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Chronic Pain Management Enhanced by Apple Vision Pro AR Technology

The introduction of Apple Vision Pro augmented reality (AR) goggles into ultrasound-guided chronic pain treatments has heralded a new era in patient care, significantly improving both the accuracy of medical interventions and patient comfort. Led by Dr Arul James MBBS, MD, FRCA, FFPMRCA at The Vesey Private Hospital, this innovative treatment is redefining pain management.

The Persistent Issue of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain remains a widespread challenge, affecting quality of life for many. Despite various treatments, complete pain relief is often elusive. For many, precise medical interventions become essential. Traditionally, these procedures were hindered by the need for clinicians to divide their attention, impacting the precision and comfort of the treatment.

The Revolutionary Impact of Augmented Reality

The use of AR goggles has revolutionized this process, providing clinicians with a continuous view of both the ultrasound image and the procedure site, thus significantly enhancing the accuracy and safety of the interventions.

Augmented Reality’s Contribution to Procedure Efficiency

The incorporation of AR technology in medical treatments promises a significant reduction in both the time and complexity of procedures, enhancing patient comfort and the overall treatment experience.

Improving Patient Outcomes with Augmented Reality

The flexibility provided by AR technology in adjusting the virtual ultrasound display ensures that procedures are conducted with the highest degree of accuracy and comfort, leading to optimal patient outcomes.

The Future of Pain Management with Augmented Reality

The successful integration of AR into the treatment of chronic pain signifies a major advancement in medical procedures, marked by increased accuracy, efficiency, and a focus on patient well-being. This innovation underscores the potential of integrating cutting-edge technology with healthcare to enhance patient care.

Dr James extends his expertise in pain management through his book, Empowering Pain Management: A Comprehensive Practical Guide to Mastering Life with Chronic Pain, available here.

For those seeking specialist care at The Vesey Hospital, online booking is available here.

Eternity Technologies Debuts Advanced QUASAR Gel Maintenance Free Battery for Motive Power Sector

Eternity Technologies, a global pioneer in battery solutions for industry, proudly presents the QUASAR Gel Maintenance Free Battery, crafted expressly for the motive power sector.

Harnessing the latest in technological advancements, Eternity Technologies is once again elevating the benchmark in the industry with its superior range expansion. The QUASAR Gel Battery assortment redefines performance standards, integrating VRLA Gel technology with innovative Carbon Nano Tube (CNT) technologies. This combination ensures that the QUASAR Gel battery excels in Deep Cycle performance, offering the advantages of opportunity and accelerated charging.

The QUASAR Gel batteries stand out for their maintenance-free, valve regulated design, which obviates the need for topping up and any onsite maintenance. Featuring advanced Thin Tube technology in the QUASAR positive plate, these batteries boast enhanced energy density and improved discharge performance, alongside a leading-edge phenolic resin separator that withstands severe operational conditions and provides superior oxidation resistance.

A key feature of the QUASAR Gel Maintenance Free Battery is the use of carbon nanotubes in its construction, which allows Eternity Technologies to ensure unmatched conductivity and resilience, facilitating optimal performance in even the most rigorous environments.

Dedicated to sustainable practices, the QUASAR Gel Maintenance Free Battery is environmentally conscious and fully recyclable, minimising its environmental footprint over its lifecycle.

Building on the acclaim of the QUASAR Motive Battery, the QUASAR Gel Maintenance Free Battery further enhances user convenience by removing the necessity for regular upkeep, thereby offering seamless operation and a lower total cost of ownership.

Dr Mark Stevenson, CEO at Eternity Technologies, remarked: “Our QUASAR Gel Maintenance Free Battery represents a significant milestone in our ongoing quest to deliver innovative and sustainable battery solutions to the motive power market.

“With its advanced technology and maintenance-free design, the QUASAR Gel Battery offers unparalleled performance, reliability, and environmental responsibility, empowering our customers to achieve their operational goals.”

Eternity Technologies remains at the forefront of battery technology innovation, propelling the industry towards a greener, more efficient future.

For more information about the QUASAR Gel Maintenance Free Battery and the extensive range of energy solutions from Eternity Technologies, visit www.eternitytechnologies.com.

