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Secondary forests represent a significant proportion of global forest cover, with over 70% of forests in East Asia classified as regenerating. While succession has been studied extensively in temperate systems, trajectories of subtropical succession remain poorly characterized in highly disturbed, urban‐adjacent forests. Investigating the additive beta diversity components of turnover and nestedness may reveal community assembly mechanisms driving secondary succession. The present study investigates plant community assembly along a successional gradient from 7 to 70 years following the onset of succession in secondary subtropical forests in Hong Kong, China. Plant survey data for 28 plots were analysed, generating additive Simpsons turnover and nestedness beta diversity metrics. Dissimilarity matrices were generated and modelled as a function of environmental matrices including forest plant community age (years following onset of secondary succession), inter‐community distance (metres), and soil moisture saturation (%) across three elevational bands using generalized dissimilarity models. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling of plant communities was conducted with Bray–Curtis dissimilarity matrices. Inter‐community distance and successional age differentially influenced plant species turnover between lowland and Montane forest types. Models of nestedness found that plot age and soil moisture saturation were significant drivers of nestedness patterns in plant communities across elevational classes. Turnover represented a higher proportion of Sorensen beta diversity than nestedness, while ANOSIM found significant differentiation between plant communities at different successional stages. Turnover patterns suggest a deterministic model of community assembly, with strong patterns of species replacement between communities at fine spatial scales and successional stages, as well as clear compositional shifts between lowland and montane forest types. NMDS analysis and functional compositional assessments suggested a transition from early successional communities with a high proportion of shrub species, to later successional communities with a higher proportion of tree species, with an increase in species turnover with greater age dissimilarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only 20% of the estimated 5 million species of insects on Earth are named and yet insects are poorly represented in protected area assessments, and insect declines are of concern globally. Here, we explore how to increase the discovery of new species and understanding of this group through analysis of 10,097 tropical rainforest bark beetles (Scolytinae) from eight different ecological studies between 2000 and 2018 in the Australian Wet Tropics. Of the 107 species identified, 58 are undescribed: an increase of 37% on the 156 species known from Australia. Rarefaction indicates doubling sampling would increase the number of species by 17. As hypothesised, new species are significantly smaller, less abundant and less widespread than described species making them more extinction‐prone than named species. Flight interception traps collected 84% of individuals and 98% of species confirming the effectiveness of a single sampling method for some beetles. Increased locations and collection from the canopy may sample further species rather than additional collecting methods. Scolytines are relatively well studied with taxonomists at the forefront of using modern methods to resolve formerly intractable groups. Hence, these new species are more likely to be named than others in many other beetle groups where taxonomy has largely stalled. To increase species description rates and to avoid most species becoming extinct before being named, we call on taxonomists to use new character systems provided by DNA methods and advances in the rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We investigated the effectiveness of Nurse‐Family Partnership (NFP), a prenatal‐to‐age‐two‐years home‐visiting programme, in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Methods: For this randomised controlled trial, we recruited participants from 26 public health settings who were: <25 years, nulliparous, <28 weeks gestation and experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage. We randomly allocated participants (one‐to‐one; computer‐generated) to intervention (NFP plus existing services) or comparison (existing services) groups. Prespecified outcomes were prenatal substance exposure (reported previously); child injuries (primary), language, cognition and mental health (problem behaviour) by age two years; and subsequent pregnancies by 24 months postpartum. Research interviewers were masked. We used intention‐to‐treat analyses. (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01672060.) Results: From 2013 to 2016 we enrolled 739 participants (368 NFP, 371 comparison) who had 737 children. Counts for child injury healthcare encounters [rate per 1,000 person‐years or RPY] were similar for NFP (223 [RPY 316.17]) and comparison (223 [RPY 305.43]; rate difference 10.74, 95% CI ‐46.96, 68.44; rate ratio 1.03, 95% CI 0.78, 1.38). Maternal‐reported language scores (mean, M [SD]) were statistically significantly higher for NFP (313.46 [195.96]) than comparison (282.77 [188.15]; mean difference [MD] 31.33, 95% CI 0.96, 61.71). Maternal‐reported problem‐behaviour scores (M [SD]) were statistically significantly lower for NFP (52.18 [9.19]) than comparison (54.42 [9.02]; MD ‐2.19, 95% CI −3.62, −0.75). Subsequent pregnancy counts were similar (NFP 115 [RPY 230.69] and comparison 117 [RPY 227.29]; rate difference 3.40, 95% CI ‐55.54, 62.34; hazard ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.79, 1.29). We observed no unanticipated adverse events. Conclusions: NFP did not reduce child injuries or subsequent maternal pregnancies but did improve maternal‐reported child language and mental health (problem behaviour) at age two years. Follow‐up of long‐term outcomes is warranted given that further benefits may emerge across childhood and adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uterus is a unique mucosal site where immune responses are balanced to be permissive of a fetus, yet protective against infections. Regulation of natural killer (NK) cell responses in the uterus during infection is critical, yet no studies have identified uterine-specific factors that control NK cell responses in this immune-privileged site. We show that the constitutive expression of IFNε in the uterus plays a crucial role in promoting the accumulation, activation, and IFNγ production of NK cells in uterine tissue during Chlamydia infection. Uterine epithelial IFNε primes NK cell responses indirectly by increasing IL-15 production by local immune cells and directly by promoting the accumulation of a pre-pro-like NK cell progenitor population and activation of NK cells in the uterus. These findings demonstrate the unique features of this uterine-specific type I IFN and the mechanisms that underpin its major role in orchestrating innate immune cell protection against uterine infection. Synopsis: IFNε promotes the accumulation, activation and IFNγ production of NK cells in the uterus through both IL-15-dependent and -independent mechanisms. IFNε-mediated NK cell responses protect against Chlamydia FRT infections. IFNε is produced exclusively by reproductive tract epithelial cells and acts in the uterus to increase IL-15 production by myeloid cells. IFNε and IL-15 production in the uterus increases NK cell haematopoiesis in the bone marrow, increasing NK cell numbers systemically, and NK cell accumulation in the uterus. IFNε acts directly on pre-pro NK cell progenitors in the uterus, promoting their accumulation. IL-15 has no effect on this population. Local production of IFNε in the uterus is required for optimal NK cell activation during infection and IFNε directly increases NK cell CD69 expression ex vivo. IL-15 production downstream of IFNε is responsible for promoting NK cell IFNγ production and cytolytic activity. IFNε and IL-15 co-stimulate and are required in concert for full NK cell function. IFNε promotes the accumulation, activation and IFNγ production of NK cells in the uterus through both IL-15-dependent and -independent mechanisms. IFNε-mediated NK cell responses protect against Chlamydia FRT infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how community assembly processes drive biodiversity patterns is a central goal of community ecology. While it is generally accepted that ecological communities are assembled by both stochastic and deterministic processes, quantifying their relative importance remains challenging. Few studies have investigated how the relative importance of stochastic and deterministic community assembly processes vary among taxa and along gradients of habitat degradation. Using data on 1645 arthropod species across seven taxonomic groups in Malaysian Borneo, we quantified the importance of ecological stochasticity and of a suite of community assembly processes across a gradient of logging intensity. The relationship between logging and community assembly varied depending on the specific combination of taxa and stochasticity metric used, but, in general, the processes that govern invertebrate community assembly were remarkably robust to changes in land use intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The standard approach for classifying child/youth psychiatric disorder as present or absent in epidemiological studies is lay‐administered structured, standardized diagnostic interviews (interviews) based on categorical taxonomies such as the DSM and ICD. Converting problem checklist scale scores (checklists) to binary classifications provides a simple, inexpensive alternative. Methods: Using assessments obtained from 737 parents, we determine if child/youth behavioral, attentional, and emotional disorder classifications based on checklists are equivalent psychometrically to interview classifications. We test this hypothesis by (1) comparing their test–retest reliabilities based on kappa (κ), (2) estimating their observed agreement at times 1 and 2, and (3) in structural equation models, comparing their strength of association with clinical status and reported use of prescription medication to treat disorder. A confidence interval approach is used to determine if parameter differences lie within the smallest effect size of interest set at ±0.125. Results: The test–retest reliabilities (κ) for interviews compared with checklists met criteria for statistical equivalence: behavioral,.67 and.70; attentional,.64 and.66; and emotional,.61 and.65. Observed agreement between the checklist and interviews on classifications of disorder at times 1 and 2 was, on average, κ =.61. On average, the β coefficients estimating associations with clinical status were.59 (interviews) and.63 (checklists); and with prescription medication use,.69 (interviews) and.71 (checklists). Behavioral and attentional disorders met criteria for statistical equivalence. Emotional disorder did not, although the coefficients were stronger numerically for the checklist. Conclusions: Classifications of child/youth psychiatric disorder from parent‐reported checklists and interviews are equivalent psychometrically. The practical advantages of checklists over interviews for classifying disorder (lower administration cost and respondent burden) are enhanced by their ability to measure disorder dimensionally. Checklists provide an option to interviews in epidemiological studies of common child/youth psychiatric disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The full blood count (FBC) is commonly measured as part of a partial septic work‐up in asymptomatic infants at increased risk of early‐onset neonatal sepsis (EOS). To determine the impact of FBC parameters on infants' subsequent management a retrospective cross‐sectional study