Impact Of Seasonal Variation Research Articles

The impact of seasonal variation on anemia and nutritional status with associated factors in 6–12 years Ghanaian school age children in peri-urban communities

Malnutrition remains a public health issue among children in resource poor countries where seasonality affects food availability, food consumption, and nutritional status of a population. The aim of this study was to determine prevalence of anemia, low vitamin A and associated factors in school-age children in dry and wet season in a peri-urban setting. This was a six months observational study where data and samples were collected from school age children 6–12 years in mid-March (dry season) and mid-August (rainy season) 2020. Data and biological samples collected, were analyzed to determine prevalence of adequate dietary intakes, anemia, low vitamin A, and under-nutrition among participants. The study participants had 40.9% and 32.3% prevalence of anemia, 30.1% and 19.4% prevalence of low vitamin A, 12.9% and 10.8% level of wasting, and 63.4% and 94.6% level of adequate iron intake in the dry and wet seasons respectively. The cohort of anemic participants had mean hemoglobin concentrations as 10.6(1.7)ug/dl and 11.4(91.1)ug/dl in the dry and wet seasons respectively and significantly different at p = 0.001. The prevalence of anemia among them declined from 100.0% in the dry season to 79.0% in the wet season. They had mean serum retinol concentration as 22.4(6.4)ug/dl and 25.0(8.9)ug/dl, (significantly different at p = 0.014), prevalence of low vitamin A at 36.8% and 31.6%, prevalence of wasting as 23.7% and 18.4%, and prevalence of thinness as 10.2% and 7.9% in the dry and wet seasons respectively. Anemia associated significantly with parental monthly income of 1000–1500 cedis (180–269 USD), (OR:046, p = 0.039), and low vitamin A level (<20 μg/dl), (OR: 0.319, p = 0.049) in the dry season. Anemia associated significantly with low serum retinol (<20 μg/dl) (OR:0.070, p = 0.003) and dry season’s low hemoglobin (<11.5 g/dl) (OR:0.302, p = 0.034) among the participants. Seasonal variation from the dry to wet season have consequential effect on anemia, and nutritional status with associated factors among the study participants. Anemia associated significantly with parental monthly income in the dry season and with low serum retinol and dry season’s low hemoglobin in the wet season. Nutrition interventions will be more beneficial to the study participants during the dry season.

P–729 Seasonality and lunar phase impact zona pellucida thickness while assisted reproductive treatment outcome shown no differences between seasons

