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In the One Health approach, which summarizes a concept that human, animal and plant health are interdependent and linked to the ecosystems in which they exist, animal welfare assumes an important role. In addition, the Farm to Fork Strategy of the European Union recognizes animal welfare as an essential component. Transport of animals involves a number of issues related to welfare. Animals are subjected to continuous stress, not only during transit on vehicles, vessels, trains or airplanes, but also during loading and unloading operations. The handling and transport conditions have improved from basic and relatively rudimentary systems, with elements to attenuate discomfort of animals having been gradually introduced, especially for long distance transport. Despite several improvements of animal welfare standards during transportation there are still pressing issues in current EU legislation which deserve reviewing. Recently, several scientific opinions on animal welfare, including during transport, have been published by the European Food Safety Agency, following requests by the European Commission. In addition, the European Court of Auditors published its last report focused on animal welfare during transport. These reports underline the need to review current legislation governing the topic and highlight a number of outstanding issues in the European Union and in Third Countries. This article summarizes the history and current status of this complex issue. [Open Vet J 2024; 14(7.000): 1509-1525]

This study assumes that former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used different types of deixis in their first State of the Nation Address (SONAs). Supporting this assumption is the theory of Deictic Expressions by Stephen Levinson. This study is descriptive qualitative. Findings revealed that former President Duterte and President Marcos Jr. used different types of deixis in their speeches. The most dominant type of deixis used by former President Duterte is personal deixis, which obtained the highest frequency, particularly the pronoun "I". In contrast, the most prevalent deixis used by President Marcos is "personal deixis", particularly the pronoun "we". It is concluded that personal deixis was the most dominant type of deixis among the five types used by the two speakers in their speeches. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct a future study that will focus on the usage of deixis in books or speeches.

Abstract Background Acute retinal pigment epitheliitis (ARPE) is a rare, idiopathic and self-limiting disease. The article aims to present ARPE in a patient using D2 dopamine receptor agonists for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia. Case presentation A 28-year-old female during hyperprolactinaemia treatment suffered from a dyschromatopsia and a central visual field defect in the left eye. She noticed a deterioration of vision and discontinued the cabergoline administration. The woman had not been diagnosed with other chronic conditions and exhibited no symptoms of infection. Upon admission, the patient was subjected to a test for COVID-19, which was negative. The ophthalmological examination revealed a decrease in visual acuity to distance in the left eye, which amounted to 18/20 on the Snellen chart. A central scotoma was noted on the Amsler chart and a loss of pigment epithelium was visible on the fundus of the left eye. Fluorescein angiography showed a discrete window defect in the left one, with no signs of leakage. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans of the maculae revealed a characteristic change in the photoreceptor layer and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the fovea in the left eye. The electrophysiological tests revealed decreased function of cells in macular region. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head and orbits demonstrated an asymmetric pituitary gland without chiasm compression and discrete signal enhancement from the left optic nerve. The patient underwent observation during hospitalisation. She reported improved colour vision and a decreased scotoma in the centre of her visual field. In regular outpatient follow-ups, successive improvements in visual acuity, as well as a decreased RPE damage and outer photoreceptor layer loss during an OCT test were observed. Conclusions A case of ARPE is reported in a patient taking medications for hyperprolactinemia. The role of dopamine receptor antagonists in the photoreceptor function and causation of ARPE needs further evaluation.

In the evolving domain of urban mobility systems, the integration of technology with user-centric strategies is pivotal. This research stands on the foundational concept of Mobility-as-a-Service, a user-centric intelligent mobility management distribution system that seeks to prioritize human needs over mere technological infrastructure. The study delves deep into the wealth of data available through mobile sensing technologies, highlighting the unprecedented understanding it offers into human mobility patterns, thus facilitating personalized route recommendations.

We present a case of bilateral endogenous endophthalmitis with an extremely rare etiology of Capnocytophaga canimorsus. A 42-year-old asplenic patient with bilateral deterioration of visual acuity presented to the Emergency Department. The sudden deterioration of visual acuity, which prompted the patient to visit the ophthalmologist, was the first sign of the onset of sepsis. The physicians’ attention, in addition to poor visual acuity and intense inflammation on ophthalmologic examination, was drawn to the reported flu-like symptoms. They were accompanied by high C-reactive protein results and abnormalities in echocardiography. A blood culture isolated the bacterium Capnocytophaga canimorsus. Immunocompromised patients are particularly susceptible to C. canimorsus infection. Endophthalmitis of this etiology has a very aggressive course, both ophthalmic and systemic. Therefore, quick diagnosis and initiation of adequate therapy are crucial.

