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  • BCG Revaccination Fails to Prevent Sustained TB Infection

    BCG Revaccination Fails to Prevent Sustained TB Infection

    TOPLINE:

    Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) revaccination showed no efficacy in preventing sustained Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection compared with placebo in adolescents, with similar rates of QuantiFERON-TB (QFT) test conversion from negative to positive.

    METHODOLOGY:

    • In a previous trial, BCG revaccination did not prevent primary M tuberculosis infection but did reduce the risk for sustained infections, prompting further study in a wider population.
    • Researchers conducted a phase 2b, randomized study to evaluate the efficacy of BCG revaccination for the prevention of sustained M tuberculosis infection in South Africa.
    • A total of 1836 adolescents (age, 10-18 years), who tested negative for HIV and had negative QFT test results at screening, were randomly assigned to receive either the BCG vaccine or placebo and were followed up for a median of 30 months.
    • A sustained M tuberculosis infection was defined as a sustained QFT test conversion from negative to positive (≥ 0.35 IU/mL interferon gamma), occurring any time after the first negative QFT test, followed by positive tests confirmed at 3 and 6 months.
    • The primary endpoint was sustained QFT test conversion, and the secondary endpoints were the safety and reactogenicity of BCG revaccination.

    TAKEAWAY:

    • BCG revaccination showed no protective effect against sustained M tuberculosis infection, with similar QFT test conversion rates in the vaccine and placebo groups (hazard ratio, 1.04; P = .58), with a vaccine efficacy of -3.8% (95% CI, -48.3 to 27.4).
    • The frequencies of antigen-specific CD4 T cells expressing various cytokines were higher in the BCG revaccination group than in the placebo group, and they remained higher than those at baseline even 6 months postvaccination.
    • Most adverse events were mild to moderate. Serious adverse events occurred in 0.3% of participants in each group and were unrelated to the vaccine or placebo, with no deaths or treatment discontinuations.

    IN PRACTICE:

    “Although this trial does not allow us to draw firm conclusions on the efficacy of BCG revaccination for the prevention of disease, the lack of vaccine efficacy with respect to prevention of infection probably decreases the likelihood of BCG revaccination conferring protection against disease,” the study authors wrote.

    SOURCE:

    The study was led by Alexander Schmidt, MD, Gates Medical Research Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was published online on May 7, 2025, in The New England Journal of Medicine.

    LIMITATIONS:

    Enrollment was paused for 4 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have contributed to a lower incidence of QFT test conversions.

    DISCLOSURES:

    The study was supported by the Gates Foundation. One author reported being an employee of the Gates Medical Research Institute. Some authors reported being employees of pharmaceutical companies such as GSK, Pfizer, and Third Rock Ventures, LLC, and owning stocks in these companies.

    This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.

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  • Irrigation Department issued timely warnings ahead of Swat flashflood, reveals report

    Irrigation Department issued timely warnings ahead of Swat flashflood, reveals report

    People can be seen stranded in the middle of the Swat River on June 27, 2025, in this still taken from a video. — Instagram/@geonewsdottv
    • Report says alerts were sent multiple times to DCs, PDMA.
    • Dept recommends providing flood rescue equipment to Rescue 1122.
    • It suggests developing policy to confine tourists to safe areas.

    PESHAWAR: As the concerns regarding the tragic death of 12 people by drowning in the Swat River due to a deluge grow, worrisome reports of official negligence continue to emerge. 

    A departmental probe revealed that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa irrigation department had issued multiple warnings to relevant organisations and the deputy commissioners of Swat, Charsadda, and Nowshera just hours before a flash flood in the Swat River that lead to the loss of precious lives.

    The tragedy occurred when 17 members of a family from Sialkot were swept away by a sudden surge in the river while picnicking on a mound near the bank. Disturbing videos circulating on social media showed the family stranded on a rapidly shrinking patch of land, crying out for help for nearly an hour, with no immediate rescue response.

    So far, 12 bodies have been recovered, including that of a child found in Charsadda on Sunday. Search is still underway as one person remains missing.

    The report stated that the river’s flow at Khwazakhela spiked dramatically from 6,738 cusecs to 77,782 cusecs within a few hours on June 27. The first warning was issued at 8:41am, alerting all concerned authorities — including the deputy commissioners of Swat, Charsadda, and Nowshera — of the potential flood risk.

