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Monthly rainfall data from meteorological stations in Nigeria are analyzed from 1951 to 1992, to establish their relationship with some Tropical climate systems. The climate systems include Tropical South Atlantic (TSA) sea surface temperature index, North Atlantic Ocean (NAO) atmospheric index, Tropical North Atlantic (TNA) sea surface temperature index, Central India Precipitation (CIP) and and Outgoing Longwave Radiation Anomaly (OLRA)). The rainfall pattern was given in terms of the August break (quantified in terms of the monsoon break intensity (MBI) and annual rainfall anomaly index (RAI). Partial correlation analysis was carried out to determine the effect of the tropical climate systems on the linear association between them and the stations in Nigeria. Our results show that the rainfall anomalies although sometimes intense do not have predictable patterns. The tele connection between CIP and total rainfall in Nigeria suggests that the rainfall patterns in Nigeria is likely to be modulated by the Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) connecting rainfall pattern in Central India to that in Nigeria. The August break is observed to be highly variable and does not show a clear discernable pattern of variability. Its variability may be connected with multiple forcings from ocean and mesoscale circulations.
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@#Introduction: Despite abundant sunshine for cutaneous vitamin D synthesis, low levels of vitamin D have been documented among the Malaysian population. The aim of this study was to characterise the effects of occupational sunlight exposure and monsoon season on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was performed among Malay outdoor (n=119) and indoor workers (n=119) in Kelantan. Two-point data were collected on the same participants, first during non-monsoon season and second during the northeast monsoon season. Data collection comprised of anthropometry measurements (body mass index and body fat), fasting blood test [serum 25(OH)D concentration], and questionnaire (physical activity level, sun exposure, sun protection use, and vitamin D intake). Vitamin D classification was based on the 2011 Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines. Results: This study found that serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly higher in outdoor compared to indoor workers irrespective of season (p<0.001) and sex (p<0.001). Monsoonal differences in serum 25(OH)D concentration was only observed in male outdoor workers (mean difference=10.39 nmol/l, p<0.001). Significant association between vitamin D status and occupation was also observed (p<0.001). However, no significant association was found between vitamin D status and monsoon season [χ2(1)=0.076, p=0.783]. Conclusion: Seasonal and occupational factors should be considered while evaluating individual serum 25(OH)D concentration and in comparing community studies, especially among workers.
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Background: Scrub typhus a zoonotic disease caused by gram negative bacteria O. tsutsugamushi, is endemic in Himachal Pradesh. This illness occurs mainly in monsoon and post monsoon season. study design of this study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in Himachal Pradesh between July 2015 and June 2016. All the indoor patients with age above 18 years with a diagnosis of scrub typhus were included in this study.Results: Out of total 180 patients, 130 were female patients. Most patients were in the age group 21-30 (23.3%). All the patients presented with history of fever, but 54 patients presented with high grade fever. Other Most common symptom was chills and rigours (81%), followed by vomiting and headache each 32%, cough 31%. On examination 21% patients had eschar,14% patients had lymphadenopathy. Most number of patients presented in the month of September (51.6%), followed by August (33.3%).Conclusion: Scrub typhus being an important differential of acute undifferentiated fever in this region, should not be missed by primary care physicians, as once multi organ dysfunction sets in, mortality rate starts rising. So, there is a high need of sensitization of doctors and people about this illness so that early diagnosis and early treatment can be ensured.
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Background: Worldwide incidence and causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) are variable and even more in developed and developing countries. At least 80% of AKI in tropics is community acquired. Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common problem in developing countries. Present study concentrates on AGE as cause of AKI during monsoon period. It presents in epidemic proportion during monsoon and is preventable with timely intervention.Methods: The study was carried out prospectively in tertiary care hospital in Mumbai during monsoon season of 2012 and 2013. AKI was staged as per AKIN criteria. Patients were treated for primary disease and AKI, initially conservatively and dialysis if indicated. Patients were followed during the hospital stay.Results: Two hundred and thirty patients had AKI due to infectious disease during monsoon. Incidence of AKI due to diarrhea was 23%, and affecting males predominantly in 4th decade. Diarrhea and vomiting were the most common presenting complaints. 32% patients required dialysis. Mortality rate was 3.8%.Conclusions: AKI secondary to AGE is common in tropics. Treatment of primary disease and hemodynamic optimization at the earliest helps to prevent AKI. Presents with less severe AKI and has better outcome. Multiorgan involvement and need for supportive lifesaving therapies were risk factors for AKI.
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Dengue is emerging as the most common monsoon related illness in India, particularly over the last few years. Objective: To study the clinical profile of confirmed dengue cases admitted at a tertiary care hospital and to identify the seasonal variation of the disease. This would help in effective control of dengue in the city. Methods: 765 patients who fulfilled World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and admitted in the medical indoor wards for dengue fever from January 2018 to December 2018 were selected for study. All data were entered in the Microsoft Excel worksheet and descriptive statistics were analyzed. Results: The maximum number of patients belonged to the age group 21-30 years (29.28%). It was found that more cases of Dengue occur in and around monsoon period with peak in October. The most common presentation apart from fever and bodyache were gastrointestinal symptoms. Total 103 (13.46%) patients had complications. Investigations revealed most of the complications occurred when platelet count went below 20,000 cells/mm 3. Conclusion: As most cases were reported during around monsoon period, continued and coordinated efforts should be made to control the transmitting vectors to prevent dengue outbreaks.
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A study was carried out in Chatla floodplain lake, Barak Valley, Assam, North East India on phytoplankton diversity, density and distribution in different seasons and their correlations with physico-chemical properties of water. A total of 34 phytoplankton taxa belonging to Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Euglenophyceae were recorded. Highest number of species was present in pre-monsoon (29) and lowest in winter (23). Members of Chlorophyceae were present in a reasonable number throughout the year while being most abundant in pre-monsoon and monsoon. Bacillariophycae and Cyanophyceae populations did not show much seasonal variation. Percentage composition of Euglenophyceae showed clear seasonal change, being most dominant in post monsoon, moderate in pre- monsoon and winter and nearly absent in monsoon. Total phytoplankton density showed highly significant positive correlation with transparency (p< 0.01) and significant positive correlation with total suspended solids, total hardness and calcium (p < 0.05). Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H/) value (2.66) was found to be the highest during pre-monsoon while the highest evenness (J/) value (0.89) was recorded during winter. Berger-Parker index of dominance (0.45) was highest in post- monsoon. Our study revealed that the growth of phytoplankton is governed by transparency, total suspended solids, calcium and total hardness. These types of studies are prerequisites for evolving fish culture programmes and management of water resources.