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Koivumäki M, Ekblad L, Lantero-Rodriguez J, Ashton NJ, Karikari TK, Helin S, Parkkola R, Lötjönen J, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Rinne JO, Snellman A. Blood biomarkers of neurodegeneration associate differently with amyloid deposition, medial temporal atrophy, and cerebrovascular changes in APOE ε4-enriched cognitively unimpaired elderly. Alzheimers Res Ther 2024; 16:112. [PMID: 38762725 PMCID: PMC11102270 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-024-01477-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, neurofibrillary tau tangles, and neurodegeneration in the brain parenchyma. Here, we aimed to (i) assess differences in blood and imaging biomarkers used to evaluate neurodegeneration among cognitively unimpaired APOE ε4 homozygotes, heterozygotes, and non-carriers with varying risk for sporadic AD, and (ii) to determine how different cerebral pathologies (i.e., Aβ deposition, medial temporal atrophy, and cerebrovascular pathology) contribute to blood biomarker concentrations in this sample. METHODS Sixty APOE ε4 homozygotes (n = 19), heterozygotes (n = 21), and non-carriers (n = 20) ranging from 60 to 75 years, were recruited in collaboration with Auria biobank (Turku, Finland). Participants underwent Aβ-PET ([11C]PiB), structural brain MRI including T1-weighted and T2-FLAIR sequences, and blood sampling for measuring serum neurofilament light chain (NfL), plasma total tau (t-tau), plasma N-terminal tau fragments (NTA-tau) and plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). [11C]PiB standardized uptake value ratio was calculated for regions typical for Aβ accumulation in AD. MRI images were analysed for regional volumes, atrophy scores, and volumes of white matter hyperintensities. Differences in biomarker levels and associations between blood and imaging biomarkers were tested using uni- and multivariable linear models (unadjusted and adjusted for age and sex). RESULTS Serum NfL concentration was increased in APOE ε4 homozygotes compared with non-carriers (mean 21.4 pg/ml (SD 9.5) vs. 15.5 pg/ml (3.8), p = 0.013), whereas other blood biomarkers did not differ between the groups (p > 0.077 for all). From imaging biomarkers, hippocampal volume was significantly decreased in APOE ε4 homozygotes compared with non-carriers (6.71 ml (0.86) vs. 7.2 ml (0.7), p = 0.029). In the whole sample, blood biomarker levels were differently predicted by the three measured cerebral pathologies; serum NfL concentration was associated with cerebrovascular pathology and medial temporal atrophy, while plasma NTA-tau associated with medial temporal atrophy. Plasma GFAP showed significant association with both medial temporal atrophy and Aβ pathology. Plasma t-tau concentration did not associate with any of the measured pathologies. CONCLUSIONS Only increased serum NfL concentrations and decreased hippocampal volume was observed in cognitively unimpaired APOEε4 homozygotes compared to non-carriers. In the whole population the concentrations of blood biomarkers were affected in distinct ways by different pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikko Koivumäki
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Laura Ekblad
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juan Lantero-Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Nicholas J Ashton
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Centre for Age-Related Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health & Biomedical Research Unit for Dementia at South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation, London, UK
| | - Thomas K Karikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Semi Helin
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riitta Parkkola
- Department of Radiology, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong, China
- Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Juha O Rinne
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Anniina Snellman
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience & Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
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Lend K, Koopman FA, Lampa J, Jansen G, Hetland ML, Uhlig T, Nordström D, Nurmohamed M, Gudbjornsson B, Rudin A, Østergaard M, Heiberg MS, Sokka-Isler T, Hørslev-Petersen K, Haavardsholm EA, Grondal G, Twisk JWR, van Vollenhoven R. Methotrexate Safety and Efficacy in Combination Therapies in Patients With Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthritis Rheumatol 2024; 76:363-376. [PMID: 37846618 DOI: 10.1002/art.42730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated methotrexate safety and the influence of dose on efficacy outcomes in combination with three different biologic treatments and with active conventional treatment (ACT) in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS This post hoc analysis included 812 treatment-naïve patients with early RA who were randomized (1:1:1:1) in the NORD-STAR trial to receive methotrexate in combination with ACT, certolizumab-pegol, abatacept, or tocilizumab. Methotrexate safety, doses, and dose effects on Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission were assessed after 24 weeks of treatment. RESULTS Compared with ACT, the prevalence of methotrexate-associated side effects was higher when methotrexate was combined with tocilizumab (hazard ratio [HR] 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-1.84) but not with certolizumab-pegol (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.79-1.23) or with abatacept (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.75-1.16). With ACT as the reference, the methotrexate dose was significantly lower when used in combination with tocilizumab (β -4.65, 95% CI -5.83 to -3.46; P < 0.001) or abatacept (β -1.15, 95% CI -2.27 to -0.03; P = 0.04), and it was numerically lower in combination with certolizumab-pegol (β -1.07, 95% CI -2.21 to 0.07; P = 0.07). Methotrexate dose reductions were not associated with decreased CDAI remission rates within any of the treatment combinations. CONCLUSION Methotrexate was generally well tolerated in combination therapies, but adverse events were a limiting factor in receiving the target dose of 25 mg/wk, and these were more frequent in combination with tocilizumab versus ACT. On the other hand, methotrexate dose reductions were not associated with decreased CDAI remission rates within any of the four treatment combinations at 24 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Lend
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frieda A Koopman
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jon Lampa
- Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Merete L Hetland
- Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Till Uhlig
- Diakonhjemmet Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dan Nordström
- Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Nurmohamed
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, and Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Reade, the Netherlands
| | - Bjorn Gudbjornsson
- Landspitali University Hospital and University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Anna Rudin
