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Hand hygiene of kindergarten children—Understanding the effect of live feedback on handwashing behaviour, self-efficacy, and motivation of young children: Protocol for a multi-arm cluster randomized controlled trial
No full textEarly implementation of interventions at a young age fosters behaviour changes and helps to adopt behaviours that promote health. Digital technologies may help to promote the hand hygiene behaviour of children. However, there is a lack of digital feedback interventions focusing on the hand hygiene behaviour of preschool children in childhood education and care settings. This study protocol aims to describe a study that evaluates the effectiveness of a gamified live feedback intervention and explores underlying behavioural theories in achieving better hand hygiene behaviour of preschool children in early childhood education and care settings. This study will be a four-arm cluster randomized controlled trial with three phases and a twelve-month follow-up by country stratification. The sample size is 106 children of which one cluster will have a minimum number of 40 children. During the baseline phase, all groups will have automated monitoring systems installed. In the intervention phase, the control group will have no screen activity. The intervention groups will have feedback displays during the handwashing activity. Intervention A will receive instructions, and intervention B and C groups will receive instructions and a reward. In the post-intervention phase, all the groups will have no screen activity except intervention C which will receive instructions from the screen but no reward. The outcome measures will be hand hygiene behaviour, self-efficacy, and intrinsic motivation. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, intervention, and post-intervention phases and a 12-month follow-up. The data will be analysed with quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings of the planned study will provide whether this gamified live feedback intervention can be recommended to be used in educational settings to improve the hand hygiene behaviour of preschool children to promote health.</p
Vajaaravitsemusriskin tunnistamisella ikäihmiselle toimintakykyä ja terveyttä
No full textLähivuosikymmenien aikana Suomen väestöstä yhä suurempi osa tulee olemaan yli 65-vuotiaita (Tilastokeskus 2021). Useimmilla toimintakyvyn heikkeneminen alkaa vasta 75 vuoden iän jälkeen, joten toimintakyvyn laskua ehkäisevät toimenpiteet olisikin hyvä suunnata alle 75-vuotiaille.</p
Spatiotemporal patterns of public attention to invasive species across an invasion front: a case study of lionfish (Pterois miles) from the Mediterranean Sea
No full textUnderstanding societal interest in invasive species is crucial as greater public attention can support the success of conservation efforts. One of the main challenges in monitoring societal interest to support conservation is the absence of near-real-time indicators to track large-scale spatiotemporal dynamics of public attention. However, the digital revolution has opened up new opportunities to develop such indicators in support of invasive species research and management. Here, we aim to evaluate public awareness and interest in the invasive lionfish (Pterois miles) in the Mediterranean Sea and investigate spatiotemporal patterns of public interest in the species along its invasion front by using Google search volumes as a proxy for public attention. We implemented topic searches for the lionfish to download Google search volumes from 2013 to 2022 and used these data to test two hypotheses: (1) countries experiencing lionfish invasion exhibit higher public attention than those without lionfish, and (2) in invaded countries, public attention peaks around the arrival year, followed by a decline to baseline levels. Our study confirmed the first hypothesis, showing higher public attention in invaded countries. However, temporal patterns of attention did not fully align with the year of lionfish arrival, suggesting that the socio-political complexity of the region (e.g., cultural trends or internet accessibility), may be a key aspect to consider in future studies. Overall our study shows that digital data sources provide a unique opportunity to monitor social aspects of biological invasions with low associated costs and quick access to a great amount of data generated by internet users
Pricing the Pharmaceuticals when the Ability to Pay Differs
