A statistical model for sea surface diurnal warming driven by numercial weather predictions fluxes and winds

A statistical model is derived relating the diurnal variation of sea surface temperature (SST) to the net surface heat flux and surface wind speed from a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. The model is derived using fluxes and winds from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF) NWP model and SSTs from the Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI). In the model, diurnal warming has a linear dependence on the net surface heat flux integrated since (approximately) dawn and an inverse quadratic dependence on the maximum of the surface wind speed in the same period. The model coefficients are found by matching, for a given integrated heat flux, the frequency distributions of the maximum wind speed and the observed warming. Diurnal cooling, where it occurs, is modelled as proportional to the integrated heat flux divided by the heat capacity of the seasonal mixed layer. The model reproduces the statistics (mean, standard deviation, and 95-percentile) of the diurnal variation of SST seen by SEVIRI and reproduces the geographical pattern of mean warming seen by the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E). We use the functional dependencies in the statistical model to test the behaviour of two physical model of diurnal warming that display contrasting systematic errors

Ocena skuteczności leczenia hipotensyjnego pacjentów z nadciśnieniem tętniczym i chorobą niedokrwienną serca lub ekwiwalentem wieńcowym

Introduction. Arterial hypertension (AH) is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor. Currently, in Poland, approximately 32% of adults suffer from AH, and only 26% of them are treated successfully. The study aims to determine the incidence of atherosclerosis risk factors and their influence on the effectiveness of hypotensive treatment in the population of patients with AH and coexisting coronary artery disease (CAD) or coronary equivalent. Material and methods. The study included 204 adults. The inclusion criteria were: diagnosis of AH with coexisting a diagnosis of CAD (138 people) or coronary equivalent defined as high (≥ 5%) atherosclerosis-related risk of death in 10-year prognosis, estimated using the EURO SCORE scale (66 people). During observation, pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments were modified according to the current AH treating standards. After 6 months of observation, the effectiveness of AH control was assessed. Results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that main factors affecting poor blood pressure control after six months of observation were: obesity, age > 65 years, LDL cholesterol level > 130 mg/dL. Moreover, systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 140 mmHg was more frequent in patients with diabetes mellitus. After six months of therapy, good control of SBP was found in 42.7% of patients and normal values of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) — in 65.2 % of patients. Conclusion. Independent risk factors for poor control of blood pressure were: high level of LDL-cholesterol, age > 65 years and female sex. Paradoxically, diabetes was not a risk factor for poor control of hypertension. The introduction of combined hypotensive and lipid-lowering drugs should contribute to a better control of hypertension in Poland.Wstęp. Nadciśnienie tętnicze (AH) jest uznanym czynnikiem ryzyka schorzeń układu sercowo-naczyniowego. Obecnie 32% Polaków ma stwierdzone nadciśnienie tętnicze, z czego tylko 26% jest skutecznie leczonych. Celem pracy było określenie częstości występowania czynników ryzyka miażdżycy i ich wpływu na skuteczność leczenia hipotensyjnego w populacji pacjentów z AH i współistniejącą chorobą niedokrwienną serca (CAD) lub ekwiwalentem wieńcowym. Materiał i metody. Kryterium włączenia do badania dla 204 osób stanowiło rozpoznanie HA (204 osoby), rozpoznanie CAD (138 osób) lub obecność ekwiwalentu wieńcowego rozumianego jako wysokie (≥ 5%) ryzyko zgonu z powodu miażdżycy w ciągu najbliższych 10 lat, szacowane według skali oceny ryzyka SCORE (66 osób). W czasie obserwacji modyfikowano postępowanie niefarmakologiczne i farmakologiczne zgodnie z obowiązującymi standardami leczenia AH, ponownie oceniając uzyskaną skuteczność kontroli AH po 6 miesiącach. Wyniki. Analiza wieloczynnikowa wykazała, że niezależnymi czynnikami wpływającymi na brak prawidłowej kontroli wartości ciśnienia tętniczego po 6 miesiącach były: otyłość, wiek > 65 lat, stężenie cholesterolu frakcji LDL > 130 mg/dl. Wykazano również, że pacjenci z cukrzycą łatwiej osiągali wartości skurczowego ciśnienia tętniczego (SBP) < 140 mm Hg. Po 6 miesiącach terapii zadowalającą kontrolę SBP odnotowano u 42,7%, a rozkurczowego ciśnienia tętniczego u 65,2% pacjentów. Wnioski. Niezależnymi czynnikami ryzyka braku prawidłowej kontroli wartości ciśnienia tętniczego były: podwyższone stężenia cholesterolu frakcji LDL, otyłość, wiek > 65 lat i płeć żeńska. Paradoksalnie, cukrzyca nie była czynnikiem zwiększającym ryzyko nieprawidłowej kontroli wartości ciśnienia tętniczego. Wprowadzenie skojarzonych preparatów hipotensyjno-hipolipemizujących powinno w szczególny sposób przyczynić się do lepszej kontroli nadciśnienia tętniczego w Polsce

