Blog

  • New UK guidelines on healthier baby food look to tackle childhood obesity

    New UK guidelines on healthier baby food look to tackle childhood obesity

    The UK has released new guidelines for baby food manufacturers to reduce sugar and salt in their commercial products for children up to 36 months old, as well as clearer labeling aimed at making shopping easier for parents and to help them make informed choices about what they feed their children.

    The government will give baby food manufacturers 18 months to reformulate their products to comply with the new guidelines. Brands are challenged to reduce salt and sugar levels without the use of sweeteners, which are not permitted in commercial baby food.

    The new initiative forms part of the UK’s 10 Year Plan, which includes a range of preventative measures for children’s well-being, including more frequent healthcare visits, better-quality early childhood developmental checks, and a drive to tackle unhealthy food ads targeting children.

    “Too often, parents are bombarded with confusing labels, disguising unhealthy foods packed with hidden sugars and salt,” he stresses. “From working with influencers to get children exercising to banning junk food ads near schools — our 10 Year Health Plan will help kids today be part of the healthiest generation of children ever.”

    A government statement reads: “For too long, it’s been difficult for parents to work out what is healthy and what’s not because of confusing labeling.” The new guidelines are intended to “put an end to the burden being on parents to sift through different products to choose the healthier ones.”

    Addressing misleading labeling

    The guidelines also address misleading labeling that conflicts with official feeding advice. For instance, some products labeled as snacks for babies from seven months contradict government recommendations that children aged six to 12 months do not need snacks between meals, only milk.

    Infant being fed baby food

    Manufacturers have received instructions to stop using misleading marketing claims, such as “contains no nasties,” on products that may be high in sugar.

    Manufacturers have also received instructions to stop using misleading marketing claims, such as “contains no nasties,” on products that may be high in sugar.

    Data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey published in June shows that more than two-thirds of children aged 18 months to three years are consuming too much sugar. Meanwhile, over a fifth of children aged four to five years in England are overweight or living with obesity.

    The Plan for Change also includes an extra £57 million for Start for Life services, which help expectant and new mothers, and expanded school-based nurseries and free breakfast clubs.

    The weight of obesity

    Obesity costs the NHS £11.4 billion (US$15 billion) a year and is a root cause of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, according to government statistics.

    The data reveal that since the 1990s, obesity rates have doubled, including among children. High sugar intake in children’s diets is a significant factor contributing to the UK’s high rates of childhood obesity, which are among the highest in Western Europe.

    Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton stresses that poor diets that harm babies’ development are piling up pressure on the NHS. 

    Responses from industry and healthcare

    Industry experts and nutritionists have welcomed the guidelines. Charlotte Stirling-Reed, The Baby & Child Nutritionist, believes the update will give brands a “solid framework.”

    “Feeding babies shouldn’t be a guessing game,” she underscores. “As a child nutritionist, I’ve long called for clearer, evidence-based guidelines around the nutritional quality of commercial baby foods — and I’m genuinely encouraged to see these new government plans taking shape.”

    Dr. Vicky Sibson, Director of First Steps Nutrition, welcomes the government’s plans to evaluate industry compliance in 18 months and supports their commitment to taking “further measures” in the event that this voluntary measure fails.

    “These voluntary guidelines are a first step toward clamping down on the longstanding and widespread poor practices of the baby food industry.”

    Maxine Palmer, Head of Service Development at the National Childbirth Trust, states, “Every parent should be able to make informed decisions about what they feed their baby, free from commercial influence and often misleading labelling.” 

    Dr. Hannah Brisden, head of policy and advocacy at the Food Foundation, notes that the announcement highlights the need to protect families from “aggressive marketing” and end misleading claims on sugary products. 

    “Our research found up to 43 claims on a single baby snack, despite many being high in sugar,” she highlights.

    Declan O’Brien, director general of the British Specialist Nutrition Association (BSNA), adds that BSNA members are “always working to improve their products, having carried out significant reformulation in recent years, including reducing sugar and increasing vegetable content.”

    Additional government initiatives

    Other government health initiatives include a partnership with food retailers and manufacturers to set a new healthy food standard, aiming to make the average shopping basket healthier.

    The initiative projects that if everyone who is overweight reduced their calorie intake by around 200 calories a day — the equivalent of a bottle of soda — obesity would be halved.

    The UK government has also partnered with fitness coach Joe Wicks to launch a new animated series, Activate, on YouTube to get children active.

    Starting in January of next year, advertisements for less healthy products will be banned from TV before 9 pm and at any time online. Local authorities have also been given more power to ban fast food shops from setting up near schools.

    Continue Reading

  • Advanced integrated strategy for structural and mineralogical exploration of inaccessible regions employing remote sensing and multiscale analysis of aeromagnetic data

    Advanced integrated strategy for structural and mineralogical exploration of inaccessible regions employing remote sensing and multiscale analysis of aeromagnetic data

  • Crosta, A. P., Filho, D., Azevedo, F. B. & C. and Targeting key alteration mineral in epithermal deposits in patagonia, argentin, using ASTER imagery and principal component analysis. Int. J. Remote Sens. 24, 4233–4240. https://doi.org/10.1080/0143116031000152291 (2003).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernandes da Silva, P. C., Cripps, J. C. & Wise, S. M. The use of remote sensing techniques and empirical tectonic models for inference of geological structures: bridging from regional to local scales. Remote Sens. Environ. 96, 18–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2005.01.007 (2005).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Abd El-Wahed, M. A., Lebda, E. M., Ali, K. A., Kamh, S. & Attia, M. The structural geometry and metamorphic evolution of the Umm Gheig shear belt, central Eastern desert, egypt: implications for exhumation of Sibai core complex during oblique transpression. Arab. J. Geosci. 12, 1–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-019-4760-y (2019).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Abd El-Wahed, M., Zoheir, B., Pour, A. B. & Kamh, S. Shear-related gold ores in the Wadi Hodein shear belt, South Eastern desert of egypt: analysis of remote sensing, field and structural data. Minerals 11, 474. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11050474 (2021).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Abd El-Wahed, M. et al. Multisensor satellite data and field studies for unravelling the structural evolution and gold metallogeny of the Gerf Ophiolitic Nappe, Eastern Desert, Egypt. Remote Sens (Basel) 15, 1974. (2023) https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15081974

  • Mahdi, A. M., Eldosouky, A. M., Khateeb, E., Youssef, S. O., Saad, A. A. & A. M. & Integration of remote sensing and geophysical data for the extraction of hydrothermal alteration zones and lineaments; Gabal Shilman basement area, southeastern desert, Egypt. J. Afr. Earth Sc. 194, 104640. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2022.104640 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Pour, A. B. et al. 2 – Remote sensing for mineral exploration. in Geospatial Analysis Applied to Mineral Exploration (eds. Pour, A. B., Parsa, M. & Eldosouky, A. M.) 17–149 (Elsevier, 2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-95608-6.00002-0

