1
|
Stojan G, Giammarino F, Petri M. Systemic lupus Erythematosus and geomagnetic disturbances: a time series analysis. Environ Health 2021; 20:28. [PMID: 33722240 PMCID: PMC7962208 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00692-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the influence of solar cycle and geomagnetic effects on SLE disease activity. METHODS The data used for the analysis consisted of 327 observations of 27-day Physician Global Assessment (PGA) averages from January 1996 to February 2020. The considered geomagnetic indices were the AP index (a daily average level for geomagnetic activity), sunspot number index R (measure of the area of solar surface covered by spots), the F10.7 index (measure of the noise level generated by the sun at a wavelength of 10.7 cm at the earth's orbit), the AU index (upper auroral electrojet index), and high energy (> 60 Mev) proton flux events. Geomagnetic data were obtained from the Goddard Space Flight Center Space Physics Data Facility. A time series decomposition of the PGA averages was performed as the first step. The linear relationships between the PGA and the geomagnetic indices were examined using parametric statistical methods such as Pearson correlation and linear regression, while the nonlinear relationships were examined using nonparametric statistical methods such as Spearman's rho and Kernel regression. RESULTS After time series deconstruction of PGA averages, the seasonality explained a significant fraction of the variance of the time series (R2 = 38.7%) with one cycle completed every 16 years. The analysis of the short-term (27-day) relationships indicated that increases in geomagnetic activity Ap index (p < 0.1) and high energy proton fluxes (> 60 Mev) (p < 0.05) were associated with decreases in SLE disease activity, while increases in the sunspot number index R anticipated decreases in the SLE disease activity expressed as PGA (p < 0.05). The short-term correlations became statistically insignificant after adjusting for multiple comparisons using Bonferroni correction. The analysis of the long-term (297 day) relationships indicated stronger negative association between changes in the PGA and changes in the sunspot number index R (p < 0.01), AP index (p < 0.01), and the F10.7 index (p < 0.01). The long-term correlations remained statistically significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons using Bonferroni correction. CONCLUSION The seasonality of the PGA averages (one cycle every 16 years) explains a significant fraction of the variance of the time series. Geomagnetic disturbances, including the level of geomagnetic activity, sunspot numbers, and high proton flux events may influence SLE disease activity. Studies of other geographic locales are needed to validate these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Stojan
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street Suite 7500, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | | | - Michelle Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street Suite 7500, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Moriña D, Serra I, Puig P, Corral Á. Probability estimation of a Carrington-like geomagnetic storm. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2393. [PMID: 30787360 PMCID: PMC6382914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-38918-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Intense geomagnetic storms can cause severe damage to electrical systems and communications. This work proposes a counting process with Weibull inter-occurrence times in order to estimate the probability of extreme geomagnetic events. It is found that the scale parameter of the inter-occurrence time distribution grows exponentially with the absolute value of the intensity threshold defining the storm, whereas the shape parameter keeps rather constant. The model is able to forecast the probability of occurrence of an event for a given intensity threshold; in particular, the probability of occurrence on the next decade of an extreme event of a magnitude comparable or larger than the well-known Carrington event of 1859 is explored, and estimated to be between 0.46% and 1.88% (with a 95% confidence), a much lower value than those reported in the existing literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Moriña
- Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain. .,Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), E-08193, Barcelona, Spain. .,Unit of Infections and Cancer - Information and Interventions (UNIC - I&I), Cancer Epidemiology Research Program (CERP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO)-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Serra
- Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), E-08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Barcelona Supercomputing Center, E-08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Puig
- Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), E-08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Corral
- Barcelona Graduate School of Mathematics (BGSMath), Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Matemàtiques, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), E-08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, Edifici C, Campus Bellaterra, E-08193, Barcelona, Spain.,Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädter Straβe 39, 1080, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Koch-Henriksen N. Author response: Incidence of MS has increased markedly over 6 decades in Denmark particularly with late onset and in women. Neurology 2019; 92:397. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
4
|
Sajedi SA. Reader response: Incidence of MS has increased markedly over 6 decades in Denmark particularly with late onset and in women. Neurology 2019; 92:397. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000006945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
5
|
Sajedi SA. Time to consider alternative environmental risk factor rather than ultra violet-B for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2018; 24:47. [PMID: 29929093 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Aidin Sajedi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shifting paradigms in multiple sclerosis: from disease-specific, through population-specific toward patient-specific. Curr Opin Neurol 2018; 29:354-61. [PMID: 27070218 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000000324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In recent years we notice paradigm shifts in the understanding of multiple sclerosis (MS), leading to important transition in the patients' management. This review discusses some of the recent findings and developments underlying the conceptual changes being translated from 'treating the disease' to 'treating the patient' with MS (PwMS). RECENT FINDINGS Applying advanced technologies combined with cross-disciplinary efforts in the fields of neuropathology, neuroimmunology, neurobiology, and neuroimaging, together with clinical neurology provided support for the notion that MS is not a single disease but rather a spectrum. Predictive markers of disease subtypes, disease activity and response to therapy are being developed; some already applied to practice, allowing informed management. In parallel, population-specific issues, some genetic-driven, others caused by environmental (sun-exposure, life-style, etc.), gender-related (hormones) and epigenetic factors, are being elucidated. Additionally, patient empowerment-based approaches, including integration of patient-reported outcome measures (PRO) as well as tools to enhance patients' adherence to medications, are being developed, some already provided as part of emerging mobile-health technologies. SUMMARY Developments in the MS field, elucidating disease subtypes and interpopulation diversities, together with integration of patient-centered approaches, allow transition toward precision medicine in MS clinical trials and patient care.