Djokovic beaten by Nardi as poor form continues

Luca Nardi described his win over Novak Djokovic as a “miracle” after seeing off the world number one in Indian Wells.

Nardi, who entered the desert event as a lucky loser, beat the five-time champion 6-4 3-6 6-3. The world number 123 is the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic at ATP 1000 Masters or grand slam level.

Read our other football news stories here:
Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle United: Palmer the star as Blues boost European hopes
Premier League title race: Remaining fixtures for Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City
Palmer blocks out England talk after starring role in Chelsea win

After a sluggish start, Djokovic claimed the second set to level the match and the expectation was he would go on to secure another routine triumph. Nardi had other ideas, however, and a break at 3-2 proved decisive.

“I don’t know [how I held my nerve],” he said. “I think it is a miracle, because I am a 20-year-old guy, 100 in the world, and beating Novak. It’s crazy.”

Nardi admitted he had claimed inspiration from Jannik Sinner’s win over Djokovic at the Australian Open as his fellow Italian claimed the season’s first grand slam title.

“For sure I’m watching Jannik winning all the matches,” added Nardi.

“For sure it’s something that pushed me to be better. I didn’t expect to win today, but I always try to do my best in practice, and this happened and I’m really happy.”

The defeat will add weight to the suggestion that Djokovic’s powers are on the wane.

The 24-time grand slam winner, now 36, has failed to impress in 2024. A straight-sets defeat to Alex De Minaur at the United Cup in Perth in January set the tone and his lack of dominance in Melbourne, where he failed to land an 11th Australian Open title, was another indicator.

His second round win in Indian Wells wasn’t without its travails either – requiring three sets to see off Aleksandar Vukic.

“No titles this year. That’s not something I’m used to,” said the Serb.

“I was starting the season most of my career with a grand slam win or Dubai win. It’s fine. It’s part of the sport. You just have to accept it. Some you win, some you lose.

“Hopefully I’ll win some more and still keep going. I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great, to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I’m having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven’t really been close to my best.”

Bolton care home shares stories with children for World Book Day

To celebrate World Book Day, children from Walmsley Church of England Primary School visited residents at Egerton Manor Care Centre, for an afternoon of fun and storytelling.

Dressed as characters from their favourite books, 20 children from Y5 and Y6 at the junior school in Egerton, along with class teachers and community leaders, brought a selection of tales to read with the residents.

Pupils shared passages from their best books, while residents enjoyed telling stories from yesteryear.

Martha Hamill, registered manager at Egerton Manor, says: “Over the last three or four months since our beautiful new home opened and welcomed its first residents, we have built a lovely relationship with the pupils at Walmsley Primary School. World Book Day provided the perfect reason to invite them in again and it was wonderful to see how much fun everyone had in each other’s company sharing their favourite stories.

“Intergenerational activities such as these have such a positive impact, not only on the wellbeing of our residents, but also for the children.  You are never too old to enjoy a good story and seeing the residents read with the children really was lovely.”

Egerton Manor resident, Graham Gibbons (93) said: “I have always loved books and still enjoy reading, so it was a real joy to see the schoolchildren today, learn about their favourite books and share some popular stories with them.”

Palmer blocking out England talk after starring against Newcastle

Cole Palmer is refusing to get sidetracked by suggestions he could gatecrash England’s squad for Euro 2024, having turned in another man-of-the-match performance in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Newcastle United.

Palmer registered a goal and an assist as Chelsea made up ground on their European rivals on Monday, seeing his wayward effort backheeled in by Nicolas Jackson before firing into the bottom-right corner just before the hour mark.

Mykhailo Mudryk was also on target as fine finishes from Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy were proven redundant, with Chelsea moving within one point of Newcastle in the Premier League table.

Read our other football news stories here:
Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle United: Palmer the star as Blues boost European hopes
Premier League title race: Remaining fixtures for Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City
Premier League to develop new financial system after Everton, Forest PSR breaches

Palmer now has 11 goals and eight assists in the Premier League this season, and his latest talismanic display came with England boss Gareth Southgate watching on from the stands at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer won his first senior cap against Malta last November, and he is surely now in contention to make Southgate’s 23-man squad for the trip to Germany. However, the 21-year-old is shutting out the noise to focus on his club form.

