Latest news with #PaulBrennan
Bloomberg
30-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
King Street Raises $1 Billion as European Property Cracks Appear
King Street Capital Management has raised close to $1 billion for a fund to exploit the distress and dislocation that's finally emerging in European real estate after the end of zero interest rates. The firm's European Real Estate Special Situations II fund reached its hard cap of $950 million of capital commitments within 12 months, according to a statement Monday. King Street has already deployed more than €1.5 billion ($1.2 billion) in European real estate debt and equity since interest rates ratcheted higher in 2022, partner and co-head of global real estate Paul Brennan said in an interview, and the latest fund raise will allow it to ramp up activity further.
Irish Independent
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
The Kerryman poses five key questions ahead of the All-Ireland Championship group phase
With the race for the Sam Maguire Cup starting in earnest this weekend with the first of the All-Ireland Group Phase games taking place, we posed a few questions for sports editor Paul Brennan, deputy sports editor Damian Stack and reporter John O'Dowd Kerryman Today at 05:44 With the National League and provincial championship behind us, how impressed or not have you been with the new rules? Best one, and one for the bin? Paul Brennan: At the start of the year we fully embraced the advent of the new rules simply on the basis that anything had to be better than what the game had become. Quite frankly, games had become dreadful to watch and dreadful to report on – we can only imagine the big majority of them must have been terrible to play in.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Room00 secures $449.7m investment from King Street for European expansion
European urban lifestyle hospitality platform Room00 Group has received an investment of up to €400m ($449.7m) from King Street Capital Management to support its pan-European expansion. This strategic equity investment is set to support Room00's expansion strategy, particularly in key markets such as Portugal, Spain and Italy. The funds from King Street will primarily facilitate the acquisition of hotel properties in prime locations such as Barcelona, Florence, Lisbon, Madrid, Milan, Porto and Rome. Room00 plans to leverage its existing growth model, which includes leases and hotel management agreements, and the new capital will now enable the company to directly acquire properties. In Italy, Room00 has partnered with Kryalos SGR, an independent private AIFMD-regulated fund manager, to establish a property investment vehicle. The group's ecosystem currently encompasses more than 2,500 rooms and 50 assets, either operational or under development, spread across a portfolio of brands including Room00 Hostels, Toc Hostels, room Select Hotels, and LETOH LETOH. Room00 aims to expand its portfolio to 200 assets and 15,000 rooms within the next four years throughout Southern Europe. Additionally, the company is in talks to establish a presence in London with an initial 20 assets and 1,000 rooms, aiming to secure its first property in the city by the end of this year. King Street partner and real estate co-head Paul Brennan said: "We view Room00 as one of the strongest, most innovative and scalable platforms in the European hospitality landscape. "Its fully integrated operating model and strategic focus on prime city centre locations position it as a valuable partner for our real estate growth strategy in Europe." Advisory services for Room00 were provided by GRC IM and CBRE Investment Banking, with Garrigues, Cuatrecasas, and Across Legal offering legal counsel. King Street was advised by Uría Menéndez and Allen & Overy Shearman while EY conducted financial due diligence and PwC provided tax structuring advice. In November 2023, King Street Capital Management and Kronos Homes completed the sale of Palmares Ocean Living & Golf resort in Portugal to funds under the management of Arrow Global. "Room00 secures $449.7m investment from King Street for European expansion" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The little-known toxin that could be behind the rising rates of bowel cancer in under-50s