Collapse
|
7
|
Which Environmental Factor Is Correlated with Long-Term Multiple Sclerosis Incidence Trends: Ultraviolet B Radiation or Geomagnetic Disturbances? Mult Scler Int 2017; 2017:4960386. [PMID: 29204297 PMCID: PMC5674510 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4960386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Insufficient received ultraviolet B radiation (UV) is regarded as the main environmental risk factor (RF) for MS in vitamin D deficiency hypothesis. Nevertheless, geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) has also been proposed as a potential trigger for MS in GMD hypothesis. The aim of this study was to investigate which of these mentioned RF is correlated with long-term ultradecadal MS incidence. Methods After a systematic search, long-term incidence reports of the United Kingdom (UK), Denmark, Tayside County, Nordland County, the Orkney, and Shetland Islands were selected for this retrospective time-series study. Possible lead-lag relationships between MS incidence, GMD, and UV were evaluated by cross-correlation analysis. Results Significant positive correlations between GMD and MS incidence were seen in Tayside County (at lag of 2 years: rS = 0.38), Denmark (peak correlation at lag of 2 years: rS = 0.53), and UK (at lag of 1 year: rS = 0.50). We found a positive correlation between received UV and MS incidences in the Nordland at lag of 1 year (rS = 0.49). Conclusion This study found significant positive correlations between alterations in GMD with alterations in long-term MS incidence in three out of six studied locations and supports the GMD hypothesis. The observed significant correlation between MS and UV is positive; hence it is not supportive for UV related vitamin D deficiency hypothesis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Samoylova NA, Shkilnyuk GG, Goncharova ZA, Stolyarov ID. [The influence of solar and geomagnetic activity on the risk of multiple sclerosis (results of correlation and regression analysis)]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2017; 117:42-49. [PMID: 28617360 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20171172242-49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Multiple sclerosis (MS) develops as a result of an interaction between genetic and environmental factors, among them solar (SA) and geomagnetic activity (GMA) attract the particular attention. An impact of SA and GMA on intrauterine and postnatal period in MS was studied. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 358 patients with MS. Correlation (CA) and regression analysis (RA) were used to study the effects of SA and GMA during intrauterine period, the 1st year of life, a year of disease onset, a year before the onset. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS CA revealed the association between the MS onset and mean values of kp-index in the onset year and the year before the onset year, number of days with kp≥4 and kp≥5 in the onset year and the year before the onset year, mean SFU in the onset year. RA revealed the association between the MS onset and mean kp in the year before the onset year and in the onset year, number of days with kp≥7 in the onset year and the year before the onset year, mean kp during pregnancy, number of days with kp≥7 in the 1st year of life and during pregnancy. The influence of high GMA during pregnancy and in the 1st year of life increases the MS risk in the future and the high GMA predisposes to the MS onset in adults. The practical value of the study is that predicting the GMA changes we can try to prevent the onset and relapses in the risk groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N A Samoylova
- Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - G G Shkilnyuk
- N. Bekhtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - I D Stolyarov
- N. Bekhtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Geomagnetic disturbance: A new field in multiple sclerosis research. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2016; 151:142. [PMID: 27771023 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
10
|
Papathanasopoulos P, Preka-Papadema P, Gkotsinas A, Dimisianos N, Hillaris A, Katsavrias C, Antonakopoulos G, Moussas X, Andreadou E, Georgiou V, Papachristou P, Kargiotis O. The possible effects of the solar and geomagnetic activity on multiple sclerosis. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2016; 146:82-9. [PMID: 27161905 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2016.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increasing observational evidence on the biological effects of Space Weather suggests that geomagnetic disturbances may be an environmental risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses. In the present study, we aim to investigate the possible effect of geomagnetic disturbances on MS activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS MS patient admittance rates were correlated with the solar and geophysical data covering an eleven-year period (1996-2006, 23rd solar cycle). We also examined the relationship of patterns of the solar flares, the coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and the solar wind with the recorded MS admission numbers. RESULTS The rate of MS patient admittance due to acute relapses was found to be associated with the solar and geomagnetic events. There was a "primary" peak in MS admittance rates shortly after intense geomagnetic storms followed by a "secondary" peak 7-8 months later. CONCLUSION We conclude that the geomagnetic and solar activity may represent an environmental health risk factor for multiple sclerosis and we discuss the possible mechanisms underlying this association. More data from larger case series are needed to confirm these preliminary results and to explore the possible influence of Space Weather on the biological and radiological markers of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anastasios Gkotsinas
