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- Kokkonen, Juuli-Mari, et al.
(author)
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Associations between Parent–Child Nature Visits and Sleep, Physical Activity and Weight Status among Finnish 3–6-Year-Olds
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 18:23
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nature visits and nature exposure have been shown to be favorably associated with children’s health and development, but the research regarding their associations with children’s lifestyle habits is limited. The current study aimed to investigate the associations between the frequency of parent–child nature visits and sleep, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and weight status among three- to six-year-old Finnish preschoolers. Parents and their children (n = 864) participated in a cross-sectional DAGIS (increased health and wellbeing in preschools) study, which was conducted between 2015 and 2016 in Finland. In total, 798 parents answered a questionnaire on the frequency of parent–child nature visits, which also included questions on sociodemographic factors and their children’s sleep habits. Parents also reported children’s bedtimes and wake-up times and children wore an accelerometer for seven days. Trained researchers measured children’s weight and height. Linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted. More frequent parent–child nature visits were associated with children’s longer sleep duration at night, higher amounts of MVPA outside preschool time and, among girls, good sleep consistency. The frequency of parent–child nature visits was not significantly associated with whether children were overweight or obese or not. Promoting parent–child nature visits could be a cost-effective way to increase young children’s MVPA and enhance night-time sleep.
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| 3. |
- Kulmala, Markku, et al.
(author)
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Opinion : The strength of long-term comprehensive observations to meet multiple grand challenges in different environments and in the atmosphere
- 2023
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In: Atmospheric Chemistry And Physics. - 1680-7316 .- 1680-7324. ; 23:23, s. 14949-14971
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- To be able to meet global grand challenges (climate change; biodiversity loss; environmental pollution; scarcity of water, food and energy supplies; acidification; deforestation; chemicalization; pandemics), which all are closely interlinked with each other, we need comprehensive open data with proper metadata, along with open science. The large data sets from ground-based in situ observations, ground and satellite remote sensing, and multiscale modeling need to be utilized seamlessly. In this opinion paper, we demonstrate the power of the SMEAR (Station for Measuring Earth surface-Atmosphere Relations) concept via several examples, such as detection of new particle formation and the particles' subsequent growth, quantifying atmosphere-ecosystem feedback loops, and combining comprehensive observations with emergency science and services, as well as studying the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on different air quality and climate variables. The future needs and the potential of comprehensive observations of the environment are summarized.
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| 4. |
- Persson, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Effect of bioactive extruded PLA/HA composite films on focal adhesion formation of preosteoblastic cells
- 2014
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In: Colloids and Surfaces B. - : Elsevier BV. - 0927-7765 .- 1873-4367. ; 121, s. 409-416
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The quality of the initial cell attachment to a biomaterial will influence any further cell function, including spreading, proliferation, differentiation and viability. Cell attachment is influenced by the material's ability to adsorb proteins, which is related to the surface chemistry and topography of the material. In this study, we incorporated hydroxyapatite (HA) particles into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composite and evaluated the surface structure and the effects of HA density on the initial cell attachment in vitro of murine calvarial preosteoblasts (MC3T3-EI). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the HA particles were successfully incorporated into the PLA matrix and located at the surface which is of importance in order to maintain the bioactive effect of the HA particles. SEM and AFM investigation revealed that the HA density (particles/area) as well as surface roughness increased with HA loading concentration (i.e. 5, 10, 15 and 20wt%), which promoted protein adsorption. Furthermore, the presence of HA on the surface enhanced cell spreading, increased the formation of actin stress fibers and significantly improved the expression of vinculin in MC3T3-E1 cells which is a key player in the regulation of cell adhesion. These results suggest the potential utility of PLA/HA composites as biomaterials for use as a bone substitute material and in tissue engineering applications.
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