Impact of El-Nino and La-Nina Episodes on Rainfall Variability and Crop Yield

El Nino and La Nina events have an impact on the Indian monsoon in terms of less rainfall than average and more rainfall in La Nina years. El-Nino events are more likely to see rainfall variability during the monsoon and depressions over the Bay of Bengal (July-August). ENSO is a disruption in ocean surface temperatures and atmospheric circulation over the Pacific Ocean leading to wide spread changes in rainfall/precipitation regimes around the world. El Nino years' effects on crop production in India as a result of lower rainfall during the south-west monsoon. In the kharif season (June to September), crops suffer from moisture and have lower yields in El-Nino years, but the opposite in La-Nina years. The El Nino is associate with the possibility of drought like situation at many occasions and La Nina is the opposite of El-Nino events.

Climate Change, Pollution, Tropical Season, Hiv-Positive, Hiv-Negative And High Frequency Of Hypovitaminosis D In Patients From Kinshasa, Drc

Background: The main source of vitamin D from the human skin and synthetized by violets B rays emitted by the sun. Environmental factors such us season, climate change, diets, and pollution, are therefore likely to inuence the levels on vitamin D. Furthermore, High frequency of vitamin D deciency is now observed among HIV-infected patients. There is no published data about HIV and Vitamin D despite few scientic articles on HIV and vitamin D status reported by other African countries.Objective:This study sought to determine specically increased prevalence of vitamin D deciency and environmental factors associated with HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative.Methods:Patients followed in Kinshasa hospitals, DRC, where evaluated between the October 2015 and November 2017 period. Serum levels of vitamin D were measured in adult HIV-positives and HIV-negatives during the dry season and the rainy season in the context of climate change and pollution of the megacity of Kinshasa. Results:Five hundred and six patients were enrolled. The prevalence of moderate (≤29 and≥20 ng/mL) and severe (<20 ng/mL) 25-OH vitamin D deciency was12% (n=64) and 54,6% (n=273) respectively, 34,4 %had normal status. 62,4% (n=316) and 4,2% (n= 21) of patients with deciency (<30 ng/ml) 25-OH vitamin D were HIV-positive and HIV-negative respectively. Water pollution, air pollution, dry season, and cold season La Niña we resignicantly associated with 25-OH vitamin D deciency (P<0.0001 and <0,05, respectively). Conclusion:Overall, vitamin D deciency was very high whereas vitamin D deciency was epidemic among HIV-positives in comparison with HIV-negatives. Dry season and La Niña season /climate change-variability related to ultraviolet light and oxidative stress-ecotoxicity related pollution might be considered in the prevention and the treatment of HIV-infection in Kinshasa, DRC, Central Africa.

Effect of El Niño and La Niña on abundance of frugivorous and nectarivorous terrestrial birds in three tropical forests

El Niño and La Niña climatic oscillations have dramatic effects on population dynamics and community structure of different animals. For marine birds, El Niño phenomenon drastically increases their mortality and reduces their reproductive success. In terrestrial ecosystems, the lack of long-term longitudinal data limits our understanding of the impact of El Niño and La Niña on bird populations and communities. We analyzed changes in abundance of frugivorous (large, medium, and small) and nectarivorous birds on three tropical forest types (lowland, premontane and montane) during El Niño, La Niña and neutral years using data from 16 Christmas' Bird Counts in Costa Rica. Abundance of large and medium size frugivores increased during La Niña events, and the abundance of nectarivores during El Niño in the lowland forest, but neither of these events affected the abundance of small frugivores. In the montane forest, abundance of all four bird groups increased during El Niño, but decreased during La Niña events. Abundance of large, and small frugivores increased in the premontane forest during La Niña events, but other bird groups were not affected by La Niña. The abundance of small frugivores also increased during El Niño. We hypothesize that changes in abundance of frugivores and nectarivores during La Niña and El Niño events is probably correlated with fluctuations in food resources as it has been reported for other terrestrial tropical ecosystems.

