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PubMed2002

Dynamics of recent climate change in the Arctic.

The pattern of recent surface warming observed in the Arctic exhibits both polar amplification and a strong relation with trends in the Arctic Oscillation mode of atmospheric circulation. Paleoclimate analyses indicate that Arctic surface temperatures were higher during the 20th century than during the preceding few centuries and that polar amplification is a common feature of the past. Paleoclimate evidence for Holocene variations in the Arctic Oscillation is mixed. Current understanding of physical mechanisms controlling atmospheric dynamics suggests that anthropogenic influences could have forced the recent trend in the Arctic Oscillation, but simulations with global climate models do not agree. In most simulations, the trend in the Arctic Oscillation is much weaker than observed. In addition, the simulated warming tends to be largest in autumn over the Arctic Ocean, whereas observed warming appears to be largest in winter and spring over the continents.

Arctic Regions↗
PubMed1999

Chilblain lupus erythematosus is associated with antibodies to SSA/Ro.

Chillblain Lupus Erythematosus (CL) of Hutchinson is a subtype of Lupus Erythematosus characterized by erythematous lesions symmetrically distributed on the face, nose, fingers and toes, knees and heels. The lesions are induced by cold, damp climates. A number of patients affected by CL eventually develop features of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). We report here 7 patients, all but one affected by SLE, with chilblain cutaneous lesions on their hands, feet and face. The onset of CL preceded the diagnosis of SLE, from 1 to 10 years in 3 cases, it was concurrent in one case and was subsequent in the other 2 cases. Six out of the seven patients referred typical Raynaud's phenomenon and one had acrocyanosis. CL lesions developed and were aggravated by the cold during autumn and winter, they improved during summer. Skin biopsy performed in 5 patients from the lesions showed, on histology, a typical pattern of alterations with granular deposits at the dermo-epidermal junction on direct immunofluorescence. Laboratory findings showed: ANA and anti-SSA/Ro were detected in all the patients, anti-SSA/Ro were isolated in 4 patients and associated with anti-Sm in one case, anti-U1 RNP in one case and with anti-Sm and anti-RNP in a third case. Complement consumption was observed in 5 patients, anti-dsDNA in the six patients with SLE, hypergammaglobulinemia in 4 and rheumatoid factor in one. The fine specificity of anti-SSA/Ro as determined by immunoblotting using a human spleen extract as a substrate, showed: anti-60kD and anti-52 kD in two sera, anti-60kD isolated in 2 sera, anti-52kD isolated in one serum (from the patient without SLE) while 2 sera did not blotted. In conclusion, our study confirms the previous report of anti-SSA/Ro antibodies in association with CL. This clinical and serologic association widens the spectrum of cutaneous disease that is associated with antibodies to SSA/Ro to include conditions such as to SCLE, hypergammaglobulinemic purpura and neonatal lupus.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Mortality rate and relative strain index in Buenos Aires city.

Thermal stress may seriously affect human health to the extent of provoking death in those human groups at high risk such as little children and elderly persons. This research studies the climatology of the relative strain index (RSI) in the city of Buenos Aires (Argentina). It is observed that the conditions at 1400 hours local time on more than 75% of summer days cause discomfort, though only on 25% of days are physiological failure levels reached. The nocturnal RSI values show 75% of nights to be comfortable, bringing relief and allowing physiological recuperation. Comparison between the RSI frequency distributions of different decades by the application of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test shows a possible urban heat-island effect that increases nocturnal RSI values. The relationship between the RSI and the daily number of interments is also analysed. Because of the large number of different causes of mortality, only about 10% of the variance of the daily number of interments can be explained by the RSI value at 1400 hours local time 1 or 2 days before. Comparison of mortality figures with these RSI values shows deaths to be at a minimum for the interval 0.0-0.1 (the RSI comfort range), slightly increasing for negative values that could represent unexpected Summer cold waves. For values of RSI over 0.2 the increment is more abrupt, indicating an impact of a thermal strain on mortality. The relationship between the joint occurrence of the 1400 hour and 0200 hour (local time) RSI values and mortality shows a clear impact of prolonged exposure to uncomfortable conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1987

[Characteristics of the immune response of children in the Arctic to live measles vaccine].

The intensity of immune response to live measles vaccine varies in children living in different climatic and geographical regions. The least intensive immunogenesis is registered in children living in the Arctic regions. The level of seroconversion in children living in these regions rises in response to measles vaccine containing a 10-fold amount of the virus per immunization dose.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Impact of extreme climatic conditions on morphophysiological parameters].