    The department continued to send real-time updates through WhatsApp and issued a severe flood warning by 10:30am. Repeated alerts were sent to the DCs, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), ADC Relief, and other relevant bodies, indicating that the department had issued timely and comprehensive warnings.

    According to the report, tourists at Khwazakhela had entered the river when water levels were still normal but became trapped as the flow rose sharply due to heavy rainfall. 

    It also noted that silt accumulation in the riverbed since 2022 has made it easier for visitors to wade deeper into the stream, increasing the risk during sudden surges.

    In its recommendations, the Irrigation Department suggested equipping Rescue 1122 with flood rescue gear, restricting access to tourist areas, and holding hotel owners accountable for allowing visitors into hazardous zones. 

    It also proposed that local administrations develop a policy to confine tourists to safe areas and recommended the installation of additional telemetry gauges in Madyan and Kalam to enhance monitoring of river levels.

    Failures in oversight, rescue efforts

    The rescue services has also come under fire after the Swat River tragedy. Despite being stationed just 3 to 4 kilometres from the site, Rescue 1122 teams reportedly took 19 minutes to arrive and were ill-equipped, lacking boats, ropes, and trained divers. Equipment had to be ordered during the operation, arriving too late to make a meaningful difference.

    Additionally, attention has turned to encroachments along the riverbank. Critics have questioned how structures were allowed to be built within 200 feet of the river, in violation of safety regulations.

    Although the government has since launched a crackdown on such illegal constructions, there are calls for accountability against the officials who issued no-objection certificates (NOCs) and building permits.

    Observers stress that for the operation to be effective and accepted by the public, it must be carried out without bias, regardless of the socioeconomic or political status of those affected.

    In response to the incident, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has imposed a complete ban on mining along riverbeds and initiated a province-wide operation to remove illegal structures.

    The authorities are now under increased pressure to address the systemic issues that contributed to the deadly incident and to implement reforms that prioritise safety and accountability.


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  • Godiva Festival brings back local talent stage after cash boost

    Godiva Festival brings back local talent stage after cash boost

    A third stage to showcase more local musicians will return to a Coventry music festival, enabling it to also celebrate its twin city of Kingston, Jamaica.

    The Cov ConneX Kingston Stage will be back at the Godiva Festival after organisers secured funding worth almost £30,000 from National Lottery through Arts Council England.

    Around 40 city-based artists will take to the stage over the weekend with styles ranging from rap, grime, afrobeat and reggae to DJs and MCs, all about celebrating local inspiration alongside the sounds of Jamaica.

    Councillor Abdul Salam Khan said the stage’s return will add “something extra special and I know it will be a big attraction for all music lovers”.

    The headliners this year have been confirmed as Marc Almond, Clean Bandit and Ocean Colour Scene.

    Staged in Coventry’s War Memorial Park the council-organised festival runs from Friday until Sunday.

    A second stage, called the Cov Stage, will also host local talent.

    Councillor Naeem Akhtar described Coventry as a “great musical city.”

    “Godiva is loved by so many, and with the music stages supported by a host of other attractions for families and visitors of all ages, it’s going to be another memorable weekend for the city,” he said.

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  • Sodexo Q3 Fiscal 2025 revenues in line with expectations

    Sodexo Q3 Fiscal 2025 revenues in line with expectations

    Sodexo will hold a conference call (in English) today at 9:00 a.m. (Paris time), 8:00 a.m. (London time) to comment on its Q3 Fiscal 2025 revenues.

    Those who wish to connect:

    • From the UK: +44 121 281 8004, or
    • From France: +33 1 70 91 87 04, or
    • From the US: +1 718 705 8796,

    Followed by the access code 07 26 13.

    The live audio webcast will be available on www.sodexo.com

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  • Liquorland links up as official supplier for 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour

    Liquorland links up as official supplier for 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour

    Rugby fans across Australia are set to score, with Liquorland confirmed as Official Supplier
    of the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour and the Wallabies.

    The tour kicked off on Saturday in Perth, marking the Lions’ first visit to Australia in 12
    years, with matches to cover ground in eight cities and more than 40,000 international
    fans expected to visit across the country.

    Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said the Lions Tour is building into a huge national
    moment and Liquorland’s sponsorship has got fans covered for game-day cheers.

