A framework for quantifying geodiversity at the local scale: a case study from the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark.

Geoconservation and related quantitative and qualitative geodiversity assessments are gaining increasing attention. However, methodologies for measuring geodiversity at local scale are currently rare. Here, we present a framework for assessing local-scale geodiversity of different landforms using field-based and digital elevation model (DEM-) derived data from the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark in Finland.

Quantitative measurement of geodiversity uniqueness: research implications and conservation applications.

Quantitative approaches are needed to complement qualitative explorations to identify sites with unique geodiversity and thereby guide geoconservation and geoheritage programmes. Here, we introduce the concept and associated index of 'geodiversity uniqueness'. This index is based on a numerical analysis of geofeatures and allows the identification of sites with unique geodiversity in a study area.

Geodiversity data for Europe.

Geodiversity is an essential part of nature's diversity. However, geodiversity is insufficiently understood in terms of its spatial distribution and its relationship to biodiversity over large spatial extents. Here, we present European geodiversity data at resolutions of 1 km and 10 km.

Towards a taxonomy of geodiversity.

Geodiversity is a topical concept in earth and environmental sciences. Geodiversity information is needed to conserve nature, use ecosystem services and achieve sustainable development goals. Despite the increasing demand for geodiversity data, there exists no comprehensive system for categorizing geodiversity.

Quality of surgical patient-reported outcome measure validation studies is often deficient: a systematic review.

Objectives: To examine the methodological basis behind the conclusions of patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) validation studies.

Study Design And Setting: A systematic review was performed on surgical studies evaluating the measurement properties of a PROM between June 1 and December 31, 2021. The quality of the validity subfield evaluation in the studies was assessed according to the consensus-based standards for the selection of health measurement instruments checklist.

Acknowledging geodiversity in safeguarding biodiversity and human health.

Our existence on Earth is founded on a vital nature, which supports human physical and mental health. However, nature is often depicted only through biodiversity, whereas geodiversity-the diversity of non-living nature-has so far been neglected. Geodiversity consists of assemblages, structures, and systems of geological, geomorphological, soil, and hydrological components that fundamentally underlie biodiversity.

Combining geodiversity with climate and topography to account for threatened species richness.

Understanding threatened species diversity is important for long-term conservation planning. Geodiversity-the diversity of Earth surface materials, forms, and processes-may be a useful biodiversity surrogate for conservation and have conservation value itself. Geodiversity and species richness relationships have been demonstrated; establishing whether geodiversity relates to threatened species' diversity and distribution pattern is a logical next step for conservation.

Effect of weight loss on inflammation in patients with mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Background And Aims: Inflammation may be one mediating mechanism for cardiovascular diseases in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, little is known about subclinical inflammation or the effect of lifestyle intervention on inflammation in early stages of OSA. The aim of this substudy of an existing randomized controlled trial, with post hoc analyses, was to determine the impact of lifestyle changes aimed at weight reduction on inflammatory biomarkers in overweight patients with mild OSA.

Sustained improvement in mild obstructive sleep apnea after a diet- and physical activity-based lifestyle intervention: postinterventional follow-up.

Background: Obesity is the most important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Weight-reduction programs have been observed to represent effective treatment of overweight patients with OSA. However, it is not known whether beneficial changes remain after the end of the intervention.

Lifestyle intervention with weight reduction: first-line treatment in mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Rationale: Obesity is the most important risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, although included in clinical guidelines, no randomized controlled studies have been performed on the effects of weight reduction on mild OSA.

Objectives: The aim of this prospective, randomized controlled parallel-group 1-year follow-up study was to determine whether a very low calorie diet (VLCD) with supervised lifestyle counseling could be an effective treatment for adults with mild OSA.

Effect of weight reduction on rhinometric measurements in overweight patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Background: Elevated nasal resistance and obesity predispose to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Weight loss has been shown to result in an alleviation of OSA, but its effect on nasal airflow has not been studied.

Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled study with two parallel groups.

Hypertonic saline cough provocation test with salbutamol pre-treatment: evidence for sensorineural dysfunction in asthma.

Background: Cough is one of the most common symptoms of asthma. However, studies using capsaicin, citric acid, or tartaric acid to document cough threshold have repeatedly failed to show statistically significant differences between asthmatic and healthy subjects. The studies using hypertonic aerosols as the cough stimulant have suggested an enhanced sensitivity in asthmatic subjects but the induced bronchoconstriction has made the interpretation of the results difficult.

