Impact of meteorological factors on the emergence of bronchiolitis in North-western Greece

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between meteorological factors in North-western Greece and the incidence of bronchiolitis. Methods: Meteorological data (air temperature and rainfall) for Ioannina city in North-western Greece and medical data from hospitalised patients at University Hospital of Ioannina were collected between January 2002 and December 2013. The association between meteorological factors and rate of hospitalisation due to bronchiolitis was investigated. The data processing was done using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient and applying the chi-square test at contingency tables of the parameters. Results: Of the 792 hospitalised cases, 670 related to infants (<1 year) and 122 concerned patients aged 1-2 years old. The disease is more common among boys (59.5%) than girls (40.5%). The disease course through the year has a double variation with a main maximum in March and a main minimum in August. The statistical study showed statistically significant correlation of bronchiolitis with: (a) the temperature parameters on an annual basis; (b) precipitation in autumn and dryness in spring; and (c) with sudden changes in diurnal temperature range on an annual basis. Conclusion: A peak incidence of bronchiolitis was noticed in cold and wet seasons during the five days preceding hospitalization (AU)

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Influencia en la epilepsia de factores meteorológicos y cronológicos / Influence of meteorological and chronological factors in epilepsy

Introducción. Los profesionales que atienden urgencias médicas observan picos de incidencia de crisis epilépticas. Algunos pacientes epilépticos atribuyen sus crisis a cambios climáticos y estacionales. Objetivo. Analizar la relación de variables meteorológicas, de calendario y circadianas con la aparición de crisis epilépticas. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo en un centro residencial de personas con discapacidad intelectual. Resultados. Los 16 residentes estudiados presentan 855 crisis epilépticas, entre ellas 159 en picos o cúmulos, a lo largo del período 2009-2012. El predominio de crisis encontrado en otoño y durante el cuarto trimestre del año no es significativo (p > 0,05). No hay relación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia de crisis epilépticas con las fases lunares y los días de la semana. La mayoría de crisis epilépticas (87,2%) se presenta en horario diurno (p < 0,001). El 36,3% aparece entre las 8:00 y las 10:59 h. No hay correlación estadística entre el número de crisis epilépticas respecto a la presión atmosférica, la precipitación, el grado de humedad y la temperatura media (p > 0,05). Conclusiones. Se constata la aparición de picos o cúmulos de crisis epilépticas. La presencia de estas presenta un marcado componente circadiano. La influencia en la epilepsia de los factores meteorológicos estudiados, fases lunares y estaciones del año no es significativa (AU)

Introduction. The professionals who deal with medical emergencies observe peaks in the incidence of epileptic seizures. Some epileptic patients attribute their seizures to climatic and seasonal changes. Aims. To analyse the relationship between meteorological, calendar-related and circadian variables and the appearance of epileptic seizures. Patients and methods. A retrospective study was conducted in a residential home for persons with intellectual disability. Results. The 16 residents who were studied presented 855 epileptic attacks, including 159 in peaks or clusters, over the period 2009-2012. The predominance of seizures observed in autumn and during the fourth quarter of the year is not significant (p > 0.05). There is no statistically significant relation between the presence of epileptic seizures and the phases of the moon or days of the week. Most epileptic seizures (87.2%) occur during the daytime (p < 0.001). Findings showed that 36.3% occur in the morning between 08:00 and 10:59. There is no statistical correlation between the number of epileptic seizures and the atmospheric pressure, rainfall, degree of humidity or mean temperature (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The appearance of peaks or clustering of epileptic seizures was observed. Their presence shows a marked circadian component. The influence of meteorological factors, the phases of the moon and seasons of the year on epilepsy is not significant. (AU)

Pluviometría y asistencia a urgencias / Rain figures and attendance at emergency departments

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Variables metereológicas y salud

Monografía dirigida a personal sanitario, personal de residencias de ancianos y población general, que pretende dar a conocer a sus destinatarios la importancia y repercusión de diversos fenómenos meteorológicos, en especial olas de calor y frio, para la salud, así como las medidas de prevención y protección que deben tomarse para evitar o minimizar dichos efectos.

Pronóstico definitivo de vulnerabilidad 1999 - 2000 / Definitive prediction of vulnerability 1999 - 2000

This article of the bulletin is based on the analysis of data collected up until September 30th, 1999, and presents the definitive prognosis for food security during the lean season 99-00. It represents a re-evaluation of the first forecast (preliminary prognosis) conducted in May 1999, taking into consideration the relative importance and development of second season crops, as well as indicators of monetary incomes, compared to the structural potential of each district. The definitive prognosis for the 99-00 food security situation confirms, except for few districts, the first predictions expressed in May (preliminary prognosis) during the preliminary prognosis and is summarised by regions as follows: Northern Region, Central Region and Southern Region. The updated projection presented here indicates that a maximum of 77.740 individuals might be in need of some food assistance to avoid significant malnutrition in the leaning period now beginning. The food deficit for this group should not exceed the blobal amount of 1.119 tonnes of cereals

Sobre la variabilidad y el cambio climático

Descripción de los fenómenos hidro-metereológicos extremos, como los huracanes, que nos muestran claramente el grado de vulnerabilidad de las sociedades ante condiciones meteorológicas adversas. Se describen además los efectos causados por El Niño y La Niña en México durante los años 97-98, su impacto en la sociedad, economía (agricultura)

Informe de Cuba

Informe operativo elaborado por el Instituto Meteorológico de Cuba (INSMET), en el cual se definen los fenómenos meteorológicos peligrosos para Cuba, con su establecimiento de plazo mínimo de emisión de aviso, ejemplos: ciclón tropical(48 horas), vientos fuertes(12 horas), lluvias intensas(12 horas), penetraciones del mar con inundaciones costeras(12 horas), línea de tormenta(6 horas), tormentas locales severas (4 horas). El Plan Operativo describe la organización del trabajo y los pasos a seguir ante la posible ocurrencia de dichos fenómenos naturales. Además recopila información de cómo se han preparado para enfrentar los fenómenos meteorológicos como el huracán Mitch y Georges y la temporada ciclónica