North-south Gradient Research Articles

Comprehensive characterization of European house dust contaminants: Concentrations and profiles, geographical variability, and implications for chemical regulation and health risk

This study investigated the concentration profiles and geographical variability of contaminants in house dust across Europe. A collaborative trial (CT) was organized by the NORMAN network using pooled dust and advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques combined with suspect screening and non-target screening (NTS). Over 1200 anthropogenic compounds were tentatively identified. Additionally, seventy-five individual samples were subjected to target analysis and NTS. The median concentrations of most contaminants varied <3-fold across Europe, and the contaminant profile of European dust was similar to that of North American dust, which was investigated in a previous CT. This similarity may be attributed to the use of similar consumer articles and building materials throughout the developed world. Multivariate data analysis revealed geographical trends in contaminant distribution, with north-south gradients across Europe. Geographical trends were more frequently found for compounds with rapid release (pharmaceuticals, personal care products, fragrances, pesticides, biocides) and smoke-related compounds. The concentrations of chlorinated paraffins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), perfluorinated alkyl substances and stimulants generally increased from north to south, whereas the biocides levels decreased from north to south. Despite widespread presence of in-use contaminants in dusts, some of the highest risks come from compounds that have been restricted for decades or more. These include di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 118 and polybrominated diphenyl ethers 47, 99, and 153. DEHP remains the most abundant contaminant in European house dust, while the other compounds are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Moreover, there is a striking lack of reliable toxicity data, particularly for emerging compounds. For instance, although acceptable daily intakes (ADIs) were examined for 202 compounds, only 46 had consensus-based ADI values. The results highlight the need for proactive measures to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the market and for careful selection of substitute chemicals, when such are needed, to avoid regrettable substitutions.

Ammonites as paleothermometers: Isotopically reconstructed temperatures of the Western Interior Seaway track global records

Ammonites are externally shelled cephalopods that were common in the North American Western Interior Seaway (WIS), and as they grew their aragonitic shells via accretion, they recorded aspects of their environment in the stable isotopic composition of their shells. While the mobility of ammonites may complicate efforts to reconstruct temperatures from their shells, they remain a potentially valuable target for paleothermometry. In this study, we reconstruct the spatial and temporal variability of WIS temperatures using a suite of ammonites (n = 113) spanning the last 25 million years of the Cretaceous along a North-South gradient ranging from the Canadian WIS to the Mississippi Embayment. We present a temporally high-resolution (~0.6 Ma) oxygen isotope record from these ammonites that indicates cooling temperatures in the WIS of comparable magnitude (~18 °C +/− 4°) to the temperature change seen in global studies, most notably cooling from the Cretaceous Thermal Maximum in the Turonian until the late Maastrichtian. Studies disagree regarding the development and strength of a latitudinal (pole-to-equator) temperature gradient during the Cretaceous; we do not see strong evidence for a latitudinal temperature gradient in the WIS. We do not observe any bias driven by ammonite morphology in our isotopic data, though we suggest that researchers consider the effects of taxonomy and ecological bias on their temperature records. As our ammonite δ18O record matches the direction and magnitude of global temperature reconstructions, our data imply that ammonites are viable targets for paleothermometry.

Incident rheumatoid arthritis in patients living in Turkey and in Denmark: a comparative clinical, genetic, and serological study

Objective The north–south gradient hypothesis proposes that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) residing in southern regions manifest a younger age of onset and milder disease compared to their northern counterparts. This study aimed to compare treatment-naïve, new-onset RA patients in Denmark and Turkey, examining demographic, clinical, laboratory, and genetic parameters. Method Prospective data collection was conducted, with all patients meeting the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria. Shared epitope (SE) allele carrier frequencies were examined for genetic comparisons between patients and normal controls. Results Out of 223 RA patients, 109 were Danish and 114 Turkish. Danish patients exhibited a median age at onset of 60 years, whereas Turkish patients were younger at 51 years (p = 0.0007). The Danish cohort displayed significantly more swollen and tender joints, resulting in higher Disease Activity Score based on 28-joint count–C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP). Danish RA patients and controls possessed more RA risk-enhancing alleles (S2 + S3P) and fewer risk-protective (S1 + S3D) alleles than Turkish patients and controls. Conclusion This study substantiates the north–south gradient hypothesis, highlighting that new-onset RA patients in Denmark tend to experience an older age of onset and more severe disease activity than their Turkish counterparts. Variations in risk-enhancing alleles and fewer risk-protective alleles in Danish patients and controls are associated with these distinctions. Future research should investigate the genetic and environmental factors underlying these regional disparities, exploring their persistence in the long-term course of the disease through follow-up studies.