“If you had told me at the start of the season that I had a chance to go to the Euros, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Palmer told Sky Sports.

“I will just take each game as it comes and see what happens in the summer.”

Chelsea have endured a difficult first season under Mauricio Pochettino, sitting 11th in the Premier League table and losing the EFL Cup final to a young Liverpool side last month.

However, they could still salvage something from an underwhelming campaign, sitting four points adrift of the top seven and with a home FA Cup quarter-final against Championship leaders Leicester City to come.

Palmer is certain Chelsea’s young team will eventually find consistency, saying: “There’s so much talent around Chelsea that the fans don’t see and you in the media don’t see.

“If not next season, the season after, you will see it sooner or later. We’re still in the FA Cup and hopefully we can win on Sunday to get to Wembley again.

“We’ve had some difficult results, obviously with the EFL Cup final against Liverpool, so just to get points is vital. We showed passion and courage winning the second balls and not getting bullied.”

Chelsea 3-2 Newcastle United: Palmer the star as Blues boost European hopes

Cole Palmer registered a goal and an assist as Chelsea boosted their hopes of European qualification with an entertaining 3-2 win over Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Nicolas Jackson improvised to flick Palmer’s scuffed effort home early on, but Palmer’s second-half strike was his all his own work as he found a pocket of space from which to rifle home shortly before the hour mark.

Alexander Isak had earlier put Newcastle on level terms with a long-range finish of his own, but the Magpies produced another ragged defensive performance and went 3-1 down when substitute Mykhailo Mudryk scored a fine solo goal with 14 minutes remaining.

Jacob Murphy’s rasping drive teed up a grandstand finish, but Chelsea clung on to ease the pressure on boss Mauricio Pochettino and move within one point of their visitors in the Premier League table.

Read our other football news stories here:
Arteta demands more positive Arsenal ahead of do-or-die Porto clash
Premier League title race: Remaining fixtures for Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City
Premier League to develop new financial system after Everton, Forest PSR breaches

Determined to make up ground on their visitors, Chelsea flew out of the traps and needed just six minutes to take the lead. Palmer’s tame, right-footed effort was drifting wide, but Jackson adjusted to backheel it into the bottom-left corner.

Newcastle then suffered a major blow when Anthony Gordon limped out of the contest with an apparent knee injury, before Joe Willock turned Miguel Almiron’s cross over from close range.

The Magpies struggled to turn possession into chances for much of the first half, but they drew level out of nowhere with 43 minutes gone. After a scrappy phase of play, Isak took in Bruno Guimaraes’ pass before bending a lovely 25-yard finish beyond the dive of Djordje Petrovic.

Newcastle survived a big scare on the stroke of half-time as Jackson was flagged offside when racing through to finish, put Chelsea did re-establish their lead 12 minutes after the restart.

Turning on Enzo Fernandez’s pass on the edge of the box, Palmer lashed a fine finish into the bottom-right corner, giving the unsighted Martin Dubravka no chance.

Chelsea should have had a third moments later as Raheem Sterling saw a shot blocked by Dan Burn on the goal line, but they did establish breathing space when Mudryk danced through the Newcastle defence and rounded Dubravka to finish.

Newcastle got back within one as the game entered six minutes of stoppage time, Murphy beating Petrovic at his near post with a brilliant strike, but Eddie Howe’s men were ultimately unable to force a leveller.

 

Three people injured after targeted stabbings in Bury

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A manhunt is underway in Bury after three people were stabbed in a targeted attack today.

The incident took place just after midday on Murray Road, which is near the renowned Bury Market.

The extent of the injuries sustained by three victims – who were taken to hospital – are not thought to be life-threatening.

No arrests have been made but enquiries are ongoing.

Detective chief inspector John Charlton, of GMP’s Bury division, said: “We believe this incident was a targeted attack and thankfully no one has suffered life-threatening injuries.

“There is not a threat to the wider public and we believe this was an isolated incident. You may see heightened patrols in the local area – don’t be alarmed by this. Our officers are there to help, support and reassure the wider community.

“We are appealing to anyone with information about this incident to make a report to police. This includes anyone who may have relevant footage including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell or dashcam.

