University of Turku

About: University of Turku is a education organization based out in Turku, Finland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Galaxy. The organization has 16296 authors who have published 45124 publications receiving 1505428 citations. The organization is also known as: Turun yliopisto & Åbo universitet.

Non-specific musculoskeletal pain in preadolescents. Prevalence and 1-year persistence

Abstract: A 1-year follow-up study of 1756 third- and fifth-grade schoolchildren was conducted with a structured pain questionnaire to assess the prevalence and persistence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain symptoms and disability caused by pain. At follow-up, 1626 (92.7%) children participated in the study. Pain at least once a week persisted in 270 (52.4%) of the 564 children who reported musculoskeletal pain at least once a week in at least one part of the body at baseline. Of the regional pain symptoms, neck pain had highest persistence and, in girls, significantly more than in boys. Persistence of pain was not related to school grade. Widespread pain, determined as in the criteria for fibromyalgia, was found in 132 children (7.5%) and persisted in 35 children (29.7%, 95% CI 21.9–38.4) at follow-up. Disability was more severe in children with pain symptoms in more than one area. This study showed that about half of the preadolescents complaining of musculoskeletal pain at least once a week at baseline had persistent pain symptoms at follow-up. The prognosis of widespread pain in preadolescents was almost the same as the previous findings in adults.

Two Complete Axiom Systems for the Algebra of Regular Events

Abstract: The theory of finite automata is closely linked with the theory of Kleene's regular expressions. In this paper, two formal systems for the algebraic transformation of regular expressions are developed. Both systems are consistent and complete; i.e., the set of equations derivable within the system equals the set of equations between two regular expressions denoting the same event. One of the systems is based upon the uniqueness of the solution of certain regular expression equations, whereas some facts concerning the representation theory of regular events are used in connection with the other.

Tailored approaches in drug development and diagnostics: from molecular design to biological model systems

Abstract: Approaches to increase the efficiency in developing drugs and diagnostics tools, including new drug delivery and diagnostic technologies, are needed for improved diagnosis and treatment of major diseases and health problems such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, chronic wounds, and antibiotic resistance. Development within several areas of research ranging from computational sciences, material sciences, bioengineering to biomedical sciences and bioimaging is needed to realize innovative drug development and diagnostic (DDD) approaches. Here, an overview of recent progresses within key areas that can provide customizable solutions to improve processes and the approaches taken within DDD is provided. Due to the broadness of the area, unfortunately all relevant aspects such as pharmacokinetics of bioactive molecules and delivery systems cannot be covered. Tailored approaches within (i) bioinformatics and computer-aided drug design, (ii) nanotechnology, (iii) novel materials and technologies for drug delivery and diagnostic systems, and (iv) disease models to predict safety and efficacy of medicines under development are focused on. Current developments and challenges ahead are discussed. The broad scope reflects the multidisciplinary nature of the field of DDD and aims to highlight the convergence of biological, pharmaceutical, and medical disciplines needed to meet the societal challenges of the 21st century.

Changes in the prevalence of migraine and other headaches during the first seven school years.

Abstract: SYNOPSIS Seven-year-old children who began school in two large Finnish cities in 1974 were investigated for the occurrence of migraine and other headache; the pupils were again surveyed at the age of fourteen. A total of 2921 pupils participated in both studies. By the age of seven, headache had occurred in 37% and migraine in 2.7%; at the age of fourteen the figures were 69% and 10.6% respectively. In the group under eight years migraine was more common in boys than in girls, but in groups older than that girls were in the majority. The prognosis for migraine which had begun before or at the age of seven was better for boys than for girls, while in girls more often than in boys migraine which began in the early school years disappeared by the age of fourteen years.