A combination formulation containing rosuvastatin and amlodipine — clinical benefits and suitability of different groups of patients

Nadciśnienie tętnicze i zaburzenia gospodarki lipidowej stanowią dwa najczęściej występujące w populacji ogólnej czynniki ryzyka chorób układu sercowo-naczyniowego. Ich występowanie łącznie sprawia, że chorzy są dotknięci nie tylko podwyższonym ryzykiem sercowo-naczyniowym, ale także obarczeni większymi trudnościami i kosztami związanymi z leczeniem. Odpowiedzią na te problemy oraz rozwiązaniem, które może poprawić stosowanie się do zaleceń lekarskich, są preparaty złożone, w tym zawierające w jednej tabletce statynę i lek hipolipemizujący, na przykład rosuwastatynę i amlodipinę — dwa skuteczne i wszechstronnie przebadane leki.Hypertension and dyslipidemia are the two cardiovascular risk factors most common in the general population. Their co-prevalence makes affected patients are not only at an increased cardiovascular risk, but also saddled with more difficulties and costs associated with treatment. The answer to these problems and the solution that has the potential to improve adherence to medical recommendations are fixed-dose combinations, including those containing statin and hipolipemic drug in one tablet for example rosuvastatin and amlodipine — two effective and comprehensively tested drugs

Can thromboembolic risk be associated with erectile dysfunction in atrial fibrillation patients?

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent in patients with diseases of cardiovascular system, including patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Reasons for this high co-prevalence include endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative and emotional stress associated with AF. Association of AF-induced prothrombotic state and possible microthrombi in penile arteries with ED remains unclear. The present study aims to assess if probability of AF-associated risk of peripheral thromboembolism may be associated with ED in AF patients. Methods: Probability of thromboembolic complications was assessed with two commonly used risk scores CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc in a group of continuous AF patients. All patients were also asked to fill an IIEF-5 questionnaire designed for screening for ED. Results: Mean CHADS2 score in the whole study group was 1.1 ± 1.0 points and CHA2DS2- -VASc was 1.5 ± 1.4 points. ED was present in 57.4% of the 129-person study population. In patients with ED, both CHADS2 (0.9 ± 1.0 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1; p = 0.03) and CHA2DS2-VASc (1.2 ± 1.1 vs. 1.8 ± 1.5; p = 0.03) scores were significantly higher than in the group without dysfunction. After dividing the patients according to age into groups younger than 65 years vs. ≥ 65 years, observed correlation was no longer significant in the younger group (p > 0.05). In patients ≥ 65 years, in whom the risk scores are routinely used, dysfunction both CHADS2 (1.1 ± 0.9 vs. 2.0 ± 0.9; p = 0.02) and CHA2DS2-VASc (2.3 ± 1.1 vs. 3.4 ± 1.3; p = 0.04) scores were higher in the group with ED. Conclusions: Erectile dysfunctions in AF patients are associated with elevated cardioembolic risk. We postulate that the diagnosis of ED should be considered an additional marker of prothrombotic state, and may be useful in clinical decision-making, especially in patients ≥ 65 years old.

Predominance of exotic and introduced species among sturgeons captured from the Baltic and North Seas and their watersheds, 1981-1999

Sturgeon catches (n = 256) from 1981-1999 reported mainly by commercial fishermen and anglers in German, Polish, and Dutch coastal waters and tributaries were analysed. During the study period, 20 % of catches were reported from coastal waters and 65 % from rivers and estuaries of large river systems, including the Odra, Elbe, Rhine and Weser. The data indicate that, from 1981- 1993, there was a major decline in the Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser sturio L., 1758, and an increase in the total catches of non-indigenous sturgeon species. The Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869, the Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Brandt & Ratzeberg, 1833, and various hybrids dominated. Occasional catches of the white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836 and the sterlet Acipenser ruthenus L., 1758 were also reported. During the study period, significant changes in species composition and distribution of catches were observed. The predominance of non-indigenous sturgeon species is a result of the increasingly intensive sturgeon aquaculture activities in Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. The most frequently reared species now dominate the catches. In addition to these escapees from fish farms, several intentional releases of sturgeons were reported. The results show that introduced exotic sturgeon species may thrive under certain natural conditions. Therefore, they may interfere with restoration efforts for the native A. sturio, competing for habitat and introducing diseases and hybridization.Se analizaron las capturas de esturiones (n = 256) entre 1981 y 1999 proporcionadas principalmente por pescadores profesionales y deportivos en las costas alemanas, polacas y holandesas, y en los sistemas fluviales que desembocan en ellas. En el periodo de estudio, el 20 % de las capturas correspondió a aguas litorales y el 65 % a ríos y estuarios de los grandes sistemas fluviales, incluidos los ríos Oder, Elba, Rin y Weser. Los datos indican que entre 1981 y 1993 tuvo lugar el mayor declive del esturión atlántico Acipenser sturio L., 1758 y un incremento en las capturas totales de las especies alóctonas de esturiones. Predominaron las capturas de esturión siberiano Acipenser baerii Brandt, 1869, esturión ruso Acipenser gueldenstaedtii Brandt & Ratzeberg, 1833 y varios híbridos. También se registraron capturas ocasionales de esturión blanco Acipenser transmontanus Richardson, 1836 y esterlete Acipenser ruthenus L., 1758. En el periodo de estudio se observaron cambios significativos en la composición de especies y en la distribución de las capturas. El predominio de las especies alóctonas de esturiones es el resultado de las crecientes actividades en la acuicultura intensiva de esturión en Alemania, Polonia y Países Bajos. Las especies cultivadas más frecuentemente dominan ahora las capturas. Además de estas fugas de las piscifactorías, se han registrado varias sueltas intencionadas. Los resultados muestran que las especies de esturiones exóticas introducidas pueden prosperar en ciertas condiciones naturales. Por esta razón, pueden interferir en los esfuerzos de restauración de la especie autóctona A. sturio, compitiendo por el hábitat e introduciendo enfermedades e hibridación.Instituto Español de Oceanografí

