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In response to post-crisis regulatory reforms, the European banking sector has undergone significant changes that have led banks to reconsider their strategies, structures and operations. Based on a sample of over 3,000 banks from 32 European countries during the period 2010–2017, we identify banks' business models based on cluster analysis and track their evolution. We then apply a logistic regression and find that banks with higher risk and lower profitability are more likely to change their business model. Employing a propensity score matching approach, we investigate the effect of migration on bank performance and find that changing the business model affects banks positively (i.e. migrating banks increase their profitability, stability and cost efficiency). The effect of migration differs depending on the target business model. When switches are a consequence of being acquired or motivated by regulatory compliance, the positive impact remains.

Using a unique proprietary dataset from a large European commercial bank containing granular loan-level information on credit lines to mid-corporate firms, we investigate the bank’s decisions to allow firms to retain existing credit at a time of acute financial instability. Our results highlight the importance of bank-firm relationships during crisis times. Existing borrowers who actively used their credit lines were not rationed, unless they posed an increased credit risk. We do not find evidence of evergreening practices.

The European Synchrotron and FEL User Organisation (ESUO) represents about 22 000 users of the European synchrotron radiation (SR) and Free-Electron Laser (FEL) facilities, which offer various kinds of experiments ranging from physics over life sciences up to cultural heritage. Established in 2010, ESUO is composed of national delegates from 30 European member states and associated countries and is headed by an executive board of eight members. Our vision is to support a thriving (European) synchrotron and FEL user community with equal opportunities of access and participation for all scientists, based solely on the scientific merit of their ideas.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are used in the clinical management of hematological neoplasms. Moreover, in solid tumors such as stage 4 neuroblastomas (NB), imatinib showed benefits that might depend on both on-target and immunological off-target effects. We investigated the effects of imatinib and nilotinib on human NK cells, monocytes, and macrophages. High numbers of monocytes died upon exposure to TKI concentrations similar to those achieved in patients. Conversely,NKcells were highly resistant to the TKI cytotoxic effect, were properly activated by immunostimulatory cytokines, and degranulated in the presence of NB cells. In NB, neither drug reduced the expression of ligands for activating NK receptors or upregulated that of HLA class I, B7-H3, PD-L1, and PD-L2, molecules that might limit NK cell function. Interestingly, TKIs modulated the chemokine receptor repertoire of immune cells. Acting at the transcriptional level, they increased the surface expression of CXCR4, an effect observed also in NK cells and monocytes of patients receiving imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia. Moreover, TKIs reduced the expression of CXCR3 (in NK cells) and CCR1 (in monocytes). Monocytes also decreased the expression of M-CSFR, and low numbers of cells underwent differentiation toward macrophages. M0 and M2 macrophages were highly resistant to TKIs and maintained their phenotypic and functional characteristics. Importantly, also in the presence of TKIs, the M2 immunosuppressive polarization was reverted by TLR engagement, and M1-oriented macrophages fully activated autologous NK cells. Our results contribute to better interpreting the offtarget efficacy of TKIs in tumors and to envisaging strategies aimed at facilitating antitumor immune responses.

This chapter provides an overview of the evolution of the banking industry in Italy and examines the current structural features, strategic challenges and concerns in the aftermath of the financial crisis. In essence the Italian banking industry appears to be dominated by polyfunctional groups oriented to relationship lending, and operates according to a banking law allowing banks to act as firms just from the 1990s. Such a framework opens new current issues such as the large amount of non-performing loans affecting Italian banks and the need for further reforms especially for cooperative banks.

Based on the results of large clinical trials, several low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have been approved for prophylaxis and the treatment of venous and arterial thromboembolism. As a result of expiration or pending expiration of patent protection of the originator LMWHs, many generic or biosimilar LMWHs have been approved in some countries and more are likely to be approved elsewhere. Their greater availability may reduce the treatment costs. The Working Party on Requirements for Development of Biosimilar LMWHs of the Subcommittee on Control of Anticoagulation, Scientific and Standardization Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis has reached a consensus on recommendations to ensure the quality of biosimilar LMWHs as compared with the originator LMWHs.