Combining Sentinel-2 and diverse environmental data largely improved aboveground biomass estimation in China’s boreal forests

Accurately mapping aboveground biomass (AGB) in China’s boreal forests is crucial for assessing global carbon stock and formulating forest management strategies but remains challenging as the environmental heterogeneity complicates AGB estimation. Here, we investigated the relative gains of integrating Sentinel-2 and environmental data, as well as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images to map AGB in China’s boreal forests. We used two machine learning algorithms, random forest and gradient boosting regression (GBR), and four dataset combinations to develop the AGB models, then evaluated the AGB map by carrying on uncertainty analysis and comparing it with existing AGB products. Results showed that the GBR model based on Sentinel-2 and environmental data presented the best AGB estimation capability (R2: 0.75, RMSE: 23.60 Mg/ha), while further adding SAR images had negative effects on the model improvement. The Tasseled Cap Distance, short-wave infrared from Sentinel-2, Black dragon fire disturbance, Elevation, and Geographic locations were found to be significant contributors to AGB prediction. Our AGB estimates exhibited moderate to low uncertainty and outperformed other existing AGB maps in China’s boreal forests based on independent validation assessment. The AGB distribution presented a noticeable south-north gradient difference, ranging from 3.23 to 346.37 Mg/ha. This study provides new insight into AGB estimation through the integration of Sentinel-2 imagery and multiple environmental data and offers a basis for sustainable management in China’s boreal forests.

Geospatial monitoring and analysis of agricultural drought to identify hotspots and risk assessment for Senegal

Agricultural drought, characterized by insufficient soil moisture crucial for crop growth, poses significant challenges to food security and economic sustainability, particularly in water-scarce regions like Senegal. This study addresses this issue by developing a comprehensive geospatial monitoring system for agricultural drought using the Regional Hydrologic Extremes Assessment System (RHEAS). This system, with a high-resolution of 0.05°, effectively simulates daily soil moisture and generates the Soil Moisture Deficit Index (SMDI)-based agricultural drought monitoring. The SMDI derived from the RHEAS has effectively captured historical droughts in Senegal over the recent 30 years period from 1993 to 2022. The SMDI, also provides a comprehensive understanding of regional variations in drought severity (S), duration (D), and frequency (F), through S-D-F analysis to identify key drought hotspots across Senegal. Findings reveal a distinct north-south gradient in drought conditions, with the northern and central Senegal experiencing more frequent and severe droughts. The study highlights that Senegal experiences frequent short-duration droughts with high severity, resulting in extensive spatial impact. Additionally, increasing trends in drought severity and duration suggest evolving climate change effects. These findings emphasize the urgent need for sustainable interventions to mitigate drought impacts on agricultural productivity. Specifically, the study identifies recurrent and intense drought hotspots affecting yields of staple crops like maize and rice, as well as cash crops like peanuts. The developed high-resolution drought monitoring system for Senegal not only identifies hotspots but can also enables prioritizing sustainable approaches and adaptive strategies, ultimately sustaining agricultural productivity and resilience in Senegal's drought-prone regions.

Structural fluctuations of the Arctic Oscillation tied to the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation

The Arctic Oscillation (AO) has been observed to undergo distinct decadal structural fluctuations that significantly influence regional weather and climate. Understanding the drivers and mechanisms behind the AO’s spatial nonstationarity is critical for improving climate predictions related to the AO. We present evidence that the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) plays a pivotal role in modulating AO’s Pacific center in recent decades. The poleward amplified cooling associated with negative AMO enhances the north-south temperature gradient and results the strengthened westerly winds and stratospheric polar vortex (SPV) responses, which reflects more planetary waves from the North Pacific to the North Atlantic. This enhances the atmospheric coupling between these regions and leads to a more pronounced Pacific center within the AO pattern. Numerical simulations from ECHAM5 and 35 CMIP6 models further corroborate the essential role of the AMO. These findings advance our understanding of the mechanisms driving the variability of the AO pattern.