was performed. Methods: Infants, born at ≥34 weeks gestation, asymptomatic at birth, undergoing a partial septic work‐up and receiving prophylactic antibiotics due to increased risk of EOS in a single centre over a 2‐year period, were included. The primary outcome measure was frequency of FBC result impacting on duration of antibiotic therapy. Secondary outcome measures included frequency of FBC parameters outside of the reference range and incidental diagnoses. Results: In total, 16 726 live‐born infants were delivered during the study period. A total of 802 (4.8%) were included. Thirteen infants (1.6%) received a prolonged course of antibiotics due to suspicion for EOS. Two of these infants had elevated white cell counts. All had normal neutrophil counts. In no case did the FBC result influence the decision to prolong the antibiotic course. Conclusion: In a cohort of 802 infants, asymptomatic at birth and at increased risk of EOS, the FBC result did not impact on the decision to prolong the course of antibiotics for suspicion of EOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The prevalence of cow's‐milk protein allergy (CMPA) is between 2% and 3% and symptoms vary depending on underlying immune mechanism at play. Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for premature infants and breast milk fortifiers (BMF) are commonly used to optimise growth and nutrition. BMF are typically derived from cow's milk and, as such, preterm infants are exposed to cow's milk in the first weeks of life. Previously, preterm infants were suspected to have a higher risk of allergen development because of early antigen exposure and increased gut permeability. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of CMPA among very preterm (<32 weeks) and/or very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The secondary aim was to describe feeding practices, specifically the breastfeeding rates and specialist, non‐standard formula use in this cohort over the first 6 months of life. Methods: This was a retrospective study performed in a large tertiary maternity hospital (8500 deliveries/year and 110 very preterm infants/year) in Dublin, Ireland over a 3‐year period, 2017–2020. Infants born very preterm and/or VLBW who were followed in the outpatient clinic until 6 months corrected gestational age (CGA) were included. Hospital ethical approval was obtained. Results: One hundred and forty‐four infants were included with a median birth weight of 1338 g. No infant had a diagnosis of CMPA when leaving the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) but, by 6 months CGA, this increased to 1.4% (n = 2). Upon discharge from the NICU, 88 infants (61%) were receiving at least some breast milk, decreasing to 13 (9.1%) at 6 months CGA. Those who were receiving exclusive breast milk at discharge were significantly more likely to still be receiving any breast milk at three (p ≤ 0.001) and 6 months (p ≤ 0.001) CGA compared to those combined feeding or exclusively formula feeding. At 6 months CGA, 18.9% (n = 27) were attending a dietician and 31.5% (n = 45) were using specialist, non‐standard infant formula. Conclusions: The prevalence of CMPA in this cohort was 1.4%, which is similar to the reported prevalence of CMPA in the general paediatric population. Infants who were discharged from NICU exclusively breastfeeding were more likely to be receiving any breast milk at outpatient follow‐up. This highlights the importance of on going dietetic and lactation support in the outpatient setting for this vulnerable cohort. Key points: The prevalence of CMPA in our cohort was similar to the previously determined prevalence in the general paediatric population.The significant use of specialist formula among ex preterm/VLBW infants during the first year of life conveys the need for accessible dietetic services.Breastfeeding rates were lower in the ex preterm cohort compared to term infants in Ireland. Breastfeeding initiation and support in the NICU is extremely important for sustaining breastfeeding rates at home following discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents list of authors and conference proceedings, article include the names of authors and their corresponding presentation numbers, which are listed in the online abstract submission system.

Before the COVID‐19 pandemic, the world struggled to address growing educational inequalities and fulfil the commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. The pandemic has exacerbated these inequalities and changed how education functions, moving to online and hybrid methods. The challenges in global education highlighted and worsened by the pandemic make it necessary to re‐evaluate education systems and the policies in place to support access, quality and equal opportunity. This article focuses on analysing education policies at a national level. It tests a pilot policy analysis tool, the International Education Index (IEI), developed as a starting point to begin this reconsideration and create an accessible and comprehensive way to evaluate national education systems to inform decision‐making and policies in the new context. This research uses Ireland and Northern Ireland to test the IEI pilot tool. The IEI consists of 54 questions across nine indicators, including institutional frameworks, education strategies, digital skills and infrastructure, twenty‐first century skills, access to basic social services, adherence to international standards, legal frameworks, data gathering and availability and international partnerships. Countries can score 108 points to be categorised as having developed, emerging or nascent national education systems. Ireland scored 94 and Northern Ireland 81, indicating that they have developed national education systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive reserve supports cognitive function in the presence of pathology or atrophy. Functional neuroimaging may enable direct and accurate measurement of cognitive reserve which