Southeastern Finland Research Articles

Correction to: Remarkable improvement in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin levels among hip fracture patients over a 12-year period: a prospective study in South-eastern Finland.

The presentation of Table4 was unclear in the original publication. The article has now been corrected in this respect.

Evaluation of a novel logistics solution for roundwood import

Investment analysis on a logistics concept for timber transportation in South-Eastern Finland is presented. Concept utilises longer freight train units, efficient terminal operations and multimodality based on high-capacity transport (HCT) trucks. This is compared to a current state of shorter direct train transportation to factories. Primary interest is on Russian birch wood import (used in pulp manufacturing). Analysis reveals that the modelled logistics concept is feasible. Taking the time-value of money into account, in the long-term this alternative method has lower overall costs compared to the current one. Possibility for intermodal container backhauling provides potential for synergy benefits. Synergies could also be accessed from the joint use of terminal by number of near-by factories. Although investment seems to be profitable, sensitivity analysis on the most crucial parameters should draw attention. Different factors should be analysed further with advanced simulation tools such as illustrated using Vensim and Forio simulate.

Mineralogical and Petrographic Characteristics of Indium and REE-Bearing Accessory Phases in the Kymi Granite Stock, Southern Finland

The Wiborg rapakivi batholith (1.64 Ga) in southeastern Finland with documented occurrences of REE, indium and Zn-Cu-Pb sulphide mineralization was studied. Hydrothermal greisen and quartz vein type Fe-Sn and Zn-Cu-Pb are found in the Kymi granite stock as intrusions. They are enriched with indium and rare earth elements, with roquesite (CuInS2) being a major indium- carrier, whereas monazite (Ce), allanite (Ce), bastnäesite (Ce), xenotime-(Y) and thorite are the main REE carriers. Combination of optical and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) were used to study the indium and REE-bearing mineral assemblages. EPMA of roquesite found in galena had a composition of 26.16% S, 0.02% Fe, 25.06% Cu, 0.03% Zn, 1.06% As, 0.31% Sb and 47.14% In. Substitution reaction Pb2+S2-Cu+In3+S2- is the cause of the incorporation of indium in the galena structure. The majority of the LREE are carried by monazite, bastnäesite and allanite, and the HREE by xenotime and zircon. There is a partial solid solution between monazite and xenotime with minor or trace amounts of LREE in xenotime grains (6.0 wt%). LREE (>95 mol% LREE) and less than 5 mol% HREE + Y reflects the enrichment of chondrite-normalized REE of the monazite grains of the Kymi granite stock. The xenotime grains (small and irregular) main composition contains 71 - 76 mol% YPO4, 16 - 27 mol% HREE, and 6 - 8 mol% LREE. It is believed that indium and REE-mineralization presence is due to the combination of magmatic and postmagmatic processes, particularly at later stages by fluid fractionation.

Evaluation of a novel logistics solution for roundwood import

Investment analysis on a logistics concept for timber transportation in South-Eastern Finland is presented. Concept utilises longer freight train units, efficient terminal operations and multimodality based on high-capacity transport (HCT) trucks. This is compared to a current state of shorter direct train transportation to factories. Primary interest is on Russian birch wood import (used in pulp manufacturing). Analysis reveals that the modelled logistics concept is feasible. Taking the time-value of money into account, in the long-term this alternative method has lower overall costs compared to the current one. Possibility for intermodal container backhauling provides potential for synergy benefits. Synergies could also be accessed from the joint use of terminal by number of near-by factories. Although investment seems to be profitable, sensitivity analysis on the most crucial parameters should draw attention. Different factors should be analysed further with advanced simulation tools such as illustrated using Vensim and Forio simulate.

Remarkable improvement in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin levels among hip fracture patients over a 12-year period: a prospective study in South-eastern Finland

