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A rational approach to e-cigarettes: challenging ERS policy on tobacco harm reduction

The respiratory community is united in its desire to reduce and eliminate the harm caused by tobacco smoking, which is at present on course to kill one billion people in the 21st century. The stated policy of the European Respiratory Society is to strive "constantly to promote strong and evidence-based policies to reduce the burden of tobacco related diseases". In our view, the recent ERS Tobacco Control Committee statement on tobacco harm reduction [1], though well-intentioned, appears to be based on a number of false premises and draws its conclusions from a partial account of available data. It also presents a false dichotomy between the provision of "conventional" tobacco control and harm reduction approaches. We therefore respond, in turn, to the seven arguments presented against the adoption of harm reduction in the Committee's statement.




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Therapeutic drug monitoring using saliva as matrix: an opportunity for linezolid, but challenge for moxifloxacin

The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed moxifloxacin and linezolid among the preferred "group A" drugs in the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR)-tuberculosis (TB) [1]. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) could potentially optimise MDR-TB therapy, since moxifloxacin and linezolid show large pharmacokinetic variability [1–4]. TDM of moxifloxacin focuses on identifying patients with low drug exposure who are at risk of treatment failure and acquired fluoroquinolone resistance [5, 6]. Alternatively, TDM of linezolid strives to reduce toxicity while ensuring an adequate drug exposure because of its narrow therapeutic index [1, 3, 7].




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Phenotypic Plasticity: From Theory and Genetics to Current and Future Challenges [Perspectives]

Phenotypic plasticity is defined as the property of organisms to produce distinct phenotypes in response to environmental variation. While for more than a century, biologists have proposed this organismal feature to play an important role in evolution and the origin of novelty, the idea has remained contentious. Plasticity is found in all domains of life, but only recently has there been an increase in empirical studies. This contribution is intended as a fresh view and will discuss current and future challenges of plasticity research, and the need to identify associated molecular mechanisms. After a brief summary of conceptual, theoretical, and historical aspects, some of which were responsible for confusion and contention, I will formulate three major research directions and predictions for the role of plasticity as a facilitator of novelty. These predictions result in a four-step model that, when properly filled with molecular mechanisms, will reveal plasticity as a major factor of evolution. Such mechanistic insight must be complemented with comparative investigations to show that plasticity has indeed created novelty and innovation. Together, such studies will help develop a true developmental evolutionary biology.




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IRAK-M Regulates Monocyte Trafficking to the Lungs in Response to Bleomycin Challenge [IMMUNE REGULATION]

Key Points

  • TLR signaling pathway regulates expression of monocyte chemoattractant CCR2.

  • IRAK-M is an important regulator of monocyte trafficking to the lung in fibrosis.




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    Pseudorabies Virus Infection of Epithelial Cells Leads to Persistent but Aberrant Activation of the NF-{kappa}B Pathway, Inhibiting Hallmark NF-{kappa}B-Induced Proinflammatory Gene Expression [Virus-Cell Interactions]

    The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-B) is a potent transcription factor, activation of which typically results in robust proinflammatory signaling and triggering of fast negative feedback modulators to avoid excessive inflammatory responses. Here, we report that infection of epithelial cells, including primary porcine respiratory epithelial cells, with the porcine alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) results in the gradual and persistent activation of NF-B, illustrated by proteasome-dependent degradation of the inhibitory NF-B regulator IB and nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the NF-B subunit p65. PRV-induced persistent activation of NF-B does not result in expression of negative feedback loop genes, like the gene for IBα or A20, and does not trigger expression of prototypical proinflammatory genes, like the gene for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or interleukin-6 (IL-6). In addition, PRV infection inhibits TNF-α-induced canonical NF-B activation. Hence, PRV infection triggers persistent NF-B activation in an unorthodox way and dramatically modulates the NF-B signaling axis, preventing typical proinflammatory gene expression and the responsiveness of cells to canonical NF-B signaling, which may aid the virus in modulating early proinflammatory responses in the infected host.