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital and University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, and University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Kim Hørslev-Petersen
- University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Sønderborg, and University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Gerdur Grondal
- Landspitali University Hospital and University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kotikoski S, Paavola J, Nurmonen HJ, Kärkkäinen V, Huuskonen TJ, Huttunen J, Koivisto T, von Und Zu Fraunberg M, Jääskeläinen JE, Lindgren AE. Prevalence of pre-eclampsia in 265 patients with an intracranial aneurysm, 393 female relatives versus a control cohort: A case-control study. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16113. [PMID: 37889887 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There is emerging evidence on the connection between pre-eclampsia and saccular intracranial aneurysms (sIAs). Our aim was to study the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in sIA patients, their female relatives, and matched controls, and to examine familial sIA disease and familial pre-eclampsia in sIA patients' families. METHODS We included all female sIA patients in the Kuopio Intracranial Aneurysm Patient and Family Database from 1995 to 2018. First, we identified the sIA patients, their female relatives, and matched population controls with the first birth in 1987 or later and studied the prevalence of pre-eclampsia. Second, all female sIA patients and all female relatives were analyzed for familial sIA disease and familial pre-eclampsia. Using the Finnish nationwide health registries, we obtained data on drug purchases, hospital diagnoses, and causes of death. RESULTS In total, 265 sIA patients, 57 daughters, 167 sisters, 169 nieces, and 546 matched controls had the first birth in 1987 or later. Among them, 29 (11%) sIA patients, 5 (9%) daughters, 10 (6%) sisters, 10 (6%) nieces, and 32 (6%) controls had pre-eclampsia. Of all the 1895 female sIA patients and 12,141 female relatives, 68 sIA patients and 375 relatives had pre-eclampsia, including 32 families with familial pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSIONS Pre-eclampsia was significantly more common in the sIA patients than in their matched controls. Familial sIA disease and familial pre-eclampsia co-occurred in seven families. Further studies of the mechanisms by which pre-eclampsia could affect the walls of brain arteries and increase the rupture risk in sIA disease are indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Kotikoski
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juho Paavola
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heidi J Nurmonen
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Virve Kärkkäinen
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Terhi J Huuskonen
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Huttunen
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Timo Koivisto
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikael von Und Zu Fraunberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Research Unit of Clinical Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha E Jääskeläinen
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Antti E Lindgren
- Neurosurgery of NeuroCenter, Kuopio University Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Bednorz A, Mak JKL, Jylhävä J, Religa D. Use of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) in Gerontology: Benefits, Considerations and a Promising Future. Clin Interv Aging 2023; 18:2171-2183. [PMID: 38152074 PMCID: PMC10752027 DOI: 10.2147/cia.s400887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Electronic medical records (EMRs) have many benefits in clinical research in gerontology, enabling data analysis, development of prognostic tools and disease risk prediction. EMRs also offer a range of advantages in clinical practice, such as comprehensive medical records, streamlined communication with healthcare providers, remote data access, and rapid retrieval of test results, ultimately leading to increased efficiency, enhanced patient safety, and improved quality of care in gerontology, which includes benefits like reduced medication use and better patient history taking and physical examination assessments. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) approaches on EMRs can further improve disease diagnosis, symptom classification, and support clinical decision-making. However, there are also challenges related to data quality, data entry errors, as well as the ethics and safety of using AI in healthcare. This article discusses the future of EMRs in gerontology and the application of AI and ML in clinical research. Ethical and legal issues surrounding data sharing and the need for healthcare professionals to critically evaluate and integrate these technologies are also emphasized. The article concludes by discussing the challenges related to the use of EMRs in research as well as in their primary intended use, the daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Bednorz
- John Paul II Geriatric Hospital, Katowice, Poland
- Institute of Psychology, Humanitas Academy, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Jonathan K L Mak
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juulia Jylhävä
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Faculty of Social Sciences (Health Sciences) and Gerontology Research Center (GEREC), University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Dorota Religa
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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Kolho KL, Lahtiharju T, Merras-Salmio L, Pakarinen MP, Knip M. Infant liver biochemistry is different than current laboratory accepted norms. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:5707-5711. [PMID: 37812243 PMCID: PMC10746582 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05248-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The purpose is to study liver biochemistry in a well-defined cohort of term infants. The methods include healthy term infants (n = 619) provided blood samples at 3 and 6 months of age when participating to the DIABIMMUNE study. The infants were followed up at clinical study visits 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months the participation rate being 88.6% at the end of follow-up, while none disclosed any signs of a liver disease. The serum levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (BIL), and conjugated bilirubin (BIL-conj) were determined using Siemens Atellica CH 930 analyzers. The results are at 3 months of age, the upper 90% CI for ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, BIL, and BIL-conj were higher than the current upper reference limits in our accredited hospital laboratory. At 6 months, the upper 90% CIs for ALT had declined but was still higher than the cut-offs for a raised value. The upper 90% CI for AST remained as high as at 3 months, whereas ALP, BIL-conj, and GGT had decreased close to the current cut-offs. The type of feeding was associated with the levels of liver biochemistry. Exclusively or partially breastfed infants showed higher ALT, AST, BIL, and BIL-conj values at 3 months than formula-fed. Breastfed infants had higher AST, Bil, and Bil-conj values also at 6 months. Conclusion: We encourage setting appropriate reference ranges for liver biochemistry for the first year of life and to note the type of feeding. What is Known: • Healthy infants may show higher values of liver biochemistry during their first year of life than in later life. • It has been speculated that type of feeding may play a role in liver biochemistry levels among infants. What is New: • In a cohort of healthy infants, several analytes of liver biochemistry were higher than the currently used upper reference limits at 3 and 6 months of age, and exclusively or partially breastfed infants showed higher values than formula-fed. • The findings address the importance of setting appropriate reference ranges for liver biochemistry for the first year of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaija-Leena Kolho