Las oscilaciones climáticas causadas por el fenómeno de El Niño y La Niña tienen efectos drásticos sobre la dinámica de las poblaciones y la estructura de las comunidades. Para aves marinas, el fenómeno de El Niño incrementa drásticamente su mortalidad y reduce su éxito reproductivo. En ecosistemas terrestres, la falta de datos a largo plazo limita nuestro entendimiento sobre el impacto de El Niño y La Niña sobre la dinámica de las poblaciones y comunidades de aves. Nosotros analizamos los cambios en la abundancia de aves frugívoras (grandes, medianos y pequeños) y nectarívoras en tres tipos de bosque tropical (lluvioso de tierras bajas, premontano y montano) durante los años de El Niño, La Niña, y años neutrales usando datos de al menos 16 conteos de navidad (Christmas' Bird Counts) en Costa Rica. La abundancia de frugívoros grandes y medianos incrementó durante los años de La Niña, y la abundancia de nectarívoros durante el Niño en el bosque lluvioso de tierras bajas, pero ninguno de estos eventos afectó la abundancia de frugívoros pequeños en este bosque. En el bosque montano, la abundancia de los cuatro grupos de aves incrementó durante los años de El Niño, pero disminuyó durante los años de La Niña. La abundancia de frugívoros grandes y pequeños aumentó en el bosque pre-montano durante los años de La Niña; sin embargo, la abundancia de los frugívoros medianos y los nectarívoros no fue afectada por los eventos por La Niña o El Niño. La abundancia de frugívoros pequeños también aumentó durante El Niño en este bosque. Proponemos la hipótesis de que los cambios en la abundancia de las aves frugívoras y nectarívoras reflejan fluctuaciones en el recurso alimentario, como ha sido reportado en otros ecosistemas terrestres tropicales.

Effect of El Niño Southern Oscillations on the incidence of enteric fever in Ahmedabad, India from 1985 to 2017

To explore the relationship between climate variables and enteric fever in the city of Ahmedabad and report preliminary findings regarding the influence of El Niño Southern Oscillations and Indian Ocean Dipole over enteric fever incidence. Method: A total of 29 808 Widal positive enteric fever cases reported by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and local climate data in 1985-2017 from Ahmedabad Meteorology Department were analysed. El Niño, La Niña, neutral and Indian Ocean Dipole years as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the same period were compared for the incidence of enteric fever. Results: Population-normalized average monthly enteric fever case rates were the highest for El Niño years (25.5), lower for La Niña years (20.5) and lowest for neutral years (17.6). A repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed no significant difference in case rates during the three yearly El Niño Southern Oscillations categories. However, visual profile plot of estimated marginal monthly means showed two distinct characteristics: an early rise and peaking of cases in the El Niño and La Niña years, and a much more restrained rise without conspicuous peaks in neutral years. Further analysis based on monthly El Niño Southern Oscillations categories was conducted to detect differences in median monthly case rates. Median case rates in strong and moderate El Niño months and strong La Niña months were significantly dissimilar from that during neutral months (P<0.001). Conclusions: El Niño Southern Oscillations events influence the incidence of enteric fever cases in Ahmedabad, and further investigation from more cities and towns is required.

Effect of El Niño Southern Oscillations on the incidence of enteric fever in Ahmedabad, India from 1985 to 2017

To explore the relationship between climate variables and enteric fever in the city of Ahmedabad and report preliminary findings regarding the influence of El Niño Southern Oscillations and Indian Ocean Dipole over enteric fever incidence. Method: A total of 29 808 Widal positive enteric fever cases reported by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and local climate data in 1985-2017 from Ahmedabad Meteorology Department were analysed. El Niño, La Niña, neutral and Indian Ocean Dipole years as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the same period were compared for the incidence of enteric fever. Results: Population-normalized average monthly enteric fever case rates were the highest for El Niño years (25.5), lower for La Niña years (20.5) and lowest for neutral years (17.6). A repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed no significant difference in case rates during the three yearly El Niño Southern Oscillations categories. However, visual profile plot of estimated marginal monthly means showed two distinct characteristics: an early rise and peaking of cases in the El Niño and La Niña years, and a much more restrained rise without conspicuous peaks in neutral years. Further analysis based on monthly El Niño Southern Oscillations categories was conducted to detect differences in median monthly case rates. Median case rates in strong and moderate El Niño months and strong La Niña months were significantly dissimilar from that during neutral months (P<0.001). Conclusions: El Niño Southern Oscillations events influence the incidence of enteric fever cases in Ahmedabad, and further investigation from more cities and towns is required.