In the coming years, mobility initiatives should focus on sustainability, safety, and social equity. This can be achieved by introducing innovative transportation methods, implementing novel approaches for end-users, and optimizing the utilization of traditional modes of transport. To achieve this goal, it is essential to utilize pervasive sensing and computing technologies, along with intelligent information processing systems, to assist decision makers, managers, and transport operators. To effectively address unforeseen events and disruptions, mobility services should promptly adapt and improve their flexibility. Furthermore, these services should be adaptable to meet the unique needs and evolving demands of individuals. Current research focuses on understanding how individuals make decisions about when and where they engage in walking, driving, and travel activities. Therefore, it is important to develop reliable human mobility models in this context. Big data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are important in this context as they enable data generators to identify individual patterns and quickly adapt solutions. This paper aims to conduct a literature review on Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS), focusing on personalization, to identify gaps in current MaaS initiatives. This assessment is essential for creating inclusive, user-friendly, personalized, and customizable MaaS solutions. To conclude, the existing challenges have been addressed in comprehending the characteristics of MaaS in terms of personalization. Additionally, they have been proposed further research questions to delve deeper into this aspect. First published online 26 February 2024

This study assumes that former President Rodrigo Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used different types of deixis in their first State of the Nation Address (SONAs). Supporting this assumption is the theory of Deictic Expressions by Stephen Levinson. This study is descriptive qualitative. Findings revealed that former President Duterte and President Marcos Jr. used different types of deixis in their speeches. The most dominant type of deixis used by former President Duterte is personal deixis, which obtained the highest frequency, particularly the pronoun "I". In contrast, the most prevalent deixis used by President Marcos is "personal deixis", particularly the pronoun "we". It is concluded that personal deixis was the most dominant type of deixis among the five types used by the two speakers in their speeches. Future researchers are encouraged to conduct a future study that will focus on the usage of deixis in books or speeches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artykuł przedstawia ostatnią praktykę orzeczniczą Komisji Europejskiej wskazującą na tendencję do szerokiego, wychodzącego poza obecne ramy proceduralne (czyli leniency, settlements i decyzji zobowiązującej), premiowania przedsiębiorców za współpracę przyczyniającą się do szybszego zakończenia postępowania. Prezentuje również podejście Prezesa UOKiK do nagradzania współpracy. Ponadto artykuł analizuje czy szeroki negocjacyjny model stosowania prawa ochrony konkurencji nie niesie ryzyka dla efektywności egzekwowania reguł konkurencji.

Background/Purpose. Pars planitis (PP) is a chronic intermediate uveitis of undefined cause, although autoimmune etiology is strongly suggested. This study was undertaken to evaluate circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with PP. A better understanding of immune alterations in PP may contribute to the development of an appropriate biologic treatment approach. Material and Methods. In our case-control study, samples of peripheral blood from 15 patients with pars planitis and 17 healthy subjects were collected. The patients underwent a full ophthalmological evaluation including macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) and submacular choroid (with enhanced deep imaging) with the SD-OCT Spectralis system. By flow cytometry, we assessed lymphocyte subpopulations as follows: Th1 subset: CD3+CD8-IFN-γ+ and CCR4-CXCR3+IFN-γ+ cells, Th17 subset: CD3+CD8-IL-17+ and CCR4+CCR6+IL-17+ cells, T regulatory (Treg): CD4+CD25hiCD127- cells, T suppressor (Tsup): CD8+CD28-FOXP3+ cells, and B regulatory (Breg): CD19+CD24hiCD38hi cells. The results are presented as the median percentage of immune cells in comparison to those obtained from the healthy control group. Results. In patients, an increase in the population of Th17-secreting cells negatively correlated with the abundance of both IFN-γ-producing and T regulatory as well as suppressor cells, regarding all the phenotypes studied. Although a strong dependence of the PB Th1 cell compartment on the duration of the disease was observed, it was limited to the subgroup of patients with macular edema only. The frequency of B regulatory cells was unchanged compared to controls. Conclusions. In pars planitis, the alterations in lymphocyte cell distribution affect primarily the T cell repertoire. The imbalance in PB Th1/Th17/Treg cells creates proinflammatory conditions, strengthening the suggestion that the immune background may play a role in pars planitis pathogenesis. Also, circulating Th1 level may be of potential clinical relevance in terms of prediction of a more severe course of the disease.