  • Abd El-Wahed, M. A., Kassem, O. M. K., Abudeif, A. M., Abdelhameed, M. & Attia, M. The structures control the evolution of molasse basins and alteration zones occurrences in the Northwestern sector of the central Eastern desert of Egypt. Discover Geoscience. 2, 23. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44288-024-00028-y (2024).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Pour, A. B. et al. Application of multi-sensor satellite data for exploration of Zn-Pb sulfide mineralization in the Franklinian basin, North Greenland. Remote Sens. 10, 1186. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs10081186 (2018).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Pour, A. B., Zoheir, B., Pradhan, B. & Hashim, M. Editorial for the special issue: Multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing data for mineral exploration and environmental monitoring of mined areas. Remote Sensing vol. 13 519 Preprint at (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/rs13030519

  • Zoheir, B., Emam, A., Abd El-Wahed, M. & Soliman, N. Gold endowment in the evolution of the Allaqi-Heiani suture, egypt: A synthesis of geological, structural, and space-borne imagery data. Ore Geol. Rev. 110, 102938. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2019.102938 (2019).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Bencharef, M. H., Eldosouky, A. M., Zamzam, S. & Boubaya, D. Polymetallic mineralization prospectivity modelling using multi-geospatial data in logistic regression: the diapiric zone, Northeastern Algeria. Geocarto Int. 37, 15392–15427. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2022.2097481 (2022).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Alarifi, S. S. et al. Remote sensing and aeromagnetic mapping for unveiling mineralization potential: Nuqrah Area, Saudi Arabia. Geomech Geophys Geo-energ Geo-Resour 10: 149. Preprint at https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-024-00844-z (2024).

  • Eldosouky, A. M., Eleraki, M., Mansour, A., Saada, S. A. & Zamzam, S. Geological controls of mineralization occurrences in the Egyptian Eastern desert using advanced integration of remote sensing and magnetic data. Sci. Rep. 14, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66924-y (2024).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Eldosouky, A. M., Othman, A., Saada, S. A. & Zamzam, S. A new vector for mapping gold mineralization potential and proposed pathways in highly weathered basement rocks using multispectral, radar, and magnetic data in random forest algorithm. Nat. Resour. Res. 33, 23–50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-023-10292-3 (2024).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Abd El-Wahed, M. & Attia, M. Transpressional inversion and fold superimposition in the Southern Eastern desert of egypt, East African orogenic belt. J. Geol. Soc. Lond. 182, jgs2024–jgs2235. https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2024-235 (2025).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Saada, S. A. et al. New insights into the contribution of gravity data for mapping the lithospheric architecture. J. King Saud Univ. Sci. 33, 101400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2021.101400 (2021).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekwok, S. E. et al. Application of the enhanced horizontal gradient amplitude (EHGA) filter in mapping of geological structures involving magnetic data in Southeast Nigeria. J. King Saud University-Science. 34, 102288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2022.102288 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Eldosouky, A. M. et al. Delineation of structural lineaments of Southeast Nigeria using high resolution aeromagnetic data. Open. Geosci. 14, 331–340. https://doi.org/10.1515/geo-2022-0360 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Eldosouky, A. M., Pham, L. T., Abdelrahman, K., Fnais, M. S. & Gomez-Ortiz, D. Mapping structural features of the Wadi Umm Dulfah area using aeromagnetic data. J. King Saud University-Science. 34, 101803. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2021.101803 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Kassa, M. Investigating subsurface structural lineaments of the Northwest Ethiopian plateau using gravity data. Heliyon 10, e35520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35520 (2024).

    Article 
    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar 

  • Metawee, M., Araffa, S. A. S., Othman, A., Alfy, M. & El Geophysical and Geospatial insights into surface and subsurface characteristics for groundwater potential analysis, Ras sudr, West sinai, Egypt. Environ. Earth Sci. 83, 616. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-024-11915-5 (2024).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Eldosouky, A. M. et al. Structural analysis and basement topography of Gabal Shilman area, South Eastern desert of egypt, using aeromagnetic data. J. King Saud University-Science. 34, 101764. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2021.101764 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuang, X. et al. Aeromagnetic-Imaged Basement Fault Structure of the Eastern Tarim Basin and Its Tectonic Implication. Front Earth Sci (Lausanne) 9-2021 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2021.825498

  • Dadi, B. et al. Litho-structural interpretation of aeromagnetic anomalies reveals potential for mineral exploration in Tizi n’test region, Western high atlas, Morocco. Sci. Rep. 14, 17116. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65941-1 (2024).

    Article 
    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekwok, S. E. et al. Mapping of geological structures and sediment thickness from analysis of aeromagnetic data over the Obudu Basement Complex of Nigeria, J. Geophys. Eng. 21(2), 413–425 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1093/jge/gxae012

  • Abbas, M. A., Fedi, M. & Automatic DEXP imaging of potential fields independent of the structural index. Geophys. J. Int. 199, 1625–1632. https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.20130120 (2014).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Pham, L. T. et al. Mapping subsurface structural lineaments using the edge filters of gravity data. J. King Saud Univ. Sci. 33, 101594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2021.101594 (2021).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Pham, L. T., Kafadar, O., Oksum, E. & Eldosouky, A. M. An improved approach for detecting the locations of the maxima in interpreting potential field data. Arab. J. Geosci. 14, 43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-06399-z (2021).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Pham, L. T. et al. Delineation of structural lineaments of the Southwest Sub-basin (East Vietnam Sea) using global marine gravity model from CryoSat-2 and Jason-1 satellites. Geocarto Int. 37, 7681–7698. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-06399-z (2022).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekwok, S. E. et al. Application of high-precision filters on airborne magnetic data: a case study of the Ogoja region, Southeast Nigeria. Minerals 12, 1227. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12101227 (2022).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekwok, S. E. et al. An integrated approach of advanced methods for mapping geologic structures and sedimentary thickness in Ukelle and adjoining region (Southeast Nigeria). Earth Sci. Res. J. 27 https://doi.org/10.15446/esrj.v27n3.105868 (2023).

