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One of the hallmarks of chronic cardiac disease is the excessive formation of fibrous extracellular matrix. This inappropriate remodeling is mediated in large part by cardiac fibroblasts and phenoconverted myofibroblasts. The protooncoprotein Ski has previously been described as possessing anti-fibrotic properties within the myocardium, in addition to triggering apoptosis when overexpressed. In the current study, we found that overexpression of Ski results in a set of distinct morphological and biochemical changes within primary cardiac myofibroblasts that is indicative of apoptosis. Its upregulation is associated with the expression of pro-apoptotic factors such as Bax and Bak, as well as caspase-9 and -7. In all, our results indicate that Ski triggers a pro-death mechanism in primary rat cardiac myofibroblasts that is mediated through the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. The survival of these cells appears to be prolonged by a pro-survival autophagic response as apoptosis is hastened when autophagy is inhibited. The observed cell death response is likely working in parallel with the previously observed anti-fibrotic properties of Ski within this cell type. As myofibroblast cells are the engines of matrix expansion in heart failure, we suggest that using Ski or a projected Ski-mimetic to induce graded apoptosis in myofibroblasts within the failing heart may be a novel therapeutic mechanism of controlling cardiac fibrosis. / October 2015

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Background: In Sweden the primary reason for heart transplants is severe heart failure. Heart transplants are performed both at Sahlgrenska University hospital and at Skånes University hospital. Patient undergoing several extensive investigations before he or she will be considered for the waiting list. Primary factor for receiving a heart is first of all the patient who is in the greatest need of a new heart and the patient most suited to receive the donated heart. Previous studies show that patients feel the waiting time to be unpredictable. Aim: To describe patients’ experiences of the time before a heart transplant. Method: Qualitative content analysis was used as the analysis method and seven blogs were applied. Results: Life is seen from a new and different perspective. A common factor for patients with heart failure was the physical limitation they felt. Life stopped for a while, and a waiting to regain “life” grew strong. Family and nursing staff was thought to play an important role. To maintain a positive attitude was thought to be a criterion to manage the anticipations. Conclusion: A patient waiting for a heart transplant experiences a change in their life world. To allow proper care it is important that the nurse recognizes this change and acknowledge it.

A non-invasive, in vitro method of estimating mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) was developed. This information was obtained by establishing a relationship between the pneumatic right drive pressure (RDP) and PAP waveforms. The RDP-PAP relationship was formalized into a series of multiple-linear regression equations for TAH cardiac cycles of known fill volume (FV). Correlation of computed estimates of PAP to actual measurements showed that these equations were greater than 92% accurate within 1.84 mmHg. In addition, while the RDP-PAP relationships were wholly dependent on FV, it was shown that they are independent of the manner in which FV was obtained. This method proved useful over the clinical operating range of the pneumatic heart driver, as well as over the normal physiological range of PAP in the human. Effectiveness of this method in vivo needs to be demonstrated.

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Few spaces have been as tyrannically predetermined as St. Petersburg and Soviet Moscow. This paper aims to present a theoretical narrative delineating the tyranny of space through both Russian capitols by examining both Peter the Great’s and Lenin’s predetermined construction of Russian spaces. First will be an examination of the manner in which Peter the Great undercut authentic Russian tradition by replacing historical with European spatial consciousness. In the second chapter, a few case studies from the history of Russian letters will be provided so as to best demonstrate the continuing anxiety of spatial representation plaguing Russian writers through the nineteenth century. Chapter three concerns Lenin’s spatial despotism. In contrast to Peter the Great, who opened Russia (and Russian consciousness) to the West, Lenin will compress space by reclaiming Russia’s capital of old, Moscow. This compression of space is best embodied in the kitsch, micromanagement, and tyranny of the Soviet communal apartment. Finally, the goal is to show the shift from the highly cerebral production of the place that is St. Petersburg to the unconscious social cues that constituted the mapping, reading, and minute control of Soviet spaces as evidenced in the works of Mikhail Bulgakov’s Heart of a Dog. By defamiliarizing common spaces, Bulgakov points to Russia’s inability to reconcile space with its national identity. / text

published_or_final_version / Medical Sciences / Master / Master of Medical Sciences