- Department of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Mechanics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Alexandros Hillaris
- Department of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Mechanics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Katsavrias
- Department of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Mechanics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregorios Antonakopoulos
- Department of Theoretical and Mathematical Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
| | - Xenophon Moussas
- Department of Astronomy, Astrophysics and Mechanics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stolyarov ID, Goncharova ZA, Shkilnyuk GG, Samoylova NA. [The role of the solar and geomagnetic activity in the etiology of multiple sclerosis: a review of the literature and prospects of research]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2016; 116:5-13. [PMID: 27070355 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2016116225-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the great progress in the study of multiple sclerosis (MS), its etiology remains unknown. It is proved that MS occurs in genetically predisposed people under the influence of environmental factors. Among these factors the solar activity (SA) and geomagnetic activity (GA) attract the particular attention. This article presents the review of studies concerning the influence of SA and GA on the incidence and course of MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I D Stolyarov
- N. Bekhtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg
| | | | - G G Shkilnyuk
- N. Bekhtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abdollahi F, Sajedi SA. Correlation of multiple sclerosis (MS) incidence trends with solar and geomagnetic indices: Time to revise the method of reporting MS epidemiological data. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY 2014; 13:64-9. [PMID: 25295148 PMCID: PMC4187332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, we introduced solar related geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) as a potential environmental risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to test probable correlation between solar activities and GMD with long-term variations of MS incidence. METHODS After a systematic review, we studied the association betwee n alterations in the solar wind velocity (VSW) and planetary A index (AP, a GMD index) with MS incidence in Tehran and western Greece, during the 23(rd) solar cycle (1996-2008), by an ecological-correlational study. RESULTS We found moderate to strong correlations among MS incidence of Tehran with VSW (rS = 0.665, P = 0.013), with 1 year delay, and also with AP (rS = 0.864, P = 0.001) with 2 year delay. There were very strong correlations among MS incidence data of Greece with VSW (r = 0.906, P < 0.001) and with AP (r = 0.844, P = 0.001), both with 1 year lag. CONCLUSION It is the first time that a hypothesis has introduced an environmental factor that may describe MS incidence alterations; however, it should be reminded that correlation does not mean necessarily the existence of a causal relationship. Important message of these findings for researchers is to provide MS incidence reports with higher resolution for consecutive years, based on the time of disease onset and relapses, not just the time of diagnosis. Then, it would be possible to further investigate the validity of GMD hypothesis or any other probable environmental risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Abdollahi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Seyed Aidin Sajedi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Krone B, Grange JM. Is a hypothetical melanoma-like neuromelanin the underlying factor essential for the aetiopathogenesis and clinical manifestations of multiple sclerosis? BMC Neurol 2013; 13:91. [PMID: 23865526 PMCID: PMC3723426 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-13-91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) has undergone a significant increase in incidence in the industrialised nations over the last 130 years. Changing environmental factors, possibly infections or a lack of or altered timing of them, determine the prevalence of the disease. Although a plethora of aetiological factors, clearly evident in a group of children with MS, appear relevant, there may nevertheless be a single factor essential for the aetiopathogenesis and clinical manifestation of MS. Description and discussion This hitherto unknown factor is postulated to be a ‘melanoma-like neuromelanin’ (MLN) dependent on the activation of a gene for syncytin-1. An involvement of MLN could explain the diverse findings in the epidemiology, immunology and pathology of MS, requiring a consideration of a complex infectious background, the human leucocyte antigens, as well as cosmic radiation causing geomagnetic disturbances, vitamin D deficiency, smoking, and lower levels of uric acid. Summary In principle, the MLN-based concept is a unifying one, capable of explaining a number of characteristics of the disease. To date, MLN has not been addressed in studies on MS and future work will need to be done on human patients, as there is little or no neuromelanin (the precursor of MLN) in the animals used as experimental models in the study of MS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Krone
- Institute of Virology, University of Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 57, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Roudbari SA, Ansar MM, Yousefzad A. Smoking as a risk factor for development of Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A study in IRAN, Guilan. J Neurol Sci 2013; 330:52-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2013] [Revised: 03/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
15
|
Fleming J. Helminth therapy and multiple sclerosis. Int J Parasitol 2013; 43:259-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|