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Venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) investors play different roles in their portfolio companies. We argue that this will translate in a recognizable difference in the investment sensitivity to cash flows of portfolio companies and its evolution after the first investment round. We hypothesise that VC, thanks to its ability in overcoming asymmetries in information, will entail a reduction in the financial constraints which hampered the growth of investee firms. We predict, instead, a greater dependency of investments to cash flow for PE-backed companies, driven by the renewed interest for growth of their management combined with higher leverage. We find evidence confirming our hypotheses on a large panel of Spanish unlisted firms in low and medium technology sectors, where both VC and PE firms are active.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo estudiar la rentabilidad de las empresas multinacionales europeas presentes en \"paraísos fiscales\", territorios caracterizados por su baja o nula tributación. En concreto, se pretende valorar si operar en esas jurisdicciones supone o no una mayor rentabilidad de la inversión de los accionistas (rentabilidad financiera o ROE). Para esta investigación se dispone de una muestra de 24 empresas cuyas observaciones corresponden al periodo 2000-2006. Contrario a lo esperado, los resultados muestran que las empresas multinacionales con operaciones en \"paraísos fiscales\" obtienen una rentabilidad que no es significativamente distinta al rendimiento de las empresas presentes sólo en países \"no paraíso\". Probablemente estos resultados obedecen a que la información disponible no es precisa, pues la falta de transparencia y de un intercambio efectivo de la información dificultan la obtención de datos reales acerca de las actividades de inversión de las empresas multinacionales en estos territorios. The object of this work was to study the profitability of European multinational companies present in \"fiscal paradises\", territories characterised by their low or non-existent tax payment systems. It tries to evaluate whether operating within such jurisdictions supposes greater profitability for stockholders' investment (financial profitability or return on equity - ROE). A sample of 24 companies whose observations corresponded to 2000-2006 was available for this investigation. Contrary to what was expected, the results showed that multinational companies engaged in operations in \"fiscal paradises\" obtained profitability which was not significantly different to that of the profitability of companies only operating in \"non-paradise\" countries. These results probably arose because the available information was not precise due to the lack of transparency and an effective exchange of information, thereby hampering real data being obtained about multinational companies' investment activities in such territories. Ce travail a pour objet l'étude de la rentabilité des entreprises multinationales européennes présentes dans les « paradis fiscaux », territoires caractérisés par une fiscalité peu élevée ou nulle; le but concret est de valoriser si une action dans ces juridictions suppose ou non une meilleure rentabilité de l'investissement des actionnaires (Rentabilidad Financiera o ROE). On dispose pour cette recherche d'un échantillon de 24 entreprises dont les observations correspondent à la période 2000-2006. De façon contradictoire à ce qu'on attendait, les résultats démontrent que les entreprises multinationales exerçant dans les « paradis fiscaux » obtiennent une rentabilité qui n'est pas différente de façon significative au rendement des entreprises qui sont présentes dans les pays qui ne sont pas des « paradis fiscaux ». Ces résultats dépendent probablement d'un manque de disponibilité d'informations précises, étant donné que le manque de transparence et d'échange effectif d'information ne permet pas facilement l'obtention de données réelles en ce qui concerne les activités d'investissement des entreprises multinationales sur ces territoires. Este trabalho tem como objetivo estudar a rentabilidade das empresas multinacionais européias presentes em \"paraísos fiscais\", territórios caracterizados por sua baixa ou nula tributação; concretamente, pretende-se avaliar se operar nessas jurisdições supõe ou não uma maior rentabilidade do investimento dos acionistas (Rentabilidade Financeira ou ROE). Para esta pesquisa dispõe-se de uma mostra de 24 empresas cujas observações correspondem ao período 2000-2006. Contrário ao esperado, os resultados mostram que as empresas multinacionais com operações em \"paraísos fiscais\" obtêm uma rentabilidade que não é significativamente distinta ao rendimento das empresas presentes só em países \"não paraíso\". Provavelmente estes resultados correspondem ao fato de que a informação disponível não é precisa pois a falta de transparência e de um intercâmbio efetivo de informação dificultam a obtenção de dados reais sobre as atividades de investimento das empresas multinacionais nestes territórios.

