Cervical Cancer Screening Participation among Women of Russian, Somali, and Kurdish Origin Compared with the General Finnish Population: A Register-Based Study

Migrant-origin women are less prone to cervical screening uptake compared with host populations. This study examined cervical cancer screening participation and factors associated with it in the Finnish mass screening program during 2008–2012 in women of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin compared with the general Finnish population (Finns) in Finland. The study population consists of samples from the Finnish Migrant Health and Well-being Study 2010–2012 and Health 2011 Survey; aged 30–64 (n = 2579). Data from the Finnish screening register linked with other population-based registry data were utilized. For statistical analysis we employed logistic regression. Age-adjusted screening participation rates were Russians 63% (95% CI: 59.9–66.6), Somalis 19% (16.4–21.6), Kurds 69% (66.6–71.1), and Finns 67% (63.3–69.8). In the multiple-adjusted model with Finns as the reference; odds ratios for screening were among Russians 0.92 (0.74–1.16), Somalis 0.16 (0.11–0.22), and Kurds 1.37 (1.02–1.83). Among all women, the substantial factor for increased screening likelihood was hospital care related to pregnancy/birth 1.73 (1.27–2.35), gynecological 2.47 (1.65–3.68), or other reasons 1.53 (1.12–2.08). Screening participation was lower among students and retirees. In conclusion, screening among the migrant-origin women varies, being significantly lowest among Somalis compared with Finns. Efforts using culturally tailored/population-specific approaches may be beneficial in increasing screening participation among women of migrant-origin

Cervical cancer screening participation among women of Russian, Somali, and Kurdish origin compared with the general Finnish population: a register-based study.

Migrant-origin women are less prone to cervical screening uptake compared with host populations. This study examined cervical cancer screening participation and factors associated with it in the Finnish mass screening program during 2008–2012 in women of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin compared with the general Finnish population (Finns) in Finland. The study population consists of samples from the Finnish Migrant Health and Well-being Study 2010–2012 and Health 2011 Survey; aged 30–64 (n = 2579). Data from the Finnish screening register linked with other population-based registry data were utilized. For statistical analysis we employed logistic regression. Age-adjusted screening participation rates were Russians 63% (95% CI: 59.9–66.6), Somalis 19% (16.4–21.6), Kurds 69% (66.6–71.1), and Finns 67% (63.3–69.8). In the multiple-adjusted model with Finns as the reference; odds ratios for screening were among Russians 0.92 (0.74–1.16), Somalis 0.16 (0.11–0.22), and Kurds 1.37 (1.02–1.83). Among all women, the substantial factor for increased screening likelihood was hospital care related to pregnancy/birth 1.73 (1.27–2.35), gynecological 2.47 (1.65–3.68), or other reasons 1.53 (1.12–2.08). Screening participation was lower among students and retirees. In conclusion, screening among the migrant-origin women varies, being significantly lowest among Somalis compared with Finns. Efforts using culturally tailored/population-specific approaches may be beneficial in increasing screening participation among women of migrant-origin

Cervical Cancer Screening Participation among Women of Russian, Somali, and Kurdish Origin Compared with the General Finnish Population: A Register-Based Study

Migrant-origin women are less prone to cervical screening uptake compared with host populations. This study examined cervical cancer screening participation and factors associated with it in the Finnish mass screening program during 2008–2012 in women of Russian, Somali and Kurdish origin compared with the general Finnish population (Finns) in Finland. The study population consists of samples from the Finnish Migrant Health and Well-being Study 2010–2012 and Health 2011 Survey; aged 30–64 (n = 2579). Data from the Finnish screening register linked with other population-based registry data were utilized. For statistical analysis we employed logistic regression. Age-adjusted screening participation rates were Russians 63% (95% CI: 59.9–66.6), Somalis 19% (16.4–21.6), Kurds 69% (66.6–71.1), and Finns 67% (63.3–69.8). In the multiple-adjusted model with Finns as the reference; odds ratios for screening were among Russians 0.92 (0.74–1.16), Somalis 0.16 (0.11–0.22), and Kurds 1.37 (1.02–1.83). Among all women, the substantial factor for increased screening likelihood was hospital care related to pregnancy/birth 1.73 (1.27–2.35), gynecological 2.47 (1.65–3.68), or other reasons 1.53 (1.12–2.08). Screening participation was lower among students and retirees. In conclusion, screening among the migrant-origin women varies, being significantly lowest among Somalis compared with Finns. Efforts using culturally tailored/population-specific approaches may be beneficial in increasing screening participation among women of migrant-origin

C-reactive protein response is higher in early than in late ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

