Studies were performed to investigate the influence of the vasoconstrictors angiotensin II (AII) and norepinephrine (NE) on calcium metabolism in smooth muscle cells of afferent arterioles. Fura-2 and image analysis techniques were used to evaluate calcium responses in the proximal and distal parts of afferent arterioles with attached glomeruli. AII and NE increase intracellular calcium concentrat

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.

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

In the present thesis, the quantitative role of active transport (transcytosis) in bulk transvascular protein movement in vivo was evaluated. Using chemical transcytosis inhibition (N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and filipin), we were able to show that NEM actually increases endothelial permeability to macromolecules, probably as a result of unspecific toxic action on endothelial cells. Filipin, on the ot

The choice of procedure during public procurement is assumed to affect the overall result of the project. When studying the construction industry; delivery methods, payment systems and project specific variables may affect the end result. The question here is if project success is predicted by choice of procurement procedures. A survey was done on 222 road and railroad construction projects in Swe

This 18-month follow-up study investigated needs for care and support, quality of life and social network in individuals with schizophrenia or a schizoaffective disorder living in the community and in contact with psychiatric services. The validity of Antonovsky's sense of coherence (SOC) measure was also examined. At baseline 120 patients were interviewed and 94 of these participated in the follo

According to medieval canon law a marriage secretly contracted, by mutual consent only, was perfectly valid. It was however difficult to prove tha such a marriage had taken place, if one of the parties denied it. This problem was fairly common and a number of such cases are recorded in medieval Court rolls. In this article I study if/to what extent the parties previous sexual activities and/or rep

Popular Abstract in English What is common between the science of physics and global politics? They both define power in terms of energy. Indeed, the uneven distribution of petroleum reserves has been one of the main reasons of social, political and economic problems worldwide. Even more worrying is the rapid increase in the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is mainly caused by ouCaldicellulosiruptor saccharolyticus is an extremely thermophilic, strictly anaerobic, Gram-positive and cellulolytic microorganism with a natural ability to produce hydrogen (H2) at nearly theoretical maximum yield, i.e. 4 mol/ mol of glucose. Due to its CO2-free combustion and high energy density, among other desirable properties, H2is touted as a fuel of the future. Biological H2 production b

A smoking cessation program targeting pregnant women and their partners was monitored during 17 years and subjected to several substudies. All women in Blekinge, who gave birth in the months of September during the period 1984 to 2000, were asked to fill out a questionnaire, anonymously, about their smoking habits before and during pregnancy. During these years a long-term educational programme co

Specific, fluorescent, subependymal perikarya were found in the pars anterior of the paraventricular organ (PVOpa), in the nucleus recessus lateralis (NRL) and in the nucleus recessus posterioris (NRP). No fluorescent perikarya were present in the nucleus lateralis tuberis (NLT). Fluorescent nerve tracts connect the PVOpa and the NRL with the NRP, and interconnect the paired NRP. The nucleus preop

Retail companies increasingly shift to an omni-channelstrategy, allowingconsumers tointeract through a single seamless interface of integrated channels. Thisomni-channeltrend put pressure onlogistics and,particularly, warehousing activities, which need tocombinefulfilment ofretail store-replenishment and web-based consumer orders in an effective and efficient way. This explorative study discussest

Municipalities are key actors in their role as planners for sustainable urban development, and also have the responsibility to transform ambitious national and global goals and visions into local practices (McCormick et al., 2013). The role of municipalities in relation to enhancing sustainable consumption patterns has been increasingly highlighted by policy-makers and in research. Creating sustai