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How Do I Get My Baby to Sleep Longer at Night?

Title: How Do I Get My Baby to Sleep Longer at Night?
Category: Diseases and Conditions
Created: 8/18/2021 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/23/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Breakfast Might Be Good for a Child's Emotional Health, Too

Title: Breakfast Might Be Good for a Child's Emotional Health, Too
Category: Health News
Created: 8/24/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/24/2022 12:00:00 AM




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8 Reasons You Are Not Losing Weight on Keto

Title: 8 Reasons You Are Not Losing Weight on Keto
Category: Health and Living
Created: 8/26/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/26/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Blood Protein Might Predict Future Diabetes, Cancer Risk

Title: Blood Protein Might Predict Future Diabetes, Cancer Risk
Category: Health News
Created: 8/5/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/5/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Even Chores, Socializing Might Lower Your Odds for Dementia

Title: Even Chores, Socializing Might Lower Your Odds for Dementia
Category: Health News
Created: 7/28/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/29/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Here's How New Federal Legislation Might Cut Your Drug Costs

Title: Here's How New Federal Legislation Might Cut Your Drug Costs
Category: Health News
Created: 8/12/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/15/2022 12:00:00 AM




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What Is a Good Height for a Man?

Title: What Is a Good Height for a Man?
Category: Health and Living
Created: 7/7/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/7/2022 12:00:00 AM




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COVID Crisis Has Stalled Fight Against HIV/AIDS

Title: COVID Crisis Has Stalled Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Category: Health News
Created: 7/28/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 7/29/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Menopause Might Worsen Jaw Pain in Women

Title: Menopause Might Worsen Jaw Pain in Women
Category: Health News
Created: 5/17/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/17/2022 12:00:00 AM




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Health Conditions a Dentist Might Find That Have Nothing to Do With Your Teeth

Title: Health Conditions a Dentist Might Find That Have Nothing to Do With Your Teeth
Category: Health News
Created: 8/11/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/12/2022 12:00:00 AM




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AHA News: How You Feel About Aging Could Affect Health. Here's How to Keep the Right Attitude.

Title: AHA News: How You Feel About Aging Could Affect Health. Here's How to Keep the Right Attitude.
Category: Health News
Created: 8/19/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/19/2022 12:00:00 AM




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De novo genome assemblies of two cryptodiran turtles with ZZ/ZW and XX/XY sex chromosomes provide insights into patterns of genome reshuffling and uncover novel 3D genome folding in amniotes [RESEARCH]

Understanding the evolution of chromatin conformation among species is fundamental to elucidate the architecture and plasticity of genomes. Nonrandom interactions of linearly distant loci regulate gene function in species-specific patterns, affecting genome function, evolution, and, ultimately, speciation. Yet, data from nonmodel organisms are scarce. To capture the macroevolutionary diversity of vertebrate chromatin conformation, here we generate de novo genome assemblies for two cryptodiran (hidden-neck) turtles via Illumina sequencing, chromosome conformation capture, and RNA-seq: Apalone spinifera (ZZ/ZW, 2n = 66) and Staurotypus triporcatus (XX/XY, 2n = 54). We detected differences in the three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure in turtles compared to other amniotes beyond the fusion/fission events detected in the linear genomes. Namely, whole-genome comparisons revealed distinct trends of chromosome rearrangements in turtles: (1) a low rate of genome reshuffling in Apalone (Trionychidae) whose karyotype is highly conserved when compared to chicken (likely ancestral for turtles), and (2) a moderate rate of fusions/fissions in Staurotypus (Kinosternidae) and Trachemys scripta (Emydidae). Furthermore, we identified a chromosome folding pattern that enables "centromere–telomere interactions" previously undetected in turtles. The combined turtle pattern of "centromere–telomere interactions" (discovered here) plus "centromere clustering" (previously reported in sauropsids) is novel for amniotes and it counters previous hypotheses about amniote 3D chromatin structure. We hypothesize that the divergent pattern found in turtles originated from an amniote ancestral state defined by a nuclear configuration with extensive associations among microchromosomes that were preserved upon the reshuffling of the linear genome.