The paper shows that there are uniform changes in the somatotypical characteristics with increases in the age of able-bodied population and in their adaptation to emergency environmental conditions. The amount of an indefinite somatotype increased in all groups (by age, adaptation to the conditions, low- and high lands and high-latitude Antarctic region), major signs of ethnicity and regional traits of the populations remaining in these periods.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed2006

A simple model for predicting the effect of hygrothermal conditions on populations of house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae).

A simple mite population index (MPI) model is presented which predicts the effect on house dust mite populations of any combination of temperature and relative humidity (RH). For each combination, the output is an index, or multiplication factor, such that 1.1 indicates 10% population growth and 0.9 indicates 10% population decline. To provide data for the model, laboratory experiments have been carried out using lab cultures of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. The population change was observed for mites held in steady-state conditions at different combinations of temperature and RH over 21 days. From the results, a best-fit equation has been derived which forms the basis of the MPI model. The results also enable a new term to be defined: the Population Equilibrium Humidity, PEH, the RH for a given temperature at which house dust mite populations neither grow nor decline. It is similar to Critical Equilibrium Humidity, the RH below which house dust mites are unable to maintain water balance, but relates to a population of mites (rather than a physiological phenomenon) and is more able to take account of the observed effects of extremes of temperature and RH. Compared with previous population models, the MPI model is potentially more accurate and comprehensive. It can be combined with other simple models (described in previous papers), such as BED, which simulates the average hygrothermal conditions in a bed, given room conditions, and Condensation Targeter II, which simulates room conditions given a range of easily obtainable inputs for climate, house type and occupant characteristics. In this way it is now possible, for any individual dwelling, to assess the most effective means of controlling mite populations by environmental means, such as by improving standards of ventilation and insulation, or by modifying the occupant behaviour that affects the hygrothermal environment within a dwelling. Although the MPI model requires further development and validation, it has already proved useful for understanding more clearly how the different hygrothermal conditions found in beds and bedrooms can affect mite populations. It has also demonstrated that there is considerable scope for controlling mites by environmental means in cold winter climates such as the UK.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Decreased free fraction of thyroid hormones after prolonged Antarctic residence.

We investigated the effects of Antarctic residence (AR) on serum thyroid hormone and cardiovascular responses to a 60-min standard cold air (0 degree C) test (SCAT). Serum total thyroxine (TT4) and serum total triiodothyronine (TT3), free T4 (FT4) and T3 (FT3), thyrotropin (TSH), and percent free fraction of T4 (%FT4) and T3 (%FT3) were measured in normal men (n = 15) before and after each of three SCATs. The SCAT was first carried out in California and then repeated after 24 and 44 wk AR. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and sublingual oral temperature (Tor) were measured before and during each SCAT. The SCAT did not alter thyroid hormones before or after AR. The %FT4 decreased from 0.0334 +/- 0.0017 to 0.0295 +/- 0.0007% (P less than 0.002) with 44 wk AR but without a significant change in TT4 or FT4 for the same period. The %FT3 also decreased from 0.2812 +/- 0.0128 to 0.2458 +/- 0.0067% (P less than 0.005) after 44 wk AR. FT3 decreased (P less than 0.003) but TT3 and TSH were unchanged with 44 wk AR. The decrease in %FT4 and %FT3 may be theoretically accounted for by a 10% increase in either the capacity or the affinity of the serum binding proteins. The SCAT in California increased MAP and did not change Tor. After 44 wk AR, the SCAT no longer increased MAP but did lower Tor. The shift in the Tor and MAP response to the SCAT is consistent with the associated occurrence of cold adaptation during AR. We describe for the first time a decrease in the free fraction of both serum T3 and T4 present with extended polar residence and independent of a SCAT, further characterizing the recently reported "polar T3 syndrome."

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1996

Postnatal hypothermia and cold stress among newborn infants in Nepal monitored by continuous ambulatory recording.