Abstract Study question Does seasonal variation impact zona pellucida (ZP) thickness, other assisted reproductive treatment (ART) factors and ART outcome? Summary answer Seasonality and lunar phase impact ZP thickness while specific weather conditions alone do not, however, seasonality does not impact other ART factors or ART outcome. What is known already: Several epidemiological studies have demonstrated seasonal variation in natural pregnancy and birth rate, which varies across geographic regions. It has been suggested that temperature and light may affect the ability to conception via hormonal changes. However, data regarding the seasonal variation during ART is controversial and several studies with conflicting results have been published. One retrospective observational cohort study reported the significant influence of seasonality on fertilization rates with highest ones during the spring and the lowest ones in the autumn. However, another retrospective study did not demonstrate any significant influence of the seasons on ART outcome. Study design, size, duration This retrospective study was performed in the Fertility Center, VUH Santaros Clinics, Lithuania. 959 IVF/ICSI cycles conducted in IVF laboratory between 2017 and 2019 were analysed. The thickness of ZP was measured of 5002 oocytes retrieved between 2017 and 2018. Degenerated oocytes were excluded from the study. Average temperature (AT), precipitation (AP) and sunshine hours (ASH) of every month were taken from Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service database. Lunar phase (LP) data was collected using Google Calendar. Participants/materials, setting, methods IVF/ICSI cycles were divided into four seasonal groups according to the day of oocyte pick-up. The number of retrieved and fertilized oocytes, transferred embryos, fertilization and pregnancy rates were compared among groups. Then, to avoid bias in fertilization rate, ICSI cycles were excluded and only IVF cycles were analysed. Measurements of ZP thickness were taken using NIS-Elements F software. It was evaluated if AT, AP, ASH, LP and seasonality had an effect on ZP thickness. Main results and the role of chance The mean number of retrieved oocytes and fertilized oocytes as well as the percentage of women who conceived was highest in the spring and lowest in the summer without statistical significance among all seasonal groups (p &amp;gt; 0.05). The fertilization rate was lowest in the spring (66.60%) and highest in the autumn (68.76%) without statistical significance among all four groups. The odds were 1.49 times higher to conceive in spring compared to summer and this result was statistically significant (95% CI 1.01–2.21; p = 0.046), however, when comparing all four seasons together, the difference was not significant. The calculations with only IVF cycles followed the same pattern except that the odds ratio results were not significant and the fertilization rate was highest in the winter. None of the weather conditions (average temperature, average precipitation and average sunshine hours) had an impact on ZP thickness. However, the mean ZP thickness was lowest in the summer (18.86 ± 3.08 µm) and highest in the autumn (19.43 ± 2.98 µm) and the difference among all four seasons was statistically significant (p &amp;lt; 0.05). The mean ZP thickness was lowest during the first quarter lunar phase and highest during the new moon phase with statistical significance among groups (p &amp;lt; 0.05). Limitations, reasons for caution A limitation of our study is unequal number of the IVF/ICSI procedures between months/seasons (e.g., the sample size of autumn was 340 while the sample size of summer was only 161). Also, the measurements of ZP were taken manually therefore there could be some errors. Wider implications of the findings: Understanding possible effects of external factors on ART outcome is important for the best treatment results. Even though seasonality and lunar phase significantly impact ZP thickness, we could not demonstrate any significant seasonal influence on other ART factors or ART outcome. Further studies with higher number of patients are required. Trial registration number Not applicable

Impact of seasonal variations on physico-chemical and exchangeable cations of forest soil in Doon Valley, Uttarakhand, India

ABSTRACT The aim was to investigate the role of seasonal changes of physico-chemical parameters in forest soil of Doon Valley of Uttarakhand, India. The samples were collected from four different environmental conditions viz. urbanized area, industrial area, urbanization with dense forest area, and wetland area during summer, monsoon, and winter seasons from two different depths of 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm, respectively. The soil parameters were analyzed such as pH, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, total hydrogen, total carbon, organic carbon, inorganic carbon, exchangeable cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The result revealed that site-I and IV of both depths were found to be of good quality due to less human interference, low urbanization effect, and covered by the forest area whereas site-II and III were confirmed of poor quality. Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis suggest soils at both depths has following relation: total carbon and nitrogen (r = 0.90), magnesium and potassium (r = 0.74), Ca with N, P, C, OC, Na, K, Mg, organic carbon and total phosphorous (r = 0.85), organic carbon and nitrogen (r = 0.91). Hence, the soil fertility is good and very important for plant growth and development in agriculture process for sustainable development.

CURRENT SCENARIOS IN MANAGEMENT OF BUERGER'S DISEASE AT TERTIARY HOSPITAL UTTARAKHAND

Introduction / Background: Buerger's disease is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology, strongly associated with tobacco abuse worldwide. Buerger described Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) in 1908. High prevalence is found in Asian / Middle East countries. The survival rate of TAO is almost 90%. Presently, total abstinence from tobacco is the mainstay of treatment. Aim: To determine the incidence, progression, etiology, impact of seasonal variations on admission, as well as, presentations, and treatment outcomes at our tertiary health care hospital in Uttarakhand region. Materials: Patients of Buerger's disease admitted to our Institute during January 2015 to December 2019, were included in this study. Methods: Retrospective analysis and study of 142 patients of Buerger's disease admitted at our institute. Results: Most patients were males (97%), with mean age 38.6 years. The incidence &amp; total TAO admission were overall decreasing during these years. Trends showed that eighty two (58%) patients were admitted between months of November to February (cold weather), while least in summers (15%). More than 50% were severe smokers (&gt;30 bidi / cigarette per day). Pain in limbs was present in 77.4% cases. Major amputations were done in (12) 8% cases, while digital / finger / forefoot amputations in 31.69% / 3.52% / 10.58.% cases respectively. Lumbar sympathectomy was done in twelve cases. The median requirement of analgesic (opioids) by intravenous &amp; oral route was 10 &amp; 12 doses initially, &amp; mean VAS score on day-1, 5 &amp; 10 was 6.4, 4.1 &amp; 2.9 respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that incidence of TAO overall shows a decreasing trend, with better health practices. Admissions peak in the cold season, along with complaints related to painful / ulcerated limbs, with a strong association with tobacco abuse. Complete stopping of tobacco can halt further progression of TAO.