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High-resolution reconstruction of a C. elegans ribosome sheds light on evolutionary dynamics and tissue specificity [ARTICLE]

Caenorhabditis elegans is an important model organism for human health and disease, with foundational contributions to the understanding of gene expression and tissue patterning in animals. An invaluable tool in modern gene expression research is the presence of a high-resolution ribosome structure, though no such structure exists for C. elegans. Here, we present a high-resolution single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) reconstruction and molecular model of a C. elegans ribosome, revealing a significantly streamlined animal ribosome. Many facets of ribosome structure are conserved in C. elegans, including overall ribosomal architecture and the mechanism of cycloheximide, whereas other facets, such as expansion segments and eL28, are rapidly evolving. We identify uL5 and uL23 as two instances of tissue-specific ribosomal protein paralog expression conserved in Caenorhabditis, suggesting that C. elegans ribosomes vary across tissues. The C. elegans ribosome structure will provide a basis for future structural, biochemical, and genetic studies of translation in this important animal system.




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Promoting Male Involvement in Family Planning: Insights From the No-Scalpel Vasectomy Program of Davao City, Philippines

ABSTRACTDespite global consensus on the importance of male involvement in family planning, disparities persist in low- and middle-income countries, where women continue to bear the responsibility for these initiatives. The Philippines, with a high fertility rate and unmet family planning needs, exemplifies this challenge. We present the experiences and lessons learned from implementing the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) program in Davao City, showcasing its potential for increasing male engagement in family planning decisions. Launched in 2008, the program aimed to address gender disparity by promoting NSV as a safe and effective contraceptive alternative to female-centric methods. Through the use of culturally sensitive information campaigns and couple-focused counseling, the program challenged traditional notions of masculinity and encouraged shared decision-making. Strong local government commitment and public-private partnerships played key roles in driving the program’s success. Results showed an average annual increase of 80% in NSV clients over the past 3 years compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring its effectiveness. The program presents a compelling intervention model for similar initiatives, highlighting how overcoming cultural barriers, infrastructure limitations, and budgetary constraints through policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and tailored approaches can significantly boost male involvement in family planning and improve reproductive health outcomes within communities.




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Freehand SPECT Combined with 3-Dimensional Light Detection and Ranging as Alternative Means of Specimen Scanning During Prostate Cancer Surgery




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Arterial Spin-Labeling Perfusion Lightbulb Sign: An Imaging Biomarker of Pediatric Posterior Fossa Hemangioblastoma [CLINICAL PRACTICE]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Hemangioblastoma is a rare vascular tumor that occurs within the central nervous system in children. Differentiating hemangioblastoma from other posterior fossa tumors can be challenging on imaging, and preoperative diagnosis can change the neurosurgical approach. We hypothesize that a "lightbulb sign" on the arterial spin-labeling (ASL) sequence (diffuse homogeneous intense hyperperfusion within the solid component of the tumor) will provide additional imaging finding to differentiate hemangioblastoma from other posterior fossa tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this retrospective comparative observational study, we only included pathology-proved cases of hemangioblastoma, while the control group consisted of other randomly selected pathology-proved posterior fossa tumors from January 2022 to January 2024. Two blinded neuroradiologists analyzed all applicable MRI sequences, including ASL sequence if available. ASL was analyzed for the lightbulb sign. Disagreements between the radiologists were resolved by a third pediatric neuroradiologist. 2 and Fisher exact test were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS:

Ninety-five patients were enrolled in the study; 57 (60%) were boys. The median age at diagnosis was 8 years old (interquartile range: 3–14). Of the enrolled patients, 8 had hemangioblastoma, and 87 had other posterior fossa tumors, including medulloblastoma (n = 31), pilocytic astrocytoma (n = 23), posterior fossa ependymoma type A (n = 16), and other tumors (n = 17). The comparison of hemangioblastoma versus nonhemangioblastoma showed that peripheral edema (P = .02) and T2-flow void (P = .02) favor hemangioblastoma, whereas reduced diffusion (low ADC) (P = .002) and ventricular system extension (P = .001) favor nonhemangioblastoma tumors. Forty-two cases also had ASL perfusion sequences. While high perfusion favors hemangioblastoma (P = .03), the lightbulb sign shows a complete distinction because all the ASL series of hemangioblastoma cases (n = 4) showed the lightbulb sign, whereas none of the nonhemangioblastoma cases (n = 38) showed the sign (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Lightbulb-like intense and homogeneous hyperperfusion patterns on ASL are helpful in diagnosing posterior fossa hemangioblastoma in children.