“You can make a report by calling 101, quoting 1338 of 11/03/2024. Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Picture credit: Twitter/X: @EverythingBury

Premier League to develop new financial system after Everton, Forest PSR breaches

Premier League clubs have agreed to develop a new financial system following widespread criticism of the application of the competition’s current Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Last November, Everton were plunged into a relegation battle after being deducted 10 points for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules over a four-year period ending in 2022.

That deduction was later reduced to six points on appeal, though the Toffees could face a further penalty after being charged with another breach in the assessment period ending last year.

Nottingham Forest have also been charged with breaking the rules during the same period, with the outcome of both clubs’ hearings expected to be made public before mid-April.

Read our other football news stories here:
Premier League title race: Remaining fixtures for Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City
Arteta demands more positive Arsenal ahead of do-or-die Porto clash
Manchester City: Richard Keys lashes out at ‘disgrace’ Guardiola

Last week, reports suggested Leicester City may also be charged with exceeding the competition’s maximum allowed loss limit – currently £105million every three years – if they win promotion from the Championship this season.

The lack of an established set of penalties for breaching the rules, as well as the slow progress of the Premier League’s case against Manchester City – who have been charged with 115 breaches of competition rules – has led to criticism from some quarters.

Many have suggested the rules should be brought in line with UEFA’s ‘squad cost’ control measures, and on Monday, it was confirmed that changes are in the pipeline.

However, Premier League clubs are yet to reach an agreement on a new financial settlement with the English Football League, amid suggestions a new government regulator could force a deal upon them.

The competition’s stakeholders outlined their commitment to reaching an agreement in a statement on Monday, which read: “At a Premier League shareholders’ meeting today, clubs agreed to prioritise the swift development and implementation of a new league-wide financial system.

“This will provide certainty for clubs in relation to their future financial plans and will ensure the Premier League is able to retain its existing world-leading investment to all levels of the game.

“Alongside this, Premier League clubs also re-confirmed their commitment to securing a sustainably funded financial agreement with the EFL, subject to the new financial system being formally approved by clubs.

“The league and clubs also reaffirmed their ongoing and longstanding commitment to the wider game which includes £1.6billion distributed to all levels of football across the current three-year cycle.

“The Premier League’s significant funding contributions cover all EFL clubs and National League clubs, as well as women’s and girls’ football, and the grassroots of the game.”

Arteta demands more positive Arsenal ahead of do-or-die Porto clash

Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal need to adopt a far more proactive approach when they host Porto in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, hoping to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit.

While Arsenal have been in brilliant form on the domestic front, winning all eight of their Premier League games in 2024 while scoring 33 goals, they produced an insipid display in Portugal three weeks ago.

Galeno’s stunning 94th-minute strike condemned the Gunners to a 1-0 defeat at the Estadio do Dragao, with the visitors failing to record a single shot on target in that game.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Premier League title race: Remaining fixtures for Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City
Ronaldo wants Haaland, Mbappe and Bellingham to team up at Madrid
Man City: Rodri sets target of nine wins from 10 to retain title

Ahead of Tuesday’s all-important second leg at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta suggested Arsenal’s approach to that game was too conservative, with more invention required against a stubborn Porto backline.

“We’re certainly going to have to tweak a few things to generate much more than we did against them,” Arteta said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.

“It’s the Champions League, you’re facing top teams and the fact that there are two games plays on your mind a little bit. We have to be better tomorrow.

“Every opponent has their strengths and weaknesses, their way of approaching games. Now we know this opponent better, we played these kinds of games many times.

“We’ll just focus on being ourselves and doing more of the things we can control, better than we did a few weeks ago.”

Arsenal’s nine last-16 eliminations are a Champions League record, and they last reached the competition’s quarter-finals in 2010, beating Porto 6-2 on aggregate at this stage after losing the first leg 2-1.

Arteta knows the Emirates crowd will have a huge role to play, saying: “It’s an opportunity we have in our stadium with our people. For 96 minutes, bring your noise and let’s do it together.

“The impact they [the fans] can make tomorrow is incredible. I don’t think they realise it. We need them to play every single ball with us, but we need that emotional control as well.

“We need to realise that the game will go through different phases, we have to chose the moments to push, but it’s a beautiful opportunity to live these nights.

“It’s been 14 years, so everything we put out there will be worth it.”