• Root-knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) induce new post-embryogenic organs within the roots (galls) where they stablish and differentiate nematode feeding cells, giant cells (GCs). The developmental programmes and functional genes involved remain poorly defined. • Arabidopsis root apical meristem (RAM), lateral root (LR) and callus marker lines, SHORT-ROOT/SHR, SCARECROW/SCR, SCHIZORIZA/SCZ, WUSCHEL-RELATED-HOMEOBOX-5/WOX5, AUXIN-RESPONSIVE-FACTOR-5/ARF5, ARABIDOPSIS-HISTIDINE PHOSPHOTR ANSFER-PROTEIN-6/AHP6, GATA-TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR-23/GATA23 and S-PHASE-KINASE-ASSOCIATED-PROTEIN2B/SKP2B, were analysed for nematode-dependent expression. Their corresponding loss-of-function lines, including those for LR upstream regulators, SOLITARY ROOT/SLR/IAA14, BONDELOS/BDL/IAA12 and INDOLE-3-ACETIC-ACID-INDUCIBLE-28/IAA28, were tested for RKN resistance/tolerance. • LR genes, for example ARF5 (key factor for root stem-cell niche regeneration), GATA23 (which specifies pluripotent founder cells) and AHP6 (cytokinin-signalling-inhibitor regulating pericycle cell-divisions orientation), show a crucial function during gall formation. RKNs do not compromise the number of founder cells or LR primordia but locally induce gall formation possibly by tuning the auxin/cytokinin balance in which AHP6 might be necessary. Key RAM marker genes were induced and functional in galls. Therefore, the activation of plant developmental programmes promoting transient-pluripotency/stemness leads to the generation of quiescent-centre and meristematic-like cell identities within the vascular cylinder of galls. • Nematodes enlist developmental pathways of new organogenesis and/or root regeneration in the vascular cells of galls. This should determine meristematic cell identities with sufficient transient pluripotency for gall organogenesis.

Endothelial cell senescence is a hallmark of vascular aging that predisposes to vascular disease. We aimed to explore the capacity of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) heptapeptide angiotensin (Ang)‐(1‐7) to counteract human endothelial cell senescence and to identify intracellular pathways mediating its potential protective action. In human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cultures, Ang II promoted cell senescence, as revealed by the enhancement in senescence‐associated galactosidase (SA‐β‐gal+) positive staining, total and telomeric DNA damage, adhesion molecule expression, and human mononuclear adhesion to HUVEC monolayers. By activating the G protein‐coupled receptor Mas, Ang‐(1‐7) inhibited the pro‐senescence action of Ang II, but also of a non‐RAS stressor such as the cytokine IL‐1β. Moreover, Ang‐(1‐7) enhanced endothelial klotho levels, while klotho silencing resulted in the loss of the anti‐senescence action of the heptapeptide. Indeed, both Ang‐(1‐7) and recombinant klotho activated the cytoprotective Nrf2/heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) pathway. The HO‐1 inhibitor tin protoporphyrin IX prevented the anti‐senescence action evoked by Ang‐(1‐7) or recombinant klotho. Overall, the present study identifies Ang‐(1‐7) as an anti‐senescence peptide displaying its protective action beyond the RAS by consecutively activating klotho and Nrf2/HO‐1. Ang‐(1‐7) mimetic drugs may thus prove useful to prevent endothelial cell senescence and its related vascular complications.

The indigenous population of the Canary Islands, which colonized the archipelago around the 3 rd century CE, provides both a window into the past of North Africa and a unique model to explore the effects of insularity. We generate genome-wide data from 40 individuals from the seven islands, dated between the 3 rd –16 rd centuries CE. Along with components already present in Moroccan Neolithic populations, the Canarian natives show signatures related to Bronze Age expansions in Eurasia and trans-Saharan migrations. The lack of gene flow between islands and constant or decreasing effective population sizes suggest that populations were isolated. While some island populations maintained relatively high genetic diversity, with the only detected bottleneck coinciding with the colonization time, other islands with fewer natural resources show the effects of insularity and isolation. Finally, consistent genetic differentiation between eastern and western islands points to a more complex colonization process than previously thought. Here, the authors use paleogenomic data from the indigenous people of the Canary Islands to shed light on the Prehistory of North Africa, and on how insularity and resources availability shaped the genetic composition of this isolated population.