    “The British & Irish Lions Tour is going to be a massive event across six cities with packed
    stadiums, and fans flying in from all over. There’s nothing quite like a Lions Tour, and we’re
    excited to see the whole country get behind it.”

    “Having Liquorland on board adds to the momentum and energy. It’s great to see them
    backing the Wallabies and helping fans get in the spirit of the game particularly as the
    wider support for rugby across the country continues to grow.”

    Coles Liquor General Manager of Customer Loyalty Mia Horner said the team was proud
    to be part of the action celebrating the world’s biggest and most in-demand rugby tour.

    “We’re incredibly excited to be part of the tour and take up this once in every 12-year
    opportunity. It’s a bucket-list moment for fans from abroad to join the Lions tour and we
    can’t wait to welcome them down under,” she said.

    “We’ve lined up a cracking offer to help international fans find their local away from home
    with Liquorland and score great deals and money off their in-store shop through our
    partnership with SEN.”

    The British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia 2025

    Western Force v British & Irish Lions at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday 28 June at Optus
    Stadium, Perth

    Queensland Reds v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Wednesday 2 July at Suncorp
    Stadium, Brisbane

    New South Wales Waratahs v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday 5 July at
    Allianz Stadium, Sydney

    ACT Brumbies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Wednesday 9 July at GIO Stadium,
    Canberra

    AUNZ Invitational XV v British & Irish Lions at 7:15pm ACST on Saturday 12 July at Adelaide
    Oval, Adelaide

    Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp
    Stadium, Brisbane

    First Nations & Pasifika XV v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Tuesday 22 July at
    Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

    Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne
    Cricket Ground, Melbourne

    Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday August 2 at Accor
    Stadium, Sydney


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  • Newer, more effective diabetes drugs reach only a fraction of patients

    Newer, more effective diabetes drugs reach only a fraction of patients

    A UCSF analysis has found that the newer generation of much more effective diabetes medications are reaching only a fraction of the patients who are recommended to take them based on new guidelines.

    Type 2 diabetes (T2D), a condition in which the body can’t use insulin to clear sugar from the bloodstream, affects 1 in 10 Americans. It comes with grave health risks, including cardiovascular and kidney disease.

    The study assessed medications that patients received within a year of T2D diagnosis. During the period under review – 2014 to 2022 – groups like the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association began encouraging the use of newer medications over some older, less effective ones.

    The analysis, which is based on more than 40,000 records from the University of California Health Data Warehouse, found some encouraging results. 

    The use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors or glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists – two newer categories of drugs – increased, particularly among patients with cardiovascular or kidney disease.

    Meanwhile, the use of sulfonylureas – a category of diabetes drug with severe side effects, now seen as a last resort in treatment – declined. And the use of metformin and insulins, the classic medications for diabetes, declined slightly. 

    Still, by 2022, just 20% T2D patients were receiving GLP-1 drugs within a year of diagnosis, and less than 15% of patients were receiving SGLT2 drugs – reflecting a gap between what the professional guidelines recommend and the care that patients are receiving.

    The researchers gave several reasons for why this might be. One is that GLP-1 drugs, like Wegovy and Ozempic, are expensive, and insurance doesn’t always cover them. Another is that not every provider knows that leading organizations recommend prescribing GLP-1 and SGLT2 drugs, like Jardiance or Farxiga, for T2D from the moment of diagnosis. 

    Some of the most devastating consequences of diabetes come from its effects on the heart and kidney, and thankfully, we now have drugs that target those effects head on. But to maximize the benefit for the many hundreds of thousands of patients in the U.S., we need to increase access to these drugs and make sure that clinicians understand just how beneficial they are.” 


    Jonathan Watanabe, PharmD, MS, PhD, the senior author of the study

    Source:

    University of California – San Francisco

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  • Jersey woman included in UK’s top 50 female engineers list

    Jersey woman included in UK’s top 50 female engineers list

    A Jersey engineer has been listed one of the UK’s top 50 women in engineering for 2025

    The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) named Rachel Hayden as a role model for reaching more than 38,000 people through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) volunteering.

    The former Jersey College for Girls student was recognised for her “outstanding contributions to the profession and her tireless work inspiring the next generation” in the list published by the Women’s Engineering Society.

