KLK4–KLK15, that are situated at the same locus
This thesis examines the representation in visual culture of the Holocaust, the Nazi genocide of European Jewry. It is divided into three main parts, each one focusing on a particular aspect of Holocaust representation. Part 1, "Meaning" (chapter 1-3), begins by considering the important role played by documentary photographs from the concentration camps for the public knowledge and conception of
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors act by decreasing production of angiotensin II and by potentiating the effects of bradykinin by inhibition of its breakdown. Bradykinin exerts part of its effects via vasodilating prostaglandins. Since the cyclooxygenase (COX)-inhibitors, e.g. aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, block the formation of prostaglandins patients may