Sazonalidade nas notificações de dengue das capitais da Amazônia e os impactos do El Niño/La Niña / Seasonality of dengue reporting in state capitals in the Brazilian Amazon and impacts of El Niño/La Niña / Estacionalidad en las notificaciones de dengue de las capitales de la Amazonia y los impactos de El Niño/La Niña

Resumo: A dinâmica de transmissão da dengue é multifatorial e envolve aspectos socioeconômicos, ecológicos e ambientais, sendo este último intimamente relacionado às condições climáticas locais que interferem no ciclo reprodutivo dos vetores da doença. Por sua vez, o clima é dependente dos mecanismos oceânicos tropicais, a exemplo das fases de El Niño/La Niña sobre o Pacífico. O presente trabalho contribui com esta temática e reporta as correlações entre o índice MEI (Multivariate ENOS Index) do Pacífico e o número de casos notificados de dengue em sete capitais da Amazônia brasileira, no período de 2001 a 2012. Além disso, investiga-se o padrão de sazonalidade (médias trimestrais) dos casos de dengue ao longo da região. As evidências de que o fenômeno El Niño/La Niña provoca redução/aumento no padrão pluviométrico local é consistente com o número menor/maior de casos notificados de dengue na maior parte das capitais amazônicas, cujo resultado foi comprovado pelas correlações negativas estatisticamente significantes encontradas para Manaus (Amazonas), São Luís (Maranhão), Belém (Pará) e Palmas (Tocantins). As médias dos 12 anos (2001/2012) revelaram a presença de sazonalidade pronunciada na incidência de dengue na maioria das capitais, com picos acentuados de janeiro a março [Rio Branco (Acre), Manaus, Belém e Palmas] e de abril a junho (São Luís), correspondendo em torno de 50% a 70% do total anual. As localidades mais ao norte [Boa Vista (Roraima) e Macapá (Amapá)] revelaram registro da dengue ao longo de todos os trimestres do ano, não apresentando sazonalidade acentuada.

Abstract: The dynamics of dengue transmission are multifactorial and involve socioeconomic, ecological, and environmental aspects, the latter being closely related to local climatic conditions that affect the vector's reproductive cycle. Climate depends in turn on tropical oceanic mechanisms such as phases of El Niño/La Niña over the Pacific. The study contributes to this discussion and reports on the correlations between the Multivariate ENSO Index (MEI) in the Pacific and the number of reported dengue cases in seven state capitals in the Brazilian Amazon from 2001 to 2012. The study also analyzes the seasonality pattern (quarterly mean values) in dengue cases throughout the region. Evidence that El Niño/La Niña causes a decrease versus increase in the local rainfall pattern is consistent with the lower versus higher number of reported dengue cases in most of the state capitals in the Amazon, a result proven by the statistically significant negative correlations seen in Manaus (Amazonas), São Luís (Maranhão), Belém (Pará) and Palmas (Tocantins). The 12-years means (2001-2012) revealed the presence of pronounced seasonality in dengue incidence in the majority of the state capitals, with sharp peaks from January to March [Rio Branco (Acre), Manaus, Belém and Palmas] and from April to June (São Luís), corresponding to 50-70% of the annual total. State capitals farther north [Boa Vista (Roraima) and Macapá (Amapá)] showed dengue reporting in all quarters of the year, with no pronounced seasonality.