AIMS: To describe the pattern of hypothermia and cold stress after delivery among a normal neonatal population in Nepal; to provide practical advice for improving thermal care in a resource limited maternity hospital. METHODS: The principal government funded maternity hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, with an annual delivery rate of 15,000 (constituting 40% of all Kathmandu Valley deliveries), severe resource limitations (annual budget Pounds 250,000), and a cold winter climate provided the setting. Thirty five healthy term neonates not requiring special care were enrolled for study within 90 minutes of birth. Continuous ambulatory temperature monitoring, using microthermistor skin probes for forehead and axilla, a flexible rectal probe, and a black ball probe placed next to the infant for ambient temperature, was carried out. All probes were connected to a compact battery powered Squirrel Memory Logger, giving a temperature reading to 0.2 degree C at five minute intervals for 24 hours. Severity and duration of hypothermia, using cutoff values of core temperature less than 36 degrees C, 34 degrees C, and 32 degrees C; and cold stress, using cutoff values of skin-core (forehead-axilla) temperature difference greater than 3 degrees C and 4 degrees C were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Twenty four hour mean ambient temperatures were generally lower than the WHO recommended level of 25 degrees C (median 22.3 degrees C, range 15.1-27.5 degrees C). Postnatal hypothermia was prolonged, with axillary core temperatures only reaching 36 degrees C after a mean of 6.4 hours (range 0-21.1; SD 4.6). There was persistent and increasing cold stress over the first 24 hours with the core-skin (axillary-forehead) temperature gap exceeding 3 degrees C for more than half of the first 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous ambulatory recording identifies weak links in the "warm chain" for neonates. The severity and duration of thermal problems was greater than expected even in a hospital setting where some of the WHO recommendations had already been implemented.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Analysis of cause of death of workers of non-ferrous metal industry in the Far North].

Mortality parameters among able-bodied individuals engaged into nonferrous metallurgy due to cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and malignancies several times exceed the analogous parameters among general population residing in the same climate (5.4, 4.9 and 3.6 times respectively). High mortality due to malignancies among the workers exposed to nonferrous metals does not match the data by official statistics declaring the occupational malignancies rate over 400 times lower than the mortality parameter. Such gap between actual and official statistics could result from inadequate occupational medical service for these workers.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Climate change, flow regulation and land-use effects on the hydrology of the Peace-Athabasca-Slave System; findings from the Northern Rivers Ecosystem Initiative.

The Northern Rivers Ecosystem Initiative (NREI) was established in the late 1990s to address important science questions resulting from previous studies undertaken by the Northern Rivers Basin Study (NRBS). This manuscript summarizes the results from a number of reports on hydrologic research conducted on the Peace-Athabasca-Slave river and lake systems. Specific concerns expressed by the NRBS and subsequent NREI focused on how these systems were being affected by climate change, flow regulation and land-use changes. Issues addressed in this report include: the fate of aquatic perched basins within the Peace-Athabasca Delta under historical and future climate trends; the sources of major floods that replenish these basins and how the frequency, magnitude and source areas of such events have changed over time; the synoptic weather patterns and atmospheric teleconnections that are responsible for the generation of major snowmelt runoff that drive major floods; the potential effect that climate and land-use changes might have on basin runoff and delta lake levels; the specific hydro-climatic conditions required to produce major ice-jam floods on the Peace River and how these may be altered by climate change; remote-sensing methods to document delta flooding and vegetation change; and the dual effect of climate and flow regulation on the water levels of Great Slave Lake and how these may affect other nearshore processes, particularly wind seiches, that influence flooding of the Slave River Delta. A review of the major findings and recommendations for future research concludes the report.

Canada↗
PubMed2005

North Pacific seasonality and the glaciation of North America 2.7 million years ago.

In the context of gradual Cenozoic cooling, the timing of the onset of significant Northern Hemisphere glaciation 2.7 million years ago is consistent with Milankovitch's orbital theory, which posited that ice sheets grow when polar summertime insolation and temperature are low. However, the role of moisture supply in the initiation of large Northern Hemisphere ice sheets has remained unclear. The subarctic Pacific Ocean represents a significant source of water vapour to boreal North America, but it has been largely overlooked in efforts to explain Northern Hemisphere glaciation. Here we present alkenone unsaturation ratios and diatom oxygen isotope ratios from a sediment core in the western subarctic Pacific Ocean, indicating that 2.7 million years ago late-summer sea surface temperatures in this ocean region rose in response to an increase in stratification. At the same time, winter sea surface temperatures cooled, winter floating ice became more abundant and global climate descended into glacial conditions. We suggest that the observed summer warming extended into the autumn, providing water vapour to northern North America, where it precipitated and accumulated as snow, and thus allowed the initiation of Northern Hemisphere glaciation.

Arctic Regions↗
PubMed2006

Policy strategies to address sustainability of Alaskan boreal forests in response to a directionally changing climate.

