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The aim of this study was to discover what kind of perceptions young children in need of social, emotional, and behavioural support have about themselves. The interest was especially in social and emotional self-perceptions. For this study, ten children attending Finnish early childhood education and care were interviewed in spring 2016 and the material was analysed by using thematic analysis. Several developmental characteristics, typical for children aged 4-7 years, were found in the analysis such as general positivity of self-perceptions. However, the children's perceptions also included atypical and negative features which manifested in various ways. Based on these features, four self-perception types were formed to describe the levels of positivity and negativity as well as the different features typical for each child and for each self-perception type. The results and possible explanations of the findings are discussed.

In this work we present and discuss the design of an array of soft-sensors to estimate the nitrate concentration in the denitrifying post-filtration unit at the Viikinmäki wastewater treatment plant in Helsinki (Finland). The developed sensors aim at supporting the existing hardware analyzers by providing a reliable back-up system in case of malfunction of the instruments. In the attempt to design easy to implement and interpretable sensors, computationally light linear models have been considered. However, due to the intrinsic nonlinearity of the process, also nonlinear but still computationally affordable models have been considered for comparison. The experimental results demonstrate the potential of the developed soft-sensors and the possibility for an on-line implementation in the plant's control system as alternative monitoring devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is widespread among swine. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of loosely housed sow herds in Finland with at least one animal with high (infection level) PPV antibodies and to gather basic knowledge about vaccination practices. In addition, selected factors associated with high antibody levels found in sows were examined. Altogether, 247 animals were sampled in 21 randomly chosen loosely housed sow herds. Samples were analysed with the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. PPV proved to be common; in 17 farms (81%) at least one animal had a high titre (>1 : 512), and 44% of all animals sampled had a high titre. The vaccination programmes had many shortcomings. In the generalised estimation equations (GEE)population-averaged model developed, the factors found to have a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on HI titres were herd size, parity of two or greater and storage of the vaccine vial after use. Non-returning rate, re-breeding interval and litter size did not differ between herds with no high HI titres (n = 4) and those with at least one high HI titre (n = 17). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic agent that causes acute hepatitis in humans, and infects several animal species, most importantly swine. In the current study, that presents the first evidence of HEV infections in pigs in Finland, genetic divergence and transmission of HEV was investigated among pigs at a swine test station at two occasions. In 2007, HEV RNA was found in 25% of pens, and 35% of 2- 3 month-old pigs at the station. Three different isolates, comprising 13 sequences of HEV genotype 3e that were imported from different farms were detected. In 2010, 39% of pigs were HEV RNA positive on weeks 1, 3, or 5 of a 3-month follow-up, and 11 sequences, all representing one of the isolates that was also present in 2007, were detected. The isolate was considered to be either re-introduced to, or to persist at the station, and it was transmitted between the pigs. The study sheds light on the rate and time of HEV transmission in swine, and describes the epidemiologic variability of HEV isolates over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the operational performance and the microbial community dynamics during the start-up of ANITATMMox technology implemented at full-scale wastewater treatment plant in Finland to treat reject water from anaerobic digesters. The average ammonium removal in the studied setup reached around 90%, withstanding ammonium loads up to 0.13 g N m−2h−1. The nitrite concentration in the effluent did not exceed 10 mg L−1, and there was a slight accumulation of NO 3 −-N during the operation which was controlled. Thus, the result showed a robust success to high ammonium loading in presence of organic matter. The sequencing showed a heterogeneous microbial population where Methanosaeta , WCHA1-57 genus, Sphingobacteriia , Chlorobia and diverse unknown fungi were found as dominant phylotypes. Moreover, members of the Brocadiaceae family were dominant in the adhered biomass, mostly represented by Candidatus Scalindua, rarely reported in WWTPs. Overall, the results demonstrated a drastic effect of region-specific operational conditions on carrier biofilm microbial communities as it was demonstrated by the microbial studies. • ANITATMMox reactor was implemented at full-scale in Viikinmäki. • The plastic carriers were colonized successfully by a compact and thick biofilm. • Candidatus Scalindua was the most representative anammox bacteria. • ANITATMMox technology with pre-seeded carrier showed shorter period of start-up. • ANITATMMox reactor was robust in nitrogen removal regardless of influent loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenolic compounds in juices and ciders made with Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schizosaccharomyces pombe from eleven Finnish apple cultivars were analyzed using liquid chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods combined with multivariate data analysis. In general, the ciders contained less phenolic compounds than corresponding apple juices. In the studied apple juices and ciders, hydroxycinnamic acids were the most predominant, accounting for around 80% of total phenolic compounds. Apple juices contained more flavonol glycosides and dihydrochalcones whereas cider processing resulted in increased amount of free hydroxycinnamic acids. The contents of individual phenolic compounds were more dependent on the apple cultivars than the yeast species. Certain cultivars contained remarkably higher contents of dihydrochalcones and hydroxycinnamic acids when comparing with other cultivars. Ciders made using S. pombe remained higher contents of procyanidins and (+)-catechin while S. cerevisiae ciders contained higher individual hydroxycinnamic acids, such as 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid, and 4-O-p-coumaroylquinic acid., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

