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Tromsøs skeive historie: På leting av skeive spor i kildene. Spor på skeivhet i skriftlige kilder og hva de forteller om kjønns- og seksualitetsnormbrudd i Tromsø (1946-1972)
Full text linkDenne masteroppgaven tar for seg problemstillingen: «Hvordan kommer spor på skeivhet til syne i skriftlige kilder, og hva kan disse sporene fortelle om hvilke personer som brøt med kjønns- og seksualitetsnormer i Tromsø (1946-1972) og deres erfaringer?» Oppgaven går igjennom et bredt kildegrunnlag av skriftlige kilder, og noen få livsminneintervju fra Skeivt Arkiv. Den ser på hvilke spor av skeivhet som kommer frem i disse kildene for å kunne si noe om den skeive historien i Tromsø. Skeiv historie i Nord-Norge er fremdeles et område det mangler en del kunnskap og denne masteren er med på å fylle dette tomrommet. Kildegjennomgangen og funnene denne oppgaven gjør har laget et grunnlag for videre forskning på skeiv historie i Tromsø
The Haunting of Ukraine: A Geopolitical Spectacle of Self-Destruction
No full textFull text not availableThis thesis has identified four interweaving causes of the Russo-Ukrainian war. The first is domestic fragmentation between cultural identities and political models of statehood, internal contradictions which have fused with modern political currents and have thus embedded themselves within competing geopolitical paradigms – the second cause of war. Indeed, this toxic union has cemented Ukraine’s self-destructive impasse vis-a-vis regional autonomy and decentralization, the only pathway to peace. Thus, the first victim of the consummation between the domestic and geopolitical remains the Minsk peace process, a bastardized failure which led to the Russian SMO in 2022 and represents the third cause of war; in Clausewitzian fashion, this phase of Russia’s strategic operation was initiated to achieve ‘by other means’ what the Minsk accords had failed to achieve politically. Lastly, the fourth cause of war is represented as the struggle of World Order between liberal hegemony and unipolarity on one side, versus international law and multipolarity on the other.This thesis has identified four interweaving causes of the Russo-Ukrainian war. The first is domestic fragmentation between cultural identities and political models of statehood, internal contradictions which have fused with modern political currents and have thus embedded themselves within competing geopolitical paradigms – the second cause of war. Indeed, this toxic union has cemented Ukraine’s self-destructive impasse vis-a-vis regional autonomy and decentralization, the only pathway to peace. Thus, the first victim of the consummation between the domestic and geopolitical remains the Minsk peace process, a bastardized failure which led to the Russian SMO in 2022 and represents the third cause of war; in Clausewitzian fashion, this phase of Russia’s strategic operation was initiated to achieve ‘by other means’ what the Minsk accords had failed to achieve politically. Lastly, the fourth cause of war is represented as the struggle of World Order between liberal hegemony and unipolarity on one side, versus international law and multipolarity on the other
Eat, Deliver, Destroy: How Liposomes and Phagocytes Team Up. Harnessing liposome - phagocyte interactions for enhanced drug delivery, imaging, and cancer immunotherapy
No full textCancer remains a major health challenge, with over 19.3 million new cases diagnosed in 2020. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation face limitations such as toxicity, resistance, and poor targeting. This thesis explores nanomedicine-based immunomodulation strategies, focusing on liposomes to enhance drug delivery to immune cells. Liposomes are nano-sized vesicles that encapsulate drugs for targeted delivery. However, their rapid clearance by the immune system limits their efficacy. Instead of avoiding immune interactions, we investigated how liposome design influences uptake by human phagocytes in whole blood. Monocytes showed the highest uptake of 200 nm liposomes, while neutrophils preferred larger ones. Surface modifications such as PEGylation reduced monocyte uptake, while sphingomyelin and gangliosides lowered overall phagocyte interaction. Conversely, peptides like cRGD and cFLFLF enhanced uptake, with cFLFLF liposomes