Although it is well established that early infant feeding has a major influence on the establishment of the gut microbiota, very little is understood about how the introduction of first solid food influences the colonization process. This study aimed to determine the impact of weaning on the faecal microbiota composition of infants from five European countries (Sweden, Scotland, Germany, Italy and Spain) which have different lifestyle characteristics and infant feeding practices. Faecal samples were collected from 605 infants approximately 4 weeks after the introduction of first solid foods and the results were compared with the same infants before weaning (6 weeks of age) to investigate the association with determining factors such as geographical origin, mode of delivery, previous feeding method and age of weaning. Samples were analysed by fluorescencein situhybridization and flow cytometry using a panel of 10 rRNA targeted group- and species-specific oligonucleotide probes. The genusBifidobacterium(36.5 % average proportion of total detectable bacteria),Clostridium coccoidesgroup (14 %) andBacteroides(13.6 %) were predominant after weaning. Similar to pre-weaning, northern European countries were associated with a higher proportion of bifidobacteria in the infant gut microbiota while higher levels ofBacteroidesand lactobacilli characterized southern European countries. As before weaning, the initial feeding method influenced theClostridium leptumgroup andClostridium difficile+Clostridium perfringensspecies, and bifidobacteria still dominated the faeces of initially breast-fed infants. Formula-fed babies presented significantly higher proportions ofBacteroidesand theC. coccoidesgroup. The mode of birth influenced changes in the proportions of bacteroides and atopobium. Although there were significant differences in the mean weaning age between countries, this was not related to the populations of bifidobacteria or bacteroides. Thus, although the faecal microbiota of infants after first complementary foods was different to that before weaning commenced, many of the initial influences on microbiota composition were still evident.

Objectives: Development of a vaccine against COVID‐19 will be key to controlling the pandemic. We need to understand the barriers and facilitators to receiving a future COVID‐19 vaccine so that we can provide recommendations for the design of interventions aimed at maximizing public acceptance. Design: Cross‐sectional UK survey with older adults and patients with chronic respiratory disease. Methods: During the UK’s early April 2020 ‘lockdown’ period, 527 participants (311 older adults, mean age = 70.4 years; 216 chronic respiratory participants, mean age = 43.8 years) completed an online questionnaire assessing willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine, perceptions of COVID‐19, and intention to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. A free text response ( n = 502) examined barriers and facilitators to uptake. The Behaviour Change Wheel informed the analysis of these responses, which were coded to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were identified. Results: Eighty‐six per cent of respondents want to receive a COVID‐19 vaccine. This was positively correlated with the perception that COVID‐19 will persist over time, and negatively associated with perceiving the media to have over‐exaggerated the risk. The majority of barriers and facilitators were mapped onto the ‘beliefs about consequences’ TDF domain, with themes relating to personal health, health consequences to others, concerns of vaccine safety, and severity of COVID‐19. Conclusions: Willingness to receive a COVID‐19 vaccination is currently high among high‐risk individuals. Mass media interventions aimed at maximizing vaccine uptake should utilize the BCTs of information about health, emotional, social and environmental consequences, and salience of consequences.

Objective: To define the range of neonatal weight loss in a population relative to feeding method. Design: Prospective observational cohort study. Setting: Maternity service providing geographically defined, community based newborn follow up. Participants: 971 consecutive term newborns of birth weight ⩾ 2500 g during the first 2–3 weeks of life; 34 excluded (inadequate data). 937 included: 45% breast fed, 42% formula fed, 13% breast and formula fed. Outcome measures: Maximum weight loss and timing, age on regaining birth weight. Results: Median weight loss: formula fed 3.5%, breast fed 6.6%. Upper centiles for maximum weight loss differ considerably (95th centiles: breast fed = 11.8%, formula fed = 8.4%; 97.5th centiles: breast fed = 12.8%, formula fed = 9.5%). Median time of maximum weight loss: 2.7 days for breast fed and formula fed. Recovery of birth weight: breast fed median 8.3 days, 95th centile 18.7 days, 97.5th centile 21.0 days; formula fed median 6.5 days, 95th centile 14.5 days, 97.5th centile 16.7 days. The time taken to regain birth weight correlates with both the degree and timing of initial weight loss for all groups. Conclusions: Early neonatal weight loss is defined allowing identification of infants who merit closer assessment and support.

To analyze risk factors for refractive error after cataract surgery and provide a benchmark for refractive outcomes after standard cataract surgery. One hundred cataract surgery clinics from 12 European countries. Multicenter database study. Data on consecutive cataract extractions reported to the European Registry of Quality Outcomes for Cataract and Refractive Surgery between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 were analyzed in terms of demographics, preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), target refraction, coexisting eye diseases, surgical difficulties including previous ophthalmic interventions, type of surgery, intraocular lens (IOL), and surgical complications. For clinics committed to reporting follow-up data within 7 to 60 days after surgery, postoperative CDVA and refraction were analyzed. Of the 548 392 cases analyzed, follow-up data were available for 282 811 cases. The absolute mean biometry prediction error in spherical equivalent was 0.42 diopters (D). A biometry prediction error within ±0.50 D was achieved for 205 675 eyes (72.7%). A biometry prediction error within ±1.0 D was achieved for 263 015 eyes (93.0%). Poor preoperative CDVA, target refraction, coexisting eye diseases, surgical difficulties including previous ophthalmic interventions, and surgical complications were in varying degrees related to a postoperative refractive error. Several risk factors (poor preoperative CDVA, ocular comorbidity, and previous eye surgery) were related to poor refractive outcomes after cataract extraction. When these risk factors are present, care should be taken with the preoperative examination and choice of IOL to avoid a refractive surprise. The average outcomes can be used as a refractive outcome benchmark.