The impact of seasonal variation on the volatile profile of leaves and stems of Brownea grandiceps (Jacq.) with evaluation of their anti-mycobacterial and anti-inflammatory activities

Brownea species were used in folk medicine for the treatment of tuberculosis in South America. Volatile oils prepared by hydro-distillation from fresh leaves and stems of Brownea grandiceps Jacq. (Fabaceae) collected in different seasons were analyzed separately by GC/MS. The anti-mycobacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of the volatile oils were also assessed. A total of 60 compounds were identified in the leaves and stems volatile oils accordingly. The most abundant components were methyl salicylate (53.06% - 9.56%), hexanal (38.27% - 0.26%), n-nonacosane (21.23% - 0.46%) and (E)-2-hexenal (31.2%- 0.91%). Results revealed a remarkable influence of the season of collection on the yield and chemical composition of the obtained oils. The leaf volatile oil exerted higher anti-mycobacterial and anti-inflammatory effects compared to stem volatile oil. The leaf volatile oil showed remarkable inhibition of M. tuberculosis ATCC 27294 (MIC 3.9 μg/mL) comparable to standard isoniazid. It also exerted a promising membrane stabilizing anti-inflammatory effect (IC50 value of 27.1 μg/mL) comparable to methyl salicylate and standard indomethacin. From these findings, it may be concluded that the leaf volatile oil represents a promising anti-mycobacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. To the best of our knowledge, the present study describes the first to characterize B. grandiceps volatile oils and to emphasize the great promise for treatment of tuberculosis and inflammatory disorders.

Impact of seasonal variations on antidiabetic phytochemicals in Alstonia scholaris

Background and Aim: Plants live on a planet with days and seasons, and that affects their phytoconstituents. Challenge is, availability of active principles in medicinal plants change by seasonal fluctuations, so their dose pattern for therapeutic efficacy also gets influenced. The best duration for the harvesting of specific secondary metabolites for better yield is not fixed. Seasonal impact show changes in important constituents like polyphenol, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, essential oil etc. Late summer is the best collection time for essential oil component. Winter and rainy are best season for other secondary metabolites. Experimental procedure: The selected plant i.e. Alstonia scholaris L., belongs to alkaloidal category with having antidiabetic activity. Plants were evaluated for pharmacognostic study which includes macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, determination of physicochemical parameters in a systematic way. HPTLC fingerprinting for erythrodiol was done. Study was performed for plant material with three different seasons and best results were analysed. Results and Conclusion: All the plants showed correct taxonomy with specific morphological, microscopical and physico-chemical parameters which is helpful for the standardization of drugs. Extracts showed presence of alkaloids, terpenes, flavonoids, steroids, phenolics, saponin and carbohydrate. HPTLC fingerprinting confirmed the presence of erythradiol in the plant extracts. Seasonal variations occour in plant constituent shows best collection period. Current research aims to focus on best possible season for the harvesting of some pharmaceutically important plant materials.

CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND SEASONAL ASPECTS OF PALM WINE PRODUCTION (RAPHIA SPP) IN IKOT EKPENE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

The research work examined the relationship between climate variability and seasonalaspects ofpalm wine production (raphiaspp) in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area ofAkwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The study was carried out to examined the effect of climate variables on raffia palm wine production seasonally in Ikot Ekpene. Primary source of data wasobtained through thedirect field measurement. The secondary sources of data include meteorological records obtained from Nigeria meteorological station, Uyofor 2018. The cross-sectional multiple regression was used to infer the relationship between climatic variables and seasonal aspects of palm wine production. The result revealed that about 263,000 litres of raffia palm wine was producedin 2018 from the field measurement. The impact of seasonal variation on raffia palm wine production revealed that dry season produced wine more than rainy season. The researcher concluded that the climatic variation has impactednegatively on the production of raffia palm wine in the study area leading to reduction in production of raffia palm wine.The researcher recommended that appropriate climate forecasting and early warning system should be made part and parcel of planning and development so as to increase the production of raffia palm wine in order to improve the local dry gin industry.

