Correlation between rhinometric measurement methods in healthy young adults.

The most common rhinometric measurement methods used in modern rhinology are acoustic rhinometry, rhinomanometry, and nasal peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate. In this prospective study, we wanted to clarifiy whether the parameters given by these three methods in the same subject support each other and can be used simultaneously in clinical practice. We also wanted to define the dimensions of normal nasal geometry and function based on these three methods.

The IL1A genotype associates with atopy in nonasthmatic adults.

Background: The skin prick test is used to examine specific IgE-mediated allergic responses. Generally, results accord well with anamnestic information on atopy. Several genetic factors probably affect the strength of allergen-mediated skin test reactions.

Suspicious urine cytology (class III) in patients with bladder cancer: should it be considered as negative or positive?

Objectives: Urine cytology is the gold standard in the diagnosis and follow-up of bladder cancer. Cytology, however, exhibits variable sensitivity depending on tumour grade and interpretation of urine specimens is highly dependent on the skill of the examiner. Positive cytology, classes IV and V by Papanicolaou classification, is a strong predictor for coexisting or subsequent malignancy, while the role of suspicious cytology, class III, is controversial.

The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease and medial arterial calcification in patients with chronic renal failure: requirements for diagnostics.

Background: Knowledge of the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) is limited because of a lack of uniformity in disease definition and recognition. Furthermore, little is known of the prevalence of medial arterial calcification (MAC) in patients with CRF. Our goal is to study the prevalence of PAD and MAC defined by ankle brachial index (ABI) or toe brachial index (TBI) measurements in a Finnish population of patients with CRF consisting of predialysis and dialysis patients, as well as renal transplant recipients.

Bipolar hemiartroplasty in the treatment of hip fracture: are special centres necessary for the optimal outcome?

Background And Aims: This study compares retrospectively clinical follow-up of 72 bipolar arthroplasties made either by specialist surgeons or residents.

Material And Methods: 72 patients with a life-expectancy of more than three years were selected to have bipolar arthroplasty for the treatment of femoral collum fracture at Tampere University Hospital district during 1993-1995. The average age of the patients was 70 (47-92) years.

Renal ultrasound findings and their clinical associations in nephropathia epidemica. Analysis of quantitative parameters.

Purpose: To evaluate renal US findings in patients with nephropathia epidemica (NE) and to determine whether changes in these findings are related to the clinical course of NE.

Material And Methods: Renal US was undertaken in 23 hospital-treated NE patients during the acute phase of their disease (first study). The second US study was performed 3-6 months later.

Prevalence of symptoms related to interstitial cystitis in women: a population based study in Finland.

Purpose: Interstitial cystitis is a chronic inflammatory bladder disease. Despite intensive research its prevalence, etiology, diagnosis and appropriate treatment remain elusive. We estimated the prevalence of urinary symptoms related to interstitial cystitis in women in Finland.

The combination of the interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha-889) genotype and the interleukin-10 (IL-10 ATA) haplotype is associated with increased interleukin-10 (IL-10) plasma levels in healthy individuals.

Family studies have demonstrated striking differences between individuals in their ability to produce IL-10 following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation of whole blood cultures in vitro, suggesting that differences in IL-10 production involve a considerable hereditary component. The first aim of this study was to analyse the possible effect of IL-10 genotypes and haplotypes on IL-10 plasma levels in a healthy Finnish population. As previous reports have demonstrated that endogenously produced IL-1 induces LPS-stimulated IL-10 production and that IL-10 inhibits synthesis of IL-1 in human monocytes, it is apparent that these two cytokines form an autoregulatory feedback loop.

Spindle frequencies in sleep EEG show U-shape within first four NREM sleep episodes.

It has been shown in previous studies on sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) that spindles are slower in the beginning of the night fastening towards the end of the night. Corresponding findings have been obtained by spectral analysis. The present study was based on our preliminary observation that slower spindles are found in the middle of the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep episodes as compared with the beginning or the end of the episodes.

Is reduced quality of life in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to concomitant diseases?

