Coronavirus outbreak can drastically impact the technology road map for 2020, says GlobalData

The coronavirus outbreak is now entering a crucial phase with the WHO declaring it as a global health emergency. While the economic impact of the outbreak will be dependent on how long it ultimately lasts, its impact on technology markets across the world is already beginning to come to the fore, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Several technology companies, including Amazon, Microsoft and Apple have now imposed travel restrictions to and from China, whereas Google has altogether suspended its office operations in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

While the temporary closure of offices in China will definitely have an impact on the product offerings and development initiatives targeted at the domestic audience, the closure of manufacturing plants will have a much larger impact on the product release and the roadmap of these technology giants. 

Surely enough, most of these technology giants have their manufacturing hubs in China, and a range of devices including PC components and peripherals, and consumer devices like iPhones, Echo smart speakers, Xbox and PlayStations are made in China.

Thankfully though, a majority of the manufacturing hubs for these devices are still functioning, for now at least. Foxconn, a major manufacturer for several big technology companies including Apple, Intel, Microsoft and Sony, has insisted that it will not be adjusting any manufacturing timelines or closing its factories due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. Similarly, Pegatron, another prominent manufacturer of PC components and peripherals, has also so far not indicated any negative impact on its manufacturing facilities in mainland China. 

Nishant Singh, Head of Technology and Telecoms Data at GlobalData, says: “The manufacturing of these devices and components is via an intricate supply chain which traverses the region, and hence a prolonged outbreak can drastically affect the manufacturing obligations - this will in-turn impact the product release roadmap of these technology giants. Even if factory operations for these technology hubs are temporarily suspended, like it has happened with Tesla’s Shanghai plant, the impact of the reduced production might cascade through to the rest of 2020.”

While the technology markets in the other geographies might eventually bounce back and recover from the aftermath of the outbreak, especially in the second half of the year, the impact of the coronavirus outbreak will be drastic for the domestic technology market in China.

Singh adds: “The outbreak will have a significant impact on the growth of the domestic technology market. IT purchases within China will be hit and sales are expected to drastically fall, at least for this quarter. This would affect companies that have a large exposure in China, such as Apple.” 

Indeed, China is an important market for Apple - it is among the top five smartphone vendors in China (and the only non-Chinese vendor) and earns nearly 15% of its revenues from the country. Sales of iPhones within China are expected to be low at least for a month or so, which will definitely affect Apple’s next quarterly earnings. 

Singh continues: “It’s not just the personal computing market that would be affected owing to the outbreak; enterprises in China are expected to drastically slow down their IT purchases, especially their capital expenditures for IT, as they grapple with depleted productivity in 2020 owing to the outbreak.”

GlobalData had previously estimated the market for enterprise ICT products and services in China to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.9% between 2019 and 2023. 

Singh explains: “Before the outbreak, we had estimated an 8% growth in 2020 for the enterprise ICT market in China. The outbreak will likely shave off around 2% of this growth, as there will be limited spending in this quarter.” 

The brunt of the coronavirus outbreak will however be borne by technology giants that are based out of China such as Huawei, ZTE and device manufacturers like Xiaomi corp., Oppo and Vivo. These companies have their R&D hubs in China as well, and the reduced productivity owing to the outbreak will dampen the traction that these companies had started to gain. Huawei, for example, had just managed to beat Apple to become the second largest smartphone manufacturer in the world and had managed to avoid a complete ban for its 5G network in the EU.

Singh concludes: “Ultimately, it appears the outbreak is not just a test of the resiliency of the Chinese government and its healthcare system, it will also test the ability of the Chinese technology giants to bounce back.”  

Have a Fitness Goal in the New Year? Here’s 4 Ways to Stay on Track

For many people, getting in shape is at the top of their list of New Year’s resolutions. However, fitness goals can be very difficult to keep unless you know how to stay on track. If getting fit is your priority for this year, here are a few ways you can stay focused and achieve your goals.