Thirty-year cumulative incidence of chronic bronchitis and COPD in relation to 30-year pulmonary function and 40-year mortality: a follow-up in middle-aged rural men.

Purpose: To describe the 30-year cumulative incidence of chronic bronchitis and COPD in relation to smoking habits. The effect of chronic bronchitis on pulmonary function and mortality was also examined.

Methods: Middle-aged men belonging to two rural Finnish cohorts of the Seven Countries Study (n = 1,711 in 1959) were followed up for up to 40 years until 2000.

Aspergillus fumigatus challenge increases cytokine levels in nasal lavage fluid.

Several studies have shown an association between exposure in moisture-damaged buildings and adverse health effects. There are several indicator microbes of moisture damage, but Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the best-documented molds provoking health problems in different occupational conditions. We assessed whether inhalation of a commercial A.

Experimental PVC material challenge in subjects with occupational PVC exposure.

Background: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials have been linked to asthma in several epidemiologic studies, but the possible causal factors remain unknown.

Participants: We challenged 10 subjects experimentally to degraded PVC products under controlled conditions. All of the subjects had previously experienced respiratory symptoms suspected to be caused by this kind of exposure in their work place.

Short-term and seasonal variations of exhaled and nasal NO in healthy subjects.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important biological mediator with a variety of cellular and tissue functions. Fractional exhaled (FE(NO)) and nasal NO (FN(NO)) are known to be altered in several respiratory tract disease and disorders. However, there are rather few studies into the reproducibility of FE(NO) or FN(NO) measurements in healthy subjects.

Determinants of the bronchodilation response to salbutamol on histamine-induced bronchoconstriction.

Assessment of the bronchodilation response to short-acting beta2-adrenoreceptor agonists on pharmacologically induced bronchoconstriction has often been used to investigate airway smooth muscle beta2-adrenoreceptor function. However, little is known about factors affecting this response. In the present study, the bronchodilation response to 0.

The effects of Aspergillus fumigatus challenge on exhaled and nasal NO levels.

Several studies have previously shown that exposure to indoor air microbes from moisture-damaged buildings can cause adverse health effects. Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the best-documented moulds causing health problems to those exposed. In this study, inhalation of a commercial A.

Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentration as an indicator of adrenocortical suppression during inhaled steroid therapy in adult asthmatic patients.

Objective: Supraphysiological doses of exogenous glucocorticosteroids cause adrenocortical suppression. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is the most abundant adrenal androgen and estrogen precursor. We studied to what extent inhaled glucocorticosteroid therapy for asthma decreases serum DHEA-S concentrations.

The remediation of mold damaged school--a three-year follow-up study on teachers' health.

The health effects in teachers of a mold-damaged school before and during an extensive remediation process were assessed. Health data were collected with self-administered questionnaires from teachers (n=31) working in a moisture and mold damaged school and from the reference group of teachers (n=13) working in a non-damaged school. The questionnaire study was repeated three times.

Inhalation challenge with bovine dander allergens: who needs it?

Study Objectives: To identify which tests would be useful in selecting patients for a specific inhalation challenge with bovine dander allergens (bSIC).

Design: A prospective study.

Setting: A university hospital.

Delaying decline in pulmonary function with physical activity: a 25-year follow-up.

The importance of physical activity for health is well recognized, but little is known about the influence of physical activity on pulmonary function. We have examined whether physical activity could slow down the decline in pulmonary function among the southwestern rural Finnish cohort of the Seven Countries Study. Physical activity was estimated by kilometers walked, cycled, and skied daily.

Nitric oxide alone is an insufficient biomarker of exposure to microbes in a moisture-damaged building.

Several epidemiological studies have revealed a large variety of adverse health effects related to exposure to microbes in moisture damaged buildings. Recently some evidence has been reported for a biochemical linkage between microbial exposure and the respiratory symptoms suffered by the occupants. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the value of nitric oxide (NO) measurements in determining the inflammatory status of airways in inhabitants of problem buildings.

Threshold levels of purified natural Bos d 2 for inducing bronchial airway response in asthmatic patients.

Background: Provocation tests are invaluable in establishing threshold levels and a causal relationship between atopic asthma and a certain allergen source, especially in relation to work-associated exposure. Purified major allergens open possibilities for a more accurate assessment of sensitization.

Objective: To determine the threshold dose of purified major bovine dander allergen Bos d 2 in bronchial provocation in comparison with the standard allergen and a set of other parameters of allergy.