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Treatment options of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) usually include combinations of radiotherapy and surgery, and in some cases addition of chemotherapy. In locally advanced cases cure rates are low. Current prognostic factors cannot foresee the outcome for the individual patient. There is consequently a need for reliable prognostic and predictive factors. Through identification of
The prevalence of coeliac disease (CD) was initially estimated to 1/1537. Based on serial analysis [GA and endomysial antibodies (EMA)], the prevalence was 6/1970 (0.30%). In autoimmune chronic hepatitis 5.4% and in IDDM 2.6% had CD, why regular screening for CD in these conditions seems motivated. The frequency of IgA-GA positivity was increased in alcoholic liver disease, PBC, primary sclerosin
The G protein-coupled receptors form one of the largest families of proteins involved in signalling between cells. It contains receptors for molecules as diverse as biogenic amines, glycoproteins and enzymes. The manuscripts included in this thesis together describe the initial characterisation of a previously unknown receptor of this class. A DNA fragment was cloned from a mouse genomic library.
The data presented in this thesis deal with the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in adult sensory neurons. We have used different injury and pain models to determine the involvement of PACAP during such conditions. The role of neurotrophins for PACAP expression was also investigated. PACAP is one of the excitatory neuropeptides expressed in small sized DRG ne
The aim of this thesis has been to increase understanding on the process of smoking cessation during pregnancy from the perspective of learning. The smoking pattern before and after pregnancy related to health, Sense of Coherence (SOC) and social issues was studied among all pregnant women in south-east Skåne during the period March 1994 to August 1995. They were asked to fill in a questionnaire d
This thesis examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the large diversity of the contractile properties in smooth muscle. Six studies, I-VI, are included. I: a slow smooth muscle (aorta) has a different nucleotide and phosphate dependence compared to a fast type (taenia coli). A slow ADP-release can be one mechanism responsible for the lower shortening velocity of aorta. II: treat
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus) and the group B streptococcus (GBS) are two important human pathogens that cause different types of diseases and express different surface structures implicated in virulence. This thesis focuses on several surface proteins expressed by these pathogens, analyzing the biological function of these proteins and their ability to elicit protective immunity.
Open surgical versus endoscopic treatment of CBD stones in 80 elderly not cholecystectomized patients revealed a similar efficacy of stone clearance and early major complication rates, as well as total complication rates and hospitalization time in the two groups during 5 to 9 years follow-up. However, more patients in the endoscopically treated group died from heart disease, suggesting surgery to
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent type of dementing disorder. The cortical pathology of AD has been recognized for almost a century. In later years, an associated pathological feature of AD has been identified which affects the white matter. This white matter disease (WMD), defined in the microscope, consists of a subtotal tissue loss of the white matter structural components. WMD is
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with metabolic changes, acute inflammatory response and increased gut permeability. In AP, traditional treatment has been initial fasting on purpose to avoid activation of proteolytic enzymes and pancreatic enzyme secretion. However, enteral feeding has been suggested superior to fasting due to a proposed beneficial effect on the gut barrier function. The aim
Protein S is a modular protein and a cofactor in the protein C anticoagulant system. It consists of a Gla-module, a thrombin-sensitive loop, four EGF-modules and a SHBG-like module. Protein S has previously been shown to contain four binding sites with high affinities for Ca2+ (Ka>9x105 M-1 at physiological ionic strength) and at least one of the sites h
Many deaths in intensive care units are preceded by decisions to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment. Under what conditions are forgoing life-sustaining treatment considered appropiate, when is it optitional and when is it wrong? Relevant guidelines are essential to help medical decisionmakers, but they cannot be established only from medical knowledge. They also must be related to basi
The small intestine contains a large number of T lymphocytes within the single-layered epithelium that separates the gut lumen from the lamina propria. These intraepithelial T lymphocytes have potent cytolytic and immunoregulatory capacities, thought to be important for fighting infections, neoplastic growth, and sustaining epithelial integrity. This thesis is based on three original articles wit
The investigation of memory distortions provides insights into how memory normally works. Adopting a cognitive neuroscience perspective, the present thesis aimed at investigating memory distortions and the neural correlates of processes contributing to successful control of memory interference in healthy participants. All studies employed variations of the modified continuous recognition task. In
Pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance are the two hallmarks of type 2 diabetes. An early sign of beta-cell dysfunction is impaired nutrient-induced insulin release. Several insulin secretagogues act by increasing the formation of intracellular cAMP. Thus, accurate regulation of cAMP is of vital importance for the ability of the beta-cell to respond properly to these stimuli. The
