| 1. |
- Andersén, Heidi, et al.
(författare)
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Influence of childhood exposure to a farming environment on age at asthma diagnosis in a population-based study
- 2021
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Ingår i: Journal of Asthma and Allergy. - : Dove Press. - 1178-6965. ; 14, s. 1081-1091
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Purpose: Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, and factors associated with different asthma phenotypes are poorly understood. Given the higher prevalence of farming exposure and late diagnosis of asthma in more rural Western Finland as compared with the capital of Helsinki, we investigated the relationship between childhood farming environment and age at asthma diagnosis.Methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out with subjects aged 20– 69 years in Western Finland. The response rate was 52.5%. We included 3864 participants, 416 of whom had physician-diagnosed asthma at a known age and with data on the childhood environment. The main finding was confirmed in a similar sample from Helsinki. Participants were classified as follows with respect to asthma diagnosis: early diagnosis (0– 11 years), intermediate diagnosis (12–39 years), and late diagnosis (40–69 years).Results: The prevalence of asthma was similar both without and with childhood exposure to a farming environment (11.7% vs 11.3%). Allergic rhinitis, family history of asthma, ex-smoker, occupational exposure, and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were associated with a higher like-lihood of asthma. Childhood exposure to a farming environment did not increase the odds of having asthma (aOR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.87–1.40). It did increase the odds of late diagnosis (aOR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.12–4.69), but the odds were lower for early (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30–0.80) and intermediate diagnosis of asthma (aOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.47–1.18).Conclusion: Odds were lower for early diagnosis of asthma and higher for late diagnosis of asthma in a childhood farming environment. This suggests a new hypothesis concerning the etiology of asthma when it is diagnosed late.
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| 2. |
- Andersén, Heidi, et al.
(författare)
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NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease: a population study.
- 2022
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Ingår i: ERJ open research. - : European Respiratory Society (ERS). - 2312-0541. ; 8:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may exacerbate respiratory symptoms. A recent European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology position paper recommended the use of an acronym, N-ERD (NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease), for this hypersensitivity associated with asthma or chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of N-ERD and identify factors associated with N-ERD.In 2016, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of a random adult population of 16 000 subjects aged 20-69 years was performed in Helsinki and Western Finland. The response rate was 51.5%.The prevalence was 1.4% for N-ERD, and 0.7% for aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). The prevalence of N-ERD was 6.9% among subjects with asthma and 2.7% among subjects with rhinitis. The risk factors for N-ERD were older age, family history of asthma or allergic rhinitis, long-term smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants. Asthmatic subjects with N-ERD had a higher risk of respiratory symptoms, severe hypersensitivity reactions and hospitalisations than asthmatic subjects without N-ERD. The subphenotype of N-ERD with asthma was most symptomatic. Subjects with rhinitis associated with N-ERD, which would not be included in AERD, had the fewest symptoms.We conclude that the prevalence of N-ERD was 1.4% in a representative Finnish adult population sample. Older age, family history of asthma or allergic rhinitis, cumulative exposure to tobacco smoke, secondhand smoke, and occupational exposures increased odds of N-ERD. N-ERD was associated with significant morbidity.
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| 3. |
- Antonelli, Alexandre, 1978, et al.
(författare)
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Conceptual and empirical advances in Neotropical biodiversity research
- 2018
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Ingår i: PeerJ. - : PeerJ. - 2167-8359. ; 2018:10
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The unparalleled biodiversity found in the American tropics (the Neotropics) has attracted the attention of naturalists for centuries. Despite major advances in recent years in our understanding of the origin and diversification of many Neotropical taxa and biotic regions, many questions remain to be answered. Additional biological and geological data are still needed, as well as methodological advances that are capable of bridging these research fields. In this review, aimed primarily at advanced students and early-career scientists, we introduce the concept of "trans-disciplinary biogeography," which refers to the integration of data from multiple areas of research in biology (e.g., community ecology, phylogeography, systematics, historical biogeography) and Earth and the physical sciences (e.g., geology, climatology, palaeontology), as a means to reconstruct the giant puzzle of Neotropical biodiversity and evolution in space and time. We caution against extrapolating results derived from the study of one or a few taxa to convey general scenarios of Neotropical evolution and landscape formation. We urge more coordination and integration of data and ideas among disciplines, transcending their traditional boundaries, as a basis for advancing tomorrow's ground-breaking research. Our review highlights the great opportunities for studying the Neotropical biota to understand the evolution of life.