Don’t Quit Cold Turkey

Once the holidays are over, it can be tempting to completely swear off “junk” food for good. However, many people find that cutting out sugar and carbs completely can make them tired, hungry, and cranky. Instead of dropping the junk in one fell swoop, focus on replacing one food at a time with a healthier option. Instead of reaching for cookies, grab some nuts. Making healthy swaps gradually over time will allow you to ease into healthy eating and ensure you have the energy to crush your fitness goals.

Have an Accountability Partner

Fortunately, it isn’t hard to find people who desperately want to get healthy this time of year. Friends, family, and fitness groups in your community can help you stay on track by working towards your goals together. It’s a lot harder to stay home and watch mindless television when your fitness pal is ready to go run some laps. Having a gym buddy holds you accountable to your goals, and it is way more fun than working out alone. If none of your friends are willing to partner up with you, find a fitness training facilitythat offers classes where you can meet people with similar goals.

Start Small and Be Realistic

Resolving to do 100 pushups on January 1st is a recipe for failure if you aren’t able to do one on December 31st. Start small and work your way up to bigger achievements throughout the year. Instead of resolving to lose 100 pounds, break that goal down into small, measurable progress points. If you lose two pounds per week, you’ll meet your goal by the end of the year. Two pounds feels less intimidating than 100 pounds, so you’ll be more likely to meet your goal when you break it down this way.

Track Your Habits

Tracking your habits using a journal or app is a great way to note your progress. You’ll be able to see how far you’ve come and figure out why you didn’t meet your goals on certain days. Fitness-related habits to track can include food intake, workout time, repetitions, steps, and cheat days. If you skipped a workout, be sure to note why so you can improve in the future.

Seeing blue after the little blue pill: visual disturbances in Viagra users

Study reports persistent visual disturbances in men taking the highest recommended dose of sildenafil, suggesting that first-time users should use a lower dose   

Sildenafil is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction and is generally regarded as safe with limited side effects. However, a recent study in Frontiers in Neurology has highlighted the risk of persistent visual side-effects, such as light sensitivity and color vision impairment, in men who have taken the highest recommended dose of Viagra. While these effects appear to be rare, the research suggests that first-time Viagra users should start with a lower dose before increasing it, if necessary.

Erectile dysfunction can have significant psychological consequences for men who are affected by it, and it can make fulfilling sexual relationships more difficult to achieve. Sildenafil, more commonly known by its trade-name Viagra, became available in 1998 as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It soon became the fastest selling drug in history, demonstrating the phenomenal demand for treatments that enhance sexual performance.

Originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure, the drug dilates blood vessels and relaxes smooth muscle in the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection. The effects of the drug normally last 3–5 hours and although side-effects such as headache and blurred vision occasionally occur, they usually disappear relatively quickly.

However, Dr. Cüneyt Karaarslan of the Dünyagöz Adana hospital in Turkey, noticed a pattern in 17 male patients who attended the hospital. In the new study, Karaarslan reports that the patients suffered numerous visual disturbances, including abnormally dilated pupils, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and color vision disturbances, which included intensely blue colored vision with red/green color blindness.

All 17 patients had taken sildenafil for the first time, and all took the highest recommended dose of 100 mg. None of the men had been prescribed the medication. The visual side-effects began once the drug took effect, and were still present when the men arrived at the clinic 24-48 hours later.

The doctors in the clinic conducted various eye tests and monitored the patients over time to see how their symptoms developed. Fortunately, in all 17 patients the symptoms had cleared up by 21 days later, but this was doubtless a difficult experience for the men involved.

“Many men use non-prescription performance enhancing drugs to help with sexual anxiety and erectile dysfunction,” said Karaarslan. “For the vast majority of men, any side-effects will be temporary and mild. However, I wanted to highlight that persistent eye and vision problems may be encountered for a small number of users.”

So, why were these men susceptible to such long-lived side-effects? It may be possible that a small subsection of the population does not break sildenafil down and eliminate it from the body efficiently, leading to very high concentrations in the blood compared with most users.

These men also took the highest recommended dose of sildenafil on their first time taking the drug. Starting with a lower dose may have meant less severe side-effects. In addition, taking the drug under medical supervision would likely have meant that the men would not have used such a high dose on their first time. 