SummaryHypovitaminosis D is a problem among hip fracture patients. In a 1-year cohort study comprising 245 hip fracture patients (mean age of females 81 years and males 78 years) from south-eastern Finland, the mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D [S-25(OH)D] concentration was 73(SD 31) nmol/L. Vitamin D supplementation has been integrated into our current practice.IntroductionThe objectives of this study are to verify vitamin D levels among hip fracture patients and to compare the results with a similar study conducted in the same two hospitals covering the same geographic area 12 years ago.MethodsA prospective cohort comprising 245 Caucasian hip fracture patients was enrolled in the study in two acute hospitals in south-eastern Finland (61° N) over a 12-month period in 2015–2016. The S-25(OH)D was measured using 25-hydroxyvitamin D electrochemiluminescence binding assay. The S-25(OH)D concentrations were compared with the corresponding concentrations of a similar cohort analyzed in the same two hospitals 12 years ago.ResultsOf the 245 patients, 70% were women with a mean age of 81 (SD 10) years, while the men had a mean age of 78 (SD 12) years (p < 0.01). The total mean S-25(OH)D concentration was 73 (SD 31.3) nmol/L. Regional differences were found: 15% in hospital A and 36% in hospital B had a S-25(OH(D level < 50 nmol/L, and the mean S-25(OH)D level was 79.2 (SD 31.7) nmol/L in hospital A and 62.4 (SD 27.5) nmol/L in hospital B (p < 0.001). No differences were found in S-25(OH)D concentrations by either the place of residence or the time of year. Overall, the percentage of patients with a sufficient vitamin D level (> 50 nmol/L) was remarkably higher in 2015–2016 (77%) than in 2003–2004 (22%).ConclusionOur results indicate that vitamin D supplementation has been widely integrated into our current practice. However, regional differences were found in the S-25(OH)D concentrations for which the reasons are unknown.

Dirofilaria repens transmission in southeastern Finland

BackgroundThe spread of vector-borne diseases to new regions has become a global threat due to climate change, increasing traffic, and movement of people and animals. Dirofilaria repens, the canine subcutaneous filarioid nematode, has expanded its distribution range northward during the last decades. The northernmost European locations, where the parasite life-cycle has been confirmed, are Estonia and the Novgorod Region in Russia.ResultsHerein, we describe an autochthonous D. repens infection in a Finnish woman. We also present two cases of D. repens infection in imported dogs indicating the life-cycle in the Russian Vyborg and St Petersburg areas, close to the Finnish border.ConclusionsThe most obvious limiting factor of the northern distribution of D. repens is the summer temperature, due to the temperature-dependent development of larvae in vectors. With continuing climate change, further spread of D. repens in Fennoscandia can be expected.

Planning Strategically or by the Book?—Contentious Land Use Planning in South-eastern Finland

ABSTRACTThe debate on strategic spatial planning highlights the limitations of statutory land use planning in weighing up future options for spatial development, particularly in instances of rapid change. This paper draws on this debate in order to analyse planning institutions and practices in Finland. The case in point is the south-eastern border region where interdependencies with Russia, particularly shopping tourism, have created pressures on land use and led to contentious planning processes between regional and central levels of government. It is argued that, in the absence of cross-border spatial co-ordination, there is a need to establish links between regional land use planning and visions of spatial scenarios in the national context.

The value of human interaction in service channels

The influence of digitalisation on service experiences requires new capabilities from customers. In particular, the computer-mediated interaction affects customers' perceived accessibility into self-services. Thus, we posed the following research question: “How does an individual's ability to use a computer influence the need for direct person-to-person interaction in services?” The study is based on a postal survey conducted in south-eastern Finland. Data were collected using a random sample of N = 3000 people ranging from 60 to 90 years of age. A total of 1121 valid responses were received. The data were slightly biased towards respondents who are coping well. We employed structural equation modelling with a multi-group moderation approach in the analysis.The findings indicate that satisfaction is related to routines in the service process. Customers' ability to perform the requisite role in the service process influences their preference for human interaction. Interestingly, the value of human interaction is driven by customers' expected abilities, whereas physical restrictions have a minor influence. We contribute to the literature explaining co-creation in computer-mediated services by applying human behaviour models to assess the customers’ value expectations.

Unexpectedly High Prevalence of Common Variable Immunodeficiency in Finland.

