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Structural evolution of microfibers in seawater and freshwater under simulated sunlight: A small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering study

Microfibers are pollutants of increasing concern, as they accumulate in aquatic environments and pose risks to living organisms. Once released, they undergo degradation processes that reduce their size and enhance their ability to interact with biological systems. Among these processes, photodegradation is a key driver, leading to fiber fragmentation and structural shrinkage. This study investigates the nanostructural evolution of five common microfibers (cotton, cellulose acetate, polyamide, polyester, and linen) dispersed in seawater and freshwater, following simulated solar ultraviolet exposure equivalent to one year of environmental conditions. Using synchrotron-based Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering, we characterized changes in the internal organization of the fibers. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering data were analyzed using a multiscale model that describes macrofibrils as bundles of polydisperse core-shell microfibrils arranged in a distorted hexagonal lattice. Results reveal distinct nanostructural modifications. In seawater, cotton and polyamide show increases in microfibril spacing, resulting in macrofibril enlargement, while in freshwater their structure remains more stable or evolves irregularly. Polyester and linen exhibit a progressive reduction in macrofibril diameter in both media, suggesting a greater tendency toward fragmentation. Cellulose acetate remains structurally stable in seawater but undergoes shrinkage and partial reorganization in freshwater. Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering confirms the presence of crystalline phases in cotton, linen, and polyamide, and reveals medium-specific variations in crystallite size, particularly under seawater conditions. These structural differences were quantified using Rietveld refinement of the diffraction data. The structural evolution of microfibers under environmentally relevant conditions has direct implications for their fragmentation potential, persistence, and the release or transport of adsorbed contaminants. The results underscore the importance of considering material-specific behaviors in assessing environmental persistence and potential ecological impact.

Transcriptome analysis of shade-induced growth and photosynthetic responses in soybean cultivars

Shade stress alters soybean growth through transcriptomic changes and adaptive responses that optimize light capture and utilization, regulated by a phytohormonal network. This study examined the physiological, morphological, and molecular responses of Guru (shade-tolerant) and Heinong 53 (shade-sensitive) soybean cultivars under 0% (control), 30%, and 70% shade. Results revealed morphological responses where Heinong 53 exhibited greater plant height (52.8 cm) compared to Guru (45.2 cm) under 30% shade. However, physiological responses favored Guru, with higher chlorophyll content under both 30% shade (2.8 mg/g vs 2.1 mg/g) and 70% shade (2.5 mg/g vs 1.6 mg/g). Guru also demonstrated superior photosynthetic performance, with higher net photosynthetic rates under control conditions (18.5 vs 15.2 µmol CO₂/m2/s) and under 70% shade (12.4 vs 8.7 µmol CO₂/m2/s). Transcriptome analysis identified 2,596 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across nine comparison groups, with 279 up-regulated and 388 down-regulated genes common across shade treatments. Significant DEGs were associated with shade avoidance (GO:0009641), programmed cell death (GO:0012501), and shoot development (GO:0010223). Key molecular functions included histone deacetylase activity and calcium-dependent protein kinase (GO:0009931). Gene-trait correlations revealed 37 up-regulated DEGs positively correlated with photosynthesis-related metrics, while 28 were negatively correlated with transpiration rate. Additionally, 12 DEGs positively correlated with plant height, and 6 down-regulated DEGs negatively correlated with photosynthetic characteristics. Overall, the cultivar Guru exhibited effective resource allocation, maintained robust photosynthetic activity, and displayed consistent gene expression patterns under shade stress, revealing key mechanisms of soybean shade tolerance. These findings advance the development of shade-resilient soybean cultivars and offer strategies to enhance crop productivity in low-light environments.