So, if you are struggling with erectile dysfunction, should you be worried about trying Viagra? In short, no. Such persistent side-effects appear to be very rare. However, it is always best practice to consult your physician first, it may be best not to start at the highest dose, and in case you are particularly sensitive, consider first using the drug under medical supervision.

“Although these drugs, when used under the control of physicians and at the recommended doses, provide very important sexual and mental support, uncontrolled and inappropriate doses should not be used or repeated,” said Karaarslan.

SE Health Receives National Award for Palliative Care Advocacy: Creating Accessibility and Care Improvements Across Canada

Award praises Nancy Lefebre for unwavering commitment to advancing patient and family access to end-of-life care across the country

TORONTO, Jan. 30, 2020 /CNW/ - For SE Health, care comes first at all stages of life.  End-of-life care is no exception for the not-for-profit, social enterprise and one of Canada's largest health care providers.  Last week, that dedication was highlighted as Nancy Lefebre, Chief Clinical Executive and Senior Vice President of Knowledge and Practice at SE Health received the Sharon Carstairs Award of Excellence in Advocacy from the Quality End-of-Life Care Coalition of Canada (QELCCC).

"The Award of Excellence in Advocacy recognizes an individual who has stepped forward to facilitate partnerships and change the health care system for the betterment of Canadians," said The Honourable Sharon Carstairs, P.C. "Nancy Lefebre is a strong voice speaking for the thousands of families caring for loved ones at end-of-life. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in helping to strengthen the resources and support in our communities, nationwide. Congratulations, Nancy."

According to the Canadian Foundation for Health Improvement, "70 per cent of Canadians do not have access to palliative care services." There are also significant gaps in care and barriers to ensuring that all Canadians have access to quality end-of-life care, when they need it.  

As an advocate for excellence and quality, Lefebre championed SE Health, Social Enterprise investments – more than $5 million over the last five years – into hospice palliative care programs and residential hospices nationwide. 

Through the Saint Elizabeth Foundation, Lefebre advanced education for healthcare workers, developing an Indigenous end-of-life program that educated over 500 healthcare providers in 145 Indigenous communities throughout Canada last year.  She also serves as the operating partner, alongside Hospice Toronto and Inner-City Health Associates, in Journey Home Hospicefor the homeless in downtown Toronto.

With Lefebre's advocacy, SE Health has developed outstanding palliative care services; and in the last year alone, they have provided more than 10,000 patients across Canada with approximately 226,000 palliative homecare visits.

"I am so grateful for this tremendous honour and I credit the amazing teams for working tirelessly as advocates for all Canadians," said Lefebre.  "At SE Health and the Saint Elizabeth Foundation, we pride ourselves on collaborating and pushing the envelope to create and uncover the highest level of care at every turn.  We continue to forge ahead with palliative care as a priority and we look forward to making a big difference so that care is accessible for everyone."

About SE Health 

SE Health is a not-for-profit social enterprise applying knowledge, vision and drive to impact how people live and age at home, today and into the future. With Canadian roots and 110+ years of expertise, the organization brings quality excellence and innovation to home care, seniors' lifestyle, and family caregiving. Through its team of 9,000 Leaders of Impact, SE Health delivers 21,000 care exchanges daily, totaling 50 million in the last decade alone. Visit us online at sehc.com.

About the Saint Elizabeth Foundation

When Saint Elizabeth was founded 110+ years ago, we were a group of visiting nurses caring for marginalized people in our communities. To honour our heritage, the Saint Elizabeth Foundation is committed to providing end-of-life care for those most in need throughout Canada, with a special focus on homeless, isolated, vulnerable and Indigenous individuals. We believe that health care communities are built through "in-reach," making health services accessible to individuals when and where they need them most. To find out more about how our programs and services are improving the lives of Canadians nationwide, please visit us online at sehc.com/foundation.

SOURCE SE Health

The Corona Virus—1918 All Over Again?

by Jane M. Orient, M.D.

