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PubMed1999

Rheumatoid arthritis patients show weather sensitivity in daily life, but the relationship is not clinically significant.

While the majority of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients report that their pain is influenced by the weather, studies examining the impact of weather on RA pain have yielded equivocal results. It is not clear from the existing studies if the mixed results are due to limited statistical power (e.g. small sample sizes and restricted variability in weather indices) or the failure to consider individual differences. The current study addressed these weaknesses by having 75 RA patients (mean age = 52.7; 71% female) record their daily pain severity for 75 consecutive days. Objective weather indices including temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity, and percentage of sunlight were obtained for the same dates from a local weather service. The results indicate that for the entire sample, pain levels were highest on cold, overcast days and following days with high barometric pressure. Pain levels also increased as a function of change in relative humidity from one day to the next. Individual difference analyses revealed significant variability between patients in their weather sensitivity patterns. In general, patients with higher levels of self-reported pain demonstrated more weather sensitivity. When considering the magnitude of these effects, however, weather variables accounted for only a small amount of change in pain scores. This pattern was true even for patients with the most pronounced pain-weather relationships. Thus, although weather sensitivity was found, the effect sizes were not clinically meaningful.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of weather conditions for methyl bromide ambient air monitoring in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Kern Counties in the year 2000.

Weather condition is one of the most important factors affecting spatial and temporal distributions of air pollutants, especially for short-term air dispersion. Abnormal weather conditions might lead to higher or lower ambient air concentrations than they would be under normal weather conditions. Therefore, testing for normality of weather conditions during the air monitoring period is an essential step for evaluating ambient air monitoring results. In this paper, a distance method was used to select a most representative weather station from the available candidates. An array of meteorological elements were identified that affect air dispersion and transportation. A statistical method was used to determine whether the weather conditions during the air monitoring period were significantly different from that of previous years. Using methyl bromide ambient air monitoring as a case study, this paper documents the methods, procedures, and results of weather analysis for Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Kern Counties during ambient air monitoring periods for methyl bromide in the year 2000. With a few exceptions, the meteorological elements and atmospheric stability factors, such as wind speeds, wind directions, and stability classes, during the monitoring period were in the normal range. Although there were higher frequencies of stable atmospheric conditions in Monterey/Santa Cruz Counties than in Kern County, weather conditions during the monitoring period were not significantly different from normal local weather conditions of previous years. Consequently, the subchronic air concentrations observed during the ambient air monitoring periods for methyl bromide in the year 2000 was taken under typical weather conditions of those areas at that time of the year.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed2002

Weather and the pain in fibromyalgia: are they related?

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between fibromyalgic pain and weather to determine the nature of their interrelationship. METHODS: The daily pain ratings of 55 female patients previously diagnosed with fibromyalgia were recorded on visual analogue scales (VAS) over 28 days. These ratings were then related to the official weather parameters and a composite weather variable using time series methodology. Effect sizes r were calculated from the t values and df. RESULTS: A composite weather variable did not significantly predict changes in pain, either the same day (t=-1.15, df=1483, p=0.25) or on the next day (t=-1.55, df=1483, p=0.12)-that is, the weather was not a factor for changes in the subjective pain of FM. Patients' pain did not predict weather change in this sample, and neither same day (t=-0. 69, df=1483, p<0.49) nor previous day pain (t=-1.31, df=1483, p<0.19) predicted weather changes. A post hoc exploratory analysis showed that those with <10 years of fibromyalgia experienced significantly greater weather sensitivity to pain (t=- 2.73, df=389, p<0.006) than those with longer illness. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant relationship between fibromyalgic pain and the weather was not found in this sample, although it is possible that a group of patients with less chronic fibromyalgia might be weather sensitive.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Does weather confound or modify the association of particulate air pollution with mortality? An analysis of the Philadelphia data, 1973-1980.

