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Aim: Reducing the rate of alien species introductions is a major conservation aim. However, accurately quantifying the rate at which species are introduced into new regions remains a challenge due to the confounding effect of observation efforts on discovery records. Despite the recognition of this issue, most analyses are still based on raw discovery records, leading to biased inferences. In this study, we evaluate different models for estimating introduction rates, including new models that use auxiliary data on observation effort, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. Innovation: We compare four models: (1) a naïve model which assumes perfect detection; (2) a model proposed by Solow and Costello (the S&C model); (3) constant detection model: a modified version of the S&C model with constant detection probabilities and (4) a novel sampling proxy model: a model that uses external data on observation effort. We simulate discovery records of varying lengths, introduction rates and temporal patterns of detection probabilities to explore scenarios under which these models accurately estimate underlying introduction rates. (5) We also include code to perform a model based on Belmaker using independent data on the number of native species. Main conclusion: We found that the length of the discovery records and the annual number of recorded species play a crucial role in the performance of all models. Under simulated scenarios of high detection, the naïve model is usually the best‐performing model, but it falls short when detection is low. Moreover, we find that in simulations which most likely mimic most real‐world cases (i.e. non‐monotonic probability of detection), incorporating external data on observation effort using the sampling proxy model, substantially improve estimates. This highlights the importance of considering observation effort when estimating introduction rates of alien species. To facilitate the use of these models, we provide a decision workflow and a dedicated R package ('alien'). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This article summarizes key research presented at the International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference in Brisbane, held in July 2023. Co‐morbidities: The REPRIEVE Trial as a conference highlight, demonstrating significantly fewer major cardiovascular events amongst people with HIV who were randomized to pitavastatin compared to placebo. Key data on weight, hypertension and incident diabetes are also summarized. Antiretroviral therapy: Novel data on doravirine and islatravir are described as are trials demonstrating efficacy dolutegravir/lamivudine first‐line in people without baseline resistance testing and in suppressed switch amongst people with historic lamivudine resistance. HIV Cure: The sixth case of HIV cure secondary to stem cell transplantation is summarized, as are new insights into the central nervous system as an HIV reservoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Range‐expansion and speciation are not new to life on Earth, but they have been scarcely observed contemporarily and, likely, never over several continents simultaneously. Evidence of incipient reproductive isolation between native and non‐native regions of some invasive alien species indicates that invasive speciation is closer than we expected. Some neo‐allopatric populations are likely to qualify as distinguishable subspecies already. Given their trajectory, whether they will become new species is not an if, but a when. I present two decision tables to help to (1) assess the coining of new invasive species or subspecies with the current taxonomical approach or (2), introduce the term "neo" to name invasive neo‐species resulting from synchronous allopatric speciation from a single, known, living ancestor. This latter case can be exemplified with the hypothetical names: "Ginkgo biloba neo americana", "G. biloba neo europea", etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regular monitoring of ecosystems can be used for the early detection of invasive alien species (IAS), and provide information for management and preventing them from becoming established or advancing into new areas. Current methods of monitoring freshwater systems for IAS can be both financially costly and time‐consuming, with routine monitoring often carried out at low intensity and at only a small number of sites. In this study, we evaluate how environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding for monitoring freshwater macroinvertebrate IAS compares to traditional kick‐net sampling as part of a national (Switzerland) and a catchment monitoring programme. Kick‐net sampling was more fruitful for the detection of several well‐known target macroinvertebrate IAS. However, eDNA samples proved complementary for the detection of IAS that belong to species often being unnoticed by traditional sampling due to methodological or taxonomic reasons. Specifically, the invasive jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii, hardly detectable using classic kick‐net sampling, was found to be widespread in both the national and the catchment‐scale monitoring with the eDNA method only. Our study shows that IAS detection using eDNA is easily implemented in both national‐ and catchment‐scale monitoring campaigns. However, successful detection of target IAS is still highly dependent on primer choice, species' biology, and availability of adequate markers. Specifically, multiple markers should be considered for detecting IAS from several different taxonomic groups, such as those under the 'freshwater macroinvertebrate' umbrella term. While eDNA is still developing in terms of these fundamental methodological requirements, surveillance for both target and non‐target IAS using eDNA is likely to increase efficiency in early detection of IAS in freshwater systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Almost all processed food comes packaged in either plastic, glass, metal, or paper and paperboard materials, and many packaging materials are disposed of after a single use (linear economy). Based on the concept of a circular economy, the recycling of food packaging materials has become one of the main targets for industries and regulators around the world. However, recycling presents particular challenges, mainly related to the recycled material composition, which determines its reusability, application, functionality, and chemical safety. In this latter matter, it has been demonstrated that the use of recycled food packaging materials increases the number and possible sources of substances that could be present in the packaging material, which is of concern as substances that can migrate into food and cause health hazards upon consumption. This review compiles information regarding substances detected in non‐permanent food packaging materials, focusing mainly on plastics, paper, and paperboards. The compilation of literature studies (110 research articles) on the presence of intentionally added substances (IAS) and non‐intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food packaging materials, their migration, toxicity, and dietary exposure has been summarized, evaluated, and discussed. In addition, current sustainable food packaging trends have been mentioned. Finally, approaches to reduce the presence, migration, and potential exposure to substances that have migrated from packaging materials into food have been reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien species (IAS) are a rising threat to biodiversity, national security, and regional economies, with impacts in the hundreds of billions