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Nicolas S. Piuzzi, MD, Presented Kappa Delta Young Investigator Award for Research on Employing Data Analytics to Improve Patient Outcomes

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ROSEMONT, Ill., Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Nicolas S. Piuzzi, MD, was recognized as the 2025 Kappa Delta Young Investigator Award winner for research showing how leveraging advanced analytics with personalized outcome prediction tools can optimize the outcomes and satisfaction of total hip and knee arthroplasty (THA, TKA) for patients. Utilizing patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) can help clinicians identify risk factors and predict outcomes more accurately, allowing for tailored interventions at the patient level. The award recognizes outstanding clinical research related to musculoskeletal disease or injury by investigators under 40 years old or no more than seven years beyond training.

To read more about the award, please click here.

Each year, approximately 790,000 TKAs and 544,000 THAs are performed in the U.S., numbers that are expected to grow due to an aging population.[i] PROMs have become an increasingly important measure for total joint arthroplasty (TJA) as health care systems shift toward a value-based model, especially in light of the fact that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented guidelines for 2025 that will require hospitals to submit pre- and postoperative PROMs data for THA and TKA to receive full CMS reimbursement. PROMs provide insights into patients’ perspectives on their pain, function and quality of life before and after surgery.

Even with successful surgical outcomes following THA and TKA, 10 to 20% of patients report persistent pain, functional limitations or unmet expectations one year following surgery.[ii] Dr. Piuzzi and his colleagues from Cleveland Clinic Adult Reconstruction Research (CCARR) from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, theorized that incorporating data analytics and PROMs could help practitioners identify patients who may be at a higher risk for poor outcomes, potentially closing the gap between surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

“Musculoskeletal conditions, such as osteoarthritis, represent the leading cause of disability and impose a growing economic and health burden on our society,[iii]” said Dr. Piuzzi, associate staff and director of research, Cleveland Clinic Adult Reconstruction Research Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and Cleveland Clinic Musculoskeletal Research Center co-director. “Despite affecting over one-third of the U.S. population and accounting for hundreds of billions in annual health-care costs, these conditions remain underfunded in research, highlighting an urgent need for action to advance innovative treatments and improve patient outcomes. Specifically, hip and knee arthroplasties can be very costly for our healthcare system and patients. While these procedures have been performed successfully for many years, we asked ourselves how we could incorporate the same level of data that other industries use to give patients a detailed assessment of what they can expect with joint replacement and to determine which risk factors need to be included in the modeling.”

Creating a Comprehensive Data Collection System
In 2015, the Cleveland Clinic developed the Orthopaedic Minimal Data Set Episode of Care database as a comprehensive PROMs data collection platform specifically for TJA.[iv] Patient demographics, general health PROMs, joint-specific PROMs, and disease severity and treatment details are captured from patients and surgeons at specific points in time following surgery. Integrating PROMs collection into the routine clinical workflow achieved a high baseline completion rate (>97%) for TJA procedures. Passive and active follow-up methods, including automated email reminders, text messages and electronic health record messages, are used to ensure patients are reached. If patients do not respond, telephone calls and personalized mailed letters are sent. A study published by the research team shows passive measures captured one-year PROMs for 38% of the THA cohort and 40% of the TKA cohort.[v] A significant portion of patients ― 40% for THA and 41% for TKA ― required more active follow-up to complete their postoperative PROMs. The study showed the need for a multimodal approach to patient follow-up to collect PROMs data.

Preoperative PROMs Phenotypes Lead to Individualized Approach
Using preoperative PROMs phenotypes that incorporate pain, function and mental health provides for a more accurate representation of each patient’s unique needs and risk factors, allowing surgeons to individualize the approach and better predict outcomes after TJA.

In a study of 4,034 primary THA patients, Dr. Piuzzi and the research team defined eight distinct phenotypes based on combinations of above or below median scores for Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) pain, HOOS-Physical Function Shortform (HOOS-PS), and Veterans RAND 12 Item Health Survey-Mental Health Summary Measure (VR-12 MCS), which is a self-administered health survey that captures physical and mental health aspects.[vi] The study found that phenotypes characterized by lower-than-median VR-12 MCS scores were significantly associated with increased dissatisfaction at one year, regardless of pain or function scores. Patients with the phenotype representing below-median scores across all three PROMs had the highest odds of dissatisfaction compared to the reference phenotype.

