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Prospective Evaluation of Bone Metabolic Markers as Surrogate Markers of Response to Radium-223 Therapy in Metastatic Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Purpose:

Radium-223 is approved for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) based on improved overall survival, and delay in skeletal related events. However, it is not associated with PSA or radiographic response, which poses a challenge in real-time assessment of its efficacy. Surrogate markers of treatment outcomes may facilitate tailoring treatment duration with radium-223, by limiting the duration of therapy with radium-223 in these patients. Here, we sought to investigate the utility of bone metabolic markers (BMMs) as surrogate markers of response to radium-223 in mCRPC.

Patients and Methods:

A prospective phase II trial of radium-223 plus enzalutamide (RE) versus enzalutamide alone was designed to assess surrogacy of BMMs with respect to response to radium-223. Enzalutamide was used as a comparator in lieu of placebo due to the progressive disease. Co-primary endpoints were relative change in serum BMM N-telopeptide (NTP) levels from baseline to 6 months between the two arms and safety and feasibility of the combination.

Results:

Thirty-nine men were randomized to RE (n = 27) or enzalutamide (n = 12). Combination was safe and feasible. Primary endpoint was met. A statistically significant relative change to NTP ratios between arms (0.64, 95% confidence interval, 0.51–0.81; P = 0.00048) favored RE versus enzalutamide. Overall, BMMs decreased with the RE therapy compared with enzalutamide. Improved PSA response rate in RE versus enzalutamide (P = 0.024), correlated with decline in BMMs.

Conclusions:

BMMs declined significantly with combination therapy, and were associated with improved outcomes. Upon external validation, BMMs may emerge as surrogate markers to monitor treatment with radium-223 in real-time.




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In Vitro Activity of KBP-7072, a Novel Third-Generation Tetracycline, against 531 Recent Geographically Diverse and Molecularly Characterized Acinetobacter baumannii Species Complex Isolates [Susceptibility]

KBP-7072 is a novel third-generation tetracycline (aminomethylcycline) antibacterial that overcomes common efflux and ribosomal protection resistance mechanisms that cause resistance in older-generation tetracyclines. KBP-7072 completed phase 1 clinical development studies for safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02454361) and multiple ascending doses in healthy subjects (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02654626) in December 2015. Both oral and intravenous formulations of KBP-7072 are being developed. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro activities of KBP-7072 and comparator agents by CLSI document M07 (2018) broth microdilution against 531 recent geographically diverse and/or molecularly characterized Acinetobacter baumannii-A. calcoaceticus species complex (A. baumannii) isolates from the United States, Europe, Asia-Pacific (excluding China), and Latin America. A. baumannii isolates included carbapenem-resistant, colistin-resistant, tetracycline-resistant, and extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)- and metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing isolates. Overall, KBP-7072 (MIC50/90, 0.25/1 mg/liter) was comparable in activity to colistin (92.8%/92.8% susceptible [S] [CLSI/EUCAST]) against A. baumannii isolates, inhibiting 99.2% of isolates at ≤2 mg/liter and 97.6% of isolates at ≤1 mg/liter. KBP-7072 was equally active against A. baumannii isolates, including carbapenem-resistant, colistin-resistant, and tetracycline-resistant isolates, regardless of geographic location, and maintained activity against ESBL- and MBL-producing isolates. KBP-7072 outperformed comparator agents, including ceftazidime (40.3% S [CLSI]), gentamicin (48.2%/48.2% S [CLSI/EUCAST]), levofloxacin (39.5%/37.9% S [CLSI/EUCAST]), meropenem (42.0%/42.0% S [CLSI/EUCAST]), piperacillin-tazobactam (33.3% S [CLSI]), and all tetracycline-class comparator agents, which include doxycycline (67.3% S [CLSI]), minocycline (73.8% S [CLSI]), tetracycline (37.2% S [CLSI]), and tigecycline (79.5% inhibited by ≤2 mg/liter). The potent in vitro activity of KBP-7072 against recent geographically diverse, molecularly characterized, and drug-resistant A. baumannii isolates supports continued clinical development for the treatment of serious infections, including those caused by A. baumannii.




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Somatic Copy-Number Alterations Contribute to Brain Metastasis [Metastasis]

In lung cancer, brain metastasis was associated with somatic amplification of MYC, YAP1, or MMP13.




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ctDNA Reveals Targetable Alterations [News in Brief]

In the plasmaMATCH trial, researchers performed circulating tumor DNA testing on patients with advanced breast cancer and matched those with ESR1, HER2, or AKT1 alterations to targeted therapies. Patients with HER2 and AKT1 mutations experienced response rates greater than 22% with durable benefit.




