University of Gothenburg

About: University of Gothenburg is a education organization based out in Gothenburg, Sweden. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Poison control. The organization has 23855 authors who have published 65241 publications receiving 2606327 citations. The organization is also known as: Göteborg University & Gothenburg University.

Autologous nucleus pulposus induces neurophysiologic and histologic changes in porcine cauda equina nerve roots

Abstract: Epidural application of autologous nucleus pulposus in pigs, without mechanical nerve root compression, induced a pronounced reduction in nerve conduction velocity in the cauda equina nerve roots after 1-7 days, compared to epidural application of retroperitoneal fat in control experiments. Histologically, the nerve fiber injury was more pronounced after application of nucleus pulposus than after control tissue application. The results demonstrate that nucleus pulposus may induce nerve tissue injury by mechanisms other than mechanical compression. Such mechanisms may be based on direct biochemical effects of nucleus pulposus components on nerve fiber structure and function and microvascular changes including inflammatory reactions in the nerve roots.

Immunological aspects of intestinal mucus and mucins

Abstract: A number of mechanisms ensure that the intestine is protected from pathogens and also against our own intestinal microbiota. The outermost of these is the secreted mucus, which entraps bacteria and prevents their translocation into the tissue. Mucus contains many immunomodulatory molecules and is largely produced by the goblet cells. These cells are highly responsive to the signals they receive from the immune system and are also able to deliver antigens from the lumen to dendritic cells in the lamina propria. In this Review, we will give a basic overview of mucus, mucins and goblet cells, and explain how each of these contributes to immune regulation in the intestine.

Making and Breaking Social Capital: The Impact of Welfare-State Institutions

Abstract: Since the debate about the importance of social capital and civil society for the quality of democracy began, Scandinavia has caused problems. Observers have been bewildered by an allegedly paradoxical coexistence of a wealth of social capital and extensive welfare-state arrangements. Some theorize that large welfare states make engagement in voluntary associations unnecessary, making the production of social capital more difficult. However, empirical research shows Scandinavia to have comparatively high levels of social capital. To solve this paradox, the authors address how the causal mechanism between variation in the design of welfare-state institutions and social capital works. The empirical analysis, based on Swedish survey data, suggests that the specific design of welfare-state policies matters for the production of social capital. Contacts with universal welfare-state institutions tend to increase social trust, whereas experiences with needs-testing social programs undermine it. The policy implic...