activating neutrophils and increasing ROS production. Understanding these interactions allows for the refinement of liposome-based immunotherapy. We designed an immunomodulatory liposomal formulation incorporating nor-NOHA, an arginase inhibitor. Tumors suppress immune responses by depleting arginine via arginase 1 overexpression. Encapsulating nor-NOHA in liposomes helps restore immune function, enhancing anti-tumor responses. Our findings confirmed that liposomal nor-NOHA retains activity ex vivo, effectively inhibiting arginase 1. To optimize drug delivery, we explored real-time liposome tracking in vivo using copper-64 (⁶⁴Cu) radiolabeling and positron emission tomography. We tested three labeling strategies, with DSPE-NODAGA proving the most efficient, delivering 100% radiochemical yield in 5 minutes. This method enabled precise tracking of liposome distribution, circulation time, and tumor accumulation. Beyond cancer therapy, this work underscores the potential of leveraging immune-nanoparticle interactions for drug delivery. Rather than evading immune detection, embracing immune interactions can improve targeting and efficacy, paving the way for enhanced immunotherapies and personalized cancer treatments.Kreft forblir en stor helseutfordring, med over 19,3 millioner nye tilfeller diagnostisert i 2020. Konvensjonelle behandlinger som cellegift og stråling har begrensninger, inkludert toksisitet, resistens og dårlig målretting. Denne avhandlingen utforsker nanomedisinbaserte immunmoduleringsstrategier, med fokus på liposomer for å forbedre legemiddellevering til immunceller. Liposomer er nanoskopiske vesikler som kan kapsle inn medisiner for målrettet levering. Imidlertid fører deres raske eliminering av immunforsvaret til begrenset effekt. I stedet for å unngå immuninteraksjoner, undersøkte vi hvordan liposomdesign påvirker opptak av humane fagocytter i fullblod. Monocytter viste høyest opptak av 200 nm liposomer, mens nøytrofiler foretrakk større liposomer. Overflateendringer som PEGylering reduserte monocyttopptak, mens sfingomyelin og gangliosider senket fagocyttinteraksjonen generelt. Derimot økte peptider som cRGD og cFLFLF opptaket, hvor cFLFLF-liposomer aktiverte nøytrofiler og økte ROS-produksjonen. Innsikt i disse interaksjonene gjør det mulig å forbedre liposombasert immunterapi. Vi utviklet en immunmodulerende liposomal legemiddel som inneholder nor-NOHA, en arginasehemmer. Tumorer undertrykker immunresponsen ved å tømme arginin gjennom overuttrykk av arginase 1. Ved å kapsle inn nor-NOHA i liposomer kan vi gjenopprette immunfunksjonen og forsterke anti-tumorresponsen. Våre funn bekreftet at liposomal nor-NOHA beholder sin aktivitet ex vivo og effektivt hemmer arginase 1. For å optimalisere legemiddellevering undersøkte vi sanntidssporing av liposomer in vivo ved bruk av kobber-64 (64Cu) radiomerking og positronemisjonstomografi. Vi testet tre merkingsstrategier, hvor DSPE-NODAGA var mest effektiv, med 100 % radiokjemisk utbytte på 5 minutter. Denne metoden gjorde muglig presis sporing av liposomdistribusjon, sirkulasjonstid og opphopning i svulster. Utover kreftbehandling fremhever dette arbeidet potensialet i å utnytte interaksjoner mellom immunceller og nanopartikler for legemiddellevering. I stedet for å unngå immunforsvaret kan vi forbedre målretting og effekt ved å omfavne disse interaksjonene, noe som kan føre til bedre immunterapier og mer persontilpassede kreftbehandlinger
Morphology and Holocene activity of a high-latitude canyon – channel system: The proximal Lofoten Basin channel system (Norwegian Sea)
Full text linkCanyon – channel systems have the potential to be biological and marine litter “hotspots”, and they can act as important carbon sinks. However, knowledge about the modern (Holocene) activity of many of these systems remains poor. This includes the high-latitude Andøya Canyon - Lofoten Basin Channel located in the Norwegian Sea (∼69oN). This study focuses on the proximal Lofoten Basin Channel and associated deposits (the Andøya Canyon is previously reported). The Lofoten Basin Channel includes two channel branches representing the canyon continuation beyond the foot of the continental slope, terminating in an area resembling a braidplain including braided channels, bars, as well as MTDs. Sediment cores included sandy turbidites. Based on their