  • Alvandi, A., Su, K., Ai, H., Ardestani, V. E. & Lyu, C. Enhancement of potential field source boundaries using the hyperbolic domain (gudermannian function). Minerals 13, 1312. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13101312 (2023).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Abbas, M. A., Speranza, L., Fedi, M., Garcea, B. & Bianco, L. Magnetic data modelling of salt domes in Eastern mediterranean, offshore Egypt. Acta Geophys. 72, 1293–1303. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-024-01284-9 (2024).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Ai, H. et al. Advancing potential field data analysis: the modified horizontal gradient amplitude method (MHGA). Contrib. Geophys. Geodesy. 54, 119–143. https://doi.org/10.31577/congeo.2024.54.2.1 (2024).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Xiong, S. Q., Tong, J., Ding, Y. Y. & Li, Z. K. Aeromagnetic data and geological structure of continental china: A review. Appl. Geophys. 13, 227–237. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11770-016-0552-2 (2016).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Liguo, J., Yu, L., Jiyao, T. & Junhao, Z. A review on the analysis of aeromagnetic anomaly and its geological and tectonic applications. Reviews Geophys. Planet. Phys. 53, 331–358. https://doi.org/10.19975/j.dqyxx.2021-069 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Hamimi, Z., Eldosouky, A. M., Hagag, W. & Kamh, S. Z. Large-scale geological structures of the Egyptian Nubian Shield. Sci Rep 13, 1923. (2023) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-29008-x

  • Saada, S. A., Eleraki, M., Mansour, A. & Eldosouky, A. M. Insights on the structural framework of the Egyptian Eastern desert derived from edge detectors of gravity data. Interpretation 13, T71–T85. https://doi.org/10.1190/INT-2024-0023.1 (2025).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, J. et al. Deep mineral exploration of the Jinchuan Cu-Ni sulfide deposit based on aeromagnetic, gravity, and CSAMT methods. Minerals 10, 168. https://doi.org/10.3390/min10020168 (2020).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Eldosouky, A. M., El-Qassas, R. A., ~Y., Pour, A. B., Mohamed, H. & Sekandari, M. Integration of ASTER satellite imagery and 3D inversion of aeromagnetic data for deep mineral exploration. Adv. Space Res. 68, 3641–3662. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asr.2021.07.016 (2021).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Elkhateeb, S. O., Eldosouky, A. M., Khalifa, M. O. & Aboalhassan, M. Probability of mineral occurrence in the Southeast of Aswan area, egypt, from the analysis of aeromagnetic data. Arab. J. Geosci. 14, 1514. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07997-1 (2021).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Gobashy, M. M., Eldougdoug, A., Abdelazeem, M. & Abdelhalim, A. Future development of gold mineralization utilizing integrated geology and aeromagnetic techniques: A case study in the Barramiya mining district, central Eastern desert of Egypt. Nat. Resour. Res. 30, 2007–2028. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-021-09824-6 (2021).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Gobashy, M. M., Abbas, E. A. S., Soliman, K. S. & Abdelhalim, A. Mapping of gold mineralization using an integrated interpretation of geological and geophysical data—a case study from West baranes, South Eastern desert, Egypt. Arab. J. Geosci. 15, 1692. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-10955-0 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Gobashy, M. M. et al. Role of integrated magnetics and geology in tracking and exploring complex structures controlling gold mineralization. Example from the Fawakheir-Atalla gold prospects, Eastern desert, Egypt. Pure Appl. Geophys. 180, 2775–2805. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-023-03284-0 (2023).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Gobashy, M. M., Mekkawi, M. M., Araffa, S. A. S., Eldin, E., Khalil, M. H. & M. M. & Magnetic signature of gold deposits: example from Um Garayat region, South Eastern desert, Egypt. Pure Appl. Geophys. 180, 1053–1080. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-023-03228-8 (2023).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Eldougdoug, A. et al. Exploring gold mineralization in altered ultramafic rocks in South Abu marawat, Eastern desert, Egypt. Sci. Rep. 13, 7293. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33947-w (2023).

    Article 
    ADS 
    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdelwahed, M. et al. Remote sensing and magnetic characterization of the Au mineralization and its structural implications: meatiq dome, Eastern desert, Egypt. J. Afr. Earth Sc. 220, 105442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2024.105442 (2024).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekwok, S. E. et al. Unveiling the mineral resources and structural patterns in the middle Benue trough: a comprehensive exploration using airborne magnetic and radiometric data. Geocarto Int. 39, 2339290. https://doi.org/10.1080/10106049.2024.2339290 (2024).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Hegab, M. A. Remote sensing and Gamma-Ray spectrometry based gold related alteration zones detection: case study (Um Balad area), North Eastern desert, Egypt. Pure Appl. Geophys. 178, 3909–3931. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-021-02865-1 (2021).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Hegab, M. A. & E.-R. A multi-disciplinary approach for uranium exploration using remote sensing and airborne gamma-ray spectrometry data in the Gebel Duwi area, central Eastern desert, Egypt. Sci. Rep. 14, 19739. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69147-3 (2024).

    Article 
    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar 

  • Hegab, M. A. E. R., Mousa, S. E., Salem, S. M., Farag, K. & GabAllah, H. Gold-related alteration zones detection at the Um Balad area, Egyptian Eastern desert, using remote sensing, geophysical, and GIS data analysis. J. Afr. Earth Sc. 196, 104715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2022.104715 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Hegab, M. A. E. R., Magd, A. E. & Wahid, I. A. E. K.H. Revealing Potential Mineralization Zones Utilizing Landsat-9, ASTER and Airborne Radiometric Data at Elkharaza-Dara Area, North Eastern Desert, Egypt, The Egyptian Journal of Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, Volume 27, Issue 4, Pages 716–733, ISSN 1110–9823, (2024). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrs.2024.10.005

  • Abdelhalim, A., Abuelella, I., Sakran, S. M. & Said, S. M. Implementation of space-borne optical data and field investigation for geo-structural mapping of an interior rift basin: A case study from Kharit area, southeastern desert, Egypt1037. J. Min. Environ. 14, 1037–1059. https://doi.org/10.22044/jme.2023.12739.2327 (2023).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Mostafa, A., El-Barkooky, A. & Hammed, M. Structural geometry and tectonic evolution of an early cretaceous rift crossing the nile Valley in upper Egypt. Mar. Pet. Geol. 153, 106289. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2023.106289 (2023).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Geophysics, L. T. D. Assessment of the Minerals Potential of Aswan Region. UAR Unpublished Report. Hunting Geology and Geophysics LTD., England, UNDP and UAR Regional Planning of Aswan 138 p. (1967).

  • Ashmawy, M. H. The Ophiolitic Mélange of the South Eastern Desert of Egypt (Verlag von Dietrich Reimer in Berlin, 1987). https://doi.org/10.23689/fidgeo-6231

  • Abdel-Khalek, M. L., Takla, M. A., Sehim, A., Hamimi, Z. & El Manawi, A. W. Geology and tectonic evolution of Wadi Beitan area, southeastern Desert, Egypt. in International conference on geology of the Arab World 369–394 (1992).