We investigated connections between antimicrobial use (AMU), biosecurity, and the numbers of pigs and staff in ten Finnish farrow-to-finish herds. Data on AMU in each herd were collected for 12 months. AMU was quantified as treatment incidences per 1000 days at risk (TI) using the consensus defined daily dose calculation. Biosecurity was scored using the Biocheck.UGent™ system. We also examined antimicrobial resistance patterns of indicator E. coli isolated from faeces of selected pigs. In each herd, two groups of five pigs were formed: 1) antimicrobial treatment group (ANT: at least one pig in the litter was identified as sick and treated with antimicrobials) and 2) non-antimicrobial treatment group (NON: the litter was not medicated). Faecal samples were taken from these pigs at 5 and 22 weeks of age, cultured, and indicator E. coli isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibilities. The AMU varied considerably between the herds. Altogether, most of the antimicrobial treatment courses were assigned to weaned piglets. When AMU was quantified as TIs, suckling piglets had the highest TI (mean 46.6), which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than TIs in fatteners and breeders (9.3 and 7.3, respectively). The difference between TI in suckling and TI in weaned piglets (19.1) was not statistically significant. There was a tendency for a negative correlation between the TI in breeders and the number of sows (r = -0.56, P = 0.09). Larger herds had higher external biosecurity scores than smaller herds (LS-means; 72 vs. 66, P < 0.05). The proportions of E. coli isolates resistant to at least one antimicrobial were higher in pigs at 5 weeks than in pigs at 22 weeks of age (Binomial proportion means; 40.5 % vs. 15.5 %, P < 0.05); as well as proportions of isolates resistant to at least three antimicrobial classes (23.0 % vs. 3.7 %, P < 0.01). These proportions did not differ between the ANT and NON groups at either 5 or 22 weeks of age (P> 0.05). We found few connections: enhanced external biosecurity levels found in the large herds co-occurred with lower use of antimicrobials and herds with low biosecurity scores - especially in the internal subcategories - appeared to have higher proportions of resistant isolates. Conclusively, we suggest that enhancing internal biosecurity might contribute to a reduction in the spreading of antimicrobial resistance in pig herds., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Composition of volatile compounds and concentrations of sugars and organic acids were studied in apple ciders produced with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe yeasts using eleven different Finnish apple cultivars. Moreover, sensory quality of selected ciders was studied using check-all-that-apply test with untrained panelists. Seventy-seven volatile compounds were detected in the samples using HS-SPME-GC-MS. In general, the ciders had higher concentrations of higher alcohols, aldehydes, and acetals whereas the juices contained higher contents of C6-alcohols. Simultaneously, fermentation using S. pombe resulted in lower concentrations of malic acid, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, and volatile acids and higher concentrations of residual sugars compared to S. cerevisiae. Ciders made using S. cerevisiae were characterized as 'alcoholic' and 'yeasty' while S. pombe ciders were more frequently described as 'sweet', 'honey-like', and less rated as sour. Besides the strong effect by the yeasts, apple cultivars had significant effects on the compositional and sensorial properties of apple ciders., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

European hazelnut ( Corylus avellana L.) is a strictly cross-pollinated diploid tree species, which has its northernmost populations in Fennoscandia, and it was one of the first species to recolonize northern Europe after the last ice age. Hazelnut produces edible nuts in Finland but nowadays they are underutilized as food, and currently no breeding programmes exist. In the present study, 300 hazelnut specimens were collected from 20 different locations (= populations) in Finland, and they were genetically analyzed using nine simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Most of the genetic diversity existed within populations (83%). According to different genetic analyses (STRUCTURE, principal coordinates analysis, and clustering), a general lack of structure was observed, suggesting extensive gene flow among hazelnuts between 17 investigated populations. However, genetic structuring was clearly observed in three populations: Hakavuori, Mustiala, and Pähkinämäki, which might have become isolated due to geographical barriers that kept them separate, diminishing gene flow from other populations. Studying the diversity of European hazelnut is of great interest for understanding population genetics of a species distributed in its marginal areas in the north, and the results are also valuable for further uses in plant conservation, selection, and possible future breeding actions in Finland.

Current macroscopic meat inspection cannot detect the most common pork-borne pathogens (Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica and Toxoplasma gondii). Furthermore, food chain information (FCI) may not provide sufficient data for visual-only inspection, which is supposed to be the common way of inspection of pigs in the European Union. Our observational study aimed to evaluate the serological monitoring and the clinical evaluation of on-farm health status of pigs and assess the feasibility of these data as part of the FCI in meat inspection. We studied the serological status of Salmonella spp., Yersinia spp. and T. gondii in pigs during the fattening period. Additionally, we evaluated the association between on-farm health status and meat inspection findings. On 57 indoor fattening pig farms in Finland, we collected blood samples (mean of 20 pigs/farm) and assessed the on-farm health (coughing, tail biting, lameness) at the end of the fattening period. We visited 34 of these farms also at the beginning of the fattening for sampling and on-farm health evaluation of the same pigs. Meat inspection results were obtained after slaughter for all 57 farms. Salmonella seroprevalence was low at the end of the fattening period: it was 17.6%, 10.6% or 1.9%, with the cut-off values of OD15% (recommended by the test manufacturer), OD20% (used by Danish monitoring programme) and OD40% (used by German monitoring programme), respectively. The overall seroprevalence of Salmonella spp. and Yersinia spp. increased significantly (P < 0.001) during the fattening period (from 8.1% to 17.2% and from 30.3% to 72.3%, respectively), while the seroprevalence of T. gondii remained low (<1%). The within-farm seroprevalences of Salmonella spp. and Yersinia spp. differed significantly between the farms and this farm-level serological data could be used as FCI for risk-based decisions to improve food safety. Such potentially feasible decisions could include additional carcass testing, carcass decontamination, carcass processing, slaughtering arrangements and improved biosecurity measures at the farm. However, risk mitigation targets and procedures must be carefully adjusted for each pathogen regarding also economic aspects. Tail biting observed on farm was associated with partial carcass condemnations and arthritis at slaughter. This information could be included in the FCI and used when making decisions regarding meat inspection procedure: visual-only or additional inspections., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Present phosphorus (P) recovery technologies mainly contain P recovery from sludge liquor or ash. These types of technologies are suitable for large wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR), digestion and/or incineration. In Finland and other Nordic countries, strict P discharge limits require chemical precipitation, thus EBPR alone is not sufficient. Ammonium recovery from wastewater, on the other hand, is not so often discussed. However, recovery from WWTP reject waters would decrease the energy demand of ammonium synthesis by Haber-Bosh technology and the energy demand of the WWTP's biological process. Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY) has developed a new process called RAVITA whereby P and nitrogen recovery are combined in order to produce phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 ) and ammonium phosphate (NH 4 ) 3 PO 4 . Furthermore, in this process metal salt used in precipitation is recovered. The research was carried out on pilot (1,000 population equivalent) and laboratory scales. The objectives of this article are to explain the principles of the RAVITA process and give the first results of processing and production of chemical sludge.

