(Neuro) Peptides, Physical Activity, and Cognition

Regular physical activity (PA) improves cognitive functions, prevents brain atrophy, and delays the onset of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Presently, there are no specific recommendations for PA producing positive effects on brain health and little is known on its mediators. PA affects production and release of several peptides secreted from peripheral and central tissues, targeting receptors located in the central nervous system (CNS). This review will provide a summary of the current knowledge on the association between PA and cognition with a focus on the role of (neuro)peptides. For the review we define peptides as molecules with less than 100 amino acids and exclude myokines. Tachykinins, somatostatin, and opioid peptides were excluded from this review since they were not affected by PA. There is evidence suggesting that PA increases peripheral insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and elevated serum IGF-1 levels are associated with improved cognitive performance. It is therefore likely that IGF-1 plays a role in PA induced improvement of cognition. Other neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), ghrelin, galanin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) could mediate the beneficial effects of PA on cognition, but the current literature regarding these (neuro)peptides is limited.Peer reviewe

(Neuro) Peptides, Physical Activity, and Cognition

Regular physical activity (PA) improves cognitive functions, prevents brain atrophy, and delays the onset of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. Presently, there are no specific recommendations for PA producing positive effects on brain health and little is known on its mediators. PA affects production and release of several peptides secreted from peripheral and central tissues, targeting receptors located in the central nervous system (CNS). This review will provide a summary of the current knowledge on the association between PA and cognition with a focus on the role of (neuro)peptides. For the review we define peptides as molecules with less than 100 amino acids and exclude myokines. Tachykinins, somatostatin, and opioid peptides were excluded from this review since they were not affected by PA. There is evidence suggesting that PA increases peripheral insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels and elevated serum IGF-1 levels are associated with improved cognitive performance. It is therefore likely that IGF-1 plays a role in PA induced improvement of cognition. Other neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y (NPY), ghrelin, galanin, and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) could mediate the beneficial effects of PA on cognition, but the current literature regarding these (neuro)peptides is limited.Peer reviewe

Deltex-1 mutations predict poor survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Non peer reviewe

68Ga-DOTA chelate, a novel imaging agent for assessment of myocardial perfusion and infarction detection in a rodent model

BackgroundMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with Gadolinium 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-N′,N″,N′′′,N″″-tetraacetic acid (Gd-DOTA) enables assessment of myocardial perfusion during first-pass of the contrast agent, while increased retention can signify areas of myocardial infarction (MI). We studied whether Gallium-68-labeled analog, 68Ga-DOTA, can be used to assess myocardial perfusion on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in rats, comparing it with 11C-acetate.MethodsRats were studied with 11C-acetate and 68Ga-DOTA at 24 hours after permanent ligation of the left coronary artery or sham operation. One-tissue compartmental models were used to estimate myocardial perfusion in normal and infarcted myocardium. After the PET scan, hearts were sectioned for autoradiographic detection of 68Ga-DOTA distribution.Results11C-acetate PET showed perfusion defects and histology showed myocardial necrosis in all animals after coronary ligation. Kinetic modeling of 68Ga-DOTA showed significantly higher k1 values in normal myocardium than in infarcted areas. There was a significant correlation (r = 0.82, P = 0.001) between k1 values obtained with 68Ga-DOTA and 11C-acetate. After 10 minutes of tracer distribution, the 68Ga-DOTA concentration was significantly higher in the infarcted than normal myocardium on PET imaging and autoradiography.ConclusionsOur results indicate that acute MI can be detected as reduced perfusion, as well as increased late retention of 68Ga-DOTA.</p

Sources and sinks of greenhouse gases in the landscape : Approach for spatially explicit estimates