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common primary immunodeficiency. Prevalence varies greatly between countries and studies. Most diagnostic criteria include hypogammaglobulinemia and impaired vaccine response. To evaluate the minimum prevalence as well as the clinical and immunological phenotypes of CVID in Southern Finland. We performed a cross-sectional study to assess all adult CVID patients followed up in three hospital districts in Southern and South-Eastern Finland between April 2007 and August 2015. CVID diagnosis was based, with a minor modification, on the ESID/PAGID criteria for primary CVID. Antipolysaccharide responses to Pneumovax® were defined as impaired only if 50% or more of the serotypes did not reach a level of 0.35 µg/mL after vaccination. We further characterized the patients' B cell phenotypes and complications associated with CVID. In total, 9 patients were excluded due to potential secondary causes before diagnosis. ESID/PAGID criteria were met by 132 patients (males 52%), of whom, 106 had "probable" and 26 "possible CVID." Based on the population statistics in the three hospital districts, the minimum adult prevalence per 100,000 inhabitants in Finland for all CVID ("probable CVID," respectively) patients was 6.9 (5.5). In the highest prevalence district (Helsinki and Uusimaa), the prevalence was 7.7 (6.1). CVID patients suffer from frequent complications. Ten patients died during follow-up. Of probable CVID patients, 73% had more than one clinical phenotype. Intriguingly, gradual B cell loss from peripheral blood during follow-up was seen in as many as 16% of "probable CVID" patients. Patients with possible CVID displayed somewhat milder clinical and laboratory phenotypes than probable CVID patients. We also confirm that large granular lymphocyte lymphoproliferation is a CVID-associated complication. The prevalence of CVID in Finland appears the highest recorded, likely reflecting the genetic isolation and potential founder effects in the Finnish population. Studies to discover potential gene variants responsible for the high prevalence in Finland thus seem warranted. Increased awareness of CVID among physicians would likely lead to earlier diagnosis and improved quality of care.

Metasomatic alkali-feldspar syenites (episyenites) of the Proterozoic Suomenniemi rapakivi granite complex, southeastern Finland

Peralkaline to marginally metaluminous alkali-feldspar syenites and quartz alkali-feldspar syenites are hosted by subalkaline, ferroan rapakivi granites in the 1644Ma Suomenniemi complex of southeastern Finland. These alkali syenites form NW-oriented dikes and small (<10m in diameter) bodies that are distinguished from the surrounding granites by their color (violet-red), general lack of quartz, as well as pronounced interstitial character of mafic minerals. Microtextures of the syenites imply pervasive alkali metasomatism and growth of secondary sodic and oxidized ferromagnesian minerals. Both subsolvus (~Ab99 and Or90–100Ab0–10) and hypersolvus (Or40–60Ab40–60) feldspar assemblages are present and display red luminescence characteristic of alkali feldspar recrystallized in the presence of an oxidizing fluid. In the marginally metaluminous syenites, primary magmatic hastingsite has been metasomatized to ferro-actinolite or decomposed to ferro-ferri-hornblende and magnetite. In some of the peralkaline syenites, primary hastingsite was replaced by magnetite and feldspars and has been overgrown by aegirine-augite and riebeckite. Sodic clinopyroxene (sodic augite–aegirine) is the most common and, in many cases, the only ferromagnesian silicate in these syenites. Three peralkaline alkali-feldspar syenites analyzed for zircon U-Pb and O isotopic compositions by single-grain SIMS have zircon 207Pb/206Pb ages of 1645±5, 1642±4 and 1644±4Ma, and zircon δ18OVSMOW values of 8.04±0.18, 8.19±0.17 and 8.26±0.17‰. Whole-rock Nd isotope data imply an overall εNd(1644Ma) value of ca. −1.5 for the syenites. These ages and isotopic fingerprints are, within error, identical to those of the subalkaline granites of the complex. We propose that the Suomenniemi alkali-feldspar syenites are episyenites, formed as the result of pervasive local metasomatism of the subalkaline granites caused by high-temperature oxidizing peralkaline fluids. The process led to major geochemical changes, e.g., addition of Na, Al and Fe3+, depletion of Si and Fe2+, and partial to complete recrystallization of the granites along fluid pathways.

Dechlorinating bacteria are abundant but anaerobic dechlorination of weathered polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in contaminated sediments is limited

The potential for microbial dechlorination of the weathered polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) was determined in sediments with historical contamination by the chlorophenol wood preservative Ky-5 and its associated dimeric impurities. Sediments were collected from four sites of the Kymijoki River in South-Eastern Finland located at 0, 20, 30, and 60 km downstream from the source of contamination, and at a reference site. We examined the congener profiles of historical PCDD/Fs, including non-2,3,7,8-substituted congeners, and determined the dechlorination potential in sediments at the different sites of the river. The measured mean total concentrations for 2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs were extremely high, 1200 mg/kg dw, at the most contaminated site, Kuusankoski. The mean concentrations for the predominant 2,3,7,8-congeners were 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF 780 mg/kg dw, and for OCDF 380 mg/kg dw at Kuusankoski. At all other study sites of the river the mean total concentrations for 2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs varied between 9 and 96 mg/kg dw, (6–80 mg/kg dw for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, 3–13 mg/kg dw for OCDF). The sediment PCDD/F composition was similar to that of Ky-5, indicating that no or only minimal biodegradation of PCDD/F congeners has occurred in the river sediments over the last few decades since the contamination events. Microbes capable of PCDD/F dechlorination were present at all study sites based on Dehalococcoides-like Chloroflexi community determination and dechlorination of spiked 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorodibenzofuran. However, no substantial changes in the relative abundances of PCDD/Fs were observed over 2.5 years in laboratory microcosm studies, indicating that anaerobic dechlorination of weathered PCDD/Fs was limited over the course of the experiment. Therefore, concentrations of weathered PCDD/Fs in the sediments of the Kymijoki River are expected to remain at the same level for decades or centuries with further migration towards the Baltic Sea.