No single measure is able to provide a complete picture of population- or community-level drug abuse and its current trends. Therefore, a multi-indicator approach is needed. The aim of this study was to combine wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) with data from other national indicators, namely driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) statistics, drug seizures, and drug use surveys. Furthermore, drug market size estimates and a comparison of confiscated drugs to drugs actually consumed by users were performed using the WBE approach. Samples for wastewater analysis were collected during one-week sampling periods in 2012, 2014 and 2015, with a maximum of 14 cities participating. The samples were analysed with a validated ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric (UHPLC-MS/MS) methodology for various common drugs of abuse. The results were then compared with data from other national indicators available. Joint interpretation of the data shows that the use of amphetamine and MDMA has increased in Finland from 2012 to 2014. A similar trend was also observed for cocaine, although its use remains at a very low level compared to many other European countries. Heroin was practically absent from the Finnish drug market during the study period. The retail market for the most common stimulant drugs were estimated to have been worth EUR 70 million for amphetamine and around EUR 10 million for both methamphetamine and cocaine, in 2014 in Finland., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections occur in swine worldwide. The porcine infection is usually subclinical, but HEV genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic agents that cause sporadic, indigenous human cases of hepatitis E. The aims of this study were to investigate the occurrence and dynamics of HEV infections in young pigs by analyzing a total of 273 fecal samples collected from six farrowing farms, to genetically characterize the HEV isolates obtained, and to examine the phylogenetic relationships of HEV isolates occurring at different swine farms in Finland. Fecal shedding of HEV of individual piglets was followed at two farms that were selected from five farms identified as HEV RNA positive. Excretion of HEV was detected in 87.5% of the piglets during the survey. Piglets contracted primary HEV infection 3-8 weeks after weaning, and at the time they were transferred to fattening farms, practically all (96.6%) of the pigs with a sample available at this occasion still excreted the virus. According to phylogenetic analysis, all HEV isolates obtained belonged to HEV genotype 3, subtype e, and a separate, farm-specific isolate originated from 10 of 11 farms examined. The results of our study show that HEV infections are highly common in young pigs, and HEV RNA-positive pigs enable HEV transmission from farrowing to fattening farms, creating a possible risk of infection for pig handlers, and that genetic variations in HEVs originating from different farms occur.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of serum antibodies to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) in Finnish farmed wild boars and to evaluate basic risk factors for seropositivity of the agent. A sampling frame was compiled based on the national record of wild boar farmers (n = 117), and 26 herds were included in the study. Serum samples (n = 206) were obtained from all animals slaughtered from these herds during the 2007-2008 period. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques were used to detect the possible presence of antibodies toward 12 serotypes of APP. Altogether, 1,442 analyses were performed, out of which 35 (2.4%) exceeded the positive cut-off value. Correspondingly, 26 of the pigs (12.6%) were found to be seropositive for any serotype of APP. The apparent animal prevalence of the cross-reacting APP serotypes 1, 9, and 11 was 3.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1-7%); it was 0.5% (CI 0-1%) for serotype 2; 3.4% (CI 1-6%) for serotypes 3, 6, and 8; 7.3% (CI 4-11%) for serotypes 4 and 7; 0.5% (CI 0-1%) for serotype 10; and 1.5% (CI 0-3%) for serotype 12. No antibodies against serotype 5s were detected. The apparent farm prevalence of APP serotypes 1,9, and 11 was 15.4% (CI 2-29%); that of serotype 2 was 3.8% (CI 0-11%); that of serotypes 3, 6, and 8 was 11.5% (CI 0-24%); that of serotypes 4 and 7 was 34.6% (CI 16-53%); that of serotype 10 was 3.8% (CI 0-11%); and that of serotype 12 was 7.7% (CI 0-18%). In conclusion, the prevalence of serum antibodies to different APP serotypes was low in farmed wild boar. Risk factor analysis did not reveal any significant animal- or herd-level risk factors for seropositivity of the agent.

Estimations of drug use at the national level are generally based on various sources of information, such as drug seizures, socio-scientific studies, toxicological data and hospital records. Nevertheless, all of these approaches have limitations that cannot be overcome, even if conclusions are drawn from combined data retrieved from different sources. Drug epidemiology through wastewater analysis has the potential to provide unique perspectives, internationally comparable data, and up-to-date information on the use of both traditional illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPSs). In Finland, no large-scale studies on regional illicit drug consumption, based on a wastewater approach, have been reported. In this study, 24-h influent composite samples were collected during two 1-week study periods from ten different wastewater treatment plants in May and November-December 2012. The cities included in the study represent the geographical areas throughout Finland and cover 40% of the Finnish population. The samples were analyzed with an in-house validated, ultra high-performance liquid-chromatography mass spectrometric (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for various common illicit drugs and some NPS type stimulant drugs. The results were also compared with available statistics, information on drug seizures and laboratory-confirmed toxicological data, as well as other studies available based on wastewater analysis. The data show that illicit stimulant drug use is more common in the larger cities of Southern Finland. Amphetamine was the most commonly used drug in all 10 cities during both collection periods (excluding the collection period in May in Lappeenranta). Cocaine consumption remains very low in Finland in comparison to other European countries; it was concentrated in the biggest cities in Southern Finland. This study shows interesting temporal and spatial differences in drug use in Finland, as well as the possibilities of using wastewater analytics to reveal local hotspots of NPS consumption., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The effect of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen on the post farrowing phase of sows was studied in a randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Ketoprofen (3mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly to 20 healthy sows for 3 days post-partum (p.p.). The control group (n=20) received a saline placebo. Backfat, number of days of constipation and days before feed refusal were measured. Body condition (BCS) and shoulder sores were scored for 1 week p.p. Changes in BCS, backfat and shoulder sore scores were analysed with ANOVA. Blood was collected on days -1, 0, 5 and 14 with respect to medication. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), haptoglobin and serum amyloid A (SAA) were quantified and analysed with a Mann-Whitney U test. BCS and backfat decreased less following ketoprofen administration than with the placebo (-0.08 ± 0.2 vs. -0.8 ± 0.2, 1.0 ± 0.8mm vs. -2.0 ± 0.9 mm, respectively; P<0.05 for both) during the first 2 weeks of lactation. The shoulder sore score deterioration was milder during days 4-6 p.p. with ketoprofen than placebo (P<0.05). Duration of constipation was shorter with ketoprofen than placebo (5.5 ± 0.3 vs. 6.4 ± 0.3 days p.p.; P<0.05). Incidences of feed refusal occurred later in the ketoprofen group than in the placebos (9.6 ± 0.9 vs. 3.8 ± 0.8 days p.p.; P<0.05). AST and SAA values were higher after ketoprofen administration than placebo on day 5 p.p. (P<0.05). It was concluded that ketoprofen appeared to benefit sows during the first 2 weeks post farrowing, but caused some tissue irritation., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Tail biting has several identified feeding-related risk factors. Tail biters are often said to be lighter and thinner than other pigs in the pen, possibly because of nutrition-related problems such as reduced feed intake or inability to use nutrients efficiently. This can lead to an increase in foraging behavior and tail biting. In this study, a total of 55 pigs of different ages were selected according to their tail-biting behavior (bouts/hour) and pen-feeding system to form eight experimental groups: tail-biting pigs (TB), victim pigs (V) and control pigs from a tail-biting pen (Ctb) and control pen (Cno) having either free access to feed with limited feeding space or meal feeding from a long trough. After euthanasia, a segment of jejunal cell wall was cut from 50 cm (S50) and 100 cm (S100) posterior to the bile duct. Villus height, crypt depth and villus : crypt ratio (V : C) were measured morphometrically. Blood serum concentration of minerals and plasma concentration of amino acids (AA) was determined. Villus height was greater in Cno than Ctb pigs in the proximal and mid-jejunum (P < 0.05), indicative of better ability to absorb nutrients, and increased with age in the proximal jejunum (P < 0.001). Serum mineral concentration of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and calcium (Ca) was lower in Ctb compared with Cno pigs, and that of Pi in V compared with all the other pigs. Many non-essential AA were lower in pigs from tail-biting pens, and particularly in victim pigs. Free access feeding with shared feeding space was associated with lower levels of essential AA in blood than meal feeding with simultaneous feeding space. Our data suggest that being a pig in a tail-biting pen is associated with decreased jejunal villus height and blood AA levels, possibly because of depressed absorption capacity, feeding behavior or environmental stress associated with tail biting. Victim pigs had lower concentrations of AA and Pi in plasma, possibly as a consequence of being bitten.

