Higher Rates In Winter Research Articles

Spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors of the rate of cardiovascular hospitalization in Ganzhou city of China.

The objective of this study was to analyze hospitalization rates for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in Ganzhou City, Jiangxi Province of China from 2015 to 2020 and to uncover the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and influencing factors, and thus to provide reference for the prevention and control of CVD and public health resources planning. The hospitalization data for CVDs from 2016 to 2020 was obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, and ArcGIS 10.8, SaTScan 9.5, and Matlab 20.0 were used to analyze the spatial autocorrelation, spatiotemporal scan statistics, and potential affecting factors of the hospitalization rates. The hospitalization rate for CVDs in Ganzhou City showed a slightly increasing trend from 2016 to 2020, with higher rates in winter and summer than that in spring and autumn, and the individuals aged 61 and above constitute a higher proportion compared to other age groups. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between hospitalization rates for CVDs and the counties and districts in Ganzhou City, with high-high aggregation areas mainly distributed in Nankang District, the western urban area of Ganzhou City. The spatial scan analysis identified three different types of significant aggregation areas: high-risk, low-risk, and middle-risk areas. The high-risk area was mainly centered around Zhanggong District or Shangyu County in the central and western regions, with a disease hospitalization rate 2-3 times higher than the rest areas. The study also found that environmental meteorological factors such as the annual average concentration of NO2, O3, average annual temperature, and annual maximum temperature diurnal range had a significant positive effect on hospitalization rates for CVDs in Ganzhou City, with O3 concentration and average annual temperature having significant positive indirect spatial spillover effects. Winter and summer are the seasons with high hospitalization rate of cardiovascular diseases. County residents aged 61 and above are the higher-risk population that needs to pay more attention on for prevention and control of CVD in Ganzhou City, which exhibits significant spatiotemporal clustering. The urban areas of Zhanggong and Nankang in Ganzhou City are the key areas for prevention and control of CVD. The hospitalization rate of CVD in Ganzhou City is influenced by the aforementioned four environmental meteorological factors, with the annual maximum temperature diurnal range showing the most significant positive direct effect.

Bradykinin B1 receptor antagonist protects against cold stress-induced erectile dysfunction in rats.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) demonstrates seasonal variation with higher rates in winter, and we hypothesize that endothelial damage in erectile tissue caused by bradykinin receptor B1 (B1R) might be detrimental to this change. To find out direct correlations between cold stress and ED, through which to further investigate the functional roles of B1R in erectile tissue and to elucidate the therapeutic roles of the B1R antagonist in a cold stress-induced ED rat model. Cold stress rat models are established through long-term intermittent exposure to low temperature. After their erectile function was assessed, ED rats were treated with the B1R antagonist through intraperitoneal injection. Penile tissues were obtained at the end of the experiment after measurement of intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP); the location and distribution of cytokine expression were determined by immunohistochemistry; cytokine levels and NOS and CD31 expression were detected by Western blotting; and collagen fibers and smooth muscles were observed through Masson staining. Cold stress impairs erectile function, and the B1R antagonist protects against it. We observed decreased erection frequency, prolonged erection latency time, decreased ICP/MAP, overexpression of B1R, increased expression of cytokines on cavernous sinus endothelium, and increased levels of collagen fibers/smooth muscles on erectile tissue in response to cold stress. Also, NOS and CD31 expression was downregulated. B1R antagonist treatment shows enhanced erectile function through increased erection frequency, shortened erection latency time, and increased ICP/MAP. Also, it reduces collagen fibers/smooth muscles, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and IL-6 and upregulates the expression of nNOS and CD31. Our findings cast new light on the correlations between cold stress and erectile function and potential new applications of existing B1R antagonist drugs in the field of ED. Our data support that cold stress impairs erectile function. B1R-mediated, cytokine-induced corpus cavernosum fibrosis and endothelial damage might be the main reason behind it, and B1R inhibition protects against fibrosis and endothelial damage. Other ways of B1R antagonist blocking methods in different types of ED still need to be investigated. Long-term intermittent cold stress impairs erectile function, and B1R-mediated, cytokine-induced corpus cavernosum fibrosis and endothelial damage might be the main reason behind it. B1R inhibition also protects against fibrosis and endothelial damage. Our data support the hypothesis that cold stress impairs erectile function and that B1R blockade ameliorates the symptoms of ED, possibly by reversing fibrosis and endothelial damage in erectile tissue.

Epidemiology and outcome of influenza-associated infections among hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infections, Egypt national surveillance system, 2016-2019.

