LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) — Repeated head impacts from contact sports can trigger early and lasting changes in the brains of young to middle-aged athletes, potentially years before the onset of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to new research supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The study suggests these brain changes may occur years before the hallmark features of CTE, which can currently only be confirmed through postmortem brain tissue examination, the NIH said in a release on Wednesday.
Scientists at the Boston University CTE Center, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System and collaborating institutions analyzed postmortem brain tissue from athletes under age 51, most of whom had played American football.
Using advanced tools to track gene activity and produce high-resolution images of individual cells, the team identified a wide range of brain changes beyond the well-known molecular signature of CTE: the abnormal buildup of a protein called tau in nerve cells located near small blood vessels deep within the brain’s folds.
“This study underscores that many changes in the brain can occur after repetitive head impacts,” said Walter Koroshetz, director of NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “These early brain changes might help diagnose and treat CTE earlier than is currently possible now.”
The NIH noted that by revealing the earliest cellular warning signs, the research paves the way for developing new methods to detect the effects of repetitive head injuries and could ultimately lead to interventions to prevent the devastating neurodegeneration caused by CTE. Enditem
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. If detected early, it can be efficiently treated, but the cost and discomfort of colonoscopies — the main diagnostic method currently in use — often result in delayed diagnosis. Using machine learning algorithms, a team from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) identified for the first time all human gut bacteria to a level of detail that makes it possible to understand the physiological importance of the different microbial subgroups. This inventory was then used to detect the presence of colorectal cancer according to the bacteria present in simple stool samples, a non-invasive and low-cost screening tool. The potential applications are vast, ranging from the diagnosis of other cancers to a better understanding of the links between gut microbiota and health. These findings are published in Cell Host & Microbe.
Colorectal cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited. This underscores the need for simpler, less invasive diagnostic tools, particularly in the face of a still unexplained rise in cases among young adults. While it has long been known that gut microbiota plays a role in the development of colorectal cancer, translating these findings into clinical practice has proven challenging. This is because different strains of the same bacterial species can have opposite effects, with some promoting the disease and others having no effect.
“Instead of relying on the analysis of the various species composing the microbiota, which does not capture all meaningful differences, or of bacterial strains, which vary greatly from one individual to another, we focused on an intermediate level of the microbiota, the subspecies,” explains Mirko Trajkovski, full professor in the Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism and in the Diabetes Centre at the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, who led this research. “The subspecies resolution is specific and can capture the differences in how bacteria function and contribute to diseases including cancer, while remaining general enough to detect these changes among different groups of individuals, populations, or countries.”
With the help of machine learning
The first step was to analyse huge amounts of data. “As a bioinformatician, the challenge was to come up with an innovative approach for mass data analysis,” recalls Matija Trickovic, PhD student in the laboratory of Mirko Trajkovski and first author of this study. “We successfully developed the first comprehensive catalogue of human gut microbiota subspecies, together with a precise and efficient method to use it both for research and in the clinic.”
By combining this catalogue with existing clinical data, the scientists developed a model that can predict the presence of colorectal cancer solely based on the bacteria present in stool samples. “Although we were confident in our strategy, the results were striking,” enthuses Matija Trickovic. “Our method detected 90% of cancer cases, a result very close to the 94% detection rate achieved by colonoscopies and better than all current non-invasive detection methods.”
By integrating more clinical data, this model could become even more precise and match the accuracy of colonoscopy. It could become a routine screening tool and facilitate the early detection of colorectal cancer, which would then be confirmed by colonoscopy but only in a selected group of patients.
A new world of applications
A first clinical trial is being set up in collaboration with the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) to determine more precisely the cancer stages and the lesions that can be detected. However, the applications go beyond colorectal cancer. By studying the differences between subspecies from the same bacterial species, researchers can now identify the mechanisms of action by which the gut microbiota influences human health. “The same method could soon be used to develop non-invasive diagnostic tools for a wide range of diseases, all based on a single microbiota analysis,” concludes Mirko Trajkovski.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) — Repeated head impacts from contact sports can trigger early and lasting changes in the brains of young to middle-aged athletes, potentially years before the onset of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), according to new research supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The study suggests these brain changes may occur years before the hallmark features of CTE, which can currently only be confirmed through postmortem brain tissue examination, the NIH said in a release on Wednesday.