Objectives: To establish the effect of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on general health in an unselected male population in Finland using a reduction in general health as outcome. A further special focus was on the question of whether the effects can be accounted for by other concomitant health problems or solely by LUTS.

Methods: A population-based questionnaire study among 50-, 60- and 70-year-old men was conducted.

Association of non-urological diseases with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Objective: Clinical observations indicate that many non-urological diseases seem to be associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This has also been shown in studies usually concerning single diseases. This study investigated the impact of non-urological diseases on LUTS in the general population.

Serum adhesion molecules and interleukin-2 receptor as markers of tumour load and prognosis in advanced cutaneous melanoma.

Cell adhesion molecules are cell surface glycoproteins that may act as mediators in the metastatic process. Soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) is an immunological marker that may also serve as an indicator of tumour progression. Normal and neoplastic cells are capable of releasing these molecules into circulation.

Normative values for tympanometry in 7- and 24-month-old children.

The objective was to determine normative values for tympanometric variables for 7- and 24-month-old children and to assess the effect of various factors on these variables. Tympanometry was performed at scheduled health visits at 7 and 24 months of age on children recruited to a prospective vaccine efficacy trial (n=2497 children at enrolment). Tympanograms obtained successfully from healthy ears with no recent otitis media were analysed.

Effect of erectile dysfunction on frequency of intercourse: a population based prevalence study in Finland.

Purpose: We estimate the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in Finland and its effect on frequency of sexual intercourse.

Materials And Methods: A population based study of 3,143, 50, 60 and 70-year-old men in Tampere and 11 municipalities in the same county was conducted by mailed questionnaire. The definition of erectile dysfunction was based on difficulties in achieving an erection before sexual intercourse and maintaining it.

Complement activation in nephropathia epidemica caused by Puumala hantavirus.

Background And Aim: Nephropathia epidemica (NE) is a hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome caused by Puumala hantavirus. There is considerable variability in the clinical severity of NE. Its pathogenesis is largely unknown and data on complement activation in NE are scant.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: an early marker of progressive erosive disease.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical associations of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as the possible predictive role of ANCA. We also assessed the overlap of ANCA with other specific serologic markers of RA.

Methods: Eighty-two RA patients with symptoms for < or = 12 months were studied for the presence of ANCA by immunofluorescence and specific enzyme immunoassays.

Cost-effectiveness of an innovative four-year post-discharge programme for elderly patients--prospective follow-up of hospital and nursing home use in project elderly and randomized controls.

The cost-effectiveness of a post-discharge programme on the use of hospital care and the continuity of care was assessed in an elderly cohort (n = 204) discharged from the city hospital. The participation rate was 97.6%, and the patients were aged 75 years or over and lived alone.

Association of dietary elements and lower urinary tract symptoms.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to establish whether dietary elements are related to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and thus to diseases causing LUTS.

Materials And Methods: This population-based study was carried out in 1994; a questionnaire was mailed to all men born in 1924, 1934 or 1944 living in Tampere or 11 rural or semi-rural municipalities in the same county, altogether 3143 men. Of this population, 68% were ultimately included in the study.

Association of serum sialic acid and MMP-9 with lipids and inflammatory markers.

Background: Inflammation of the arterial wall has emerged to be an important contributor to the process of atherosclerosis, the major cause of coronary heart disease. Several factors are currently under investigation as inflammatory markers of atherosclerosis. Serum sialic acid and matrix metalloproteinase-9 may provide such markers.

The effects of lifelong ubiquinone Q10 supplementation on the Q9 and Q10 tissue concentrations and life span of male rats and mice.

The effect of lifelong oral supplementation with ubiquinone Q10 (10 mg/kg/day) was examined in Sprague-Dawley rats and C57/B17 mice. There were no significant differences in survival or life-span found in either rats or mice. Histopathologic examination of different rat tissues showed no differences between the groups.

Association of smoking with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Purpose: We studied the association of smoking with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Materials And Methods: In 1994 we performed a population based study by mailing a questionnaire to all 3,143 men born in 1924, 1934 or 1944 who resided in Tampere, or in 11 rural or semirural municipalities in the same county. Of this population 68% were ultimately included in the study.