Year: 2021

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Fauci: Skip Large New Year’s Eve Parties

The top infectious disease expert in the United States is urging Americans to avoid taking part in mass New Year’s Eve celebrations as the nation continues to set record-breaking levels of daily new coronavirus infections driven by the highly contagious omicron variant.

The U.S. posted 489,267 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University’s Coronavirus Resource Center, just two days after recording a new single-day record of 512,553.

The U.S. is now averaging more than 265,000 new coronavirus cases per day, breaking the previous mark of 250,000 daily new infections set in January.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden, said Wednesday he “strongly recommends” that people cancel plans to attend large holiday parties with “30, 40, 50 people” this year, and instead spend the time with small gatherings of friends or relatives who are vaccinated and have received a booster shot.

In an interview Wednesday on financial cable network CNBC, Fauci also predicted the current omicron-driven surge may hit its peak in the U.S. by the end of January.

Health experts say despite omicron’s fast-moving spread around the world since it was first detected in South Africa last month, it appears to cause less severe illnesses than other versions of the coronavirus. However a World Health Organization official warned this week it is still too early to tell how omicron will affect older, more vulnerable people.

Meanwhile, a new study out of South Africa suggests a booster shot of the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine provides strong protection against the omicron variant.

Researchers at the South African Medical Research Council say the booster shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was given to about 69,000 health care workers between November 15 and December 20. The results show the effectiveness at preventing hospitalization rose from 63% shortly after it was administered to 84% 14 days later, and 85% within one to two months.

Also, a separate study involving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the United States suggests the vaccine provides a 41-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies when used as a booster shot for people who received the two-dose Pfizer vaccine.

Doctors at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston also told CNN the Johnson & Johnson booster produces a five-fold increase in so-called T cells, an arm of the human immune system that kills virus-infected cells and keeps them from replicating and spreading.

Source: Voice of America

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US Braces for Omicron Surge

Health authorities in the United States are sounding the alarm again, saying Americans could experience disruptions in the coming weeks because of the rapid spread of the omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.

The U.S has reported record numbers of cases two days in a row, Reuters reported, adding that 18 states have set pandemic case records. Maryland, Ohio and Washington, D.C., have reported record hospitalizations.

“We are going to see the number of cases in this country rise so dramatically, we are going to have a hard time keeping everyday life operating,” Dr. Michael Osterholm, an infectious-disease expert at the University of Minnesota, told MSNBC.

Many public agencies like police departments and fire departments have reported numerous employees calling in sick, making it harder to deliver services.

Omicron is causing havoc in the airline industry, with thousands of flights either delayed or canceled. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned Americans against taking cruises.

According to a recent University of Texas study, omicron cases could peak between January 18 and February 3. The study said cases could subside by March.

Roughly 62% of Americans have been given two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or the one-shot dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, USA Today reported. They are considered fully vaccinated, but many health officials are urging booster shots. Only one-third of Americans have gotten boosters, the paper reported.

The U.S. death toll for the pandemic is 823,743, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. It is unclear how many deaths the omicron variant has caused.

Source: Voice of America

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Laos records a trade deficit of US$131 million in November

The Lao PDR’s international trade volume for November reached US$912 million with exports valued at US$390 million and imports estimated at US$521 million, according to the Department of Import-Export, Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

November’s exports were dominated by gold bars US$43 million, latex US$32 million, copper ores US$23 million, banana US$15 million, garments US$12 million, copper products US$11 million, and coffee beans US$9 million.

Meanwhile, the imports included fuel US$63 million, auto parts US$62 million, vehicles US$39 million (excluding motorcycles and tractors), and machinery US$33 million.

China ranked the largest export market for the Lao PDR with exports to the country valued at US$134 million, followed by Vietnam US$99 million, Thailand US$65 million, India US$14 million and Japan US$7 million.

Meanwhile, Thailand became the largest import market with imports from the country estimated at US$253 million, followed by China US$138 million, Vietnam US$50 million, and the United States US$17 million.

Source: Lao News Agency

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[INVNT GROUP]™ Bets Big on Live; Enhances Live Brand Storytelling Capabilities with Newly Formed ITP LIVE, in the Strategic Acquisitions of InSync Production Services, Thunder Audio and Morpheus Lights.

Introducing ITP LIVE: An Integrated Production Services Division of INVNT®

New York, Dec. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — [INVNT GROUP] THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECT™ announces the strategic acquisitions of four historied live event production companies: ITP LIVE, InSync Production Services, Thunder Audio, and Morpheus Lights.

Led by President and CEO, Scott Cullather, [INVNT GROUP] represents a growing portfolio of complementary disciplines designed to help forward thinking brands everywhere, impact the audiences that matter anywhere.

“This deal is a key pillar of our integrated vertical growth strategy as [INVNT GROUP] THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECT. The dedicated search for these four companies has been in development for over 18 months. We sought leaders in the technical and production aspects of the live events industry, who were delivering premier production services to legacy brands and many of the world’s biggest peforming artists. These acquisitions will expand our innovation capabilities, allowing INVNT, our live events business, to offer our customers the ultimate in live events and experiential activations.”

