Gifted students and the future

Kirsi Tirri,Petri Nokelainen 한국교육개발원 2006 KEDI Journal of Educational Policy Vol.3 No.2

The Finnish educational system has shown to be effective in the academic domain with great student achievements in comparative international studies. In this study, 316 Finnish academically gifted elementary school students were asked to write down about twenty questions about the future. The results of quantitative and qualitative content analysis showed that the amount of spiritual questions about the future increase while the number of moral questions decrease from preadolescence to adolescence. Both preadolescence and adolescence girls asked more religious questions than the same aged boys. The results of this study point to the need for thematic curriculum in the schools and the need for teachers to discuss moral, spiritual and religious questions influencing adolescents’s futures.

핀란드 사례: 북유럽 복지국가에서 왜 영 케어러 문제를 해결하지 못하는가

키르시호킬라 ( Kirsi Hokkila ) 한국보건사회연구원 2022 국제사회보장리뷰 Vol.23 No.-

핀란드의 선진적 복지제도에도 불구하고 영 케어러 숫자는 공식 집계된 바가 없다. 성인 인구의 유병률이 높아짐에 따라 자녀가 부모를 돌보는 경우가 늘고 있지만, 연구 측면 및 사회 보건 관행 측면에서 영 케어러 문제는 여전히 제대로 논의되지 않고 있다. 핀란드 입법 체계는 부모의 질병이 자녀의 복지에 미치는 영향에 대해 인지하고 있으나 그 영향을 약화시키기 위한 대책은 거의 전무한 실정이다. 이 글에서는 핀란드 내에서 영 케어러 문제에 대한 인식이 여전히 낮고 이와 관련한 발전이 더딘 이유를 분석한다.

Clinical Characteristics of Disability in Patients with Indoor Air–Related Environmental Intolerance

Aki Vuokko,Kirsi Karvala,Hille Suojalehto,Harri Lindholm,Sanna Selinheimo,Marja Heinonen-Guzejev,Sami Leppämäki,Sebastian Cederström,Christer Hublin,Katinka Tuisku,Markku Sainio 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2019 Safety and health at work Vol.10 No.3

Background: Chronic nonspecific symptoms attributed to indoor nonindustrial work environments are common and may cause disability, but the medical nature of this disability is unclear. The aim was to medically characterize the disability manifested by chronic, recurrent symptoms and restrictions to work participation attributed to low-level indoor pollutants at workplace and whether the condition shares features with idiopathic environmental intolerance. Methods: We investigated 12 patients with indoor airerelated work disability. The examinations included somatic, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations as well as investigations of the autonomic nervous system, cortisol measurements, lung function, and allergy tests. We evaluated well-being, health, disability, insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, and burnout via questionnaires. Results: The mean symptom history was 10.5 years; for disabling symptoms, 2.7 years. Eleven patients reported reactions triggered mainly by indoor molds, one by fragrances only. Ten reported sensitivity to odorous chemicals, and three, electric devices. Nearly all had co-occurrent somatic and psychiatric diagnoses and signs of pain, insomnia, burnout, and/or elevated sympathetic responses. Avoiding certain environments had led to restrictions in several life areas. On self-assessment scales, disability showed higher severity and anxiety showed lower severity than in physician assessments. Conclusion: No medical cause was found to explain the disability. Findings support that the condition is a form of idiopathic environmental intolerance and belongs to functional somatic syndromes. Instead of endless avoidance, rehabilitation approaches of functional somatic syndromes are applicable.

Clinical Characteristics of Disability in Patients with Indoor Aire-Related Environmental Intolerance

Vuokko, Aki,Karvala, Kirsi,Suojalehto, Hille,Lindholm, Harri,Selinheimo, Sanna,Heinonen-Guzejev, Marja,Leppamaki, Sami,Cederstrom, Sebastian,Hublin, Christer,Tuisku, Katinka,Sainio, Markku Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2019 Safety and health at work Vol.10 No.3