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The tale of two genes: from next-generation sequencing to phenotype [RESEARCH REPORT]

An 18-yr-old man with a history of intellectual disability, craniofacial dysmorphism, seizure disorder, and obesity was identified to carry a de novo, pathogenic variant in ASXL1 (c.4198G>T; p.E1400X) associated with the diagnosis of Bohring–Opitz syndrome based on exome sequencing. In addition, he was identified to carry a maternally inherited and likely pathogenic variant in MC4R (c.817C>T; p.Q273X) associated with monogenic obesity. Dual genetic diagnosis occurs in 4%–6% of patients and results in unique clinical phenotypes that are a function of tissue-specific gene expression, involved pathways, clinical expressivity, and penetrance. This case highlights the utility of next-generation sequencing in patients with an unusual combination of clinical presentations for several pillars of precision medicine including (1) diagnosis, (2) prognosis and outcome, (3) management and therapy, and (4) utilization of resources.




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Li-Fraumeni Exploration Consortium Data Coordinating Center: Building an Interactive Web-Based Resource for Collaborative International Cancer Epidemiology Research for a Rare Condition

Background:

The success of multisite collaborative research relies on effective data collection, harmonization, and aggregation strategies. Data Coordination Centers (DCC) serve to facilitate the implementation of these strategies. The utility of a DCC can be particularly relevant for research on rare diseases where collaboration from multiple sites to amass large aggregate datasets is essential. However, approaches to building a DCC have been scarcely documented.

Methods:

The Li-Fraumeni Exploration (LiFE) Consortium's DCC was created using multiple open source packages, including LAM/G Application (Linux, Apache, MySQL, Grails), Extraction-Transformation-Loading (ETL) Pentaho Data Integration Tool, and the Saiku-Mondrian client. This document serves as a resource for building a rare disease DCC for multi-institutional collaborative research.

Results:

The primary scientific and technological objective to create an online central repository into which data from all participating sites could be deposited, harmonized, aggregated, disseminated, and analyzed was completed. The cohort now include 2,193 participants from six contributing sites, including 1,354 individuals from families with a pathogenic or likely variant in TP53. Data on cancer diagnoses are also available. Challenges and lessons learned are summarized.

Conclusions:

The methods leveraged mitigate challenges associated with successfully developing a DCC's technical infrastructure, data harmonization efforts, communications, and software development and applications.

Impact:

These methods can serve as a framework in establishing other collaborative research efforts. Data from the consortium will serve as a great resource for collaborative research to improve knowledge on, and the ability to care for, individuals and families with Li-Fraumeni syndrome.




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Titration of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus (rAAV) Genome Copy Number Using Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)

This protocol is used to determine the concentration of DNase-resistant vector genomes (i.e., packaged in the capsid) in purified recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) preparations. The protocol begins with treatment of the vector stock with DNase I to eliminate unencapsidated AAV DNA or contaminating plasmid DNA. This is followed by a heat treatment to heat-inactivate DNase I, to disrupt the viral capsid, and to release the packaged vector genomes for quantification by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a set of standards (linearized plasmid used for vector production) containing known copy numbers. To accomplish high-throughput titration, the primer and probe sets used in real-time PCR are usually designed to target common elements present in most rAAV genomes, such as promoters and poly(A) signals. This strategy significantly reduces the number of PCRs, controls, and turnaround time. Several important controls should be included in the assay as follows: The first two controls should have a known copy number of the rAAV genome plasmid treated or not treated with DNase I. This control tests the effectiveness of DNase treatment. To control for potential cross-contamination between samples during the preparation process, a blank control containing nuclease-free water only should be processed and tested in parallel. A validation vector sample with a known titer should be included in every assay to monitor interassay variability. Finally, for the PCR run, a no-template control (NTC) is included to indicate cross-contamination during PCR setup.




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DHA Corporation




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Saigon Garden Riverside Village - Land for sale by Hung Thinh Corporation. Contact: 0938169445

Saigon Garden Riverside Village - Land for sale by Hung Thinh Corporation. Only 21-28million For 1sqm- Name of Project: Saigon Garden Riverside Village - Location: Long Phuoc Ward, District 9, HCM City - Scale: 30 ha (the most prestigious Compound model in the area). - Quantity: ...






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After the COVID-19 pandemic, older generations should reflect on the need for climate action

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a cornucopia of reflections about what is to be learned from it. One of the issues around which this has been the case is climate change.