Scientists at the Boston University CTE Center, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System and collaborating institutions analyzed postmortem brain tissue from athletes under age 51, most of whom had played American football.
Using advanced tools to track gene activity and produce high-resolution images of individual cells, the team identified a wide range of brain changes beyond the well-known molecular signature of CTE: the abnormal buildup of a protein called tau in nerve cells located near small blood vessels deep within the brain’s folds.
“This study underscores that many changes in the brain can occur after repetitive head impacts,” said Walter Koroshetz, director of NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. “These early brain changes might help diagnose and treat CTE earlier than is currently possible now.”
The NIH noted that by revealing the earliest cellular warning signs, the research paves the way for developing new methods to detect the effects of repetitive head injuries and could ultimately lead to interventions to prevent the devastating neurodegeneration caused by CTE. ■
When Virginia Briggs first worked at MinterEllison, she was only 14 years old and her job was to file paper updates in loose- leaf binders of law reports. Today, she is the Australian law firm’s chief executive officer, tackling her heavy workload with the help of Microsoft 365 Copilot.
An early adopter of the generative AI powered assistant since September 2023, Briggs now finds it indispensable.
“I do use it for every task, every day,” she said.
This is no mean feat. As CEO, Briggs sets the course for some 2,500 employees across six offices in Australia.
Briggs relies on Copilot, and its more insightful Researcher agent, for a variety of tasks. These range from researching a potential client ahead of a meeting and producing an immediate transcript of that discussion, to advising how to have a better conversation or strategize messaging for a town hall.
She recalled using Researcher to prepare for a meeting with an executive from a company she knew little about. After keying in the scant details she had, Researcher suggested looking at how MinterEllison and this company might collaborate. Briggs agreed with that suggestion.
“It came back in a very short period of time with a whole script and very strategic approach to how I would have the conversation with this person,” she said. “It was just very tailored, very content rich, very strategic. And I think he – the executive – thought I was very well prepared for the meeting.”
Copilot also helps her when she’s spent her whole day in meetings. She often returns to a mountain of emails and uses Copilot to summarize the messages, flag priorities and suggest next steps.
“It really has changed my life,” she said.
And like any new convert, she’s spreading the word. Especially among MinterEllison’s more than 250 partners.
“It’s no longer a viable excuse to say that you don’t have time to learn the tool. My message is: This will save you time. You need to make it part of your everyday,” she said.
She uses every opportunity to demonstrate Copilot Researcher’s capabilities in real time, including in the MinterEllison boardroom. And the results are showing.
Recently, a board member had to advise a client over a weekend and used Researcher to quickly prepare the foundation of his advice, enhanced and verified by the depth of his skills. Later he told Briggs: “I don’t know how I could have delivered the timeliness of the advice without Researcher.”
ISLAMABAD: While the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign is targeting 13 million girls aged nine to 14, former health minister Dr Nadeem Jan has suggested steps to avoid refusals.
He also urged parents and young girls to come forward and get vaccinated against cervical cancer. He said the vaccine was scientifically proven, tested and in use across the globe.
It is worth mentioning that Dr Jan, during his tenure as caretaker health minister, initiated efforts to introduce the HPV vaccine and engaged the international vaccine alliance Gavi.
“It is great that finally our efforts and struggle have paid off. The plant we had sown at the cost of our seat and pains has started bearing fruit, as the HPV vaccine has been launched,” he said.
“Mindful of the resistance in some areas, it would have been better to have risk-mapped the areas with refusals or hesitation to routine immunisation, and communication and engagement activities should have been undertaken to remove any misgivings. A blanket start could imperil future gains in our quest to ensure 90 per cent coverage. We should encourage modelling this vaccination through our kin, influential figures’ children, and social media activists,” Dr Jan suggested.
Meanwhile, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal met a Gavi mission to discuss the progress of the HPV vaccination campaign and future immunisation plans.
The Gavi mission was led by Thabani Maphosa, Chief Country Delivery Officer at Gavi, in the context of the ongoing HPV vaccination campaign against cervical cancer.
The health minister expressed satisfaction with the launch of the campaign. He emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum to ensure equitable access to lifesaving vaccines for all eligible girls across the country.
Priority areas and guidelines identified by the minister included holding regular press briefings, drawing on global experiences and best practices, integrating efforts with the Ministry of Education, and managing feedback through helpline 1166, among others.