It’s not black and white: Perspectives of Western Canadian beef farmers on dairy-beef production

Non-replacement dairy calves (i.e., males and females not needed for milking herd replacement) can face multiple welfare challenges due to their low economic value in the dairy and beef industries. Incorporating beef genetics into dairy herd breeding programs has become common to produce beef-on-dairy crossbred calves that are better suited for beef production than pure dairy breed animals. This practice has the potential to increase revenue from non-replacement dairy calves for dairy farmers, but little is known about its impact on beef farmers. This study aimed to investigate the attitudes of Canadian beef producers toward dairy-beef production, with a focus on how beef-on-dairy breeding strategies by dairy may affect the beef industry. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 beef farmers in Western Canada, exploring their awareness, attitudes, and recommendations for the management of beef-on-dairy calves. Participants (11 male, 9 female) were recruited using snowball sampling and interviewed following a semi-structured interview guide. The audio-recorded interviews (averaging 44 ± 15 min in duration) were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, resulting in three main themes: 1) the dairy and beef relationship, 2) attitudes to beef-on-dairy animals, and 3) a shared future. In the first theme, participants discussed the relationship between the dairy and beef industries, highlighting differences in Canadian market structures (dairy as supply-managed vs. beef as an open market), farming practices (beef as more extensive vs. dairy as more intensive) and public perceptions of the two systems. In the second theme, participants showed mixed attitudes toward dairy-beef production and discussed their views about beef-on-dairy calves compared to purebred dairy calves, the management practices used to raise them, and the potential impacts of dairy-beef production on the beef industry. In the third theme, participants reflected on the future of dairy-beef production, discussing who should be involved in shaping the future of this practice. Participants showed mixed feelings towards the use of beef genetics in dairy herds, with some perceiving this as an opportunity for the beef industry to meet consumer demand and others expressing concern about the over-saturation of the beef market and possible threats to traditional ways of rearing beef. Our study enhances the understanding of the relationship between the dairy and beef industries in Western Canada and suggests the need for communication and collaboration among producers and others in the supply chain.

Efficiency of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II gene for the delimitation of termite species (Blattodea: Isoptera) in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil

With the aim of expanding the possibilities of identifying termite species, in the present study we generated genetic data based on sequences of the mitochondrial gene encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COII) for termites (Blattodea: Isoptera) occurring in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. The genetic data were obtained from 135 COII sequences identified in 28 genera and 48 species. These are the first COII sequences for 15 taxa (31.2%) available in public sources. Using delimitation methods based on distance (ASAP and ABGD) and tree (GMYC, bPTP, mPTP and PTP), we confirmed the efficiency of this technique in delimiting most species. However, the assessment of intraspecific and interspecific variation revealed the occurrence of species with intraspecific genetic variation classified as high (> 2%). The analysis of identification efficiency based on our genetic data revealed a high rate of correct identifications (91.80% to 100%), confirming the efficiency of COII in species identification. The generation of these genetic data contributed as an alternative method for future identifications, allowed the understanding of the phylogenetic diversity of some termite species in Paraíba and the application of new molecular techniques to collect data on the conservation of the state.

The functional form of the association between K-12 student performance and household income in U.S. school districts

It is well-known that income can correlate with the academic performance of K-12 students in the United States (U.S.). However, the mathematical relationship between income and K-12 performance, and how it varies across states, remains poorly understood. To help fill this gap, this study examines the relationship between K-12 student performance scores (defined as the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations) and median household income, across more than 12,200 public school districts in 42 US states. The study focuses on performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in 3rd and 8th grades during the 2018-2019 school year. A number of different mathematical functions are explored to quantitatively characterize this relationship, and the best fitting functions are determined statistically. It was found that in about half of the states, the proficiency rate increases linearly with the median household income, while in the rest of the states the increase is characterized by a saturating function. Further, the results reveal that less affluent states exhibit a steeper increase in performance with income compared to wealthier states. Additionally, grade-level and subject comparisons highlight disparities, including a pronounced decline in math performance from 3rd to 8th grade in most districts. These findings underscore the correlations between socioeconomic factors and educational outcomes and the variations between subjects, grade levels, as well as locations. By expanding our understanding of these relationships, this research offers potentially useful mathematical methodologies for developing evidence-based, quantitative approaches to studying educational equity.