Pigs are the most important reservoir of Yersinia enterocolitica infections in humans. Knowledge of farm management practices that contribute to the transmission of this bacterial species in pigs is essential to understand how to control this foodborne pathogen in food production. The prevalence of Y. enterocolitica, and other results obtained from an age trend analysis were used to estimate the on-farm risk of transmission of specific management practices for this pathogen in 30 pig farms in Finland. Log-linear analysis revealed that rearing pigs in pens without or with sparse amounts of bedding and buying piglets from more than one farm were the variables that contribute most to the occurrence of Y. enterocolitica. The study also found that using an all-in/all-out management system and supplying water of municipal origin were factors that might reduce the prevalence of Y. enterocolitica, and therefore the risk of transmission of Y. enterocolitica in pig farms.

In modern swine production failure of sows to become pregnant within the expected time after weaning results in major economic loss and culling of sows. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of duration of farrowing on subsequent repeat breeding rate. The study was performed in a commercial sow-pool piggery system in Finland comprising 148 sows (Yorkshire × Landrace). A multivariate analysis was undertaken on data for parity, weaning to estrus interval, boar, number of inseminations, season, sow back-fat thickness, gestation length, duration of farrowing, number of live-born piglets, number of stillborn piglets, lactation length, and number of piglets weaned. Furthermore, two farrowing systems (crate vs. pen) were investigated. A binary logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of these factors on the repeat breeding rate (pregnant vs. not pregnant at first insemination after weaning). The total duration of previous farrowing was longer in rebred sows (357 ± 207 minutes, average ± SD) than in pregnant sows (255 ± 126 minutes; P < 0.01). The other parameters were not statistically significant to the outcome of first insemination after weaning. In conclusion, we established that sows with long duration of farrowing have higher repeat breeding rate at the first insemination after weaning and could be used as an indicator for subsequent fertility., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent is typically dependent on diurnal variation of urban production of liquid waste, infiltration of stormwater runoff and groundwater infiltration. During wet weather conditions the infiltration phenomenon typically increases the risk of overflows in the sewer system as well as the risk of having to bypass the WWTP. Combined sewer infrastructure multiplies the role of rainwater runoff in the total influent. Due to climate change, rain intensity and magnitude is tending to rise as well, which can already be observed in the normal operation of WWTPs. Bypass control can be improved if the WWTP is prepared for the increase of influent, especially if there is some storage capacity prior to the treatment plant. One option for this bypass control is utilisation of on-line weather-radar-based forecast data of rainfall as an input for the on-line influent model. This paper reports the Viikinmäki WWTP wet weather influent modelling project results where gridded exceedance probabilities of hourly rainfall accumulations for the next 3 h from the Finnish Meteorological Institute are utilised as on-line input data for the influent model.

The aim of this study was to estimate in farmed European wild boars the prevalence of and risk factors associated with a range of common porcine viral and bacterial infections, namely, porcine parvovirus (PPV), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), swine influenza virus (SIV), Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV), coronavirus causing transmissible gastroenteritis (TGEV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Lawsonia intracellularis, Brucella spp., and Leptospira spp. A sampling frame was compiled based on a national record of wild boar farmers, and 32 farms were surveyed. Serological screening was carried out on 303 samples from animals slaughtered between 2005 and 2008, and random-effect logistic regression models were developed for pathogens with a 'non-zero' prevalence. The apparent animal prevalence for PPV, PCV2, and L. intracellularis was 46.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 41-52%), 51.1% (95% CI 45-57%) and 59.2% (95% CI 54-65%), respectively. Apparent farm seroprevalence rates for PPV, PCV2 and Lawsonia intracellularis were 56.3% (95% CI, 39-73%), 21.9% (95% CI, 8-36%) and 78.1% (95% CI, 64-92%), respectively. No antibodies were detected against SIV, ADV, CSFV, SVDV, TGEV, PRSSV, Leptospira spp., Brucella spp., or M. hyopneumoniae. Increasing herd size, proximity to dense populations of domestic swine and later sampling times within the survey period were found to be risk factors. Overall, the seroprevalence of these pathogens in farmed wild boar was similar to that in the farmed domestic pig population in Finland. However, it is possible that the rearing of wild boars in fenced estates may predispose them to particular infections, as reflected in higher antibody titres., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The meat of wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) can be a source of human infections with zoonotic parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spp. We screened 197 wild boar sera collected at slaughter from 25 Finnish farms in 2007-2008 for serological evidence of infections with these parasites. Using a commercial direct agglutination test at a serum dilution of 1:40, T. gondii-specific IgG antibodies were detected in 65 (33.0%) samples, on 14 (56.0%) farms. Females, animals older than 24 months, animals of small herds, and animals originating from south-western parts of Finland were more often T. gondii-seropositive than were males, younger animals, animals of larger herds, and animals originating from the north and east, respectively. Four (2.0%) of the sera, originating from three (12.0%) farms, tested Trichinella-seropositive with an in-house ELISA and a conservative cut-off for seropositivity. One farm had both T. gondii- and Trichinella-seropositive animals. Taken together, an infection source had been present on 16 (64.0%) farms, and 69 (35.0%) of the 197 farmed wild boars intended for human consumption had specific serological evidence of exposure to a zoonotic parasite., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The consumption of poultry and pork meat has increased in Finland, but beef has become slightly less favored. Summer is, however, the season for barbequing, many people buying more meat and sausages than normally. The increase in the usage of red or processed meat has a linear association with a growing risk of intestinal cancer. For each 100 g of grilled meat, 200 g of vegetables should be grilled or eaten as salad.