    IMPORTANCE The NF-B transcription factor is activated via different key inflammatory pathways and typically results in the fast expression of several proinflammatory genes as well as negative feedback loop genes to prevent excessive inflammation. In the current report, we describe that infection of cells with the porcine alphaherpesvirus pseudorabies virus (PRV) triggers a gradual and persistent aberrant activation of NF-B, which does not result in expression of hallmark proinflammatory or negative feedback loop genes. In addition, although PRV-induced NF-B activation shares some mechanistic features with canonical NF-B activation, it also shows remarkable differences; e.g., it is largely independent of the canonical IB kinase (IKK) and even renders infected cells resistant to canonical NF-B activation by the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Aberrant PRV-induced NF-B activation may therefore paradoxically serve as a viral immune evasion strategy and may represent an important tool to unravel currently unknown mechanisms and consequences of NF-B activation.




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    Phages Actively Challenge Niche Communities in Antarctic Soils

    ABSTRACT

    By modulating the structure, diversity, and trophic outputs of microbial communities, phages play crucial roles in many biomes. In oligotrophic polar deserts, the effects of katabatic winds, constrained nutrients, and low water availability are known to limit microbial activity. Although phages may substantially govern trophic interactions in cold deserts, relatively little is known regarding the precise ecological mechanisms. Here, we provide the first evidence of widespread antiphage innate immunity in Antarctic environments using metagenomic sequence data from hypolith communities as model systems. In particular, immunity systems such as DISARM and BREX are shown to be dominant systems in these communities. Additionally, we show a direct correlation between the CRISPR-Cas adaptive immunity and the metavirome of hypolith communities, suggesting the existence of dynamic host-phage interactions. In addition to providing the first exploration of immune systems in cold deserts, our results suggest that phages actively challenge niche communities in Antarctic polar deserts. We provide evidence suggesting that the regulatory role played by phages in this system is an important determinant of bacterial host interactions in this environment.

    IMPORTANCE In Antarctic environments, the combination of both abiotic and biotic stressors results in simple trophic levels dominated by microbiomes. Although the past two decades have revealed substantial insights regarding the diversity and structure of microbiomes, we lack mechanistic insights regarding community interactions and how phages may affect these. By providing the first evidence of widespread antiphage innate immunity, we shed light on phage-host dynamics in Antarctic niche communities. Our analyses reveal several antiphage defense systems, including DISARM and BREX, which appear to dominate in cold desert niche communities. In contrast, our analyses revealed that genes which encode antiphage adaptive immunity were underrepresented in these communities, suggesting lower infection frequencies in cold edaphic environments. We propose that by actively challenging niche communities, phages play crucial roles in the diversification of Antarctic communities.




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    The metabolic response to an immune challenge in a viviparous snake, Sistrurus miliarius [RESEARCH ARTICLE]

    C. M. Lind, J. Agugliaro, and T. M. Farrell

    Mounting an immune response may be energetically costly and require the diversion of resources away from other physiological processes. Yet, both the metabolic cost of immune responses and the factors that impact investment priorities remain poorly described in many vertebrate groups. For example, although viviparity has evolved many times in vertebrates, the relationship between immune function and pregnancy has been disproportionately studied in placental mammals. To examine the energetic costs of immune activation and the modulation of immune function during pregnancy in a non-mammalian vertebrate, we elicited an immune response in pregnant and non-pregnant pygmy rattlesnakes, Sistrurus miliarius, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using flow-through respirometry. Immune function was examined using bactericidal assays and leukocyte counts. The RMR of pygmy rattlesnakes increased significantly in response to LPS injection. There was no statistically significant difference in the metabolic response of non-reproductive and pregnant snakes to LPS. Mean metabolic increments for pregnant females, non-reproductive females, and males were 13%, 18%, and 26%, respectively. The ratio of heterophils to lymphocytes was elevated in response to LPS across reproductive categories; however, LPS did not impact plasma bactericidal ability in non-reproductive snakes. Although pregnant females had significantly higher plasma bactericidal ability compared to non-reproductive snakes prior to manipulation, their bactericidal ability declined in response to LPS. LPS administration also significantly reduced several litter characteristics, particularly when administrated relatively early in pregnancy. Our results indicate that immune performance is energetically costly, altered during pregnancy, and that immune activation during pregnancy may result in tradeoffs that affect offspring in a viviparous reptile.