IntroductionEgypt has established different types of surveillance systems to monitor influenza activities, early detect outbreaks, and tailor efficient prevention and control strategies. This is the first study to describe epidemiology and outcome of influenza‐associated infections among hospitalized patients using the National Electronic Disease Surveillance System (NEDSS) data, 2016‐2019.MethodsData reported from 284 hospitals all over Egypt were extracted from the NEDSS. Data of hospitalized patients with Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), 2016‐2019, were included in the analysis. Laboratory testing for influenza by RT‐PCR according to US CDC testing protocol was used to confirm influenza type and subtype.ResultsOverall 46 417 patients hospitalized with ARI were identified, their mean age was 30.9 ± 26 and 52.9% were males. Among 41 512 (89.4%) laboratory‐tested patients, 7167 (17.3%) were positive for one or more types of influenza viruses. Influenza viruses circulated in all ages and throughout the year, with higher rates in winter, late childhood, and middle ages. Mortality from influenza was significantly higher than other causes of ARIs (5.0% vs 3.8%, P < .001), and it was associated with older ages, December‐May, delay in hospital admission, residence in urban and frontier governorates and infection with A/H1N1 virus. The distribution of influenza subtype by time shows alternate pattern between A/H1N1 and H3N2, each subtype peaks every other year with a high peak of A/H1N1 in 2016.ConclusionsThe national Egyptian surveillance succeeded to describe the epidemiology of hospitalized patients with ARIs and influenza in Egypt over time. Surveillance with strain‐specific laboratory testing and annual assessment of associated severity might be useful to guide influenza prevention and control strategies including vaccination and case management.

Retrospective Evaluation of the Prevelance and Seasonal Distribution of Coronaviridae Positivity Before the COVID-19 Pandemic (2016-2020)

Introduction: Coronaviruses are the agents of viral respiratory infections and cause severe respiratory infections, especially in the elderly, those with chronic disease and immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was to determine the positive and common types of Coronaviridae family in patients admitted to our hospital in the four-year period before the COVID 19 pandemic (2016-2020) and to investigate the distribution of coronavirus positivity by age groups, months, seasons and years. Materials and Methods: Between February 2016 and January 2020, clinical samples of 1164 female (45%) and 1428 (55%) male patients were sent to the molecular virology laboratory from the various clinics of Gazi University, Faculty of Medicine Hospital due to symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection. Coronaviridae family positivity was investigated retrospectively in clinical samples of 2592 patients aged 0-101 years. Nucleic acid extraction from the clinical samples was performed with the ‘EZ1 Virus Mini Kit’. For viral DNA amplification, it was performed by multiplex Real-Time PCR method using ‘FTD Respiratory Pathogen 21’ test. Statistical analysis of the distribution of coronavirus positivity by age groups, months, seasons and years was done by SPSS 20.0 computer program. Results: Two hundred and twenty-nine (8.8%) of the clinical samples were found to be positive for any Coronavirus type. The most common type of Coronavirus was found to be CoV-229E with 52% (119/229). The distribution of other coronavirus types including CoV-HKU1, CoV-OC43 and CoV-NL63 was determined as 19.2% (44/229), 17.4% (40/229) and 14% (32/229) respectively, and the most common type of Coronavirus changed from year to year. Single Coronavirus positivity was found to be 48.1%, its association with other viruses was 51.9%. The highest coinfection of Coronavirus was found in Rhinovirus (35.3%) and influenza A virus (19.3%). Patients over 60 years of age were found to have a higher rate (30.6%) positivity compared to other age groups (p&lt; 0.05). The highest rate of Coronavirus positivity was observed in January (17.4%) and the lowest rate in June (1.7%). It was observed that the highest rate of positivity (44.2%) was in winter and the lowest rate (8.2%) was in summer (p&lt; 0.05). Coronaviruses were found to be detected at higher rates in winter with seasonal variation (p&lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Since it is not possible to diagnose viral respiratory tract infections based on clinical findings, viral respiratory panel and Multiplex real time PCR test is a fast and useful method in routine diagnosis for early diagnosis and treatment and to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics. Coronaviridae family positivity is seen in patients over 60 years of age and in seasonal variation, with higher rates in winter.