    Ms Hayden, who works as a senior engineer at WSP, said an experience at secondary school had inspired her future career.

    She said: “If it hadn’t been for a pasta bridge competition run by engineers when I was 16, I might never have discovered civil engineering.

    “That moment changed my life – and now I’m passionate about creating those moments for others.”

    ICE said that since Ms Hayden had become a STEM Ambassador in 2017, she had volunteered more than 715 hours and delivered 285 activities.

    Ms Hayden said it was “a huge honour” to be recognised on the list.

    “I hope it shows young people in Jersey and beyond that engineering is not only for everyone – it’s a career where you can make a real difference.”

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  • China to set up first international association on deep-space exploration

    China to set up first international association on deep-space exploration

    HEFEI – China will officially launch the International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA) next Monday, with a particular aim of empowering other developing countries in developing deep-space technologies.

    Spacesuits are on display at the preview of a science exhibition marking the 10th Space Day of China at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition and Convention Center in East China’s Shanghai, April 23, 2025. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

    Located in Hefei, Anhui province, the association will be the nation’s first international academic organization in the aerospace domain, capitalizing on the growing global interest in China’s lunar and Mars missions.

    The IDSEA will focus on deep-space study, which includes probes into the moon, other planets and asteroids, and promote international cooperation, according to the Hefei-based Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, one of the association’s five initiators.

    READ MORE: China’s deep space exploration laboratory eyes top global talents

    Wang Zhongmin, director of the lab’s international cooperation center, said the IDSEA aims to become an inclusive academic platform that will benefit developing countries in particular.

    “We hope to bring in as many developing countries as possible, and by initiating small yet impactful programs, such as on CubeSat design and training of scientists, we hope to enable these nations to access cutting-edge space technologies that once seemed far beyond their reach,” he said.

    Deep-space exploration has long been limited to a few countries due to its high thresholds of capital, technologies and talents. “The vast majority of countries may see a technological monopoly. Deep space technologies must move out of the small circle to benefit the whole of humanity,” Wang said.

    Despite being a latecomer to outer space exploration, China has rapidly emerged as a prominent player in this field while demonstrating its commitment to cooperating with other nations.

    In April, China announced that seven institutions from six countries — France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US) — have been authorized to borrow lunar samples collected by China’s Chang’e-5 mission for scientific research.

    READ MORE: Space Agency: China to carry out intensive space missions in 2025

    China has also invited global partners to participate in its Mars missions. The country plans to launch the Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission around 2028, with the primary scientific goal of searching for signs of life on Mars. The retrieval of samples from Mars, the first of its kind in human history, is considered the most technically challenging space exploration mission since the Apollo program.

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  • Trump signs order lifting sanctions on Syria – World

    Trump signs order lifting sanctions on Syria – World

    President Donald Trump signed on Monday an executive order terminating a US sanctions programme on Syria, allowing an end to the country’s isolation from the international financial system and building on Washington’s pledge to help it rebuild after a devastating civil war.

    The move will allow the US to maintain sanctions on Syria’s ousted former president Bashar al-Assad, his associates, human rights abusers, drug traffickers, people linked to chemical weapons activities, the Islamic State and ISIS affiliates and proxies for Iran, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters in a briefing.

    Assad was toppled in December in a lightning offensive by Islamist-led rebels and Syria has since taken steps to re-establish international ties.

    Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani said Trump’s termination of the Syria sanctions programme would “open door of long-awaited reconstruction and development,” according to a post by the foreign minister on social media platform X.

    He said the move would “lift the obstacle” against economic recovery and open the country to the international community.

    Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Trump met in Riyadh in May where, in a major policy shift, Trump unexpectedly announced he would lift US sanctions on Syria, prompting Washington to significantly ease its measures.

    Some in Congress are pushing for the measures to be totally repealed, while Europe has announced the end of its economic sanctions regime.

    “Syria needs to be given a chance, and that’s what’s happened,” U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack told reporters in a briefing call. He described Monday’s move as “the culmination of a very tedious, detailed, excruciating process of, how do you unwrap these sanctions.”

    The White House in a fact sheet said the order directs the Secretary of State to review the terrorism designations of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a rebel group that Sharaa led that has roots in al Qaeda, as well as Syria’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.