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    Cyclical variations of fluid sources and stress state in a shallow megathrust-zone melange

    Differences in REE patterns of calcite from extensional and shear veins of the Sestola Vidiciatico Tectonic Unit in the Northern Apennines suggest variations in fluid source during the seismic cycle in an ancient analogue of a shallow megathrust (Tmax c. 100–150°C). In shear veins, a positive Eu anomaly suggests an exotic fluid source, probably hotter than the fault environment. Small-scale extensional veins were derived instead from a local fluid in equilibrium with the fault rocks. Mutually crosscutting relations between two extensional vein sets, parallel and perpendicular to the megathrust, suggest repeated shifting of the 1 and 3 stresses during the seismic cycle. This is consistent with: (1) a seismic phase, with brittle failure along the thrust, crystallization of shear veins from an exotic fluid, stress drop and stress rotation; (2) a post-seismic phase, with fault-normal compaction and formation of fault-normal extensional veins fed by local fluids; (3) a reloading phase, where shear stress and pore pressure are gradually restored and fault-parallel extensional veins form, until the thrust fails again. The combination of geochemical and structural analyses in veins from exhumed megathrust analogues represents a promising tool to better understand the interplay between stress state and fluids in modern subduction zones.

    Supplementary material: Cathodoluminescence microphotographs, methodological details of the microstructural analysis, microphotographs of the location of analysed spots and a geochemical data table are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.4842165

    Thematic collection: This article is part of the Polygenetic mélanges collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/polygenetic-melanges




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    A Single Intramuscular Dose of a Plant-Made Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Elicits a Balanced Humoral and Cellular Response and Protects Young and Aged Mice from Influenza H1N1 Virus Challenge despite a Modest/Absent Humoral Response [Vaccines]

    Virus-like-particle (VLP) influenza vaccines can be given intramuscularly (i.m.) or intranasally (i.n.) and may have advantages over split-virion formulations in the elderly. We tested a plant-made VLP vaccine candidate bearing the viral hemagglutinin (HA) delivered either i.m. or i.n. in young and aged mice. Young adult (5- to 8-week-old) and aged (16- to 20-month-old) female BALB/c mice received a single 3-μg dose based on the HA (A/California/07/2009 H1N1) content of a plant-made H1-VLP (i.m. or i.n.) split-virion vaccine (i.m.) or were left naive. After vaccination, humoral and splenocyte responses were assessed, and some mice were challenged. Both VLP and split vaccines given i.m. protected 100% of the young animals, but the VLP group lost the least weight and had stronger humoral and cellular responses. Compared to split-vaccine recipients, aged animals vaccinated i.m. with VLP were more likely to survive challenge (80% versus 60%). The lung viral load postchallenge was lowest in the VLP i.m. groups. Mice vaccinated with VLP i.n. had little detectable immune response, but survival was significantly increased. In both age groups, i.m. administration of the H1-VLP vaccine elicited more balanced humoral and cellular responses and provided better protection from homologous challenge than the split-virion vaccine.




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    The identification and mitigation of geohazards using shallow airborne engineering geophysics and land-based geophysics for brown- and greenfield road investigations

    South Africa is a mineral-rich country with a diverse geology and a long history of mining. The rich history of mining activities includes the extraction of coal from the Ecca Group Sediments of the Karoo Supergroup (250 Ma), gold and uranium from the Witwatersrand Supergroup (2900 Ma), as well as platinum, uranium, tin and lead from the layered Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC) (2150 Ma). The extraction of gold, copper, tin, lead and rare earth minerals also took place in the Archean rocks of Swazium age (3500–3000 Ma). The historical mining records have either not been accurately recorded or have been lost over time. This has resulted in significant geohazard risk during infrastructure development, especially in and around historical mining towns, such as Johannesburg and Ermelo. These geohazard risks require careful appraisal and quantification prior to any infrastructure design or construction.

    This case study aims to set out the development aspects of the Multi-Faceted Geophysical Modelling Systems approach, which was used by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Ltd (SANRAL) during an investigation of undermined ground for the historical coal-mining town of Ermelo in South Africa. The N11/N2 ring road was planned to go around Ermelo to ensure mobility between major routes, whilst still maintaining town access.

    The systems approach used a combination of airborne geophysics (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic System (VTEMTM) and magnetics), generally used in mining exploration, land-based and borehole geophysics, borehole water testing, and ground-truthing. The approach was continuous and iterative, building on the data at hand and reducing unnecessary investigations while eliminating the possibility of anomalies being missed, as in the case of conventional discrete drilling. The investigation ensured that 100% of the route was comprehensively investigated with a high confidence in the geological and geophysical data, and concomitant mitigation of infrastructure risk.