Prevalence and seasonality of six respiratory viruses during five consecutive epidemic seasons in Belgium

BackgroundAcute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) are a major health problem, especially in young children and the elderly. ObjectivesInsights into the seasonality of respiratory viruses can help us understand when the burden on society is highest and which age groups are most vulnerable. Study designWe monitored six respiratory viruses during five consecutive seasons (2011–2016) in Belgium. Patient specimens (n=22876), tested for one or more of the following respiratory viruses, were included in this analysis: Influenza viruses (IAV & IBV), Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), Adenovirus (ADV) and Human parainfluenza virus (hPIV). Data were analysed for four age categories: <6y, 6–17y, 18–64y and ≥65y. ResultsChildren <6y had the highest infection rates (39% positive vs. 20% positive adults) and the highest frequency of co-infections. hRSV (28%) and IAV (32%) caused the most common respiratory viral infections and followed, like hMPV, a seasonal pattern with winter peaks. hRSV followed an annual pattern with two peaks: first in young children and ±7 weeks later in elderly. This phenomenon has not been described in literature so far. hPIV and ADV occurred throughout the year with higher rates in winter. ConclusionsChildren <6y are most vulnerable for respiratory viral infections and have a higher risk for co-infections. hRSV and IAV are the most common respiratory infections with peaks during the winter season in Belgium.

Study of the effect of age, gender and seasonal variation on appendicitis in Azizyah-Iraq

Appendicitis is the most common acute surgical condition of the abdomen. The rate of acute appendicitis varies among countries. Declining rates of acute appendicitis have been reported in the United States and Europe. However, the frequency appears to be increasing in the developing countries. Age, gender and seasonal variations of acute appendicitis have been observed in many studies, but the reasons for these variations are not clear. Although acute appendicitis is a common surgical condition, little is known about its epidemiology in Iraq. Statistical analysis was done for 400 patients diagnosed as cases of appendicitis during a two year period from January 2013 to December 2014, treated in Azizyah hospital. Data were analyzed for age, sex, and season (month of admission).A total of 400 patients were diagnosed as cases of appendicitis. Appendicitis was more common in males (n=224, 56%) than females (n=176, 44%) with male to female ratio of 1.27:1, Highest rates of appendicitis was found in the age group of 10 to 19 years (n=158, 39.5%) and the lowest was 50 and more (n=11, 2.75%). Acute appendicitis high incident in November and December and lowest in June and July but it was high in March and April in teenage group.In the current study clear differences in the frequencies of appendicitis were noted the appendicitis has clear seasonality with highest rates in winter and spring season. Appendicitis rates were found to be higher in male gender than female. The prevalence peaks in teen age group

Uptake of inorganic phosphorus by temperate seagrass beds of Posidonia and Amphibolis in Southern Australia.

Seagrasses occupy a narrow band of sandy seabed close to the coast and are therefore vulnerable to anthropogenic influences, particularly meadows near large population centres. Over 5000 ha of seagrasses have been lost from Adelaide coastal waters (South Australia) over the past 70 years and much of this loss has been attributed to nutrient inputs from wastewater, industrial and stormwater discharges. This led to the Adelaide Coastal Waters Study to understand processes along the Adelaide metropolitan coast that led to seagrass loss. This study, a subset of the larger ACWS study, used in situ nutrient spike approach to obtain ecologically relevant estimates of seasonal variability in phosphorus uptake in two species of temperate seagrass common to this coast (Amphibolis antarctica and Posidonia angustifolia). Total uptake of phosphorus by biological components in the seagrass beds, viz., seagrass, epiphytes and phytoplankton, was negligible, never exceeding 0.5% of the total resource. Phosphorus uptake rate varied seasonally with higher rates in winter (1.49 μmol P.g(-1) DW.h(-1)) and lower rates in spring (0.70 μmol P.g(-1) DW.h(-1)) for Amphibolis and highest in winter (2.09 μmol P.g(-1) DW.h(-1)) and least in spring (0.14 μmol P.g(-1) DW.h(-1)) for Posidonia. Low biological uptake rates of inorganic phosphorus could be attributed to carbonate sediments and particulates in the water column binding inorganic phosphorus, limiting its availability for biological uptake. From an environmental perspective, seagrass beds in the Adelaide coastal waters account for the assimilation of only 5.4% (19.53 t yr(-1)) of the total anthropogenic inputs of phosphorus.