Because weather has the potential to confound or modify the pollution-mortality relationship, researchers have developed several approaches for controlling it in estimating the independent effect of air pollution on mortality. This report considers the consequences of using alternative approaches to controlling for weather and explores modification of air pollution effects by weather, as weather patterns could plausibly alter air pollution's effect on health. We analyzed 1973-1980 total mortality data for Philadelphia using four weather models and compared estimates of the effects of TSP and SO2 on mortality using a Poisson regression model. Two synoptic categories developed by Kalkstein were selected--the Temporal Synoptic Index (TSI) and the Spatial Synoptic Classification (SSC)--and compared with (1) descriptive models developed by Schwartz and Dockery (S-D); and (2) LOESS, a non-parametric function of the previous day's temperature and dew point. We considered model fit using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC) and changes in the estimated effects of TSP and SO2. In the full-year analysis, S-D is better than LOESS at predicting mortality, and S-D and LOESS are better than TSI, as measured by AIC. When TSP or SO2 was fit alone, the results were qualitatively similar, regardless of how weather was controlled; when TSP and SO2 were fit simultaneously, the S-D and LOESS models give qualitatively different results than TSI, which attributes more of the pollution effect to SO2 than to TSP. Model fit is substantially poorer with TSI. This pattern was repeated in analyses of summer and winter months, which included SSC. In summary, using synoptic weather categories in regression models does not meaningfully change the association between mortality and air pollution indexes. We also found little evidence that weather conditions modified the effect of pollution, regardless of the approach used to represent weather.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2000

Effects of weather on corticosterone responses in wild free-living passerine birds.

Harsh weather can have devastating effects on both the survival and the breeding success of wild animals. Corticosterone, released in response to the stress caused by harsh conditions, may trigger physiological and behavioral changes that help ameliorate these effects. We examined three species of Arctic-breeding passerine birds for correlations between circulating plasma corticosterone levels and weather conditions at the time of capture. Furthermore, because persistently poor weather conditions may be required to initiate a stress response, we also looked for a relationship between corticosterone levels and weather conditions over the 24 and 72 h preceding capture. None of the three species showed substantial effects of weather on unstressed corticosterone levels during the breeding season, although one species showed a significant relationship with stress-induced corticosterone levels. In two species, however, variations in weather during molt (an energetically costly period when birds replace their feathers) explained from 35 to 88% of the individual variation in corticosterone levels. In a third molting species, weather conditions in the preceding 24 and 72 h explained between 20 and 30% of the individual variation in corticosterone levels. It thus appears that adverse weather may be a potent stimulator of corticosterone release during molt, but not during the breeding season. Although extreme weather conditions (those experienced once every few years) can disrupt breeding, since none of the birds abandoned breeding we might conclude that the storms in this study were well within the ability of the birds to cope physiologically.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

The National Weather Service warning system.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is the federal agency solely responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings of weather hazards. Additional facets of NWS operations that pertain to public safety are dissemination of weather warnings, weather hazard awareness, and the weather preparedness program. These are interrelated to form a successful warning program. NWS field operations encompass many types of atmospheric phenomena, each requiring different action in order to protect life and property. The NWS weather forecast and warning program is of little value if local officials or citizens are unprepared to take necessary precautions. Many deaths and serious injuries that occur due to hazardous weather are preventable. Although the weather-related death toll has decreased significantly since the 1960s, the potential for catastrophic loss of life remains in many areas of the United States. An excellent preparedness/awareness program can minimize the possibility of loss of life.

Disasters↗
PubMed2006

A comparison of methods for calculating population exposure estimates of daily weather for health research.