Clusters of a dozen or so deaths may get nonstop “if-it-bleeds-it-leads” press coverage. But the lack of preparedness for the really, really big threats may be met with virtual radio silence—until panic breaks out.

The worst, possibly existential, threat is the stealthy, invisible one that multiplies exponentially—in the accurate sense of the term: 400 cases today, 800 tomorrow, then 1600, 3200, 6400, 128000, 256000, 512000, and 1.024 million after only eight doubling times. Biological threats proliferate—until they run out of susceptible victims.

In 1918, the great influenza pandemic killed as many people in 11 months as the medieval Black Death did in 4 years. Ultimately, at least 50 million may have perished. Young healthy people, especially young soldiers headed off to the front in World War I, succumbed quickly. To avoid interfering with the war effort, the U.S. government denied and covered up the threat, preventing the implementation of public health measures.

Since then, the world has gotten smaller. A virus that jumps the species barrier from animals to humans in a meat market in China can cross the Pacific in hours. And despite the expenditure of $80 billion on a National Biologic Defense, the U.S. is arguably no better prepared than it was in 1918, state Steven Hatfill, M.D., and coauthors in their new book Three Seconds until Midnight.

As in1918, we lack a vaccine or wonder drugs, but must rely on non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI), and on public health authorities to track and try to contain the spread of infection.

Accurate information is critical. Can we trust governmental authorities to tell the truth? Travel restrictions, quarantine, closing businesses, and cancelling public events have a huge economic and potential political cost.

There can also be incentives to exaggerate the threat, in order to sell poorly tested vaccines or drugs. The 1976 swine flu epidemic was almost a non-event; more people were probably injured or even died from adverse effects of the heavily promoted vaccine.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has so far declined to declare the corona virus outbreak a global emergency, although cases have been reported in more than a dozen or so countries. China reported only hundreds of “confirmed” cases—while countless additional cases were not tested because of lack of diagnostic test kits.

The New England Journal of Medicine writes, “Another Decade, Another Coronavirus.” This 2019-nCoV virus is the third zoonotic (animal) coronavirus to infect humans in two decades. The SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) were contained. Other coronaviruses cause mild cold-like syndromes.

This virus has occasioned the quarantine of entire cities, for the first time since medieval times. This could not be done other than in authoritarian China, states virologist Steven Hatfill, but even there is unlikely to be effective—especially if 5 million people had left before the order was implemented.

The People’s Liberation Army has sent 450 medical personnel to Wuhan to help out at local hospitals, which are crammed with patients lying in packed corridors. Construction workers are reportedly trying to build a 1,000-bed hospital in Wuhan in five days. The U.S. and other nations are evacuating their citizens from Wuhan.

A report of 41 hospitalized patients in Wuhan, published in The Lancet, showed that patients were relatively young (median age 49) and fewer than half had an underlying illness. Only 66% had been exposed to the Huanan seafood market, the apparent source of the infection. One patient (2%) had no fever; all had pneumonia; 29% had severe respiratory distress syndrome; and 12% had acute cardiac injury. Most cases may be very mild, facilitating more rapid spread.

The corona virus is transmitted by droplets coming into contact with mucous membranes, including the eye. It can persist on surfaces for days. People without fever or symptoms can transmit the illness during the incubation period, which might be as long as two weeks. At present, definitive diagnostic testing is available only from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In a severe outbreak, people whose job is not critical may need to stay home. Those who do not have a supply of food, essential medications, or other needed supplies would likely end up in a frantic crowd. Personal protective gear, for people who need to be in contact with the public or care for a sick family member, is already out of stock in medical supply houses. This includes gloves, wrap-around eye protection, and N-95 protective masks—regular surgical masks are probably of little help.

Panic is never helpful; staying calm is always good advice. But failure to heed previous warnings of the need for robust disaster planning, and complacency about medical technology and governmental resources, has set the stage for potential unprecedented disaster.

Individuals need to recognize that they themselves, and not 911 or the emergency room or the Federal Emergency Management Agency, may hold the key to their family’s and their community’s survival. Local authorities need to know that they may be on their own.