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| 4. |
- Danevad, Daniel
(författare)
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Energy and Environmental Factors in Food and Beverage Production Systems : An Analysis of Tomatoes, Whisky, and Beer
- 2024
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Given the anticipated global population of approximately 10 billion by 2050, the task of ensuring adequate sustenance for all within the constraints of Earth's limited resources presents a significant challenge. The production of food and beverages demands considerable energy investment, as well as other essential resources such as water and nutrients. In addition to this, food production is associated with different kinds of environmental impact, such as global warming, eutrophication, acidification, and biodiversity loss.This thesis analyzes energy and environmental factors in food and beverage production systems, focusing on tomatoes, whisky, and beer production. It aims to identify energy and environmental hotspots in these systems while also exploring the potential benefits of selected waste management practices, such as anaerobic digestion, for improving system circularity and environmental performance. The thesis uses several methods for energy and environmental systems analysis, including life cycle assessment and material flow analysis, as well as energy system simulation and optimization.A key finding is the role of local resources, such as renewable energy and access to waste treatment facilities, in determining the environmental impact. Additionally, electricity use and production methods significantly influenced the environmental impact of the studied systems. The importance of transportation varied across the systems, due to differences in transport requirements of both inputs and outputs. Furthermore, this study evaluates various alternatives for increased circularity, particularly through waste treatment and improved resource efficiency. The results contribute to increased understanding of environmental performance across several production systems, offering insights for decision-makers aiming to enhance environmental sustainability of food and beverage production.
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| 5. |
- Dekker, Joost, et al.
(författare)
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Definition and Characteristics of Behavioral Medicine, and Main Tasks and Goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine : an International Delphi Study
- 2021
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Ingår i: International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. - New York : Springer. - 1070-5503 .- 1532-7558. ; 28:3, s. 268-276
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: In the past decades, behavioral medicine has attained global recognition. Due to its global reach, a critical need has emerged to consider whether the original definition of behavioral medicine is still valid, comprehensive, and inclusive, and to reconsider the main tasks and goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM), as the umbrella organization in the field. The purpose of the present study was to (i) update the definition and scope of behavioral medicine and its defining characteristics; and (ii) develop a proposal on ISBM's main tasks and goals.Method: Our study used the Delphi method. A core group prepared a discussion paper. An international Delphi panel rated questions and provided comments. The panel intended to reach an a priori defined level of consensus (i.e., 70%).Results: The international panel reached consensus on an updated definition and scope of behavioral medicine as a field of research and practice that builds on collaboration among multiple disciplines. These disciplines are concerned with development and application of behavioral and biomedical evidence across the disease continuum in clinical and public health domains. Consensus was reached on a proposal for ISBM's main tasks and goals focused on supporting communication and collaboration across disciplines and participating organizations; stimulating research, education, and practice; and supporting individuals and organizations in the field.Conclusion: The consensus on definition and scope of behavioral medicine and ISBM's tasks and goals provides a foundational step toward achieving these goals.
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| 6. |
- Hisinger-Molkanen, Hanna, et al.
(författare)
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Asthma in adults : association of asthma symptoms and age at asthma diagnosis
- 2020
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Ingår i: European Respiratory Journal. - : ERS Publications. - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 56:Suppl 64
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Asthma may begin at any age. However, knowledge about the relationship between age at asthma diagnosis and asthma symptoms is still scarce.Objectives: To test the hypothesis that among adults, asthma diagnosed in adulthood is associated with more symptoms than asthma diagnosed in childhood.Methods: A FinEsS postal survey was conducted in a random sample of 16000 20-69-year-old adults in Finland in 2016. Age 18 years was chosen to delineate child and adult-diagnosed asthma. Current asthma was defined as physician-diagnosed asthma and asthma medication use, attacks of breathlessness or wheezing in the past year.Results: Of responders (8199, 51,5%), 692 reported current asthma and age at diagnosis. Adult-diagnosed asthma was reported by 445 (64.3%) and child-diagnosed by 247 (35.7%) responders. Those with adult-diagnosed asthma had more attacks of breathlessness in the past year (82.9% vs. 74.1%, p=0.006), dyspnea (mMRC grade ≥2) (34.4% vs. 18.8%, p<0.001) and sputum production in the past three consecutive months (40.0% vs. 27.5%, p=0.001). Of responders with adult and child-diagnosed asthma, 22.5% and 28.3% were current smokers, and 91.7% and 84.2% used asthma medication, respectively. In a logistic regression model, risk factors for attacks of breathlessness were adult-diagnosis (OR=1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.0) and exercising <2 times a week (OR=2.0, 1.2-3.2).Conclusion: Asthmatics with adult-diagnosed asthma had significantly more symptoms even though they smoked less and used asthma medication more often compared to those with child-diagnosed asthma. Recognizing adult onset asthma in clinical practise is important to direct precise clinical care and achieve better asthma control.
