The real estate industry in the Netherlands

The real estate industry in the Netherlands is one of the most sophisticated in Europe. In fact, some Dutch real estate companies are among the most active in the international arena, and are major players in the ongoing integration in European markets. The paper describes the sectors of the real estate industry, i.e. residential and commercial (offices, retail and industrial), social housing policies, and the characteristics of the major companies. Individualized descriptions of listed real estate firms and funds are included, in addition to information on the volume and functioning of the mortgage market. Also included is a detailed bibliography, which could be of interest to academics and practitioners wishing to study real estate industry topics in depth.Real estate; mortgage; investment fund; housing;

European mortgage market: An overview 1992-2003

The development of the European mortgage market, its current situation in terms of volume, growth, prices, interest rates and new products, and an analysis of mortgage integration are the focus of this paper. The recent creation of the European Mortgage Finance Agency (EMFA), as an attempt to build a single European securitization market, is an important step toward integration within the wider goal of EU financial integration. Obstacles to integration, potential members of the EMFA, and its main goals and advantages are discussed in the forward-looking section of this paper. In addition, the paper deals with three important aspects of the EU mortgage market, taken as a whole: • How it operates. Other aspects considered include transaction costs, transparency requirements affecting credit institutions (European Code of Conduct), and a classification of mortgage products on the market. • Refinancing in Europe (as compared to the USA). The secondary market for the funding of financial institutions, in relation to mortgage bonds and mortgage-backed securities, including explanations of their main characteristics and the differences between them. • How European mortgage markets influence the economy and how they may affect private investment and consumption, household debt (which continues to increase each year), and the performance of financial institutions (high competitiveness) are other important points considered.European mortgage market integration; Growth; Interest rate applied; Transaction costs;

Hoteles como inversión inmobiliaria, Los

Muchos sectores intensivos en el uso de inmuebles deciden no afrontar la inversión que significa la propiedad de todos o parte de los inmuebles que utilizan. En esos casos surge –como área de gestión– la relación entre el operador del negocio específico (operador hotelero, de una cadena de tiendas de distribución o de residencias de la tercera edad, por ejemplo) con el propietario–inversor de sus inmuebles. Esa relación conoce distintos grados de complejidad; una de las relaciones más sencillas se daría entre el propietario de un edificio de oficinas y su inquilino; una de las más complejas se presenta en el campo de la hostelería. Diversos tipos de contratos entre operadores hoteleros e inmobiliarios–inversores dan lugar a distribuciones del riesgo diferentes; los dos tipos principales son los contratos de gestión y explotación. Este documento clasifica los distintos agentes económicos que pueden participar en la actividad hotelera (promotor, inversor, explotador, gestor y franquiciador) y explora la relación entre ellos.hoteles; inversion; inmobiliario; gestion;

Políticas de inversión del sector de seguros y de pensiones en la Unión Europea: Inversión en inmuebles

El volumen de las inversiones del sector seguros y fondos de pensiones europeo representa un porcentaje elevado del mercado inversor de la Unión Europea (UE) y, en particular, este sector es uno de los inversores institucionales más importantes del mercado inmobiliario. La investigación describe las inversiones del sector de seguros y de fondos de pensiones y su estructura y estrategias de inversión. Se incluye información sobre Estados miembros de la UE y entidades privadas, así como la normativa comunitaria.Seguros; fondos de pensiones; inversiones; inmuebles;

Indirect investment in real estate: Listed companies and funds

In Europe today, there are two main vehicles for indirect investment in real estate; real estate investment funds, on the one hand, and, on the other, listed real estate companies. With these instruments, not only does the investor take a position in the real estate market, he/she also acquires different risk/return structures which may vary according to the instrument being used. In some European countries, real estate companies have modified their financial structure and tax position by adopting a legal form based on REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), which originated in the US, which changes their position regarding real estate funds. In this document we shall compare real estate funds and listed real estate companies and analyse the appearance of REITs in Europe and their impact on the real estate industry.real estate; real estate investment; real estate fund; real estate company;

Silver-Copper Oxide Heteronanostructures for the Plasmonic-Enhanced Photocatalytic Oxidation of n-Hexane in the Visible-NIR Range