Redefining phylogenetic placements of Hyphodiscosia: integrative taxonomic insights based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses

In conducting a survey on the diversity of lignicolous freshwater fungi across a north-south latitudinal gradient in the Asian region, two strains were collected from freshwater habitats. This species is characterized by forming pinkish sporulating colonies both on wood and in culture, presenting macronematous conidiophores that swollen at the apex, producing cylindrical, pink in mass, 1-septate conidia, each with two flexuous, filamentous appendages arising from the middle of the cells. These characteristics closely match the definition of Hyphodiscosia. Through multigene phylogenetic analysis, this study for the first time determines the phylogenetic position of Hyphodiscosia within Muyocopronaceae (Muyocopronales). This study provides detailed illustrations, updates on molecular data, and a morphological comparison with related genera within Muyocopronaceae, as well as discusses the validity of the currently accepted four species within Hyphodiscosia.

Prevalence and gender - specific analysis of a systemic sclerosis cohort in Latvia

BackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is considered by many to be one of the most severe autoimmune rheumatic diseases with lower prevalence observed in Northern Europe. No previous studies on the prevalence of SSc in Latvia have been conducted and the aim was to study the demographic and clinical data of patients with SSc in northeastern Europe country.MethodsThis study was conducted in two main Latvian hospitals for adults and includes patients with SSc who were consulted between 2016 and 2021.ResultsDuring the study period, 159 patients with SSc were consulted. The point prevalence on 1 January 2021 was 84.0 per million. Female to male ratio was 4.67:1, and highest gender ratio was observed in the age group 70–79-year (6.75:1). Antinuclear antibodies were present in 82.58% of patients, without gender difference. Centromere pattern was more frequently observed in females (40.19% vs. 19.04%), in contrast to speckled pattern (50.98% vs. 57.14%). At disease onset females tended to be younger (46.51 ± 13.52) than males (50.5 ± 16.64). Males had more diffuse cutaneous subtype, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension and esophageal dysmotility. More than half of patients received treatment with glucocorticoids at any point of the disease (68.31%), without gender difference.ConclusionsSystemic sclerosis is less common in Latvia than in other countries and regions. Due to its location, the data from Latvia are consistent with a north-south gradient in Europe. Gender ratio differences persisted in older age groups as well. Antinuclear antibodies presence did not differ between genders, but in female’s centromere pattern was much more likely to be present. Males had more severe disease course, but in both genders more than half of patients received treatment with GCs at any point of the disease.

Genetic structure and climate niche differentiation among populations of Leopardus geoffroyi.

Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) is a small-sized felid native to South America. Given the species' distribution covering a wide variety of habitats, and the presence of high levels of anthropization in part of its range, it is possible that genetically differentiated groups exist and that they occupy different climatic niches. We assessed patterns of contemporary genetic diversity and structure in the species across most of its range, characterizing each inferred genetic group based on ecological niche models. We genotyped 11 microsatellites for 142 samples covering most of Geoffroy's cat distribution, and investigated patterns of genetic structure and diversity, applying spatial and nonspatial Bayesian clustering methods and a spatial principal component analysis. We created ecological niche models for each genetic cluster, evaluating whether these clusters occupy different climatic spaces and display differences in the suitability of different values of the climatic variables analyzed. We identified two genetic clusters, one in the north-northeast and the other in the south-southwest of the species' distribution. These clusters showed moderate FST values between them and differences in dispersal/genetic diversity. We found isolation-by-distance patterns globally and within each cluster. We observed lower expected heterozygosity compared with other studies and a north-south gradient in allelic richness. The southern cluster showed lower genetic variability and a more restricted climatic niche suggesting that this group is more vulnerable to the effects of the current context of climate change. Individuals from the southern genetic cluster are under different pressures, likely a product of the particularly dry habitat they occupy. Climatic variables associated with habitat suitability suggest the southern cluster has affinity for the arid and semiarid conditions present in its distribution. Conservation measures should consider the genetic structure observed and differences in climatic spaces to maintain the evolutionary potential of the species.