  • El-Baraga, M. H. Geological and mineralogical and geochemical studies on the precambrian rocks around Wadi rahaba, South Eastern desert, Egypt. PhD Geol. Fac. Sci. Tanta Univ. Egypt. 278pp, 19992 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghoneim, M. F., Aly, S. M. & El-Baraga, M. H. Age of Beitan gneiss: implication for late precambrian crustal evolution in South E. D, Egypt. Acta Min. Petrog. 34, 41 (1993). http://acta.bibl.u-szeged.hu/id/eprint/24808

    Google Scholar 

  • Khudeir, A. A., Bishara, W. W., Tahlawi, E., El-Rus, M. R. A. & Boghdady, G. Y. M. A. Wadi Beitan window in the south Eastern Desert of Egypt: Petrography, mineral chemistry and intensive properties of the Beitan gneisses. in Proc. 7th Int. Conf. Geochem 1, 17–37 (2006).

  • Abd El-Wahed, M. & Attia, M. Genesis of the gneissic core complexes in the Arabian-Nubian shield and its tectonic implications: A regional overview. J. Asian Earth Sci. 236, 105337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jseaes.2022.105337 (2022).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Kröner, A., Todt, W., Hussein, I. M., Mansour, M. & Rashwan, A. A. Dating of late proterozoic ophiolites in Egypt and the Sudan using the single grain Zircon evaporation technique. Precambrian Res. 59, 15–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-9268(92)90049-T (1992).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Ali, K. A. et al. Age constraints on the formation and emplacement of neoproterozoic ophiolites along the Allaqi–Heiani suture, South Eastern desert of Egypt. Gondwana Res. 18, 583–595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2010.03.002 (2010).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, P. R. et al. Late Cryogenian–Ediacaran history of the Arabian–Nubian shield: A review of depositional, plutonic, structural, and tectonic events in the closing stages of the Northern East African orogen. J. Afr. Earth Sc. 61, 167–232. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2011.07.003 (2011).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Conoco, C. Geological map of Egypt, scale 1: 500,000-nf 36 ne-bernice, Egypt. The Egypt. Gen. Petroleum Corporation Cairo (1987).

  • Salem, S. M. & El Gammal, E. A. Iron ore prospection East aswan, egypt, using remote sensing techniques. Egypt. J. Remote Sens. Space Sci. 18, 195–206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrs.2015.04.003 (2015).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Abd El-Wahed, M. A., Salem, I. A. & Attia, Younis, D. The fault systems that control the occurrences of iron ore deposits in Northeastern Aswan. Egypt. Sci. Rep. 15, 4531. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-88831-6 (2025).

    Article 
    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • El Sharkawi, M. A., Aref, E. & Mesaed, A. A. M. M. Stratigraphic setting and paleoenvironment of the Coniacian-Santonian ironstones of aswan, South Egypt. Geological Soc. Egypt 243–278 (1996).

  • Salama, W. Paleoenvironmental significance of aluminum phosphate-sulfate minerals in the upper cretaceous ooidal ironstones, E-NE Aswan area, Southern Egypt. Int. J. Earth Sci. 103, 1621–1639. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00531-014-1027-4 (2014).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Fedi, M. Multiscale derivative analysis: A new tool to enhance detection of gravity source boundaries at various scales. 29 1029 https://doi.org/10.1029/2001GL013866 (2002).

  • Fedi, M. & Florio, G. Detection of potential fields source boundaries by enhanced horizontal derivative method. Geophys. Prospect. 49, 40–58. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2478.2001.00235.x (2001).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Luiso, P. et al. A multidisciplinary approach to characterize the geometry of active faults: the example of mt. Massico, Southern Italy. Geophys. J. Int. 213, 1673–1681. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggy080 (2018).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Cella, F. & Fedi, M. High-resolution geophysical 3D imaging for archaeology by magnetic and EM data: the case of the iron age settlement of Torre galli, Southern Italy. Surv. Geophys. 36, 831–850. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10712-015-9341-3 (2015).

    Article 
    ADS 

    Google Scholar 

  • Shebl, A. et al. Novel comprehensions of lithological and structural features gleaned via Sentinel 2 texture analysis. Ore Geol. Rev. 168, 106068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oregeorev.2024.106068 (2024).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, J. B. & Wynne, R. H. Introduction To Remote Sensing (Guilford Press, 2011).

  • Aero-Service. Final operational report of airborne magnetic/radiation survey in the Eastern Desert, Egypt. For the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and the Egyptian Geological Survey and Mining Authority (EGSMA). Preprint at https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1441278 (1984).

  • Baranov, V. A new method for interpretation of aeromagnetic maps: pseudo-gravimetric anomalies. Geophysics 22, 359–382. https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1438369 (1957).

    Article 
    ADS 
    MathSciNet 

    Google Scholar 

  • ABD EL-WAHED, M. & Hamimi, Z. Neoproterozoic tectonic events of Egypt. Acta Geologica Sinica-English Ed. 95, 1366–1405. https://doi.org/10.1111/1755-6724.14410 (2021).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Wycisk, P. Contributions to the subsurface geology of the Misaha Trough and the southern Dakhla Basin (S-Egypt/N-Sudan). (1987).

  • Madani, A. A., Said, S. M. & and Satellite land surface temperature for mapping the structurally controlled geothermal anomalies in the cretaceous rift, South Egypt. NRIAG J. Astron. Geophys. 13, 141–152. https://doi.org/10.1080/20909977.2024.2381383 (2024).

    Article 

    Google Scholar 

  • Fedi, M., Cella, F., Florio, G. & Rapolla, A. Multiscale derivative analysis of the gravity and magnetic fields of Southern apennines (Italy). in Atlases in geoscience, 1. crop deep seismic exploration of the mediterranean region. 1 281–318 (Elsevier Science BV, (2005).

  • Harsanyi, J. C., Farrand, W. & Chang, C. I. Detection of subpixel spectral signatures in hyperspectral image sequences. In annual meeting. Proc Amer Soci Photo Rem Sens. 65, 236–47 (1994).

Continue Reading

  • Zoonotic microorganisms in native and exotic invasive urban small mammals of bamako, Mali

    Zoonotic microorganisms in native and exotic invasive urban small mammals of bamako, Mali

  • Morand, S. Emergence of infectious diseases. Risks and issues for societies. Editors: Serge Morand and Muriel Figuié. Versailles (FR): Éditions Quae 2018.

  • ONUSIDA. Fiche d’information 2023; Statistiques mondiales sur le VIH; Personnes vivant avec le VIH; Personnes vivant avec le VIH ayant accès à un traitement anti rétroviral; Nouvelles infections au VIH; Décès liés au sida; Populations clés Femmes et filles. 6, 1–3 (2023).

  • Bangoura, S. T. et al. Arbovirus epidemics as global health imperative, Africa, 2023. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 31 (2), 1–8 (2025).

  • Keita, M. B., Hamad, I. & Bittar, F. Looking in apes as a source of human pathogens. Microb. Pathog. 77, 149–154 (2014).

  • Jones, K. E. et al. Global trends in emerging infectectious diseases. Nature. 451 (7181), 990–994 (2008).