By identifying patients with high-risk phenotypes, clinicians can develop targeted interventions to optimize patients’ preoperative condition and manage expectations.

“The variation between the different phenotypes is a 9 to 10% risk of failure to a 25% risk of failure related to patient satisfaction and perception of improvement,” said Dr. Piuzzi. “This gives practitioners a very powerful tool to counsel patients and address some of the risk factors for each patient. If you have a patient in the high-risk group who is having mental health issues or poor function, clinicians need to set expectations and address some of the issues to mitigate risk factors. It is very applicable as it is readily available to everyone, but we need to ensure the data is collected, analyzed and implemented.”

Developing a Predictive Model
With value-based health care becoming more important, there is a need for a data-driven, standardized approach to guide the shared decision-making process in TJA. Integrating PROMs and relevant patient characteristics into a comprehensive predictive model allows for the development of a personalized outcome prediction tool that can estimate the likelihood of improved pain, function and quality of life after surgery for individuals.

The Cleveland Clinic research team built a tool for TKA that incorporated separate models for predicting length of stay; 90-day readmission; and one-year improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (function and quality of life sub-scores). These models include a range of patient factors ― demographics, comorbidities, baseline PROMs and laboratory values ― and allow the predictive tool to consider modifiable risk factors. The personalized outcome prediction tool demonstrated high accuracy in predicting outcomes for new patients. This demonstrates the potential for using data-driven models to provide patients and surgeons with individualized estimates of expected outcomes based on preoperative characteristics and PROMs.

About the Kappa Delta Awards
The Kappa Delta Awards, the first of which was established by the Kappa Delta Sorority and awarded in 1950, are presented by the AAOS to persons who have performed research in orthopaedic surgery that is of high significance and impact. The sorority would later add two more awards, valued at $20,000 each. Two awards are named for the sorority national past presidents who were instrumental in the creation of the awards: Elizabeth Winston Lanier and Ann Doner Vaughn. The third is known as the Young Investigator Award.

For more information, please visit aaos.org/kappadelta. Learn more about the Kappa Delta Foundation, here.

About the AAOS
With more than 39,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health. It provides the highest quality, most comprehensive education to help orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals at every career level to best treat patients in their daily practices. The AAOS is the source for information on bone and joint conditions, treatments and related musculoskeletal health care issues; and it leads the health care discussion on advancing quality.

Follow the AAOS on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

________________________________________
i American College of Rheumatology. Joint Replacement Surgery. Published February 2024. Accessed Dec. 18, 2024. https://rheumatology.org/patients/joint-replacement-surgery
ii Orr MN, Klika AK, Emara AK, et al. 2022. Dissatisfaction After Total Hip Arthroplasty Associated with Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcome Phenotypes. J. Arthroplasty 37(7S):S498–S509.
iii McConaghy K, Klika AK, Apte SS, Erdemir A, Derwin K, Piuzzi NS. A Call to Action for Musculoskeletal Research Funding: The Growing Economic and Disease Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions in the United States Is Not Reflected in Musculoskeletal Research Funding. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2023 Mar 15;105(6):492-498.
iv OME Cleveland Clinic Orthopaedics. Implementing a Scientifically Valid, Cost-Effective, and Scalable Data Collection System at Point of Care: The Cleveland Clinic OME Cohort. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2019 Mar 6;101(5):458-464.
v Rullán PJ, Pasqualini I, Zhang C, et al. 2024. How to Raise the Bar in the Capture of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Total Joint Arthroplasty: Results from Active and Passive Follow-up Measures. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 106(10):879–890.
 vi Emara AK, Orr MN, Klika AK, et al. 2022. When is Surgery Performed? Trends, Demographic Associations, and Phenotypical Characterization of Baseline Patient-Reported Outcomes Before Total Hip Arthroplasty. J. Arthroplasty 37(6):1083–1091.e3.