Climate change mitigation is a global response that requires actions at the local level. Quantifying local sources and sinks of greenhouse gases (GHG) facilitate evaluating mitigation options. We present an approach to collate spatially explicit estimated fluxes of GHGs (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) for main land use sectors in the landscape, to aggregate, and to calculate the net emissions of an entire region. Our procedure was developed and tested in a large river basin in Finland, providing information from intensively studied eLTER research sites. To evaluate the full GHG balance, fluxes from natural ecosystems (lakes, rivers, and undrained mires) were included together with fluxes from anthropogenic activities, agriculture and forestry. We quantified the fluxes based on calculations with an anthropogenic emissions model (FRES) and a forest growth and carbon balance model (PREBAS), as well as on emission coefficients from the literature regarding emissions from lakes, rivers, undrained mires, peat extraction sites and cropland. Spatial data sources included CORINE land use data, soil map, lake and river shorelines, national forest inventory data, and statistical data on anthropogenic activities. Emission uncertainties were evaluated with Monte Carlo simulations. Artificial surfaces were the most emission intensive land-cover class. Lakes and rivers were about as emission intensive as arable land. Forests were the dominant land cover in the region (66%), and the C sink of the forests decreased the total emissions of the region by 72%. The region's net emissions amounted to 4.37 +/- 1.43 Tg CO2-eq yr(-1), corresponding to a net emission intensity 0.16 Gg CO2-eq km(-2) yr(-1), and estimated per capita net emissions of 5.6 Mg CO2-eq yr(-1). Our landscape approach opens opportunities to examine the sensitivities of important GHG fluxes to changes in land use and climate, management actions, and mitigation of anthropogenic emissions. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.peerReviewe

Developing a spatially explicit modelling and evaluation framework for integrated carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation: application in southern Finland

The challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected. Successful co-managing of these tangled drivers requires innovative methods that can prioritize and target management actions against multiple criteria, while also enabling cost-effective land use planning and impact scenario assessment. This paper synthesises the development and application of an integrated multidisciplinary modelling and evaluation framework for carbon and biodiversity in forest systems. By analysing and spatio-temporally modelling carbon processes and biodiversity elements, we determine an optimal solution for their co-management in the study landscape. We also describe how advanced Earth Observation measurements can be used to enhance mapping and monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The scenarios used for the dynamic models were based on official Finnish policy goals for forest management and climate change mitigation. The development and testing of the system were executed in a large region in southern Finland (Kokemäenjoki basin, 27 024 km2) containing highly instrumented LTER (Long-Term Ecosystem Research) stations; these LTER data sources were complemented by fieldwork, remote sensing and national data bases. In the study area, estimated total net emissions were currently 4.2 TgCO2eq a-1, but modelling of forestry measures and anthropogenic emission reductions demonstrated that it would be possible to achieve the stated policy goal of carbon neutrality by low forest harvest intensity. We show how this policy-relevant information can be further utilised for optimal allocation of set-aside forest areas for nature conservation, which would significantly contribute to preserving both biodiversity and carbon values in the region. Biodiversity gain in the area could be increased without a loss of carbon-related benefits.The challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected. Successful co-managing of these tangled drivers requires innovative methods that can prioritize and target management actions against multiple criteria, while also enabling cost-effective land use planning and impact scenario assessment. This paper synthesises the development and application of an integrated multidisciplinary modelling and evaluation framework for carbon and biodiversity in forest systems. By analysing and spatio-temporally modelling carbon processes and biodiversity elements, we determine an optimal solution for their co-management in the study landscape. We also describe how advanced Earth Observation measurements can be used to enhance mapping and monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem processes. The scenarios used for the dynamic models were based on official Finnish policy goals for forest management and climate change mitigation. The development and testing of the system were executed in a large region in southern Finland (Kokemäenjoki basin, 27,024 km2) containing highly instrumented LTER (Long-Term Ecosystem Research) stations; these LTER data sources were complemented by fieldwork, remote sensing and national data bases. In the study area, estimated total net emissions were currently 4.2 TgCO2eq a−1, but modelling of forestry measures and anthropogenic emission reductions demonstrated that it would be possible to achieve the stated policy goal of carbon neutrality by low forest harvest intensity. We show how this policy-relevant information can be further utilized for optimal allocation of set-aside forest areas for nature conservation, which would significantly contribute to preserving both biodiversity and carbon values in the region. Biodiversity gain in the area could be increased without a loss of carbon-related benefits.Peer reviewe