Environmental and climatic significance of the Pliocene-Pleistocene calcretes in North Africa

The North African calcretes formed during the Plio-Pleistocene are a prominent and stratigraphically significant palaeoclimatic marker. We studied the calcrete along a north–south transect in Tunisia that crosses the climatic boundaries between the latitudes 33° and 37° N to elucidate the palaeoenvironmental and climatic significance of the calcrete for the Plio-Pleistocene. Macroscopic, petrographic, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Cathodoluminescence (CL) observations obtained in the field and from thin sections of the non-powdery horizons of all sites allowed to identify 4 facies: Pisolithic (limestones with clast(s) coated by laminae), laminar (limestones with a succession of laminae), massive brecciated (brecciated limestones), and groundwater facies (limestones with no biogenic features). Notably, soil-forming processes were evident at all sites except for those situated further south, which exhibited characteristics indicative of a groundwater environment. The comparison with modern analogues suggests for our study area the climate was similar to modern central Spain (Hot-summer Mediterranean climate Csa) in central Tunisia which is, in turn, similar to the modern climate in North Tunisia. The climate was characterized by strong seasonal contrast: higher winter rainfall than today followed by long dry hot summers modified by a North-South gradient. This gradient was the result of the interplay between westerly winter winds and the orographic effect of the Atlas Mountains confirming the North Atlantic origin of precipitations. We conclude that during the late Pliocene to early Pleistocene, the climate in Northern Africa was more humid than today, with enhanced winter rainfall at all study sites probably at the same time of the establishment of Saharan humid periods. These humid phases may have been long enough, spanning more than 10.000 years, to reduce recharged groundwater salinity and, subsequently, form thick calcareous soil.

Comparing standardised precipitation and barley yield across Quebec.

Climate change and variability continue to affect crop production across the world in general and in Quebec in particular. Therefore, it is important to better understand this climate-yield nexus. Unfortunately, in Quebec, there are currently no studies that analyse both precipitation and barley yield. This study aims at filling this research gap by comparing standardised precipitation (SPI) against barley yield gaps across Quebec for three peripheral and three southern/central regions of Quebec. The study uses growing season precipitation data from Ouranos and barley yield data from Institut de la Statistique du Québec. This work deploys the use of standardised index (SPI)index and a machine learningyield gapalgorithm (actual barley yield minus projected barley yield) to provide a provincial portrait of the relationships between SPI and barley yield. The results show that the peripheral regions record below zero SPIs (Abitibi-Temiscamingue - 0.48, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean - 0.14 and Outaouais - 0.10) and more yield gap years, while the southern/central regions record positive SPIs (Estrie 1.17, Centre du Quebec 0.86 and Monteregie: 0.33) and fewer years with yield gaps. This shows that there is a south-north gradient in the variations of SPI and yield gaps. The SPI and yield patterns can be explained by prolonged winters further north of Quebec and recently winters with insufficient snow cover which triggers rapid snow melt and thus shortening the growing season for barley. Policy actions around drought-resistant varieties within a co-creation context and more research that explores daily and monthly liquid precipitation totals during the growing season of the crop need to be explored. There is also a need to better understand the economic costs and benefits of the associated yield gapsas well as the impacts of temperature.

On the characterization of Cloud occurrence and its impact on solar radiation in Mbour, Senegal

The objective of this study is to evaluate the clouds seasonal occurrence characteristics, and to estimate their impact on solar radiation in Mbour, Senegal, West Africa. Here, we use datasets from various sources including: i) observations from the Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System satellite sensors, ii) in situ shortwave radiation measurement obtained from the Mbour station, and iii) the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) obtained from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis data. Results show a marked seasonality, associated with high spatial variation in terms of cloud occurrence over Senegal. The maximum cloud occurrences are observed during the wet summer season (June–October), whilst the minimum cloud occurrences are recorded during the long-dry season from November to May. During the monsoon season the cloud activity becomes more intense with a total cloud cover of about 80%, a cloud optical depth of around 7, and a high convective activity illustrated by a low OLR (below 240 W/m2). Likewise, across Senegal a strong north-south gradient of the cloud characteristics is observed. Based on quantitative comparison between cloud occurrence and radiation measurement, results show an important seasonal impact on available solar potential in Mbour. Conversely to the cloud occurrence, the maximum of both direct normal and global solar potentials is recorded during the dry season, coinciding with the period with clean sky. An investigation of the cloud influence on solar radiation on selected study cases indicates a decrease of 60% (80%) for the total (direct normal) radiation during the peak of the summer monsoon season.

