Correlations between geomagnetic field and global occurrence of cardiovascular diseases: evidence from 204 territories in different latitude

BACKGROUND

The correlation between stable geomagnetic fields and unstable geomagnetic activities with mortality, incidence, and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remains ambiguous.

METHOD

To investigate the correlations between geomagnetic field (GMF) intensity and geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) and CVDs events in global, long-period scale, global and 204 countries and territories were included on the base of 2019 Global Burden of Disease study (GBD 2019). Data of GMF intensity, GMD frequency, CVDs events, weather and health economic indicators from 1996 to 2019 of included locations were collected. Linear regression and panel data modelling were conducted to identify the correlations between GMF intensity and CVDs events, multi-factor panel data analysis was also generated to adjust the effect of confounding factors.

RESULTS

For the average data during 1996-2019, linear regression model revealed consistent positive correlations between total GMF (tGMF) intensity and mortality of total CVDs [coef = 0.009, (0.006,0.011 95%CI)], whereas negative correlations were found between horizonal GMF (hGMF) intensity and total CVD mortality [coef = -0.010 (-0.013, -0.007 95%CI)]. When considering the time trend, panel data analysis still demonstrated positive correlation between tGMF and total CVDs mortality [coef = 0.009, (0.008,0.009 95%CI)]. Concurrently, the hGMF negatively correlated with total CVDs mortality [coef = -0.008, (-0.009, -0.007 95%CI)]. When the panel models were adjusted for confounding factors, no reverse of correlation tendency was found between tGMF, hGMF and CVDs events. In high-income territories, positive correlation was found between geomagnetic storm (GMS) frequency and mortality of total CVDs [coef = 14.007,(2.785, 25.229 95%CI)], however, this positive trend faded away gradually with the latitude decreasing from polar to equator.

CONCLUSIONS

Stable and long-term horizontal component of GMF may be beneficial to cardiac health. Unstable and short-term GMF called GMD could be a hazard to cardiac health. Our results suggest the importance of regular GMF in maintaining cardio-health state and the adverse impacts of GMD on cardiac health.

The decrease in diurnal oxygen production in Elodea under the influence of high geomagnetic variability: the role of light, temperature and atmospheric pressure

Epidemiological studies have indicated adverse effects of geomagnetic disturbance on human health, including increased mortality. There is evidence from plant and animal studies that help to elucidate this interaction. This study tests the hypothesis that geomagnetic disturbance affects living systems, by modifying the metabolic process of photosynthesis, in the natural environment.Continuous 24-h measurements of dissolved oxygen in flasks containing Holtfreiter's solution and strands of healthy Elodea were recorded from May 1996, until September 1998, in an electromagnetically quiet, purpose built, garden shed environment, without mains electricity. Sensormeter recordings of oxygen, light, temperature and air pressure were uploaded weekly to a PC. The hourly total geomagnetic field measurements were obtained from the nearest observatory.Significant decrease in oxygen (diurnal volume of oxygen divided by plant mass and diurnal light), (O/WL), was found on days of high geomagnetic field variability throughout 11 recorded months of the year 1997. This result was independent of temperature and atmospheric pressure. No significant decrease in O/WL during high geomagnetic variability was found for the 7 months recorded in 1996. The 1996 and 1997 data both showed a significant decrease in the diurnal time lag between peak light and peak oxygen for diurnal high geomagnetic variability compared with low geomagnetic variability. Cross correlation analysis for 1997 and 1998 data showed a decrease in positive correlation of oxygen with light in high geomagnetic variability, compared with low geomagnetic variability, and increased positive correlation with the geomagnetic field instead. These experiments support a hypothesis of high geomagnetic field variability as a weak zeitgeber, and a metabolic depressant for photosynthetic oxygen production in plants.

Solar and geomagnetic activity reduces pulmonary function and enhances particulate pollution effects

BACKGROUND

Increased solar and geomagnetic activity (SGA) may alter sympathetic nervous system activity, reduce antioxidant activity, and modulate physiochemical processes that contribute to atmospheric aerosols, all which may reduce pulmonary function.

OBJECTIVES

Investigate associations between forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) with SGA, and assess whether SGA enhances adverse effects of particulate pollution, black carbon (BC) and particulate matter ≤2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5).

METHODS

We conducted a repeated measures analysis in 726 Normative Aging Study participants (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) between 2000 and 2017, using interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), planetary K index (Kp), and sunspot number (SSN) as SGA measures. Linear mixed effects models were used to assess exposure moving averages up to 28 days for both SGA and pollution.

RESULTS

Increases in IMF, Kp Index and SSN from the day of the pulmonary function test averaged through day 28 of were associated with a significant decrement in FEV1 and FVC, after adjusting for potential confounders. There were greater effects for longer moving averages and enhanced effects of PM2.5 and BC on FEV1 and FVC with increased SGA. For example, for each inter-quartile increase (4.55 μg/m3) in average PM2.5 28 days before testing, low IMF (10th percentile: 3.2 nT) was associated with a -21.4 ml (95 % CI: -60.8, 18.1) and -7.1 ml (95 % CI: -37.7, 23·4) decrease in FVC and FEV1, respectively; high IMF (90th percentile: 9.0 nT) was associated with a -120.7 ml (95 % CI:-166.5, -74.9) and -78.6 ml (95 % CI: -114.3, -42·8) decrease in FVC and FEV1, respectively.

DISCUSSION

Increased periods of solar and geomagnetic activity may directly contribute to impaired pulmonary function and also enhance effects of PM2.5 and BC. Since exposure to solar activity is ubiquitous, stricter measures in reducing air pollution exposures are warranted, particularly in elderly populations.

Systemic lupus Erythematosus and geomagnetic disturbances: a time series analysis

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.