The efficacy of ketoprofen in the treatment of non-infectious lameness in sows was examined in a double-blinded study. Two dose rates of oral ketoprofen were compared to placebo treatment over five consecutive days. Lameness was assessed with a five-grade scoring system prior to and on the last day of the treatment. The rate of treatment success was 54.3% for the ketoprofen 4mg/kg group (n=46), 53.2% for the ketoprofen 2mg/kg group (n=47) and 20.8% for the pigs in the placebo group (n=48). The difference between both ketoprofen groups and the placebo group was significant (P=0.001), but there was no difference between the two ketoprofen groups (P=0.78). Oral ketoprofen was well tolerated and no adverse events were observed. As lameness is a very common problem in sows, oral ketoprofen appeared to be a practical way to alleviate pain and improve the welfare of sows., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to clarify the effect of re-modelling the breeding unit on farrowing rate. The original study population included 63 sow herds that participated in the Finnish herd surveillance system. In these herds, the breeding units were re-modelled between 1995 and 2002. Information about the production system and other herd data for the last year before and the second year after re-modelling were available for 47 herds. The herds had an average of 68.5 (SD 45) sows per herd. Data were collected during one farm visit per herd. Initially, all herds had individual cages in their breeding units. The piggeries had either re-modelled their cages or switched to a group housing system with deep-litter, solid or slatted (partly or totally) floors. Farrowing rates were gathered from the national database, and data were tested with a linear regression model. Re-modelling did not have an effect on farrowing rate if initial reproductive performance of the herd was neglected. However, when farms were stratified according to performance prior to the beginning of study, namely into 'farms with initially high farrowing rate' (HF) and 'farms with initially low farrowing rate' (LF), the re-modelling had a significant effect on farrowing rate. In the HF farms, re-modelling caused a decrease in farrowing rate. Correspondingly, farrowing rate increased after remodelling in the LF farms. Farrowing rate was also influenced by mean parity of sows and by proportion of sows culled because of leg problems. This study could not show a profound impact of the design of the breeding unit on the fertility of the sow in the modern commercial production environment if the farm's reproductive performance before re-modelling was neglected. However, when initial performance was taken into account, re-modelling revealed significant, although varying effects on farrowing rate.

Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) and inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS) genes are important mediators of T-cell activation in autoimmune diseases. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of CTLA-4 and ICOS genes on the susceptibility to type 1 diabetes among two populations with different disease incidence rates. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CTLA-4 region (+49A/G, CT60A/G, CTBC217&#95;1C/T) and two SNPs within the ICOS region (CTIC154&#95;1 C/T, CTIC159 C/G) were genotyped in 955 control subjects and 574 diabetic patients of Estonian and Finnish descent. The current study confirms the involvement of the CTLA-4 but not the ICOS gene in susceptibility to type 1 diabetes. However, the risk alleles and the defined main risk haplotype were more common in the Finnish controls compared with the Estonians, indicating that this gene locus might also be one of the contributing factors to the higher disease incidence in Finland.

In Finland, berries are part of the traditional diet significantly contributing to the intake of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. Compositional data on phenolic compounds in berries has been rapidly accumulating and included in the national food composition database. Among the different bioactive substances in berries, phenolic compounds including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids have received considerable interest due to their effects in food and health. A great amount of in vitro evidence exists showing that berry phenolics are powerful antioxidants. However, the antioxidant effect of berry phenolics is strongly dependent on the choice of berry raw material, as the antioxidant activity differs between the different phenolic constituents, including anthocyanins, ellagitannins, and proanthocyanidins. In foods, the antioxidant effect is also influenced by the structure of food. Tannin-containing berries exhibit antimicrobial properties against pathogenic bacteria, thus offering many new applications for food industry. Much of the interest in berry phenolics has focused on cranberries and both cultivated and wild blueberries, although also other berries including black currants, cloudberries, lingonberries, and red raspberries possess promising bioactivities that may have relevance to human health. Antioxidant activity of berry phenolics, in addition to other mechanisms, may contribute to human health, but the possible relationship remains yet to be scientifically substantiated.

Data were collected on the housing, management and disease factors in the weaning and finishing units of 49 integrated pig herds, 24 of them with a high incidence of arthritis at slaughter (case herds) and 25 with a low incidence (control herds). A median of 5.2 per cent (range 3.7 to 12.4 per cent) of the slaughtered pigs in the case herds had arthritis at meat inspection, compared with 2.2 per cent (range 0.3 to 2.8 per cent) in the control herds. In the farrowing units, high clinical sign scores for the lactating sows and piglets less than one week old and a low age at castration were associated with the case herds. In the weaning units, the herds with open partitions between the pens were 5.6 times more likely to be a case herd than the herds with solid walls. A higher age at weaning and moving the piglets at weaning from the farrowing pen instead of the sows decreased the likelihood of being a case herd. In the finishing units, a higher score for clinical signs, using a proper hospital pen, disinfecting the pens between the groups and using a feeding plan increased the likelihood of being a case herd. In total, 145 condemned joints, a median of four (up to six per herd), were collected at the slaughterhouse. In the case herds, 71 of 76 joints (93.4 per cent) had lesions related to osteochondrosis and in the control herds 66 of 69 joints (95.6 per cent) had such lesions. Only two of 11 joints from the case herds and one of 12 joints from the control herds that were examined bacteriologically were positive for Stapylococcus aureus and/or Streptococcus species.