Small mammal assemblages in heterogeneous landscapes at the Southern tip of Italian peninsula evidence clear eco-biogeographic patterns

We investigated the frequencies of sympatric small mammal species in 12 habitat-types located in the extreme south of the Italian peninsula (Calabria) using trapping techniques. Ten species were detected with Apodemus sylvaticus, the most abundant species. The assemblages of small mammal species recorded in the 12 selected habitat types revealed clear ecological and biogeographical patterns in the extreme southern tip of the Italian peninsula. Ecologically, we observed a clear dissimilarity between a guild of species linked to thermo-xerophilous habitat types and a comparable guild of mesophilous species linked to forest and sciaphilous habitat types. The differences among communities inhabiting in different habitat types also emerged in rarefaction curves, DCA analysis and Whittaker plots. Thus, all these sets of analyses were consistent in their interpretation of the variation of small mammal community structure along the gradient (β-diversity) among habitat types. From a biogeographical point of view, this is an apparent expression of a clear North–South gradient pattern that was already observed at the species level with Calabria being characterized by a strong impoverishment in species’ richness and diversity (“peninsula effect”). However, this rationale has been based so far on indirect data of small mammals preyed upon and recorded in owl’s pellets: the fact that a similar pattern was obtained also using small mammals recorded by traps indicates that the results were robust and generalizable. Ecological factors at the local scale and biogeographical factors at the peninsular scale could explain the community patterns that we observed in the present study.

Assessment of crown height-diameter distribution in pedunculate oak (Quercus Robur) and the performance of regression models

In the stands of pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) located in the north, center, and south of the Republic of Moldova, a study focusing on the relationship between crown height and diameter was conducted. The analysis of the trees height-diameter crown distribution revealed an increase in the complexity of the stand structure along the north-south ecological gradient. Simultaneously, within these distributions, phenotypic variability in the height-diameter characteristic of tree crowns was observed. The statistical fit of the relationship between tree crown height and diameter was assessed by analyzing 25 regression models and selecting those that demonstrated good performance for the data describing the relationship. A more precise adjustment of the data was identified as a function of increasing complexity in the distribution of the investigated feature. The best results in this context were obtained for the experimental data regarding the relationship between the height and crown diameter of the trees in the southern area, in the Baimaclia Forest District, compared to the other areas.

Biogenic and lithogenic silicon along the GEOTRACES south West Indian Ocean section (SWINGS-GS02) and the islands mass effect on regional Si biogeochemical cycle

The distribution and cycling of biogenic silica (BSi) and lithogenic silicon (LSi) in the ocean play crucial roles in the global silicon cycle and marine ecosystem dynamics. This is especially the case in the Southern Ocean where diatoms constitute the predominant phytoplankton and participate in a major way to the biological carbon pump. This study presents an assessment of BSi and LSi concentrations along the GEOTRACES South West Indian Ocean Section (SWINGS, late austral summer 2021), where several and contrasting regions were encountered: oligotrophic Mozambique basin, HNLC (High Nutrient Low Chlorophyll) areas and regions fertilized by the Subantarctic islands. Suspended particles were sampled from Niskin bottles and in situ pumps, along with scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations and specific pigments measurements to support BSi and LSi analyses. With samples coming from a contrasting study area prone to diverse continental influences, our BSi and LSi results showed a reproducibility of 13 ± 7%, in the same range as the established protocol. BSi concentrations show a north-south gradient with maxima encountered in the Antarctic Zone, and contrasted results between HNLC open ocean areas and naturally fertilized regions in the vicinity of the Subantarctic islands. Some open ocean stations have unusually high BSi (e.g. > 5 μmol L−1) likely resulting from fertilization by aerosols, upwelling or island mass effect when they are downstream of the islands. Coupling of BSi with SEM observations and pigments measurements respectively showed diatoms were the most representative of the carrying phase of BSi and suggested silicification changes, induced either by heavily silicified diatoms or by micronutrient limitation in HNLC regions. BSi is often dominated by the smallest size fraction (0.45–5 μm) which represent 47 ± 23% of the total BSi based on 29 measurements on size fractionated samples. LSi results highlighted atmospheric inputs at the surface and nepheloid layers in the water column, which makes LSi overall a good indicator of the origin of lithogenic materials. SEM observations supported these results, enabling characterization of the diversity of lithogenic materials in the vicinity of the Subantarctic islands, more specifically volcanic ash around Heard Island, and within the nepheloid layers.