Impact of Seasonal Variation in Climate on Water Quality of Old Woman Creek Watershed Ohio Using SWAT

The effect of the projected 21st century climate change on water quality in Old Woman Creek (OWC) watershed was evaluated using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the precipitation and temperature projections from three best Global Climate Circulation Model (GCM)l ensemble downloaded from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). These three best GCMs (GFDL-ESM2M, MPI-ESM-MR, EC-EARTH) were identified as those closest to the multivariate ensemble average of twenty different GCM-driven SWAT simulations. Seasonal analysis was undertaken in historical (1985–2014), current to near future (2018–2045), mid-century (2046–2075), and late-century (2076–2100) climate windows. The hydrological model calibration was carried out using a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm and pareto optimization. Simulations were made for stream flow and nine water quality variables (sediment, organic nitrogen, organic phosphorus, mineral phosphorus, chlorophyll a, carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus) of interest. The average of twenty different CMIP5-driven SWAT simulation results showed good correlation for all the 10 variables with the PRISM-driven SWAT simulation results in the historical climate window (1985–2014). For the historical period, the result shows an over-estimation of flow, sediment, and organic nitrogen from January to March in simulations with CMIP5 inputs, relative to simulations with PRISM input. For the other climate windows, the simulation results show a progressive increase in stream flow with peak flow month shifting from April to March. The expected seasonal changes in each water quality variable have implications for the OWC estuary and Lake Erie water quality.

Impact of Seasonal Variations on the Colonial Populations of Bacteria and Fungi in Soil and on Buried Plant Stems

Forest soils and stems buried in them usually have varying degrees of colonization and abundance of bacteria and fungi. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of seasonal variations on the population of bacteria and fungi isolated from forest soil and on plant stems buried in the soil. Soil sampling and stem burial studies were conducted over a 12-month period in 2019. Serially diluted soil samples were plated on suitable media for bacterial and fungal growth and thereafter counted after incubation. Buried stems were removed from the soil, rinsed and placed in flasks containing suitable media for fungal and bacterial cultivation. Colonial growth was counted after incubation. Soil moisture was highest during the wet season months of July (27.7%), August (23.5 %), September 26.1 %) and October (29 %) whereas the average soil moisture content was lowest in the dry season. Seasonal pH did not significantly affect microbial population levels in the various months. Colony counts for Pseudomonas spp. during the dry season months (January, February, March and April) were very low. Growth of the bacterium showed peaks in the May through October during which counts reached 109 cells per gram of soil except in August with counts of 108 cells per gram of soil. Micrococcus spp. and Bacillus spp. also showed similar trends in colony counts with little variations. Fungi were generally fewer in number than bacteria and only one peak which reached 107 cells/g soil was obtained for Fusarium spp. and Rhizopus spp. in September and October respectively. The density of Trichoderma spp. per gram of soil peaked at 106 cells in June, July, September and October. Counts for Aspergillus spp. was negligible in January, February, March and April but reached 106 cells per gram of soil in June, July and August. The colonization of Pseudomonas spp. on buried plant stem varied between 62% in June to 76% in October while Micrococcus spp. had levels which varied from 65% in May to 84% in June and 72% in October. Fusarium species were found most frequently on the stem every month except in February, March and April. Low colonization of Aspergillus spp. on stems occurred in January, February, March, November and December. Highest numbers of this organism was found in August, September and October. Rhizopus spp. was observed in 85 and 80% of the stem in September and October respectively but lower percentages of colonization occurred in January, February, March and April. In all the dry season months (January-April), all bacterial and fungal populations had low densities but their counts increased in the rainy season. Fungi were generally fewer in number than bacteria in both soil and stem burial experiments.