Objectives: Many in vitro fertilization (IVF) complications are inflammatory by nature, some of which are even life-threatening. We evaluated the response of C-reactive protein (CRP) in IVF complications, especially in early and late ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), to support clinical decision making in gynecological emergency policlinics. Study design: In a prospective two-year study at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, we recruited patients with IVF complications including moderate or severe OHSS (n = 47 patients: 36 early and 14 late OHSS cases), or other IVF complications (n = 13). As controls, we recruited women in an uncomplicated IVF cycle (n = 27). Serial blood samples (CRP, blood count, platelets, albumin, estradiol, creatinine, and electrolytes) were collected from patients upon admission to the emergency polyclinic and during and after treatment on the ward, and from the controls prior, during, and after the IVF protocol. All samples were categorized according to oocyte pick-up (OPU). The statistics included comparisons between and within the study groups, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for diagnostic accuracy of CRP for early OHSS at emergency polyclinics. Results: On admission, CRP did not differentiate OHSS from other IVF complications, but CRP was higher in early (median 21; IQR 8-33 mg/L) than in late (6; 3-9 mg/L, p = 0.001) OHSS. In ROC analysis for CRP (12 mg/L), the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.74 (p = 0.001) with sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 71% for early OHSS. CRP was significantly higher (28; 10-46 mg/L) in patients with early OHSS two days after oocyte pick-up (OPU) than in the controls (5; Conclusions: Early OHSS associates with a distinct rise in CRP level beyond that induced by uncomplicated oocyte pick-up, whereas the CRP levels in late OHSS are comparable to those in the control cycles. CRP identifies, but cannot distinguish IVF complications. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

PGC-1 alpha Signaling Increases GABA(A) Receptor Subunit alpha 2 Expression, GABAergic Neurotransmission and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Mice

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha) is a master regulator of mitochondria biogenesis and cell stress playing a role in metabolic and degenerative diseases. In the brain PGC-1 alpha expression has been localized mainly to GABAergic interneurons but its overall role is not fully understood. We observed here that the protein levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptor-alpha 2 subunit (GABAR alpha 2) were increased in hippocampus and brain cortex in transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing PGC-1 alpha in neurons. Along with this, GABAR alpha 2 expression was enhanced in the hippocampus of the PGC-1 alpha Tg mice, as shown by quantitative PCR. Double immunostaining revealed that GABAR alpha 2 co-localized with the synaptic protein gephyrin in higher amounts in the striatum radiatum layer of the hippocampal CA1 region in the Tg compared with Wt mice. Electrophysiology revealed that the frequency of spontaneous and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) was increased in the CA1 region in the Tg mice, indicative of an augmented GABAergic transmission. Behavioral tests revealed an increase for anxiety-like behavior in the PGC-1 alpha Tg mice compared with controls. To study whether drugs acting on PPAR gamma can affect GABAR alpha 2, we employed pioglitazone that elevated GABAR alpha 2 expression in primary cultured neurons. Similar results were obtained using the specific PPAR gamma agonist, N-(2-benzoylphenyl)-O-[2-(methyl-2-pyridinylamino) ethyl]-L-tyrosine hydrate (GW1929). These results demonstrate that PGC-1 alpha regulates GABAR alpha 2 subunits and GABAergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus with behavioral consequences. This indicates further that drugs like pioglitazone, widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, can influence GABAR alpha 2 expression via the PPAR gamma/PGC-1 alpha system.Peer reviewe

Functional COMT Val158Met Polymorphism, Risk of Acute Coronary Events and Serum Homocysteine: The Kuopio Ischaemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study

http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/55410/1/Voutilainen S, Functional COMT Val158Met polymorphism, 2007.pd

InDEx – Industrial Data Excellence

InDEx, the Industrial Data Excellence program, was created to investigate what industrial data can be collected, shared, and utilized for new intelligent services in high-performing, reliable and secure ways, and how to accomplish that in practice in the Finnish manufacturing industry.InDEx produced several insights into data in an industrial environment, collecting data, sharing data in the value chain and in the factory environment, and utilizing and manipulating data with artificial intelligence. Data has an important role in the future in an industrial context, but data sources and utilization mechanisms are more diverse than in cases related to consumer data. Experiences in the InDEx cases showed that there is great potential in data utili zation.Currently, successful business cases built on data sharing are either company-internal or utilize an existing value chain. The data market has not yet matured, and third-party offerings based on public and private data sources are rare. In this program, we tried out a framework that aimed to securely and in a controlled manner share data between organizations. We also worked to improve the contractual framework needed to support new business based on shared data, and we conducted a study of applicable business models. Based on this, we searched for new data-based opportunities within the project consortium. The vision of data as a tradeable good or of sharing with external partners is still to come true, but we believe that we have taken steps in the right direction.The program started in fall 2019 and ended in April 2022. The program faced restrictions caused by COVID-19, which had an effect on the intensity of the work during 2020 and 2021, and the program was extended by one year. Because of meeting restrictions, InDEx collaboration was realized through online meetings. We learned to work and collaborate using digital tools and environments. Despite the mentioned hindrances, and thanks to Business Finland’s flexibility, the extension time made it possible for most of the planned goals to be achieved.This report gives insights in the outcomes of the companies’ work within the InDEx program. DIMECC InDEx is the first finalized program by the members of the Finnish Advanced Manufacturing Network (FAMN, www.famn.fi).</p

