The main structural component of connective tissues is fibrillar, cross-linked collagen whose fibrillogenesis can be modulated by Small Leucine-Rich Proteins/Proteoglycans (SLRPs). Not all SLRPs’ effects on collagen and extracellular matrix in vivo have been elucidated; one of the less investigated SLRPs is asporin. Here we describe the successful generation of an Aspn-/- mouse model and the inves

Background: Surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) is often complicated by excessive bleeding. Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) effectively treats refractory bleeding associated with ATAAD surgery; however, adverse effects of rFVIIa in these patients have not been fully assessed. Here we evaluated rFVIIa treatment in ATAAD surgery using the Nordic Consortium for Acute Type A Aortic Dis

Introduction: The myocardium at risk (MaR) represents the quantitative ischemic area destined to myocardial infarction (MI) if no reperfusion therapy is initiated. Different ECG scores for MaR have been developed, but there is no consensus as to which should be preferred. Objective: Comparisons of ECG scores and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) for determining MaR. Methods: MaR was determined by 3

The effects of granulation tissue exposure on regeneration of sensory axons after a test crush lesion in rat sciatic nerves were studied. Chromic catgut threads were applied subcutaneously in the back of rats. Three weeks later the surrounding granulation tissue was isolated and transposed to the sciatic or tibial nerve in the same rat. Immunocytochemical, light and electron microscopic evaluation

Forty-four rat sciatic nerves with partial defects were repaired with a silicone chamber. Each partial defect was created by resecting a 10 mm segment from the tibial fascicle leaving the peroneal fascicle intact. The proximal and the distal stumps of the tibial fascicle together with the intact peroneal fascicle were encased in a single silicone chamber. After seven days a fibrin matrix had surro

Path integration is a widespread navigational strategy in which directional changes and distance covered are continuously integrated on an outward journey, enabling a straight-line return to home. Bees use vision for this task-a celestial-cue-based visual compass and an optic-flow-based visual odometer-but the underlying neural integration mechanisms are unknown. Using intracellular electrophysiol

Att kunna redovisa resultat ser vi i dagens samhälle som en självklar del av en organisations verksamhet. Privata profitdrivna företag liksom även alltmer offentliga organisationer styrs idag genom en marknadslogik som bland annat bygger på kontraktsbaserade uppdrag vilka förutsätter en granskning av hur de offentliga medlen används. Liknande krav på att utvärdera resultat och framgång blir i allt

The extension of the Anti-tax avoidance directive towards third countries residents outside the MLI's scope may require MS to align their DTT on similar anti-abuse provisions. The paper explores the question of EU competence in this issue.

Phytoplankton and epiphyton often compete with submerged macrophytes. Grazing by zooplankton and/or epiphyton grazers should promote an indirect positive effect on submerged macrophyte growth rate. Hence, we mimicked shallow lakes conditions in mesocosms using a factorial design to evaluate the indirect effects of no grazers, zooplankton, snails or both grazers on macrophyte growth attributes. Aft

Background: Counseling by experienced midwives is offered to women with childbirth fear in most obstetric clinics in Sweden, but information about the content of such counseling is lacking. Aim: To study comprehensiveness, content and organization of the midwife-led counseling for childbirth fear in all obstetric clinics in Sweden. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected using

Transected median nerves in the forearm of two male patients, 12 and 21 years of age, were treated with a chamber technique leaving a 3 to 5 mm gap between the nerve ends. The nerve ends were enclosed in a silicone tube of such a dimension that would not cause compression of the nerve. Post-operative examination including sensory evaluation and assessment of muscle contraction force was carried ou

We have developed a silicone nerve regeneration chamber that is partitioned into two compartments by a strip of nitrocellulose paper. The modified two-compartment chamber allows the investigation of the effects on rat sciatic nerve regeneration of trophic or growth factors that are initially bound to the nitrocellulose partition. In this study we compared the effects of untreated nitrocellulose, a

Biomass densification elevates the bulk density of the biomass, providing assistance in biomass handling, transportation, and storage. However, the density and the chemical/physical properties of the lignocellulosic biomass are affected. This study examined the changes introduced by a briquetting process with the aim of subsequent processing for 2nd generation bioethanol production. The hydration Biomass densification elevates the bulk density of the biomass, providing assistance in biomass handling, transportation, and storage. However, the density and the chemical/physical properties of the lignocellulosic biomass are affected. This study examined the changes introduced by a briquetting process with the aim of subsequent processing for 2nd generation bioethanol production. The hydration

Rail transport is an environmentally responsible approach and traffic is expected to increase in the coming decades. Little is known about the implications for quality of life of populations living close to railways. This study explores the way in which vibrations from rail are perceived and described by these populations. The study took place in the Västra Götaland and Värmland regions of Sweden.

Det hörs många kritiska röster om våra pensioner. Det påstås ofta att pensionerna är för låga, för beroende av börsutvecklingen, missgynnar kvinnorna eller att systemet är alldeles för krångligt. Har kritikerna rätt? Är det dags att än en gång reformera pensionerna? Det är nu 20 år sedan riksdagen fattade ett principbeslut om ett helt nytt pensionssystem. Pensionssystem är långsiktiga åtaganden. D

This article sketches an analytical framework connecting the literature on conflict transformation with understandings of the role of history and agency in conflicted societies. By focusing on the dissemination of different historical narratives, emphasis falls on endogenous processes and the interaction between inside actors to conflicts. This study moves beyond the many conflict studies with com

Objective To investigate the association between the magnitude of foetal movements and level of prenatal attachment within a 24 h period among women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Design a prospective population-based survey. Setting A county in central Sweden. Participants Low risk pregnant women from 34 to 42 weeks gestation, N = 456, 299 multiparous and 157 primiparous women. Measurements