    Google Scholar 

  • Albery, G. F. & Becker, D. J. Fast-lived hosts and zoonotic risk. Trends Parasitol. 37 (2), 117–129 (2021).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Burgin, C. J., Colella, J. P., Kahn, P. L. & Upham, N. S. How many species of mammals are there? J. Mammal. 99 (1), 1–14 (2018).

    Google Scholar 

  • Issae, A., Chengula, A., Kicheleri, R., Kasanga, C. & Katakweba, A. Knowledge, attitude, and preventive practices toward rodent-borne diseases in Ngorongoro district, Tanzania. J. Public. Health Afr. 14 (6), 2385 (2023).

  • Meerburg, B. G., Singleton, G. R. & Kijlstra, A. Rodent-borne diseases and their risks for public health. Crit. Rev. Microbiol. 35, 221–270 (2009).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Safronetz, D. et al. Geographic distribution and genetic characterization of Lassa virus in Sub-Saharan Mali. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis. 7 (12), 4–12 (2013).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kenmoe, S. et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiology of Lassa virus in humans, rodents and other mammals in Sub-Saharan Africa. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis. 14 (8), 1–29 (2020).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mangombi, J. B. et al. First investigation of pathogenic bacteria, protozoa and viruses in rodents and shrews in context of forest-savannah-urban areas interface in the City of Franceville (Gabon). PLoS One. 16 (3), 1–28 (2021).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mangombi-Pambou, J. B. et al. Molecular survey of Rodent-Borne infectious agents in the Ferlo region, Senegal. Genes (Basel). 14 (5), 1107 (2023).

  • Dahmana, H. et al. Rodents as hosts of pathogens and related zoonotic disease risk. Pathogens. 9 (3), 202 (2020).

  • Diagne, C. et al. Ecological and sanitary impacts of bacterial communities associated to biological invasions in African commensal rodent communities. Sci. Rep. 7 (1), 1–11 (2017).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ouarti, B. et al. Pathogen detection in Ornithodoros sonrai ticks and invasive house mice Mus musculus domesticus in Senegal. Microorganisms. 10 (12), 2367 (2022).

  • Diatta, G. et al. Borrelia infection in small mammals in West Africa and its relationship with tick occurrence inside burrows. Acta Trop. 152, 131–140 (2015).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Diarra, A. Z. et al. Molecular detection of microorganisms associated with small mammals and their ectoparasites in Mali. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 103 (6), 2542–2551 (2020).

    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwan, T. G. et al. Endemic foci of the Tick-Borne relapsing fever spirochete Borrelia crocidurae in mali, West africa, and the potential for human infection. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis. 6 (11), 1924 (2012).

  • Mangombi-Pambou, J. B. et al. New genotype of Coxiella burnetii causing epizootic Q Fever outbreak in rodents, Northern Senegal. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 29 (5), 1078-1081 (2023).

  • La Scola, B., Zeaiter, Z., Khamis, A. & Raoult, D. Gene-sequence-based criteria for species definition in bacteriology: the Bartonella paradigm. Trends Microbiol. 11 (7), 318–321 (2003).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Glazunova, O. et al. Coxiella burnetii genotyping. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 11 (8), 1211–1217 (2005).

    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar 

  • Selmi, R. et al. Zoonotic vector-borne bacteria in wild rodents and associated ectoparasites from Tunisia. Infect. Genet. Evol. 95:105039 (2021).

  • Galfsky, D., Król, N., Pfeffer, M. & Obiegala, A. Long-term trends of tick-borne pathogens in regard to small mammal and tick populations from Saxony, Germany. Parasit. Vectors. 12 (1), 1–14 (2019).

    Google Scholar 

  • Torchin, M. E., Lafferty, K. D., Dobson, A. P., McKenzie, V. J. & Kuris, A. M. Introduced species and their missing parasites. Nature. 421 (6923), 628–630 (2003).

    ADS 
    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Obiegala, A. et al. Highly prevalent bartonellae and other vector-borne pathogens in small mammal species from the Czech Republic and Germany. Parasit. Vectors. 12 (1), 1–8 (2019).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tay, S. T., Mokhtar, A. S., Zain, S. N. M. & Low, K. C. Isolation and molecular identification of bartonellae from wild rats (Rattus species) in Malaysia. Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. 90 (6), 1039–1042 (2014).

    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar 

  • Buffet, J. P., Kosoy, M. & Vayssier-Taussat, M. Natural history of Bartonella-infecting rodents in light of new knowledge on genomics, diversity and evolution. Future Microbiol. 8 (9), 1117–1128 (2013).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Daly, J. S. et al. Rochalimaea elizabethae sp. nov. isolated from a patient with endocarditis. J. Clin. Microbiol. 31 (4), 872-881 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

  • Demoncheaux, J. P. et al. Detection of potential zoonotic Bartonella species in African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus) and fleas from an urban area in Senegal. Microorganisms. 10 (3), 489 (2022).

  • Dahmani, M. et al. Noncontiguous finished genome sequence and description of Bartonella mastomydis sp. nov. New Microbes New Infect. 25, 60–70 (2018).

  • Kraljik, J. et al. Genetic diversity of Bartonella genotypes found in the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) in central Europe. Parasitology. 143 (11), 1437–1442 (2016).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Gong, X. Q. et al. Occurrence and genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in hedgehogs in China. Vector-Borne Zoonotic Dis. 20 (8), 580–585 (2020).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Menadi, S. E. et al. Serological, molecular prevalence and genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in dairy cattle herds in Northeastern Algeria. Vet. Sci. 9 (2), 40 (2022).

  • Mohabati Mobarez, A. et al. Genetic diversity of Coxiella burnetii in Iran by Multi-Spacer sequence typing. Pathogens. 11 (10), 1–12 (2022).

    Google Scholar 

  • Galiero, A. et al. Occurrence of Coxiella burnetii in goat and Ewe unpasteurized cheeses: screening and genotyping. Int. J. Food Microbiol. 237, 47–54 (2016).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Di Domenico, M. et al. Genetic diversity of Coxiella burnetii in domestic ruminants in central Italy. BMC Vet. Res. 14 (1), 8–14 (2018).

    Google Scholar 

  • Chochlakis, D. et al. Genotyping of Coxiella burnetii in sheep and goat abortion samples. BMC Microbiol. 18 (1), 1–9 (2018).

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, G. E. & Cox H. R. A filter-passing infectious agent isolated from ticks. Public Health Report. 53 (52), 2259-2282 (1938).

    Google Scholar 

  • Christen, J. R. et al. Capybara and brush cutter involvement in Q fever outbreak in remote area of Amazon rain forest, French guiana, 2014. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 26 (5), 993–997 (2020).

    PubMed 
    PubMed Central 

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdel-Moein, K. A. & Hamza, D. A. Rat as an overlooked reservoir for Coxiella burnetii: A public health implication. Comp. Immunol. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 61, 30–33. (2018).

