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  • They Spotted a Flash in the Night Sky – It Turned Out to Be a Rare Exploding Star – SciTechDaily

    1. They Spotted a Flash in the Night Sky – It Turned Out to Be a Rare Exploding Star  SciTechDaily
    2. Public take the lead in discovery of new exploding star  University of Warwick
    3. Amateurs helped identify Kilonova in record time  Universe Space Tech
    4. Citizen astronomers see moment star explodes by playing ‘spot the difference’  The Independent
    5. “I Literally Screamed with Joy”: In a Rare Stellar Discovery, Kilonova Project Citizen Scientists Have Made a Breakthrough  The Debrief

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  • Real-World Use of Fecal Microbiota, live-jslm Shows High Success in Preventing Recurrent C difficile Infection

    Real-World Use of Fecal Microbiota, live-jslm Shows High Success in Preventing Recurrent C difficile Infection

    C diff spores

    Image credits: Unsplash

    A real-world, multicenter study of 67 evaluable patients treated with fecal microbiota, live-jslm (RBL), demonstrated a 77.6% treatment success rate at 8 weeks for preventing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI), with 87% maintaining remission at six months. These findings support RBL’s safety and efficacy beyond controlled clinical trials in an elderly, comorbid population frequently exposed to multiple rCDI risk factors.1

    What You Need To Know

    RBL achieved a 77.6% treatment success rate at 8 weeks and 87% sustained remission at 6 months in a high-risk, elderly population.

    The treatment was well tolerated, with minor adverse events reported in only 5 patients.

    Advanced age and multiple CDI recurrences were common risk factors, emphasizing the need for effective microbiota-based preventive strategies in these patients.

    RBL, FDA-approved in November 2022 as the first microbiota-based product for rCDI prevention in adults, is administered rectally after standard-of-care antibiotics. The study population had a median age of 74 years and a median Charlson comorbidity score of 4, with over half having three or more prior CDI recurrences. Risk factors were prevalent, including advanced age (72%), gastric acid suppressant use (55%), immunocompromise (24%), and recent non-CDI antibiotic exposure (21%).1

    All patients received prior antibiotics, most commonly fidaxomicin (58%), before RBL administration. Adverse events were minimal, limited to minor leakage in 5 patients. Age ≥65 was significantly associated with higher recurrence risk. Among patients experiencing recurrence within 8 weeks, median time to relapse was 28 days. Of 30 patients with 6-month follow-up data, 26 (87%) sustained treatment response.1

    These data provide important evidence for clinicians managing complex rCDI cases, highlighting RBL as a valuable and well-tolerated intervention to reduce recurrence risk in routine practice.1

    In relation to RBL, in a recent interview with Paul Feuerstadt, MD, FACG, AGAF, he emphasized that beyond effectively reducing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infections, the treatment plays a crucial role in improving patients’ overall quality of life. Feuerstadt described how recurrent CDI often leads to significant anxiety, fear, and social isolation, likening the emotional burden to post-traumatic stress. He noted that RBL not only targets the infection but also helps restore patients’ mental, physical, and social well-being, allowing them to regain confidence and normalcy in their daily lives.2

    Reference
    1.Seo S, Hengel R, Krishnan S, et al. Real-World Experience with Fecal Microbiota Treatment (live-jslm) for the Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection. Abstract 85 E. MAD-ID Meeting. May 28–31, 2025. Orlando, FL.
    2.Improved Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults with Recurrent Clostridioides Difficile Infection after Fecal Microbiota, Live-jslm (RBL) Administration by Colonoscopy. Abstract presented at DDW 2025, May 3-6, 2025. Accessed July 1, 2025.

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  • FIF – ProCredit Bank Serbia – Sustainability Sub Debt

    Understanding transition

    Further information regarding the EBRD’s approach to measuring transition impact is available here.

    Business opportunities

    For business opportunities or procurement, contact the client company.

    For business opportunities with the EBRD (not related to procurement) contact:

    Tel: +44 20 7338 7168

    Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com

    For state-sector projects, visit EBRD Procurement:

    Tel: +44 20 7338 6794

    Email: procurement@ebrd.com

    General enquiries

    Specific enquiries can be made using the EBRD Enquiries form.