Mustafa Kamal also requested support from the visiting Gavi mission members for the introduction of the Hexavalent vaccine and the advancement of indigenous vaccine production in Pakistan.
The health minister reaffirmed that the HPV vaccination drive would serve as a milestone in reducing the burden of cervical cancer and ensuring a healthier future for the nation.
HYDRABAD: Kotri Barrage is showing rising trend ever-since reduction in the river flows was recorded at Guddu Barrage which had passed peak of current floods on Sept 15.
Kotri Barrage’s inflows were recorded at 304,388 cusecs upstream and 289,098 cusecs downstream at 6pm. The barrage would enter ‘medium flood’ stage once it passed 300,000 cusecs downstream flows. Currently, Kotri Barrage is passing a low flood.
Guddu Barrage had already passed a peak of 606,489 cusecs downstream on Sept 15 at 10am. However, it was still passing high flood. Its discharge of 551,851 cusecs upstream and 523,842 cusecs downstream was recorded at 6pm. Similarly, Sukkur Barrage remained in high flood with an upstream discharge of 569,890 cusecs and 518,120 cusecs downstream at the same time.
Meanwhile, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, along with Secretary Irrigation Zarif Khero, Sindh Barrages Improvement Programme (SBIP) Project Director Pritam Das, former Kotri Barrage chief engineer Haji Khan Jamali and Chief Engineer Riaz Shah visited the barrage.
According to handout, the minister was informed by the irrigation department engineers that Kotri Barrage was likely to receive a peak of 400,000-450,000 cusecs between Sept 19 and 20.
The minister called for maintaining a close vigil on the barrage.
He was given a briefing through 3D mapping and LiDAR. He was told that LiDAR technology would ensure correct and modern data about soil profiling and compaction. It would help ensure strengthening of dyke and river flows.
ISLAMABAD: The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) on Tuesday sought permission from the law ministry to conduct a jail trial of former prime minister Imran Khan in cases registered against him, party leaders and workers in connection with the protest cases.
ATC Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra heard two cases related to the PTI’s 2023 protests.
In the case registered at Golra police Station, police submitted challans against senior party leader Azam Swati, along with Aamir Mughal and Atif Khan. The court issued summons for the three accused and adjourned proceedings till October 17, while also initiating proceedings to declare absent accused as absconders.
The judge indicted 11 accused present in court in connection with the November 26 protest in Islamabad.
All pleaded not guilty. The court ordered 184 accused to be declared proclaimed offenders due to non-appearance. Meanwhile, PTI leadership has been granted interim bail till November 13.
In a related case registered at the Secretariat Police Station, police submitted a challan against 195 workers of the party. The hearing was adjourned till September 24.
Separately, Judicial Magistrate Mubashir Hassan Chishti adjourned proceedings in the liquor and weapons case against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur after no one appeared due to a lawyers’ strike. The court upheld Gandapur’s arrest warrant and adjourned the case till September 23. The case was registered at Bara Kahu police station.
TURIN: Juventus players celebrate after Lloyd Kelly scored a stoppage-time equaliser during the Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Stadium.—Reuters
PARIS: Kylian Mbappe scored two penalties as 10-man Real Madrid came from behind to launch their latest Champions League campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Olympique de Marseille on Tuesday.
The victory meant that 15-time champions Real became the first team in competition history — since the rebranding in the early 1990s — to reach 200 wins. And it gave former Real playing standout Xabi Alonso a victory in his Champions League debut as the club’s coach.
On a dramatic opening night of the league phase, Juventus staged a dramatic rally to snatch a 4-4 draw against Borussia Dortmund and Benfica squandered a two-goal cushion as Qarabag stormed back to claim a stunning 3-2 triumph in Lisbon.
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both made winning starts against Spanish opposition in Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal respectively.
Tottenham were gifted an early lead when Luiz Junior put through his own net in the fourth minute, sealing a 1-0 win over Villarreal, while Arsenal eased past Athletic Bilbao 2-0.
Union Saint-Gilloise marked their first-ever appearance in the competition with an impressive 3-1 win against PSV Eindhoven.
For Real, dubbed the kings of Europe, it was another reminder why — when the pressure mounts — their knack for late comebacks keeps their crown shining.
On Tuesday, they again needed some Champions League magic to turn the game around with 10 men.
In in a compelling encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Marseille, winners of the inaugural Champions League in 1993, stunned the home crowd by breaking the deadlock in the 22nd when Mason Greenwood dispossessed Arda Guler to set up Timothy Weah, who fired past Thibaut Courtois.