Background: Chronic nonspecific symptoms attributed to indoor nonindustrial work environments are common and may cause disability, but the medical nature of this disability is unclear. The aim was to medically characterize the disability manifested by chronic, recurrent symptoms and restrictions to work participation attributed to low-level indoor pollutants at workplace and whether the condition shares features with idiopathic environmental intolerance. Methods: We investigated 12 patients with indoor aire-related work disability. The examinations included somatic, psychological, and psychiatric evaluations as well as investigations of the autonomic nervous system, cortisol measurements, lung function, and allergy tests. We evaluated well-being, health, disability, insomnia, pain, anxiety, depression, and burnout via questionnaires. Results: The mean symptom history was 10.5 years; for disabling symptoms, 2.7 years. Eleven patients reported reactions triggered mainly by indoor molds, one by fragrances only. Ten reported sensitivity to odorous chemicals, and three, electric devices. Nearly all had co-occurrent somatic and psychiatric diagnoses and signs of pain, insomnia, burnout, and/or elevated sympathetic responses. Avoiding certain environments had led to restrictions in several life areas. On self-assessment scales, disability showed higher severity and anxiety showed lower severity than in physician assessments. Conclusion: No medical cause was found to explain the disability. Findings support that the condition is a form of idiopathic environmental intolerance and belongs to functional somatic syndromes. Instead of endless avoidance, rehabilitation approaches of functional somatic syndromes are applicable.

Ascorbic Acid 2-Phosphate Releasing Supercritically Foamed Porous Poly-L-Lactide-Co-ε-Caprolactone Scaffold Enhances the Collagen Production of Human Vaginal Stromal Cells: A New Approach for Vaginal Tissue Engineering

Sartoneva Reetta,Paakinaho Kaarlo,Hannula Markus,Kuismanen Kirsi,Huhtala Heini,Hyttinen Jari,Miettinen Susanna 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2024 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.21 No.1

Background: The reconstructive surgery of vaginal defects is highly demanding and susceptible to complications, especially in larger defects requiring nonvaginal tissue grafts. Thus, tissue engineering-based solutions could provide a potential approach to the reconstruction of vaginal defects. Methods: Here, we evaluated a novel porous ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (A2P)-releasing supercritical carbon dioxide foamed poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone (scPLCLA2P) scaffold for vaginal reconstruction with vaginal epithelial (EC) and stromal (SC) cells. The viability, proliferation, and phenotype of ECs and SCs were evaluated in monocultures and in cocultures on d 1, d 7 and d 14. Furthermore, the collagen production of SCs on scPLCLA2P was compared to that on scPLCL without A2P on d 14. Results: Both ECs and SCs maintained their viability on the scPLCLA2P scaffold in mono- and coculture conditions, and the cells maintained their typical morphology during the 14-d culture period. Most importantly, the scPLCLA2P scaffolds supported the collagen production of SCs superior to plain scPLCL based on total collagen amount, collagen I and III gene expression results and collagen immunostaining results. Conclusion: This is the first study evaluating the effect of A2P on vaginal tissue engineering, and the results are highly encouraging, indicating that scPLCLA2P has potential as a scaffold for vaginal tissue engineering. Background: The reconstructive surgery of vaginal defects is highly demanding and susceptible to complications, especially in larger defects requiring nonvaginal tissue grafts. Thus, tissue engineering-based solutions could provide a potential approach to the reconstruction of vaginal defects. Methods: Here, we evaluated a novel porous ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (A2P)-releasing supercritical carbon dioxide foamed poly-L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone (scPLCLA2P) scaffold for vaginal reconstruction with vaginal epithelial (EC) and stromal (SC) cells. The viability, proliferation, and phenotype of ECs and SCs were evaluated in monocultures and in cocultures on d 1, d 7 and d 14. Furthermore, the collagen production of SCs on scPLCLA2P was compared to that on scPLCL without A2P on d 14. Results: Both ECs and SCs maintained their viability on the scPLCLA2P scaffold in mono- and coculture conditions, and the cells maintained their typical morphology during the 14-d culture period. Most importantly, the scPLCLA2P scaffolds supported the collagen production of SCs superior to plain scPLCL based on total collagen amount, collagen I and III gene expression results and collagen immunostaining results. Conclusion: This is the first study evaluating the effect of A2P on vaginal tissue engineering, and the results are highly encouraging, indicating that scPLCLA2P has potential as a scaffold for vaginal tissue engineering.