BACKGROUND: To explain the possible effects of exposure to weather conditions on population health outcomes, weather data need to be calculated at a level in space and time that is appropriate for the health data. There are various ways of estimating exposure values from raw data collected at weather stations but the rationale for using one technique rather than another; the significance of the difference in the values obtained; and the effect these have on a research question are factors often not explicitly considered. In this study we compare different techniques for allocating weather data observations to small geographical areas and different options for weighting averages of these observations when calculating estimates of daily precipitation and temperature for Australian Postal Areas. Options that weight observations based on distance from population centroids and population size are more computationally intensive but give estimates that conceptually are more closely related to the experience of the population. RESULTS: Options based on values derived from sites internal to postal areas, or from nearest neighbour sites--that is, using proximity polygons around weather stations intersected with postal areas--tended to include fewer stations' observations in their estimates, and missing values were common. Options based on observations from stations within 50 kilometres radius of centroids and weighting of data by distance from centroids gave more complete estimates. Using the geographic centroid of the postal area gave estimates that differed slightly from the population weighted centroids and the population weighted average of sub-unit estimates. CONCLUSION: To calculate daily weather exposure values for analysis of health outcome data for small areas, the use of data from weather stations internal to the area only, or from neighbouring weather stations (allocated by the use of proximity polygons), is too limited. The most appropriate method conceptually is the use of weather data from sites within 50 kilometres radius of the area weighted to population centres, but a simpler acceptable option is to weight to the geographic centroid.

Health Status↗
PubMed2005

Pilot behaviors in the face of adverse weather: A new look at an old problem.

INTRODUCTION: Weather-related general aviation accidents remain one of the most significant causes for concern in aviation safety. Previous studies have typically compared accident and non-accident cases. In contrast, the current study does not concentrate on occurrence outcome. Instead, the emphasis is on the different behaviors that pilots exhibit in the face of adverse weather and, by inference, on the decision-making processes that underlie those behaviors. METHODS: This study compares three weather-related behaviors that reflect different levels of risk: visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions ('VFR into IMC'); precautionary landing; and other significant weather avoidance actions. Occurrence data (n=491) were drawn from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau database of aviation occurrences, and included weather-related accidents, incidents, and 'normal operationsd.' RESULTS: There were few significant differences between the three weather-related behavior groups in terms of pilot demographics, aircraft characteristics, geographic or environmental factors, or absolute flight distances. The pattern of relative flight distances (a psychological construct) was markedly different for the three groups, with pilots in the weather avoidance group being distinguished by taking timely action. DISCUSSION: The relative distance results suggest that the mid-point of the flight can be a 'psychological turning point' for pilots, irrespective of the absolute flight distance involved. Hence, pilots' behavior was sometimes influenced by psychological factors not related to any particular operational aspect of the flight. The results of the weather avoidance group indicate that a safe pilot is a proactive pilot. Dealing with adverse weather is not a one-off decision but a continually evolving process. This aspect is discussed in terms of the concept of 'mindfulness'.

Accidents, Aviation↗
PubMed2000

Sex differences in weather sensitivity can cause habitat segregation: red deer as an example.

Sex differences in habitat use (habitat segregation) are widespread in sexually dimorphic ungulates. A possible cause is that males are more sensitive to weather than females, leading to sex differences in sheltering behaviour (the 'weather sensitivity hypothesis'). However, this hypothesis has never been tested. We considered the allometric rates of net energy gain during times of cold weather and food shortage in a model. We argue that the higher absolute heat losses relative to intake rates of larger ungulates should indeed lead to higher weather sensitivity in males than in females. Furthermore, we tested the weather sensitivity hypothesis empirically in red deer, Cervus elaphus, on the Isle of Rum, U.K. We predicted that (1) use of relatively exposed, high-quality forage habitat should be negatively influenced by bad weather; and (2) this influence should be stronger in males. We found that bad weather (strong wind, low temperature, heavy rain) in winter and spring influenced use of high-quality forage habitat negatively in all deer; that adult males responded more strongly to low temperature and strong wind than did females; and that adult males foraged on windy days at better sheltered sites than did females. Thus, the weather sensitivity hypothesis is supported both theoretically and empirically. We suggest that the weather sensitivity hypothesis can potentially explain winter habitat segregation in a large number of ungulate species. Copyright 2000 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Weathering and erosion fluxes of arsenic in watershed mass budgets.