Bowel cancer is on the rise in young people – even in those with no family history of the disease or obvious risk factors, like being overweight, smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Cases among the under-50s have shot up by 22 per cent over the last few decades too. Now every year, more than 2,600 people in this age group are told they have bowel cancer. The reason behind the surge remains unknown. Our sedentary lifestyles, the rise in obesity, heavy drinking and low-fibre, high-fat diets are some of the reasons that scientists have put forward as contributing factors. Now, a study suggests that exposure to a toxin in childhood – called colibactin and produced by certain strains of E. coli – could, at least in part, be fuelling the surge. Here's what you need to know. Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria is commonly found in our guts. Most strains are harmless and some, such as Nissle 1917 (EcN) are even beneficial and aid in digestion. However, others, such as pks+ E. coli, release toxins that may cause bowel cancer. Scientists don't yet know how these 'bad bug' make there way into our gut or how we can avoid them. Additionally, they may not be harmful in all cases and some strains that produce toxins are even used in probiotics. Outside of a research study, it's not currently possible to tell whether the bacteria in your gut are producing harmful toxins that could raise your bowel cancer risk. Certain strains of E. coli produce a bacterial toxin called colibactin. This is thought to be a defence mechanism to protect itself from other bacteria, explains Dr Paul Brennan, who runs the genetics section at the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Colibactin can damage the DNA in our bowel cells by introducing mutations, adds Justin Stebbing, an oncologist and professor of biomedical sciences at Anglia Ruskin University. The DNA damage caused by colibactin leaves a trail of mutations that scientists have previously found in 10 to 15 per cent of all bowel cancer cases. But the new study, published in the journal Nature, strengthens this link, suggesting that exposure to colibactin in early childhood by the age of 10 sets the stage for cancer, long before symptoms arise. Scientists led by the University of California San Diego analysed nearly 1,000 bowel cancer genomes and found that mutations caused by colibactin were 3.3 times more common in patients who developed bowel cancer before they turned 40, compared to those who developed the disease after the age of 70. 'This suggests a strong link between colibactin exposure and early onset bowel cancer,' says Dr Vivian Li, the group leader of the Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute. 'The latest research on this shows a clear correlation, especially in younger people, between colibactin and the production of mutations that potentially caused bowel cancers to grow,' adds Prof Trevor Graham, the director of the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at The Institute of Cancer Research. 'There is more work to do to really prove that colibactin is responsible for the increase that we're seeing in early onset bowel cancer, but we should be looking very hard at the link with colibactin producing bugs going forward,' Prof Graham adds. However, it may be that colibactin is just one part of the jigsaw puzzle of risks fuelling the rise in bowel cancer among young people, Prof Stebbing notes. 'I'd describe it as a potential culprit. We just can't say it's causative,' he says. Scientists don't yet know how children are being exposed to colibactin-producing bacteria, so it isn't yet clear what actions will reduce the risk of it taking hold in your gut. 'We are working to try to understand exactly when these mutations occur,' says Dr Brennan, who is also co-investigator for Cancer Research UK's Cancer Grand Challenges, which funded the research. 'If they occur within the first weeks of life then this would implicate exposures around childbirth and weaning. This is when the infant microbiome is formed. Conversely, if they occur later in infancy, this could implicate dietary sources.' 'We just don't know yet what might disrupt the natural bacteria in the gut early in life to lead to growth of these strains of bacteria that produce colibactin,' Prof Stebbing adds. However, Dr Li notes that contaminated food and untreated water can contain these bacteria, so improving food safety and hygiene may help minimise exposure. And some colibactin-producing bacteria are used in probiotics, she notes. 'More research would be needed to address the safety [of this],' she adds. The researchers behind the latest study are now investigating potential sources – such as diet, the environment and lifestyle behaviours – and what can be done to prevent or mitigate that contact with these bugs. It's also not currently possible to find out whether you have worrying mutations caused by the bacterial toxin. 'This is very much laboratory based research just now, and there's no routine test for it,' Prof Stebbing explains. However, the researchers are currently developing an early detection test to analyse stool samples for colibactin-related mutations. But, even if these tests become available, it is unclear what can be done to reduce the risk of bowel cancer occurring. 