Evolutionary features of microscopic damage in shale under unloading action

To reveal the microscopic damage evolution law of rocks under the effect of unloading disturbances with different amplitudes, electron microscope scanning, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and triaxial compression tests were carried out. The evolution patterns of surface and internal pore types and mechanical properties of rock specimens after unloading perturbation were analyzed. In this paper, a classification of the ratio of dmax/dmin (dmax and dmin refer to the maximum and minimum pore size of each pore, respectively) is proposed to examine the pore and crack evolution extension development on the surface of the specimen. Meanwhile, the T2 energy spectrum with pore size classification is used to examine the damage quantification law of the pore and crack extension evolution inside the specimen. Finally, the statistical damage model of unloaded disturbed rock is established through theoretical derivation, and the accuracy of the model is verified by experimental data. The study shows that: (1) With the increase of unloading amplitude, there is an increase in the number of nascent cracks and a tendency to expand, which is caused by shear extension cracks; with the increase of unloading amplitude, there is a tendency for the microporosity to shift to the mesoporosity, and the mesoporosity has a tendency to shift to the macroporosity, and there is a decrease in the number of micropores as a whole, which indicates that there is almost no new pore sprouting. (2) When the unloading amplitude is less than 20MPa, with the increase of the unloading amplitude, the pore ratio and expansion rate of the specimen increase slowly; when the unloading amplitude is more than 20MPa, with the increase of the unloading amplitude, the pore ratio and expansion rate of the specimen have a significant tendency to increase. (3) With the increase of unloading amplitude, the shale shear strength limit value decreases more slowly, the modulus of elasticity and shear strength also show a similar pattern of change, and the same way to derive the rock Poisson’s ratio does not change much.

A life course perspective on predictors of midlife socioeconomic status

Background Previous studies have found paternal occupation, childhood intelligence, and educational attainment to be important predictors of socioeconomic status (SES) later in life. However, these factors only explain part of the variance in SES and thus, it is important to identify other predictors of SES and trajectories of influence from early childhood to adulthood. Objectives To analyze predictors of SES attainment during the life course from early childhood to midlife with special emphasis on identifying direct and indirect effects on midlife SES of early childhood, late childhood and young adult characteristics. Methods This study uses questionnaire and national registry data, including data on parental social background, intelligence, education, and midlife SES for 6,294 members of the Metropolit 1953 Danish Male Birth Cohort. The study sample included cohort members with information on intelligence at age 12 who were living in Denmark at age 50. Using structural equation modelling, direct and indirect mediated effects on midlife SES were estimated for early childhood, late childhood, and young adult characteristics. Results Educational attainment, intelligence, parental education, and father’s occupational class had the strongest influences on midlife SES. A prediction model only including education and intelligence could only be slightly improved by the inclusion of other predictors, from 53.5% to 54.1% explained variance in midlife SES. Educational attainment was a particularly strong predictor of status attainment. Other early and late childhood factors had relatively weak direct effects, but significant indirect effects. Thus, it was possible to identify trajectories of influence from early childhood to midlife. Conclusion Young adult education and intelligence were the strongest predictors of midlife SES. Early and late childhood factors influence young adult characteristics, but over the life course the direct effects of early life variables tend to decrease, and the effects on midlife SES become mediated and indirect.

Self-activating air filtration device for aerosol control during luminal instruments drying in the sterile processing department

Background Luminal instruments are characterized by their slender internal lumens, which make them particularly challenging to clean and dry. A common drying method used by Sterile Processing Department (SPD) technicians involves blowing high-pressure air into one end of the lumen to expel moisture. However, this process generates a significant amount of aerosols that may contain bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. These aerosols can increase the microbial load in the SPD environment, leading to secondary contamination of other medical devices and posing health risks to SPD staff. Current methods used in SPD to reduce aerosols, such as gauze pockets and perforated boxes, have shown limited effectiveness. Methods This study designed and fabricated a self-activating air filtration device, which primarily consists of four components: a centrifugal fan, a high-efficiency air filter, an acrylic box, and a diffuse reflective photoelectric switch. The total cost of the device is approximately $25. To verify the functionality of the device, we selected 20 sets of endoscopic instrument packs, 40 suction tubes, and 20 plastic hoses. The device’s efficacy in reducing airborne dust particles and biological aerosols was evaluated, and a simple smoke test was conducted to assess its reliability. Results Compared to results obtained without a HEPA filter, the self-activating air filtration device achieved a substantial reduction in airborne dust particles across various sizes: 79.34% for 0.3μm, 78.66% for 0.5μm, 76.58% for 1.0μm, 76.15% for 2.5μm, 72.55% for 5.0μm, and 75.00% for 10μm particles, with an average reduction of 76.36% (calculated using the median). No bacterial growth was observed on the ten culture plates sampled using the device, whereas five out of the ten culture plates sampled without the HEPA filter exhibited bacterial growth, resulting in a positivity rate of 50%. The differences were statistically significant. Additionally, the smoke test confirmed that the device effectively prevented contaminated air from escaping through the top opening of the acrylic box. Conclusion The self-activating air filtration device significantly reduces the aerosols generated during the drying of luminal instruments, thereby mitigating the risks that aerosols pose to both the environment and staff health. Its automatic on-off functionality and low cost of use and maintenance make it a valuable solution for aerosol control in SPD and other hospital settings.

