In the end, whether the underdogs emerge victorious or Real Madrid prove too strong, one thing is certain – this match will be remembered for years to come as a symbol of the passion, drama, and excitement that football can bring to fans around the world. Let the countdown begin as we prepare to witness a spectacle that will capture the hearts and minds of football lovers everywhere.Manchester United, on the other hand, have shown glimpses of their potential and quality under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Maguire standing out as key players for the Red Devils. Despite inconsistency in their performances, Manchester United have the talent and resources to compete at the highest level and challenge for major trophies in the near future.
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In conclusion, the incident at the Zhengzhou bathhouse serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the importance of maintaining safe environments for the public. It is hoped that this incident will prompt authorities to enforce stricter regulations and conduct regular inspections to ensure the safety of all individuals who visit public establishments like bathhouses. Awareness, prevention, and prompt action are key to avoiding such tragic incidents in the future.
The prospect of watching a David vs Goliath battle unfold on a fan website has generated excitement among fans who are eager to witness the drama and passion that cup competitions often bring. The underdog team will have the backing of neutral fans everywhere, as they look to defy the odds and create a memorable moment in football history.(BPT) - This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting movement and posture that begins in early childhood development. It is the most common cause of motor disability in children, affecting about one in 345 children in the United States. 1-2 It may happen as a result of lack of oxygen during or around birth, stroke, infection, a problem with metabolism or other problems that cause injury or affect the development of parts of the brain involved in movement control in the first few years of life. 3 CP is a permanent condition, affecting a person for their entire life. People living with CP typically have motor problems, which may include spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness), dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements) or ataxia (poor muscle control), and many people have a mix of these motor disorders. 4 Dyskinesia due to CP (DCP) is one of the most disabling forms of CP and impacts approximately 10% to 20% of people living with CP. 5-6 According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), the combination of irregular and unpredictable movements (chorea) and twisting and repeating movements (dystonia) often disrupt activities and cause significant functional impairment, including the ability to maintain balance, walk or fine motor control. 7 Heather Riordan, M.D., Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist, Director of the Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, discusses the symptoms of chorea and impact on patients in a video shared on the CPF website here . About 30% of people with DCP are affected mostly by these involuntary and irregular movements (chorea), while dystonia is the predominant motor finding in the remaining 70%. 8 However, it is common for both chorea and dystonia movements to be present together. 6 For people living with DCP, these movements can occur in any region of the body, including the arms and legs, torso and face and may vary in severity. They are often triggered or made worse by stimulation or stress. Because dyskinesia can occur at rest and/or when actively using the body, the problems with movement are very burdensome in day-to-day living, with discomfort and pain affecting the quality of life for people and their caregivers. 9 Jen Lyman, mom to a son with DCP, highlights how dyskinesia makes communicating more difficult. "The most difficult thing about dyskinesia is watching my son struggle to do things that he wants to do, but the extra movements get in the way...special things, such as using a touch screen to video chat with his grandmother, are nearly impossible despite his best efforts to use his hands and fingers. Something so simple, yet so special for him should be effortless." DCP has a wide-ranging impact on the individual, including lifelong challenges with movement, a higher risk of other medical issues, a higher rate of mental health challenges and difficulties with communication. 10-12 "Those of us who have the privilege to serve patients with dyskinetic, hyperkinetic or mixed cerebral palsy see the functional impact of this very challenging type of tone every day," said Susan Biffl, M.D., Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and Assistant Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "Patients face challenges with self-care, independence, mobility, communication, fine motor skills that affect occupational and recreational activities, swallowing, social interactions and even sleep. As this tone is variable, it is much more challenging to treat than more consistent tone issues, such as spasticity." Treatment Options There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for DCP. Dystonia and chorea are often managed separately as they respond differently to various treatments, which can make treatment challenging. 