To study the relationship between on-farm welfare and reproductive performance in the sow, the TGI 35L Animal Needs Index was modified for use in Finnish pig production. The modified index had a maximal total score of 100. It was comprised of six categories: 'locomotion' (maximal score 21 for dry sows and 11 for lactating sows), 'social interaction' (12/8), 'floor quality' (16/9), 'stable climate' (16/21), 'feeding' (16/23) and 'health and stockmanship' (19/29). Index scorings were performed separately in farrowing, breeding and gestation units on 28 representative Finnish sow farms. One-year production parameters were collected. Multiple linear regression was used for statistical analysis. Total ANI-points varied between 36.5-68.0 for lactating and 39.5-86.0 for dry sows. Litter size increased with increasing scores for 'feeding' in the dry sow unit. Controlling for breed, high scores for 'health and stockmanship' and 'floor quality' shortened the reproductive cycle, probably because of good leg health. The number of weaned piglets per sow per year (PSY) increased with increasing scores for dry sow 'health and stockmanship', 'floor quality' and an interaction of 'feeding' in the farrowing and mating units. PSY increased with decreasing scores for farrowing pen 'climate'. High-quality floors and stockmanship appear to correlate positively with reproductive performance in the sow. Effects of a welfare-promoting feeding strategy on reproduction are contradictory.

The prevalence of lameness among 646 sows and gilts in 21 selected herds was determined; 8.8 per cent of the animals were lame and the most common clinical diagnoses were osteochondrosis, infected skin lesions and claw lesions. The lame animals had higher serum concentrations of haptoglobin and C-reactive protein than the sound animals. Animals housed on slatted floors had twice the odds of being lame and 3.7 times the odds of being severely lame than animals housed on solid floors. Yorkshire pigs had 2.7 times the odds of being lame than Landrace or crossbred animals. Higher parity and the use of roughage decreased the odds of the sows not becoming pregnant; however, lameness was not a risk factor for non-pregnancy.

Mobile Medical Services, such as Home Care and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) are to the general public probably most visible part of public health care. A great amount of expectations are placed on the quality of care given by these units. Sometimes providing this care is very intensive and all available attention has to be placed on the patient. However, documenting the treatment is very valuable for the treatment of the patient later on. In this paper we present a system that automates many tasks in documenting the treatment. Furthermore, our system is capable of producing a far more detailed documentation that has been available before. This makes reliable research of mobile medical care possible and opens new possibilities in educating paramedics and nurses.

The effects of health classification and of housing and management on performance and meat inspection findings were studied in 166 all-in-all-out finishing herds in Finland in 1995 and 1998. Producers could buy either health-classified (certified free of certain diseases) or standard-class pigs for their farms. Herds that had attained a certain level of housing and management were eligible to join the LSO 2000 management system for finishing herds. In 1995, none of the study herds were LSO 2000 units. In 1998, 76 of them had become LSO 2000 units, while 90 had remained as non-LSO 2000 units. Continuous outcome variables (daily gain and time in the finishing unit) were analysed with a mixed-model procedure with repeated measurements from the same farms. Discrete variables were analysed either with Poisson regression (mortality, whole- and partial-carcass condemnations, organ condemnations, arthritis, abscesses) or logistic regression (liver condemnations, pneumonia, pleuritis). The models were adjusted for the year, size of the herd and the average slaughter weight of the batch. The benefits obtained by the health classification of the feeder pigs included a substantial increase in daily gain (37g, about 5%) and decrease in time in the finishing unit (4 days, about 4%), decrease in mortality (odds ratio, OR 0.68), a substantial decrease in pneumonia (OR 0.37) and pleuritis (OR 0.60), and a substantial decrease in liver (OR 0.45) and organ (OR 0.72) condemnations. Classification of the pigs did not have an effect on the prevalence of whole-carcass condemnations, arthritis or abscesses. The health-classified pigs had, unexpectedly, more partial-carcass condemnations (OR 1.15) than the standard-class pigs. The obtained benefits of the LSO 2000 units were an increase in daily gain (14g, about 2%), decrease in time in the finishing unit (2 days, about 2%), a decrease in mortality (OR 0.69) and a decrease in whole-carcass (OR 0.69) and partial-carcass (OR 0.81) condemnations. The LSO 2000 units did not have any advantage over the non-LSO 2000 units in their prevalence of liver or organ condemnations, arthritis, abscesses, pneumonia or pleuritis.

This study describes diseases encountered, medications used and veterinary involvement in all in--all out finishing herds belonging to one pork production system. The finishing herds had a particular management and housing regime. The pigs originated from health classified farrowing units. Information on 207,442 pigs was collected from 595 log books. Altogether 91% of the pigs received no treatments. Four percent of the batches of pigs were given antimicrobial mass medications. The local veterinarian visited the herds on average 2.6 times during the finishing period and made the diagnoses in more than half of the cases. At least one pig was affected with arthritis or tail biting in more than half of the batches, whereas locomotory diseases were recorded in one third of the batches. All other diagnoses were encountered in 1%-13% of the batches. Only a few pigs were treated individually in the affected groups. Antimicrobial drugs were given to 8% and other medicines to 0.7% of the pigs. The diagnosis was missing at least for one pig in 29% of the batches and the information about the medicine use in 8% of the treatments was missing. The study shows that it is possible to rear finishing pigs with only a small proportion of the animals needing treatments. The need of mass medications was low, because infectious diseases affecting the whole herd were uncommon. The recommendations for antimicrobial use given by the authorities had been followed quite well. The farmers and the veterinarians should be educated in order to realise the importance of proper record keeping.

Plant phenolics, especially dietary flavonoids, are currently of growing interest owing to their supposed functional properties in promoting human health. Antimicrobial screening of 13 phenolic substances and 29 extracts prepared from Finnish plant materials against selected microbes was conducted in this study. The tests were carried out using diffusion methods with four to nine microbial species (Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis). Flavone, quercetin and naringenin were effective in inhibiting the growth of the organisms. The most active plant extracts were purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) against Candida albicans, meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.), willow herb (Epilobium angustifolium L.), cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) and raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) against bacteria, and white birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.), pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum. L.) against gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus.