age and Ca/Fe ratios, we infer that the youngest sandy turbidites were deposited during the same event, suggesting that the event covered an area of c. 120 km × 20 km. Assuming an average thickness of ∼10 cm, this result in a volume of ∼0,24 km3 of terrigenous sand deposited in the basin over an area of ∼2400 km2 sometime during the period from 3.7 to 2.4 kyrs BP. This equals a sand thickness of 4.8 m in the c. 50 km long and 1 km wide thalweg part of the Andøya Canyon, here considered to be the source area. The sand could derive from failure of sandy accumulations within the canyon and/or from sand piracy. Another aspect of this Holocene turbidite event is that it represented a substantial export of inorganic carbon into the deep sea which in this way got buried, representing a carbon sink removing carbon from the carbon cycle (a carbon draw-down effect). These results shows that the canyon is a potential source and route for sediments that may cover ∼2400 km2 of the sea floor, large deep-sea areas that also represent carbon sinks so far not well accounted for
A specialist predator in a food web with cyclic alternative prey:The gyrfalcon-ptarmigan case revisited
Full text link Population dynamics of specialist predators are tightly linked to their main prey and can in simple food webs lead to complex predator–prey interactions (e.g. predator–prey cycles). However, the strength of these interactions may be affected by the availability of alternative prey if it appears in high numbers and the predator diet is sufficiently flexible. A prominent example of a specialist predator–prey interaction is the interaction between gyrfalcon and ptarmigan known from simple food webs with few alternative preys. Here we use a 23-year long time series from a more complex food web in northern Fennoscandia to investigate the relative roles of main (ptarmigan) and cyclically fluctuating alternative prey (lemmings) in driving gyrfalcon nesting territory occupancy and production of young. We find that nesting territory occupancy dynamics are dependent on both main and alternative prey, while fledgling production within occupied territories is independent of prey abundance dynamics. Population density of willow ptarmigan had the expected direct and delayed effect on gyrfalcon territory occupancy dynamics, while one high-amplitude lemming population peak year in the time series boosted colonization of nesting territories. This study demonstrates that the population dynamics of alternative prey can play an important role for specialist predators. While it might be uplifting that the gyrfalcons, being a regionally red listed species, seem to be able to consume alternative prey, both ptarmigan and lemmings are negatively impacted by ongoing climate change. Hence, the population status of gyrfalcon should still be a conservation concern. </ol
A qualitative study of the IPS employment specialist role in the context of Nav employment in Norway
Full text linkBackground - Employment is recognised as a fundamental human right. Still, many people experiencing severe mental illness are outside the workforce. Appropriate employment has several benefits for mental health and is central to recovery and citizenship. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) integrates treatment and employment support and is an evidence-based model for supporting people experiencing severe mental illness to gain and maintain employment. Employment specialists are front-line workers of IPS. In Norway, the implementation of IPS is in a later phase and employment specialists are employed outside health services. This study explores and describes employment specialists’ job situation within this new context.
Methods - Qualitative data were collected through field notes and five focus group interviews. The study participants were 36 IPS employment specialists located at 13 different sites in Northern Norway. Transcripts and field notes were analysed by thematic analyses.
Results - Our findings show that the IPS structures are settled in Norway, but some challenges remain. The most prominent consequence of the new context is the challenge of integration within health teams. Nonetheless, employment specialists find their work with clients meaningful and having great impact with opportunities for personal and professional development.