Comprehending hydrochemical fingerprint, spatial patterns, and driving forces of groundwater in a topical coastal plain of Northern China based on hydrochemical and isotopic evaluations

To comprehensively comprehend the hydrochemical features, spatial patterns, and controlling mechanisms of groundwater in the Longkou coastal plain (LCP), a prime coastal plain in northern China, a detailed study utilizing statistical analyses, Piper diagram, Gibbs model diagram, ion ratio methods, and reverse hydrogeochemical simulation was performed on 76 groundwater samples collected in 2021. The findings of this study reveal that the groundwater in the LCP has an average pH value of 7.6, indicating weak alkalinity. The groundwater types are predominantly mixed, followed by Cl–Ca. The NO3− concentration in groundwater is relatively high, with a mean value of 326 mg/L, originating mainly from agricultural production activities. In addition to NO3−, the spatial distribution analysis of the principal chemical constituents in the groundwater demonstrated a subtle north-south gradient. The chemical signatures of groundwater are primarily influenced by the process of rock weathering, resulting from the dissolution of silicates and carbonates minerals as well as gypsum. Indeed, cation exchange represents a pivotal hydrogeochemical reaction within the groundwater system of the region. The intrusion of seawater into groundwater primarily exhibits a mild nature, mostly in the form of mixing intrusion in the initial stage, affecting the western and northern regions of the LCP to a greater extent. The primary source of groundwater recharge is attributed to atmospheric precipitation; however, it is partially affected by evaporation. In addition, LCP groundwater is also being recharged by seawater intrusion, mainly in the western and northern parts of the study area. Overall, the findings of this research hold significant implications for the strategic management of groundwater resources and the implementation of measures to prevent and mitigate seawater intrusion not only in the LCP but also in analogous coastal regions across the globe.

Development of an Italian National Epidemiological Register on Endometriosis Based on Administrative Data.

Background/Objectives: Endometriosis is a female chronic inflammatory disease in which endometrial tissue develops outside the uterine cavity. It is a complex pathology, which significantly contributes to morbidity in premenopausal women, leading to chronic pain, infertility, and subfertility negatively impacting physical and emotional well-being and the overall quality of life. The public health burden of endometriosis remains elusive and challenging to determine, and this uncertainty can lead to inadequate healthcare services and treatments. The objective was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of endometriosis in Italy using the hospital discharge records database via a population-based retrospective study, nationwide between 2011 and 2020. Methods: From the National Hospital Discharge Database, we selected all admissions with a diagnosis of endometriosis (ICD-9-CM, codes 617.x), supported by the presence of a procedure code of laparoscopy or any other surgical procedure allowing for direct visualisation of the lesions. The main outcomes measured: incidence and prevalence of endometriosis were estimated for the entire 2011-2020 period and by individual year, analysing the time trend and variability in different geographical areas of Italy. Results: There were a total of 134,667,646 women aged 15-50 years with one or more hospitalisations for endometriosis in all Italian hospitals. The incidence of endometriosis in Italy during this period was 0.839 per 1000 women (CI95% 0.834-0.844), exhibiting a statistically significant decreasing trend over the years. A discernible north-south gradient was observed, with higher rates documented in the northern regions. The prevalence rate stood at 14.0 per 1000 during the same period, and a similar north-south geographical gradient was identifiable in the prevalence rates as well. Conclusions: The utilization of national-level hospital data enables the generation of incidence and prevalence data for endometriosis without variations in methods and definitions, facilitating the evaluation of temporal trends and regional comparisons. Understanding and quantifying this phenomenon is essential for appropriate healthcare planning in various Italian regions.