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Weight trends among adults with diabetes or hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study using OpenSAFELY

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic restrictions may have influenced behaviours related to weight.AimTo describe patterns of weight change among adults living in England with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or hypertension during the pandemic.Design and settingAn observational cohort study using the routinely collected health data of approximately 40% of adults living in England, accessed through the OpenSAFELY service inside TPP.MethodClinical and sociodemographic characteristics associated with rapid weight gain (>0.5 kg/m2/year) were investigated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsData were extracted on adults with T2D (n = 1 231 455, 43.9% female, and 76.0% White British) or hypertension (n = 3 558 405, 49.7% female, and 84.3% White British). Adults with T2D lost weight overall (median δ = −0.1 kg/m2/year [interquartile range {IQR} −0.7–0.4]). However, rapid weight gain was common (20.7%) and associated with the following: sex (male versus female: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 0.77 to 0.79]); age (older age reduced odds, for example, aged 60–69 years versus 18–29 years: aOR 0.66 [95% CI = 0.61 to 0.71]); deprivation (least deprived Index of Multiple Deprivation [IMD] quintile versus most deprived IMD quintile: aOR 0.87 [95% CI = 0.85 to 0.89]); White ethnicity (Black versus White: aOR 0.95 [95% CI = 0.92 to 0.98]); mental health conditions (for example, depression: aOR 1.13 [95% CI = 1.12 to 1.15]); and diabetes treatment (non-insulin treatment versus no pharmacological treatment: aOR 0.68 [95% CI = 0.67 to 0.69]). Adults with hypertension maintained stable weight overall (median δ = 0.0 kg/m2/year [IQR −0.6–0.5]); however, rapid weight gain was common (24.7%) and associated with similar characteristics as in T2D.ConclusionAmong adults living in England with T2D and/or hypertension, rapid pandemic weight gain was more common among females, younger adults, those living in more deprived areas, and those with mental health conditions.




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Weight management with orlistat in type 2 diabetes: an electronic health records study

BackgroundOrlistat is recommended as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight loss in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).AimTo explore associations between patient characteristics and orlistat prescribing, and to determine associations of orlistat with weight loss in T2DM and prediabetes.Design and settingCohort study using anonymised health records from a UK database of general practice.MethodThe UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum database was searched to compile a cohort of patients aged ≥18 years, first diagnosed with T2DM or prediabetes in 2016 or 2017. Once the data had been collated, multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine associations with starting orlistat and stopping it early (<12 weeks of prescriptions) and orlistat’s associations with weight loss in those who had not been prescribed second-line antidiabetic medications.ResultsOut of 100 552 patients with incident T2DM or prediabetes, 655 (0.8%) patients with T2DM and 128 (0.7%) patients with prediabetes were prescribed orlistat. Younger people, females, those in areas of deprivation, current smokers, those coprescribed metformin, and those recorded as having hypertension were statistically significantly more likely to be prescribed orlistat; higher baseline glycated haemoglobin levels were associated with early stopping. In comparison with patients not on orlistat, those who continued using it for ≥12 weeks were more likely to lose ≥5% weight (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07 to 2.67) but those who stopped orlistat early were less likely to lose ≥5% weight (AOR 0.56, 95% CI = 0.29 to 1.09).ConclusionOrlistat was significantly associated with weight loss in patients with T2DM and prediabetes when taken for at least 12 weeks; however, it was infrequently prescribed and often taken for <12 weeks. Orlistat may be a useful adjunct to lifestyle modifications for patients with T2DM and prediabetes, but barriers to continued use means it may not be effective for everyone in managing weight loss.