Arsenic in natural waters and in soils represents a serious health hazard. Natural sources of this element in soil are the subject of this communication. Weathering mass balance of As and rates of weathering in soils are evaluated from monitored inputs and outputs in two small watersheds. These watersheds are located within the Celina-Mokrsko gold district, Czech Republic. Annual chemical weathering fluxes of As are calculated from the monthly weighted means of stream water and groundwater. The fluxes are corrected for atmospheric precipitation, agrochemical inputs, and biological uptake. Mechanical and chemical weathering rates of the arsenopyrite-bearing rocks in the watersheds were estimated from mass balance data on sodium and silica. The input of As due to total weathering of bedrock was estimated to be 1369 g ha(-1)yr(-1) in the Mokrsko watershed (MW) and 81 g ha(-1)yr(-1) in the Celina watershed (CW). These results indicate that the annual weathering rate of As in the watersheds represents more than 95% of the total As input to the soil. Accumulation rate of As in the soil was estimated at 311 g ha(-1)yr(-1) in MW and 69 g ha(-1)yr(-1) in CW. The mass balance method for calculation of weathering rate of As was used, and the results suggest that weathering could be the most important process in the As biogeochemistry of the areas with elevated As content in the bedrock. Simple model of weathering and erosion can be used successfully in estimating their role in As pollution on the scale of small watershed. The method is also useful for indicating the mass balance of As in soils that is controlled by both the natural and anthropogenic inputs and outputs of As.

Arsenic↗
PubMed2001

Chemical characterization of naturally weathered oil residues in arid terrestrial environment in Al-Alamein, Egypt.

The main objective of this study was to investigate compositional changes in a range of source- and weathering-dependent molecular parameters in oil residues in the arid terrestrial environment of Al-Alamein, Egypt. The results of aromatic hydrocarbon analysis demonstrated the stability of several aromatic hydrocarbon ratios in oil residues over a wide range of weathering and hydrocarbon concentrations. The ratios of C2-dibenzothiophenes/C2-phenanthrenes (C2-DBTs/C2-PHENs), C3-dibenzothiophenes/C3-phenanthrenes (C3-DBTs/C3-PHENs), C2-chrysenes/C1-chrysenes (C2-CHRYs/C1-CHRYs), and C2-dibenzothiophenes/C1-dibenzothiophenes (C2-DBTs/C1-DBTs) were nearly constant in oil residues of varying degrees of weathering. Biomarker ratios of hopanes and steranes were useful for source identification even for severely weathered oil residues. The data confirmed previous observations that C29 20S/(20S + 20R) and C29 betabeta/(betabeta+ alphaalpha) sterane epimer ratios, and C29/C30, C30 alphabeta(alphabeta + 3alpha), C31 22S/(22S + 22R) hopane ratios correlate well even after extensive weathering of spilled oils, although some exceptions were encountered for an extensively weathered surface sample. The data provided clear evidence of correlation between samples of the weathered oil residues and the possible source oil. Moreover, the results of biomarker compositions were in good agreement with weathering classification based on alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons. In general, samples with lowest pregnane indices (PI) and tricyclic terpane indices (TriTI) showed the lowest concentrations of n-alkanes and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) homologues, the highest weathering ratios (WRs), the highest values of unresolved complex mixture (UCM)/total resolved peak (TRP) ratios, and the highest ratios of C2 and C3-alkylated CHRYs to their counterparts in the PHEN and DBT series.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed1999

Color stability and colorant effect on maxillofacial elastomers. Part III: weathering effect on color.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Maxillofacial prostheses are serviceable for approximately 6 months, after which they need to be refabricated because of the deterioration of color and physical properties. PURPOSE: This third article in a 3-part series evaluated the color stability of commonly used colorant-elastomer combinations as a result of exposure to weathering. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Fifteen specimens were fabricated for each of the 3 elastomers (Silastic medical adhesive type A, Silastic 4-4210, and Silicone A-2186) and 6 colorants (dry earth pigments, rayon fiber flocking, artist's oil paints, kaolin, liquid cosmetics, and no colorant) for a total of 270 specimens (18 groups of 15 specimens). The 15 specimens of each elastomer-colorant combination were separated into 3 test condition groups (control, time passage, and natural weathering) of 5 specimens per test condition group. Control specimens were evaluated within 1 month of fabrication. The time passage group was sealed in glass containers and kept in the dark for 6 months before testing. The natural weathering groups were placed on the roof of the dental school for 6 months and exposed to sunlight and weathering. Color and optical density data for each elastomer-colorant combination were subjected to a 1-way analysis of variance to examine effects among test conditions (control, time passage, and weathering). When significant differences were observed, the Student-Newman-Keuls multiple range test was performed to identify differences in elastomer-colorant combinations among each test condition at a significance level of .05. RESULTS: Changes in color, as a result of weathering, were noted in many of the colorant-elastomer combinations. Also, color change occurred not only to the colored, but also to uncolored materials over time without exposure to weathering. CONCLUSION: Clinically, the addition of colorants could have a stabilizing effect on the elastomer color when it is exposed to weathering.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2000