'We don't have a treatment available, or know if removal of the bugs would be beneficial to prevent bowel cancer, or even if there could be other unintended consequences,' notes Prof Graham. The researchers are exploring whether probiotics could safely eliminate harmful bacterial strains from the gut, which produce colibactin. In the meantime, there are plenty of other actions that can dramatically lower your bowel cancer risk. Adding more fibre to your diet – such as by eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, legumes and wholegrains – can drive down the chance of developing the disease because it helps to keep bowel movements regular, meaning harmful chemicals in stools spend less time in the bowel. Additionally, fibre interacts with bacteria in the gut to make butyrate, which helps keep the cells in the bowel healthy, reducing the risk of tumours developing. More than a quarter (28 per cent) of bowel cancer cases are caused by not consuming enough fibre. Limiting red and processed meat intake can help to reduce your risk of bowel cancer. Around 13 per cent of bowel cancer cases in the UK are linked to having too much of it in our diet because the foods contain substances such as nitrates and nitrites, which damage the cells in the bowel. Obesity is another cause of bowel cancer (estimated to be behind 11 per cent of cases) so losing weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising more can help to reduce your risk. 'Being physically active and cutting back on alcohol are also changes you can make to reduce bowel cancer risk,' says Sophia Lowes, a senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK. 'No matter how old you are, if you notice anything that isn't normal for you, don't ignore it, speak to your doctor. In most cases it won't be cancer, but if it is, spotting it early can make a real difference.' Symptoms of bowel cancer include changes in stools – such as having softer stools, diarrhoea or constipation that is not normal for you – needing to go to the toilet more often and blood in the stool. 'Whatever your age, it's important that you contact your GP and ask for an at-home test if you spot any symptoms,' says Dr Lisa Wilde, director of research, policy and influencing at Bowel Cancer UK. 'Bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
28-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The little-known toxin that could be behind the rising rates of bowel cancer in the under-50s
Bowel cancer is on the rise in young people – even in those with no family history of the disease or obvious risk factors, like being overweight, smoking or drinking too much alcohol. Cases among the under-50s have shot up by 22 per cent over the last few decades too. Now every year, more than 2,600 people in this age group are told they have bowel cancer. The reason behind the surge remains unknown. Our sedentary lifestyles, the rise in obesity, heavy drinking and low-fibre, high-fat diets are some of the reasons that scientists have put forward as contributing factors. Now, a study suggests that exposure to a toxin in childhood – called colibactin and produced by certain strains of E. coli – could, at least in part, be fuelling the surge. Here's what you need to know. What are the strains of E. coli that are causing concern? Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria is commonly found in our guts. Most strains are harmless and some, such as Nissle 1917 (EcN) are even beneficial and aid in digestion. However, others, such as pks+ E. coli, release toxins that may cause bowel cancer. Scientists don't yet know how these 'bad bug' make there way into our gut or how we can avoid them. Additionally, they may not be harmful in all cases and some strains that produce toxins are even used in probiotics. Outside of a research study, it's not currently possible to tell whether the bacteria in your gut are producing harmful toxins that could raise your bowel cancer risk. What is colibactin, the worrying toxin? Certain strains of E. coli produce a bacterial toxin called colibactin. This is thought to be a defence mechanism to protect itself from other bacteria, explains Dr Paul Brennan, who runs the genetics section at the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Colibactin can damage the DNA in our bowel cells by introducing mutations, adds Justin Stebbing, an oncologist and professor of biomedical sciences at Anglia Ruskin University. How could colibactin be fuelling the rise in bowel cancer? The DNA damage caused by colibactin leaves a trail of mutations that scientists have previously found in 10 to 15 per cent of all bowel cancer cases. But the new study, published in the journal Nature, strengthens this link, suggesting that exposure to colibactin in early childhood by the age of 10 sets the stage for cancer, long before symptoms arise. Scientists led by the University of California San Diego analysed nearly 1,000 bowel cancer genomes and found that mutations caused by colibactin were 3.3 times more common in patients who developed bowel cancer before they turned 40, compared to those who developed the disease after the age of 70. 