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A Cluster-Randomized Study of Technology-Assisted Health Coaching for Weight Management in Primary Care [Original Research]

PURPOSE

We undertook a trial to test the efficacy of a technology-assisted health coaching intervention for weight management, called Goals for Eating and Moving (GEM), within primary care.

METHODS

This cluster-randomized controlled trial enrolled 19 primary care teams with 63 clinicians; 9 teams were randomized to GEM and 10 to enhanced usual care (EUC). The GEM intervention included 1 in-person and up to 12 telephone-delivered coaching sessions. Coaches supported goal setting and engagement with weight management programs, facilitated by a software tool. Patients in the EUC arm received educational handouts. We enrolled patients who spoke English or Spanish, were aged 18 to 69 years, and either were overweight (body mass index 25-29 kg/m2) with a weight-related comorbidity or had obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2). The primary outcome (weight change at 12 months) and exploratory outcomes (eg, program attendance, diet, physical activity) were analyzed according to intention to treat.

RESULTS

We enrolled 489 patients (220 in the GEM arm, 269 in the EUC arm). Their mean (SD) age was 49.8 (12.1) years; 44% were male, 41% Hispanic, and 44% non-Hispanic Black. At 12 months, the mean adjusted weight change (standard error) was –1.4 (0.8) kg in the GEM arm vs –0.8 (1.6) kg in the EUC arm, a nonsignificant difference (P = .48). There were no statistically significant differences in secondary outcomes. Exploratory analyses showed that the GEM arm had a greater change than the EUC arm in mean number of weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity other than walking, a finding that may warrant further exploration.

CONCLUSIONS

The GEM intervention did not achieve clinically important weight loss in primary care. Although this was a negative study possibly affected by health system resource limitations and disruptions, its findings can guide the development of similar interventions. Future studies could explore the efficacy of higher-intensity interventions and interventions that include medication and bariatric surgery options, in addition to lifestyle modification.




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Highlights from the Respiratory Failure and Mechanical Ventilation Conference 2024

The Respiratory Intensive Care Assembly of the European Respiratory Society gathered in Berlin to organise the third Respiratory Failure and Mechanical Ventilation Conference in February 2024. The conference covered key points of acute and chronic respiratory failure in adults. During the 3-day conference ventilatory strategies, patient selection, diagnostic approaches, treatment and health-related quality of life topics were addressed by a panel of international experts. In this article, lectures delivered during the event have been summarised by early career members of the Assembly and take-home messages highlighted.




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First-of-Its-Kind Glowing Sea Creature Discovered in Ocean’s ‘Midnight Zone’



A nudibranch from the midnight zone has fingers on its tail, collects food with a hood, and glows.




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The History Behind Andor Season 2’s New TIE Fighter



Cassian's on a new mission to steal a familiar ship in the next season of his self-titled Star Wars show.




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Squid Game Season 2 Will Be All About Divisions—and the Fight to Overcome Them



Netflix's mega-violent mega-hit series returns December 26.




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Far-right groups gain ground in Sweden and Germany amid migrant influx

Watch Video | Listen to the Audio

JUDY WOODRUFF: But first: Sunday’s elections Austria were the latest ample of a shift to the right Europe’s politics, as 31-year-old Christian Kurz was elected chancellor on an anti-immigration platform.

He may now form a government with a far-right party founded in the 1950s by former Nazis.

That follows recent elections in Germany, where a far-right party roiled the race and dealt a blow to returning leader Angela Merkel.

In Sweden, too, there is a strong challenge from the right and a neo-Nazi group that looks stand in elections next year.

Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant ha been surveying the political landscape in Germany and Sweden, and he begins his report in Scandinavia.

MALCOLM BRABANT, Special Correspondent: In a Gothenburg parking lot, supporters of the Nordic Resistance Movement form up for what they hope will be their biggest-ever march, to propagate an ideology espoused by mother of eight Paulina Forslund.

PAULINA FORSLUND, Nordic Resistance Movement: When white becomes the minority, they will be destroyed. I want my children to have a secure future. I want them not only for them to have a secure Sweden. I want them to have a secure world. And I want other people to fight for the same thing.