Conclusion - IPS is anchored in Norwegian policy and several of the early intervention challenges are resolved. Our study provides increased understanding of the employment specialists job situation within the new IPS context in Norway. Employment specialists are “front-line-workers” in enacting the IPS principles, and their perspectives on the contextual change are crucial in the development of IPS
Olympism and Cross-Cultural Differences in The Youth Olympic Games The Case of Singapore and Norway
Full text linkThis study examines the influence of Olympism in a cross-cultural context within the Youth Olympic Games educational program. A mixed methods approach was used to analyse both quantitative data (surveys; n = 173) and qualitative data (semi-structured interviews; n = 30) from former Singaporean and Norwegian Youth Olympic Games athletes. The cross-cultural aspect of the current investigation was examined using two prominent cross-cultural dimensions, namely the original concepts of universalism and particularism, and individualistic vs collectivistic natured societies, as the theoretical underpinnings of cross-cultural differences in the program’s influence on participants from two selected countries. The findings indicate that when comparing Singaporean and Norwegian athletes, Singaporean athletes appear to be more receptive towards the Youth Olympic Games educational program and its impact. The significant findings are posited as stemming from the contrasting cultural norms and backgrounds of these athletes. Additionally, the Olympism subthemes of fair play and friendship are the most impacted by cross-cultural differences. Practical applications related to cross-cultural differences in program design are suggested for both Olympic scholars and YOG practitioners. Pre-/post-program specific strategies are outlined to strengthen and extend the impact of the educational program for all athletes competing in the Youth Olympic Games
Antarctic glaciers export carbon-stabilised iron(II)-rich particles to the surface Southern Ocean
Full text linkIron is an essential micronutrient for phytoplankton and plays an integral role in the marine carbon cycle. The supply and bioavailability of iron are therefore important modulators of climate over glacial-interglacial cycles. Inputs of iron from the Antarctic continental shelf alleviate iron limitation in the Southern Ocean, driving hotspots of productivity. Glacial meltwater fluxes can deliver high volumes of particulate iron. Here, we show that glacier meltwater provides particles rich in iron(II) to the Antarctic shelf surface ocean. Particulate iron(II) is understood to be more bioavailable to phytoplankton, but less stable in oxic seawater, than iron(III). Using x-ray microscopy, we demonstrate co-occurrence of iron and organic carbon-rich phases, suggesting that organic carbon retards the oxidation of potentially-bioavailable iron(II) in oxic seawater. Accelerating meltwater fluxes may provide an increasingly important source of bioavailable iron(II)-rich particles to the Antarctic surface ocean, with implications for the Southern Ocean carbon pump and ecosystem productivity
A Systematic Review on the Efficacy of Virtual Reality in Exposure Therapy for Reducing Dental Anxiety in Adults: A Clinical Practice Perspective
Full text linkKeywords: Dental phobia; Dental fear; Behavioral intervention; Anxiety management; Adult mental health; Clinical implantation; Immerse technology; Digital health tools
Background: Dental anxiety leads to avoidance of dental treatment, resulting in adverse effects such as poor oral health, pain, and shame related to dental status, subsequently influencing patients’ quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), such as virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET), can help patients suffering from dental anxiety to overcome their fear.
Methods: Studies conducting VRET for dental anxiety in adult patients were identified using the databases MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and PsychInfo. The studies’ eligibility and validity were assessed using credible assessment tools. Results were analyzed regarding efficacy, and a recommendation for clinical implementation of VRET for dental anxiety was synthesized.
Results: Six studies met the inclusion criteria, where 3 of the studies showed significant results that VRET is effective. The studies had different control groups such as information pamphlet (IP), waitlist control (WLC), and no intervention. Most studies reported positive trends, particularly in behavioral outcomes and reductions in self-reported anxiety.
Conclusion: There are promising results showing VRET as an intervention for dental anxiety in adults. However, generalizability is limited due to heterogeneity and small sample sizes. Future high-quality trials are needed and comparison to IVET as control is preferable. For clinical implementation, interdisciplinary development is recommended to tailor the VR experience while ensuring patient safety
Ivaretakelse av munnhygiene hos hjemmeboende eldre personer: En kvalitativ intervjustudie med sykepleiere i hjemmetjenesten.
Full text linkSammendrag
Bakgrunn: I denne undersøkelsen undersøker jeg hvilke utfordringer sykepleiere erfarer med å ivareta munnhygiene hos hjemmeboende personer. Andelen eldre mennesker i befolkningen vil øke betydelig de neste årene, noe som vil føre til et større behov for helse- og omsorgstjenester. Flere eldre mennesker har komplekse helseutfordringer og er avhengige av hjelp til å ivareta grunnleggende behov, herunder munnhygiene, noe som er viktig for både generell helse og livskvalitet. Sykepleiere i hjemmetjenesten har ansvar for å hjelpe eldre med tann- og munnstell, men dette forutsetter tilstrekkelig kompetanse, ressurser og et godt samarbeid mellom helse- og omsorgstjenestene og den offentlige tannhelsetjenesten.