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are recognized as hazardous contributors to air pollution, precursors of multiple secondary byproducts, troposphere aerosols, and recognized contributors to respiratory and cancer-related issues in highly populated areas. Moreover, VOCs present in indoor environments represent a challenging issue that need to be addressed due to its increasing presence in nowadays society. Catalytic oxidation by noble metals represents the most effective but costly solution. The use of photocatalytic oxidation has become one of the most explored alternatives given the green and sustainable advantages of using solar light or low-consumption light emitting devices. Herein, we have tried to address the shortcomings of the most studied photocatalytic systems based on titania (TiO2) with limited response in the UV-range or alternatively the high recombination rates detected in other transition metal-based oxide systems. We have developed a silver-copper oxide heteronanostructure able to combine the plasmonic-enhanced properties of Ag nanostructures with the visible-light driven photoresponse of CuO nanoarchitectures. The entangled Ag-CuO heteronanostructure exhibits a broad absorption towards the visible-near infrared (NIR) range and achieves total photo-oxidation of n-hexane under irradiation with different light-emitting diodes (LEDs) specific wavelengths at temperatures below 180 °C and outperforming its thermal catalytic response or its silver-free CuO illuminated counterpart

Differential alterations of intracellular [Ca2+] dynamics induced by cocaine and methylphenidate in thalamocortical ventrobasal neurons

The ventrobasal (VB) thalamus relay nucleus processes information from rodents? whiskers, projecting to somatosensory cortex. Cocaine and methylphenidate (MPH) have been described to differentially alter intrinsic properties of, and spontaneous GABAergic input to, VB neurons. Here we studied using bis-fura 2 ratiometric fluorescence the effects of cocaine and MPH on intracellular [Ca2+] dynamics at the soma and dendrites of VB neurons.Cocaine increased baseline fluorescence in VB somatic and dendritic compartments. Peak and areas of fluorescence amplitudes were reduced by cocaine binge treatment in somas and dendrites at different holding potentials. MPH binge treatment did not alter ratiometric fluorescence at either somatic or dendritic levels. These novel cocaine-mediated blunting effects on intracellular [Ca2+] might account for alterations in the capacity of thalamocortical neurons to maintain gamma band oscillations, as well as their ability to integrate synaptic afferents.Fil: Rozas, José L.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; ArgentinaFil: Goitia, Belén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; ArgentinaFil: Bisagno, Veronica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas; ArgentinaFil: Urbano Suarez, Francisco Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; Argentin

Chemical-induced Pancreatitis in a Peritoneal Dialysis Patient at South Texas: A Case Report

Introduction: Acute pancreatitis is the leading cause of gastrointestinal-related hospitalization in the United States. Pancreatitis is often linked to excessive alcohol consumption or gallstones, accounting for 80% of all cases. However, in some cases, it can be drug-induced acute pancreatitis (DIP) or via chemical injury. Icodextrin (Extraneal) is a high-molecular-weight glucose polymer developed as an alternative osmotic agent to dextrose in peritoneal dialysis (PD). It is regarded as biocompatible due to its iso-osmolarity, making it generally safe and well-tolerated. While rare, cases have been reported associating icodextrin with pancreatitis; nevertheless, specific rates of icodextrin-induced pancreatitis are unknown. In this case, we present a long-term PD patient recently exposed to Icodextrin and presented with acute pancreatitis. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old male with a significant clinical history of end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and uncontrolled hypertension presented to the emergency department with worsening abdominal pain. The pain was described as sharp in the epigastric area, severe intensity, stabbing-like sensation, and had a sudden onset approximately 6 hours before seeking medical attention. Additionally, he reported associated symptoms of nausea and non-bilious vomiting. There were no other associated symptoms. As relevant past medical history, the patient did mention that 1-2 days prior, he got a new dialysate to continue his dialysis at home, and 6 hours after he had had his first session with this new dialysate, he developed the clinical presentation. Upon arrival, his vital signs were T 98 C, HR 67/min, RR 20/min, BP 127/64 mm Hg, and SPO2 of 98% on room air. Physical examination was remarkable for tenderness in the epigastrium, but there was no evidence of guarding or rigidity. The peritoneal catheter was without any signs of infection. Labs on admission were significant for WBC 8.9 (units and reference values for all the labs), Hb 12.4 (13.5 - 17.5 g/dl), Hct 36.3 (38.8 - 50.0%), Na 136 (136 - 145 mmol/L), K 3.0 (3.5 - 5.3 mmol/L), Cl 97 (98 - 110 mmol/LI), HCO 33.8 (20- 31 mmol/l), and creatinine 7.8.[ASP2] LIPASE[ASP3] 2555 (25-200 U/L). CT of the abdomen with and without contrast reported moderate ascites and a dialysis catheter in place. The patient was admitted due to acute pancreatitis. Fluid and pain management was provided, and a workup to elucidate the cause was started. Gallbladder US was negative for any biliary stones. The lipid panel had no hypertriglyceridemia, and peritoneal fluid analysis did not suggest infection. Since the only apparent cause for this clinical presentation was the new dialysate use, the patient was held his next session of PD, and nephrology consulted for further advice. The patient had interval improvement in the next 24 hours, and Nephrology recommended exchanging the dialysate. The patient was safely discharged after 24 hours, tolerating diet and having no pain. Discussion: DIP is a multifaceted condition, often arising from various pharmaceutical agents (reference). Maintaining a heightened suspicion of DIP when evaluating patients with pancreatitis symptoms is paramount (reference). This vigilance enables timely diagnosis and the cessation of medications or chemicals responsible for the condition, emphasizing the critical need for close monitoring and swift action in the presence of suspected adverse drug effects on the pancreas (reference). Icodextrin, a common component in peritoneal dialysis solutions, is generally well tolerated and appears to be most helpful in situations of reduced or inadequate UF with dextrose, including in high and high-average transporters, during episodes of peritonitis and patients who have failed dextrose-based dialysis (2). However, it can contribute to Icodextrin-induced acute pancreatitis (reference). Notably, Icodextrin interferes with amylase determination in serum, causing a significantly decreased plasma amylase level, making it unreliable for diagnosing acute pancreatitis (reference). Lipase measurement provides an alternative and accurate method for diagnosing acute pancreatitis (AP) in patients using Icodextrin (3). In this context, it is essential to emphasize the need for cautious monitoring and awareness of potential complications when using Icodextrin in PD. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant and consider this rare adverse event when assessing patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis with Icodextrin-containing solutions and be aware of potential complications and this rare adverse event