    The Multi-Faceted Geophysical Modelling Systems approach was successfully used to identify a previously unknown 1 x 1 m mining stope cavity at 90 m depth and a 3 x 5 m access tunnel at 24 m depth in a timely and cost-effective manner. Seven reverse-circulation percussion boreholes confirmed the structural integrity of these underground cavities, as well as the structural geology along the centreline. Based on the great success achieved in identifying shallow anomalies, this Multi-Faceted Geophysical Modelling Systems approach is now being considered for field trails on the dolomitic formations and the Wild Coast greenfields road project where there are large historical slumps and many fault lines.

    Thematic collection: This article is part of the Ground-related risk to transportation infrastructure collection available at https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/Ground-related-risk-to-transportation-infrastructure




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    Backfill mining alternatives and strategies for mitigating shallow coal mining hazards in the western mining area of China

    This study addresses the major geo-environmental hazards caused by shallow coal mining in China's western eco-environment frangible area. These hazards are related to the high overburden pressure, surface subsidence, soil and water losses, and land desertification, with consequent vegetation and wildlife losses. To mitigate these hazards, three alternative backfill mining methods are proposed, for three typical shallow coal mining conditions, using aeolian sand-based backfilling materials, which are readily available in this area. The main influencing factor is the backfill material compaction ratio. Its effect on aquiclude deformation and water-conducting fracture evolution are assessed by numerical and physical simulation methods. The potential application of the proposed backfill coal mining alternatives is evaluated and discussed in detail. The results obtained are considered to be valuable for developing a strategy for the coordinated exploitation of coal resources and environmental protection in China's western frangible eco-environment area.




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    Therapeutic Inertia in People With Type 2 Diabetes in Primary Care: A Challenge That Just Wont Go Away

    Therapeutic inertia is a prevalent problem in people with type 2 diabetes in primary care and affects clinical outcomes. It arises from a complex interplay of patient-, clinician-, and health system–related factors. Ultimately, clinical practice guidelines have not made an impact on improving glycemic targets over the past decade. A more proactive approach, including focusing on optimal combination agents for early glycemic durability, may reduce therapeutic inertia and improve clinical outcomes.




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    Therapeutic Inertia in Pediatric Diabetes: Challenges to and Strategies for Overcoming Acceptance of the Status Quo

    Despite significant advances in therapies for pediatric type 1 diabetes, achievement of glycemic targets remains elusive, and management remains burdensome for patients and their families. This article identifies common challenges in diabetes management at the patient-provider and health care system levels and proposes practical approaches to overcoming therapeutic inertia to enhance health outcomes for youth with type 1 diabetes.




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    Ask and It Shall Be Given: Patient-Centered Outcomes in Glomerular Diseases




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    COVID-19 Challenges Basic Researchers [News in Brief]

    As COVID-19 continues to surge, cancer scientists engaged in basic research face unique challenges. At centers throughout the United States, investigators are confronting difficult decisions about which experiments to continue, while securing supplies and creating contingency plans for a complete shutdown.




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    The diagnostic challenges and clinical course of a myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and ZBTB20-JAK2 gene fusion presenting as B-lymphoblastic leukemia [RESEARCH REPORT]

    We report the diagnostic challenges and the clinical course of a patient with an extraordinary presentation of B-lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) with eosinophilia. We identified a novel ZBTB20-JAK2 gene fusion as a chimeric RNA transcript using the Archer platform. This gene fusion from the same patient was recently identified by Peterson et al. (2019) at the genomic level using a different sequencing technology platform. The configuration of this gene fusion predicts the production of a kinase-activating JAK2 fusion protein, which would normally lead to a diagnosis of Philadelphia chromosome–like B-ALL (Ph-like B-ALL). However, the unusual presentation of eosinophilia led us to demonstrate the presence of this gene fusion in nonlymphoid hematopoietic cells by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) studies with morphologic correlation. Therefore, we believe this disease, in fact, represents blast crisis arising from an underlying myeloid neoplasm with JAK2 rearrangements. This case illustrates the difficulty in differentiating Ph-like B-ALL and myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and gene rearrangements (MLN-EGR) in blast crisis. As currently defined, the diagnosis of MLN-EGR relies on the hematologic presentations and the identification of marker gene fusions (including PCM1-JAK2, ETV6-JAK2, and BCR-JAK2). However, these same gene fusions, when limited to B-lymphoblasts, also define Ph-like B-ALL. Yet, our case does not conform to either condition. Therefore, the assessment for lineage restriction of gene rearrangements to reflect the pathophysiologic difference between B-ALL and MLN-EGR in blast crisis is likely a more robust diagnostic approach and allows the inclusion of MLN-EGR with novel gene fusions.