Slotting blasting model experiment and PCA-PNN evaluation model of influencing factors of slitting effect

Numerous parameters influence the slotting performance of slotted cartridge, to facilitate rapid, efficient, and accurate predictions of the slitting performance, statistical analysis of PMMA blasting experiments with six different slitted cartridge parameters yielded 12 evaluation indicators. Subsequently, a principal component analysis (PCA) method was introduced to reduce the dimensionality of the data associated with these indicators, and three new comprehensive indicators were extracted for a comprehensive assessment of the slotting performance. The PCA scores ranked the influence of the six slotted cartridge parameters on slotting performance as follows: decoupling coefficient, slotting width, slotting angle, slotting tube thickness, slotting tube material, and charge amount. This ranking serves as a guideline for selecting suitable slotted cartridge parameters. The predictive results demonstrated that the PCA-PNN model performed well across eight different training and testing sample configurations, achieving correct prediction rates of 100%, 100%, 96.43%, 96.43%, 92.86%, 89.29%, 89.29% and 85.71%, respectively. This corresponded to an average accuracy improvement of 12.95% compared to data that were not subjected to PCA dimensionality reduction. Moreover, the PCA-PNN model was validated as a robust and feasible approach for evaluating the slotting performance of slotted cartridge.

Potential role of miR-29b from mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles in leukemic cell progression

Crosstalk between leukemic cells and their surrounding mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the bone marrow microenvironment is crucial for the pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and is mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). The EV-specific miRNAs derived from MDS-MSCs remain poorly explored. EVs isolated from HS-5, an immortalized stromal cell line, promoted the proliferation and 5-azacytidine (AZA) resistance of SKM-1 cells. EVs from MDS-MSCs and HS-5 cells showed significantly higher miRNA-29b-3p but lower let-7a-5p and miR-23-3p compared to healthy controls. miR-29b was selected for further investigation because it negatively regulates epigenetic modifier genes such as DNMTs and TETs, mutations of which are common in MDS. When we transduced miR-29b into leukemic cells, these cells demonstrated greater resistance to AZA and venetoclax than did their parental cells, mirroring the effect observed with HS-5 EVs. The introduction of miR-29b down-regulated DNMT1, DNMT3L, TET1, and TET2, which may underlie the changes in DNA methylation levels, increased chromosomal instability, activation of type I interferon pathways, acquired cell migration, and drug resistance observed in leukemic cells. Overall, we suggest that the sustained influx of miR-29b through EVs may catalyze the evolution of leukemic cells, and its clinical relevance warrants further investigation.