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SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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STARTRADER Launches SKHY as SK Hynix Makes Its US Market Debut, Giving Clients Timely Access to a Key AI Memory Name

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July 23, 2026

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SKHY gives clients direct exposure to a key supplier of high-bandwidth memory at the heart of the AI acceleration market.

DUBAI, UAE, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — STARTRADER today announced the launch of SK Hynix Inc. (SKHY) as a US Stock CFD on its trading platform, available from July 22, 2026. Moving swiftly following SK Hynix’s recent US listing, which raised approximately $26.5 billion, STARTRADER is ensuring clients can engage with this name at the earliest opportunity.

This is precisely the type of occasion STARTRADER builds its product strategy around. As significant names enter the US market and begin drawing institutional attention, STARTRADER moves decisively to ensure clients have access when it carries the most relevance. For a company of SK Hynix’s standing in the AI memory supply chain, its US debut represents exactly that kind of opportunity.

The decision reflects a product philosophy centred on anticipation. As the boundary between global and US-listed equities continues to narrow, STARTRADER intends to remain consistently at that intersection, connecting clients to names the global investment community is beginning to follow closely and providing the access needed to engage with both confidence and context.

“Clients who follow the AI infrastructure story understand that the opportunity runs through the entire supply chain, including the memory and bandwidth that make large-scale AI possible. SK Hynix’s arrival on the US market made this the right moment to act, and acting early on behalf of our clients is exactly what we intend to keep doing.”

Peter Karsten, Chief Executive Officer, STARTRADER

SKHY marks the latest addition in a product offering designed to keep clients directly connected to the names and sectors defining the next phase of global market development, with the breadth and precision to engage with structural investment themes as they take shape.

Trading CFDs involves a significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.

About STARTRADER
STARTRADER is a global multi-asset broker empowering retail and institutional partners to access global markets through a range of platforms, including MetaTrader, STAR-APP, and STAR-COPY. Regulated infive jurisdictions (CMA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA, and FSC), STARTRADER combines strong governance with a client-first approach, serving both retail clients and partners with a commitment to transparency, reliability, and long-term growth.

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FORD AND GEELY AUTO JOIN FORCES IN EUROPE TO PRODUCE NEXT-GENERATION MULTI-ENERGY VEHICLES IN SPAIN

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July 23, 2026

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The global automakers plan to form a manufacturing joint venture at Ford’s Valencia, Spain, plant, combining scale and factory utilization, to build Ford and Geely vehiclesThe partnership, built on a foundation of trust and shared business principles, secures the future of the Valencia plant, provides long-term stability and creates the potential for future high-tech manufacturing job growthThe joint venture addresses the new realities of the European market — intense global competition, relentless cost pressure and tightening regulation — resetting Valencia to build at the industry’s emerging cost benchmarkThe Valencia plant will produce a new generation of low- and zero-emission vehicles for European markets, offering customers an outstanding technology experienceThe joint venture is expected to produce an all-new multi-energy crossover for Ford, in addition to a new member of the Bronco family, plus two electric Geely SUVs, with production starting in 2028. Kuga production continues uninterruptedThe collaboration accelerates Geely Auto’s European expansion, and supports Ford’s product offensive to bring five new passenger vehicles to European showrooms by 2029

VALENCIA, Spain, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ford Motor Company and Geely Automobile Holdings (hereafter “Geely Auto”) today announced an agreement to form a Europe-focused joint venture (JV) at Ford’s Valencia, Spain, manufacturing hub.

The new JV will manufacture Ford and Geely multi-energy passenger vehicles for the European market, driving greater choice and value for European drivers.

Europe is home to one of the fiercest competitive battles in the global automotive industry today. Tightening regulation, high operating costs and a new generation of global competitors have reset the industry’s benchmark for manufacturing cost, vehicle technology and software experience.

By pooling production volume, Ford and Geely will maximize the capacity of the Valencia plant, lower the cost of every vehicle built there, and compete at this emerging cost standard while delivering world-class multi-energy vehicles and strengthening the local Valencia economy in the process.

Pending regulatory approvals, the joint venture will begin operations in the first half of 2027, with the first new vehicles scheduled to roll off the line in 2028. The Valencia plant will continue to produce the Ford Kuga in the meantime.