Seasonal regulation of nitrification in a rooted macrophyte (Vallisneria spiralis L.) meadow under eutrophic conditions

Variable oxygen release from the root of macrophytes growing in ammonium-rich organic substrates can stimulate the process of nitrification. To verify this hypothesis, we performed seasonal measurements of potential nitrification activity in sediments with and without the perennial submersed plant Vallisneria spiralis L. (Hydrocharitaceae). Pore water and sediment features were simultaneously considered in order to provide insights into the regulation of the process. Results demonstrated a significant effect of season and plant presence on potential nitrification activity, with higher rates in winter and lower rates in summer. Vegetated sediment displayed lower pore water ammonium, but always higher potential nitrification activity compared to the unvegetated substrate, regardless the season. Nitrification activity was strongly correlated with pore water redox status, which were affected by both season and plant presence. Along its annual cycle V. spiralis promoted more oxidized conditions in the rhizosphere likely due to elevated radial oxygen loss and the consequent maintenance of a larger nitrifying community. These outcomes confirm the results of a limited number of studies that demonstrated how sediment biogeochemistry may be controlled by plant-released oxygen also in organic-rich systems.

Stroke seasonality associations with subtype, etiology and laboratory results in the Ludwigshafen Stroke Study (LuSSt)

Data on seasonal differences in stroke incidence are conflicting. Little is known about seasonal variability in etiological stroke subtypes and population-based data on possible trigger factors are lacking. The Ludwigshafen Stroke Study is a prospective population-based stroke registry. All residents of the city of Ludwigshafen who suffer from acute stroke or TIA are registered. Patients with first-ever stroke (FES) were included for the present analysis. Between January 1, 2006 and December 31st, 2010, 1,779 patients (age 71.7±13.4years (mean+standard deviation; 897 (50.4%) women) suffered a FES. Incidence for FES was lowest in summer (reference) with significantly higher rates in winter (rate ratio (RR) 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.37) and spring (RR 1.21 95% CI 1.06-1.38). First-ever ischemic stroke (FEIS) was more common in winter (RR 1.16, 95%CI 1.01-1.34) and first-ever intracerebral haemorrhage (FE-ICH) was more frequent in spring (RR 2.0, 95%CI 1.24-3.22) than in summer. In FES, systolic and diastolic blood pressure on admission (SBP/DBP) showed significant variation with lowest values in summer (SBP: p=0.02; DBP p=0.05). In subtypes of FEIS, cardioembolism tended to be more common in winter (p=0.14). There were no differences in risk factor prevalence between seasons. Leukocyte count on admission was lowest in summer (8.2±1.4/μl) and highest in winter (8.9±1.9/μl; p=0.008). The hematocrit showed a similar trend (p=0.06). Our data show higher incidence rates for FES in winter and spring, for FEIS in winter and for FE-ICH in spring. Variations in blood pressure on admission and leukocyte counts were associated with these findings and may possibly contribute to seasonal stroke variability.

Temporal Patterns of Medications Dispensed to Children and Adolescents in a National Insured Population

This study aimed to comprehensively describe prevalence and temporal dispensing patterns for medications prescribed to children and adolescents in the United States. Participants were 1.6 million children (49% female) under 18 years old enrolled in a nation-wide, employer-provided insurance plan. All medication claims from 1999–2006 were reviewed retrospectively. Drugs were assigned to 16 broad therapeutic categories. Effects of trend over time, seasonality, age and gender on overall and within category prevalence were examined. Results: Mean monthly prevalence for dispensed medications was 23.5% (range 19.4–27.5), with highest rates in winter and lowest in July. The age group with the highest prevalence was one-year-old children. On average each month, 17.1% of all children were dispensed a single drug and 6.4% were dispensed two or more. Over time, prevalence for two or more drugs did not change, but the proportion of children dispensed a single drug decreased (slope -.02%, p = .001). Overall, boys had higher monthly rates than girls (average difference 0.9%, p = .002). However, differences by gender were greatest during middle childhood, especially for respiratory and central nervous system agents. Contraceptives accounted for a large proportion of dispensed medication to older teenage girls. Rates for the drugs with the highest prevalence in this study were moderately correlated (average Pearson r.66) with those from a previously published national survey. Conclusion: On average, nearly one quarter of a population of insured children in the United States was dispensed medication each month. This rate decreased somewhat over time, primarily because proportionally fewer children were dispensed a single medication. The rate for two or more drugs dispensed simultaneously remained steady.

Statistical analysis of fin whale vocalizations recorded by a seismic network at the Endeavour Segment of Juan de Fuca Ridge, N. E. Pacific Ocean.