Resumen: La dinámica de transmisión del dengue es multifactorial e implica aspectos socioeconómicos, ecológicos y ambientales, estando estos últimos íntimamente relacionados con las condiciones climáticas locales que interfieren en el ciclo reproductivo de los vectores de la enfermedad. A su vez, el clima depende de los mecanismos oceánicos tropicales, como por ejemplo las fases de El Niño/La Niña sobre el Pacífico. El presente trabajo contribuye a esta temática e informa sobre las correlaciones entre el índice MEI (Multivariate ENOS Index) del Pacífico y el número de casos notificados de dengue en siete capitales de la Amazonia brasileña durante el período de 2001 a 2012. Además, se investiga el patrón de estacionalidad (medias trimestrales) de los casos de dengue a lo largo de la región. Las evidencias de que el fenómeno El Niño/La Niña provoca reducción/aumento en el patrón pluviométrico local es consistente con el número menor/mayor de casos notificados de dengue en la mayor parte de las capitales amazónicas, cuyo resultado se comprobó por las correlaciones negativas estadísticamente significativas encontradas en Manaus (Amazonas), São Luís (Maranhão), Belém (Pará) y Palmas (Tocantins). Las medias de los doce años (2001/2012) revelaron la presencia de estacionalidad pronunciada en la incidencia de dengue en la mayoría de las capitales, con picos acentuados de enero a marzo [Rio Branco (Acre), Manaus, Belém y Palmas] y de abril a junio (São Luís), correspondiendo en torno del 50 al 70% del total anual. Las localidades más al norte [Boa Vista (Roraima) y Macapá (Amapá)] revelaron registro del dengue a lo largo de todos los trimestres del año, no presentando una estacionalidad acentuada.

Composición y distribución del mesozooplancton en una zona de afloramiento costero (Bahía Culebra, Costa Rica) durante La Niña 1999 y el 2000 / Composition and distribution of mesozooplankton in a coastal upwelling zone (Bahía Culebra, Costa Rica) during La Niña 1999 and 2000

We studied the annual patterns of composition, abundance and spacial-temporal distribution of mesozooplankton in the upwelling zone of Culebra Bay, north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, during the 1999 La Niña event and in 2000. The Bay showed a high variability in physical-chemical conditions during the study period in which 26 mesozooplankton groups (both meroplanktonic and holoplanktonic forms) were found. The copepods (2 358.53 ± 2 290.90ind/m³), ostracods (1 084.46 ± 1 850.20ind/m³) and invertebrate eggs (844.26 ± 7069.27ind/ m³) were the most abundant groups in Bahía Culebra. All mesozooplankton (0.2-2 mm) data showed high spatial-temporal variability although differences were not significant. Higher abundances were found during 1999, with the exception of appendicularians and crustacean larvae. Higher zooplankton abundances were observed during the dry season of both years. Stations close to the mouth show an oceanic influx of holoplanktonic forms, while inside the bay, the meroplanktonic forms were important. Mesozooplankton abundance and distribution were influenced by coastal upwelling pulses.

Se estudian los patrones anuales de la composición, abundancia y distribución espacial-temporal de mesozooplancton en la zona de afloramiento de Bahía Culebra, en la costa norte del Pacífico de Costa Rica. Bahía Culebra presenta una alta variabilidad en las condiciones físico-químicas y se encontraron 26 grupos de mesozooplancton (meroplanctónicas y holoplanctónicos). Los copépodos (2 358.53 ± 2 290.90ind./m³), ostrácodos (1 084.46 ± 1 850.20ind./m³) y huevos de invertebrados (844.26 ±7069.27ind./m³) fueron los grupos dominantes. Hubo mayores abundancias en 1999 que en el 2000, con la excepción de apendicularias y larvas de crustáceos. El zooplancton fue más abundante en la época seca de ambos años. Las estaciones de la boca muestran un flujo oceánico de formas holoplanctónicos, mientras que el interior de la bahía meroplanctónicas fueron importantes las formas. La abundancia y distribución del mesozooplancton parecen reflejar los pulsos de surgencia costera.