Scott Cullather, President and CEO,  [INVNT GROUP]

[INVNT GROUP] consists of modern brand strategy firm, Folk Hero; creative-led culture consultancy, Meaning; branded content studio and content marketing agency HEVĒ; collegiate events and experiences, INVNT Higher Education, the original global live brand storytelling agency, INVNT and now ITP LIVE consisting of: InSync Production Services, Thunder Audio and Morpheus Lights.

For more than twenty-five years, these production companies have supported the design and execution of experiential and live entertainment programs for many of the largest corporations, trade associations, sports franchises, governmental agencies (including the White House), and some of the most successful artists in the world: Bruce Springsteen, Snoop Dog, Lady Gaga, Lionel Richie, Billy Joel, Diana Ross, Metallica, Post Malone, Tyler Perry and more.

The companies will continue to operate under their current names and will service their existing roster of clients, seek new clients, and providing services to synergistic INVNT opportunities and projects.

“Historically, producing live events has often required a great deal of outsourcing on virtually every project. Through these strategic acquisitions we will have end-to-end control over every aspect of our live events – especially quality and cost, continuing to deliver world-class service and at the very best value. The merging of resources and networks also gives us geographical spread across North America. Our anticipation is to continue growing these resources in other territories around the world. This is only the beginning.”

Kristina McCoobery, COO [INVNT GROUP] and CEO INVNT

Rooted in experiential marketing, [INVNT GROUP]’s expansion comes as part of a strategic, yet natural evolution. This business partnership creates a unique offering in the market, and enhances the group’s abilities to fulfill creative, technological, and strategic designs in dynamic new ways.

“When [INVNT GROUP] approached us about the idea of coming together and amplifying our resources, I was instantly drawn to the group’s commitment to impactful storytelling. Their award-winning work aligns with our vision of the newly formed ITP LIVE, that includes Insync Production Services, Thunder Audio and Morpheus Lights,. We’re excited by the incredible synergies created through our partnership and welcome a new chapter in designing the best events on the planet.”

Pat Hand, CEO, ITP LIVE

This transaction was structured by Wolf Karbe, CFO of [INVNT GROUP] and represented by Evergreen Advisors Capital and Center Rock Advisors. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About [INVNT GROUP]

[INVNT GROUP] was established in 2020, as an evolution of the founding global live brand storytelling agency INVNT in 2008, with a vision to provide consistent, meaningful, well-articulated BrandStory across all platforms. With offices in New York, Sydney, London, Singapore, San Francisco, Sydney, Stockholm, Detroit, and Washington D.C.; headed by President and CEO, Scott Cullather, [INVNT GROUP], THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECT™ represents a growing portfolio of complementary disciplines designed to help forward-thinking organizations everywhere, impact the audiences that matter, anywhere. The GROUP consists of modern brand strategy firm, Folk Hero; creative-led culture consultancy, Meaning; branded content studio and content marketing agency HEVĒ, INVNT Higher Ed; events for colleges and universities, and the original live brand storytelling agency, INVNT. For more information about [INVNT GROUP], visit: www.invntgroup.com.

About INVNT

Founded in 2008 by Scott Cullather and Kristina McCoobery, INVNT uses the craft of live brand storytelling to create and produce live experiences that excite and unite physical and virtual audiences, globally. The company’s ‘challenge everything’ positioning statement helps clients including General Motors, PepsiCo, Merck, Microsoft, Pfizer, and Samsung share their stories with every audience that matters. INVNT’s offices are strategically located in New York, London, Sydney, Detroit, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Stockholm and Singapore. For more information about INVNT, visit: www.invnt.com.

About ITP LIVE

ITP Live – Ideas. Technology. People. was Founded by Pat Hand (CEO) and Paul Mullen (COO) who collectively have over 60 years of experience in event design and production management.  Pat Hand, former CEO, PRG Mid-Atlantic and Paul Mullen former President and CEO, Greyhound Exposition Services have created, managed, and integrated world class companies and were forerunners of providing end to end, turnkey production solutions. Their strategy spans from concept through execution with a true 360 production approach. Pat and Paul will oversee management for InSync, Thunder Audio and Morpheus Lights, to ensure smooth integration and growth while fully maximizing production synergies with INVNT creating significant cost savings while ensuring best in class production support services.   For more information about ITP LIVE, visit: www.itplive.com

About INSYNC PRODUCTION SERVICES

An iconic show production company, founded over 25 years ago in Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, powering the Indy 500, Super Bowl and supporting clients that include L’Oreal, Dell Computers, Nissan, Verizon and Wells Fargo. Built around the broadcast video landscape, a creative leader leveraging LED technology. For more information about Insync Production Services, visit: www.insyncproductionservices.com.