  • Hilton, D. F. J. & Mahrt, J. L. Taxonomy of trypanosomes (Protozoa: Trypanosomatidae) of Spermophilus spp. (Rodentia: Sciuridae). Parasitology. 65 (3), 403–425 (1972).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwan, T. G. et al. Fleas and trypanosomes of peridomestic small mammals in sub-Saharan Mali. Parasit. Vectors. 9 (1), 1–7 (2016).

  • Hilton, D. F. J. Prevalence of Trypanosoma otospermophili (protozoa: Trypanosomatidae) in five species of Spermophilus (Rodentia: Sciuridae). Parasitology. 65 (3), 427–432 (1972).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Mogollon-Pasapera, E., Otvos, L., Giordano, A. & Cassone, M. Bartonella: emerging pathogen or emerging awareness? Int. J. Infect. Dis. 13 (1), 3–8 (2009).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

  • Granjon, L. et al. Commensal small mammal trapping data in Southern senegal, 2012–2015: where invasive species Meet native ones. Ecology. 102 (10), 23708 (2021).

    Google Scholar 

  • Margareth, H. No Title طرق تدريس اللغة العربية. Экономика Региона. 32 p. (2017).

  • Sikes, R. S. & Gannon, W. L. Guidelines of the American society of mammalogists for the use of wild mammals in research. J. Mammal. 92 (1), 235–253 (2011).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mediannikov, O., Fenollar, F. Looking in ticks for human bacterial pathogens. Microb Pathog. 77, 142–148       (2014).

  • Jensen, W.A., Fall, M.Z., Rooney, J., Kordick, D.L., Breitschwerdt, E.B. Rapid identification and differentiation of Bartonella species using a single-step PCR assay. J Clin Microbiol. 38(5), 1717–1722 (2000).

  • Renesto, P., Gouvernet, J., Drancourt, M., Roux, V., Raoult, D. Use of rpoB gene analysis for detection and identification of Bartonella species. J Clin Microbiol. 39(2), 430–437 (2001).

  • Birtles, R.J., Raoult, D. Comparison of partial citrate synthase gene (gltA) sequences for phylogenetic analysis of Bartonella species. Int J Syst Bacteriol. 46(4), 891–897 (1996).

  • Mediannikov, O., Fenollar, F., Socolovschi, C., Diatta, G., Bassene, H., Molez, J.F, et al. Coxiella burnetii in humans and ticks in rural Senegal. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 4(4), 1–8 (2010).

  • Glazunova, O., Roux, V., Freylikman, O., Sekeyova, Z., Fournous, G., Tyczka, J., et al. 2005 Glazunova Coxiella burnetii Genotyping. Emerg Infect Dis. 11(8), 1211–1217 (2005).

  • Mediannikov, O., Abdissa, A., Socolovschi, C., Diatta, G., Trape, J.F., Raoult, D. Detection of a new Borrelia species in ticks taken from cattle in southwest Ethiopia. Vector-Borne Zoonotic Dis. 13(4), 266–269 (2013).

  • Mangombi-Pambou, J.B., Granjon, L., Flirden, F., Kane, M., Niang, Y., Davoust, B., et al. Molecular Survey of Rodent-Borne Infectious Agents in the Ferlo Region, Senegal. Genes. 14(5), (2023).

  • Dahmana, H., Amanzougaghene, N., Davoust, B., Normand, T., Carette, O., Demoncheaux, J.P, et al. Great diversity of Piroplasmida in Equidae in Africa and Europe, including potential new species. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100332 (2019).

  • Medkour, H., Varloud, M., Davoust, B., Mediannikov, O. New molecular approach for the detection of kinetoplastida parasites of medical and veterinary interest. Microorganisms. 8(3), 1–17 (2020).

  • Hodžić, A., Alić, A., Prašović, S., Otranto, D., Baneth, G., Duscher, G.G. Hepatozoon silvestris sp. Nov.: Morphological and molecular characterization of a new species of Hepatozoon (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) from the European wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris). Parasitology. 144(5), 650–661 (2017).

  • Rolain, J., Franc, M., Davoust, B. & Raoult, D. Molecular detection of Bartonella cat fleas, France. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 9 (3), 338–342 (2003).

    PubMed 

    Google Scholar 

    • Continue Reading

  • Menorrhagia to Twins: A Rare Thrombasthenia Case

    Menorrhagia to Twins: A Rare Thrombasthenia Case

    Key Takeaways

    A 35-year-old primigravid woman had a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy with Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT). She underwent elective caesarean section (CS) under general anaesthesia at 36 + 5 weeks of gestation.

    Recombinant factor VIIa and tranexamic acid were administered preoperatively. Pre-emptive uterotonic agents were administered intraoperatively to minimise haemorrhage. Postpartum management included a 7-week course of tranexamic acid.

    The case report by Vicky X. Xu, a clinical research fellow at the Pregnancy Research Centre, Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care planned to optimise pregnancy outcomes in women with GT, with a focus on minimising the risk for severe haemorrhage.

    The Patient and His History

    The patient had GT in a dichorionic, diamniotic twin pregnancy. She was referred to a tertiary-level maternity service for pregnancy management.

    She had been diagnosed with GT prior to pregnancy, had a history of menorrhagia, and was managed with iron infusions, high-dose progestogens, and continuous use of the combined oral contraceptive pill.

    Previously, the patient had received platelet transfusions before minor surgical procedures and tranexamic acid postoperatively. Her only reported relevant family history was that her father bruised easily.

    During pregnancy, the patient experienced epistaxis requiring minimal management; otherwise, she experienced no bleeding episodes.

    She was Rhesus positive, her routine antenatal test results were unremarkable, and her mid-trimester ultrasound scan revealed normal morphology in both twins.

    Serial ultrasound scans at 25, 30, and 35 weeks of gestation demonstrated well-grown and biophysically healthy babies with normal interval growth.

    At 35 weeks, twin A had an estimated foetal weight (EFW) of 2382 g (60th percentile), and twin B had an EFW of 2431 g (65th percentile). Both were cephalic, with normal amniotic fluid volumes and umbilical cord Doppler blood flow readings.

    Findings and Diagnosis

    The patient received multidisciplinary antenatal care involving maternal-foetal medicine, haematology, and anaesthetic services. A mutually agreed delivery plan was developed in consultation with the patient and her care team. An anaesthetic review determined that spinal neuraxial analgesia was not appropriate because of her bleeding risk, so CS under general anaesthesia was planned.

    Her CS was scheduled at 36 + 5 weeks to reduce the risk for spontaneous labour and the need for an emergency CS. She was placed first on the operating list with senior clinicians who were rostered to perform and attend her surgery.

    Postoperatively, she was admitted to the complex care unit (CCU) for increased monitoring during the first 3 postpartum days.

    Perioperative management for her GT included recombinant factor VIIa before and after surgery: 7 g intravenously every 4 hours for 48 hours post-CS, followed by 7 mg intravenously every 6 hours for 24 hours, after which it was stopped.