3 Most drugs being investigated for DCP have focused on dystonia, and more research is needed to determine potential treatments for chorea. New treatment options are needed to help manage these movement disorders and improve daily function and quality of life for those affected. "After 20 years of caring for individuals with cerebral palsy, I continue to find those with dyskinetic cerebral palsy among the most challenging to treat, largely due to the limited effectiveness of available pharmacologic options," said Joyce Oleszek, M.D., Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine. "There is an urgent need for more robust evidence to support pharmacologic treatments for this condition, given its profound impact on function, comfort and quality of life." Ongoing Research Clinical studies are important in the development of treatment options, allowing researchers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medicines. The data from clinical studies are used to determine if an investigational treatment can be approved for use to treat certain disorders. There are ongoing clinical studies evaluating potential treatments for DCP, including one for chorea. Neurocrine Biosciences is conducting the KINECT ® -DCP clinical study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study investigating the study drug, valbenazine, for the treatment of DCP. The clinical study is currently enrolling children, adolescents and adults six to 70 years of age who have been diagnosed with DCP. "The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is excited to partner with Neurocrine Biosciences on this study," said Rachel Byrne, Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. "We are proud to support strong research that can potentially bring meaningful change to the lives of those living with cerebral palsy." If you or someone you know may be eligible for this research study, please visit the study website for additional information here: FindADCPStudy.com . REFERENCES © 2024 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CAP-NBI-US-0115 12/2024 NBI-98854-DCP3018_11DecMatRelease_v1.0_25November2024
Moving forward, it will be important for the U.S. to communicate clearly its intentions and objectives in the region, while also working with international partners to address the root causes of conflict and instability. A comprehensive approach that combines military, diplomatic, and economic levers will be necessary to address the complex challenges in the Middle East and promote peace and stability in the region.The inclusion of Dr. Zhang Jun and Dr. Li Wei in Nature's list of top ten scientific personalities is a testament to their exceptional talent, dedication, and ingenuity. Their contributions have not only elevated Chinese science on the global stage but have also helped propel scientific advancements and breakthroughs that benefit humankind as a whole.Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has maintained its strong performance for the second consecutive year, posting an impressive growth of around 80%. In 2024, the benchmark KSE-100 index surged by almost 80% as on December 28, the market closed at 111,351 points. It indicated an impressive rise over the same period of the previous year, when the market closed at 62,052. This growth trajectory was further evident while looking back at December 30, 2022, when the market stood at 40,420 points, reflecting a 46% increase by the close of 2023. JS Global Deputy Research Head Waqas Ghani Kukaswadia said the KSE-100 index reached an all-time high of 117k in intra-day trading during CY24, a remarkable achievement despite significant foreign portfolio investors' selling driven by rebalancing activities. In terms of fiscal year 2023-24, the KSE-100 surged by 89.24% to 78,445 points on June 30, 2024 compared to 41,453 points in the previous year. "This remarkable growth restored market capitalisation to Rs10.37 trillion, which shows a rebound to peak levels last seen in 2017," the PSX wrote in the annual report for 2024 "Ode to Service". The KSE-100 posted an impressive gain of 70% in CY24, its highest return since 2002 and becoming the second best-performing global market after Argentina, according to the Pakistan Strategy 2025 released by AKD. The index is forecast to reach 165,215 points by December 2025, reflecting a potential upside of 55.5%. This performance highlights the growing appeal of the PSX among global investors. Increased activity Starting at lower levels at the beginning of 2024, the KSE-100 index experienced steady growth, with significant momentum building from April onwards. The second half of the year witnessed a sharp rally, when the index reached the high of 117,039.18 before slightly stabilising. By December 27, 2024, the KSE-100 closed at 111,351.17, near its peak levels. The 52-week range for the year was between 58,758.48 and 117,039.18, reflecting substantial recovery and growth. On December 28, the market recorded a trading volume of 816 million shares. Trading activity reached unprecedented levels in 2024. The traded volume soared to 151.4 billion shares, almost double from 2023, while the daily traded value averaged Rs22.1 billion, demonstrating heightened investor participation and confidence, according