Human activities are altering many factors that determine the fundamental properties of ecological and social systems. Is sustainability a realistic goal in a world in which many key process controls are directionally changing? To address this issue, we integrate several disparate sources of theory to address sustainability in directionally changing social-ecological systems, apply this framework to climate-warming impacts in Interior Alaska, and describe a suite of policy strategies that emerge from these analyses. Climate warming in Interior Alaska has profoundly affected factors that influence landscape processes (climate regulation and disturbance spread) and natural hazards, but has only indirectly influenced ecosystem goods such as food, water, and wood that receive most management attention. Warming has reduced cultural services provided by ecosystems, leading to some of the few institutional responses that directly address the causes of climate warming, e.g., indigenous initiatives to the Arctic Council. Four broad policy strategies emerge: (i) enhancing human adaptability through learning and innovation in the context of changes occurring at multiple scales; (ii) increasing resilience by strengthening negative (stabilizing) feedbacks that buffer the system from change and increasing options for adaptation through biological, cultural, and economic diversity; (iii) reducing vulnerability by strengthening institutions that link the high-latitude impacts of climate warming to their low-latitude causes; and (iv) facilitating transformation to new, potentially more beneficial states by taking advantage of opportunities created by crisis. Each strategy provides societal benefits, and we suggest that all of them be pursued simultaneously.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed1996

[Characteristics of electromagnetic situation in Far North regions].

Coming to Far North from moderate climate area, humans face completely different, specific electromagnetic surroundings. Far North is a place with higher levels of Earth magnetic field, that is due to increased number of potent radiostations, radars, electric supply lines and other electromagnetic field sources. This specific complex of electromagnetic factors can contribute significantly to unfavorable changes in health state of Far Northern residents and requires thorough studies and careful attention.

Cold Climate↗
PubMed1977

Effect of environments on human functions: studies on water metabolism.

The purpose of this review is to study general behaviour of human systems with respect to the environmental conditions. This type of work will be of profound significance to record the effect of medical treatment in various climatic zones of the world (Arayne and Saify, 1975). We attempted to discuss various facts which would be helpful for tackling the health problems of the people residing in these areas. The statistical data is avoided at the moment and a descriptive pattern is adapted in order to express views, about one of the important aspects of medical science.

Adaptation, Physiological↗
PubMed1999

[Efficacy of emoxipin in treatment of arterial hypertension in the Far North].

A total of 95 hypertensive men working in duty regimen in the extreme North were examined. The men were found to have lipid metabolism disorders, activation of lipid peroxidation, decreased antioxidant defense in red cell membranes in all the examinees vs control hypertensive men living in moderate climatic zone. Effect of 2-week monotherapy with emoxipin was studied in 29 males with mild arterial hypertension free of obesity and coexisting diseases. Placebo was given to 10 patients. Emoxipin had an antihypertensive and antioxidant effects, improved structural-functional condition of erythrocytes in hypertensive patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

How will the tundra-taiga interface respond to climate change?

The intuitive and logical answer to the question of how the tundra-taiga interface will react to global warming is that it should move north and this is mirrored by many models of potential treeline migration. Northward movement may be the eventual outcome if climatic warming persists over centuries or millennia. However, closer examination of the tundra-taiga interface across its circumpolar extent reveals a more complex situation. The regional climatic history of the tundra-taiga interface is highly varied, and consequently it is to be expected that the forest tundra boundary zone will respond differently to climate change depending on local variations in climate, evolutionary history, soil development, and hydrology. Investigations reveal considerable stability at present in the position of the treeline and while there may be a long-term advance northwards there are oceanic regions where climatic warming may result in a retreat southwards due to increased bog development. Reinforcing this trend is an increasing human impact, particularly in the forest tundra of Russia, which forces the limit of the forested areas southwards. Local variations will therefore require continued observation and research, as they will be of considerable importance economically as well as for ecology and conservation.

Arctic Regions↗
PubMed2005

[Occupational hazads in metal mining industry].

Miners of basic professions employed in contemporary metal mining industry are exposed to a range of industrial factors, such as vibration, noise, dustiness, and unfavorable microclimate. Long-term exposure to these factors is hazardous to their health, which is manifested by elevated general and occupational morbidity and a higher rate of biological aging. This is most typical of Far North miners, who are exposed to the combination of the industrial factors and extremal climate and geographic conditions. Research into the health status of miners engaged to underground works and open excavations in regions with contrasting climate and geographic conditions, allowed determination of main industrial risk factors (vibration and noise), leading occupational diseases and groups of high risk of their development (according to the occupation and the length of service). The study found high risk of cardivascular diseases as well as pathology of the musculoskeletal system, which was highest in miners in Norilsk region.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Medical and scientific problems in exploring the Far North by man].

The North is a part of the Earth's biosphere, which is connected with other climatic and geographical regions via the common geological and climatic processes. The severe natural conditions make the North as an ecological system easily vulnerable to anthropogeneous factors. In this connection, the industrial development of the northern areas should rely on low-waste and ecologically pure technologies. The paper outlines the principles of the system interaction of social production, health services, and social security. The medical and scientific problems in the development of the Far North by man are formulated in general.

Arctic Regions↗