of U.S. dollars annually. Proactive or predictive approaches guided by scientific knowledge are essential to keeping pace with growing impacts of invasions under climate change. Although the rapid development of diverse technologies and approaches has produced tools with the potential to greatly accelerate invasion research and management, innovation has far outpaced implementation and coordination. Technological and methodological syntheses are urgently needed to close the growing implementation gap and facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and synergy among evolving disciplines. A broad review is necessary to demonstrate the utility and relevance of work in diverse fields to generate actionable science for the ongoing invasion crisis. Here, we review such advances in relevant fields including remote sensing, epidemiology, big data analytics, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, genomics, and others, and present a generalized framework for distilling existing and emerging data into products for proactive IAS research and management. This integrated workflow provides a pathway for scientists and practitioners in diverse disciplines to contribute to applied invasion biology in a coordinated, synergistic, and scalable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasion of alien plant species (IAS) represents a serious environmental problem, particularly in Europe, where it mainly pertains to urban areas. Seed germination traits contribute to clarification of invasion dynamics. The objective of this research was to analyze how different light conditions (i.e., 12‐hr light/12‐hr darkness and continuous darkness) and temperature regimes (i.e., 15/6°C, 20/10°C and 30/20°C) trigger seed germination of Ailanthus altissima (AA), Phytolacca americana (PA) and Robinia pseudoacacia (RP). The relationship between seed germination and seed morphometric traits was also analyzed. Our findings highlight that temperature rather than light was the main environmental factor affecting germination. RP germinated at all tested temperatures, whereas at 15/6°C seeds of AA and PA showed physiological dormancy. RP had a higher germination capacity at a lower temperature, unlike AA and PA, which performed better at the highest temperatures. Light had a minor role in seed germination of the three species. Light promoted germination only for seeds of PA, and final germination percentage was 1.5‐fold higher in light than in continuous darkness. Seed morphometric traits (thickness [T], area [A] and volume [V]) had a significant role in explaining germination trait variations. The results highlight the importance of increasing our knowledge on seed germination requirements to predict future invasiveness trends. The increase in global temperature could further advantage AA and PA in terms of germinated seeds, as well as RP by enhancing the germination velocity, therefore compensating for a lower germination percentage of this species at the highest temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ageing is associated with impaired neuromuscular function of the terminal gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can result in chronic constipation, faecal impaction and incontinence. Interstitial cells of cajal (ICC) play an important role in regulation of intestinal smooth muscle contraction. However, changes in ICC volume with age in the terminal GI tract (the anal canal including the anal sphincter region and rectum) have not been studied. Here, the distribution, morphology and network volume of ICC in the terminal GI tract of 3‐ to 4‐month‐old and 26‐ to 28‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice were investigated. ICC were identified by immunofluorescence labelling of wholemount preparations with an antibody against c‐Kit. ICC network volume was measured by software‐based 3D volume rendering of confocal Z stacks. A significant reduction in ICC network volume per unit volume of muscle was measured in aged animals. No age‐associated change in ICC morphology was detected. The thickness of the circular muscle layer of the anal sphincter region and rectum increased with age, while that in the distal colon decreased. These results suggest that ageing is associated with a reduction in the network volume of ICC in the terminal GI tract, which may influence the normal function of these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a unique international setting where the effects of disclosure on firm value can be measured in a constant regulatory environment and in isolation of other confounding factors, this paper shows that firms can increase their value through their choice of accounting standards. Specifically, we document strong positive abnormal returns at the announcement of voluntary adoption of International Accounting Standards (IAS / IFRS) by a sample of international firms and an economically significant reduction in long-run returns, consistent with a reduction in the cost of capital. Consistent with these results we also document evidence of an upgrade in analyst recommendations after the IAS / IFRS adoption announcement and a reduction in the implied cost of capital. Finally, we find strong evidence that the documented abnormal returns are consistent with signaling and bonding benefits stemming from the reduction in asymmetric information. Our results highlight the importance of increased disclosure on minority shareholder protection and on corporate governance in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section provides abstracts of poster sessions presented at the 21st International Symposium on Neurogastroenterology and Motility held in Jeju, South Korea in September 2007, including sessions on the sensitivity of guinea-pig small intestinal spinal afferents, telemetric recording of electrogastrogram, and changes in serum gastrin levels.

Abstract This paper presents the kinetic and pharmacological properties of voltage-gated K+ currents in anatomically identified glandular postganglionic sympathetic neurons isolated from the superior cervical ganglia in rats. The neurons were labelled by injecting the fluorescent tracer Fast Blue into the submandibular gland. The first group of neurons remained intact, i.e. innervated by the preganglionic axons until the day of current recordings (control neurons). The second group of neurons was denervated by severing the superior cervical trunk 4–6 weeks prior to current recordings (decentralized neurons). In every control and decentralized neuron three categories of voltage-dependent K+ currents were found. (i) The I Af K+ current, steady state, inactivated at hyperpolarized membrane potentials. This current was fast activated and fast time-dependently inactivated, insensitive to TEA and partially depressed by 4-AP. (ii) The I As K+ current, which was steady-state inactivated at less hyperpolarized membrane potentials than I Af . The current activation and time-dependent inactivation kinetics were slower than those of I Af . I As was blocked by TEA and partially inhibited by 4-AP. (iii) The I K K+ current did not undergo steady-state inactivation. In decentralized compared to control neurons the maximum I Af K+ current density (at +50 mV) increased from 116.9 ± 8.2 to 189.0 ± 11.5 pA/pF, the 10–90% current rise time decreased from 2.3 to 0.7 ms and the recovery from inactivation was faster. Similarly, in decentralized compared to control neurons the maximum I As K+ current density (at +50 mV) increased from 49.9 ± 3.5 to 74.3 ± 5.0 pA/pF, the 10–90% current rise time shortened from 29 to 16 ms and the recovery from inactivation of the current was also... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]