“This JV with Ford in Europe reflects our commitment to open, collaborative product development as part of our growth strategy, deepening our local presence and commitment to customers in Europe”, said Alex Nan, Vice President of Geely Auto Group. “We are dedicated to delivering vehicles that European customers will choose on merit: on industry leading features, on high-quality and on actively contributing to Europe’s green future. Put simply: we are building cars in Europe, for Europe, alongside a trusted partner.”

Ford’s partnership with Geely is built on a foundation of trust and respect stretching back to 2010 when Ford sold Volvo Cars to Geely and watched it protect and revitalize the brand. Both companies share a commitment to quality, cost-efficient sourcing and continuous improvement, as well as a belief that customers should be able to choose their own path through the energy transition.

Transforming Valencia into a Powerhouse for Low-CO2 Mobility

The JV will transform Ford’s Valencia facility – already one of Europe’s most productive and advanced plants, with a potential annual capacity of about 500,000 vehicles – into a shared, high-tech manufacturing hub built to compete at the industry’s new global cost standard. The plant has been at the leading edge of the European market since it opened in 1976, when it built the original Ford Fiesta, Ford’s first global front-wheel-drive car, and a major success. Ford was the first non-Spanish automaker to build in Valencia, the start of a partnership with Spain and its people that remains as strong today.

Under the proposed ownership structure, Ford will own 66% of the new entity and Geely Auto 34%.

An Exciting Vehicle Lineup

“For nearly 50 years, Valencia has built some of the most-loved cars in our history, and now this team will help build our future”, said Jim Baumbick, President, Ford of Europe. ” That’s why we’re building a flexible, cost-effective industrial system with a capable partner in Geely Auto. Together we can fully utilize a best-in-class plant with a great workforce and match the industry’s new cost benchmark. This is all part of Ford’s vision to give European drivers rally-bred handling, true off-road capability and multi-energy technology, with a distinct Blue Oval DNA.”

The JV will combine the engineering, manufacturing and development know-how of two of the world’s leading automakers to build both Ford and Geely low- and zero-emission passenger vehicles. The cars will be tailored for European drivers and will offer them choice in powertrain technology, as well as outstanding digital experiences.

Ford Models:

The Popular Ford Kuga: Production of the Ford Kuga — one of Europe’s favorite plug-in hybrids — will continue uninterrupted in Valencia.A Rugged New Bronco: Valencia will also produce a new member of the global Bronco family – a tough, compact, adventure-ready SUV built for European roads, with production starting in 2028.An All-New Crossover: A multi-energy family crossover, designed by Ford and jointly developed with Geely will arrive in 2028. Engineered with Ford’s signature capabilities and driving dynamics, it is part of an aggressive product offensive that will bring five new multi-energy vehicles to Europe by 2029.

Geely Models:

Sleek Electric SUVs: Geely Auto plans to produce two electric SUVs at the Valencia facility in full support of their European focus and growth strategy. The first Geely-branded models to be manufactured under this joint venture are scheduled to roll off the production line in 2028.

The venture supports Geely Auto’s international expansion, following overseas sales of 474,228 vehicles in the first half of the year, while advancing Ford’s strategy of using partnerships to compete with speed, efficiency and scale in Europe.

“This partnership shows how automakers are strengthening Europe’s industrial base, but we can’t do it alone,” said Jim Baumbick. “What we’ve achieved in Valencia, with the ongoing support of Spain’s national and regional governments, is a masterclass in public-private partnership that sets the benchmark for the rest of Europe.”

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities, and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services, including BlueCruise (ADAS) and security. The company offers freedom of choice through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles (“EVs”) along with embedded software that defines always-on digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, the company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 168,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Geely Auto Group

Geely Auto Group is a leading global automotive company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group develops and manufactures passenger vehicles under the Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands.

Geely Auto achieved cumulative sales of 3,024,567 units in 2025, exceeding the full-year sales target with a year-on-year growth of 39%. New energy vehicle (NEV) sales reached 1,687,767 units, a year-on-year increase of 90%.