Background/Objectives: Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a promising approach for selectively targeting and destroying malignant cells using 10B isotopes. A significant challenge in BNCT lies in the development of efficient boron delivery systems that ensure adequate boron accumulation within tumor cells. This study aims to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate COSAN-functionalized nanoparticles (NP@I-COSAN) as a potential boron carrier for BNCT. Methods: Hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized by conjugating monoiodinated cobaltabisdicarbollides (I-COSAN) to commercially available acrylic polymer-based nanoparticles. Functionalization and cellular uptake were confirmed through FTIR, TGA, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and TEM/EDX analyses. Biocompatibility was evaluated by assessing cytotoxicity in HeLa cells and C. elegans as an in vivo model. Intracellular boron uptake was quantified using ICP-MS, with results compared to those obtained with 4-borono-L-phenylalanine conjugated to fructose (f-BPA). An in vitro BNCT proof-of-concept assay was also performed to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Results: NP@I-COSAN demonstrated low cytotoxicity and efficient internalization in cells. ICP-MS analysis revealed stable boron retention, comparable to traditional boron agents. The BNCT assay further showed that NP@I-COSAN was effective in inducing tumor cell apoptosis, even at lower boron concentrations than conventional treatments. Conclusions: These results underscore the potential of NP@I-COSAN as an effective boron delivery system for BNCT, offering a promising strategy to enhance boron accumulation within tumor cells and improve treatment efficacy.

The concept of a so-called urban advantage in health ignores the possibility of heterogeneity in health outcomes across cities. Using a harmonized dataset from the SALURBAL project, we describe variability and predictors of life expectancy and proportionate mortality in 363 cities across nine Latin American countries. Life expectancy differed substantially across cities within the same country. Cause-specific mortality also varied across cities, with some causes of death (unintentional and violent injuries and deaths) showing large variation within countries, whereas other causes of death (communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional, cancer, cardiovascular disease and other noncommunicable diseases) varied substantially between countries. In multivariable mixed models, higher levels of education, water access and sanitation and less overcrowding were associated with longer life expectancy, a relatively lower proportion of communicable, maternal, neonatal and nutritional deaths and a higher proportion of deaths from cancer, cardiovascular disease and other noncommunicable diseases. These results highlight considerable heterogeneity in life expectancy and causes of death across cities of Latin America, revealing modifiable factors that could be amenable to urban policies aimed toward improving urban health in Latin America and more generally in other urban environments. City-level analysis of data from the SALURBAL project shows vast heterogeneity in life expectancy across cities within the same country, in addition to substantive differences in causes of death among nine Latin American countries, revealing modifiable factors that could be leveraged by municipal-level policies aimed toward improving health in urban environments.

Somatic mutations in blood indicative of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) are associated with an increased risk of hematologic malignancy, coronary artery disease, and all-cause mortality. Here we analyze the relation between CHIP status and incident peripheral artery disease (PAD) and atherosclerosis, using whole-exome sequencing and clinical data from the UK Biobank and Mass General Brigham Biobank. CHIP associated with incident PAD and atherosclerotic disease across multiple beds, with increased risk among individuals with CHIP driven by mutation in DNA Damage Repair (DDR) genes such as and . To model the effects of DDR-induced CHIP on atherosclerosis, we used a competitive bone marrow transplantation strategy, and generated atherosclerosis-prone -/- chimeric mice carrying 20% p53-deficient hematopoietic cells. The chimeric mice were analyzed 13-weeks post-grafting and showed increased aortic plaque size and accumulation of macrophages within the plaque, driven by increased proliferation of p53-deficient plaque macrophages. In summary, our findings highlight the role of CHIP as a broad driver of atherosclerosis across the entire arterial system beyond the coronary arteries, and provide genetic and experimental support for a direct causal contribution of TP53-mutant CHIP to atherosclerosis.

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide and in Mexico; however, its effects on soil microbiota in traditional agroecosystems remain unclear. We evaluated bacterial, archaeal, and fungal responses to commercial glyphosate in three representative karst soils of the Yucatán Peninsula (black Leptosol, red Leptosol, and red Cambisol) historically associated with the Mayan milpa system. The high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V4 and ITS1 regions was used to assess diversity patterns and differential abundance. Glyphosate application did not significantly alter alpha or beta diversity; however, fifteen taxa classified at the genus level exhibited shifts in relative abundance. Most bacterial taxa were depauperated in treated soils, whereas others, such as Arthrobacter, were enriched after application, indicating the presence of tolerant or resistant bacteria that may play a role in glyphosate degradation. Cordyceps, an entomopathogenic fungus, was depleted, indicating potential for natural pest control. The similarity of the core microbiota between samples with and without glyphosate application indicates that these communities are resilient. Overall, under short-term exposure, glyphosate induced compositional shifts in specific taxa without major effects on community structure but with potential implications for soil functionality and resilience in the Mayan milpa.