A global study led by CUHK and the University of Calgary charts four-stage evolution of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

HONG KONG, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An international consortium led by The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)'s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) and the University of Calgary in Canada has conducted a global epidemiological study on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). It found that this chronic gut condition follows a four-stage epidemiological evolution across different regions of the world. Analysing data from more than 500 epidemiological studies across 80 regions in the past century, the team generated a machine-learning model for classification of stages which enables health-care systems to prepare for the growing burden on healthcare arising from the prevalence of IBD. Results of the study have been published in the leading scientific journal Nature.   

Epidemiological model informs trend of IBD burden for the next 20 years

The Global IBD Visualization of Epidemiology Studies in the 21st Century (GIVES‑21) consortium, led by Professor Gilaad Kaplan of University of Calgary and Professor Siew Ng of CU Medicine, synthesised data from 522 population-based studies across 82 geographical regions over the past century. They observed differences in IBD incidence and prevalence across various geographical areas over the past century suggest that epidemiological patterns shift through time.

To further explore the trends and characterise the epidemiology of IBD independent of geography and time, researchers developed a machine-learning model that classifies regions by epidemiologic stage, maps spatiotemporal transitions across stages and models a theoretical prevalence stage for the next two decades. They also demonstrated a stage where IBD prevalence reaches equilibrium. (Please refer to Table 1 for details.)

Professor Gilaad Kaplan, Professor of Medicine at the Cumming School of Medicine, the University of Calgary, said: "Our analysis, drawing on a century's worth of historical epidemiologic data, enables health authorities to tailor interventions – whether clinical, policy driven or preventive." 

Incidence rapidly rising in China and Malaysia while Japan and South Korea seeing an acceleration in prevalence

Study data showed epidemiological stages vary among regions in Asia. Japan and South Korea, which underwent rapid industrialisation in the latter half of the 20^th century, have reported prevalence exceeding 0.1%, placing them on the brink of transitioning towards stage 3. In contrast, nations like China and Malaysia, which industrialised later, entered stage 2 more recently.

Dr Joyce Mak, Honorary Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics at CU Medicine, said: "Today, we stand at a critical juncture as we address the alarming rise in IBD in newly industrialised countries such as China and Malaysia. This increase is not just a statistic; it represents the health and well-being of millions of people. As these nations embrace rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, we must prioritise public health initiatives, enhance awareness, and invest in research to understand underlying causes of this disease."

Professor Siew Ng, Croucher Professor in Medical Sciences at CU Medicine, Director of the Microbiota I-Center (MagIC) and New Cornerstone Investigator, said: "Our GIVES‑21 consortium is conducting epidemiologic surveillance studies in low- and middle-income countries, as the disease is evolving in these regions. We are seeing a paradigm shift of IBD accelerating in these regions and we will need to prepare our clinical infrastructure and personnel to manage this complex and costly disease. We are planning research to focus on preventive strategies targeting the gut microbiome, diet and environmental exposures to reduce disease incidence."

This study was supported by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the International Organization for the study of IBD (IOIBD), and contributions from over 30 international partners.

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A global study led by CUHK and the University of Calgary charts four-stage evolution of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

XUZHOU, China, May 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- XCMG concluded its 8th International Customer Festival, held from May 19 to 23 in Xuzhou, with more than 2,500 customers and business partners from around the world in attendance. During the event, signed orders exceeded US$1 billion, setting a new record for XCMG's International Customer Festival and reflecting continued global recognition of XCMG's products, technologies and integrated solutions.

"XCMG's development has been built on the long-term trust of customers and partners worldwide," said Yang Dongsheng, chairman of XCMG Group and XCMG Machinery. "Looking ahead, XCMG will continue to focus on technological innovation, green development and intelligent transformation, working with global partners to advance the high-quality development of the construction machinery industry and deliver greater value across different markets and application scenarios."

The record orders covered a wide range of core product categories, including lifting machinery, earthmoving machinery, mining machinery, road machinery and aerial work platforms, demonstrating XCMG's diversified product portfolio and global customer base.

Green energy and smart mining products delivered particularly strong performance, with orders for XCMG's "Qingshan Green" lineup — XCMG's green and low-carbon products — accounting for a significantly higher share. The results reflect growing global demand for new energy, intelligent and low-carbon construction equipment, while highlighting XCMG's competitiveness in green and intelligent transformation.

As an important platform connecting XCMG with global customers and partners, the Festival offered participants from different regional markets an opportunity to better understand XCMG's product portfolio, technological capabilities and service support.

This year's Festival also highlighted XCMG's integrated solutions for different construction scenarios. Across eight application scenarios, including smart earthmoving, green energy, emergency rescue and smart agriculture, XCMG showcased complete solutions designed to cover multiple working conditions and the full equipment lifecycle, giving customers a closer look through onsite experiences.

Customer feedback reflected the trust built through long-term cooperation, as well as recognition of XCMG's product reliability, technological upgrades and localized service support.

"XCMG's products have become even more intelligent since my last visit," said a returning customer.

"Working with XCMG feels like being part of a family," said a customer from Africa.

A customer from Saudi Arabia also expressed hopes of visiting China every three months in the future.

With growing participation from global customers and record signing results, XCMG's global partnership network continues to deepen and expand.

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XCMG Secures Over $1 Billion in Orders at 8th International Customer Festival, Expanding Global Partnerships