Arsenal went top of the Premier League table on Saturday, with Kai Havertz’s late header guiding them to a 2-1 win over Brentford after Aaron Ramsdale’s mistake allowed Yoane Wissa to cancel out Declan Rice’s opener.

Arteta praised the way Ramsdale’s team-mates rallied around him after that error, saying: “The unity around the players is amazing. It’s organic, it’s natural.

“They really feel for each other and when they have opportunities to get someone out of trouble, they are ready to do it. It was another great example of the quality in the team and the people we have in there.”

Premier League title race: Remaining fixtures for Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City

Matchday 28 always looked likely to be a pivotal moment in the Premier League title race, and so it proved.

Arsenal were the major victors to emerge from the weekend’s fixtures, with the Gunners going top of the table with a 2-1 win over Brentford before their two rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City, did battle at Anfield.

An entertaining 1-1 draw on Merseyside leaves all three teams separated by just a single point with 10 games of the season remaining.

Read our other football news stories here:
Rodri sets target of nine wins from 10 to retain Premier League title
Manchester City: Richard Keys lashes out at ‘disgrace’ Guardiola
Man City outcast Cancelo tips Guardiola’s men for glory

With the FA Cup quarter-finals taking centre-stage this coming weekend, the three competitors have time to draw breath before returning to league action after the international break.

As one of the most absorbing title races in many years enters its decisive phase, we look at each team’s remaining fixtures to see where the battle might be won and lost.

ARSENAL (1st, 64 points, GD +46)

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners currently have the edge over their rivals, having won all eight of their Premier League fixtures in 2024 by a remarkable aggregate score of 33-4. That sizable boost to their goal difference has come at an opportune time, giving them a seven-goal buffer to Liverpool.

However, they face the sternest test of their credentials next time out, going to the Etihad Stadium for a huge clash with City, who demolished them 4-1 in the same fixture last season.

Getting through that match unscathed will be key for Arsenal, though they face a daunting set of away fixtures overall, with all five of their remaining road trips pitting them against teams currently inside the top half of the table.

Their visits to North London rivals Tottenham – set for the last weekend of April – and Manchester United on the season’s penultimate matchday promise to be huge occasions.

Arsenal remaining fixtures: Man City (A), Luton Town (H), Brighton (A), Aston Villa (H), Wolves (A), Tottenham (A), Bournemouth (H), Manchester United (A), Everton (H).

To be arranged: Chelsea (H).

LIVERPOOL (2nd, 64 points, GD +39)

Liverpool might feel they have the kindest set of remaining fixtures, having already faced both of their title rivals twice.

The Anfield factor will be huge as Jurgen Klopp embarks on his farewell tour, and having home advantage for their meeting with Spurs – one of just two teams to beat them in the Premier League this campaign – could be crucial.

There are, however, a couple of fixtures which may provide cause for concern. Back in 2018-19, Liverpool finished with 97 points but were still edged out by City, with goalless draws at Old Trafford and Goodison Park proving costly. Both of those grounds still await them in 2023-24.

Both Arsenal and City have already lost at Villa Park this term, meanwhile, and Aston Villa may still be fighting for UEFA Champions League qualification when Liverpool go there in May.

Liverpool remaining fixtures: Brighton (H), Sheffield United (H), Manchester United (A), Crystal Palace (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (A), Tottenham (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H).

TBA: Everton (A).

MANCHESTER CITY (3rd, 63 points, GD +35)    

Last season, City roared back to snatch the title away from Arsenal by winning 12 straight Premier League games between matchweeks 24 and 36. They may just need a similar run to retain their crown, with midfielder Rodri setting them a target of nine victories from their final 10 games.

The champions’ toughest tests come early on, with home games against two sides they have already lost to this term in Arsenal and Villa.

If Pep Guardiola’s men can come through those contests with maximum points, Arsenal might just find themselves in the awkward position of needing a favour from local rivals Tottenham.

City have lost all on all four of their trips to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League. With all three of the contenders still to play, Spurs could have a huge say in the destination of the title.

Manchester City remaining fixtures: Arsenal (H), Aston Villa (H), Crystal Palace (A), Luton Town (H), Tottenham (A), Nottingham Forest (A), Wolves (H), Fulham (A), West Ham (H).

TBA: Brighton (A).