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| 7. |
- Honkamaki, Jasmin, et al.
(författare)
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Age at asthma diagnosis and probability of remission in a population-based study
- 2020
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Ingår i: European Respiratory Journal. - : ERS Publications. - 0903-1936 .- 1399-3003. ; 56:Suppl 64
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Background: Child-onset asthma is known to remit with high probability but remission in adult-onset asthma seems to be less common. Reports of association between remission and asthma onset age in adulthood are scarce.Objectives: To study if age at asthma diagnosis and gender are associated to remission rate in adult asthma population.Methods: In 2016, a random sample of 16 000 subjects aged 20-69 years from Helsinki and Western Finland were sent a FinEsS-questionnaire. Asthma was categorized by reported age when diagnosed with asthma by a physician: child (0-11 years) adolescent-young-adult (12-39 years) and late-adult-diagnosed (40-69 years). Remission was defined as a physician diagnosed asthma but not having had asthma symptoms, wheezing or use of asthma medication in the past 12 months.Results: 8199 subjects (51.5%) responded to the postal questionnaire. Remission was most common in child-diagnosed (30.2%), followed by adolescent-young-adult-diagnosed (17.9%) and least common in late-adult-diagnosed asthma (5.0%) (p<0.001). In males, the corresponding proportions were 36.7%, 20.0% and 3.4%, and in females 20.4%, 16.6% and 5.9%, respectively (p<0.001 for gender difference). In binary logistic regression, significant risk factors of non-remission were diagnosis at adolescent-young-adulthood- (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.4) or late-adulthood- (OR=11.1, 4.8-25.4), asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) (OR=5.6, 1.3-24.5), allergic rhinitis (OR=2.3, 1.5-3.5) and family history of asthma (OR=1.9, 1.2-2.8). Results remained similar after exclusion of ACO.Conclusion: Remission was rare (5%) in adults diagnosed with asthma after age 40 years in both sexes. Causes of poor prognosis in adult-onset asthma need to be further elucidated.
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| 8. |
- Honkamäki, Jasmin, et al.
(författare)
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Nonrespiratory diseases in adults without and with asthma by age at asthma diagnosis
- 2023
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Ingår i: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. - : Elsevier. - 2213-2198 .- 2213-2201. ; 11:2, s. 555-563.e4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Chronic nonrespiratory diseases are seemingly more prevalent in subjects with than without asthma, and asthma seems to differentiate by age of onset. However, studies with comparison of nonrespiratory diseases in subjects with and without asthma, considering asthma age of onset, are scarce.Objective: To compare the quantity and type of chronic nonrespiratory diseases in adults with and without asthma considering age at asthma diagnosis.Methods: In 2016, a FinEsS questionnaire was sent to 16,000 20- to 69-year-old adults randomly selected in Helsinki and Western Finland populations. Physician-diagnosed asthma was categorized to early (0-11), intermediate (12-39), and late-diagnosed (40-69 years).Results: A total of 8199 (51.5%) responded, and 842 (10.3%) reported asthma and age at diagnosis. In age and sex-adjusted binary logistic regression model, the most represented nonrespiratory disease was treated gastroesophageal reflux disease in early-diagnosed (odds ratio, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.17-3.19; P =.011) and osteoporosis in both intermediate-diagnosed (odds ratio, 3.45; 95% CI, 2.01-5.91; P <.001) and late-diagnosed asthma (odds ratio, 2.91; 95% CI, 1.77-4.79; P <.001), compared with subjects without asthma. In addition, gastroesophageal reflux disease, depression, sleep apnea, painful condition, and obesity were significantly more common in intermediate- and late-diagnosed asthma compared with without asthma, and similarly anxiety or panic disorder in intermediate-diagnosed and hypertension, severe cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, and diabetes in late-diagnosed asthma. In age-adjusted analyses, having 3 or more nonrespiratory diseases was more common in intermediate (12.1%) and late-diagnosed asthma (36.2%) versus without asthma (10.4%) (both P <.001).Conclusions: Nonrespiratory diseases were more common in adults with asthma than in adults without asthma. The type of nonrespiratory diseases differed, and their frequency increased by increasing age at asthma diagnosis.