Impact of crisis intervention on mental health in the context of specific civilian emergencies

Background The implementation of crisis response strategies, such as natural hazards, pandemics, and conflicts, is necessary during times of emergency. Despite the importance of these interventions, mental health outcomes in emergency situations remain poorly understood. There is a lack of research on the comparative effectiveness of different interventions. Therefore, this study addresses the following question: “How do crisis interventions affect mental health outcomes in emergencies?”. Methods This study aims to conduct a scoping review of the impact mechanisms of crisis intervention on the mental health of witnesses or participants in the context of emergencies. The study encompassed a wide array of studies, emphasizing the efficacy of several crisis intervention modalities, such as psychological first aid and trauma-focused therapy. Results Most of the existing results were based on hospitals, schools and communities as research scenarios. The findings revealed substantial beneficial effects on mental health outcomes, such as decreased symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Nevertheless, discrepancies in the efficacy were observed depending on the nature of the emergency, the model of intervention, and the demographic variables. The study highlights the intricate nature of executing crisis interventions during emergencies, taking into account aspects such as cultural sensitivity, resource availability, and the necessity for customized approaches. Conclusion Crisis interventions are crucial in reducing the detrimental effects on mental health caused by emergencies. However, additional focused and enduring investigations are necessary to understand their efficacy in various emergency scenarios and demographics. Therefore, future research can further enrich psychological crisis intervention methods and deepen research on the impact of crisis intervention on mental health.

Correction: In vivo study of the radioadaptive response and low-dose hyper-radiosensitivity for chromosome breaks induced by gamma rays in wild-type Drosophila melanogaster larval neuroblasts: Dose and dose rate dependence

Relationship between the blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ratio and in-hospital mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with ischemic stroke

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with ischemic stroke is a major challenge to global public health and is related to poor prognosis. However, the role of blood urea nitrogen(BUN)to serum albumin ratio (BAR) in predicting in-hospital mortality of T2DM patients with ischemic stroke has not been fully explored. This study was carried out to investigate the relationship between BAR level and in-hospital mortality of T2DM patients with ischemic stroke. Methods The MIMIC-IV database was searched for data on T2DM patients with ischemic stroke. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The BAR was calculated as follows: BUN (mg/dl)/ serum albumin (g/dl). Logistic regression was employed to investigate the relationship between BAR and in-hospital mortality of T2DM patients with ischemic stroke. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) was leveraged to examine the dose-response relationship of BAR with the outcome. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to measure the ability of BAR to predict the outcome. In addition, the decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to explore the value of BAR in clinical practice. The consistency and robustness of the research results were assessed by subgroup analysis and the presence of interactions using a likelihood ratio test. Results Finally, 1136 patients were included for evaluation in this study. As BAR levels increased, the in-hospital mortality of T2DM patients with ischemic stroke also increased (OR:1.06; 95% CI:1.01–1.11; P < 0.01). The RCS analysis suggested that there was a linear relationship between BAR and in-hospital mortality of T2DM patients with ischemic stroke (p = 0.276). The ROC curve indicated that BAR was superior to BUN, Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) in predicting the in-hospital mortality of T2DM patients with ischemic stroke. The DCA curve indicated that the net benefit of BAR was better than BUN, SOFA, and GCS. Subgroup analysis showed that there was no interaction between BAR and each subgroup (all p-value > 0.05). Conclusion The in-hospital mortality of T2DM patients with ischemic stroke increased with elevated BAR levels.

Retraction: Dynamic risk spillover effect and path of risk transmission across industrial sectors in China during COVID-19 epidemic

Genomic characterization of novel bat kobuviruses in Madagascar: Implications for viral evolution and zoonotic risk

Kobuviruses (family Picornaviridae , genus Kobuvirus ) are enteric viruses that infect a wide range of both human and animal hosts. Much of the evolutionary history of kobuviruses remains elusive, largely due to limited screening in wildlife. Bats have been implicated as major sources of virulent zoonoses, including coronaviruses, henipaviruses, lyssaviruses, and filoviruses, though much of the bat virome still remains uncharacterized. While most bat virus research has historically focused on immediately recognizable zoonotic clades (e.g., SARS-related coronaviruses), a handful of prior reports catalog kobuvirus carriage in bats and posit the role of bats as progenitors of downstream kobuvirus evolution. As part of a multi-year study, we carried out metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing (mNGS) on fecal samples obtained from endemic, wild-caught Madagascar fruit bats to characterize potentially zoonotic viruses circulating within these populations. The wild bats of Madagascar represent diverse Asian and African phylogeographic histories, presenting a unique opportunity for viruses from disparate origins to mix, posing a significant public health threat. Here, we report detection of kobuvirus RNA in Malagasy fruit bats ( Eidolon dupreanum ) and undertake phylogenetic characterization of Malagasy kobuvirus sequences, which nest within the Aichivirus A clade – a kobuvirus clade known to infect a wide range of hosts including humans, rodents, canids, felids, birds, and bats. Given the propensity of kobuviruses for recombination and cross-species transmission, further characterization of this clade is critical for accurate evaluation of future zoonotic threats.