could have considerable clinical potential. The present study aimed to develop and validate a measure of cognitive reserve using task‐based fMRI data that could then be applied to independent resting‐state data. Connectome‐based predictive modelling with leave‐one‐out cross‐validation was applied to predict a residual measure of cognitive reserve using task‐based functional connectivity from the Cognitive Reserve/Reference Ability Neural Network studies (n = 220, mean age = 51.91 years, SD = 17.04 years). This model generated summary measures of connectivity strength that accurately predicted a residual measure of cognitive reserve in unseen participants. The theoretical validity of these measures was established via a positive correlation with a socio‐behavioural proxy of cognitive reserve (verbal intelligence) and a positive correlation with global cognition, independent of brain structure. This fitted model was then applied to external test data: resting‐state functional connectivity data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA, n = 294, mean age = 68.3 years, SD = 7.18 years). The network‐strength predicted measures were not positively associated with a residual measure of cognitive reserve nor with measures of verbal intelligence and global cognition. The present study demonstrated that task‐based functional connectivity data can be used to generate theoretically valid measures of cognitive reserve. Further work is needed to establish if, and how, measures of cognitive reserve derived from task‐based functional connectivity can be applied to independent resting‐state data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recipient firms but also comparable peer firms exhibit a sizeable negative capital market reaction to United Kingdom's regulatory enforcement actions. This result is invariant to the identification of peer firms as belonging to the same industry classification or as having comparable propensity scores to attract a sanction. Indiscriminate regulatory contagion, however, is ruled out. As per expectation, enforcement actions which pierce the 'corporate veil', that is, target an individual within a firm, are related to no significant firm‐level market reactions. These findings, in the financial sector, indicate that sanctions are associated with a material spillover effect consistent with informed regulatory contagion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to compare early postoperative outcomes and 2‐year cancer‐specific mortality following colorectal cancer (CRC) resection in patients with and without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in England and Wales. Method: Records for patients in the National Bowel Cancer Audit who had major CRC resection between April 2014 and December 2017 were linked to routinely collected hospital level administrative datasets and chemotherapy and radiotherapy datasets. Multivariable regression models were used to compare outcomes with adjustment for patient and tumour characteristics. Results: In all, 63 365 patients were included. 1285 (2.0%) had an IBD diagnosis: 839 (65.3%) ulcerative colitis, 435 (33.9%) Crohn's disease and 11 (0.9%) were indeterminate. IBD patients were younger, had more advanced cancer staging and a higher proportion of right‐sided tumours. They also had a higher proportion of emergency resection, total/subtotal colectomy, open surgery and stoma formation at resection, with longer hospital admissions and higher rates of unplanned readmission and reoperation. Fewer rectal cancer patients with IBD received neoadjuvant radiotherapy (24.8% vs. 36.0%, P = 0.005) whilst similar proportions of Stage III colon cancer patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. Ninety‐day postoperative mortality was similar, but unadjusted 2‐year cancer‐specific mortality was significantly higher in patients with IBD (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.35, 95% CI 1.18–1.55). Risk adjustment for patient and tumour factors reduced this association (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio 1.22, 95% CI 1.05–1.43). Conclusion: Patients with IBD and CRC are a distinct patient group who develop CRC at a younger age and undergo more radical surgery. They have worse cancer survival, with the difference in prognosis appearing after the early postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a general understanding that interviewers might cause measurement errors on sensitive questions in sample surveys, there is relatively little research on interviewer effects on responses to questions on women justifying a woman's refusal to have sex with her husband, women justifying wife beating, women's experience of physical and sexual violence, and whether the woman's father ever beat her mother. This study examines interviewer effects on these indicators that were collected in two large‐scale National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) in India (2005–2006 and 2015–2016). We use cross‐classified random intercept multivariable multilevel logit models to examine interviewer effects. In both surveys, we find large interviewer effects on questions about the justification of a woman refusing to have sex with her husband (32–33% in NFHS‐3 and 45–46% in NFHS‐4) and the justification of wife beating (27–28% in NFHS‐3 and 33–34% in NFHS‐4). The interviewer effects were much larger in the 2015–2016 survey than in the 2005–2006 survey. Such large interviewer effects should be considered when interpreting trends and patterns on these topics, especially since the interviewer effects might have changed between survey rounds. Understanding interviewer effects is important given the wide use of these surveys in policy formulation and monitoring in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a letter to the Editor on the article by Neocleous et al. on "Documentation in Pediatric Microlaryngoscopy/Bronchoscopy" Laryngoscope, 133:E26–E26, 2023 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]