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 281, FI-00029, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Tapio Lahtiharju
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, HUSLAB, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura Merras-Salmio
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 281, FI-00029, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko P Pakarinen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikael Knip
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 281, FI-00029, Helsinki, Finland
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Borchers J, Pukkala E, Mäkitie O, Laakso S. Epidemiology and Causes of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency in Children: A Population-Based Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2879-2885. [PMID: 37216903 PMCID: PMC10583995 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Incidence and causes of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) have not been comprehensively studied in children. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to describe the epidemiology and to assess causes of PAI in Finnish children. METHODS A population-based descriptive study of PAI in Finnish patients aged 0-20 years.Diagnoses referring to adrenal insufficiency in children born in 1996-2016 were collected from the Finnish National Care Register for Health Care. Patients with PAI were identified by studying patient records. Incidence rates were calculated in relation to person-years in the Finnish population of same age. RESULTS Of the 97 patients with PAI, 36% were female. The incidence of PAI was highest during the first year of life (in females 2.7 and in males 4.0/100 000 person-years). At 1-15 years of age, the incidence of PAI in females was 0.3/100 000 and in males 0.6/100 000 person-years. Cumulative incidence was 10/100 000 persons at age of 15 years and 13/100 000 at 20 years. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia was the cause in 57% of all patients and in 88% of patients diagnosed before age of 1 year. Other causes among the 97 patients included autoimmune disease (29%), adrenoleukodystrophy (6%), and other genetic causes (6%). From the age of 5 years, most of the new cases of PAI were due to autoimmune disease. CONCLUSION After the first-year peak, the incidence of PAI is relatively constant through ages 1-15 years, and 1 out of 10 000 children are diagnosed with PAI before the age of 15 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joonatan Borchers
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Pukkala
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Finnish Cancer Registry—Institute for Statistical and Epidemiological Cancer Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Outi Mäkitie
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, and Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Saila Laakso
- Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Institute of Genetics, Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Aromaa M, Putro H, Lilja-Maula L, Rajamäki MM. Comparison of habitual physical activity in French Bulldogs, Pugs and normocephalic dogs by accelerometry. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e60. [PMID: 38487414 PMCID: PMC10936329 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a major welfare concern in flat-faced dog breeds. As BOAS causes respiratory difficulties and exercise intolerance, it can reduce dogs' daily quality of life (QOL). However, evaluation of QOL in dogs is difficult, and many owners perceive BOAS signs as 'normal' for the breed. Accelerometers that measure frequency, duration and intensity of activities can offer an objective way of evaluating dogs' daily activity and thereby deliver potential insights into QOL. The aim of this study was to assess habitual physical activity of 48 brachycephalic and 23 non-brachycephalic dogs using accelerometers. The accelerometers were used for one week and owners filled in a questionnaire regarding their dog's well-being and activities. Veterinary-assessed BOAS grading for brachycephalic dogs was determined. Compared with controls, more severely affected French Bulldogs and Pugs had significantly lower total activity counts and spent less time in high activity. In Pugs, mildly affected dogs were also less active, but age can be a contributing factor here, as older age decreased activity in Pugs and controls showed a wider age range. In French Bulldogs, those dogs with no or mild signs of BOAS did not differ from controls regarding their daily activity. In conclusion, accelerometers were easy to use for objective measurement of daily activity in bracycephalic dogs, although a degree of discomfort due to the collar was reported. Results showed that BOAS signs were associated with decreased habitual physical activity. These findings emphasise the importance of actions taken to reduce incidence of BOAS in brachycephalic breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimma Aromaa
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Putro
- Veterinary surgery Eläinlääkäriasema HauMau, Hietaniemenkatu 7, FI-00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Lilja-Maula