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    Is Asia prepared for the challenges that come with rapid urbanisation?

    It all boils down to how resilient the region is, says an urban planner and designer based in Manila.




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    4 challenges ahead for investors joining apartment market

    Tens of thousands of new apartments enter the Ho Chi Minh City market every year, putting pressure on investors who want to reap returns from rental apartments.




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    Assassin's Creed Valhalla to Feature Stonehenge

    Assassin’s Creed Valhalla creative director Ashraf Ismail previously stated the game will feature a "large map" in terms of England. There will be four major English kingdoms: Wessex, Northumbria, East Anglia, and Mercia. There will also be three major cities: London, Winchester and Jórvík (now called York).

    Since the game takes place in southern England Ismail was asked via Twitter if the game will feature Stonehenge and he replied "oh, can you ever!" with a GIF of a man nodding yes. 

    oh, can you ever! pic.twitter.com/y4lJoayK9X

    — Ashraf Ismail (@AshrafAIsmail) May 3, 2020

    Here is an overview of the game:

    In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you are Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Explore a dynamic and beautiful open world set against the brutal backdrop of England’s Dark Ages. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in your quest to earn your place among the gods in Valhalla.

    Key Features:

    • Write Your Viking Saga – Advanced RPG mechanics allow you to shape the growth of your character and influence the world around you. With every choice you make, from political alliances and combat strategy to dialogue and gear progression, you will carve your own path to glory.
    • Visceral Combat System – Dual-wield powerful weapons such as axes, swords, and even shields to relive the ruthless fighting style of the Viking warriors. Brutally decapitate your foes, vanquish them from afar, or stealthily assassinate targets with your hidden blade. Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of deadly enemies ever found in an Assassin’s Creed game.
    • A Dark Age Open World – Sail from the harsh and mysterious shores of Norway to the beautiful but forbidding kingdoms of England and beyond. Immerse yourself in the Viking way of life through fishing, hunting, drinking games, and more.
    • Lead Epic Raids – Launch massive assaults against Saxon troops and fortresses throughout England. Lead your clan in surprise attacks from your longship and pillage enemy territories to bring riches and resources back to your people.
    • Grow Your Settlement – Construct and upgrade buildings that allow for deep customization, including a barracks, blacksmith, tattoo parlor, and more. Recruit new members to your clan and personalize your Viking experience.
    • Mercenary Vikings – Create and customize a unique Viking raider within your clan and share it online with friends to use during their own raids.

    Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will launch for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Google Stadia in Holiday 2020. The game will support Smart Delivery on the Xbox. This means if you purchase the game on the Xbox One or Xbox Series X, you will automatically gain access to the other version of the game. 

    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/443400/assassins-creed-valhalla-to-feature-stonehenge/




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    Assassin�s Creed Valhalla Gets Xbox Series X First Look Gameplay Trailer

    Ubisoft has released the first look gameplay trailer for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The gameplay is "representative of Xbox Series X gameplay."

    "As developers, we’re always excited to work with new hardware because it gives us a greater ability to express our creative vision," said Assassin’s Creed Valhalla creative director Ashraf Ismail. "Assassin’s Creed has always been committed to exploring new technologies and leveraging new consoles’ abilities to deliver the most immersive experience possible. We are excited to be collaborating closely with Microsoft to bring Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to the Xbox Series X."

    View the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla gameplay trailer below:

    Here is an overview of the game:

    In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you are Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior raised on tales of battle and glory. Explore a dynamic and beautiful open world set against the brutal backdrop of England’s Dark Ages. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in your quest to earn your place among the gods in Valhalla.