Faeces samples were taken three times at two-week intervals, from the farrowing units of four herds of known Brachyspira (formerly Serpulina) status and one of unknown Brachyspira status. Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira intermedia and Brachyspira group III were isolated from the faecal samples from the weaners in the herds using either a maximum of 50 ppm of olaquindox or no feed additives. The detection rates were relatively consistent. However, B hyodysenteriae was not detected at one sampling in a known positive herd. The prevalence of Brachyspira species was also studied in feeder pigs originating from LSO 2000 health class farrowing units, comparable with specific pathogen-free herds. These farms were free from swine dysentery, sarcoptic mange, swine enzootic pneumonia and progressive atrophic rhinitis. Fifty of 428 herds were sampled once. B hyodysenteriae was not isolated from any of them, but B intermedia, B pilosicoli and Brachyspira group III were isolated from five, 14 and 37 of the herds, respectively. The detection of Brachyspira species did not relate to the prevalence of diarrhoea in the herds, as judged by the farmers. The herds using carbadox (40 to 50 ppm) had a lower prevalence of Brachyspira species than those using olaquindox (40 to 50 ppm).

The success of a large-scale eradication programme against sarcoptic mange was evaluated in piglet producing herds belonging to the health class LSO 2000. These farms are monitored to be free from sarcoptic mange, swine enzootic pneumoniae, swine dysentery and progressive atrophic rhinitis. The local veterinarians were instructed to eradicate sarcoptic mange from the herds by 2 ivermectin injections 14 days apart or 3 treatments with phoxim pour-on 6 days apart before the farms were able to join the health class. The study consisted of a questionnaire administered to the farmers, farm visits and follow-ups associated with the regular control of the health class. A questionnaire was sent to all of the 379 accepted farrowing farms. Altogether 323 farmers had initiated an eradication programme at least 7 months before the questionnaire was distributed and 96% of them believed that the mange eradication programme had been successful. In most of the successful herds (90%), the local veterinarian had treated the animals by the recommended methods, and the majority of the farmers (88%) had cleaned and sprayed the pens with insecticides on the days of treatment. Three out of the 7 unsuccessful farms had employed methods other than those recommended. Twenty-five herds were randomly selected for an intensified control. The rubbing index was < or = 0.1 in all herds visited, indicating freedom from mange. Sows or gilts, 15-20 animals per farm, were skin scraped and no Sarcoptes scabiei was found. The same animals were blood sampled and serum antibodies to S. scabiei were measured by an indirect ELISA. All except 1 farm had low optical density (OD) values in most of the samples. The owner of that farm had become uncertain about the mange status of the herd and had recently retreated all animals with acaricides. The number of complaints about mange in the finishing units buying health class feeder pigs was low. The study demonstrates that it is possible to run an eradication programme against sarcoptic mange, in which a large number of farmers together with their veterinarians participate. It is possible to eradicate mange not only at the herd but also at the population level. The ELISA test employed proved to be a possible tool to monitor the efficacy of mange-eradication programmes.

The study was conducted in order to determine if eradication of swine enzootic pneumoniae (SEP) had succeeded with different variants of partial depopulation during the eradication programme on swine farrowing farms joining a health class, LSO 2000. The farms in the health class need to be free from swine enzootic pneumoniae, swine dysentery, sarcoptic mange and atrophic rhinitis. Twenty-one eradication attempts for M. hyopneumoniae were carried out using different variants based on separating adult animals for 2 weeks from infected young pigs which were not returned to the herd. The infected young pigs were kept in the same building (variant 1) in 4 herds and on the same compound (variant 2) as disease-free pigs in 12 herds. The infected young pigs were finally all sold. In 5 herds only adult animals were present during the eradication (variant 3). The eradication attempt succeeded in 81% and failed or remained uncertain in 19% of the herds. The result was confirmed with 1) frequent clinical follow-up of the health status in the herds (both the farrowing and the finishing units) joining the LSO 2000 health class 2) milk and/or blood serology. Possible causes of the failure of the eradication attempt were described: a short distance between infected and uninfected animals, the time period between diagnosis of SEP and initiation of the programme, the age of the youngest animal kept on the farm, the period of time when animals with different status were reared close to each other, the medications used, the cleaning of the facilities during the programme and the season. Further, a good cooperation between the farmer, the local veterinarian and the animal health service of the slaughterhouse was an essential part of the initiation and the follow-up of the programme. The secondary aim of the study was to collect information about the expenses during the programme. Only 57% of the farmers gave some estimates for the expenses on their farms. For variants 1, 2 and 3 the expenses were 879, 1110 and 1274 FIM per sow (1 USD = 5.5 FIM), respectively (p > 0.1).

Seasonal effects on fertility of the domestic sow were assessed by retrospective analysis of the Finnish national computerised data management system covering 1081 herds in 1993. Multivariate analyses were used, where the reproductive parameter of interest (repeat breeding, weaning to oestrus interval, age of gilts at first farrowing, litter size, culling due to anoestrus or no conception) was designed as the response variable. The months of the year (each month compared with January) and all herds and breed were included in the models as explanatory variables. The study demonstrated clear seasonal effects on various aspects of fertility in the domestic sow. The poorest reproductive performance was consistently observed in late summer and autumn and was demonstrated in a number of ways. Firstly, the gilts born between December and April were older (> 5 days) at farrowing than those born during the rest of the year (p < 0.01). Secondly, the risk that a culled sow would be culled due to anoestrus was significantly increased during the autumn months (Odds Ratio (OR) ranged from 1.10 to 1.36). Thirdly, the risk of a repeat breeding was higher from July to November (OR = 1.16). Risk of a prolonged weaning-to-oestrus beyond day 10 was the highest from August to October (OR ranged from 1.70 to 1.77). Risk of a sow to be culled due to no conception was the highest in January and February (weaned in October-November). In addition, descriptive data gathered in a slaughterhouse in 1993 (a subpopulation of the sows included in the herd records) suggest that incidence of inactive ovaries is increased in summer-autumn (p < 0.05). In conclusion, a marked reduction in fertility of the domestic sow in Finland is reported between July and November.