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna M Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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Majuri T, Haapea M, Nordström T, Säynäjäkangas V, Moilanen K, Tolonen J, Ala-Mursula L, Miettunen J, Jääskeläinen E. Effect of onset age on the long-term outcome of early-onset psychoses and other mental disorders: a register-based Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023:10.1007/s00787-023-02279-5. [PMID: 37568059 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02279-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric illnesses can affect the social transitions of adolescence and young adulthood, such as completing education and entering working life and relationships. However, associations between earlier onset age and long-term outcomes among those with early-onset psychoses (EOP) are unclear, as are the long-term outcomes of EOP compared to non-psychotic disorders. We used national register data of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 to detect persons with EOP and other early-onset psychiatric disorders. The long-term clinical and work-family outcomes of persons with onset age before 18 years (n = 41 psychoses, n = 495 non-psychoses) or between 18-22 years (n = 61 psychoses, n = 377 non-psychoses) were compared. Individuals with the onset of psychosis between 18-22 years had significantly more unfavourable long-term outcomes when compared to those with psychosis onset before 18 years. Persons with psychosis onset before the age of 18 years had similar outcomes to those with non-psychotic psychiatric disorder onset before 18 years regarding educational level, marital status, having children, and substance use disorders. Individuals with EOP were more often on a disability pension compared to those with other early-onset mental disorders. Adjusting for sex, educational level and substance use only slightly diluted these results. Unexpectedly, later onset age of EOP was associated with worse outcomes. Those with psychosis onset between 18-22 years of age are in a critical period, which underlines the importance of investing on interventions in this age group. Further studies on the effect of the onset age on later outcomes in EOP are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuomas Majuri
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O.BOX 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Marianne Haapea
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O.BOX 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tanja Nordström
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O.BOX 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Infrastructure for Population Studies, Northern Finland Birth Cohorts, University of Oulu, Arctic Biobank, Oulu, Finland
| | - Veera Säynäjäkangas
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O.BOX 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Jonna Tolonen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O.BOX 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Leena Ala-Mursula
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O.BOX 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jouko Miettunen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O.BOX 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Erika Jääskeläinen
- Research Unit of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, P.O.BOX 5000, 90014, Oulu, Finland
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Lavikainen P, Lamidi ML, Repo T, Inglin L, Martikainen J, Laatikainen T. Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on Monitoring and Treatment Balance of Finnish Coronary Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes Patients. Clin Epidemiol 2022; 14:1363-1373. [PMID: 36387927 PMCID: PMC9664920 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s387461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on monitoring and treatment balance of Finnish coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We used data from the electronic health records on 1604 CHD and 10,136 T2D patients aged 18‒85 years in Eastern Finland. Measurement and levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) of CHD patients and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) of T2D patients were assessed monthly during January 2019-June 2021. Interrupted time-series analysis design was utilized to examine the effect of the lockdown on proportion of patients monitored and treatment balance. RESULTS Reductions in frequencies of LDL testing of CHD and HbA1c testing of T2D patients were observed during the national lockdown. Downward trend in average LDL was observed from January 2019 until June 2021. Average HbA1c values increased from January 2019 to March 2020 with an additional increase by 2.04 mmol/mol (0.80 to 3.29) in April 2020. However, there was a downward trend in monthly average HbA1c during the lockdown until June 2021 with an additional change in level by 0.61 mmol/mol (95% CI 0.06 to 1.16) in July 2020. CONCLUSION The lockdown decreased the frequency of monitoring among both CHD and T2D patients. Meanwhile, monthly average LDL had a steadily improving pattern in CHD patients during the follow-up while temporary worsening in HbA1c in patients with T2D was observed at the time of the lockdown. The lockdown may have introduced selection in patients who had their treatment outcomes monitored. Better self-management of risk factors among patients is also possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piia Lavikainen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Marja-Leena Lamidi
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Teppo Repo
- Department of Geographical and Historical Studies, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - Laura Inglin
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Tiina Laatikainen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
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10
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Gunst A, Sundén M, Korja R, Boddy AM, Kotler J, Paavonen EJ, Uusitupa HM, Karlsson L, Karlsson H, Antfolk J. Postpartum depression and mother-offspring conflict over maternal investment. Evol Med Public Health 2021; 9:11-23. [PMID: 33664956 PMCID: PMC7910802 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoaa049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES As the mother-offspring relationship is central to human reproduction, postpartum depression symptoms are difficult to explain in evolutionary terms. We proposed that postpartum depression might arise as a result of evolutionary mother-offspring conflict over maternal investment, and investigated the association between postpartum depression symptoms, infant night waking, maternal sleep disturbance and breastfeeding frequency. METHODOLOGY We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using survey responses at 6 months postpartum from 1598 Finnish mothers. We hypothesized that infant night waking at 6 months postpartum would be associated with postpartum depression symptoms, and that this association would be mediated by maternal sleep disturbance and a higher breastfeeding frequency. RESULTS Infant night waking was moderately associated with postpartum depression symptoms, and this association was mediated by maternal sleep disturbance (R 2=0.09). Contrary to our prediction, we found that increased breastfeeding was associated with less postpartum depression symptoms. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We conclude that postpartum depression symptoms might partly be the result of increased maternal fatigue stemming from high offspring demands on maternal investment, but that this is not due to the metabolic strain from increased breastfeeding. Studying postpartum depression from the mother-offspring conflict perspective can potentially improve our understanding of the involved behavioral processes of both mother and offspring, and allow interventions designed to benefit the well-being of both parties. Lay Summary: We proposed that postpartum depression is due to an evolutionary conflict between mother and infant, where the infant tires the mother to delay the arrival of a sibling. We found a link between infant night waking and postpartum depression, mediated by the mother's sleep, but not by breastfeeding frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Gunst