The Carbon Monoxide Tape Recorder

Using Aura MLS data we have identified the stratospheric tape recorder in carbon monoxide (CO). Unlike the water vapor tape recorder, which is controlled by upper troposphere processes, the CO tape recorder is linked to seasonal biomass burning. Since CO has a lifetime of only a few months, the CO tape recorder barely extends above 20 km. The tape head for CO appears to be close to 360K near the same location as the water vapor tape head [Read et al, 20041. Both tape heads are below the equatorial cold point tropopause but above the base of the tropical tropopause layer. The tape recorder signal becomes more distinct from 360K to 380K suggesting that convective detrainment of plays a decreasingly important role with altitude. The Global Modeling Initiative chemical transport model forced by the climatology of biomass burning reproduces the CO tape recorder

Prevalence of arterial hypertension in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing ablation — a prospective, cohort study

Background Arterial hypertension is one of the major cofounders in the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and hypertension is commonly found in AF patients. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of arterial hypertension in patients undergoing ablation, who are relatively young and healthy group of AF patients. Material and methods 266 consecutive patients admitted for AF ablation were screened for arterial hypertension. All patients had their blood pressure measured on admission by, prior to the ablation procedure by a qualified physician, according to the current guidelines. Also, medical records of patients were reviewed for the previous diagnosis of hypertension or taking hypotensive agents. Results The study group was predominantly male (65.0%; mean age 57.6 ± 10.1 years). Mean body mass index was 29.7 ± 5.0 kg/m2. Paroxysmal AF was present in 69.5% of patients. In 72.9% of patients hypertension was diagnosed previously. On admission, mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were 131.7 ± 16.7 and 80.7 ± 11.1 mm Hg. 123 (46.2%) patients had systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure values respectively > 140 and/or > 90 mm Hg. Patients with previously diagnosed hypertension were older (58.7 ± 8.7 vs 54.6 ± 12.7 years; p = 0.003), had higher BMI (30.3 ± 5.0 vs 28.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2; p = 0.002), and more often history of diabetes (10.8% vs 1.4%; p = 0.03) compared to non-hypertensive group. There were no differences in terms of history of dyslipidaemia, stroke, myocardial infarction or family history of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions In patients with AF undergoing ablation procedure, prevalence of diagnosed arterial hypertension is very high, much higher than in the general population. Nevertheless, majority of patients meet the criteria for adequate blood pressure control

Systematic review and meta-analysis appraising efficacy and safety of adrenaline for adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BACKGROUND: There is a beneficial effect of adrenaline during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from cardiac arrest but there is also uncertainty about its safety and effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of adrenaline versus non-adrenaline CPR. METHODS: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Google Scholar databases were searched from their inception up to 1st July 2020. Two reviewers independently assessed eligibility and risk of bias, with conflicts resolved by a third reviewer. Risk ratio (RR) or mean difference of groups were calculated using fixed or random-effect models. RESULTS: Nineteen trials were identified. The use of adrenaline during CPR was associated with a significantly higher percentage of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) compared to non-adrenaline treatment (20.9% vs. 5.9%; RR = 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-2.55; p < 0.001). The use of adrenaline in CPR was associated with ROSC at 19.4% and for non-adrenaline treatment - 4.3% (RR = 3.23; 95% CI 1.89-5.53; p < 0.001). Survival to discharge (or 30-day survival) when using adrenaline was 6.8% compared to non-adrenaline treatment (5.5%; RR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.76-1.30; p = 0.97). However, the use of adrenaline was associated with a worse neurological outcome (1.6% vs. 2.2%; RR = 0.57; 95% CI 0.42-0.78; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This review suggests that resuscitation with adrenaline is associated with the ROSC and survival to hospital discharge, but no higher effectiveness was observed at discharge with favorable neurological outcome. The analysis showed higher effectiveness of ROSC and survival to hospital discharge in non-shockable rhythms. But more multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed in the future