Impact of Seasonal Variation on Travel and Tourism Sector: A Study of the Post Civil Unrest in Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka

Impact of Seasonal Variation on Travel and Tourism Sector: A Study of the Post Civil Unrest in Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka

Impact of seasonal variation on water quality of Hindon River: physicochemical and biological analysis

Water is the basic necessity for a living being and detritions in the quality of water led to many harmful impacts. It is important to regulate the water quality to maintain the balance in all the variation of lives. In the present study, the water samples were collected during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods of February 2015–January 2017 from Mohan Nagar barrage, Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh, India). The assessment of the seasonal variation of water quality and its impact on the Hindon River water was evaluated by physicochemical and biological analysis. Samples were analyzed for twelve physicochemical parameters such as Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Hardness (TH), Nitrate Nitrogen, Phosphates, Sulphates, and Heavy metals (Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn) and biological parameters such as Total Coliform count (TCC), Fecal Coliform count (FCC) and Standard Plate count (SPC). Besides this, River Metal Pollution Index and Integrated River Metal Pollution Index were also calculated and found above permissible limits (RMPI > 1 and IMPI > 2). The trend of heavy metal load in the Hindon River water was observed to be Fe > Zn > Pb > Cd. Lower recorded values of DO and higher levels of EC, TDS, BOD, COD, TH, Nitrate Nitrogen, and Sulphates indicate high pollution levels in Hindon River water. TCC (MPN/100 ml) in water samples was found 7.4 × 104 in pre-monsoon season and 5.8 × 104 in a post-monsoon season, FCC (MPN/100 ml) were 4.5 × 104 in pre-monsoon and 3.6 × 104 in a post-monsoon season whereas SPC (CFU/ml) were 75 × 104 in pre-monsoon and 62 × 104 in post-monsoon. Analysis of water quality parameters was performed as per Standard Methods (APHA, 1998). The Correlation coefficient matrix has been obtained to validate the interrelationship between different physicochemical parameters. The results of our study show the necessity of regular monitoring of Hindon River water for the integrity of aquatic flora, fauna, and human health.

Effect of season and different dietary protein level on production and reproductive performance and egg characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the middle belt of Ghana

This study was undertaken to determine the impact of seasonal variations and different dietary protein levels on production traits, reproductive performance and egg characteristics of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the Middle belt of Ghana. Twelve (12) males and forty-eight (48) females Pearl Guinea fowls of 12 weeks of age were subjected to isocaloric diet containing 16%, 18%, 20% and 22% crude protein levels.Each group was replicated three times and reared in three seasons (Dry-December-March, Major rains-April-July and Minor rains-August-November) in a 3x4 factorial experiment. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS.Hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg mass increased (p&lt;0.05), but feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, fertility and hatchability of incubated eggs were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) with increasing dietary protein. Egg quality traits did not differ significantly (p&gt;0.05) except egg yolk (p&lt;0.05). Season showed positive (p&lt;0.05) relationship with all production traits as well as fertility of incubated eggs, but not hatchability (p&gt;0.05). Egg internal and external traits were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by season except yolk weight and shell weight (p&gt;0.05).Results demonstrates that increasing dietary protein promoted egg production and reproductive traits in Guinea fowl, nevertheless, 16% crude protein diet is sufficient to support optimum egg production, fertility and hatchability, and egg characteristics. Rainy seasons countenance production traits, fertility and hatchability as well as egg characteristics, thus, breeding should be planned to take advantage of the major rainy season.

The impact of seasonal variations about temperature and photoperiod on the treatment of municipal wastewater by algae-bacteria system in lab-scale

The co-cultivation of microalgae and bacteria has become an attractive approach for treating wastewater. This approach can achieve both cost-effective nutrient removal and biomass resource recovery. However, the development of full-scale algae-bacteria systems or enhanced pond systems has been limited, because of the complexity and changeability of environmental factors in this process. This study investigated the effects of seasonal variations about temperature and photoperiod on municipal wastewater treatment by algae-bacteria system in lab-scale. Nutrient removal, biomass growth, settling ability, and community structures were examined using cultures of Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, Spirulina platensis, and aerobic activated sludge in raw municipal wastewater. Results showed that the nutrient removal and biomass yield varied with seasonal conditions. High removal rates and biomass production percentages were achieved in summer and autumn conditions with aeration. The highest specific growth rate was 0.46 d−1; the highest total nitrogen removal rate was 2.34 d−1; and the highest total suspended solids removal efficiency was 96.3 ± 2.1% in summer conditions with aeration. The highest total phosphorus removal rate was 1.67 d−1 in the autumn season with aeration. An overall analysis indicated that Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus, combined with bacteria (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi) can effectively use different carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus sources from wastewater in summer and autumn conditions. Further research should focus on methods for effectively and inexpensively improving nutrient removal and recovering biomass at low temperatures and with short photoperiods.