Genomic evaluation of mud sunfish in the atlantic slope drainage

Mud Sunfish (Acantharchus pomotis, Baird), a cryptic species native to the Atlantic and Gulf slope drainages of North America, have experienced a documented reduction in their geographic range. Atlantic Slope populations of Mud Sunfish were evaluated to determine the population structure, assess genetic diversity, and to identify presence of evolutionary significant units (ESU) in order to develop fundamental understandings of its occurrence. Tissue samples were collected from across the Atlantic Slope for genomic comparison. Restriction site Associated DNA Sequencing (RAD-Seq) was performed on 95 individuals from 14 populations. Mantel test provided evidence of a correlation between genetic and geographical distances, suggesting a pattern of isolation-by-distance. Differences among populations of Mud Sunfish largely occur along a north-south latitudinal gradient. Bayesian clustering of putatively outlier SNP loci, suggests that regional adaptive pressure is occurring. Despite a large geographic distance and significant differences between the majority of the populations of Mud Sunfish, Bayesian clustering analysis suggests that two unresolved clades are persisting within the Atlantic Slope Drainage: a northern clade of Mud Sunfish ranging from New Jersey to North Carolina and a southern clade ranging from South Carolina to Florida. A population of Mud Sunfish in Florida appears distinct from all others in the Atlantic Coastal plain and likely represents a distinct management unit.

Large-scale lexical and genetic alignment supports a hybrid model of Han Chinese demic and cultural diffusions.

The Han Chinese history is shaped by substantial demographic activities and sociocultural transmissions. However, it remains challenging to assess the contributions of demic and cultural diffusion to Han culture and language, primarily due to the lack of rigorous examination of genetic-linguistic congruence. Here we digitized a large-scale linguistic inventory comprising 1,018 lexical traits across 926 dialect varieties. Using phylogenetic analysis and admixture inference, we revealed a north-south gradient of lexical differences that probably resulted from historical migrations. Furthermore, we quantified extensive horizontal language transfers and pinpointed central China as a dialectal melting pot. Integrating genetic data from 30,408 Han Chinese individuals, we compared the lexical and genetic landscapes across 26 provinces. Our results support a hybrid model where demic diffusion predominantly impacts central China, while cultural diffusion and language assimilation occur in southwestern and coastal regions, respectively. This interdisciplinary study sheds light on the complex social-genetic history of the Han Chinese.

Climatology and variability of sea surface temperature in the Azores region and its relation to climate indices

Daily sea surface temperature (SST) data from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer from 1982 to 2020 were used to study the spatiotemporal variability and climatology of SST in the Azores. In addition, the relationships between the SST anomaly (SSTA) and three climate index time series for the period 1982–2020 were investigated: the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index. The spatiotemporal variability and climatology of the SST were studied by analyzing annual, seasonal, and monthly mean SST time series and climate fields. Relationships between the SSTA and climate index time series were investigated using Pearson's correlation analysis and wavelet coherence analysis. The annual mean SST time series shows a positive linear trend of about 0.027°C per year over the period 1982–2020. The spatial variability of the linear trend shows that the positive trend is consistent throughout the study area, ranging from 0.024 to 0.034°C per year. The spatial variability is not uniform, and high values of the trend are observed in the upper northwestern part and southwestern half of the basin. Seasonal mean SST fields show a positive North-South latitudinal gradient, with higher temperatures in the south, especially in the southwestern basin. In addition, the seasonal mean SST fields show possible coastal upwelling signatures along the coast of the Azores islands in different seasons. The results of Pearson's correlation analysis between basin-averaged, de-trended monthly mean SSTA and climate indices show that SSTA shows a significant positive correlation with SOI and a negative correlation with ONI from 1982 to 2020. NAO shows positive correlation with SSTA for the December-January-February season. Wavelet coherence analysis confirms significant coherences between the Azores SSTA and the climate-ocean indices at certain time scales and periods.