Hiki, ähky ja loikka - Osallistujien pedagogisia mietteitä ja ideoita hankkeen varrelta

DIGIJOUJOU-hankkeessa työskennelleet opettajat ovat hankkeen toimintavuosien 2017-2019 aikana pohtineet opetuksen ja oppimisen digitaalisuutta ja joustavuutta eri näkökulmista: mitä digitaalisuus ja joustavuus suomen ja ruotsin opiskelussa tarkoittaa, miten soveltaa, lisätä ja kehittää digitaalisuutta ja joustavuutta omassa opetuksessa ja opiskelijoiden oppimisessa. Hankelaisten blogikirjoituksissa näemme askeleita opettajien omasta ja yhdessä muiden kanssa oppimisesta hankkeen edetessä; epävarmuus muuttuu varmuudeksi, ajoittainen digiähky oman asiantuntijuuden kasvuksi ja joustavuus osaksi opettajan arkipedagogiikkaa. Antoisia ja inspiroivia lukuhetkiä! Lisätietoa: https://digijoujou.aalto.fi/Lärarna i DIGIJOUJOU-projektet har under projektets verksamhetsår 2017-2019 reflekterat över digitalisering och exibilitet från olika perspektiv; vad betyder digitalisering och exibilitet i lärandet av finska och svenska, hur ska man implementera, öka och utveckla dessa i den egna undervisningen och i hur studerande lär sig finska och svenska. I projektdeltagarnas bloginlägg får vi inblick i hur allas lärandeprocess i projektet framskrider; osäkerhet utvecklas till säkerhet, digikaoset får ordning och exibilitet blir en del av den egna sakkunnigheten och pedagogiken. Med önskan om givande och inspirerande läsning! Mer information: https://digijoujou.aalto.fi

IoT- ja sensoritekniikan tutkimuslaboratorion palvelutarveselvitys

Opinnäytetyön tavoitteena on tuottaa IoT- ja sensoritekniikan tutkimuslaboratorion pal-velutarveselvitys. Työ on rajattu Kymenlaakson alueella toimiviin logistiikan ja teollisuuden toimialojen yrityksiin. Selvityksen avulla kartoitetaan perustettavan tutkimuslaboratorion palvelutarvetta, palvelusisältöä ja kaupallista potentiaalia. Työn teoriaosiossa käsitellään Kymenlaakson elinkeinorakennetta, teollista internetiä, sen teknologioita, soveltamisaloja sekä liiketoimintahyötyjä. Tutkimusmenetelmänä käytettiin sähköistä kyselyä ja puhelinhaastatteluja. Haastattelujen avulla kartoitettiin yritysten IoT:n nykytilaa, IoT:n tuomia haasteita sekä IoT-tutkimuslaboratorion palvelutarvetta. Palvelutarveselvityksen tulokset perustuivat haastatteluihin. Selvitys koostui kolmesta pääteemasta: palvelutarpeesta, palveluiden sisällöstä ja kaupallisesta potentiaalista. Haastattelut suoritettiin toimialakohtaisesti logistiikan ja teollisuuden aloille, joista koos-tettiin yhteenveto päätelmien tueksi. Tulosten perusteella Kymenlaakson alueella on tarvetta IoT-tutkimukselle. Selvitys toi esiin kolme pääkohtaa, joihin perustettavan IoT-tutkimuslaboratorion tulee kiinnittää huomiota kaupallisia palveluita suunniteltaessa. Nämä osa-alueet ovat data-analytiikka, IoT- ja sensorikartoituspalvelut ja IoT-simulointi. Jatkotutkimuksena tulisi suorittaa palvelutarveselvitys muille toimialoille.The aim of the thesis is to produce an analysis regarding the need for a loT- and sensor technology laboratory. The work is limited to companies operating in the logistics and industrial sectors in the Kymenlaakso region. This survey evaluates the need for service, service content and commercial potential for the research laboratory that will be established. The theoretical part addresses the Kymenlaakso region’s economic structure, industrial internet, its technologies, fields of application as well as business linked benefits. The research method used was electronic questionnaires and telephone interviews. The interviews identified the current state of IoT in the companies, the challenges brought about by IoT and the need for a IoT research laboratory. The results of the survey for the serviceneed were based on interviews. The survey consisted of three main themes: the need for service, content of services and the commercial potential. The interviews were conducted by industry, within the logistics and industrial sectors. A summary report was compiled to support the conclusions. Based on the results, there is a need for IoT research in the Kymenlaakso region. The study highlighted three main points, that the IoT research laboratory under establishment, should pay attention to when planning the commercial services. These areas are data analysis, IoT sensor mapping and loT simulation. Possible further studies should be carried out regarding the service needs within other business sectors