From 2003–2006, an eight-station seafloor seismic network was deployed along the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca ridge that recorded an extensive data set of 20-Hz fin whale calls. Algorithms have been developed to detect and track vocalizing whales that swim near the seismic network. During the first year of operation, more than 100000 fin calls that include ∼100 whale tracks were identified. Tracks comprise both single whales distinguished by a stereotyped ∼25 s interpulse interval and inferred multiwhale tracks characterized by more complex interpulse intervals. Whale tracks vary from individuals or groups that cross the network in a few hours to those that meander for up to 24 h. The call rates vary seasonally with the highest rates in winter and exhibit an apparent weak diurnal variation. The center frequencies range from 17–34 Hz, with the primary population centered at 20 Hz and a secondary population centered at 25 Hz. Statistical analysis of observed bandwidths and center frequencies, interpulse intervals, seasonality, and diurnal patterns will be presented. Additionally, the ∼100 whale tracks will be used for migration analysis and to quantify the swimming patterns in the network. [Funding from the ONR.]

Uptake and resource allocation of ammonium and nitrate in temperate seagrasses Posidonia and Amphibolis

Ecologically relevant estimates of seasonal variability in nitrogen uptake and allocation in two species of temperate seagrasses were obtained using in situ isotope-labelling approach. Significantly higher uptake rates of ammonium by leaves, roots and epiphytes of Amphibolis than Posidonia were observed. Overall, root uptake rates were lower than other components. Effect of season was not significant for leaves, roots or epiphytes of the two species. However, plankton uptake varied seasonally with higher rates in winter (0.98mgNg−1DWh−1). In contrast, nitrate uptake rates for various components were significantly affected by seasons. Uptake rates by plankton were highest ranging from 0.003mgNg−1DWh−1 (summer, Amphibolis) to 0.69mgNg−1DWh−1 (winter, Posidonia). Uptake of nitrate by roots was negligible. Biotic uptake rates for nitrate were an order of magnitude slower than ammonium, demonstrating an affinity for ammonium over nitrate as a preferred inorganic nitrogen source. Adelaide coastal waters have lost over 5000ha of seagrasses, much of this attributed to nutrient inputs from wastewater, industrial and stormwater. Managing these inputs into future requires better understanding of the fate of nutrients, particularly biological uptake. This study attempts to quantify uptake rates of nitrogen by seagrasses.

Solar ultraviolet-B irradiance and vitamin D may reduce the risk of septicemia.

The primary features of the epidemiology of septicemia in the United States include highest rates in winter and the Northeast, lowest in fall and in the West; higher rates among African Americans than white Americans; a rapid increase in incidence with age; comorbidity with several chronic and infectious diseases; and a rapid increase in incidence rate starting in the early 1980s. This article reviews the literature on the epidemiology of septicemia in the United States, along with the roles of solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) and vitamin D3 related to the more important features. Solar UVB doses in summer are highest in the Southwest and lowest in the Northeast. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are highest in summer, lowest in winter. African Americans have much lower 25(OH)D levels than those of white Americans. Serum 25(OH)D levels decline rapidly with advancing age. The risk of diseases comorbid with septicemia are generally inversely correlated with serum 25(OH)D levels. Sun-avoidance messages may have led to lower population levels of 25(OH)D, although prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria may have increased. Previous reports have shown that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D upregulates human cathelicidin, LL-37, which has antimicrobial as well as antiendotoxin activity. The general agreement between the epidemiology of septicemia in the United States and the variations of solar UVB and the effects of vitamin D supports the hypothesis that both play important roles in reducing the risk of septicemia. Further study is warranted to evaluate this hypothesis.

Seasonal changes in mortality rates from main causes of death in Japan

It is well recognized that the season of the year exerts an influence on some diseases and causes of death such as coronary heart diseases, stroke, infectious diseases and so on. We evaluated the influence of seasonal changes on diseases and causes of death in Japan using the Japan Vital Statistics from 1970 to 1999 and recorded weather data (mean temperature), by a Fourier decomposition in a log linear regression model. Major influences of seasonal change with the highest rates in winter were seen on the following: the overall causes of death; infectious and parasitic diseases including tuberculosis; respiratory disease, including pneumonia and influenza; heart and cerebrovascular diseases; diabetes; and digestive diseases and accidents. Two peaks were seen in suicides, a large peak in April and a small peak in autumn. Cancer and homicides were little or not at all influenced by seasonality. There was no major difference in changes between the years studied, except for respiratory disease and tuberculosis, which showed a clear reduction in the seasonality effect from 1970 to 1999. To reduce the overall mortality rate and to prolong life expectancy in Japan, measures must be taken to reduce those mortality rates associated with seasonal differences, especially those causes of death which show a strong correlation with seasonal change: respiratory, heart, cerebrovascular, diabetes and infectious diseases.