    Environmental and Social Policy (ESP)

    The ESP and its associated Environmental and Social Requirements (ESRs) set out the ways in which the EBRD implements its commitment to promoting “environmentally sound and sustainable development”.  The ESP and the ESRs include specific provisions for clients to comply with the applicable requirements of national laws on public information and consultation, and to establish a grievance mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of stakeholders’ concerns and grievances, in particular, about the environmental and social (E&S) performance of the client and the project. Proportionate to the nature and scale of a project’s environmental and social risks and impacts, the EBRD also requires its clients to disclose information, as appropriate, about the risks and impacts of projects or to undertake meaningful consultation with stakeholders and consider and respond to their feedback.

    More information on the EBRD’s practices in this regard is set out in the ESP.

    Integrity and compliance

    The EBRD’s Office of the Chief Compliance Officer (OCCO) promotes good governance and ensures that the highest standards of integrity are applied to all of the Bank’s activities in accordance with international best practice. Integrity due diligence is conducted on all Bank clients to ensure that projects do not present unacceptable integrity or reputational risks to the Bank. The EBRD believes that identifying and resolving issues in the project assessment and approval stages is the most effective means of ensuring the integrity of Bank transactions. OCCO plays a key role in these protective efforts andhelps to monitor integrity risks in projects post-investment.

    OCCO is further responsible for investigating allegations of fraud, corruption and misconduct in EBRD-financed projects. Anyone, either within or outside the Bank, who suspects fraud or corruption should submit a written report to the Chief Compliance Officer by email to compliance@ebrd.com. OCCO will follow-up all matters reported. It will review all matters reported. Reports can be made in any language of the Bank or of the Bank’s countries of operation. The information provided must be made in good faith.

    Access to Information Policy (AIP)

    The AIP, which entered into force on 1 January 2025, sets out how the EBRD discloses information and consults with its stakeholders to promote better awareness and understanding of its strategies, policies and operations. Please visit the Access to Information Policy page to find out what information is available from the EBRD website.

    Specific requests for information can be made using the EBRD enquiries form.

    Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM)

    If efforts to address environmental, social or public disclosure concerns with the Client or the Bank are unsuccessful (for example, through the client’s project-level grievance mechanism or through direct engagement with Bank management), individuals and organisations may seek to address their concerns through the EBRD’s Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM).

    IPAM independently reviews project issues that are believed to have caused (or to be likely to cause) harm. The purpose of the mechanism is: to support dialogue between project stakeholders to resolve environmental, social and public disclosure issues; to determine whether the Bank has complied with its Environmental and Social Policy or the project-specific provisions of its Access to Information Policy; and where applicable, to address any existing non-compliance with these policies, while preventing future non-compliance by the Bank.

    Please visit the Independent Project Accountability Mechanism webpage to find out more about IPAM and its mandate and how to submit a Request for review. Alternatively, contact IPAM by email at ipam@ebrd.com for guidance and more information on IPAM and how to submit a request.

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  • UK watchdog to go after bullying and discrimination beyond banks – Reuters

    1. UK watchdog to go after bullying and discrimination beyond banks  Reuters
    2. UK watchdog to extend non-financial misconduct rules beyond banks  Global Banking | Finance | Review
    3. FCA set to extend bullying rules to 37,000 more firms  Financial Planning Today
    4. City watchdog extends rules on bullying and harassment across financial sector  Yahoo
    5. UK regulator to extend non-financial misconduct rules beyond banking  Investing.com UK

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  • NEOC issues impact-based weather alerts for risk of flash floods, GLOF events, and urban flooding – Ptv.com.pk

    1. NEOC issues impact-based weather alerts for risk of flash floods, GLOF events, and urban flooding  Ptv.com.pk
    2. Shrinking glaciers: a threat to ecological balance  The Express Tribune
    3. Timely alerts, early preparedness key to disaster mitigation: NDMA Chairman  nation.com.pk
    4. NDMA issues monsoon flood alert  Dunya News
    5. Pakistan issues fresh flood, GLOF alert as monsoon rains kill 64 in one week  Arab News PK

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  • Danger warning over fakes found in Aberdeen

    Danger warning over fakes found in Aberdeen

    Fakes of the globally popular Labubu dolls seized recently in Scotland are “potentially dangerous”, according to trading standards officers.

    The elf-like creature from Chinese toy maker Pop Mart are the latest craze in collectibles and have gone viral on social media.

    But officials in Aberdeen are warning consumers and businesses to be alert, following the seizure of “counterfeit and potentially dangerous” versions of the toys from shops in the city.

    They had loose parts which could pose a choking hazard.

    The council’s trading standards team seized the counterfeit Labubu toys from four premises across the city.

    They did not have the required safety labelling.

    Trading standards manager Graeme Paton said: “Following the discovery of counterfeit toys, we want to alert consumers and particularly parents to be extra vigilant.