Effect of antihyperlipidemic polyherbal formulation in high diet induced hyperlipidemia wistar albino rats. An in vitro - in vivo evaluation

Hyperlipidemia is a prevalent global health problem, and it is linked to various cardiovascular disorders. The side effects of the current lipid-lowering drugs have increased the tendency to move toward traditional and alternative remedies. The study aims to Formulate and evaluate the Antilipidemic activity of Polyherbal formulations used as a traditional medicine in the Malabar area, Kerala by in vitro and in vivo methods. Further, the present study also compares the impact of seasonal variations on chemical contents of ingredient herbs of polyherbal medicine. They were analyzed for, anti-oxidant activity by DPPH and Nitric oxide method and In-vitro anti-cholesterol activity by cholesterol enzymatic endpoint method using simavastatin as a positive control. The formulation showing highest anti-oxidant and in- vitro Antilipidemic activity was selected for in-vivo analysis. Out of four formulations, PHF 1 shows low IC50 values in DPPH and Nitric oxide methods (250.45± 0.60, 985.40±5.59), respectively. The in-vitro anti-cholesterol activity showed a maximum % of inhibition for PHF1. Based on this PHF 1was selected for in vivo analysis. Acute toxicity was performed according to OECD guidelines. The antilipidemic activity was conducted by Diet-induced hyperlipidemia model in Wistar albino rats, containing six animals in each group. All the groups except saline control received a high-fat diet for two weeks. The Polyherbal formulation (200 mg/kg &amp; 400 mg/kg) showed significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction in total serum cholesterol and lipid levels compared to the vehicle control group. This present study proved that Polyherbal formulation has Antilipidemic activity against the diet-induced hyperlipidemia model by reducing the total serum cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very low-density lipid (VLDL), low-density lipids(LDL) levels and increasing high-density lipid (HDL) level.

Impact of seasonal variation in HF patients

Impact of seasonal variation in HF patients

Oil spill trajectory modelling and environmental vulnerability mapping using GNOME model and GIS.

This study develops an oil spill environmental vulnerability model for predicting and mapping the oil slick trajectory pattern in Kota Tinggi, Malaysia. The impact of seasonal variations on the vulnerability of the coastal resources to oil spill was modelled by estimating the quantity of coastal resources affected across three climatic seasons (northeast monsoon, southwest monsoon and pre-monsoon). Twelve 100m3 (10,000 splots) medium oil spill scenarios were simulated using General National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Operational Oil Modeling Environment (GNOME) model. The output was integrated with coastal resources, comprising biological, socio-economic and physical shoreline features. Results revealed that the speed of an oil slick (40.8m per minute) is higher during the pre-monsoon period in a southwestern direction and lower during the northeast monsoon (36.9m per minute). Evaporation, floating and spreading are the major weathering processes identified in this study, with approximately 70% of the slick reaching the shoreline or remaining in the water column during the first 24h (h) of the spill. Oil spill impacts were most severe during the southwest monsoon, and physical shoreline resources are the most vulnerable to oil spill in the study area. The study concluded that variation in climatic seasons significantly influence the vulnerability of coastal resources to marine oil spill.