MALCOLM BRABANT: When addressing her fellow neo-Nazis, Forslund’s rhetoric sharpens.

PAULINA FORSLUND (through interpreter): I’m the welder’s daughter, the forester’s grandchild. My line consists of hardworking men and women. It’s people like them we can thank for the welfare system that our lying politicians are now giving away to imported scum.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Clearly expecting trouble, the movement’s leaders have a muscular protection detail, marching past a silent protest. The sign reads “No Nazis on our streets.”

This protester would only give her name as Johanna.

JOHANNA, Anti-Nazi Protester: They are racist people. They are people who think that certain people are better than others, and I will not stand for that. It’s not something I think has a place in a modern society.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Experts say the resistance movement is recruiting aggressively, and believe this demonstration is emblematic of the rise of the far right.

It took place on Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement.

Allan Stutzinky is leader of Gothenburg’s Jewish community.

ALLAN STUTZINKY, Jewish Community Leader (through interpreter): Nazism has returned. The descendants of the murderers are organizing the same marches today, waving the same flags, shouting the same slogans, and have the same racist agenda.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Anna Johansson is a member of the governing Social Democrat Party. It’s considering outlawing the Nordic Resistance Movement.

ANNA JOHANSSON, Swedish Social Democratic Party: In Sweden and in Denmark, and in other countries, extreme parties are growing, and the hatred is spreading around.

MALCOLM BRABANT: “Go home to mama,” he shouts. “Nazi pigs,” chant the anti- fascist protesters, as a bottle flies through the air.

DAMON, Nordic Resistance Movement: If someone calls themselves a Nazi, most of us would dissociate with that person. That’s nothing we stand for ourselves. I never call myself a Nazi. I’m a national socialist.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Hitler’s party was also called National Socialist, but Damon, a 40-year-old welder, insists he’s a nonviolent family man.

DAMON: The demographic landscape of our — of the whole of Europe is changing, so, basically, it’s a concern on preserving my heritage for my family and our kin.

MALCOLM BRABANT: This demonstration has been stopped short of its destination. The Nordic Resistance Movement is currently trapped between a line of police and anti-fascist protesters. And it looks as though this demonstration isn’t going any further.

Violence briefly erupts as the resistance movement tries to break through police lines, and several marchers are arrested.

PAULINA FORSLUND: We are not your enemy. We are the government’s enemy.

They say we live in a democracy, but we have never had an election about if we want to take all these people in.

MALCOLM BRABANT: When Europe’s refugee crisis began in 2015, Sweden copied Germany’s open-door policy, and 160,000 migrants entered the country. Two years on, Sweden has tighter borders and has begun deporting some of the newcomers.

The new atmosphere alarms Floid Gumbo, entertaining an anti-Nazi rally.

FLOID GUMBO, Singer Originally from Zimbabwe: I came to Sweden over 20 years ago. The climate in Sweden, the people were so friendly, and things were completely different, more welcoming. And I feel like things have sort of gradually changed.

I’m very concerned, because I have children, because I’m thinking what I experienced here is not the same kind of climate, atmosphere that they are going to experience here.

ANNA JOHANSSON: It’s not so long ago that the Nazis ruined Europe. And that makes me very worried. The German elections were terrifying, I think.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Johansson is referring to last month’s success of the right-wing Alternative For Germany Party, or AFD, when it entered Parliament for the first time with 13 percent of the vote.

HUGH BRONSON, Alternative For Germany Party: The AFD only came into existence because Merkel deserted the traditional conservative Christian voters. They were looking for a home, and the AFD has offered them a safe place.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Hugh Bronson is deputy leader of the AFD in Berlin.

Now his party, the third largest in Parliament, is demanding that Angela Merkel imposes tougher immigration rules.

Your opponents claim that you are a party of hate. What’s your response to that?

HUGH BRONSON: We embrace foreigners who respect our laws, pay their taxes, send their children to school, and go about their normal life. The problem is with people who abuse the system to have a better life, or let others pay for their better lives, or who are criminals.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Outside the opera house in Dresden, former East Germany, singer Luca Bergelt is dismayed by the political landscape shifting to the right.