    “These counterfeit toys can seem like a bargain compared with trying to source the genuine toy, especially when they are a much-sought-after item, but they are potentially dangerous.”

    He added: “Counterfeit toys can potentially pose significant dangers to young children such as chemical exposure and choking hazards.

    “These products routinely lack proper safety testing and we encourage anyone concerned about the safety of toys they’ve purchased to get in touch with us via Consumer Advice Scotland.”

    Labubu is both a fictional character and a brand.

    The word itself does not mean anything.

    It is the name of a character in “The Monsters” toy series created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung.

    The vinyl faces are attached to plush bodies, and come with a signature look – pointy ears, big eyes and a mischievous grin showing nine teeth.

    A curious yet divided internet cannot seem to decide if they are adorable, or just bizarre.

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  • FDA clearance for Philips SmartSpeed Precise

    FDA clearance for Philips SmartSpeed Precise

    Meeting today’s most pressing MRI challenges

     

    The healthcare industry faces growing demand for MRI scans while battling widespread staff shortages, increased wait lists and rising burnout among healthcare professionals worldwide. Radiology departments are under immense pressure to deliver more with fewer resources, all while ensuring diagnostic accuracy and maintaining a high standard of care. The Philips Future Health Index 2025 Global Report shows healthcare professionals recognize AI’s potential: not just to reclaim time lost to administrative tasks, but to diagnose diseases more precisely, reduce avoidable hospital readmissions, and improve patient outcomes. 

    SmartSpeed Precise directly addresses these challenges as the technology is seamlessly integrated into the MR system, enabling a transformative leap in workflow efficiency and throughput, all without compromising image quality. This deep integration allows radiology teams to harness the full power of AI in a single, intuitive solution that simplifies daily operations, accelerates scans, and consistently delivers sharp, high-quality images across clinical settings.

    “SmartSpeed Precise helps us do what was previously thought impossible—deliver sharper, faster MRI with less effort,” said Dr. Julian Luetkens, Professor of Radiology, University Hospital Bonn. “In breast MRI, we saw acquisition times reduced by up to 50% [3], with image quality improving compared to previous Compressed SENSE protocols. That’s a game-changer.”

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  • Compete for Glory and Legendary Rewards — Diablo Immortal — Blizzard News

    Compete for Glory and Legendary Rewards — Diablo Immortal — Blizzard News

    Come forth protectors of Sharval! From July 7–23, 3 a.m. server time, the Diablo Immortal Druid Trial Race is your chance to show your devotion to Sanctuary in a fierce, time-based dungeon challenge.


    Players who accept the challenge from the in-game event hub must run a hellish version of Mad King’s Breach while playing as the Druid. Your goal? Cut through hordes of the Burning Hell’s foot soldiers and their deranged king as quickly as possible. You will be ranked based on your fastest clear time, with ties decided by highest damage output in that run.


    Each week of the competition, the top 200 players from each server will receive one random Legendary item and one random Set item delivered via in-game mail. And once the competition ends, the mightiest Druid—the number one ranked player worldwide—will assist in naming a future Legendary item.


    Attune to nature’s might, center your primal sensibilities, and enter the fray. May success find you!


    See the current leaderboard rankings on the official Diablo X account. They will be updated every Monday and Thursday at 7 p.m. PDT.


    To get a full overview of the Druid ahead of the race, including its skills and affixes, visit this article.


    [Terms and Conditions]

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  • I Cracked Open a Can of Purified Water and Went 'Fission' With Fallout 76's Devs – PCMag

    1. I Cracked Open a Can of Purified Water and Went ‘Fission’ With Fallout 76’s Devs  PCMag
    2. Fallout 76: Roadmap for 2020 brings 3 seasons & Brotherhood of Steel  Mein-MMO
    3. Fallout 76 says: “Seasons are free” – Confused players are relieved  Mein-MMO
    4. Fallout 76 will show future at huge event – Withdraws at the last minute  Mein-MMO
    5. Fallout 76 developed well in 2020 – What comes next in 2021?  Mein-MMO

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  • Stack's Lowest Price Ever for 10TB of Cloud Storage – PCMag

    1. Stack’s Lowest Price Ever for 10TB of Cloud Storage  PCMag
    2. Keep 10TB of files private for life for A$421 with Internxt Cloud Storage  Mashable
    3. This Lifetime 10TB Cloud Storage Plan Just Got a Deal Days Price Cut  extremetech.com
    4. A Dropbox alternative for just $280 — a 10TB lifetime subscription  Mashable

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