A Ph.D. thesis is a challenging a task, and without the support and encouragement of the people around you, would never be accomplished. I am genuinely and deeply thankful to everyone who has contributed to this research project.
My journey as a Ph.D. student began in September 2013, when I received a phone call from Professor Anders Gustafsson. Still today, I do not know the reason why Anders chose to call me; however, I am extremely grateful to him for giving me the opportunity and privilege of being a Ph.D. student at Karolinska Institutet.
I wish to express special thanks to:
My dedicated, primary supervisor, Professor Anders Gustafsson, for giving me this chance and for always believing in me. Thank you for your guidance and encouragement throughout this research project. I am thankful and glad for your always so calm and steady character, which has had a positive impact on me. Moreover, for always finding time for discussion and help in your full schedule. Thank you!
My dedicated co-supervisor, Professor Anna Norhammar, for sharing with me your great knowledge of cardiovascular medicine and diabetes, and for always coming with wise comments and meaningful discussions.
My devoted co-supervisor, Associate Professor Barbro Kjellström, for being strong where I am weak, for always being enthusiastic about my ideas and believing in me, for all the hours you have spent revising my manuscripts, and for all your warm and encouraging words.
My enthusiastic co-supervisor Associate Professor Michael Fored, for explaining the world of epidemiology to me and for always leaving me with positive, encouraging feelings after discussions.
My passionate mentor, Professor Anders Ekbom, for pushing me to think outside the box and making me less anxious. I always carry with me your words from our walk in Central Park:
“Eva, remember, if you ask for permission for something, then you must always consider to the answer; if you don’t ask, you can do as you wish“.
Tobias Svensson, for all the help you have given me in constructing the database and carrying out the analyses in Studies III and IV, and to Associate Professor Fredrik Granath for helping me structure the analysis in Study III.
All my co-workers in the PAROKRANK study, Professor Lars Rydén, Associated Professor Kåre Buhlin, Professor Ulf de Faire, Professor Bertil Lindahl, Professor Åke Nygren, Statistician Per Näsman, PhD Nilminie Rathnayake, Professor Elisabet Svenungsson, and Professor Björn Klinge, all of you have contributed to my scientific upbringing.
Associate Professor, Margaret Sällberg Chen, Director of Doctoral Studies, for all the assistance and guidance with the never-ending details of the Ph.D. studies, as well as always taking time to help and to encourage me when I knocked on your door.
Heli Vänskä, research administrator at the Department of Dental Medicine, for always being so kind and helpful every time I knocked at your door or sent you an e-mail.
Gabriella Bröms, Director of Studies at the Research School for Clinicians in Epidemiology, and to all my colleagues at the Research School. A particular special thanks to my study colleagues and dear friends Louise Ziegler and Gry Johansen, for all your cheering and being constantly supportive. I would never have made this without you.
My friend and colleague, Aron Naimi-Akbar, for helping me improve my knowledge in epidemiology and statistics.
Associate Professor, Leif Jansson, Head of the Department of Periodontology at Eastmaninstitutet, for being so supportive and truly generous and flexible with my working schedule.
Anita Johansson at Eastmaninstitutet, for always being so helpful with administrative work and flexible when planning my schedule.
My mentors, Carolina Modin and Lottie Adler, for all the clinical guidance with my patients and all the support you have given me.
All my wonderful colleagues at Eastmaninstitutet for being supportive and always helpful with assistance.
All my brilliant former and new “ST colleagues”: Marjan Najafzade, Tom Guan, Ali Faham, Caroline Dolk Rinon, Freha Niazi, Jacob Holmer, and Natalie Stempa
My dear and loyal dental assistant, Terhi Karvonen, for all the help with the administrative work regarding our patients and for being so loving and caring.
All my wonderful friends and colleagues: Amelie Hjortsjö, Nina Johansson, Maria Andersson, and Loisette Diaz, for always being so positive and encouraging.
Professor Panos Papapanou, for being such an inspiring researcher and for always giving me generous attention at every international congress I have attended.
All my beloved friends, Corinne Engellau, Elise Avsan, Emma Hernström, Jenny Hedqvist, Kim Nersing, Louise Rey, Madeleine Beyer, Malin Mazeret, Margareta Borg and Mickaela Rosén, for being who you are and for providing an ”outer world”, and for giving me all your love. I am so lucky to have you all in my life!
Kay Bjørgengen, for providing me with a peaceful working space this summer.
My dear Augustina Bengtstelius, for all the love and joy you have given Olivia and brought into our family. Jacob and I are truly grateful for all our help!
My deeply beloved family, Mamma, Pappa, Jens, Lena, and Göran, for all your endless encouragement and love, and for always being there for me. You have supported and believed in me through this whole journey, I would never have managed this without you. I love you all from the bottom of my heart!
My husband, Jacob, for all the love and support while walking through life together. You complement me and give me the opportunity constantly to learn new things. For always including me in your passion for life. I love you!
Our adorable daughter, Olivia, for being the light and meaning of my life.
This research was made possible through contributions from AFA Insurance, the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Society of Medicine, Stockholm County Council (ALF project and Steering committee KI/SLL for odontological research), and The Baltic Child Foundation.