The influence of weather on human mortality in Hong Kong.

This study is the first attempt to investigate mortality seasonality and weather-mortality relationships in Hong Kong from 1980 to 1994. Monthly mortality data from all causes of death, neoplasm, circulatory and respiratory diseases were obtained from the Census and Statistics Department and the weather data were obtained from the Hong Kong Observatory. Regression analyses and ANOVA were employed. Significant winter peaks in sex specific and total deaths from all causes, circulatory and respiratory diseases were ascertained. Cancer mortality, however, was not seasonal. Mortality seasonality only existed in age groups 45-64 and > or =65. For the impact of weather on mortality, no significant relationship between weather variables and cancer mortality was observed. A significant negative association between minimum temperature and a positive relationship between cloud and deaths were found. This suggests that colder and cloudy conditions may heighten mortality. Wind was discovered to have a negative association with mortality. This finding revealed that the stressful effect of wind on mortality was negligible. There was no apparent sex difference. Deaths from the younger age groups (0-24 yr old) were not weather related. Weak weather connection with mortality for age group 25-44 was discovered, with Adj r2 values ranging from 0.05 to 0.07. The elderly (age > or =65) were more vulnerable to weather stress and strong weather-mortality relationship was uncovered, with Adj r2 values from 0.36 to 0.66. These results are important information for formulating public health policies.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed1998

Effect of weather on the number and the nature of visits to a pediatric ED.

To determine whether unfavorable weather conditions affect the number and acuity of visits to a pediatric emergency department (ED), a retrospective analysis was conducted of children's hospital ED visits and weather conditions utilizing an ED log book and local climatological data during the year 1993. Visits, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, non-ICU admissions, time periods with favorable weather (TPF), and time periods with unfavorable weather (TPUF) were measured. Each day of the year was divided into two time periods. The time periods were labeled TPF or TPUF based on certain weather conditions. There were 632 (86%) TPF and 98 (14%) TPUF. The number of visits, non-ICU admissions, and ICU admissions during TPF were 13,008 (88%), 1,031 (87%) and 121 (86%), respectively. The number of visits, non-ICU admissions, and ICU admissions during TPUF were 1,720 (12%), 148 (13%), and 19 (14%), respectively. No significant differences in visits and admissions during TPF and TPUF were identified. Also, there was no difference identified when the distribution of visits and admissions was examined during TPUF due to different weather factors, eg, low temperature, precipitation, etc. The results show that unfavorable weather due to the types of weather factors discussed does not affect the number or the nature of visits to a pediatric ED.

Child↗
PubMed2004

Weather conditions and spinal patients.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of various weather conditions on reported health status. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Existing literature shows no definite conclusions regarding the effect of weather on patients with spinal pathology. METHODS: Initial visit data from 23 American centers participating in the National Spine Network included demographic information and SF-36-based health status. Weather conditions when and where patients were seen were obtained from the National Climatic Data Center and U.S. Naval Observatory. SF-36 outcomes were predicted using multiple regression techniques from weather parameters, which included high and low temperature, average dew point, wet bulb, barometric pressure, total precipitation, phase of the moon, and length of sunlight. RESULTS: A total of 26,862 of 54,062 patients were identified. Two models were compared: model 1 included the above weather predictors and model 2 added age and gender. For each SF-36 scale and subscale and the Physical and Mental composite Scores, both models were statistically significant, although only model 2 for physical function produced an R value greater than 1%. Barometric pressure was the only weather predictor that was consistently significant. Increased pressure was associated with worse outcomes. Although age and gender were significant additions to the prediction equation, overall, the practical contribution was minimal. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant relationship between weather factors and SF-36-based health status exists but has minimal clinical significance. These factors had minimal if any effect on mental health-related scores bringing into question either the relationship between weather and psychological status, at least in patients with spinal problems or the usefulness of the instrument used.

