A large-scale Finnish trial found that taking high doses of vitamin D (1600-3200 IU/day) for five years did not decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease or cancer. The study's findings support the recommendation of 10 micrograms (400 IU) per day for adult Finns, but do not suggest using large doses as a preventive measure.
Researchers found that EEG arousal intensity varies by respiratory event type and severity in OSA, affecting sleep disruption. The study reveals distinct patterns of gamma power during arousals from different types of respiratory events, such as obstructive apnoeas and hypopnoeas with varying degrees of blood oxygen desaturation.
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed simpler measurement technologies for diagnosing sleep disorders, enabling more accurate analyses. The new methods use reusable sensors in home environments, reducing costs and increasing patient comfort.
A study in young psychiatric outpatients with episodic or chronic depression found differences in one-carbon and energy metabolism, which could aid in diagnosis and targeted treatments. The preliminary results suggest potential mechanisms behind chronicity, highlighting the need for larger cohorts to confirm findings.
A previously unknown source of the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide has been found in East Siberian Yedoma permafrost. The discovery highlights the significance of thawing permafrost as a globally important positive feedback to climate change.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that patients with type 2 diabetes often do not receive adequate cholesterol-lowering treatment, despite guidelines recommending statin prescriptions for elevated LDL-C levels. Women tend to have higher average LDL-C levels and receive less statin treatment than men.
A recent study published in Hypertension suggests that adolescent arterial stiffness may increase the risk of systolic and diastolic hypertension by 20% and 2-fold, respectively, seven years later. Higher arterial stiffness levels were also associated with an increased risk of abdominal and whole-body obesity.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that Finnish parents regard assessment as primarily a tool for supporting pupils' learning and growth. They hope for diverse forms of assessment, including numerical evaluations, to motivate children and facilitate comparison. The researchers propose that schools engage in clos...
Changes in Finnish aapa mires, characterized by wet fens and peat mosses, can be detected from Landsat satellite data. The study found a significant increase in Sphagnum mosses over the past few decades, accelerated by land use and climate change.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland introduces an electric soot collector that achieves a 45% fine particle reduction efficiency in logwood-fired masonry heaters. The technology uses natural charges of flames to collect particles, but further optimization is needed for higher reduction efficiencies.
Researchers used nationwide airborne laser scanning data and forest inventories to predict bilberry and cowberry yields in Sweden. The models indicate potential berry picking locations but do not accurately predict yields.
A five-year follow-up study found that alexithymia levels decrease significantly from adolescence to young adulthood. Consistency of alexithymia is associated with symptoms of depression and dissociation, while age-related decline in externally oriented thinking is also notable.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that postmenopausal women experience a significant decrease in bone mineral density, but at a lower rate than previously assumed. Women who received hormone replacement therapy and those with weight gain during follow-up showed minimal bone loss.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that working-age people living with dementia experience insufficient guidance and counselling. This results in premature retirement and loss of social contacts, leading to feelings of anxiety, exhaustion, and shame.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland suggests that consuming one serving of whole grains daily can reduce type 2 diabetes incidence and associated costs in Finland. The potential cost savings could be up to €1 billion over ten years, leading to healthier years for individuals.
A more inclusive definition of infertility could help explain why current diagnostic tests frequently fail to find a reason for reproductive failure. This broader view may also open up novel opportunities for tailoring infertility treatments to each couple, considering the complex network of interacting male and female genes.
A novel computational model predicts that articular cartilage can partially heal after injury by controlling inflammation. The study uses biomechanical and inflammatory aspects of osteoarthritis progression to develop a physics-based computational model.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital found that liquid biopsy can accurately identify patients with poor breast cancer prognosis. High integrity of circulating DNA is associated with a poor prognosis, enabling earlier and more accurate detection of breast cancer. The study's findings have si...
Researchers developed a fluorescence quenching assay to probe the integrity of cell membrane coating on biomimetic nanoparticles. The study found that only 20% of particles were fully coated, indicating significant limitations in current coating protocols.
A study by Finnish researchers confirms that aerosols formed from plant emitted compounds make clouds more reflective, reducing solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface. This natural mechanism can slow down climate warming, with effects becoming stronger as temperature increases.
A new fly species, Scenopinus jerei, has been officially described from Finland, belonging to the primitive and species-poor family of window flies. The species is found in boreal forest habitats and is widespread but rare in Finland, with its larvae preying on other insects.
Researchers discovered that particulate emissions from auxiliary heaters can be significantly higher than those of idling gasoline vehicles, raising concerns about their environmental impact. The study highlights the need for further research on the use and development of heaters to reduce emissions.
A study of Finnish adults with overweight found that higher sleep-time parasympathetic activity is associated with healthier diets and lower alcohol consumption. Those with a good stress balance reported better diet quality, fibre intake, and self-control.
A 34-year follow-up study found that the coexistence of hypertension and fatty liver disease did not exceed their separate effects on mortality. The study suggests a negative interaction between the two conditions on cardiovascular death in non-diabetic men.
A new study found that increasing childhood cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce the adverse effects of metabolic syndrome traits on atherosclerosis. The researchers discovered a two-way connection between arterial health and fat mass, with healthy arteries associated with higher fat mass in children.
Researchers have identified a novel genetic marker, rs139185008, that distinguishes C9orf72 repeat expansion carriers from non-carriers in large population-based cohorts. This SNP is strongly associated with patients having a clinical diagnosis of FTLD and motor neuron disease ALS.