Huoltosopimusjärjestelmän suunnittelu

Huoltosopimuksia on laajasti tarjolla henkilö- ja hyötyajoneuvoille, mutta toistaiseksi moottoripyörät ja maastoajoneuvot ovat jääneet huomiotta. Tämän opinnäytetyön tarkoituksena oli kehittää toimiva huoltosopimusjärjestelmä Harley-Davidson-moottoripyörille ja Polaris-maastoajoneuvoille. Opinnäytetyö tehtiin Moto-Seinäjoki Oy:lle. Työssä perehdytään huoltamisen tärkeyteen yleisesti sekä huoltosopimuksen rakenteeseen ja hinnoitteluun. Huoltosopimusten luontiin tarvittavat tiedot kerättiin ajoneuvovalmistajilta ja yrityksen tietokannasta. Työssä pohditaan erilaisia ongelmakohtia ja ajoneuvojen käyttöasteen vaikutusta huoltosopimuksen sisältöön. Tuloksena syntyivät merkkikohtaiset tarjouksien tekemistä helpottavat laskurit ja sopimuksien tekemiseen tarvittavat asiakirjat. Sopimuksia tullaan markkinoimaan asiakkaalle uuden ajoneuvon oston yhteydessä.Service contracts are widely available for passenger and commercial vehicles. However, there are none available for motorcycles and off-road vehicles. The purpose of the thesis was to develop service contracts for Harley-Davidson and Polaris vehicles for Moto-Seinäjoki Oy. The information needed to create the service contracts was gathered from the vehicle manufacturers and the company database. The effect of different utilization rates of vehicles and possible issues on various stages of contracts were studied in the thesis. The importance of maintenance and the structure of the service contracts were also examined. As a result, brand specific calculators and documents needed for making the contract were produced. Service contracts will be marketed together with the new vehicles

Männänrengaspihtien modifiointi

Opinnäytetyön tarkoituksena oli modifioida kolmet olemassa olevat männänrengaspihdit Wärtsilän moottoreille. Pihdit olivat W20- moottorille, W46- moottorille ja yhdet, jotka sopivat W32- ja W34- moottorille. Pihdeille on tarkoitus kehittää kustannustehokkaammat ja nopeasti kokoonpantavat ratkaisut. Lisäksi W32- ja W34- pihtien tulisi toimia myös uudelle Wärtsilän W600- moottorille. Työ tehtiin Tarkmetille, joka toimittaa kyseisiä pihtejä Wärtsilälle huoltotyökalusettien mukana. Työ aloitettiin tutustumalla tuotteen järjestelmälliseen kehitykseen, jota sovellettiin pihtien kehittelyssä. Jokainen pihti kävi läpi tuotekehityskaaren ja lopputuloksena saatiin uudet ratkaisut pihdeille, joista tehtiin 3D- mallit, piirustukset ja prototyypit. Pihtiä suunniteltaessa oli otettava huomioon asiakkaan esittämät toiveet ja vaatimukset sekä pidettävä mielessä kustannustehokas valmistus ja helppo ja yksinkertainen kokoonpanorakenne.The purpose of thesis was to modify three types of existing piston ring pliers for Wärtsilä motors. The pliers fit on W20- motor, W46- motor and one plier which fit on W32- and W34- motors. The purpose was to find a cheaper and simpler construction for all pliers. Especially, solutions were looked for which do not need machining so much. Additionally, W32- and W34- pliers have to fit the new W600- motors too. The thesis was started by studying the systematic product development and adapts it to all pliers. All three pliers went through the product development system and at the end of the project, the prototypes of pliers could be made.The prototypes of W32-, W34- and W600- pliers have been made and they worked well but two other pliers did not make it to the test phase because of the schedule. The 3D- models and drawings were done so Tarkmet can do the proto-types when they have time for that