There are a few ways in which climate change is linked to reflections on the pandemic. One of these links is seeing the pandemic and where there has been relative success in dealing with it as a good case study in the value of scientific advice over politics. The wish is that as a result science might regain a more secure foothold in the debate around climate change. This is generally coupled with a reflection on the extent to which the pandemic might have been even better prepared for and dealt with had early generic warnings about the likelihood of a pandemic been heeded, and also if warnings about the actual pandemic had been acted on earlier than they were at the beginning of 2020. The hope is that this lesson in the consequences of not heeding warnings will rub off on the climate change debate, if not on the most committed climate change deniers.

Another link between the pandemic and climate change is one less reflected on, although I did see at least one article on it, and that is the whole issue of inter-generational ethics that arises. The lock downs associated with COVID-19 tended to be justified on two grounds: One was containing the spread in such a way as to prevent health-care systems from being overwhelmed, and the other had to do with containing the spread of the virus for the sake of the those who were most likely to die from it, namely the elderly, an argument certainly borne out by the statistics even if it is the case that some younger people seem, for reasons yet to be determined, very vulnerable.

And so it was that multitudes of young people have had to put their lives and dreams on hold in order to safeguard the lives of many who are much older than them.  Young people have mostly willingly and without complaint acceded to the moral imperative and practical wisdom of sacrificing things like their personal, educational, athletic, travel, financial and/or employment hopes for the greater good, specifically for the older generation in their society. 

Other groups, like frontline health-care workers, and those newly classified as working in essential jobs, like grocery store workers, have also been asked to make a disproportionate sacrifice. But that is for another article on how their real value has been revealed -- and how that value should be recognized in the post-pandemic world (better wages for one thing). 

Unfortunately, the link between the demands on the young in the pandemic containment strategy and the debate on climate change manifests itself in observing, so far, the unwillingness of populations, and their governments, to demand a reverse moral imperative from older citizens when it comes to sacrifices they might make for the sake of younger and future generations. What are older citizens prepared to sacrifice to safeguard the quality of the lives younger citizens will lead in the coming decades, by substantially reducing our carbon footprint, and seriously dealing with other environmental challenges?

One could argue that, in the case of Canadians, the population has done its part by electing a majority of MPs committed to action on climate change, only to be let down by a government that wants to have its cake and eat it too on climate change by imposing a carbon tax and buying a pipeline. Nevertheless, as we emerge on the other side of the pandemic, hopefully sooner rather than later, it seems to me that there will be a new opportunity for moral reflection on what the generations owe each other. Of course right-wing politicians are always claiming to be worried about passing on fiscal debt to the next generation. But passing on an environmental deficit is a much more real and  serious issue. Part of the moral logic of pandemic containment has been asking one generation to sacrifice for another. It seems only fair then that the political debate about climate change should at some point soon become much more focused on what the older generation can do for the younger generation. Demanding real action from their political leaders, even if it means locking down or at the very least winding down lifestyles that have become ingrained would be a good start. And for those who can afford it, showing a willingness to pay higher taxes to build the infrastructure of a sustainable and livable future would also be in order.     

Bill Blaikie, former MP and MLA, writes on Canadian politics, political parties and Parliament.

Image: John Englart/Flickr

May 8, 2020




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Disintegration Launches June 16 for PS4, Xbox One And Steam

Publisher Private Division and developer V1 Interactive announced Disintegration will launch for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Windows PC via Steam on June 16 for $49.99.

View the story trailer below:

Here is an overview of the game:

Disintegration is a sci-fi, first-person shooter that blends real-time tactical elements to create an entirely new experience. Set in a world ripped apart by famine, scarce resources, and the planet on the brink of destruction, humanity has developed a process to survive its harsh reality known as Integration, in which a human brain is transferred to a robotic armature. From the ensuing chaos, an aggressive, militaristic legion, known as the Rayonne, gain control and begins to impose the once optional process of Integration onto the rest of humanity to consolidate their power.

Players command Romer Shoal, an incredibly-skilled Gravcycle pilot, who leads a small band of outlaws to fight back against an overwhelming Rayonne force. Over the course of a thrilling single-player campaign, players will control a Gravcycle loaded with weaponry, leading Romer and his team across a series of diverse missions packed with action, explosions, and plot twists, to beat back the Rayonne forces and give the last vestiges of humanity hope to prevail.

In addition to the full single-player campaign, Disintegration features frenetic player-versus-player multiplayer where pilots and their crews compete in three game modes and six distinct maps. Players can select from nine highly-stylized “Crews” which lend themselves to different playstyles.