Female↗
PubMed2003

Risk of knee and ankle sprains under various weather conditions in American football.

PURPOSE: Previous studies have found conflicting relationships between type of playing surface and injury in American football but have not taken into account possible variations in the surface conditions of outdoor stadiums due to changing weather. METHODS: A total of 5910 National Football League team games between 1989 and 1998 inclusive were studied to determine associations between knee and ankle sprains, playing surface, and the weather conditions on the day of the game. RESULTS: There was reduced risk of significant ankle sprains (at least 7-d time loss) for games in natural grass stadiums compared with domes (indoor stadiums using AstroTurf) (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.83). There was also reduced risk of significant knee sprains on grass compared with domes (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.66-0.91), although most of this reduction was related to cold and wet weather on grass (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47-0.93 compared with hot and dry weather on grass). In open (outdoor) AstroTurf stadiums, cold weather was associated with a lower risk of significant ankle sprains (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.51-0.91), significant knee sprains (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.47-0.77) and ACL injuries (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31-0.81) compared with hot weather in the same stadiums. Weather did not have any significant effects on the injury risk in domes. The ACL incidence rate was lower during the later (cooler) months of the season in open stadiums (both AstroTurf and natural grass) but not in domes. CONCLUSION: Cold weather is associated with lower knee and ankle injury risk in outdoor stadiums (both natural grass and AstroTurf), probably because of reduced shoe-surface traction.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Weather patients will come?

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether weather conditions affect emergency department (ED) attendance and admissions from the ED. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective observational study in a large metropolitan ED. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ED attendance (total and via ambulance) and admissions to hospital from ED, as a function of weather variables. RESULTS: On warm, dry, sunny and good weather days there were significantly more ED attendances in total than there were on cool, rainy, dull and bad weather days, respectively (P < or = 0.001). There were significant correlations between ED attendance and temperature (r = 0.36, P < 0.001), rainfall (r = - 0.20, P < 0.001) and hours of sunshine (r = 0.17, P = 0.001). Attendance via ambulance was not affected by weather variables. Admissions from the ED were positively correlated with temperature (r = 0.15, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with rainfall (r = - 0.12, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: As there is a clear relationship between weather conditions and ED attendance, incorporating meteorological forecasting into emergency medicine training may improve ED scheduling. To improve the morale of ED staff coping with an onslaught of patients on good weather days, the ED environment should simulate sunny weather, with swimming pools, sun lamps, palm trees and Beach Boys music.

Australia↗
PubMed1986

Influence of weather on osteoarthritics.

This exploratory study examined the effects of selected weather variables on pain and pain-related stress in osteoarthritic subjects. Urban and rural dwelling arthritics who perceived that weather made their symptoms worse and those who did not were surveyed. Some persons with osteoarthritis in urban Chicago were more weather sensitive than their rural counterparts in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Multiple regression analysis showed that precipitation affected degree of pain for urban subjects who identified weather as a pain-generating factor; barometric pressure, relative humidity and sunshine were significant factors influencing pain-related stress. Wind speed correlated with pain and pain-related stress; relative humidity and precipitation correlated with pain-related stress for urban subjects who did not perceive weather as a problem. Specific weather variables were not identified as affecting rural subjects' pain. However, temperature and barometric pressure affected degree of pain-related stress in rural subjects who perceived weather as a problem. Subtle differences between Chicago urban and Grand Forks rural climates are reflected in arthritic subjects' degree of pain and their perception of pain-related stress.

Aged↗