'This suggests a strong link between colibactin exposure and early onset bowel cancer,' says Dr Vivian Li, the group leader of the Stem Cell and Cancer Biology Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute. 'The latest research on this shows a clear correlation, especially in younger people, between colibactin and the production of mutations that potentially caused bowel cancers to grow,' adds Prof Trevor Graham, the director of the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at The Institute of Cancer Research. 'There is more work to do to really prove that colibactin is responsible for the increase that we're seeing in early onset bowel cancer, but we should be looking very hard at the link with colibactin producing bugs going forward,' Prof Graham adds. However, it may be that colibactin is just one part of the jigsaw puzzle of risks fuelling the rise in bowel cancer among young people, Prof Stebbing notes. 'I'd describe it as a potential culprit. We just can't say it's causative,' he says. How can I avoid being exposed to colibactin? Scientists don't yet know how children are being exposed to colibactin-producing bacteria, so it isn't yet clear what actions will reduce the risk of it taking hold in your gut. 'We are working to try to understand exactly when these mutations occur,' says Dr Brennan, who is also co-investigator for Cancer Research UK's Cancer Grand Challenges, which funded the research. 'If they occur within the first weeks of life then this would implicate exposures around childbirth and weaning. This is when the infant microbiome is formed. Conversely, if they occur later in infancy, this could implicate dietary sources.' 'We just don't know yet what might disrupt the natural bacteria in the gut early in life to lead to growth of these strains of bacteria that produce colibactin,' Prof Stebbing adds. However, Dr Li notes that contaminated food and untreated water can contain these bacteria, so improving food safety and hygiene may help minimise exposure. And some colibactin-producing bacteria are used in probiotics, she notes. 'More research would be needed to address the safety [of this],' she adds. The researchers behind the latest study are now investigating potential sources – such as diet, the environment and lifestyle behaviours – and what can be done to prevent or mitigate that contact with these bugs. It's also not currently possible to find out whether you have worrying mutations caused by the bacterial toxin. 'This is very much laboratory based research just now, and there's no routine test for it,' Prof Stebbing explains. However, the researchers are currently developing an early detection test to analyse stool samples for colibactin-related mutations. But, even if these tests become available, it is unclear what can be done to reduce the risk of bowel cancer occurring. 'We don't have a treatment available, or know if removal of the bugs would be beneficial to prevent bowel cancer, or even if there could be other unintended consequences,' notes Prof Graham. What can I do to protect against bowel cancer? The researchers are exploring whether probiotics could safely eliminate harmful bacterial strains from the gut, which produce colibactin. In the meantime, there are plenty of other actions that can dramatically lower your bowel cancer risk. Adding more fibre to your diet – such as by eating plenty of fruit, vegetables, legumes and wholegrains – can drive down the chance of developing the disease because it helps to keep bowel movements regular, meaning harmful chemicals in stools spend less time in the bowel. Additionally, fibre interacts with bacteria in the gut to make butyrate, which helps keep the cells in the bowel healthy, reducing the risk of tumours developing. More than a quarter (28 per cent) of bowel cancer cases are caused by not consuming enough fibre. Limiting red and processed meat intake can help to reduce your risk of bowel cancer. Around 13 per cent of bowel cancer cases in the UK are linked to having too much of it in our diet because the foods contain substances such as nitrates and nitrites, which damage the cells in the bowel. Obesity is another cause of bowel cancer (estimated to be behind 11 per cent of cases) so losing weight by eating a balanced diet and exercising more can help to reduce your risk. 'Being physically active and cutting back on alcohol are also changes you can make to reduce bowel cancer risk,' says Sophia Lowes, a senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK. 'No matter how old you are, if you notice anything that isn't normal for you, don't ignore it, speak to your doctor. In most cases it won't be cancer, but if it is, spotting it early can make a real difference.' Symptoms of bowel cancer include changes in stools – such as having softer stools, diarrhoea or constipation that is not normal for you – needing to go to the toilet more often and blood in the stool.
