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ABSTRACTIntroductionMetabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) previously known but still debatable, as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease and subsequent cirrhosis worldwide, accounting for around 30% of liver diseases. The change in its nomenclature has been brought about by the novel discoveries regarding its pathogenesis, in which metabolic dysfunction plays the most important role. It is widely known that for every disease, the treatment should always be targeted toward the underlying etiology and pathogenesis.Areas coveredMAFLD/NAFLD pathogenesis is heterogeneous, and includes multiple gene polymorphisms, presence of insulin resistance, as well as concomitant diseases that contribute to the disease onset and progression. As a result of this, even though lifestyle modification (owing to metabolic abnormalities) is the first line of treatment, multiple drugs have been tested to target each of the known pathways leading to MAFLD/NAFLD and progression of steatohepatitis. We aim to review the most relevant information regarding previous and ongoing research and recommendations regarding treatment of MAFLD/NAFLD.Expert opinionCombination therapies associated to weight loss and exercise will be the optimal approach for these patients. It is important to evaluate each patient to select the specific combination according to patient characteristics.

This paper explores the degree of economic globalization convergence in the high (European and Central Asia) and low (South Asia) globalized developing economies from 1984 to 2019. The sigma convergence and unit root test results indicate the presence of economic globalization convergence, which means countries are capable enough to catch up and follow the same transitional path in both regions. We utilize the two-step Lagrange Multiplier and the three-step Residual Augmented Least Squares unit root tests as robust checking convergence results. The results indicate the presence of economic globalization convergence across all countries and developing regions. The findings from the Phillips–Sul panel club convergence technique further support evidence of overall economic globalization convergence in both developing regions The findings also enable growing regions to take the unequal distribution of globalization policies. Developing regions should take adequate measures to curb the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak to sustain the higher speed of economic globalization in the long run. They should adopt club and sector-specific policies to achieve a high speed of convergence and efficient utilization of economic globalization.

This study explores the impact of remittance inflows on economic growth, unemployment, and income inequality for high-, low-, and middle-income countries from 1991 to 2020 using fixed effects, random effects, and fully modified ordinary least square estimates. The outcomes confirm that remittance inflows spur the economic growth not only in low- and middle-income countries, but also in high-income countries. However, the remittance inflows increase the unemployment in high-income countries while reducing it in low- and middle-income countries. The income inequality model validated the income inequality mitigating role of remittance inflows across all countries. Based on the estimated outcomes, the study proposes possible  policy measures in concluding section.

Metabolic dysfunction–associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has increasingly become a significant and highly prevalent cause of chronic liver disease, displaying a wide array of risk factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms of which only a few have so far been clearly elucidated. A bidirectional interaction between hormonal discrepancies and metabolic-related disorders, including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been described. Since the change in nomenclature from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to MAFLD is based on the clear impact of metabolic elements on the disease, the reciprocal interactions of hormones such as insulin, adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), and estrogens have strongly pointed to the intrinsic links that lead to the heterogeneous epidemiology, clinical presentations, and risk factors involved in MAFLD in different populations. The objective of this work is twofold. Firstly, there is a brief discussion regarding the change in nomenclature as well as epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiologic mechanisms other than hormonal effects, which include nutrition and the gut microbiome, as well as genetic and epigenetic influences. Secondly, we review the basis of the most important hormonal factors involved in the development and progression of MAFLD that act both independently and in an interrelated manner.

This study examines the effects of real exchange rate and remittance inflows on total, traditional and modern services imports in India using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bound testing approach from 1990 to 2020. Banking sector development, stock market development and net foreign direct investment inflows are controlled variables in the estimated services imports functions. The findings from the ARDL long-run model indicate that real exchange rate and remittance inflows inversely affect all service imports. Banking sector development and stock market development positively impact total and traditional services imports. In the case of modern services imports, the banking sector (stock market) inversely (positively) affects it. Net foreign direct investment inflows positively (negatively) affect modern services imports (traditional and total services imports). These findings suggest that policymakers in India should check the adverse effects of real effective exchange rates and remittance inflows on total, traditional and modern services imports.JEL Codes:F14, F31, F24, G21, G10, C32

Drawing inspiration from Feldstein and Horioka’s (1980) (FH) puzzle, our study elucidates the impact of remittances and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on domestic savings and investment in two disparate yet globalized developing regions: Latin America and the Caribbean and South Asia. Utilizing an extensive dataset spanning from 1984 to 2021 and employing diverse methodologies, including Dynamic System generalized method of moment, Driscoll–Kraay standard error, fully modified ordinary least squares, and dynamic ordinary least squares, our findings reveal that remittances exert a positive influence on both domestic investment and savings across both regions. However, South Asia predominantly directs remittance inflows towards investment, while Latin America and the Caribbean exhibit a propensity towards saving these funds. As for FDI, the primary developing region predominantly channels these funds into investment, whereas the lower region prioritizes savings. The impact of control variables manifests varied effects across both regions. Ultimately, our study underscores the pivotal role of foreign remittances in supporting investment and savings, underscoring the profound influence of economic growth on these dynamics. This accentuates the imperative for governments to proactively allocate financial resources to optimize economic growth and fortify financial frameworks. Moreover, focused strategies are indispensable for adeptly managing foreign inflows while navigating external shocks such as international repayments, external debt, and aid. Additionally, enhancements in monetary and fiscal policies are imperative to sustain competitive interest rates and foster stable macroeconomic conditions, thereby fostering conducive environments for both public and private domestic savings.JEL Classification:F24; F3; P33; C23; O18

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a highly prevalent disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Currently, no universal screening methods have been standardized, even when this disease poses a major health burden. MAFLD as a spectrum of diseases can range from simple steatosis, and steatohepatitis to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its extra-hepatic manifestations are vast and include cardiovascular diseases, extra-hepatic malignancies, cognitive and respiratory alterations. Given its extensive damage targets as well as its high prevalence, timely identification of the high-risk population presenting metabolic dysfunction should undergo universal non-invasive screening methods, which can be carried out through blood tests, easy and effective imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, score calculation and general clinical information brought together from primary patient–physician contact.

The epidemiologic and demographical features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) vary significantly across countries and continents. In this review, we analyze current data regarding prevalence of NAFLD in Latin America and Caribbean and Australia and review some peculiarities found in these regions. We stress the need of greater awareness of NAFLD and the development of cost-effective risk stratification strategies and clinical care pathways of the disease. Finally, we highlight the need of effective public health policies to control the main risk factors for NAFLD.