FDI and regional development policy

The transformations in the worldwide division of labour brought about by globalisation and technological change have shown an unintended negative effect, particularly evident in advanced economic systems: uneven spatial distribution of wealth and rising within-country inequality. Although the latter has featured prominently in recent academic and policy debates, in this paper we argue that the relevance of connectivity (here proxied by foreign capital investments, FDI) for regional economic development is still underestimated and suffers from a nation-biased perspective. As a consequence, the relationship between the spatial inequality spurred by the global division of labour and the changes in the structural advantages of regions remains to be fully understood in its implications for economic growth, territorial resilience and industrial policy. Furthermore, even though connectivity entails bi-directional links – i.e. with regions being simultaneously receivers and senders – attractiveness to foreign capital has long been at the centre of policy attention whilst internationalisation through investment abroad has been disregarded, and sometimes purposely ignored, in regional development policy agendas. We use three broad-brushed European case-studies to discuss some guiding principles for a place-sensitive regional policy eager to integrate the connectivity dimension in pursuing local economic development and territorial equity

Changing perspectives on the internationalization of R&D and innovation by multinational enterprises: a review of the literature

Internationalization of R&D and innovation by Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) has undergone a gradual and comprehensive change in perspective over the past 50 years. From sporadic works in the late 1950s and in the 1960s, it became a systematically analysed topic in the 1970s, starting with pioneering reports and “foundation texts”. Our review unfolds the theoretical and empirical evolution of the literature from dyadic interpretations of centralization versus decentralization of R&D by MNEs to more comprehensive frameworks, wherein established MNEs from Advanced Economies still play a pivotal role, but new players and places also emerge in the global generation and diffusion of knowledge. Hence views of R&D internationalization increasingly rely on concepts, ideas and methods from IB and other related disciplines such as industrial organization, international economics and economic geography. Two main findings are highlighted. First, scholarly research pays an increasing attention to the network-like characteristics of international R&D activities. Second, different streams of literature have emphasized the role of location- specific factors in R&D internationalization. The increasing emphasis on these aspects has created new research opportunities in some key areas, including inter alia: cross-border knowledge sourcing strategies, changes in the geography of R&D and innovation, and the international fragmentation of production and R&D activities

CARDIONATE IN COMBINED THERAPY OF ISCHEMIC CHRONIC HEART FAILURE AMONG PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

This 12-week study included 60 patients (age 45-65 years) with metabolic syndrome (MS), chronic heart failure (CHF) of II-III functional class (FC), and recent myocardial infarction. The participants were randomised into two groups (n=30 for each). In the main group, standard CHF therapy was combined with Cardionate 1,0 g/d (meldonium, Makiz-Pharma, Russia). Cytoprotector Cardionate, as a part of complex CHF therapy in MS patients, improved CHF FC and exercise capacity, increased left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, normalised LV myocardial structure and function, and improved renal function, also reducing insulin resistance severity and improving lipid and carbohydrate metabolism

NEW POTENTIAL OF MEXICOR IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC HEART FAILURE AMONG PATIENTS WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME

The study included 60 patients, aged 45-65 years, with metabolic syndrome (MS), Functional Class II-III chronic heart failure (CHF), and recent myocardial infarction (MI). The participants were randomised into 2 groups (n=30 in each). The main group received standard CHF therapy and Mexicor (0,4 g/d). The follow-up lasted for 12 weeks. In MS patients, adding a cytoprotector Mexicor to complex CHF treatment was associated with CHF FC reduction, increased exercise capacity, and greater anti-anginal and anti-ischemic effects. As a part of combined CHF therapy, Mexicor facilitated myocardial remodelling regression, also improving left ventricular diastolic function and autonomic cardiac regulation. In patients with CHF and MS, Mexicor therapy improved lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, reduced insulin resistance and chronic inflammation

Sirtuins and Their Role in the Aging Eye (Review)

Visual impairment in elderly people is a serious problem that significantly affects the quality of life of millions people around the world. The magnitude of this problem is becoming increasingly apparent as the population ages and the number of older people increases. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide and the main cause of vision loss in people over 60 years. It is expected that AMD will affect about 288 million people by 2040. AMD is a multifactorial disease with a progressive course. The arised dystrophic changes in the retina cannot be reversed by any of the known treatment methods. A lot of research and effort has already been invested in identifying various biomarkers for predicting the incidence rate, identifying people at risk, finding out the pathogenetic mechanisms of this disease, and finding effective methods of treatment and prevention.Aging is the basis of pathological changes that occur during AMD. Aging biomarkers are measurable vital signs that qualitatively and quantitatively change with the age of the body. DNA methylation is a molecular mechanism that is a potential biomarker of aging. Sirtuins indirectly participate in this process, regulating the activity of the DNMT1 enzyme. The article discusses current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the action of sirtuins (Sirtuins / SIRT), with an emphasis on SIRT1. Analysis of the pathophysiological action of sirtuins can affect the prevention and treatment of pathological eye changes associated with AMD. The article provides literature sources containing the results of studies of the effect of SIRT1 as a marker of aging in body tissues. SIRT1 is an attractive candidate for developing therapeutic strategies preventing early eye aging, in particular, age-associated diseases such as AMD The impact on the genetic mechanisms of this disease is a promising direction in treatment