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Tehtaankatu 2, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - My Sundén
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Tehtaankatu 2, Turku 20500, Finland
| | - Riikka Korja
- Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Assistentinkatu 7, Turku 20014, Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Amy M Boddy
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 3210, USA
| | - Jennifer Kotler
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - E Juulia Paavonen
- Department of Public Health Solutions, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland
- Centre for Population Health Research, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, Turku 20520, Finland
| | - Henna-Maria Uusitupa
- Department of Clinical Medicine, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Medicine, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, Turku 20014, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital, P.O. Box 63, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- Department of Clinical Medicine, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, Turku 20014, Finland
- Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu 3, Turku 20014, Finland
| | - Jan Antfolk
- Department of Psychology, Åbo Akademi University, Tehtaankatu 2, Turku 20500, Finland
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11
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Puurunen J, Hakanen E, Salonen MK, Mikkola S, Sulkama S, Araujo C, Lohi H. Inadequate socialisation, inactivity, and urban living environment are associated with social fearfulness in pet dogs. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3527. [PMID: 32103117 PMCID: PMC7044223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60546-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Problematic behaviours are severe welfare issues for one of the world's most popular pets, the domestic dog. One of the most prevalent behavioural problem that causes distress to dogs is social fearfulness, meaning fear of conspecifics or unfamiliar people. To identify demographic and environmental factors associated with fear of dogs and strangers, logistic regression was utilised with a large dataset of 6,000 pet dogs collected through an owner-filled behavioural survey. Social fearfulness was associated with several factors, including urban environment, poor socialisation during puppyhood, infrequent participation in training and other activities, small body size, female sex, and neutering. In addition, we identified several breed differences, suggesting a genetic contribution to social fearfulness. These findings highlight the role of inadequate socialisation, inactivity, and urban living environmental in fear-related behavioural problems in dogs. Improvements in the management and breeding practices of dogs could, therefore, enhance the welfare of man's best friend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni Puurunen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emma Hakanen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Milla K Salonen
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Salla Mikkola
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sini Sulkama
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - César Araujo
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannes Lohi
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.
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12
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Raitanen JE, Järvenpää E, Korpinen R, Mäkinen S, Hellström J, Kilpeläinen P, Liimatainen J, Ora A, Tupasela T, Jyske T. Tannins of Conifer Bark as Nordic Piquancy-Sustainable Preservative and Aroma? Molecules 2020; 25:E567. [PMID: 32012956 PMCID: PMC7036811 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bark of Norway spruce and Scots pine trees contain large amounts of condensed tannins. Tannins extracted with hot water could be used in different applications as they possess antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. The use of bark tannins as e.g., food preservatives calls for increases in our knowledge of their antioxidative activities when applied in foodstuffs. To assess the ability of bark tannins to prevent lipid oxidation, hot water extracts were evaluated in a liposome model. Isolated tannins were also applied in dry-cured, salty meat snacks either as liquid extracts or in dry-powder form. Consumer acceptance of the snacks was tested by a sensory evaluation panel where outlook, odor, taste, and structure of the snacks were evaluated and compared to a commercial product without tannin ingredients. Our results show that conifer bark tannin-rich extracts have high capacity to prevent lipid oxidation in the liposome model. The efficacies of pine and spruce bark extracts were ten to hundred folds higher, respectively, than those of phenolic berry extracts. The bark extracts did not significantly influence the odor or taste of the meat snacks. The findings indicate that bark extracts may be used as sustainable food ingredients. However, more research is needed to verify their safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Erik Raitanen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Tietotie 2, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland; (J.-E.R.); (R.K.); (P.K.); (J.L.); (A.O.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, PO Box 55, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eila Järvenpää
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland; (E.J.); (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.T.)
| | - Risto Korpinen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Tietotie 2, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland; (J.-E.R.); (R.K.); (P.K.); (J.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Sari Mäkinen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland; (E.J.); (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.T.)
| | - Jarkko Hellström
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland; (E.J.); (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.T.)
| | - Petri Kilpeläinen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Tietotie 2, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland; (J.-E.R.); (R.K.); (P.K.); (J.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Jaana Liimatainen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Tietotie 2, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland; (J.-E.R.); (R.K.); (P.K.); (J.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Ari Ora
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Tietotie 2, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland; (J.-E.R.); (R.K.); (P.K.); (J.L.); (A.O.)
| | - Tuomo Tupasela
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland; (E.J.); (S.M.); (J.H.); (T.T.)
| | - Tuula Jyske
- Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Tietotie 2, FI-02150 Espoo, Finland; (J.-E.R.); (R.K.); (P.K.); (J.L.); (A.O.)