A recent study found that regular physical exercise modulates iron homeostasis in both the brain and skeletal muscle of mice with Alzheimer's disease. The results suggest that IL-6 is a key modulator of hepcidin in exercise-induced brain iron modulation, which may help explain why exercise is beneficial for AD prevention or treatment.
Researchers discovered that skin fibroblasts from FTD patients exhibit pathological RNA foci, p62 protein-containing vesicles, and defective energy metabolism, which could lead to the development of novel biomarkers and treatments. These findings may also be useful in testing drug effects on FTD patients.
A new study developed a wearable technology-based method to assess myoclonus symptoms in the home environment. The method, which measures electrical neuromuscular function and movement, correlates well with assessments performed by experienced physicians.
The study used single cell technology to map epigenetic changes in different cells involved in coronary artery disease, revealing that genetic risk variants are particularly enriched in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. This research provides a new understanding of the role of these cells in transmitting susceptibility to the disease.
The study found that guided digital skills training sessions not only improved older adults' digital literacy but also fostered meaningful social connections and a sense of community. Participants reported increased motivation, joy, and satisfaction with the training experience.
Researchers discovered that primary miRNA precursor forms are highly expressed in cell-type-specific manner, while mature miRNAs dominate common to all cell types. The study also uncovered microRNA-messenger RNA networks driving cell-type-specific responses.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with Alzheimer's disease are less likely to undergo cataract surgery compared to those without the condition. This decrease in procedure rate starts one year after diagnosis, highlighting a concerning trend that may impact patients' quality of life.
Researchers discovered that phosphorylation of MECP2 protein decreases in brain cells as Alzheimer's disease progresses, while abolishing this phosphorylation enhances neuronal viability and gene expression. The study suggests that modifications of MECP2 could be a therapeutic target for developing specific therapies against AD.
The study identifies novel non-coding RNAs involved in regulating vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) expression, which are key regulators of angiogenesis. These findings may lead to new therapeutic approaches for diseases such as atherosclerosis and ischemia.
A new algorithm developed by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland uses blood biomarker measurements to aid in early diagnosis and differentiation between types of dementia. This innovation aims to provide precise diagnoses, enabling targeted treatment and improving patient outcomes.
A recent study by the University of Eastern Finland found that middle-aged men who experience loneliness are at an increased risk of developing cancer. The study, which followed 2,570 men over time, found that loneliness was associated with a 10% higher risk of cancer.
A comprehensive systematic review of epidemiological research found a link between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and increased breast cancer risk. For example, DDT, PCBs, and PFOA were associated with higher breast cancer incidence in some studies, while phytoestrogens like genistein showed potential protective effects.
A study from the University of Eastern Finland found that adolescent binge drinking is associated with changes in the volume of the cerebellum in young adulthood. Heavy drinkers showed reduced posterior cerebellar lobules compared to light drinkers, affecting motor and cognitive functions.
A new study from Finland reveals that undocumented women receive inadequate pregnancy care, with delayed access to prenatal care and lower rates of infection screening. The study highlights the need for better healthcare systems to cater to the unique needs of these vulnerable populations.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that malting side-stream products contain high amounts of phytochemicals and proteins, making them a potential source of nutritious food. The researchers identified 285 different phytochemicals in these products, with germination increasing their levels.
The Healthy Diet Index is a tool developed by Finnish nutrition experts to assess diet quality. It was found to associate with the intake of energy nutrients, fibre, and several vitamins and minerals, and to be linked to lower body mass index, waist circumference, and blood glucose levels in both men and women.
A new study reveals that over one third of genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease regulate liver-specific genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Researchers pinpoint the causal single nucleotide polymorphisms and target genes mediating the risk, expanding our understanding of the disease's mechanisms.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) had a higher risk of mortality in procedural units and during follow-up, compared to those without AD. However, elective revascularisation procedures showed similar outcomes for both groups.
Microplastics have been found in nearly all organisms and habitats worldwide, but the factors contributing to their influx and accumulation in water ecosystems are not yet fully understood. A new study developed a sediment trap method to analyze annual accumulation rates and possible seasonal variation, finding that microplastic flux r...
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland has identified two potential biomarkers, miR-9a-3p and miR-136-3p, which could serve as diagnostic biomarkers for mild traumatic brain injury. These microRNAs were found to be elevated in both animal models and human patients, suggesting their potential use in diagnosing the condition....
A new study found that nanomaterials can bind strongly to microorganisms, entering the food chain and accumulating in organs like the brain. The use of nanomaterials is challenging to regulate because of their small size, making it difficult to assess their possible risk.
A recent study published in International Business Review found that small and medium-sized firms increasingly rely on social media to find and persuade new international customers. However, digital communication tools dominate finding and persuasion phases, while traditional methods are used for customer relationship management.
Researchers developed a neural network to assess sleep apnea severity in acute stroke patients, showing high accuracy and ease of use. The new screening method uses simple nocturnal pulse oximetry, enabling early detection and treatment of sleep apnea in cerebrovascular disease patients.
A new study found that naltrexone use decreases the risk of hospitalization due to alcohol use disorder, while benzodiazepine use is associated with increased mortality and hospitalization. Only about a fourth of persons diagnosed with AUD used any medications, highlighting under-utilization of treatment options.