Forskningsspørsmål: Hvilke utfordringer erfarer sykepleiere med ivaretakelse av munnhygiene hos hjemmeboende eldre?
Teori: Det teoretiske grunnlaget omhandler Hendersons teori om sykepleie, teori om ulike dimensjoner ved kompetanse (kompetaunsetrekanten), samarbeid og samhandling, samt aldring og munnhelse. Relevante forskningsartikler er også diskutert i lys av funnene.
Metode: Undersøkelsen er en kvalitativ intervjustudie der seks sykepleiere fra hjemmetjenesten har blitt intervjuet. I analysen av datamaterialet benyttet jeg en strategi for koding basert på Braun og Clarkes analysestrategi.
Funn: Funnene i denne undersøkelsen viser at tann- og munnstell hos eldre personer som mottar hjemmesykepleie ofte blir nedprioritert. Samarbeid med tannhelsetjenesten er dårlig, og det eksisterer en mangel på systematikk for oppfølging etter tannlegebesøk. Pasienter med kognitiv svikt og komplekse helseutfordringer gjør at tann- og munnspellet ofte blir utfordrende, og flere av tjenestemottakerne vegrer seg for å motta hjelp. Sykepleierne etterlyser sterkere fokus på munnhelse, bedre opplæring og tydelige rutiner for dokumentasjon og samarbeid med tannhelsetjenesten.
Konklusjon: Funnene i den undersøkelsen viser at sykepleiere i hjemmetjenesten opplever flere utfordringer knyttet til ivaretakelse av munnhygiene hos hjemmeboende eldre. Disse er først og fremst knyttet til rutiner, prioritering, kunnskap og organisatoriske utfordringer. For å møte utfordringen anbefales det å styrke sykepleiernes kompetanse gjennom kurs og veiledning, forbedre samarbeidet med tannhelsetjenesten og systematiske rutiner for oppfølging og dokumentasjon. En helhetlig tilnærming og respekt for pasientens autonomi er avgjørende for å sikre god omsorg.
Nøkkelord: Eldre, munnhelse og hjemmesykepleie.Abstract
Background: In this study, I explore the challenges nurses experience in maintaining oral hygiene for older people persons receiving nursing care in their homes. The share of older adults in population will increase significantly in the coming years, which will lead to a greater need for nursing and care services. More elderly people have complex health challenges and are dependent on help with basic needs such as oral hygiene, which is important for both general health and quality of life. Nurses in home care are responsible for helping elderly people with dental and oral care, but this requires sufficient competence, resources and good cooperation between healthcare and dental health services
Research question: What challenges do nurses experience in maintaining oral hygiene for elderly people living at home?
Theory: The theoretical basis deals with Hendersons theory, the competence triangle, as well as theories of collaboration and interaction and aging and oral health. Relevant research articles are also discussed in light of the findings.
Method: The study is a qualitative interview study in which six nurses from home care have been interviewed. When coding the data material, I have based my analysis on Braun and Clarkes analytical strategy.
Results: The findings of this study are that dental and oral care for elderly people living home is often a low priority. Collaboration with the public dental health service is poor, and there is a lack of systematic fallow-up for elderly people after dental visits. Patients with cognitive impairment and complex health challenges make dental and oral care challenging and more elderly people are reluctant to receive help. Nurses are calling for a stronger focus on oral hygiene, better routines, more training and good collaboration with the dental health service to ensure good oral hygiene for elderly people living home.
Conclusion: The findings of that survey show that nurses in home care experience several challengers related to maintaining oral hygiene in elderly people living home. These are primarily related to routines, prioritization, knowledge, and organizational challenges. To mee the challenge, its is recommended to strengthen the nurse’s competence through courses and guidance, improve cooperation with the dental health service and systematic routines for fallow-up and documentation. A holistic approach and respect for the patient’s autonomy are crucial to ensuring good care.
Keywords: Aged, oral health and home health nursing