LiDAR-based TWI and terrain attributes in improving parametric predictor for tree growth in southeast Finland

The effect of soil moisture content on vegetation and therefore on growth is well known. Information about the growth of forest stands is key in forest planning and management, and is the concern of various stakeholders. One way to assess moisture content and its impacts on forest growth is to apply the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) and the derived terrain attributes from the Digital Terrain Model (DTM). The TWI is an important terrain attribute, used in various ecological studies. In the current study, a total of 9987 tally trees within 197 sample plots in southeastern Finland and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) −based TWI were selected to examine: 1) the effect of cell resolutions and focal statistics of neighborhood cells of DTM, on tree diameter increment, and 2) possibilities to improve the prediction accuracy of an existing single-tree growth model using the terrain attributes and TWI with the combined effects of three characteristics (i.e., cell resolutions, neighborhood cells and terrain attributes). The results suggest that the TWI with terrain attributes improved the growth estimation significantly, and within different site types the Root Mean Square Errors (RMSE) were lowered substantially. The best results were obtained for birch trees. The higher resolution of the DTM and the lower focal neighborhood cells were found to be the best alternative in computing the TWI.

My precious information &amp;#x2013; how to preserve it?

Do you think your information remains safe inside a cloud? Do you have another truly trustworthy place where you can store all your precious information? These questions lead us to the basic problem behind this paper: None of the official instances are interested in materials possessed by average Joes and Janes. You will have to be politically or otherwise important person to get your personal life story into official digital repositories. We at the Digitalia (Research Center on Digital Information Management) at South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, believe that there is a strong need for a digital preservation service that would give ordinary citizens the right to decide what to do with their personal information. It is not right that common folks must rely on cloud drives with dubious terms and conditions or unreliable portable or optical devices to store their precious digital information. This article describes an initiative of a low cost full-scale digital archive solution that will be available to common people.

Neolithic land use in the northern Boreal zone: high-resolution multiproxy analyses from Lake Huhdasj\xe4rvi, south-eastern Finland

Two high-resolution pollen and charcoal analyses were constructed from sediments obtained from a small bay in eastern Finland in order to gain information on human activity during the Neolithic Stone Age, 5200–1800 bc. We used measurements of loss on ignition (LOI), magnetic susceptibility and geochemical analyses to describe the sedimentological characteristics. Palaeomagnetic dating and measurements of 137Cs-activity were supported by 14C-datings. The analyses revealed human activity between 4400 and 3200 bc, which is synchronous with archaeological cultures defined through different stages of Comb Ware pottery types and Middle Neolithic pottery types with asbestos as a primary temper. Direct evidence of Hordeum cultivation was dated to 4040–3930 cal bc. According to the pollen data, more significant effort was put into the production of fibres from hemp and lime than the actual cultivation of food.

Differences in growth and wood density in clones and provenance hybrid clones of Norway spruce

The growing forest bioeconomy calls for enhancing wood production in Finland. Accordingly, we studied phenotypic differences and correlations for growth and wood density traits in 25 Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) genotypes grown in a field trial established in the 1970s in southeastern Finland. We also studied the effect of the geographical origin of parent trees. The clones represented six southern Finnish and two southwestern Russian clones and three Finnish–Swiss, eight Finnish–German, three Finnish–Latvian, and three Finnish–Estonian hybrid clones. Some local Finnish clones (e.g., V43) and provenance hybrid clones (e.g., Finnish–German V449 and V381) clearly displayed higher stem volume than the average over all of the clones and relatively high overall wood density (and wood biomass yield). The increase in latitudinal transfer distance of parent trees compared with the latitude of the trial seemed to decrease the height, diameter at breast height, and stem volume, but the effect was not significant (p &gt; 0.05). The overall wood density was affected significantly only by the latitude of the father parent trees (p &lt; 0.05). Wood density traits showed clearly lower phenotypic variation compared with other traits. Contrary to our hypothesis, none of the studied hybrids showed superior properties compared with the local Finnish clones.