LUCA BERGELT, Singer: My fear is that they will tear Europe apart. They are going to raise up the walls again. They’re going to build new walls between the countries, and that Europe will get more close into itself.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Anti-immigrant sentiment is strong in Dresden. The city was the birthplace of a pan-European anti-Islamic movement, and it delivered the largest number of votes for the right-wing party.

On a holiday to celebrate German unification after the fall of communism, retired engineer Wilfried Schmidt explained why he sent a message to Angela Merkel.

WILFRIED SCHMIDT, Retired Engineer (through interpretor): Let’s put it this way. We all need to recognize that Germany is undergoing social changes that are becoming harder to control. For one, there is mass immigration from difficult regions that is increasingly uncontrollable, of people with entirely different concepts of life, from fundamental differently structured societies that are problematic.

MALCOLM BRABANT: About one million migrants poured into Germany in 2015. Chancellor Merkel consistently defended her pro-refugee policies, but now she has been punished by voters who believe she ignored their concerns.

Chancellor Merkel has promised to listen to the people who voted for the AFD, and she says she’s going to try to win them over with what she calls good politics. But she will not countenance having the party in her coalition.

But the chancellor needs to find new partners who are prepared to be tough on immigration.

As she tries to forge a coalition, the chancellor has agreed to put an annual cap of 200,000 on the number of immigrants, something she previously refused to do. But will it be enough to woo back people who deserted her at the election?

A question for Werner Patzelt, a political scientist at Dresden University.

WERNER PATZELT, Dresden University: Since Chancellor Merkel has made so many U-turns in German domestic politics, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she would try to do a U-turn, also winning back AFD voters.

But this is a really hard political task, because so many of them are so much disappointed by the Christian Democratic Union in general, and by Chancellor Merkel in particular, that they will do anything to avoid going back.

MALCOLM BRABANT: Back in Sweden, the governing party is horrified at the concept of conceding ground to right-wingers, and is trying to isolate them.

ANNA JOHANSSON: Experience shows that, when you adopt the ideas from these right-wing parties, they spread. These parties have their agenda implemented by other parties. And I wouldn’t want to see that happen in Sweden.

FLOID GUMBO: We’re all human beings. We share this world. We’re all here. There’s enough space for us all.

MALCOLM BRABANT: But that’s an appeal that an increasing number of Swedes are rejecting, as the country and much of Europe go through a crisis of identity.

For the PBS NewsHour, I’m Malcolm Brabant in Gothenburg.

The post Far-right groups gain ground in Sweden and Germany amid migrant influx appeared first on PBS NewsHour.




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Cartwright is ready to fire

Bryce Cartwright admits he has something of a split personality in his first NSW State of Origin camp.




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Eels director ready for fight

Paul Garrard has no plans to walk away but has urged Geoff Gerard to resign if he has lost his desire to fight.




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Tigerair chaos as Bali flights cancelled

HUNDREDS of travellers’ holiday plans are in disarray after all Tigerair flights in and out of Bali were cancelled again today and early tomorrow.




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Fire engine crashes with two cars while travelling under blue lights

A fire engine on its way to a callout has been involved in a collision with two cars on a road junction in Edinburgh.




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RPG Cast – Episode 555: “Kelley Just Wants to Fight You”

Anna Marie briefly stops by to tell us about what she's been playing while recovering. The Series X has a price now, will the PS5 get one this week? Also, PAX is happening!

The post RPG Cast – Episode 555: “Kelley Just Wants to Fight You” appeared first on RPGamer.



  • News
  • Podcasts
  • RPG Cast
  • Death end re;Quest 2
  • Dragon Quest II: Luminaries of the Legendary Line
  • Fire Emblem: Three Houses
  • Langrisser I & II
  • Yakuza Kiwami 2

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RPG Cast – Episode 556: “Chris Is Right for Once!”

It’s an extra large podcast this week. Alex, Kelley, Nathan, Chris, and Anna Marie break down all they’ve been playing. A huge news week is covered with colourful commentary. And we go off on more than one tangent. Help us, we’re incorrigible.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 556: “Chris Is Right for Once!” appeared first on RPGamer.