Multiplayer provides a host of cosmetic customizations that can be purchased or earned in-game, including pilot and crew skins, cosmetic Gravcycle customizations, and a variety of banners. In addition to the multiplayer content at release, the team at V1 will be supporting the game post-launch with seasonal content drops.

Key Features:

  • Tactical Gravcycle Combat – Pilot a heavily armed Gravcycle featuring a variety of firepower, maneuverability, and abilities.
  • Riveting Single-player Campaign – From Marcus Lehto, the co-creator of Halo and creative director of Halo: Reach, comes an all-new sci-fi saga. Play as Romer Shoal and confront the Rayonne, a rising global army set on eliminating what remains of humanity.
  • Frenetic Multiplayer Action – Battle across a variety of maps in three intense, team-based five-versus-five multiplayer modes. Choose your favorite Gravcycle and lead your crew alongside your teammates, competing against opposing pilots to win objective-based matches.

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. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/443412/disintegration-launches-june-16-for-ps4-xbox-one-and-steam/




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Obama, Biden WH Meeting Key to Anti-Trump Operation

In light of the newly declassified documents, it is clear that understanding what happened in that January 5 Oval Office meeting is essential to understanding the corrupt operation against the Trump administration.




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NASA Hiring Engineers to Develop “Next Generation Humanoid Robot”

Job postings from a NASA contractor suggest that a new humanoid robot is under development




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Trump CTO Addresses AI, Facial Recognition, Immigration, Tech Infrastructure, and More

Michael Kratsios, the fourth U.S. Chief Technology Officer, explains administration policies at the Fall Conference of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence



  • robotics
  • robotics/artificial-intelligence

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Andrey Markov & Claude Shannon Counted Letters to Build the First Language-Generation Models

Shannon's said: “OCRO HLI RGWR NMIELWIS”



  • robotics
  • robotics/artificial-intelligence

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RPGCast – Episode 422: “Ys: The Next Generation”

It’s four two two on 4/22. Can you feel the synergy? No? Listen, it’s a slow news week so we need you to work with...




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Skeptical judge could hold up Trump administration's bid to clear Flynn, legal experts say

The notoriously independent-minded federal judge who once said he was disgusted by the conduct of Michael Flynn could block the administration's bid to drop criminal charges against the former adviser to President Donald Trump, legal experts said.




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Ricciardo retains F1 world title belief despite Renault frustration

The last Formula One season was a disappointing one for Daniel Ricciardo, who retains a burning desire to win the world title.





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Trump says his administration is talking to Republican senators about work visa issue

President Donald Trump said on Thursday his administration is talking to Republican senators about work visa issues, amid the coronavirus outbreak that has wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy.




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The 25 Scariest Games of This Generation

This generation saw a boom in quality horror games and we're counting down the 25 scariest.




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Intel announces 10th generation Comet Lake CPUs

It's quite the refresh




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BBC backlash as social distancing IGNORED during on-air VE Day celebrations – 'Ridiculous'



BRITONS flocked outside to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day yesterday, which caused major backlash online, especially against the BBC.




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House coronavirus panel targets big corporations gobbling up small-biz aid

The House's special panel policing coronavirus spending demanded Friday that five large corporations return rescue money that was intended for small businesses.

The letters to the five companies were the first official action of the newly formed Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis.

"Since your company is a public entity ...




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Detainees sue; Northwest immigration jail has positive test

SEATTLE (AP) - Officials on Friday confirmed the first positive COVID-19 test at the Northwest detention center in Tacoma, in a detainee who had previously tested positive at another detention center and was being medically screened on arrival at the immigration jail. The development came just as immigrant rights advocates ...




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Russia records muted V-Day celebrations as coronavirus cases continue to spiral

Russia proceeded with Victory Day celebrations despite a rapidly deteriorating situation in the face of the pandemic.



  • 9f4556d6-0fd3-5f42-93d9-bc4aca28e644
  • fox-news/health/infectious-disease/coronavirus
  • fox-news/world/world-regions/russia
  • fox-news/world/personalities/vladimir-putin
  • fox-news/world/world-regions/europe
  • fnc
  • fnc/world
  • article
  • Fox News
  • Peter Aitken

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'They won't survive': Trump gas wells would block pronghorn migration route

Conservation groups are fighting the creation of 3,500 gas wells in Wyoming that threaten a 170-mile path

The Path of the Pronghorn is a 170-mile migration route that the antelope-like creatures have traveled annually for 6,000 years. It is one of North America’s last remaining long-distance terrestrial migration corridors.