Artykuł przedstawia niemieckie i francuskie rozwiązania ustawowe oraz orzecznictwo w zakresie nieuczciwego nadużywania przewagi kontraktowej (relacyjnej, handlowej siły rynkowej). Omawia, jak w tych jurysdykcjach rozumiane są pojęcia „przewagi rynkowej” oraz jej nadużywania. Następnie szczegółowo analizowane są rozwiązania polskiej ustawy, w tym zwłaszcza krytycznie zinterpretowana jest definicja przewagi kontraktowej. W końcu autorzy zastanawiają się, które z rozwiązań niemieckich i francuskich należałoby przenieść na grunt krajowy.

Przedmiotem artykułu jest wskazanie niedostatków związanych z nowelizacją ustawy o ochronie konkurencji i konsumentów, która weszła w życie w dniu 18 stycznia 2015 r. W pierwszej kolejności wskazane są instytucje prawne, które nie zostały uwzględnione (a powinny) w nowelizacji, takie jak: należyte zagwarantowanie stronie prawa do wysłuchania, zmiany w zakresie rozprawy administracyjnej oraz kwestia poufności komunikacji pomiędzy adwokatem/radca prawnym a klientem. Dodatkowo we wprowadzeniu wymienione zostały inne konieczne zmiany ustawowe. W drugiej części artykułu analizie poddane zostały instytucje wprowadzone do uokik na skutek nowelizacji (procedura dobrowolnego poddania się karze pieniężnej oraz odpowiedzialność finansowa osób zarządzających). Wskazując na wady w tym zakresie, autorzy starają się jednocześnie przedstawić sposoby udoskonalenia tych instytucji poprzez zaprezentowanie postulatów de lege lata oraz de lege ferenda.

Artykuł prezentuje wybrane, najbardziej doniosłe materialne i procesowe zmiany, jakie wprowadzono w wyniku nowelizacji uokik. Omówione zmiany dotyczą w pierwszej kolejności kontroli i przeszukań prowadzonych przez Prezesa UOKiK. Następnie przedstawione zostały nowe instytucje w zakresie praktyk ograniczających konkurencję, takie jak: odpowiedzialność osób zarządzających, środki zaradcze oraz dobrowolne poddanie się karze. Na końcu omówiono zmianę z obszaru praktyk naruszających zbiorowe interesy konsumentów, tj. wprowadzenie możliwości wydawania przez Prezesa UOKiK ostrzeżeń publicznych.

Is there, in the context of the recent developments related to the Lisbon Treaty, a need for substantial change with respect to the scope and application of legal professional privilege (LPP) and the privilege against self-incrimination (PASI) in competition law proceedings before the European Commission? To answer this question this article first briefly describes the current scope of LPP and PASI in EU competition law enforcement proceedings. This is followed by a presentation of the impact that the binding effect of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (Charter) and the EU’s prospective accession to the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Convention) may have on LPP and PASI. This analysis includes reasons why it may be necessary for the Commission and the EU Courts to reconsider the current scope of the privileges, and examines what could be considered as significant changes in this respect. In the event arguments for radical reform do not find the requisite political support, the article elaborates some nuanced improvements which could be implemented.

Niniejszy artykuł stanowi próbę krytycznej oceny rozwiązań w zakresie legal professional privilege, które zostały zaproponowane w toku procesu legislacyjnego oraz ostatecznie przyjęte przez twórców projektowanej nowelizacji ustawy o ochronie konkurencji i konsumentów. Oprócz wskazania na liczne interpretacyjnie praktyczne trudności wiążące się z przyjętymi przez twórców tej nowelizacji rozwiązaniami, niniejszy artykuł proponuje również treść przepisów regulujących zasadę LPP, które mogłyby znaleźć się w znowelizowanej ustawie. W ocenie autorów rozwiązania te powinny być co do zasady zbieżne z rozwiązaniami przyjętymi w unijnym prawie konkurencji.

Artykuł prezentuje wybrane, problematyczne kwestie pojawiające się na styku prawa konkurencji i prawa zamówień publicznych. To ostatnie dążąc do zapewnienia konkurencji w ramach konkretnego postępowania przetargowego, poprzez wspieranie udziału większej ilości wykonawców, może bowiem czasami ułatwiać zmowy przetargowe pomiędzy oferentami. Omawiane w artykule problemy dotyczą zatem prawnej oceny tworzenia konsorcjów przetargowych oraz udziału w przetargu przedsiębiorców należących do jednej grupy kapitałowej. Ponadto, artykuł porusza kwestię organu właściwego do rozstrzygania w sprawach zmów przetargowych.