Determining the subspecies composition of bean goose harvests in Finland using genetic methods

Management of harvested species is of great importance in order to maintain a sustainable population. Genetics is, however, largely neglected in management plans. Here, we analysed the genetics of the bean goose (Anser fabalis) in order to aid conservation actions for the commonly hunted but declining subspecies, the taiga bean goose (A. f. fabalis). We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellites to determine the subspecies composition of the Finnish bean goose harvest, as the hunting bag is thought to comprise two subspecies, the taiga bean goose and the tundra bean goose (A. f. rossicus). The latter subspecies has a more stable or even increasing population size. Other eastern subspecies (A. f. serrirostris, A. f. middendorffii) could additionally be part of the Finnish hunting bag. We estimated genetic diversity, genetic structure and sex-biased gene flow of the different subspecies. Most of the harvested bean geese belonged to the taiga bean goose, whereas most of the tundra bean goose harvest was found to be geographically restricted to south-eastern Finland. The mtDNA data supported strong genetic structure, while microsatellites showed much weaker structuring. This is probably due to the extreme female philopatry of the species. The taiga bean goose had lowered genetic diversity compared to other subspecies, warranting management actions. We also detected A. f. serrirostris mtDNA haplotypes and evidence of interspecific hybridization with two other Anser species.

THE 18TH CENTURY SEA FORTRESS OF RUOTSINSALMI, KOTKANSAARI IN FINLAND: ARCHAEOBOTANICAL DATA OF A LOG LATRINE

In archaeobotany, plant remains from latrines have been used to derive information on historical food consumption. In this interdisciplinary paper, we present new archaeological and archaeobotanical data from the 1790s sea fortress of Ruotsinsalmi in Kotkansaari, Finland. Archaeological research revealed the remains of an infantry barracks and a well-preserved log latrine at the sea fortress. The contents of the latrine were excavated, and waterlogged human faeces were found. To reconstruct the food consumption of the soldiers at the sea fortress, we carried out archaeobotanical analyses on the faeces. The waterlogged human faeces consisted purely of plant remains and fish bone fragments. The analysis of the plant remains gave records of 77 different plant taxa, and common millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) and sage (Salvia officinalis L.) were identified for the first time from archaeological layers in Finland. The remarkable number of cultivated and exotic plants recorded from the faeces shows that imported as well as locally produced food was used. Latrines offer evidence of consumed food in the past Latrines are a type of primitive toilet that collects human faeces, and the word latrine originates from Latin 'latrina' or 'lavatrina' meaning 'to wash'. Latrines provide excellent preservation conditions, and therefore the content consists of a range of biological materials such as seeds, fruits and plant tissue. Latrines are historically also used as waste pits, where the household rubbish and sometimes even animal dung was thrown. Therefore, archaeological latrines are an excellent source of information on the past diet and waste disposal, and they also provide information about the natural surroundings of the latrine (Markle 2005, 427; Smith 2013, 526). Macrofossil, pollen, and zoological analyses of latrines have been conducted e.g. in Turkey (Baeten et al. 2012), England (Moffet 1992; Smith 2013), Germany (Wiethold 1995; Markle 2005), and Denmark (Andersen & Moltsen 2007). From Estonia over 30 latrines have been excavated (Bernotas 2008). Latrines have been excavated in Finland as well, from the medieval (AD 13th-16th c.) layers of Turku (Sartes & Lehtonen 2007; Seppanen 2012). However, no botanical analyses of these latrines have been carried out. Therefore, there has been little direct evidence of the diet. What cereals were eaten? Were exotic fruits parts of the diet? [FIGURE 1 OMITTED] The sea fortress of Ruotsinsalmi (1790-1855) in Kotkansaari was the predecessor of the present town of Kotka (1878-, Fig. 1). During the past ten years, some twenty archaeological studies have been conducted on the Island of Kotkansaari (Kykyri 2013a, 60; 2015, 38 f.). These investigations have shed new light on the history of the island, but so far only limited knowledge has been acquired concerning everyday life at the sea fortress. New information was gained when the Museum of Kymenlaakso carried out excavations at the sea fortress in the summer of 2013. During the excavations a log latrine containing waterlogged human faeces was discovered (Kykyri 2014a; Kykyri & Lempiainen-Avci 2014). These faeces were archaeobotanically analysed in order to find evidence of past human diet, and to gain detailed knowledge about the food consumed at the sea fortress. In this paper, we present new archaeological and archaeobotanical data from the sea fortress of Ruotsinsalmi in Kotkansaari, in addition to discussing the usage and origin of the plants which yielded archaeobotanical remains. The history of the fortress The sea fortress of Ruotsinsalmi was built in the 1790s on the Island of Kotkansaari and some smaller surrounding islands, by order of Empress Catherine the Great. The Gustavian war (1788-1790) between Sweden and Russia had shown that Russian defenses in south-eastern Finland were in need of prompt strengthening. In order to ensure the defense of St. …

