Finnish Environment Application of CBVM for Institute SYKE, Joensuu the Identification and Protection of Threatened Habitats - Possibilities and Challenges

Arctic Council´s Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group´s (CAFF) Circumpolar Biodiversity Monitoring Program (CBMP) Proceedings

Finnish botanists in the mires of Olonets region in Russian Karelia during the Second World War

In this article we compile wartime botanical information about mires in Olonets region (Russian Karelia) and compare it with new data collected as part of the Finnish-Russian cooperation in mire research. We also describe the historical background of both the local economy and the visits of Finnish botanists, which date back to the days of the Grand Duchy of Finland and the Russian Empire but were most active during the Second World War. For Finnish mire research, these excursions have allowed important comparisons between the mostly degraded rich fens of southern Finland and largely pristine examples in Olonets region. In the 2000s, 176 vascular plant and 53 moss species, corresponding to 40–50 % of the Karelian mire flora, have been recorded in this area; more than 20 different mire plant communities (associations) have been identified; and one site has been confirmed as the oldest studied mire in East Fennoscandia (12,700 years). The understanding arising from this research is especially important for nature conservation work in the Republic of Karelia

Subjective and objective health predicting mortality and institutionalization: an 18-year population-based follow-up study among community-dwelling Finnish older adults

cited By 0Background Objective health measures, such as registered illnesses or frailty, predict mortality and institutionalization in older adults. Also, self-reported assessment of health by simple self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to predict mortality and institutionalization. The aim of this study was to assess the association of objective and subjective health with mortality and institutionalization in Finnish community-dwelling older adults. Methods In this prospective study with 10- and 18-year follow-ups, objective health was measured by registered illnesses and subjective health was evaluated by simple SRH, self-reported walking ability (400 m) and self-reported satisfaction in life. The participants were categorized into four groups according to their objective and subjective health: 1. subjectively and objectively healthy, 2. subjectively healthy and objectively unhealthy, 3. subjectively unhealthy and objectively healthy and 4. subjectively and objectively unhealthy. Cox regression model was used in the analyses. Death was used as a competing factor in the institutionalization analyses. Results The mean age of the participants (n = 1259) was 73.5 years (range 64.0-100.0). During the 10- and 18-year follow-ups, 466 (37%) and 877 (70%) died, respectively. In the institutionalization analyses (n = 1106), 162 (15%) and 328 (30%) participants were institutionalized during the 10- and 18-year follow-ups, respectively. In both follow-ups, being subjectively and objectively unhealthy, compared to being subjectively and objectively healthy, was significantly associated with a higher risk of institutionalization in unadjusted models and with death both in unadjusted and adjusted models. Conclusions The categorization of objective and subjective health into four health groups was good at predicting the risk of death during 10- and 18-year follow-ups, and seemed to also predict the risk of institutionalization in the unadjusted models during both follow-ups. Poor subjective health had an additive effect on poor objective health in predicting mortality and could therefore be used as part of an older individual's health evaluation when screening for future adverse outcomes.Peer reviewe

Chronic conditions and multimorbidity associated with institutionalization among Finnish community-dwelling older people : an 18-year population-based follow-up study

Key summary pointsAim The aim of the study is to assess the association of chronic conditions and multimorbidity with institutionalization in older people. Findings Having dementia, mood or neurological disorder and/or five or more chronic conditions were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization. Message These risk factors should be recognized in primary care when providing and targeting care and support for home-dwelling older people. Purpose The ageing population is increasingly multimorbid. This challenges health care and elderly services as multimorbidity is associated with institutionalization. Especially dementia increases with age and is the main risk factor for institutionalization. The aim of this study was to assess the association of chronic conditions and multimorbidity with institutionalization in home-dwelling older people, with and without dementia. Methods In this prospective study with 18-year follow-up, the data on participants' chronic conditions were gathered at the baseline examination, and of conditions acquired during the follow-up period from the municipality's electronic patient record system and national registers. Only participants institutionalized or deceased by the end of the follow-up period were included in this study. Different cut-off-points for multimorbidity were analyzed. Cox regression model was used in the analyses. Death was used as a competing factor. Results The mean age of the participants (n = 820) was 74.7 years (64.0-97.0). During the follow-up, 328 (40%) were institutionalized. Dementia, mood disorders, neurological disorders, and multimorbidity defined as five or more chronic conditions were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization in all the participants. In people without dementia, mood disorders and neurological disorders increased the risk of institutionalization. Conclusion Having dementia, mood or neurological disorder and/or five or more chronic conditions were associated with a higher risk of institutionalization. These risk factors should be recognized when providing and targeting care and support for older people still living at home.Peer reviewe

A practical laboratory index to predict institutionalization and mortality - an 18-year population-based follow-up study

BackgroundPreviously, several indexes based on a large number of clinical and laboratory tests to predict mortality and frailty have been produced. However, there is still a need for an easily applicable screening tool for every-day clinical practice.MethodsA prospective study with 10- and 18-year follow-ups. Fourteen common laboratory tests were combined to an index. Cox regression model was used to analyse the association of the laboratory index with institutionalization and mortality.ResultsThe mean age of the participants (n =1153) was 73.6 (SD 6.8, range 64.0-100.0) years. Altogether, 151 (14.8%) and 305 (29.9%) subjects were institutionalized and 422 (36.6%) and 806 (69.9%) subjects deceased during the 10- and 18-year follow-ups, respectively. Higher LI (laboratory index) scores predicted increased mortality. Mortality rates increased as LI scores increased both in unadjusted and in age- and gender-adjusted models during both follow-ups. The LI did not significantly predict institutionalization either during the 10- or 18-year follow-ups.ConclusionsA practical index based on routine laboratory tests can be used to predict mortality among older people. An LI could be automatically counted from routine laboratory results and thus an easily applicable screening instrument in clinical settings.Peer reviewe