Influence of climatic factors on the medical attentions of dermatologic diseases in a hospital of Lima, Peru / Influência de fatores climáticos no tratamento médico de doenças dermatológicas em um hospital em Lima, Peru

BACKGROUND: Significant associations have been described between climatic factors and human health, which can occur in dermatologic diseases too. OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of the climatic factors on the medical attentions of dermatologic diseases in a general hospital in Lima (Peru). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study which was carried out in a national hospital between January 2004 and December 2007. The diagnoses were classified according to the ICD-10 system. The climate information was provided by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration from USA(NOAA). RESULTS: 3 294 patients were included in the study, the average age was 35.4 ± 20.7 years old, and 53.2 percent were females. The "El Niño" phenomenon was associated with an increase in the prevalence of actinic keratosis (p=0.002), viral warts (p=0.001) and rosacea (p=0.014). The "La Niña" phenomenon was associated with a reduction in viral warts (p=0.026). Spring was associated with an increase of dermatitis (p=0.003), and summer was associated with an increase of benign neoplasms (p=0.049). CONCLUSION: The climatic variations influenced the occurrence of certain dermatologic diseases. The present study may represent an orientation guide to specialists and general practitioners identifying the most common dermatologic diagnoses and thus enabling better preparation to treat these cases in determined seasons of the year.

FUNDAMENTO: Associações significativas entre fatores climáticos e saúde humana têm sido descritas, inclusive na área de Dermatologia. OBJETIVO: Determinar a influência de fatores climáticos no tratamento de doenças dermatológicas em um hospital em Lima (Peru). PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional realizado em um hospital em Lima entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2007. Os diagnósticos foram classificados de acordo com o sistema ICD-10. Informações climáticas foram fornecidas pela "National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration" (NOAA - USA). RESULTADOS: 3.294 pacientes participaram do estudo. A idade media foi 35.4 ± 20.7 anos e 53,2 por cento eram mulheres. O fenômeno "El Niño" foi associado a um aumento da prevalência de queratose actínica (p=0,002), verrugas virais (p=0,001) e rosácea (p=0,014). O fenômeno "La Niña" foi associado a diminuição das verrugas virais (p=0,026). A primavera foi associada a um aumento de dermatite (p=0,003) e o verão, a um aumento de tumores benignos (p=0,049). CONCLUSÃO: Variações climáticas influenciam o aparecimento de algumas doenças dermatológicas. O presente trabalho pode orientar especialistas e clínicos gerais por meio da identificação dos diagnósticos dermatológicos mais comuns e, consequentemente, prepará-los para tratar doenças sazonais.

Perspectiva de derechos en programas universitarios que forman para la educación inicial / Perspectiva de direitos nos programas universitários que treinam professores e professoras para a primeira idade / Perspective of rights in university programs skilling teachers for the Child’s Early Age

En las últimas décadas se ha asignado mayor importancia tanto al papel del desarrollo infantil temprano en el desarrollo humano como a los contextos en los cuales éste se da y a la atención a la primera infancia. Esto llevó a pensar en la necesidad de comprender cómo se están formando los docentes y las docentes que se encargan de la atención a la niñez durante los primeros años de vida, reconociendo la tendencia creciente a la inscripción de niños y niñas en las ofertas institucionales a edades cada vez más tempranas, y la necesidad de promover y garantizar los derechos de la infancia. La investigación caracterizó de manera cualitativa los planes curriculares de 34 programas niversitarios de pre-grado en Colombia, que buscan la formación de docentes ara trabajar con niños y niñas en la primera infancia. El estudio incluyó análisis de documentos, entrevistas con coordinadores de programas, y grupos focales con estudiantes de último semestre y graduados. Los resultados muestran que pocos programas explicitan en sus currículos la perspectiva de derechos de la infancia. Además, prevalecen las miradas tradicionales sobre educación inicial y sobre el papel del entorno en que crecen los niños y niñas. Las metodologías de formación de los programas en general consideran a sus estudiantes como sujetos activos, y en consonancia asumen estrategias pedagógicas y de evaluación activas. La actualización de los programas es constante y busca mejorar la calidad académica, pero no tiene como uno de sus referentes la situación de la infancia en el país.