    Key Features:

    • Write Your Viking Saga – Advanced RPG mechanics allow you to shape the growth of your character and influence the world around you. With every choice you make, from political alliances and combat strategy to dialogue and gear progression, you will carve your own path to glory.
    • Visceral Combat System – Dual-wield powerful weapons such as axes, swords, and even shields to relive the ruthless fighting style of the Viking warriors. Brutally decapitate your foes, vanquish them from afar, or stealthily assassinate targets with your hidden blade. Challenge yourself with the most varied collection of deadly enemies ever found in an Assassin’s Creed game.
    • A Dark Age Open World – Sail from the harsh and mysterious shores of Norway to the beautiful but forbidding kingdoms of England and beyond. Immerse yourself in the Viking way of life through fishing, hunting, drinking games, and more.
    • Lead Epic Raids – Launch massive assaults against Saxon troops and fortresses throughout England. Lead your clan in surprise attacks from your longship and pillage enemy territories to bring riches and resources back to your people.
    • Grow Your Settlement – Construct and upgrade buildings that allow for deep customization, including a barracks, blacksmith, tattoo parlor, and more. Recruit new members to your clan and personalize your Viking experience.
    • Mercenary Vikings – Create and customize a unique Viking raider within your clan and share it online with friends to use during their own raids.

    Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will launch for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, and Google Stadia in Holiday 2020. The game will support Smart Delivery on the Xbox. This means if you purchase the game on the Xbox One or Xbox Series X, you will automatically gain access to the other version of the game. 

    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/443428/assassins-creed-valhalla-gets-xbox-series-x-first-look-gameplay-trailer/




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    Shounen-y punch 'em up Indivisible now has a DLC with 40 new challenges

    If you didn’t feel challenged enough by Indivisible‘s main platforming and punching campaign, here’s some good news for ya. Lab Zero have released a new DLC for their turn-ish-based RPG today that promises the “forty specially crafted levels await to test your platforming and combat skills.” The Razmi’s Challenges DLC is available now, so you […]




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    City hall payouts for injuries, damages hit eight-year low in 2019

    City of Windsor payouts on personal injury and property damage claims totaled $2.1 million in 2019, the lowest number in eight years. The total — for settlements as well as court decisions — was well below the $3 million budgeted for the hundreds of claims made each year against the city for everything from trip-and-falls, […]




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    UFC 249: UFC issue statement on Jacare Souza's positive coronavirus test, axe Hall bout



    The UFC is set to return to return to action this weekend.




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    DARPA Subterranean Challenge: Tunnel Circuit Preview

    Get ready for the first scored event in DARPA's latest Grand Challenge




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    How Robotics Teams Prepared for DARPA's SubT Challenge

    Roboticists share what they've learned so far from DARPA's Subterranean Challenge, and how they readied their bots for the next event—the Tunnel Circuit




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    DARPA Subterranean Challenge: The Scoring Rules

    How autonomous robots in the underground scavenger hunt pick up points for their teams




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    How Robotics Teams Are Solving the Biggest Problem at DARPA’s Subterranean Challenge

    Supporting long-range communications inside of a mine is extremely difficult, so DARPA SubT teams are trying out some creative approaches




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    All of the Winners in the DARPA Subterranean Challenge Tunnel Circuit

    It's about more than just first place as teams look toward more competitions in 2020





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    Assassin's Creed Valhalla first 'gameplay' revealed as in-engine footage shown



    Ubisoft debuted some in-engine footage of the latest Assassin's Creed game during the Inside Xbox stream




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    Pokemon GO Johto Throwback Challenge 2020 Tasks, Rewards & Ho-Oh with Earthquake



    New Pokemon Go Throwback challenges start today for the Johto region. Here's a recap of all field research tasks and rewards on offer for the next seven days.




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    Gwyneth Paltrow said starring in Shallow Hal was a 'disaster' – here’s why she is right

    The actor said wearing a fat suit for the 2001 movie taught her what it is like to be humiliated as an obese person. Why are TV and film characters so rarely treated with dignity and respect?

    ‘Disaster” is how Gwyneth Paltrow has summed up her role in the 2001 film Shallow Hal, which will surprise few people who have actually seen it. Jack Black plays Hal, a man so shallow he has to be hypnotised in order to date a fat woman, who, through his boggled eyes, he sees as a very thin woman.

    The nastiness of Shallow Hal, which has long appalled critics and fans alike, was front and centre in the trailer, where Hal’s friend attempts to “rescue” him from speaking to a fat woman, Rosemary, who is, in fact, willowy Paltrow dressed in a fat suit. But because he cannot see what she looks like, he falls for her “inner beauty”. It is an uncomfortable mix – a film that pretends to preach body acceptance while simultaneously inviting laughter at bodies that don’t fit into jeans size six and under. Take the scene where she is called a “rhino”, or the one where she cannonballs into a swimming pool causing a tidal wave. The message built into the script’s DNA is simple: fat is funny; it is OK to laugh at fat people.