    Tranexamic acid was administered preoperatively and continued at 1 g three times a day for 7 weeks postoperatively. Pneumatic compression stockings were used both intraoperatively and postoperatively.

    Enoxaparin, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were contraindicated and not prescribed.

    Her CS was uncomplicated, with an estimated blood loss of 400 mL.

    Twin A had Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) scores of 6 and 6 and weighed 2.9 kg. Twin B had APGAR scores of 1 and 4 and weighed 2.7 kg.

    Both twins required brief intermittent positive pressure ventilation followed by continuous positive airway pressure. They were admitted to the special care nursery for prematurity and hypoglycaemia, with twin B having additional concerns of hypothermia and risk for sepsis.

    Twin B had a platelet count of 99 (with platelet clumps) on day 2 of life, which improved to 196 on day 5. Twin A did not require a complete blood cell count. Postpartum, the patient had mild epistaxis, petechiae, and bruising at her wound site, all of which resolved spontaneously.

    She was followed up in the outpatient haematology clinic 4 weeks postpartum and recovered without complications.

    Discussion

    “This case report describes a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to mitigate risks of peripartum haemorrhage in particular in a woman with GT (a bleeding disorder) and a twin pregnancy (risk for uterine atony). A CS under general anaesthesia with a senior and experienced surgical team, predelivery haemorrhage prophylaxis, uterotonics intraoperatively, as well as postoperative recombinant factor VIIa and tranexamic treatment in association with CCU monitoring, optimised conditions for the patient to minimise her risk of severe haemorrhage,” the authors concluded.

    This article was translated from Univadis Germany.

    Continue Reading

  • May 9 riots: Faisalabad ATC sentences key PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, 57 others to 10 years in jail – Pakistan

    May 9 riots: Faisalabad ATC sentences key PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, 57 others to 10 years in jail – Pakistan

    A Faisalabad anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Monday sentenced key PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz and Zartaj Gul, along with 56 others, to 10 years in jail and acquitted 34 in the case of an attack on former interior minister Rana Sanaullah’s house during the May 9, 2023 riots.

    On May 9, 2023, military installations and state-owned buildings were vandalised as PTI supporters protested the arrest of ex-premier Imran Khan, who was released later but has been imprisoned in various cases since August 2023. Following the riots, thousands of protesters, including the party’s top leadership, were arrested.

    Judge Javed Iqbal Sheikh presided over today’s hearing of the case registered at the Samanabad police on May 9, 2023.

    PTI legal team head Malik Khalid Shafiq confirmed the convictions to Dawn.com. He said that out of the total 109 accused, 59 were handed 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment and 16 were given three years’ jail time.

    Ayub, Faraz and Gul, as well as Muhammad Ahmad Chattha, were recently disqualified from their parliamentary seats following their convictions in other May 9 cases.

    Other PTI leaders included Sheikh Rashid Shafique (nephew of former interior minister Sheikh Rasheed), Ashraf Khan Sohna, Rai Hassan Nawaz, Rai Murtaza Iqbal, former MNA Kanwal Shauzab and former Punjab MPA Farah Agha. They were also convicted in other May 9 cases on July 31.

    Former information minister Fawad Chaudhry, who quit PTI in the wake of the May 9 incidents, and MNA Zain Qureshi (son of PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi) were among those freed of the charges today.

    Fawad and Zain had also been acquitted in three other Faisalabad cases pertaining to the May 9 riots.

    PTI parliamentarians convicted would face automatic disqualification under Article 63(1)(g) of the Constitution, which bars members convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude or corrupt practices.

    Reacting to the court verdict, Gul said on X that she was innocent.

    She contended that the verdict was based on the argument that she was present in a meeting held at Imran’s Zaman Park residence in Lahore on May 7, 2023, where plans for the protest were reportedly made.

    However, according to Gul, she was present in her Dera Ghazi Khan constituency on that day, attending a “fateha, inauguration, wedding and other events”. She also shared screengrabs of social media posts that showed her activities that day, adding that she had presented this evidence in court.

    The deadline given to ATCs to decide various May 9 cases had already passed earlier this month. Therefore, day-to-day hearings were being held in the case, according to PTI lawyer Shafiq.

    Last week, the Kasur Crime Control Department (CCD) presented former Faisalabad Civil Lines station house officer Zeeshan Khalid Randhawa as a witness during the trial. The former SHO was already under arrest in a separate kidnap and murder case of a Kasur resident.

    A joint investigation team probing the case had been summoned by an ATC in July 2024 to submit the charge sheet.

    Sentences against opposition pile up

    Today’s convictions are the latest in a slew of ATC sentences, wherein over 100 PTI leaders and workers have been handed lengthy jail terms.

    On July 22, a Lahore ATC had handed Yasmin Rashid, Omar Sarfraz Cheema, Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed and other PTI leaders 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a case related to vandalism at Sherpao Bridge. However, incarcerated Shah Mahmood Qureshi and five others were acquitted.

    The same day, a Sargodha ATC had sentenced as many as 32 accused, including then-Punjab Assembly opposition leader Malik Ahmed Khan Bhachar, in a case registered at the Musakhel police station.

    On July 31, a Faisalabad ATC had senten­ced over 100 PTI leaders and workers to up to 10 years’ imprisonment in three cases. Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, Zartaj Gul and Sunni Ittehad Council chief Hamid Raza were among key opposition leaders handed 10 years’ jail time.

    In one case, 60 out of 67 accused were convicted, while seven were acquitted. In another case, 107 out of 108 accused were sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, while one person received a three-year sentence and 77 were acquitted.

    On August 1, a Sargodha ATC sentenced PTI worker Muham­mad Ismail to rigorous life imprisonment in May 9 cases related to an attack on the judicial complex in Mianwali and declared 50 others as proclaimed offenders.

    Continue Reading

  • A hidden sugar source in ketchup, salad dressing, and toothpaste

    A hidden sugar source in ketchup, salad dressing, and toothpaste

    It turns out those cellulose-based thickening agents found in common foods can be digested.

    Researchers at the University of British Columbia have shown that our gut bacteria can feed on these large molecules — something thought to not be possible — thanks to enzymes that normally help us break down dietary fiber.

    “Researchers assumed that these thickening agents, which are artificial derivatives of natural cellulose, just pass right through the digestive system unaltered,” says Dr. Deepesh Panwar, a postdoctoral fellow at the Michael Smith Laboratories and lead author of the study published in the Journal of Bacteriology. “But our study provides a first glimpse at how these food additives are actually digested by our gut bacteria thanks to natural polysaccharides in our diets.”

    The complex structure of these cellulose derivatives is what makes them valuable as thickening agents in popular products like ketchup, salad dressing and even toothpaste. This structure is also why gut bacteria have a harder time breaking them down — and why in higher concentrations, they’re even used as laxatives.