Proteomic measures of gamma oscillations

Background: Gamma oscillations serve complex processes, and the first stage of their generation is the reticular activating system (RAS), which mediates the gamma-activity states of waking and paradoxical sleep. We studied whether the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN), part of the RAS in which every cell manifests intrinsic gamma oscillations, undergoes changes resulting in distinctive protein expression. New method: We previously found that a histone deacetylation inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), acutely (30 min) blocked these oscillations. We developed a proteomic method for sampling stimulated and unstimulated PPN and determining protein expression in 1 mm punches of tissue from brain slices subjected to various treatments. Results: We compared brain slices exposed for 30 min to TSA (unstimulated), to the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CAR), known to induce PPN gamma oscillations, or exposed to both TSA + CAR. Comparison with existing methods: Label-free proteomics provides an unbiased and sensitive method to detect protein changes in the PPN. Our approach is superior to antibody-based methods that can lack specificity and can only be done for known targets. Proteomics methods like these have been leveraged to study molecular pathways in numerous systems and disease states. Conclusions: Significant protein changes were seen in two functions essential to the physiology of the PPN: cytoskeletal and intracellular [Ca2+] regulation proteins. TSA decreased, while CAR increased, and TSA + CAR had intermediate effects, on expression of these proteins. These results support the feasibility of the methods developed for determining proteomic changes in small samples of tissue participating in the most complex of brain processes.Fil: Byrum, Stephanie D.. Arkansas Children's Research Institute; Estados UnidosFil: Washam, Charity L.. Arkansas Children's Research Institute; Estados UnidosFil: Tackett, Alan J.. Arkansas Children's Research Institute; Estados UnidosFil: Garcia Rill, Edgar. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Bisagno, Veronica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas; ArgentinaFil: Urbano Suarez, Francisco Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias; Argentin

It Is Not Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP), It Is Cyclophosphamide-Induced Pneumonitis

Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is an immunosuppressive medication used to treat life-threatening complications of various rheumatic diseases like vasculitis and systemic lupus erythematosus. A rare side effect of this medication is pneumonitis, which occurs in less than 1% of patients. We describe a case of an 83-year-old woman with a past medical history of microscopic polyangiitis, who presented with progressive dyspnea at rest, exacerbated on exertion, and associated with orthopnea that was attributed to CYC-induced pneumonitis. Three months before this presentation, the patient was diagnosed with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)-positive pauci-immune crescentic and necrotizing glomerulonephritis and started on CYC. On admission, a computed tomography (CT) chest showed worsening bilateral ground-glass opacities in a mosaic distribution and inter and intralobular septal thickening, not present on the CT performed three months prior. The patient underwent an extensive workup, which included an echocardiogram, bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage, and viral respiratory panel to rule out infectious and cardiac pathologies. She was started on empiric treatment with antibiotics and diuretics, however, despite these interventions, she continued with respiratory distress. A multidisciplinary team convened, and the diagnosis of CYC-induced lung injury was entertained. The CYC was discontinued, and the patient was started on prednisone with significant improvement in symptoms. This case highlights the importance of recognizing CYC as a rare cause of interstitial pneumonitis. When considering CYC-induced lung toxicity, other etiologies, such as opportunistic infections, cardiac etiologies, and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, should be ruled out