    Continue reading...




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    Bill Maher Says Republicans 'Don't Care' About Tara Reade's Biden Allegations, Challenges Timing of Sexual Assault Claims

    Bill Maher said Republicans "don't care" about Tara Reade's sexual assault allegations, saying such claims are simply used as a "unilateral weapon" against Democrats.




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    Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals Join Roses Are Red Challenge on Twitter, Post Hilarious Replies (Watch Video)

    The Roses are Red Challenge has caught the internet and has become a fad now as the netizens are coming up with a hilarious line which rhyme with roses are red. It is the netizens who have started this trend amid lockdown and most of them are making their own versions of their poems. Most of them tickle your funny bone with the one-liners which have caught the attention of the Internet users.





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    Jordan Nobbs Column: England Have Impressed So Far But Must Be Wary of Tough Japan Challenge

    Arsenal and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs will be a columnist for 90min & BBC Sport pundit at the Women's World Cup in France this summer, as Phil Neville's Lionesses' look to secure a maiden World Cup triumph. Two wins from our first two games is obviously what we were all hoping for. The first game of a World Cup, or any other major tournament, is never going to be one where you're playing at your absolute best. But the 2-1 win over was Scotland was great given the pre-match hype, the..




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    Assassin's Creed Valhalla is coming later this year

    Longships and all




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    James Beggs, NASA Administrator Who Resigned After Challenger Disaster, Dies at 94

    Beggs was on a leave of absence from the post when the Challenger space shuttle broke apart 73 seconds after launch on Jan. 28, 1986, killing all seven aboard




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    Hillary Clinton to endorse Biden during women's virtual town hall

    Hillary Clinton, the first woman to win a major party’s presidential nomination, teased an expected endorsement of Joe Biden for president Tuesday in a tweet.




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    The Push for Tidal Power Faces Its Biggest Challenge Yet

    The renewable energy source has never quite lived up to its potential, but a new experiment in Nova Scotia could flip the script




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    In a World Facing Grim Challenges, Hope Still Reigns Supreme

    Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III says: ‘It’s time to put our heads down, and work’




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    Indian court seeks government reply over challenge to mandatory coronavirus app

    A court asked the Indian government on Friday to respond to a challenge against its order for compulsory use of a contact tracing app by public and private sector employees returning to work amid the world's biggest coronavirus lockdown.




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    Opera star sings Britain's VE Day hits from an empty Albert Hall

    Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins will stream a concert from an empty Royal Albert Hall on Friday evening, as locked-down Britain marks the 75th anniversary of "Victory in Europe" Day.




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    Prince Charles records special message for Sikh community on festival of Vaisakhi amid 'challenging times'

    Follow our live coronavirus updates HERE Coronavirus: The symptoms




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    From the frontline: Chaos, confusion but we will not collapse under challenge

    Follow our live coronavirus updates here Coronavirus: the symptoms




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    Parents challenged over 70-mile trip to beach during coronavirus lockdown said children needed 'change of air'

    A group of parents who were challenged by police over a trip to the beach during the coronavirus lockdown claimed their children needed a "change of air".




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    City Hall downplays fears that 'struggling' TfL will cut services because of coronavirus crisis

    Fears that Transport for London may have to axe services because of a cash crisis were downplayed today.




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    Married doctors bring legal challenge against Government over PPE shortage

    A pregnant doctor and her husband are bringing a legal challenge against the Government which questions the lawfulness of current guidance and a failure to source PPE.




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    Jack Whitehall and foodSlut co-founder Marcus Petty-Saphon launch burger battle competition to support Food For London Now appeal

    Comedian Jack Whitehall has endorsed the Evening Standard's Food for London Now campaign and launched a competition to encourage his followers to donate.




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    Jack Whitehall and Marcus Petty-Saphon: Join our burger battle for some friendly competition and support The Felix Project

    Lockdown is going well. I made a BLT the other day where I decided to deep fry the tomato in cornmeal and cooked the bacon in maple syrup.




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    The Londoner: Tom Watson's next gig: saving hallowed music venues

    In today's Diary: Campaign launched to save independent music venues / David Hare's coronavirus fever / Rishi Sunak biography planned / Johnny Mercer and his painted nails