Optimization design of interior space based on the two-stage deep learning network and Single sample-driven method

This study addresses the limitations of traditional interior space design, particularly the timeliness and uniqueness of solutions, by proposing an optimized design framework that integrates a two-stage deep learning network with a single-sample-driven mechanism. In the first stage, the framework employs a Transformer network to extract multi-dimensional features (such as spatial layout, color distribution, furniture style, etc.) from input space images, generating an initial feature vector. In the second stage, a diffusion model is introduced to iteratively optimize the design results based on user-provided single-sample features. The model’s performance is validated using multiple publicly available datasets, including InteriorNet, SUN RGB-D, NYU Depth V2, and ScanNet. Experimental results demonstrate that, compared to traditional methods, the design cycle is reduced by 40%, space utilization is increased by 25%, and proportional and scale coordination is improved by 20%. The single-sample-driven personalized design strategy results in a 30% significant improvement in color matching scores. Through the synergistic effect of feature extraction and generative optimization, the two-stage network enhances both design efficiency and the innovativeness and user adaptability of the solution. This study not only offers an efficient and intelligent solution for interior space design but also presents a new technological paradigm for the advancement of artificial intelligence-driven design fields.

Prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity among adults in rural Shanxi Province, China: A post-hoc exploratory subgroup analysis of a cross-sectional study

Background In China, the prevalence of chronic diseases is increasing, especially in rural areas, affecting younger populations and associating with multimorbidity. However, in resources-limited rural areas, there is a lack of primary data to the prevalence and patterns of multimorbidity in young populations. This study aims to analysis the differences in multimorbidity prevalence and patterns across different age groups and genders among adults in rural Shanxi Province. Methods This study was a post-hoc analysis of a completed cross-sectional study. All the participants included in this post-hoc analysis were randomly selected from 80 villages from Shanxi Province. Multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more diseases in same individual, was assessed by collecting primary data (questionnaires and physical examinations) and routine data (health insurance claims and hospital electronic records). Results A total of 2,208 participants were included, with a mean age of 57.7 ± 10.5 years. 1283 (58.1%) were aged 30–59 years and 1152 (52.2%) were females. There were 1524 cases (69.0%) with disease and 818 cases (37.5%) with multimorbidity. Hypertension had the highest prevalence (43.5%) as well as multimorbidity pattern was often associated with it (75.3%). The three most common dyad multimorbidity patterns were hypertension and stroke, heart disease, and chronic digestive diseases, respectively. Among 30–59 years, it was hypertension respectively and stroke, chronic digestive diseases, and arthritis, while among ≥60 years, it was hypertension respectively and stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. In males, it was hypertension respectively and stroke, heart disease, and chronic digestive diseases, while in females it was hypertension respectively and arthritis, chronic digestive diseases, and diabetes. Conclusion The multimorbidity prevalence among adults in rural Shanxi Province is notably high. The pattern of multimorbidity is distinct differences between age groups and genders, suggesting that prevention and management of priority diseases in specific populations should be targeted.

Global disease burden of inflammatory bowel disease in women and women of childbearing age from 1990 to 2021 and its prediction to 2040