Особенности приграничного сотрудничества Санкт-Петербурга и регионов Юго-Восточной Финляндии

Cross-border cooperation between Finland and Russia is one of the priorities of international integration relations between our country and the European Union. The purpose of this article - the study of inter-regional cooperation between Russia and Finland in the aspect of development projects and programs to strengthen external relations and cross-border cooperation European Union. In accordance with the purpose of the study seeks to analyze the features of cross-border cooperation between St. Petersburg and regions of South-Eastern Finland (Kymenlaakso, South Karelia), implemented in the framework of the ENPI PPP projects. The article has a theoretical and practical interest for specialists studying cross-border cooperation. The essence and manifestation of the processes of cross-border cooperation between St. Petersburg and regions of South-Eastern Finland within the framework of the ENPI PPP are revealed. It was concluded that the program ENPI CBC have a positive effect on the development of cross-border contacts between St. Petersburg and the regions of South-Eastern Finland. It is advisable to continue the dialogue between Russia and Finland to expand their application and qualitative development of the zone.

Steroids contents in waters of wastewater purification plants: determination with partial-filling micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography and UV detection

ABSTRACTPartial-filling micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (PF-MEKC) with UV detection was applied for determination of human-based steroids in water samples of Finnish wastewater treatment plants. The samples were purified with solid-phase extraction (SPE) on octadecyl substituted polymer sorbents obtaining analyte enrichment of 20,000-fold. The steroids studied were androgens, estrogens, and progesterone. Three of the steroids could be quantified with the PF-MEKC method. The detection and quantification limits were 0.05–1.06 μg/mL and 0.15–3.2 μg/mL, meaning in the SPE concentrates as 2.5–53 pg/L and 7.5–160 pg/L, respectively. In the influent waters, the total amount of testosterone glucuronide, androstenedione, and progesterone was up to 350 ng/L. In effluent water samples the total steroid quantity was maximum at 320 ng/L. Remarkably high quantity of androstenedione was quantified in both influent and effluent water samples. The cleanest effluent waters were produced in Western Finland. Correspondingly, the highest quantities were located near the largest lake and river areas in South-Eastern Finland. The concentration variation in effluent waters was explained with differences in the purification materials and processes at the plants and with steroid adsorption on soil and organic material suspended into water.

Seasonal Succession of Fungi Associated with Ips typographus Beetles and Their Phoretic Mites in an Outbreak Region of Finland

The ophiostomatoid fungi (Microascales and Ophiostomatales, Ascomycota) are common associates of Ips typographus, and include tree pathogens and species responsible for blue-stain of timber. Fungal assemblages associated with I. typographus have varied considerably between studies but few investigations have attempted to explain this variation. For this reason, we assessed the overall cultivable fungal diversity associated with I. typographus in a storm-felled spruce forest in south-eastern Finland. Fungi were isolated from the individually collected beetles as well as their phoretic mites in spring, summer and autumn, including different life stages of the beetle (hibernation, dispersal flight and first generation). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene region was used to identify the fungi. A total of 32 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were found and these resided in four fungal phyla/subphyla (24 Ascomycota, 2 Basidiomycota, 5 Mucoromycotina, 1 Mortierellomycotina) in association with adult bark beetles. Ophiostomatoid species were the most commonly detected fungal associates. A generalized linear model analysis showed a clear association between fungal communities and season, indicating seasonal succession among I. typographus-associated fungi. The season of sampling appears to be an important factor that has resulted in inconsistencies between results in previous studies. Many of these fungi were also found on phoretic mites and their presence or absence could have influenced variation in patterns of association.