No full textA non-trivial fraction of people cannot afford to buy pharmaceutical products at unregulated market prices. This paper analyses the public insurance of a patent-protected pharmaceutical product in terms of price controls and socially optimal third-degree price discrimination. First, the paper characterizes the Ramsey pricing rule in the case where the producer price has to cover the R&D costs of the firm and patients’ pharmaceutical expenditures are not covered by health insurance. Subsequently, conditions for a welfare increasing departure from the Ramsey pricing rule are stated in terms of price regulation and health insurance coverage. Unlike the earlier views expressed, the increased consumption of the pharmaceutical is shown to be welfare increasing. In the spirit of the Rawlsian view, a criterion for vertical equity is examined as an optimal means-tested health insurance. In this scheme, the regulator chooses a higher insurance coverage for individuals whose income is below an endogenously determined income threshold. The means-tested insurance scheme improves social welfare but also yields very equal market outcomes.</p
Reutilization of berry press residues in minced Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) – Effect on lipid oxidation and sensory characteristics during cold storage
No full textLipid oxidation is one of the main causes of quality deterioration in dark-muscled fish. This study investigated the effect of berry side streams of juice pressing or oil extraction at different concentrations on lipid oxidation and sensory quality of minced Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) stored at 1 ◦C. Lipid oxidation was assessed by determining the peroxide value and volatile secondary oxidation products. Generic descriptive analysis and gas chromatography-olfactometry were used to investigate the odor, flavor, and odor-active compounds of minces. Based on the peroxide value and formation of hexanal, 1-penten-3-ol, and 3,5-octadien-2-one, a concentration of 1.5 g/100 g of lingonberry-bilberry juice press residue and sea buckthorn juice press and oil extraction residue was sufficient to retard and reduce the extent of oxidation. Furthermore, the addition of these residues inhibited the formation of fishy odors during 3 days of storage. The control mince stored for 3 days showed the highest number and intensities of oxidation products such as (Z)-4-heptenal, 2,3-pentanedione, and (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal, while their formation was retarded in the mince containing press residue from sea buckthorn. Berry press residues were efficient in controlling lipid oxidation of minced Baltic herring during storage and have the potential to mask potentially unpleasant fishy odor and flavor. </p
Variation and prognostic potential of the gut antibiotic resistome in the FINRISK 2002 cohort
No full textThe spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has severely reduced the efficacy of antibiotics and now contributes to 1 million deaths annually. The gut microbiome is a major reservoir of antibiotic resistance in humans, yet the extent to which gut antibiotic resistance gene load varies within human populations and the drivers that contribute most to this variation remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate, in a representative cohort of 7095 Finnish adults, that socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, and gut microbial community composition shape resistance gene selection and transmission processes. Resistance was linked not only to prior use of antibiotics, as anticipated, but also to frequent consumption of fresh vegetables and poultry, two food groups previously reported to contain antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Interestingly, resistance was not linked to the consumption of high-fat and high-sugar foods, but was consistently higher in females and urban high-income individuals, who currently have generally lower mortality rates. Nevertheless, during the 17-year follow-up, high resistance was associated with a 1.07-fold increase in mortality risk, comparable to elevated blood pressure, and with a heightened risk of sepsis. These findings highlight risks and socio-demographic dimensions of antibiotic resistance that are particularly relevant in the current context of global urbanization and middle-class growth.</p
First record of a Nathusius' pipistrelle (Pipistrellus nathusii) overwintering at a latitude above 60°N
No full textHighly mobile species are considered to be the first to respond to climate change by transforming their ranges of distribution. There is evidence suggesting that Pipistrellus nathusii, a species capable of long-distance migration, is expanding both its reproduction and overwintering ranges to the North. We recorded the echolocation calls of bats at 16 sites in South-Western Finland on two consecutive winters, and detected calls of P. nathusii at one of the sites throughout the second winter. To our knowledge, this is the northernmost record of an overwintering P. nathusii, and contributes to evidence that the species is already responding to climate change.</p
The Relationship of Kidney Function, Cardiovascular Morbidity, and All-Cause Mortality: a Prospective Primary Care Cohort Study