Objective The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) peaks between the ages of 15 and 40. This age range coincides with women of childbearing age (WCBA), who face unique challenges like adverse pregnancy outcomes and heightened anxiety. Despite the rising global prevalence of IBD, particularly among younger populations, the burden of IBD among women, especially WCBA, remains underexplored. Methods This study utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021 to examine the prevalence, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and mortality of IBD among women and WCBA from 1990 to 2021. The estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in age-standardized (AS) rates was calculated to quantify temporal trends. The relationship between the socio-demographic index (SDI) and AS prevalence, DALYs rate, and mortality was assessed using methodologies such as the slope index of inequality, concentration index, frontier analysis, decomposition analysis, and the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort model. Results From 1990 to 2021, a significant global decline was observed in the AS prevalence rate (ASPR), DALYs rate (ASDR), and mortality rate (ASMR) of IBD among women. For WCBA, the global prevalence rate decreased slightly, while the DALYs rate increased slightly, and mortality remained unchanged. Significant variations in trends were noted across different SDI and GBD regions. In 2021, the highest ASPR, ASDR, and ASMR for female IBD were reported in Australasia, high-income North America, and Western Europe, respectively. The most pronounced upward trends were observed in East Asia, Australasia, and high-income North America. China, Mauritius, and Kuwait experienced the most significant increases in prevalence, DALYs, and mortality rates among WCBA. Health inequalities across socioeconomic strata decreased, but substantial gaps remained, particularly in India. Conclusion This study reveals a global decline in the burden of IBD among women and WCBA from 1990 to 2021, with notable regional disparities. The decreasing trends highlight the effectiveness of certain interventions and improvements in healthcare. However, the increasing burden in some regions and for certain age groups, along with significant gaps identified in frontier analysis, emphasize the need for targeted public health strategies and resource allocation to further reduce the burden of IBD among women and WCBA.

A Late Bronze Age foreign elite? Investigating mobility patterns at Seddin, Germany

During the Late Bronze Age (ca. 11th-8th century BCE), far-reaching and extensive trade and exchange networks linked communities across Europe. The area around Seddin in north-western Brandenburg, Germany, has long been considered as at the core of one such networks. The degree of which the exchange practices involved in the circulations of goods and ideas was facilitated by people of different origins settling along the networks remains to be understood. To address this question, this study presents Sr isotope data of 29 cremated petrous bones from five neighbouring Late Bronze Age burial sites around Seddin, including the 9th century BCE Wickbold I burial mound. Modern environmental samples and archaeological soil samples were also analysed for 87Sr/86Sr to establish a bioavailable reference baseline for the region. The results suggest that modern water and archaeological soil samples appear to be best suited proxies for defining a 87Sr/86Sr baseline that can reliably be used to trace Bronze Age mobility at Seddin, while the modern soil and plant sample 87Sr/86Sr data seem to reflect changes inherent to natural carbonate leaching of the glaciogenic surface sediments over time and/or recent anthropogenic contamination, such as fertilizers, rendering their use as representative archives for bioavailable Sr in the study of past human mobility, at least in the greater Seddin region, problematic. The comparison of the petrous bone 87Sr/86Sr signatures to the proposed water Sr isotope baseline reveals an overwhelming presence of non-locals in the investigated grave sites, with only two of 22 individuals falling within the local baseline. This study suggests complex mobility patterns of the elite community around Seddin during the Late Bronze Age.

Characterization of strontium-rich groundwater in a typical alpine basin on Tibetan Plateau: Implications for sustainable exploitation and development

This study focuses on mineral groundwater in alpine regions and its sustainable exploitation. The Tongde basin on Tibetan Plateau was investigated to reveal the hydrochemistry and formation of mineral groundwater in alpine basins and its sustainable development under anthropogenic disturbances. The results show that groundwater there is characterized by enriched strontium, with concentrations in the range of 0.29–2.03 mg/L, exceeding the mineral water threshold of 0.20 mg/L. Groundwater has large salinity variation but is predominantly fresh, with an average TDS of 456.72 mg/L and a dominant hydrochemical facies of HCO3-Ca. Groundwater chemistry is primarily governed by water-rock interactions, particularly silicates weathering, carbonates dissolution and cation exchange. The enriched Sr in groundwater primarily originate from the dissolution of silicate minerals and carbonate cements in arkosic sandstone and argillaceous siltstone, with albite, calcite, and strontianite being the primary minerals involved. Groundwater quality in the basin is mostly excellent to good, with EWQI values below 100. While agricultural practices have introduced nitrogen contaminants (NH4+, NO2- and NO3-) into groundwater. Among them, NO3- would pose potential health risks to various populations and should be addressed in the development of alpine basins with the endowment of mineral water resources.