For now, stock up on supplies; cover those coughs and sneezes; wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds; avoid crowds; and stay aware, as the situation could change rapidly.

###

Jane M. Orient, M.D. obtained her undergraduate degrees in chemistry and mathematics from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1974. She completed an internal medicine residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital and University of Arizona Affiliated Hospitals and then became an Instructor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and a staff physician at the Tucson Veterans Administration Hospital. She has been in solo private practice since 1981 and has served as Executive Director of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS) since 1989. She is currently president of Doctors for Disaster Preparedness. She is the author of YOUR Doctor Is Not In: Healthy Skepticism about National Healthcare, and the second through fifth editions of Sapira's Art and Science of Bedside Diagnosis published by Wolters Kluwer. She authored books for schoolchildren, Professor Klugimkopf’s Old-Fashioned English Grammar and Professor Klugimkopf’s Spelling Method, published by Robinson Books, and coauthored two novels published as Kindle books, Neomorts and Moonshine. More than 100 of her papers have been published in the scientific and popular literature on a variety of subjects including risk assessment, natural and technological hazards and nonhazards, and medical economics and ethics. She is the editor of AAPS News, the Doctors for Disaster Preparedness Newsletter, and Civil Defense Perspectives, and is the managing editor of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.

FACIT announces follow-on investments in Xpan Inc. and Nanology Labs through Compass Rose Fund

Prospects proof-of-concept funding elevates Ontario companies to seed stage investment

TORONTO, Jan. 28, 2020 /CNW/ - FACIT, a commercialization venture firm focused on advancing Ontario's top-tier oncology innovations, announced new follow-on investments in start-ups Xpan Inc. ("Xpan") and Nanology Labs ("Nanology"). Spun out of the University of Toronto, both start-ups have previously received funding through FACIT's proof-of-concept Prospects Fund that enabled the companies to address key commercialization challenges. Upon successfully achieving initial business targets, these start-ups and their respective technologies have been elevated to an equity-based investment through FACIT's seed stage Compass Rose Fund.

Xpan has developed a patent-pending trocar that is less invasive yet expandable, aiming to reduce risk of serious complications, cost and intraoperative inefficiencies in minimally invasive surgical oncology procedures. Xpan has an aggressive goal to reach the market in under two years, and has garnered considerable KOL support from both north and south of the border. "We are at a pivotal moment in our company's development, and are fortunate to benefit from FACIT's continued support and resources which are fueling Xpan's growth and accelerating our journey to commercialization," said Mr. Zaid Atto, Founder and CEO of Xpan. 

Nanology has developed a first-in-class theranostic agent enabling real-time tumor detection and radio-sensitization. In animal models, this agent is safer and more sensitive than MRI contrast agents currently available. It simultaneously oxygenates the tumor area leading to an improvement in radiation therapy efficacy. "FACIT's follow-on investment is critical in enabling our technology to reach its next inflection point, moving closer to the clinic and positioning our company for further investment," said Dr. Mohammad Ali Amini, Co-Founder and CEO of Nanology.

FACIT's investment programs are a unique source of Ontario First capital for promising early stage oncology innovations, with the goal of enabling further local development and cultivation of local skilled and entrepreneurial talent. The follow-on investments illustrate FACIT's strategy to support early start-ups through Funds matched to the maturity of the company and to help ensure promising companies grow roots and scale up in Ontario.

In addition to being Prospects Fund recipients, both companies were finalists in FACIT's previous Falcons' Fortunes pitch competitions, with Xpan winning the 2019 competition. "We are pleased to support any promising technology that will impact patients with cancer. Here however, having both companies advance through all three of FACIT's funding initiatives is both rewarding and exciting, as it shows these teams' commitment and ability to execute," remarked Dr. David O'Neill, President of FACIT. "We are grateful for our strategic partner, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, and the Government of Ontario's support of our investment programs, ensuring great science and strong entrepreneurs have a translational pathway to Ontario patients."