And it is at risk. This week conservation groups filed a legal petition challenging the Trump administration’s plan to allow 3,500 new gas wells in south-western Wyoming that would block the route.

Continue reading...




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Intel’s 10th generation desktop CPUs have arrived—still on 14nm

Once again, Intel's banking on a high clock speed to drum up excitement.




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Google Meet, Google’s Zoom competitor, gets wider Gmail integration

Consumer Gmail users are seeing a "Google Meet" section in the sidebar.




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More future Navy SEALs resume war preparations following COVID-19 pause

Future Navy SEALs will conduct combat scenarios six-feet apart, emulate high-risk combat scenarios, study in smaller classrooms and be directed by megaphones at farther distances, because more candidates for the special operations unit are again competing, training and preparing for war following temporary delays caused by COVID 19.




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Exclusive: Trump administration drafting 'Artemis Accords' pact for moon mining - sources

The Trump administration is drafting a legal blueprint for mining on the moon under a new U.S.-sponsored international agreement called the Artemis Accords, people familiar with the proposed pact told Reuters.




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Mountain rescue team urges Brits to stay at home after late-night operation to rescue injured woman on moors

Read our live coronavirus updates HERE




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Oasis and Warehouse on brink of administration amid Covid-19 financial fallout

Read our live updates on coronavirus HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms




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Oasis and Warehouse collapse into administration hitting 2,300 jobs

Fashion chains Oasis and Warehouse have fallen into administration, affecting some 2,300 workers.




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War veteran Captain Tom Moore, 99, hits £14 million for NHS as Matt Hancock calls him an 'inspiration'

Follow our live Covid-19 updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms




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NHS staff and Carrie Symonds thank 'inspirational' war veteran Captain Tom Moore during weekly applause

NHS staff and Carrie Symonds are among those who have thanked "inspirational" war veteran Captain Tom Moore during the weekly clap for carers.




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Celebration as first Covid-19 patients discharged from London's NHS Nightingale hospital

The first coronavirus patients to be successfully treated at London's new NHS Nightingale London are returning home to their loved ones.




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Hospital leaders reveal 'exasperation' as they hit out at Government over failed PPE delivery

Hospital leaders have criticised the Government after a shipment which contained vital equipment for NHS staff was delayed.




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Medical staff praised for silent counter-protest in Colorado as anti-lockdown demonstrations erupt across US

Defiant US healthcare workers have been praised after silently blocking cars during coronavirus anti-lockdown demonstrations in Colorado.




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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's letter to newspaper editors in full: There will be no corroboration and zero engagement

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have told four new newspaper groups – The Mirror, The Sun, The Daily Mail and Daily Express – they are no longer co-operating with them.




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Donald Trump unveils plan to suspend all immigration to US amid coronavirus pandemic

The move, which the US leader announced in a tweet in the early hours of Tuesday, effectively achieves a long-term policy goal of the president to curb immigration, making use of the crisis to do so.




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Virgin Australia slumps into voluntary administration amid coronavirus pandemic

Virgin Australia has gone into voluntary administration after failing to secure a government bailout due to impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.




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Donald Trump's US immigration ban to last 60 days and targets those seeking permanent residency

Donald Trump has said his new US immigration ban would last for 60 days and apply to those seeking "green cards" for permanent residency.




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Six arrests and £1m seized in assets as police target Westminster brothels in major operation

Police have arrested six people and seized about £1m in assets from brothels in Westminster as part of a major crackdown operation.




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Donald Trump signs executive order banning immigration to US amid coronavirus pandemic

Donald Trump has signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the US during the coronavirus pandemic.




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Matt Hancock praises Muslims missing Ramadan celebrations during coronavirus lockdown

Matt Hancock has praised Muslims across the UK for making changes to how they mark Ramadan due to the coronavirus lockdown.




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Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson baby news LIVE: Celebration as Prime Minister and fiancée welcome 'healthy baby boy'

Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds have welcomed the arrival of their first child together.




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Cuckoo named Carlton II smashes migration record by flying 4,000 miles from Africa to England in seven days

A cuckoo named Carlton II has smashed the record books by flying more than 4,000 miles in just seven days on his annual migration to the UK from Africa.




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Courage of nurse battling cancer and 'a joyful, inspirational teacher'

A nurse who stayed at work despite having been diagnosed with cancer and an inspirational teacher are among the latest Londoners to die with Covid-19.