Nas últimas décadas, se tem dado uma importância maior tanto ao papel do desenvolvimento infantil cedo no desenvolvimento humano como aos contextos nos quais este desenvolvimento se apresenta e à atenção na primeira infância. Isso conduziu a pensar na necessidade de compreender o processo de formação dos professores e das professoras que vão estar encarregadas da atenção às crianças durante seus primeiros anos de vida. Também é importante reconhecer a tendência crescente para inscrever as crianças nas ofertas institucionais a idades cada vez menores e a necessidade de promover e garantir os direitos da infância. A pesquisa caracterizou qualitativamente os planos curriculares de 34 programas universitários de pré-graduação na Colômbia, que visam a treinar professores e professoras para trabalhar com crianças na primeira infância. O estudo incluiu a analise de documentos, entrevistas com co-ordenadores de programas, e grupos focais com estudantes do ultimo semestre e com aqueles já diplomados. Os resultados mostram que poucos programas explicitam a perspectiva dos direitos da infância em seus planos curriculares. Além do mais, prevalecem as considerações tradicionais sobre a educação na primeira idade e sobre o papel do meio onde as crianças se desenvolvem. As metodologias para o treinamento dos programas, em termos gerais, consideram os estudantes como sujeitos ativos e, em conclusão, assumem estratégias ativas pedagógicas e de avaliação. A atualização dos programas é permanente e visa a melhorar a qualidade acadêmica, mas não tem a situação da infância no país como um dos seus referentes.

In the last decades, major importance has been assigned both to the role of early child development in human development and to the contexts where this development takes place as well as to attention in early childhood. This led to think about the need to understand how teachers who are going to be in charge of child care in their early years are being skilled. It is also of great importance to recognize the increasing trend of registering both boys and girls in the various institutional offers, day by day at an earlier age, and to recognize the need to promote and guarantee the consideration of children’s rights. This research qualitatively characterized the syllabi of 34 Colombian undergraduate university programs that aim at skilling teachers to work with both boys and girls in their early age. The study included the analysis of documents, interviews with program coordinators and focus groups with senior students and undergraduates. The results show that very few programs make the perspective of children’s rights explicit in their curricula. Besides, the traditional educational perspectives on early training and the role of the environment where the children are raised prevail. The methodology used in the teacher training programs generally consider students as active subjects and, accordingly, implement active pedagogical and evaluation strategies. There is a constant updating of programs that aims at improving academic quality, although the status of childhood in the country is not one of its referents.

O fenômeno El Niño Oscilação Sul e a variabilidade interanual da evaporação do tanque Classe A e da umidade relativa do ar em Santa Maria, RS / El Niño Southern Oscilation and the interannual variability of Pan evaporation and air relative humidity in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi associar a variabilidade interanual da evaporação do tanque Classe A e da umidade relativa do ar com o fenômeno El Niño Oscilação Sul (ENOS) em Santa Maria, RS. Foram utilizados os dados diários de evaporação do tanque Classe A (ECA, mm dia-1) e umidade relativa média diária do ar (UR, por cento) medidos em Santa Maria, RS. A ECA foi medida de 1973 a 2006 e a UR de 1969 a 2006. Os anos foram classificados em El Niño (EN), La Niña (LN) e Neutros (N), considerando o período de 01/07 de um ano até 30/06 do ano seguinte. Os resultados mostraram que a ECA é menor nos anos de EN e maior nos anos de LN. Já a UR foi maior em anos de EN e menor em anos de LN. O efeito do fenômeno ENOS sobre a ECA é maior nos meses de novembro, dezembro, janeiro e maio, enquanto que sobre a UR os meses de maior influência do ENOS são outubro, novembro, dezembro e maio.

The objective of this study was to associate the interannual variability of Pan evaporation and air relative humidity with the El Niño Southern Oscilation (ENSO) phenomenon in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. Daily data records of Pan evaporation (PAN, mm day-1) and mean daily relative humidity (RH, percent) measured in Santa Maria, RS, were used. PAN was measured from 1973 to 2006 and RH was measured from 1969 to 2006. Years were grouped into El Niño (EN) years, La Niña (LN) years, and Neutral (N) years, from July 1st of the year to June 30th of the following year. Results showed that PAN is lower in EN years and greater in LN years. On the other hand, RH was greater in EN years and lower in LN years. The effect of ENSO on PAN is greater in November, December, January, and May, whereas RH is affected by ENSO in October, November, December and May.