"We are proud to celebrate these made-in-Ontario scientific discoveries and support their commercialization," said Ross Romano, Ontario's Minister of Colleges and Universities. "These investments will help drive further innovation in the province's growing biotech ecosystem, and ultimately, benefit Ontarians who are fighting cancer."

About FACIT
FACIT is a commercialization venture firm that builds companies with entrepreneurs to accelerate oncology innovation, with a portfolio that has attracted over $850 million in investment to Ontario. Blending industry experience, capital and the unsurpassed clinician-scientist network of its strategic partner the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), FACIT capitalizes on the province's investment in research and healthcare to the benefit of the local economy and patients worldwide. FACIT's commercialization portfolio includes Turnstone Biologics, Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Triphase Accelerator and other biotechnology organizations. Cancer Breakthroughs. Realized. facit.ca.

About Xpan Inc. 
Xpan Inc., a spin-out from the University of Toronto, has developed a patent-pending trocar that is less invasive yet expandable which promises to reduce risk of complications, cost and inefficiencies associated with the use of these devices in minimally invasive surgeries.

About Nanology Labs 
Nanology Labs has developed a low toxicity MRI contrast agent which circumvents the limitations of other agents currently available. The agent, Manganescan™, uses nanoparticles containing the element manganese to illuminate early stage tumors, including those in the brain. Improved detection provides clinicians with the information to make better treatment plans and potentially improve patient outcomes. 

SOURCE FACIT Inc.

What Triathletes Need to Know About Nutrition Planning

Whether you’re training for your first triathlon or you’ve been among the elite club of triathlon participants for decades, nutrition planning has to be an important part of your life to ensure success across the miles. Just like the race itself is always on your mind, the proper nutrition to help you plan for that race must always be on your mind, as well. Otherwise, you risk having setbacks that could render you unable to reach your goal. To help you increase your focus, here are a few things that triathletes need to know about nutrition planning.

Don’t Overdo It

Training for a triathlon can be a grueling process. Especially if you’ve never competed in a triathlon, the physical exertion you feel during training can be quite overwhelming. As a result, after your more intense workouts, you may be tempted to overload on calories to try and make up for what your body has lost. Typically, though, this leads to eating calories in excess of what you burned during your workout. This can cause unwanted weight gain and a crash in blood sugar, later on, that will lead to more unhealthy snacking. Therefore, it’s important to carefully track your post-workout calories so you know exactly what you’re putting into your body.

Plan Ahead

The road to your first triathlon doesn’t end after a day or a week of training. In most cases, proper training can take months or even years, depending on your personal motivation. When you’re at the starting line of this training, then, it’s crucial that you plan ahead to achieve success. Nutrition plansare a big part of this formula, as they provide guidance on different nutrients your body needs as well as guidelines for your daily caloric intake. If you stick to a solid nutrition plan alongside your other training goals, you will be ready when race day comes.

Avoid Celebrating the Wrong Way

When you reach various milestones along the path to race day, it can be tempting to go all-out in celebration. While celebrating success is certainly okay and can actually lead to further success, you must be sure to celebrate without backtracking on the progress you’ve made. Specifically, this means avoiding excess sweets such as cake, soda, candy, and a whole host of other bad-for-you treats. While sweets are okay in limited moderation, too many can cause your blood sugar to spike and then crash, which is not only bad for your health but also can lead to further sweet-eating that will cause a huge delay in progress.

Don’t Forget Water

In the midst of your careful nutrition planning, it can be easy to overlook one of the most essential elements of a good training plan: adequate hydration. Without enough water, your body won’t be able to properly digest the foods you intake, and you’re likely to eat too much food since water can help you feel full by occupying room in your stomach. On top of that, your circulatory, musculoskeletal, digestive, and other body systems rely on adequate water intake to function properly.

Don’t Give Up

Training for a triathlon is a long process. As such, there will be days when you won’t meet your goals or you’ll make a mistake that causes you to backtrack. When that happens, though, the most important thing is that you pick back up tomorrow and continue your progress. This is ultimately what will help you achieve your overarching goal of participating in and completing a t