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13
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Ollila MM, Kiviniemi A, Stener-Victorin E, Tulppo M, Puukka K, Tapanainen J, Franks S, Morin-Papunen L, Piltonen T. Effect of polycystic ovary syndrome on cardiac autonomic function at a late fertile age: a prospective Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e033780. [PMID: 31843853 PMCID: PMC6924836 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-033780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies of women in their 20s and 30s have reported impaired autonomic function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). We aimed to study, for the first time, whether PCOS is associated with impaired cardiac autonomic function independent of metabolic and hormonal status in their late reproductive years. DESIGN A prospective Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966) study including 5889 women born in 1966 and followed through the age of 46. At that age, n=3706/5123 women (72%) answered the postal questionnaires and n=3280/5123 women (64%) participated in the clinical examination. SETTING General community. PARTICIPANTS The sample included women presenting both irregular menses (oligomenorrhoea or amenorrhoea) and hirsutism at age 31 (n=125) or with formally diagnosed PCOS by age 46 (n=181) and women without PCOS symptoms or diagnosis (n=1577). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Heart rate variability parameters: the root mean square of successive R-R differences (rMSSD), spectral power densities (LF: low frequency and HF: high frequency) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). RESULTS We found that parasympathetic activity (assessed by rMSSD: 19.5 (12.4; 31.9) vs 24.3 (16.1; 34.8) ms, p=0.004 and HF: 172 (75; 399) vs 261 (112; 565) ms2, p=0.002) and BRS (6.13±3.12 vs 6.99±3.52 ms/mm Hg, p=0.036) were lower in women with PCOS compared with the controls. However, in the multivariate regression analysis, PCOS, body mass index and the free androgen index did not significantly associate with rMSSD, whereas blood pressure, insulin resistance and triglycerides did. CONCLUSIONS We report here for the first time that late reproductive-aged women with PCOS display impaired cardiac autonomic function manifested as decreased vagal activity. Metabolic status, rather than hyperandrogenaemia and PCOS per se, was the strongest contributing factor. Given the link between cardiac morbidity and impaired autonomic function, the findings underline the importance of screening and treating metabolic abnormalities early on in women with PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meri-Maija Ollila
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Centre, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - Antti Kiviniemi
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Medical Research Centre Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Mikko Tulppo
- Research Unit of Internal Medicine, Medical Research Centre Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Katri Puukka
- NordLab Oulu, Department of Clinical Chemistry, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Centre, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stephen Franks
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Laure Morin-Papunen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Centre, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - Terhi Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Centre, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
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Wang D, Forstmeier W, Valcu M, Dingemanse NJ, Bulla M, Both C, Duckworth RA, Kiere LM, Karell P, Albrecht T, Kempenaers B. Scrutinizing assortative mating in birds. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000156. [PMID: 30789896 PMCID: PMC6400405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It is often claimed that pair bonds preferentially form between individuals that resemble one another. Such assortative mating appears to be widespread throughout the animal kingdom. Yet it is unclear whether the apparent ubiquity of assortative mating arises primarily from mate choice (“like attracts like”), which can be constrained by same-sex competition for mates; from spatial or temporal separation; or from observer, reporting, publication, or search bias. Here, based on a conventional literature search, we find compelling meta-analytical evidence for size-assortative mating in birds (r = 0.178, 95% CI 0.142–0.215, 83 species, 35,591 pairs). However, our analyses reveal that this effect vanishes gradually with increased control of confounding factors. Specifically, the effect size decreased by 42% when we used previously unpublished data from nine long-term field studies, i.e., data free of reporting and publication bias (r = 0.103, 95% CI 0.074–0.132, eight species, 16,611 pairs). Moreover, in those data, assortative mating effectively disappeared when both partners were measured by independent observers or separately in space and time (mean r = 0.018, 95% CI −0.016–0.057). Likewise, we also found no evidence for assortative mating in a direct experimental test for mutual mate choice in captive populations of Zebra finches (r = −0.020, 95% CI −0.148–0.107, 1,414 pairs). These results highlight the importance of unpublished data in generating unbiased meta-analytical conclusions and suggest that the apparent ubiquity of assortative mating reported in the literature is overestimated and may not be driven by mate choice or mating competition for preferred mates. Human mate choice is characterized by assortative mating (‘like attracts like’) and similarity of partners is also often reported for birds. A meta-analysis of published and previously unpublished datasets shows that the reported assortative mating in birds may mostly reflect biases in estimation rather than mate choice. Research on mate choice in birds has attracted much attention, partly because many birds form monogamous pair bonds like humans do. Human mate choice is characterized by the phenomenon of “like attracts like,” meaning that partners resemble each other in multiple ways (“assortative mating”). Assortative mating is also frequently reported for birds, but it is unclear whether this in turn implies that birds also have preferences for a similar partner. Here, we show that a range of methodological issues may provide a simpler and more accurate explanation for the frequent observation of assortative mating in birds. First, studies that report assortative mating may achieve greater visibility than studies that yield no such finding. Hence, the scientific literature may be biased toward positive results. Second, in field studies, it is logistically impossible to measure all birds accurately and under standardized conditions. Hence, fluctuations in, for instance, environmental conditions may induce a spurious similarity between partners when these are measured together in space or time. After accounting for such methodological issues, we conclude that mate preferences for a similar partner may be less common than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiping Wang
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Forstmeier
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Mihai Valcu
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Niels J. Dingemanse
- Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biology, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Martin Bulla
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
- NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Department of Coastal Systems and Utrecht University, Den Burg, the Netherlands
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Christiaan Both
- Conservation Ecology Group, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Renée A. Duckworth
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Lynna Marie Kiere
- Center for the Study of Biodiversity and Conservation (CIByC), Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico
- Institute of Ecology, Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico
| | - Patrik Karell
- Bioeconomy Research Team, Novia University of Applied Sciences, Raseborgsvägen, Ekenäs, Finland
| | - Tomáš Albrecht
- Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, and Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
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15
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Lallukka T, Mänty M, Cooper C, Fleischmann M, Kouvonen A, Walker-Bone KE, Head JA, Halonen JI. Recurrent back pain during working life and exit from paid employment: a 28-year follow-up of the Whitehall II Study. Occup Environ Med 2018; 75:786-791. [PMID: 30287679 PMCID: PMC6227793 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the impact of recurrent, as compared with single, reports of back pain on exit from paid employment over decades of follow-up. METHODS The study sample was from the British Whitehall II Study cohort (n=8665, 69% men, aged 35-55 at baseline), who had provided information about their reports of back pain between 1985 and 1994. Data about exit from paid employment (health-related and non-health related exit, unemployment and other exit) were collected between 1995 and 2013. Repeated measures logistic regression models were fitted to examine the associations, and adjust for covariates. RESULTS Recurrent pain was reported by 18% of participants, while 26% reported pain on an occasion and 56% did not report pain. Report of back pain on an occasion was not associated with health-related job exit, whereas recurrent pain was associated with such an exit (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.15 to 1.99), when compared with those who did not report pain. These associations were somewhat stronger among middle-grade and lower-grade employees, while these associations were not seen among higher-grade employees. Differences in associations by age and psychosocial working conditions were small. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the need for early detection of recurrent back pain to prevent exit out of paid employment for health reasons. As the risk varies by occupational grade, this emphasises the importance of identification of high-risk groups and finding ways to address their modifiable risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lallukka
- Population and Work Ability Program, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Mänty
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Research, Development and Innovation (RDI), Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Vantaa, Finland
| | - Cyrus Cooper
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria Fleischmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Kouvonen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Health Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
- UKCRC Centre of Excellence for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Karen E Walker-Bone
- Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jenny A Head
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaana I Halonen
- Population and Work Ability Program, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Pekkala J, Blomgren J, Pietiläinen O, Lahelma E, Rahkonen O. Occupational class differences in diagnostic-specific sickness absence: a register-based study in the Finnish population, 2005-2014. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:670. [PMID: 28830389 PMCID: PMC5568169 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4674-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal diseases and mental disorders are major causes of long-term sickness absence in Western countries. Although sickness absence is generally more common in lower occupational classes, little is known about class differences in diagnostic-specific absence over time. Focusing on Finland during 2005-2014, we therefore set out to examine the magnitude of and changes in absolute and relative occupational class differences in long-term sickness absence due to major diagnostic causes. METHODS A 70-per-cent random sample of Finns aged 25-64 linked to register data on medically certified sickness absence (of over 10 working days) in 2005-2014 was retrieved from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland. Information on occupational class was obtained from Statistics Finland and linked to the data. The study focused on female (n = 658,148-694,142) and male (n = 604,715-642,922) upper and lower non-manual employees and manual workers. The age-standardised prevalence, the Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were calculated for each study year to facilitate examination of the class differences. RESULTS The prevalence of each diagnostic cause of sickness absence declined during the study period, the most common causes being musculoskeletal diseases, mental disorders and injuries. The prevalence of other causes under scrutiny was less than 1 % annually. By far the largest absolute and relative differences were in musculoskeletal diseases among both women and men. Moreover, the absolute differences in both genders (p < 0.0001) and the relative differences in men (p < 0.0001) narrowed over time as the prevalence declined most among manual workers. Both genders showed modest and stable occupational class differences in mental disorders. In the case of injuries, no major changes occurred in absolute differences but relative differences narrowed over time in men (p < 0.0001) due to a strong decline in prevalence among manual workers. Class differences in the other studied diagnostic causes under scrutiny appeared negligible. CONCLUSIONS By far the largest occupational class differences in long-term sickness absence concerned musculoskeletal diseases, followed by injuries. The results highlight potential targets for preventive measures aimed at reducing sickness absence and narrowing class differences in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Pekkala
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8B), 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenni Blomgren
- The Social Insurance Institution of Finland, P.O. Box 450, (Nordenskiöldinkatu 12), FIN-00056 KELA, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Pietiläinen
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8B), 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Lahelma
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8B), 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ossi Rahkonen
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8B), 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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17