to the PSX report. Macroeconomic reforms played a pivotal role in supporting the market's strong performance. Interest rates are projected to decline to single digits in CY25, driven by structural adjustments under the IMF's Extended Fund Facility. Inflation, which peaked at 38% in May 2023, has since been anchored to single digits, significantly boosting investor confidence, according to AKD. New listings The year saw the listing of 11 new companies, including prominent entities like the Symmetry Group and TPL REIT Fund-I. These equity listings collectively raised Rs103.3 billion, which showed growing corporate interest in tapping the PSX potential. PSX played a pivotal role in facilitating the issuance of 22 government of Pakistan's Ijarah Sukuk instruments that raised Rs687.81 billion. Additionally, the introduction of a one-year Discounted Ijarah Sukuk provided innovative opportunities for Shariah-compliant investments, further diversifying market offerings, according to the PSX. Two new exchange-traded funds (ETFs), including the Mahaana Islamic Index ETF, were launched in 2024. These ETFs focused on Shariah-compliant and sector-specific investments, expanding the options for investors and promoting inclusivity in financial instruments, according to AKD. Sector-specific highlights Several sectors emerged as top performers in 2024, including banks, fertiliser, energy, and technology. These sectors benefitted from a stable currency, monetary easing, and reform-driven growth. In the medium term, textile exports are expected to lead the market, while technology remains poised for long-term double-digit expansion, reflecting the evolving dynamics of Pakistan's economy, AKD said. Foreign investors have shown increased interest in Pakistani equities, spurred by the country's improved weight in the MSCI Frontier Markets Index (6.4%). Furthermore, the anticipated reclassification of Pakistani equities into the MSCI Emerging Markets Index has created additional momentum, with seven stocks meeting the reclassification criteria, it added. PSX introduced a sophisticated primary market auction system for government debt securities. The implementation of the One-Share Lot System further enhanced liquidity and aligned the exchange with international standards. The exchange prioritised digital expansion by launching tools like the My Portfolio web app and the PSX WhatsApp Service, which provided real-time market updates and investor education. These innovations made market participation more accessible and user-friendly. Economic outlook Pakistan's economic growth remained modest in FY24, with GDP expanding by 2.5%. However, projections indicate an uptick to 2.7-3.2% in FY25 and 4.3% in FY26, driven by industrial and services sector recovery. The current account is expected to maintain a surplus for the next two years, supported by strong remittance inflows and moderate import growth, according to AKD. Waqas Ghani Kukaswadia of JS Global said the State Bank continues monetary easing, reducing the policy rate by a further 200 basis points (bps) earlier this month to 13%, driven by a faster-than-expected decline in inflation. The Consumer Price Index for November 2024 stood at 4.9%. The State Bank has cut interest rate by 900 bps since the easing cycle began in July 2024. Real interest rates now stand at 9%. He forecast FY25 inflation at 6.5%, with a potential sixth interest rate cut, though smaller. He emphasised the importance of foreign capital, political stability, and IMF alignment for Pakistan's macroeconomic stability and investment prospects. Fiscal reforms resulted in a reduction in fiscal deficit to 5% of GDP in FY24, with further improvements anticipated, according to AKD. The government has implemented structural adjustments in taxation, energy tariffs, and investment frameworks to strengthen economic resilience and promote sustainable growth. Ahsan Mehanti, MD of Arif Habib Commodities, noted the PSX's strong performance despite low foreign direct investment and foreign outflows, driven by low inflation and SBP policy easing. He highlighted IMF disbursements and SBP oversight in stabilising the rupee. Looking ahead, falling lending rates, positive earnings forecasts, and regulatory changes in sectors like banking, pharma, and auto lending are expected to push the PSX to new records in 2025. The Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has emerged as a key driver of foreign direct investment, targeting annual inflows of $5 billion. Meanwhile, CPEC Phase 2.0 focuses on industrial, agricultural, and trade development, with significant emphasis on infrastructure and renewable energy projects, providing a transformative impact on Pakistan's economic landscape. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our
Automotive Aftermarket M&A will Continue to Attract High Investor Interest in 2025In conclusion, Son Heung-Min remains a vital player for Tottenham Hotspur and the South Korean national team, with his talent, work ethic, and leadership qualities setting him apart as a true footballing gem. With the backing of esteemed figures like Hong Myung-Bo, Son's future looks bright as he continues to dazzle audiences with his skills and determination both on and off the pitch. As fans, we can only look forward to witnessing more magic from the Korean sensation in the seasons to come.
