The a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtype is believed to be involved in the regulation of neuronal growth, differentiation and synapse formation during the development of the human brain. In this study the expression of the a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was investigated in human fetal brain and spinal cord of 5±11 weeks gestational age. Both the speci®c binding of [ 125 I]a-bungarotoxin to prenatal brain membranes and the expression of a7 mRNA were signi®cantly higher in the pons, medulla oblongata, mesencephalon and spinal cord of 9±11 weeks gestational age compared with cerebellum, cortex and subcortical forebrain. A signi®cant positive correlation between gestational age and the expression of a7 mRNA was observed in all brain regions except cortex. A positive correlation was also observed between the gestational age and the [ 125 I]a-bungarotoxin binding in the pons, medulla oblongata, mesencephalon, and cerebellum. Consequently, a signi®cant relationship between the a7 mRNA levels and the binding sites for [ 125 I]a-bungarotoxin was found in the fetal brain. The increasing levels of the a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor during the ®rst trimester support the important role of nAChRs for the development of the central nervous system. Keywords: a-bungarotoxin, development, human fetal brain, a7 mRNA, a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR).
Background
Investment in research is high on the agenda of many countries in recognition of the fact that research is important for the development of society. Doctoral students have a vital role and represent a substantial part of this investment. It is therefore imperative to reduce the risk of students dropping out from doctoral studies. The aim of this qualitative study was to gain deeper insight into the working conditions of, and obstacles and opportunities for, doctoral students at an institute of medicine in Sweden.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2013 with 17 doctoral students—of varying genders, professions and fields of research—from the Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using systematic text condensation.
Results
Four categories emerged from the data. They were: Safety, Frustrating Structures, Others - not me, and the future. They included positive as well as negative perceptions. Among the positive perceptions were recognition of the importance of the supervisor, as well as secure conditions, and personal development. Frustrating structures in the academic culture, stress and differences in career building constituted the negative points.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that there is a need for structures within the university that support doctoral students who feel they are not receiving the assistance they need, who believe they have unreasonable working conditions, or who may need to change supervisors in order to complete their graduate research studies. Our study also highlights the fact that supervisors have a major influence on the work environment of doctoral students, and that the general and academic perception of the research area likewise has an effect on the successful completion of the research project and dissertation. Providing leadership training for supervisors could be an important measure that may help improve conditions for the doctoral students they supervise.
Electronic supplementary material
The online version of this article (10.1186/s12909-019-1684-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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