    This new in vitro study, however, shows that if our gut bacteria are ‘primed’ with natural polysaccharides — long chains of sugars found in fruits, vegetables and cereals — the cellulose derivatives can be digested. This is because the natural polysaccharides activate enzymes that are produced on bacteria cell surfaces that can also break down artificial cellulose molecules.

    The findings don’t challenge the fact that these compounds are safe to consume, proven by years of testing and history of use. However, the new research suggests that more work should be done to explore the physical, chemical and biological effects of the digestion of cellulose derivatives by gut bacteria.

    One reason researchers may not have seen this before is because bacteria in the lab are often exposed to polysaccharides, including cellulose derivatives, in isolation, instead of in combinations that mimic our diet. On their own, these cellulose derivatives can’t activate the same enzymes, preventing their digestion.

    “It was really unexpected for us to see that these cellulose derivatives are in fact used as a source of sugar for bacterial growth,” says Dr. Harry Brumer, a professor in the Michael Smith Laboratories and Department of Chemistry. “It is always a surprise when a new finding goes against the conventional wisdom, in this case showing that these common additives are not just inactive thickeners.”

    Dr. Brumer also notes that the next steps in this research will be to look for this ability in a wider range of human gut bacteria, and eventually explore potential effects on nutrition in people.

    So, next time you pair a green salad with a sweet dressing, know that your gut bacteria are hard at work helping to break down all parts of your meal.

    Continue Reading

  • Format, fixtures, schedule, how to watch live – key things to know ahead of the 2025/26 campaign

    Format, fixtures, schedule, how to watch live – key things to know ahead of the 2025/26 campaign

    What is the format for the 2025/26 UEFA Women’s Champions League?

    The new format for the upcoming campaign will see clubs participate in a 18-team league phase containing all qualified sides, as opposed to split into groups.

    Under the new format, teams will now play six different teams, with half at home and half away.

    The sides who finish in the top four will automatically qualify for the knockout rounds, which begins with the quarter-finals, while the following eight teams will compete in a two-legged play-off to progress to the next stage.

    Places 13 to 18 will be eliminated.

    From the last eight onwards, it will continue in its existing format of two-legged ties up until the final.

    Nine teams have already been confirmed for the league phase, which are:

    • Arsenal
    • Lyon
    • Paris Saint-Germain
    • Bayern Munich
    • Wolfsburg
    • Barcelona
    • Chelsea
    • Benfica
    • Juventus

    The nine other spots will be taken up by those who are successful in the third qualifying rounds. Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris FC, Eintracht Frankfurt are all in the mix to book their spot in the league.

    Continue Reading

  • The Smiths’ drummer Mike Joyce announces memoir The Drums | The Smiths

    The Smiths’ drummer Mike Joyce announces memoir The Drums | The Smiths

    Mike Joyce, drummer for the Smiths, has announced the publication of his “no-holds-barred” autobiography, The Drums.

    A description by the publisher said: “The written history of the Smiths is not missing an encyclopaedic account of everything that happened over the years; but Mike’s honest, entertaining and deeply human memoir is what Smiths fans have been waiting for. This book truly conveys what it felt like to be a member of the Smiths.”

    ‘What it felt like to be a member of the Smiths’ … Mike Joyce in 2018. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

    The Drums follows Morrissey’s memoir, Autobiography, released in 2013, and guitarist Johnny Marr’s Set the Boy Free in 2016. Bassist Andy Rourke died of pancreatic cancer in 2023 without writing a memoir.

    Fans of the band will be hoping for insight into the 1996 high court case in which Joyce and Rourke sued Morrissey and Marr over earnings: the frontman and guitarist took 40% of the royalties each, leaving 10% apiece for Joyce and Rourke.

    The rhythm section argued that they had been treated like session musicians despite being equal partners in the band. The court found in favour of Joyce, who received £1m in back royalties and a 25% share going forward, with the judge famously labelling Morrissey “truculent and unreliable”.

    There remains next to no chance of the Smiths re-forming. Marr has said he turned down an “eye-watering” fee to re-form: “It was a little bit about principles, but I’m not an idiot, I just think the vibe’s not right,” he said, a reference to the differences between him and Morrissey. Joyce has said that without Rourke, a reunion would be “impossible”.

    Joyce has recently been performing with Pete Doherty’s solo band. The Drums will be published on 6 November by New Modern, an imprint of HMV owner Doug Putman’s new Putman Publishing house.

    Continue Reading

  • Saeed Ghani's brother Farhan remanded in torture case till Aug 28 – samaa tv

    1. Saeed Ghani’s brother Farhan remanded in torture case till Aug 28  samaa tv
    2. Sindh minister Saeed Ghani’s brother, 4 others booked for allegedly assaulting ‘govt employee’ in Karachi  Dawn
    3. Court grants remand of Saeed Ghani’s brother in assault case  The Express Tribune
    4. ATC grants four-day remand of PPP leader Farhan Ghani in terrorism case  The Nation (Pakistan )
    5. Saeed Ghani’s brother arrested in assault case  Abb Takk News

    Continue Reading

  • Google Drive Integrates With Google Vids For Video Edits

    Google Drive Integrates With Google Vids For Video Edits

    Google Drive is enhancing its video capabilities through a new integration with Google Vids. This update introduces features such as automatic captioning, a redesigned interface, and seamless playback, alongside the new editing integration. The integration will be accessible to specific Workspace domains, enabling users to perform quick edits on their video content directly within Google Drive.

    Eligible Workspace users will observe a purple Google Vids icon appearing in the upper-right corner when a video is opened within Google Drive. Activating this icon will launch the video in Google Vids, providing access to tools for trimming, incorporating music, and adding text overlays. Google Vids operates entirely in the cloud, enabling editing from any location with internet access. Upon completion of edits, a new Vids file is generated, requiring users to save or export their work independently.

    Video: Google

    The integration is subject to certain constraints. It is compatible with MP4, QuickTime, OGG, and WebM video formats. File size is limited to a maximum of 4GB, and video length must not exceed 35 minutes. The feature is specifically designed for Google Workspace domains and is not available for free Google Drive accounts. Supported Workspace domains encompass Business Starter, Standard, and Plus; Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; Essentials; Enterprise Essentials and Enterprise Essentials Plus; Nonprofits; Gemini Education and Gemini Education Premium add-ons; and Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. Access will also be granted to customers who previously purchased Gemini Business or Gemini Enterprise add-ons.

    The rollout of this integration is expected to occur within the next 15 days for eligible users. While the feature is optimized for desktop use, it is anticipated to function on mobile browsers, though requiring careful navigation on smaller screens. This enhancement aims to streamline video editing workflows for Google Workspace users, providing a convenient and accessible solution for basic video modifications directly within Google Drive.

    Featured image credit

    Continue Reading