With a strong focus on technology innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility, Geely Auto Group operates world-class R&D centers and manufacturing facilities across China, Europe, and key international markets. The Group is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and intelligent vehicles enabled by advanced technologies such as hybrid powertrains, full-electric architectures, smart connectivity, and autonomous driving systems.

As a global company, Geely Auto Group continues to expand its international presence through strategic partnerships, localized operations, and industry-leading platforms. Geely strives to create mobility solutions that are greener, smarter, and more accessible, driving forward the future of sustainable transportation.

Ford news releases, related materials, photos and video, visit From the Road, www.fordmedia.eu or www.media.ford.com.
Follow www.linkedin.com/company/ford-in-europe, www.youtube.com/FordNewsEurope, www.instagram.com/FordNewsEurope,
www.threads.net/@fordnewseurope and www.tiktok.com/@FordNewsEurope

 

 

 

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K25.ai Secures Series A Investment with Strategic Support from Amber Group, Valuation Doubles to US$200 Million

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July 23, 2026

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Series A follows K25.ai’s oversubscribed Pre-A round and accelerates its vision to make prediction markets native to live digital content

SINGAPORE, July 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — K25.ai, the AI-native prediction market transforming livestreams into real-time interactive markets, today announced the closing of its Series A investment round, with strategic support from Amber Group, at a post-money valuation of US$200 million, doubling the company’s valuation in under 60 days.

The Series A marks another major milestone for K25.ai as it builds a new category at the convergence of artificial intelligence, live digital content, creator economies and prediction markets.

K25.ai enables audiences to predict what happens next across live sports, esports, entertainment and creator content. Its proprietary AI infrastructure supports real-time market generation, content monitoring and outcome resolution, powering a seamless watch-to-predict experience.

The investment and strategic collaboration will accelerate K25.ai’s product development, global expansion, institutional liquidity infrastructure and creator ecosystem.

“We’re building the category where AI meets live content and real-money prediction. Amber Group’s backing — and the doubling of our valuation — confirms the market is ready. We’re moving fast,” said Andy Cheung, Founder and CEO of K25.ai.

Amber Group will support K25.ai across market infrastructure, liquidity strategy, ecosystem development and related digital asset expertise.

“K25.ai is creating a differentiated platform at the intersection of AI, real-time content and prediction markets,” said Haoyu, Portfolio Director of amber.ac. “We are excited to support its experienced team as it scales a new generation of interactive financial and entertainment experiences.”

The Series A follows K25.ai’s recently closed Pre-A round led by Nasdaq-listed NewGenIVF Group Limited (Nasdaq: NIVF). The Series A support from Amber Group doubles K25.ai’s valuation from its Pre-A round and adds a second institutional backer alongside NewGenIVF Group, extending K25.ai’s strategic support across both public markets and digital assets.

About K25.ai

K25.ai is an AI-native livestreaming prediction market transforming passive audiences into active participants. By combining live content, creator-led markets and AI-powered resolution, K25.ai is building the infrastructure for the next generation of interactive information markets.

About Amber Group

Amber Group is a global leader in digital assets, headquartered in Singapore. Amber Group is the parent company of Amber International Holding Limited (Nasdaq: AMBR), which operates as a separate publicly traded company. Since 2017, Amber Group has developed full-stack solutions that bridge traditional finance and digital assets, offering end-to-end services including wealth management, asset management, market making, advisory, investment, and infrastructure. These products and services are offered across various entities within Amber Group. Certain products, services, technologies, and initiatives described in this press release are developed or carried out by subsidiaries or affiliates of Amber Group other than Amber International Holding Limited, and are not necessarily conducted by or attributable to the listed entity.

Backed by top investors and equipped with deep expertise in both digital and traditional markets, Amber Group leverages AI, blockchain, and quantitative research to deliver personalized, cutting-edge solutions. The company focuses on servicing a diverse global clientele—comprising HNW individuals, institutions, funds, exchanges, and projects—to optimize returns safely across all market conditions.

Learn more at www.ambergroup.io.

Media and Investor Contacts

K25.ai Media Contact
media@k25.ai 

K25.ai Investor Relations Contact
ir@k25.ai 

K25.ai Partnership Contact
partnership@k25.ai 

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