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Cardinal sentenced to 5 1/2 years in Vatican's financial 'trial of the century'

In a landmark decision, the Vatican City State's judicial system handed down a historic verdict against Cardinal Angelo Becciu, sentencing him to five and a half years behind bars for embezzlement. This significant ruling came at the culmination of a two-year judicial process examining the financial wrongdoings of Becciu and nine others within the Vatican. At 75 years old, Becciu holds the dubious distinction of being the first cardinal to face criminal prosecution by the Vatican's courts since it established its sovereignty in 1929.

The case initially centered around a controversial 2013 investment by the Vatican in a high-end London property. Although Becciu was not the primary focus at the outset, the inquiry uncovered the Vatican's substantial financial losses due to extortion and blackmail linked to this transaction. Further investigation brought to light additional alarming findings. It was revealed that Becciu, leveraging his high-ranking position in the Vatican's administrative hierarchy, had misappropriated significant sums. He funneled large amounts of money to a charitable organization operated by his brother in Sardinia and made substantial payments to a Slovenian woman purportedly for intelligence services.

Pope Francis's decision to proceed with this trial was seen as a bold move toward promoting transparency in an institution often criticized for its lack of openness. However, some critics have voiced concerns about the Pope's absolute authority potentially influencing the trial's outcome in favor of the prosecution. Following this groundbreaking verdict, Becciu and his co-defendants are anticipated to file appeals.

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‘Long flu’ has emerged as a consequence similar to long COVID

A recent study conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, in collaboration with the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System, has revealed striking insights into the long-term health consequences of seasonal influenza. This research, which draws comparisons with the COVID-19 virus, highlights that individuals hospitalized due to the flu can experience ongoing, detrimental health impacts, particularly in their respiratory system. Furthermore, the study uncovered that patients who were hospitalized for either COVID-19 or the flu faced a heightened risk of mortality, rehospitalization, and various other health complications within 18 months post-infection.

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a wealth of studies focusing on its capacity to affect multiple bodily systems, leading to a spectrum of persistent and sometimes debilitating conditions, often referred to as long COVID. The findings from the Washington University School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System now suggest a similar pattern of prolonged health issues in patients who have been hospitalized due to seasonal influenza, with a specific emphasis on lung and airway health.

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Nissan to export China-developed EVs to global markets

Nissan Motor, identified by its stock code 7201.T, announced on Sunday a significant strategic shift in its global operations. The company plans to commence worldwide distribution of electric vehicles (EVs) that have been developed in China. This decision is a part of Nissan's collaboration with China's leading university, aiming to utilize local expertise to expedite the research and development in the field of electrification.

Masashi Matsuyama, the Vice President of Nissan Motor and the President of Nissan China, shared this development with the media in Beijing. The company is exploring the possibility of exporting a range of vehicles from China to international markets. This includes their current lineup of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines as well as the forthcoming new models of purely electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, all of which have been manufactured and developed in China. This move underscores Nissan's commitment to embracing electric vehicle technology and leveraging global resources to enhance its product offerings.

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