Real didn’t take long to equalise. Rodrygo was brought down inside the box by Geoffrey Kondogbia and Mbappe converted from the spot to make it 1-1.
Real’s task got tougher when Dani Carvajal — an early replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who suffered a hamstring injury just four minutes in — was sent off for headbutting Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli.
But the home side still snatched all three points thanks to another Mbappe penalty in the 81st after Facundo Medina was harshly penalised for handball. Mbappe now has 50 goals in 64 matches with Real.
“We are happy that he keeps scoring goals and has been feeling more and more comfortable,” Real midfielder Federico Valverde said of the France star. “Our job is to make sure the ball gets to him and that he can have even more scoring opportunities than he is having now.”
Juve against Dortmund in Turin was a repeat of the 1997 final won by the Germans, and the fixture more than lived up to its billing, finishing in a spectacular draw.
Remarkably the first half ended goalless, with the breakthrough coming seven minutes after half-time when Karim Adeyemi put the visitors ahead from a fine low strike.
Kenan Yildiz equalised with a stunning effort high into the top corner just after the hour mark, only for Felix Nmecha to put Dortmund back in front in style.
Dusan Vlahovic made it 2-2, but Yan Couto restored the Bundesliga side’s advantage and they appeared to have sewn up the points when Ramy Bensebaini converted a penalty in the 86th minute.
However, Vlahovic pulled one back in the 94th minute and then crossed for Lloyd Kelly to head home in the sixth minute of stoppage time, rounding off an extraordinary evening.
“We can’t allow ourselves to draw after playing such an awesome game and securing three important points,” Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel said.
There was similar drama in Lisbon, where Benfica seemed to be cruising at home to Qarabag after Enzo Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis scored early goals.
However, Leandro Andrade pulled one back for the club from Azerbaijan before Camilo Duran equalised and Oleksiy Kashchuk turned and fired in from inside the area four minutes from time to make it 3-2.
It is the first time Qarabag have ever won a match in the Champions League proper.
ARSENAL WIN
Arsenal are eager to make a big impression again in Europe’s elite club competition, following their defeat by eventual champions Paris St-Germain in the semi-finals last season.
They got off to an ideal start in the Basque Country, with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard scoring late goals to settle the game.
The Brazilian had only just come on when he ran through to open the scoring in the 72nd minute at San Mames. Arsenal then went on to seal the victory late on as Trossard — another substitute — scored with the aid of a deflection.
“We started to grow throughout the game. In the second half we were more fluent, dominant, and the finishers made the impact for us to win the game,” said Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
Thomas Frank’s Spurs, who qualified for the Champions League after winning last season’s Europa League, edged Villarreal 1-0 in North London.
The match was decided by a farcical early own goal from Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior, who contrived to let Lucas Bergvall’s cross trickle into the net.
The victory maintained Tottenham’s impressive form under new boss Frank.
“It was a very even game that we just edged,” he told broadcaster Amazon Prime.
Union Saint-Gilloise qualified after winning a first Belgian title in 90 years and they enjoyed a dream debut in the competition as they pulled off a shock win at PSV.
Promise David opened the scoring with an early penalty and Anouar Ait El Hadj ran half the length of the field to double the lead before Kevin Mac Allister bundled in a late third.
Ruben van Bommel scored a 90th-minute consolation for the hosts.
ST JOHN’S: West Indies have recalled batters Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze for their two-Test tour of India next month but there was no place in the 15-man squad for former skipper Kraigg Brathwaite.
Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre received a maiden test call up as West Indies brace for a trial by spin in India.
“The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles, with Alick Athanaze being added for his strengths and qualities against spin bowling,” head coach Daren Sammy said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Khary is included for the first time as our second spinner in what we expect to be helpful conditions.”
Vice-captain Jomel Warrican will spearhead their spin attack with West Indies opting to rest fellow left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie to keep him fresh for the Twenty20 World Cup in February and March next year.
“Playing in the subcontinent always presents a challenge and we have selected a team to be competitive in these conditions,” Sammy said.
Brathwaite managed a total of 15 runs in four innings in the first two Tests against Australia before being dropped for the final match in Kingston where the tourists completed a 3-0 series sweep.
The first Test against India is scheduled in Ahmedabad from Oct 2 while Delhi hosts the second Test from Oct 10.