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RPG Cast – Episode 583: “Tight Pants”

Pascal falls asleep while playing every game except one. Chris knows nothing about pretty much every game. Matt needs to put some clothes on. And Josh gets a salt lick. Man this chafing sucks.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 583: “Tight Pants” appeared first on RPGamer.




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RPGCast – Episode 656 : “He Fought a Bridge!”

Phil is not a Privitere, and is NOT playing Pokemon. Anna's little community manager heart flutters, while Kelley learns that it IS a Chain Chomp.

The post RPGCast – Episode 656 : “He Fought a Bridge!” appeared first on RPGamer.




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RPG Cast – Episode 677: “My Parents Thought Final Fantasy Tactics Was a Strategy Guide”

Kelley "accidentally" barbecues her horse. Josh slaps "Trails" onto Horizon: Forbidden West to get Americans to play it. Jason has to go get a tako taco.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 677: “My Parents Thought Final Fantasy Tactics Was a Strategy Guide” appeared first on RPGamer.



  • News
  • Podcasts
  • RPG Cast
  • Fuga: Melodies of Steel 2
  • Horizon Forbidden West
  • Like a Dragon: Ishin!
  • The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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RPG Cast – Episode 740: “Truck-Kun in the Background Is Slightly Less Blurry”

Chris saw a wizard in Tokyo in Trader Vic's, his robe and wizard hat were perfect. Kelley got tired of Alf memes. Josh shoved his Steam Link in a closet somewhere. Gamers suck, tune in next week for monitor cast.

The post RPG Cast – Episode 740: “Truck-Kun in the Background Is Slightly Less Blurry” appeared first on RPGamer.



  • News
  • Podcasts
  • RPG Cast
  • Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
  • The Legend of Heroes: Trails through Daybreak
  • Visions of Mana
  • World of Warcraft: The War Within

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Hideaki Itsuno to Lead New AAA Developer LightSpeed Japan Studio

Tencent Games subsidiary LightSpeed Studios has announced Hideaki Itsuno, who recently left Capcom after 30 years working for the company, will be leading a new video game studio called LightSpeed Japan Studio.

LightSpeed Japan Studio will have two locations in Tokyo and Osaka and is focused on developing original AAA games.

"Joining LightSpeed Studios is an exciting new chapter for me," said Hideaki Itsuno. "With LightSpeed’s strong development capability and global network, I look forward to creating original AAA action game titles together with the amazing team and building aesthetic and innovative experiences for the global player community. We welcome all talented and passionate game creators from the world over to join our vision."

LightSpeed Studios president Jerry Chen added, "It is our great honor to have Hideaki Itsuno join LightSpeed Studios. The establishment of LightSpeed Japan Studio is a significant step in LightSpeed Studios’ expansion and demonstrates our commitment to bringing the best possible games to our players."

Itsuno directed entries in the Rival Schools, Power Stone, Capcom VS. SNK, Devil May Cry, and Dragon’s Dogma franchises.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463041/hideaki-itsuno-to-lead-new-aaa-developer-lightspeed-japan-studio/




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South of Midnight Gets 30-Minute 'Weaving Hazel's Journey' Documentary

Publisher Xbox Game Studios and developer Compulsion Games have released a 30-minute long documentary on for South of Midnight titled "Weaving Hazel's Journey."

The video share a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming third-person action-adventure game. It explores the development and world building, as well as providing a look at new gameplay.

View the documentary below:

South of Midnight will launch for the Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass in 2025.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463044/south-of-midnight-gets-30-minute-weaving-hazels-journey-documentary/




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Liam Payne Was Embroiled in Bitter Legal Fight With Ex When He Died

Michael Kovac/Getty

Prior to his untimely death in Argentina on Wednesday, One Direction’s Liam Payne, 31, was in the middle of a legal spat with his ex-fiancée Maya Henry.

On Monday, The Sun reported that Henry, 23, had lawyered up in an attempt to stop Payne from constantly messaging her family and friends.

“Maya Henry issued a cease and desist last week to Liam Payne following the emergence of new and concerning information…She has retained attorneys Marco Crawford and Daniel Cerna to represent her. At this time, that is her only comment on the matter,” a spokesperson for Henry told the tabloid.