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Puhakka N, Bot AM, Vuokila N, Debski KJ, Lukasiuk K, Pitkänen A. Chronically dysregulated NOTCH1 interactome in the dentate gyrus after traumatic brain injury. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172521. [PMID: 28273100 PMCID: PMC5342204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in several dentate gyrus-regulated disabilities. Almost nothing is known about the chronic molecular changes after TBI, and their potential as treatment targets. We hypothesized that chronic transcriptional alterations after TBI are under microRNA (miRNA) control. Expression of miRNAs and their targets in the dentate gyrus was analyzed using microarrays at 3 months after experimental TBI. Of 305 miRNAs present on the miRNA-array, 12 were downregulated (p<0.05). In parallel, 75 of their target genes were upregulated (p<0.05). A bioinformatics analysis of miRNA targets highlighted the dysregulation of the transcription factor NOTCH1 and 39 of its target genes (NOTCH1 interactome). Validation assays confirmed downregulation of miR-139-5p, upregulation of Notch1 and its activated protein, and positive enrichment of NOTCH1 target gene expression. These findings demonstrate that miRNA-based transcriptional regulation can be present at chronic time points after TBI, and highlight the NOTCH1 interactome as one of the mechanisms behind the dentate gyrus pathology-related morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora Puhakka
- Department of Neurobiology, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna Maria Bot
- The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Niina Vuokila
- Department of Neurobiology, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Konrad Jozef Debski
- The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Lukasiuk
- The Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Asla Pitkänen
- Department of Neurobiology, A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- * E-mail:
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18
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Anderl I, Vesala L, Ihalainen TO, Vanha-aho LM, Andó I, Rämet M, Hultmark D. Transdifferentiation and Proliferation in Two Distinct Hemocyte Lineages in Drosophila melanogaster Larvae after Wasp Infection. PLoS Pathog 2016; 12:e1005746. [PMID: 27414410 PMCID: PMC4945071 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1005746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular immune responses require the generation and recruitment of diverse blood cell types that recognize and kill pathogens. In Drosophila melanogaster larvae, immune-inducible lamellocytes participate in recognizing and killing parasitoid wasp eggs. However, the sequence of events required for lamellocyte generation remains controversial. To study the cellular immune system, we developed a flow cytometry approach using in vivo reporters for lamellocytes as well as for plasmatocytes, the main hemocyte type in healthy larvae. We found that two different blood cell lineages, the plasmatocyte and lamellocyte lineages, contribute to the generation of lamellocytes in a demand-adapted hematopoietic process. Plasmatocytes transdifferentiate into lamellocyte-like cells in situ directly on the wasp egg. In parallel, a novel population of infection-induced cells, which we named lamelloblasts, appears in the circulation. Lamelloblasts proliferate vigorously and develop into the major class of circulating lamellocytes. Our data indicate that lamellocyte differentiation upon wasp parasitism is a plastic and dynamic process. Flow cytometry with in vivo hemocyte reporters can be used to study this phenomenon in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Anderl
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Laura Vesala
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Teemu O. Ihalainen
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Leena-Maija Vanha-aho
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - István Andó
- Institute of Genetics Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mika Rämet
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- PEDEGO Research Unit, and Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Dan Hultmark
- Institute of Biosciences and Medical Technology, BioMediTech, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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19
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Zhang Y, Kang S, Zhang Q, Gao T, Guo J, Grigholm B, Huang J, Sillanpää M, Li X, Du W, Li Y, Ge X. Chemical Records in Snowpits from High Altitude Glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau and Its Surroundings. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155232. [PMID: 27186638 PMCID: PMC4871367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaciochemistry can provide important information about climatic change and environmental conditions, as well as for testing regional and global atmospheric trace transport models. In this study, δ18O and selected chemical constituents records in snowpits collected from eight glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent areas have been investigated. Drawing on the integrated data, our study summarized the seasonal and spatial characteristics of snow chemistry, and their potential sources. Distinct seasonal patterns of δ18O values in snowpits indicated more negative in the south TP controlled by Indian monsoon, and less negative in the north TP and Tien Shan. Overall increasing concentrations of microparticles and crustal ions from south to north indicated a strength of dust deposition on glaciers from semi-arid and arid regions. Principal component analysis and air mass trajectories suggested that chemical constituents were mainly attributable to crustal sources as demonstrated by the high concentrations of ions occurring during the non-monsoon seasons. Nevertheless, other sources, such as anthropogenic pollution, played an important role on chemical variations of glaciers near the human activity centers. This study concluded that air mass transport from different sources played important roles on the spatial distributions and seasonality of glaciochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Laboratory of Green Chemistry, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, FI-Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tanguang Gao
- Key laboratory of Western China’s Environmental System (Ministry of Education), College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junming Guo
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bjorn Grigholm
- Climate Change Institute and Department of Earth Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, Maine, United States of America
| | - Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Laboratory of Green Chemistry, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, FI-Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Xiaofei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wentao Du
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Sciences, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlei Ge
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Monitoring and Pollution Control (AEMPC), School of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
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