Short- and Long-term Effects of a Physical Exercise Intervention on Work Ability and Work Strain in Symptomatic Menopausal Women

Rutanen, Reetta,Luoto, Riitta,Raitanen, Jani,Mansikkamaki, Kirsi,Tomas, Eija,Nygard, Clas-Hakan Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute 2014 Safety and health at work Vol.5 No.4

Background: Physical exercise during leisure time is known to increase physical capacity; however, the long-term effects on work ability and work strain are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-month physical exercise program on work ability and work strain after 6 months and 30 months, among women with menopausal symptoms at baseline. Methods: A questionnaire including questions on work ability and work strain was mailed in the beginning, at 6 months and after 30 months after the intervention to occupationally active women participating in a randomized controlled study on physical exercise and quality of life. The intervention included aerobic exercise training 4 times per week, 50 minutes per session. Work ability was measured with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and with questions about physical and mental work strain. Results: Women aged 47-62 years (N=89) who were occupationally active at baseline were included in the analyses. The increase in WAI from baseline to the end of the exercise intervention (6 months) was statistically significantly greater among the intervention group than among the control group (regression coefficient 2.08; 95% confidence interval 0.71-3.46). The difference between the groups persisted for 30 months. No significant short- or long-term effects on physical and mental work strain were found. Conclusion: A 6-month physical exercise intervention among symptomatic menopausal women had positive short-term as well as long-term effects on work ability.

Short- and Long-term Effects of a Physical Exercise Intervention on Work Ability and Work Strain in Symptomatic Menopausal Women

Reetta Rutanen 1,Riitta Luoto,Jani Raitanen,Kirsi Mansikkamäki,Eija Tomás,Clas-Håkan Nygård 한국산업안전보건공단 산업안전보건연구원 2014 Safety and health at work Vol.5 No.4

Background: Physical exercise during leisure time is known to increase physical capacity; however, the long-term effects on work ability and work strain are inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a 6-month physical exercise program on work ability and work strain after 6 months and 30 months, among women with menopausal symptoms at baseline. Methods: A questionnaire including questions on work ability and work strain was mailed in the beginning, at 6 months and after 30 months after the intervention to occupationally active women participating in a randomized controlled study on physical exercise and quality of life. The intervention included aerobic exercise training 4 times per week, 50 minutes per session. Work ability was measured with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and with questions about physical and mental work strain. Results: Women aged 47e62 years (N ¼ 89) who were occupationally active at baseline were included in the analyses. The increase in WAI from baseline to the end of the exercise intervention (6 months) was statistically significantly greater among the intervention group than among the control group (regression coefficient 2.08; 95% confidence interval 0.71e3.46). The difference between the groups persisted for 30 months. No significant short- or long-term effects on physical and mental work strain were found. Conclusion: A 6-month physical exercise intervention among symptomatic menopausal women had positive short-term as well as long-term effects on work ability.

Uterine fibroids: postsonication temperature decay rate enables prediction of therapeutic responses to MR imaging-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation.

Kim, Young-sun,Park, Min Jung,Keserci, Bilgin,Nurmilaukas, Kirsi,K?hler, Max O,Rhim, Hyunchul,Lim, Hyo Keun Radiological Society of North America 2014 Radiology Vol. No.

<P>To determine whether intraprocedural thermal parameters as measured with magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry can be used to predict immediate or delayed therapeutic response after MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of uterine fibroids.</P>

Trunk Muscle Strength After Lumbar Spine Fusion: A 12-Month Follow-up

Outi Elina Ilves,Marko Henrik Neva,Keijo Häkkinen,Joost Dekker,William J. Kraemer,Sami Tarnanen,Kati Kyrölä,Jari Ylinen,Kirsi Piitulainen,Salme Järvenpää,Tiina Kaistila,Arja Häkkinen 대한척추신경외과학회 2019 Neurospine Vol.16 No.2

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in trunk muscle strength 12 months after lumbar spine fusion (LSF) compared to preoperative strength. Methods: A total of 194 patients (mean±standard deviation [SD] age, 61±21 years) who underwent LSF participated in this prospective longitudinal study. Physical measurements of the participants were made before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. Isometric trunk extension and flexion strength was measured using a strain-gauge dynamometer in the standing position. Strength changes were calculated. Regression analysis was performed to explore which factors predicted strength levels at 12 months postoperatively. Results: The preoperative mean±SD extension strength was 205±144 N, which increased to 258±142 N (p<0.001) at the 12-month follow-up. Flexion strength increased from 295±172 N to 364±164 N (p<0.001). The preoperative extension/flexion strength ratio was 0.75±0.38 and remained similar (0.73±0.26) at 12 months postoperatively (p=0.39). Conclusion: Although trunk muscle strength increased by 26% for extension and 23% for flexion at the 12-month postoperative follow-up, both values remained objectively low. In addition, flexion strength remained higher than extension strength, which indicates an imbalance between those muscle groups. Age, severe back pain, and low trunk muscle strength before surgery predicted low trunk muscle strength at 1 year after spinal fusion.