No full textBackground: Lower-than-normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is associated with the risk for all-cause mortality and adverse cardiovascular events. In this regard, the role of higher-than-normal eGFR is still controversial.Objective: Investigate long-term clinical consequences across the levels of eGFR calculated by the creatinine-based Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation among apparently healthy cardiovascular risk subjects.Design: Prospective study.Participants: Participants (n=1747) of a population-based screening and intervention program for cardiovascular risk factors in Finland during the years 2005-2007.Main measures: Cardiovascular morbidity and all-cause mortality.Key results: Over the 14-year follow-up, subjects with eGFR ≥105 ml/min/1.73 m2 (n=97) had an increased risk for all-cause mortality [HR 2.15 (95% CI: 1.24-3.73)], incident peripheral artery disease [HR 2.62 (95% CI: 1.00-6.94)], and atrial fibrillation/flutter [HR 2.10 (95% CI: 1.21-3.65)] when compared to eGFR category 90-104 ml/min after adjustment for cardiovascular and lifestyle-related risk factors. The eGFR category ≥105 ml/min was also associated with a two-fold increased mortality rate compared to the Finnish general population.Conclusions: Renal hyperfiltration defined as eGFR ≥105 ml/min/1.73 m2 is a frequent and important finding in patients commonly treated in primary care. These patients should be followed closely for timely interventions, such as strict BP and blood glucose regulation.</p
Focal adhesion formation of primary human gingival fibroblast on hydrothermally and in-sol-made TiO2-coated titanium
No full textOptimal cell adhesion of the gingival fibroblasts to dental implants is important for maintaining good implant integration. The aim of this study was to discover, if the nanoporous TiO2-coating on titanium alloy substrates is able to increase the cell adhesion of the human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). The study consisted of three differently produced titanium groups: hydrothermally produced TiO2-coating (HT), novel TiO2-coating made in sol (SOL), and noncoated control group. Primary HGF cells were initiated from gingival biopsies from patients having a third molar extraction. HGF were cultivated on titanium discs for 2 and 24 h to determine the initial attachment with confocal microscope. The cell spreading and adhesion protein signals were measured. In addition, expression of adhesion proteins vinculin, paxillin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) were measured after 3 days of cultivation by using Western Blotting. Higher protein levels of paxillin, vinculin, and FAK were induced on both coated discs compared to noncoated discs. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05) concerning expression of paxillin. The cell spreading was significantly larger on SOL discs after 2 and 24 h when comparing to noncoated controls. The confocal microscope analyses revealed significantly higher adhesion protein signals on both HT- and SOL-coated titanium compared to control group. This study showed, that both methods to produce TiO2-coatings are able to increase HGF adhesion protein expression and cell spreading on titanium surface. Accordingly, the coatings can potentially improve the gingival attachment to titanium implant surfaces
Association of somatic comorbidity and treatment adherence in patients with psychotic disorder
No full textBackground: Increased risk for somatic comorbidity in individuals with schizophrenia has been well established. In addition, psychiatric patients with somatic illnesses are more likely to have more psychiatric readmissions. Increased burden of treatment related to chronic somatic comorbidities may be associated with lower adherence to psychiatric medication.Methods: Cross-sectional study of 275 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. A general practitioner performed a complete physical health checkup for all participants, including a complete medical examination and laboratory tests. Patients' adherence, attitudes, insight, and side-effects were evaluated using the Attitudes toward Neuroleptic Treatment Scale. Overall symptomatology was measured using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Regression analysis was used to investigate interactions and associations among health beliefs, disease burden, and treatment adherence. Separate regression models were utilized to account for the complexity of health behavior and treatment adherence pathways.Results: Patients' somatic comorbidity and health behavior were not associated with adherence or attitudes toward antipsychotic treatment. High dose of antipsychotics and obesity were related to the need for medical interventions, while a healthy diet reduced the risk. Higher BPRS score and older age were associated with having somatic symptoms. Somatic comorbidities had no negative effects on treatment adherence or attitudes.Conclusion: This study focuses on exploring possible associations between health beliefs and treatment adherence pathways in patients with psychotic disorders. Contrary to our hypotheses, we found no evidence to support our health belief and diseases burden models and their associations.</p