Las barreras medanosas Oriental y Austral de Buenos Aires se originaron como consecuencia de la fluctuación holocena del nivel del mar que dejó abundante sedimento litoral que migró hacia el interior. De acuerdo a dataciones radiocarbónicas de materiales obtenidos por debajo de los niveles medanosos se reconocen 3 ciclos de generación de médanos costeros. El primero se originó con posterioridad a la colmatación de ambientes estuarinos (estuarios, laguna costeras, lagunas estuarinas, marismas) aproximadamente hace 6000-4000 años AP dependiendo de la disponibilidad de arena y profundidad del ambiente estuarino. El segundo ciclo de formación de médanos costeros corresponde a una regeneración que se dio entre 3500 y 2400 años AP en ambas barreras. El tercer ciclo es más moderno y corresponde a una reactivación que tuvo lugar entre 1600 y 500 años AP. Estos ciclos son aproximadamente coincidentes con otros que tuvieron lugar en el Hemisferio Sur (Sudáfrica, Nueva Zelandia y Australia). Actualmente, la dinámica de la barreras está siendo significativamente alterada localmente con la fijación, forestación, urbanización y drenaje de los médanos que incrementaron los problemas de erosión costera, y de escasez o contaminación de aguas subterráneas.

Glaucoma is a heterogeneous group of ophthalmic diseases leading to irreversible damage to the optic nerve. While the overall mechanism responsible for glaucoma remains obscure, the most important risk factor is elevated intraocular pressure. The current therapies, whether pharmacological or surgical, are primarily symptomatic with the aim to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP). Poorer response to treatment is associated, for example, with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, which is determined by blocking the trabecular meshwork (TM) both by pigment grains and the pseudoexfoliation material. It was thought that aqueous humor is drained from the eye by two main pathways: conventional outflow through the TM and Schlemm's canal; and unconventional outflow through the ciliary body through uveal tissue. In 2009 Yucel et al. described and proved the presence of a third pathway for aqueous humor drainage using two specific lymphatic markers: podoplanin, and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 to identify lymphatic channels in the human ciliary body. The discovery identifies a novel target for IOP-lowering therapies. The most promising group are prostaglandins, which are widely prescribed for glaucoma patients. An intriguing new possibility in glaucoma therapy is using ANGPT agonist. It is still not known if the lymphatic drainage in glaucoma is decreased or dysfunctional and whether lymphatic stimulation can help in removing the improperly accumulated substances, as is seen in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. However, this new target for glaucoma treatment appears very promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the one health approach, which summarizes the concept that human, animal, and plant health are interdependent and linked to the ecosystems in which they exist, animal welfare assumes an important role. In addition, the Farm to Fork Strategy of the European Union recognizes animal welfare as an essential component. Transport of animals involves a number of issues related to welfare. Animals are subjected to continuous stress, not only during transit on vehicles, vessels, trains, or airplanes, but also during loading and unloading operations. The handling and transport conditions have improved from basic and relatively rudimentary systems, with elements to attenuate the discomfort of animals having been gradually introduced, especially for long-distance transport. Despite several improvements in animal welfare standards during transportation there are still pressing issues in current EU legislation which deserve reviewing. Recently, several scientific opinions on animal welfare, including during transport, have been published by the European Food Safety Agency, following requests by the European Commission. In addition, the European Court of Auditors published its last report focused on animal welfare during transport. These reports underline the need to review current legislation governing the topic and highlight a number of outstanding issues in the European Union and in Third Countries. This article summarizes the history and current status of this complex issue., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Applying palindromic nucleotide substitutions (PNS) method, variable loci of the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) secondary structure in the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of Border disease virus sequences were analysed allowing their allocation into ten IRES classes within the species. Sequence characteristics of Turkish and Chinese strains were highly divergent from other genogroups, indicating geographic segregation and micro-evolutive steps within the species. Observed heterogeneity in the BDV species has to be considered for potential implications on diagnostic tests, control and preventive measures., (Crown Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Pestiviruses are responsible for widespread diseases affecting cattle, pigs and other ruminants, presenting a wide range of clinical manifestations, with significant impact on animal production. Given the recent various reports of a relatively high number of new strains and atypical genomic variants, in the present study, ninety-seven genomic sequences from southern Italy have been evaluated applying the palindromic nucleotide substitutions method, based on 5'-UTR secondary structure alignment and computing genetic distance among strains in the internal ribosome entry site. Sequence analysis revealed a highly heterogeneous virus population, indicating the introduction of virus variants of Bovine viral diarrhea virus and Border disease virus species from foreign countries. The application of different analytical procedures was useful to avoid interpretation difficulties. Circulation of heterogeneous virus populations showed the need for more accurate epidemiological investigations and stringent veterinary controls to protect animal health and welfare., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)