The relation between the intake of retinoids, carotenoids, vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium and the subsequent risk of lung cancer was studied among 4,538 initially cancer-free Finnish men aged 20-69 years. During a follow-up of 20 years beginning in 1966-1972, 117 lung cancer cases were diagnosed. Inverse gradients were observed between the intake of carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C and the incidence of lung cancer among nonsmokers, for whom the age-adjusted relative risks of lung cancer in the lowest tertile of intake compared with that in the highest tertile were 2.5 (p value for trend = 0.04), 3.1 (p = 0.12), and 3.1 (p less than 0.01) for the three intakes, respectively. Adjustment for various potential confounding factors did not materially alter the results, and the associations did not seem to be due to preclinical cancer. In the total cohort, there was an inverse association between intake of margarine and fruits and risk of lung cancer. The relative risk of lung cancer for the lowest compared with the highest tertile of margarine intake was 4.0 (p less than 0.001), and that for fruits was 1.8 (p = 0.01). These associations persisted after adjustment for the micronutrient intakes and were stronger among nonsmokers. The results suggest that carotenoids, vitamin E, and vitamin C may be protective against lung cancer among nonsmokers. Food sources rich in these micronutrients may also have other constituents with independent protective effects against lung cancer.

The average retinoid, carotenoid, and vitamin A (RE, retinol equivalents) intake of the Finnish population was determined. The food consumption data were derived mainly from the national food balance sheets (for 1987). In this study, the average Finnish diet was composed twice a year, and the retinoid and carotenoid composition was analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The intake of retinoids and carotenoids was also calculated using the most recent Finnish analytical data on food composition. The vitamin A content of beef, chicken and pork liver, all of which contribute of the vitamin A intake, at different times of the year was determined. The beta-carotene intake in Finland varied between 1700 and 2100 micrograms/day, depending on the season. It is obvious that liver consumption plays a significant role in the vitamin A intake. Since the concentration of retinoids in liver, and especially in pork liver, is extremely high, the average vitamin A intake of the Finnish population may exceed 3000 RE/day. If liver consumption (3.7 g/day) is excluded, the average daily vitamin A intake in Finland is 970-1200 RE, a value in better agreement with the recommended daily allowances.

The Finns average intake of tocopherols, tocotrienols, and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol equivalents) was determined. The food consumption data were derived mainly from the national food balance sheets (for 1987). The average Finnish daily diet was composed and analyzed both in spring and in autumn in order to minimize the effect of seasonal variation. The four tocopherols and four tocotrienols were then determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For comparison, the intake of vitamin E compounds was also calculated using the most recent Finnish analytical data on tocopherols and tocotrienols in food. According to the analytical results, the average daily vitamin E intake in Finland was 10.7 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalents (alpha-TE) of which amount 85% is due to alpha-tocopherol. The analyzed values (10.8 mg alpha-TE in spring and 10.7 mg alpha-TE in autumn) of vitamin E intake did not markedly differ from the calculated value (10.3 mg alpha-TE), thus indicating that the Finnish food composition data upon tocopherols and tocotrienols is up-to-date and accurate. The best food sources of vitamin E were dietary fat (41% of the total amount), cereals (18%), and dairy products and eggs (13%). The average Finnish diet contained 9.5 g of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which leads to the ratio of 0.9 between alpha-tocopherol (mg) and PUFA (g). According to these results, the dietary recommendations for vitamin E are met in Finland.

As part of an overall composition study of Finnish foods, the carotenoid and retinoid content of 20 dairy product samples and eggs were determined by HPLC. The total beta-carotene (all-trans beta-carotene plus 15-cis beta-carotene) was quantitated for dairy products. For egg and egg yolk, lutein content was also determined. Only traces of lycopene, cryptoxanthin, and alpha-carotene were present. All-trans retinol and 13-cis retinol were the major retinoids in dairy products. Small amounts of 9-cis, 11-cis, and 9,11-cis retinols were found. High values of both retinol and beta-carotene were found in full fat cheeses and whipping cream: from 179.0 (cheese, Edam-type) to 318.7 micrograms/100 g (whipping cream) and from 86.7 (cheese, Edam-type) to 186.5 micrograms/100 g (whipping cream) for all-trans retinol and total beta-carotene, respectively. The retinol content averaged 16.3, 32.6, and 52.2 and that of beta-carotene 9.6, 16.7, and 3.0 micrograms/100 g in milk (1.9% fat), milk (3.9% fat), and human milk, respectively. The major pigment in eggs and egg yolk was lutein, 619.5 micrograms/100 g in eggs and 1575.8 micrograms/100 g in egg yolk. According to this study, at the present level of consumption in Finland, milk, milk products (excluding butter), and eggs result in a daily intake of about 350 retinol equivalents, and consequently, are a major source of vitamin A.

The direct hospital costs of 100 coronary artery bypass grafting operations are calculated. The basis of the calculations is the detailed, function-based, market-priced analysis of the files, including the hospital deaths, complication and reoperations of this patient group. The price of a CABG operation proved to lie somewhere between FIM 30,000 and 50,000, the mean value being FIM 46,800. The variation range is wide: FIM 18,200-FIM 249,500 (SD +/- FIM 26,000). It must be emphasized, however, that all preoperative hospital costs including coronary angiography costs and also postoperative follow-up hospital costs fall beyond this study.

Over 21,000 hospital episodes due to cerebrovascular disease (CVD, ICD-8 nos. 430-438) were registered in the Helsinki hospitals in 1970-1980. Of those 17,629 were identified as new cases. The age-adjusted incidence of haemorrhagic and thrombotic stroke (430-433) declined during the period 1970-1975 from 221 to 139 cases/100,000 inhabitants, whereafter no further decrease was observed. The decline in incidence was significant in both sexes. Analysis by diagnosis group showed that the decrease was confined to the incidence of haemorrhagic stroke (430-432), whereas the incidence of thromboembolic stroke (433, 434) and transient ischaemic attacks (435) remained virtually unchanged. Survival was mainly determined by patient age and type of CVD. Intracerebral haemorrhage and occlusion of precerebral arteries exhibited the poorest short-term prognosis. About half of the patients hospitalised due to cerebral thrombosis and embolism survived over one year. Long-term prognosis of the major CVD groups was very poor with only 10% of the patients alive after eight years. Transient cerebral ischaemia and subarachnoid haemorrhage had a clearly better prognosis, the survival rates after eight years being 45 and 30%, respectively.