Posts in category: Uncategorized

Dementia is a group of brain diseases that share similar symptoms, such as memory, language, orientation, and behavioral issues. Vascular dementia generally develops in the elderly, affecting between 1% and 4% of people over the age of 65, according to Alzheimer’s Switzerland. It is caused by vascular lesions that disrupt the blood supply to the brain, leading to the death of neurons.

Kidney organoids provide a promising platform in vitro to model the mechanisms of kidney disease, however, they are limited by an existing lack of knowledge of their inherent functional protein expression. In a new report in Nature Communications, Martiz Lassé and a team of scientists in medicine and kidney health, in Denmark, Germany, and the U.S., defined the organoid proteome and their transcriptome trajectories during culture, and upon exposure to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα); a cytokine stressor.

Improvisatory clinical viola music calms agitated epilepsy patients—as seen in their brain waves—when they are hospitalized in the epilepsy-monitoring unit, reports a new Northwestern Medicine pilot study.

Artificial intelligence can help to identify risk factors for suicide and self-harm, according to new research from UNSW Sydney.

…Gilbert Phiri says he does not need to place charges on the former First Lady to have her properties forfeited

By GRACE CHAILE

THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Gilbert Phiri, has argued that according to the Non-Conviction Based (NCB) forfeiture application, he does not need to charge former First Lady, Esther Lungu, with an offence to establish her property is tainted.

The DPP contended that in the case of the People vs Austin Chisangu Liato (Appeal no. 281/2014/2015, ZMSC 26”, the Court said,” to secure a conviction under Section 72(1) of the forefeiture of proceeds of crime Act no predicate needs to be proved.”

He also cited section 31(4) of the Forefeiture of Proceeds of Crime Act which states, “The validity of the forefeiture order is not affected by the outcome of the criminal proceedings, or investigations with a view to institute such proceedings, in respect of an offence with which the property concerned is in some way associated.”

This is in response to the preliminary issues raised by Ms Lungu asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Court (EFCC) to refer to the Constitutional Court the matter in which the DPP is seeking an order to have her flats in State Lodge forefeited without any criminal proceedings to find her guilty. 

The former First Lady argued that the proceedings against her are unconstitutional and violates her right to self-incrimination.

She has also questioned the jurisdiction of the EFCC to hear the matter having been constituted by the Chief Justice.

In an affidavit in opposition to summons for an order for constitutional reference and an order to stay proceedings pending hearing and determination of constitutional reference by the Constitutional Court sworn by senior investigations officer, Emmanuel Khondowe, the State described Ms Lungu’s preliminary issues an abuse of court process.

“I contend that the issue of whether the CJ can constitute a special court by way of Statutory Instrument does not require reference for determination as it is envisaged in the constitution. I am informed by counsel that the issue of jurisdiction of the EFCC was recently litigated on and settled by this court in the case of the DPP and Re property $24,004,284.92 2023/HPEF/10,” he contended.

The State argued NCB proceedings do not require a criminal charge or conviction against the owner.

“From the foregoing,we submit that there is no need of prior proceedings to determine that the property is tainted and that the provision of the law which the properties have contravenes is not predicted on proof of the commission of a serious offence or foreign serious offence. The application before this court is not based on the fact that the property was used as an instrumentality hence the applicant does not need to show link between the offence and the property as an instrumentality or connection to the Commission of the offence,”DPP submitted.

The State submitted that Ms Lungu’s request to refer the matter to the Constitutional Court is an abuse of court process, forum shopping and meant to delay and frustrate the speedy disposal of the case as envisaged in these fast track courts .

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Walking is a complex mechanism involving both automatic processes and conscious control. Its dysfunction can have multiple, sometimes extremely subtle causes, within the motor cortex, brain stem, spinal cord, or muscles. At Paris Brain Institute, Martin Carbo-Tano, Mathilde Lapoix, and their colleagues in the “Spinal Sensory Signaling” team, led by Claire Wyart (Inserm), have focused on a specific component of locomotion: forward propulsion.

POLICE in Livingstone District have arrested two people and recovered three firearms which are suspected to have been used in a spate of Aggravated Robberies in Livingstone and Kazungula Districts. The two include a soldier in the Zambia Army identified as Morgan Sandu who is a Warrant Officer based in Livingstone District. Police deputy spokesperson […]

Scientists are on the hunt for a unique set of mutations, called “neoantigens,” that let the immune system distinguish tumor cells from normal cells. Their goal is to help the immune system react to neoantigens and target tumor cells for destruction.

Who fared worst when isolated during Melbourne’s hard and long COVID-19 lockdown? A University of Sydney-led research team has found that parents, in particular mothers of young, dependent children, were hit hardest.

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the UPND administration appreciates the role traditional leaders’ play as partners in developing the country.

President Hichilema said this in a speech read by Central Province Minister Cradle Nanjuwa during the 2023 Chibwela Mushi ceremony for the Lala and Swaka people of Central Province held at Chalata in Mkushi.

President Hichilema said the government values traditional leaders as partners in fostering development in all areas and aspects of human endeavours.

He said that cultural events such as traditional ceremonies are important platforms to provide the interaction as well as exchange of ideas and experiences that strengthen the rapport between the central government and traditional leaders.

He said the Government acknowledges the importance of preserving culture, adding that culture is the backbone of a nation and that traditional ceremonies have potential to add impetus to the tourism industry.

President Hichilema said he is gratified to learn that policies have had positive impact on residents in the chiefdoms, saying that 149 learners in Mkushi district recently benefitted from tertiary skills CDF (Constituency Development Fund) after K1.9 million was spent on bursaries   support. 

He said 249 learners gained sponsorship for secondary school sponsorship from CDF funding, adding that CDF grants and loans also benefitted several women and youth Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mkushi.

He urged Mkushi residents to continue maximising on the potentials presented by natural resources, saying that the district alone contributes 23 percent of maize grain in the country, as well as 60 percent of the wheat.

The President also assured that the government would continue subsidising the production costs for small-scale farmers by implementing policies such as the Farmer Input Support Programme.

He implored residents to grow lots of maize and sell to the Food Reserve Agency, saying Government is working closely with millers towards addressing the rise in mealie meal prices.

The 31st officially recorded Chibwela Mushi ceremony was also attended by chiefs from Mkushi, Luano, Serenje, Chitambo and Kapiri Mposhi. 

– ZANIS

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