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| 9. |
- Kobayashi, Yumi, et al.
(författare)
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Life-cycle assessment of yeast-based single-cell protein production with oat processing side-stream
- 2023
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Ingår i: Science of the Total Environment. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-1026 .- 0048-9697. ; 873
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Production of fish meal and plant-based feed proteins continues to increase to meet the growing demand for seafood, leading to impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Microbial proteins such as single-cell proteins (SCPs) have been introduced as feed alternatives since they can replace current fish feed ingredients, e.g., soybean, which are associated with negative environmental impacts. Microbial protein production also enables utilization of grain processing side-streams as feedstock sources. This study assesses the environmental impacts of yeast-based SCP using oat side-stream as feedstock (OS-SCP). Life-cycle assessment with a cradle-to-gate approach was used to quantify global warming, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, terrestrial acidification, land use, and water consumption of OS-SCP production in Finland. Dried and wet side-streams of oat were compared with each other to identify differences in energy consumption and transportation effects. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the difference in impacts at various locations and fermentation times. Benchmarking was used to evaluate the environmental impacts of OS-SCP and other feed products, including both conventional and novel protein products. Results highlight the importance of energy sources in quantifying the environmental performance of OS-SCP production. OS-SCP produced with dried side-streams resulted in higher global warming (16.3 %) and water consumption (7.5 %) than OS-SCP produced from wet side-streams, reflecting the energy and water requirements for the drying process. Compared with conventional products, such as soy protein concentrates, OS-SCP resulted in 61 % less land use, while exacerbating the environmental impacts in all the other categories. OS-SCP had more impact on global warming (205-754 %), water consumption (166-1401 %), freshwater eutrophication (118-333 %), and terrestrial acidification (85-340 %) than other novel products, including yeast protein concentrate, methanotrophic bacterial SCP, and insect meal, while lowering global warming (11 %) and freshwater eutrophication (20 %) compared with dry microalgae biomass.
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| 10. |
- Lehtonen, Samuli, et al.
(författare)
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Edaphic heterogeneity and the evolutionary trajectory of Amazonian plant communities
- 2021
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Ingår i: Ecology and Evolution. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 2045-7758. ; 11:24, s. 17672-17685
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We investigated how the phylogenetic structure of Amazonian plant communities varies along an edaphic gradient within the non-inundated forests. Forty localities were sampled on three terrain types representing two kinds of soil: clayey soils of a high base cation concentration derived from the Solimoes formation, and loamy soils with lower base cation concentration derived from the Ica formation and alluvial terraces. Phylogenetic community metrics were calculated for each locality for ferns and palms both with ferns as one group and for each of three fern clades with a crown group age comparable to that of palms. Palm and fern communities showed significant and contrasting phylogenetic signals along the soil gradient. Fern species richness increased but standard effect size of mean pairwise distance (SES.MPD) and variation of pairwise distances (VPD) decreased with increasing soil base cation concentration. In contrast, palm communities were more species rich on less cation-rich soils and their SES.MPD increased with soil base cation concentration. Species turnover between the communities reflected the soil gradient slightly better when based on species occurrences than when phylogenetic distances between the species were considered. Each of the three fern subclades behaved differently from each other and from the entire fern clade. The fern clade whose phylogenetic patterns were most similar to those of palms also resembled palms in being most species-rich on cation-poor soils. The phylogenetic structuring of local plant communities varies along a soil base cation concentration gradient within non-inundated Amazonian rain forests. Lineages can show either similar or different phylogenetic community structure patterns and evolutionary trajectories, and we suggest this to be linked to their environmental adaptations. Consequently, geological heterogeneity can be expected to translate into a potentially highly diverse set of evolutionarily distinct community assembly pathways in Amazonia and elsewhere.
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