Winter Season and Clinical Outcomes Following LVAD Implantation

Background The seasonal variation of incidence and severity of heart failure is well known. However, the impact of seasonal variation on clinical outcomes following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains unknown. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who received LVAD implantation between January 2014 and December 2016 along with their first year of post-implant outcomes. Clinical outcomes were compared between those with winter LVAD implantation (between October and March) and those with non-winter LVAD implantation. Results 168 patients with a median age of 57 years and 130 males were included. There was no seasonal difference in the number of LVAD implantations. One-year survival free from adverse events was significantly lower in the winter implant group (N = 88) compared to the non-winter group (N = 80) (44% vs. 61%; Figure 1A) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.81 (95% confidence interval 1.11-2.90, p = 0.014), largely due to a higher rate of heart failure readmission in the winter implant patients (incidence rate ratio 2.29, 95% confidence interval 0.89-5.84; Figure 1B). Conclusion Patients who underwent LVAD implantation during the winter season had a higher heart failure readmission rate. A detailed mechanism and therapeutic strategy given our findings warrant further investigation.

Winter LVAD implantation is associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

The seasonal variation of incidence and severity of heart failure is well known. However, the impact of seasonal variation on clinical outcomes following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains unknown. We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who received LVAD implantation between January 2014 and December 2016 along with their first year of post-implant outcomes. Clinical outcomes were compared between those with winter LVAD implantation (between October and March) and those with non-winter LVAD implantation. 168 patients with a median age of 57 years and 130 males were included. There was no seasonal difference in the number of LVAD implantations. One-year survival free from major adverse events was significantly lower in the winter implant group (n = 88) compared to the non-winter group (n = 80) (44% vs 61%) with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.81 (95% confidence interval 1.11-2.90, p = 0.014), largely due to a higher rate of heart failure readmission in the winter implant patients (incidence rate ratio 2.29, 95% confidence interval 0.89-5.84). Patients who underwent LVAD implantation during the winter season had a higher heart failure readmission rate. A detailed mechanism and therapeutic strategy given our findings warrant further investigation.

Seasonal variation of human physiology does not influence the harvest of peripheral blood CD34+ cells from unrelated hematopoietic stem cell donors

There are many reports on factors predicting the outcome of PBSC (peripheral blood stem cell) mobilization, such as the donor’s gender, age, weight, white blood cell count, platelets pre apheresis, LDH and iron status. Although there are reports of seasonal variation in the physiology of the human immune system and hematopoiesis there are no data that such differences play a role in the response to G-CSF in healthy hematopoietic stem cell donors. The response to G-CSF could also impact the collection results during different seasons. To assess the possible impact of seasonal variation we performed a retrospective, single-center analysis of mobilization and harvest of PBSC in 330 healthy unrelated donors. We found no significant differences in the number of CD34+ cells in peripheral blood after G-CSF mobilization and in collection results when all donors were analyzed. In the subgroup of male donors the number of CD34+ stem cells after G-CSF mobilization was higher than average in summer and autumn (p = 0.036), however, it did not translate into clinically relevant differences in stem cell harvest.We conclude that although there is possible seasonal variation in the response to G-CSF in male donors there is no impact on PBSC harvest in healthy unrelated donors.

Evaluation of Secondary Post-Tonsillectomy Bleeding among Children in Saudi Arabia: Risk Factor Analysis.

Tonsillectomy is one of the most widely recognized surgeries for tonsillitis. It is the default surgery option for obstructive sleep apnea, recurrent tonsillitis, and recurrent peritonsillar abscess. However, there are limited risk factor analyses in Saudi Arabia related to tonsillectomy. The goal of study is to evaluate and analyze the risk factors for secondary post-tonsillectomy bleeding in Saudi Arabia. This retrospective review study was directed at King Abdullah Specialized Children's Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Univariate and multivariate investigations were performed to decide the risk factors. A total of 713 children were included. Post-tonsillectomy bleeding occurred in only 5.3% of tonsillectomies. There was no seasonal variation impact on post-tonsillectomy bleeding rate (P = .8). The multivariate analysis showed a significant association between post-tonsillectomy bleeding and both age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.156; 95% CI: 1.007-1.326; P = .039) and sleep disorder breathing/obstructive sleep apnea (OR = 3.581; 95% CI: 1.454-8.820; P = .006). This study revealed that age, sleep disorder/obstructive sleep apnea, and longer hospital stay after tonsillectomy are significant risk factors for post-tonsillectomy bleeding. This study provides an important baseline for further local studies in the future.