About THUNDER AUDIO

Thunder Audio, a family owned business for over 42 years, has amplified some of the largest musical artists in the world including: Billy Joel, Post Malone, Elton John, Lionel Ritchie, Metallica, Diana Ross, and Earth Wind and Fire. Thunder Audio design and produce dynamic audio services for live experiences of all varieties and scales. Thunder Audio has always been a part of supporting touring, music festivals, corporate events, broadcast, sporting and governmental events. Providing the finest technology with premier manufacturers in the industry. For more information about Thunder Audio, visit: www.thunderaudioinc.com.

About MORPHEUS LIGHTS

Morpheus Lights has staked a global claim in the art and science of performance illumination in live events. For over 25 years, the company has counted on top-tier technology partners like AYRTON, Martin/Harmon, and Clay Paky to support lighting design and execution on  tours and performances for Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, and Lady Gaga. The company uses an eco-conscious approach to all projects, constantly researching for the most environmentally friendly products. For more information about Morpheus Lights, visit: www.morpheuslights.com.

 

Attachment

Jhonathan Mendez de Leon
[INVNT GROUP]
3478192089
jmendezdeleon@invnt.com
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Baylor Genetics and SRL, Inc. Initiate Clinical Grade of Whole Exome and Genome Sequencing Technology Transfer

Baylor Genetics, a joint venture of H.U. Group Holdings, Inc. and the No. 1 NIH-funded genetics program at Baylor College of Medicine in the U.S., and SRL, Inc., a consolidated subsidiary of H.U. Group Holdings, Inc. located in Tokyo, Japan, establish agreement for exome and genome sequencing services.

HOUSTON, Dec. 29, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Baylor Miraca Genetics Laboratories, LLC (BG), a clinical diagnostics laboratory in the U.S. known for genetic testing and precision medicine, and SRL, Inc., the largest lab for lab testing and its related services (LTS) in Japan, signed a sub-licensing agreement for clinical-grade whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) services in order to establish clinical genetic testing at SRL in the future.

“I am confident that this collaboration enables SRL to provide optimal clinical sequencing for Japanese patients by applying the world’s best technology with Baylor Genetics,” said Kazuya Omi, R&D Executive Officer at SRL.

As part of the agreement, BG will transfer its knowledge of WES and WGS as clinical services to SRL with technical support to enhance the Japanese lab’s capabilities. The technology transfer is expected to start in 2022 with efforts to contribute towards precision medicine application in Japan.

“Through SRL, we will bring our experiences and knowledges to the Japanese market. We are excited to support precision medicine in Japan,” said Kengo Takishima, President and CEO at BG.

With this partnership, both companies are looking forward to collaborating and creating the global standard of excellence for WES and WGS in Asia.

“Through many years of development and clinical experience, including BG as the WES and WGS sequencing core for the National Institutes of Health’s Undiagnosed Diseases Network, BG is very well positioned to support SRL’s goal of establishing this important resource in the Japanese genetic testing market,” said Dr. Christine Eng, CMO and CQO at BG.

About Baylor Genetics

Baylor Genetics is a joint venture of H.U. Group Holdings, Inc. and the No. 1 NIH-funded genetics program at Baylor College of Medicine. BG has been a pioneer of precision medicine, offering a full spectrum of cost-effective genetic testing, and providing clinically-relevant solutions. This jointly owned clinical diagnostic venture is headquartered in Houston’s Texas Medical Center, serving clients in 50 states and 16 countries.

 About SRL

SRL, Inc. is a consolidated subsidiary of H.U. Group Holdings, Inc. located in Tokyo, Japan. SRL is no. 1 in market share for the Japanese LTS segment, offering a variety of clinical testing ranging from waived tests to high complexity tests in a CLIA/CAP-certified lab. SRL participates in the national whole genome project at the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development.

To learn more about Baylor Genetics’ Whole Exome Sequencing services, visit: https://www.baylorgenetics.com/whole-exome-sequencing/
To learn more about Baylor Genetics’ Whole Genome Sequencing services, visit: https://www.baylorgenetics.com/whole-genome-sequencing/

Contact

Baylor Genetics PR: pr@baylorgenetics.com

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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Philips completes cancellation of 33.5 million shares

December 29, 2021

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHIA) today announced that it has completed the cancellation of 33.5 million of its shares. Philips’ current issued share capital amounts to EUR 176,779,793.80 representing 883,898,969 common shares.

The cancelled shares include 20.5 million shares acquired under the EUR 1.5 billion share repurchase program* that was initiated in the first quarter of 2019, and is now completed.

The cancelled shares further include 13.0 million shares that Philips acquired under the ongoing EUR 1.5 billion share buyback program* that was announced on July 26, 2021. These shares were acquired through open market purchases in the fourth quarter of 2021. In the third quarter of 2021, Philips had already entered into a number of forward transactions, covering approximately half of this program, with settlement dates in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Further details on Philips’ current repurchase program and previous programs can be found here.

* For capital reduction purposes

For further information, please contact:

Ben Zwirs
Philips Global Press Office
Tel.: +31 6 15213446
E-mail: ben.zwirs@philips.com

Derya Guzel
Philips Investor Relations
Tel.: +31 20 59 77055
E-mail: derya.guzel@philips.com

About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3 billion and employs approximately 78,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.