    The White House said the administration would continue to monitor Syria’s progress on key priorities including “taking concrete steps toward normalising ties with Israel, addressing foreign terrorists, deporting Palestinian terrorists and banning Palestinian terrorist groups”.

    Layers of US sanctions

    A Reuters investigation published on Monday revealed the role of Syrian government forces in the killing of more than 1,500 Syrian Alawites over three days of massacres along the country’s Mediterranean coast in March. The Trump administration had no comment on the Reuters report.

    It was not immediately clear if Washington was lifting the sanctions on any of the factions that Reuters found were involved.

    Syrians hope the easing of sanctions will clear the way for greater engagement by humanitarian organisations working in the country, encouraging foreign investment and trade as it rebuilds.

    In the aftermath of Trump’s announcement in May, the US Treasury Department issued a general license that authorised transactions involving the interim Syrian government as well as the central bank and state-owned enterprises.

    However, the US has imposed layers of sanctions against Syria, some of which are authorised by legislation, including the Caesar Act. Repealing the measures is necessary for Syria to attract long-term investment without parties fearing the risk of violating U.S. sanctions.

    “We are now, pursuant to the executive order, going to look at suspension criteria for the Caesar Act,” a senior administration official said.

    Most of the US sanctions on Syria were imposed on Assad’s government and key individuals in 2011 after civil war erupted in the country.

    The dismantling of the US sanctions programme on Syria includes terminating from Tuesday a national emergency declared in 2004 and revoking linked executive orders, according to the order signed on Monday.

    The executive order also directs additional actions, including some with respect to waivers of export controls and other restrictions, the order read.

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  • England throw fuel on Jasprit Bumrah fire after Ravi Shastri’s warning: ‘Lord’s Test is just 3 days after Edgbaston’

    England throw fuel on Jasprit Bumrah fire after Ravi Shastri’s warning: ‘Lord’s Test is just 3 days after Edgbaston’

    To play or not to play Jasprit Bumrah – that is the question. More than Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fielding woes, India’s bigger concern ahead of the second Test in Birmingham is whether to rest their premier fast bowler. Former head coach Ravi Shastri had already warned the team management about workload management, but now England have added fuel to the dilemma just a day before the Edgbaston Test.

    Jasprit Bumrah was the sole Indian bowler who consistently posed a challenge to the England batters at Headingley(HT_PRINT)

    England pacer Mark Wood, who has been ruled out of the series, and former captain Mike Atherton discussed Bumrah’s situation on Monday, dissecting the pros and cons of including him in the XI for the second Test.

    Earlier, selectors had confirmed that the injury-prone Bumrah would feature in only three of the five Tests on the England tour to manage his workload. Head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated the plan after the Leeds Test. However, given India’s lacklustre bowling display at Headingley — where Bumrah’s five-wicket haul was the only bright spot — the debate around his inclusion has gained momentum.

    The sight had the legendary Sunil Gavaskar sending a special request to Bumrah, while Shastri warned that India could not afford to trail 0-2 in Edgbaston, making Bumrah a necessity in the XI for the second Test. Wood agreed with the former India all-rounder, but Atherton pointed out that the third Test in Lord’s will begin just three days after the conclusion of the second game.

    “They cannot afford to go 2-0 down. So you want your best bowler,” Wood said on the Sky Sports podcast. “There’s no way he’s saying, ‘I’m not playing at Lord’s.’ I don’t think so. I think he’ll want to play both games. Even if, let’s just say, India win the next one, and it’s 1-1, I still think they’ll want him to make the difference, to get them ahead. I think every overseas bowler wants to get on that board, and he’ll be the same.”

    Atherton added that while Manchester could be the venue where India can rest Bumrah, they have to have him in the XI for the second and third Test.

    “They have got a decision to make over Bumrah, first of all, because every overseas player wants to play in a Lord’s Test. The Lord’s Test is three days after Edgbaston. In cricketing terms, he should certainly play at Edgbaston, and I’d think very carefully about Old Trafford, because that’s the kind of ground where pace and reverse swing are really important. But as you say, every cricketer wants to play at Lord’s and get on that honours board,” he said.

    The former England batter concluded by backing Kuldeep Yadav in the XI, saying India could have won the series opener had he featured in the match.

    “I do think they should play Kuldeep Yadav. I think had they had Kuldeep in their team, they would have won that game,” he added.

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