Read more at The Daily Beast.




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Liam Payne’s Snapchat Story Seemingly Sheds Light on Singer’s Final Hours

Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Liam Payne was seemingly having a “lovely day in Argentina” just hours before his death on Wednesday, according to what appear to be a series of final posts made to his Snapchat account.

The former One Direction member was found dead in the courtyard of a Buenos Aires hotel, having apparently plunged 13 to 14 meters from his balcony, according to local police. A cause of death has not officially been determined, and it was unclear whether the fall was accidental or intentional.

On his Snapchat Story, however, it would have appeared to any fan that Payne was having a relaxing vacation. In since-deleted posts in the hours before his death, he posted a front-facing video in which he told followers, “It’s a lovely day here in Argentina. This is the breakfast table. Just enjoying coffee and breakfast even though it’s 1 p.m.”

Read more at The Daily Beast.




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Nightingale can't outfly "the stark realities of the industry" as creators Inflexion close UK office and lay people off

Inflexion Games are closing their UK office, laying off staff and restructuring their main Canadian studio after failing to find commercial success with their Victorian fantasy survival game Nightingale. Reportedly, at least 22 people have been let go.

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Total War: Warhammer 3’s next DLC is brought to life with porridge, yoghurt and real bones

Ogres, Orcs, and Khorne are all on the way in the upcoming expansion for strategy game Total War: Warhammer 3, and Creative Assembly have just released their latest dev vlog with a few more details on what to expect. There’s still no word on the exact title, although given the established naming convention (Shadows Of Change, Thrones Of Decay), I’m tentatively calling it “Sniffers Of Glue” in honour of the No Think, Only Krump faction selection.

You’ll find the vlog in its full glory below. What’s interesting about this one is that vlog mainstay director Rich Alridge has brought along some new faces: battle designer Josh King and audio director Chris Goldsmith. And, yes, so no-one can accuse me of burying the lede: that audio design involved the enthusiastic, deeply disgusting slurping of porridge and yoghurt, and the jangling of real bones. The source of the bones is not revealed.

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Some guy complained this fishing game only caters to queer players, so the dev added a "straight" title - it costs $9999

When multiplayer fishing game Webfishing came out last month, it offered a relaxing hangout zone for cats and dogs. Everything revolves around catching, selling, and collecting the fish that gather in the rivers of a small island. It also lets you customise your character with clothing. Mostly simple hats and shorts, but some options let players celebrate their sexuality, such as a rainbow-adorned t-shirts, or titles that hang above your character which simply say "Trans" or "Bi". All this led one player to complain there was no "Straight" title. So, the developer added one. It costs 10 grand.

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Grand Theft Auto: The Definitive Edition trilogy on PC gets a classic lighting update from the mobile version

My strongest and most enduring memory of Grand Theft Auto will always be creasing into complete hysterics watching my mate pile into a crumpled police officer with a wooden baseball bat in GTA 3 after school one time. Young’uns these days just don’t appreciate how revolutionary it was to be able to hit a cop with a thing after he’d already fallen over. Suffice it to say I’ve got good memories of the open world series’ nascent forays into 3D, though never enough to tempt me into revisiting them, especially given the poor reception to Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy - The Definitive Edition. I can sympathise. I’m annoyed just having to type a semicolon and a dash in the same game name.

If you’re in a similarly non-fussed position (I will never not be annoyed that ‘nonplussed’ doesn’t mean what it sounds like it should mean) I can’t imagine a lighting update that’s been available on the mobile versions for a while is enough to tempt you back. But what is a reporter's job if not pathetically treading water between chunklets of Grand Theft Auto news, upon the publishing of which Graham presses the button to release the nutritious pellets on which we all wholly subsist? I hope he doesn’t read that last sentence. I don’t get my pellet if the syntax becomes too convoluted. Moving swiftly on.

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Stellar views of some of the most spectacular sights in the universe

These dazzling images taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope are from the upcoming book Cosmos: Explore the wonders of the universe, which has a foreword by astrophysicist Becky Smethurst