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International Business Review (Oxford,... Aug 2023Governments across the globe initiated various tax reforms in the post- Global Financial Crisis period to rein in aggressive corporate tax avoidance for managing budget...
Governments across the globe initiated various tax reforms in the post- Global Financial Crisis period to rein in aggressive corporate tax avoidance for managing budget deficits. These developments created new realities in the international business environment by altering the costs and benefits of corporate tax management. Yet, we have a limited understanding of the effectiveness of tax reforms in controlling corporate tax avoidance at the global level. COVID-19 offers a litmus test for how corporates manage their taxes during the pandemic in light of past tax reforms. We use financial constraints and reputational costs as two contradicting theoretical perspectives to explain corporate tax avoidance during the crisis. Consistent with the financial constraints hypothesis, we find that firms avoid taxes amid COVID-19 to prevent liquidity crunches. Our study also highlights the role of country-level information and governance quality in curbing tax avoidance during extreme events like COVID-19. Our findings call for an immediate tax policy intervention to limit corporate tax avoidance during the ongoing pandemic phases.
PubMed: 37235071
DOI: 10.1016/j.ibusrev.2023.102143 -
Scientific Reports Oct 2023The gut-brain axis involves several bidirectional pathway communications including microbiome, bacterial metabolites, neurotransmitters as well as immune system and is...
The gut-brain axis involves several bidirectional pathway communications including microbiome, bacterial metabolites, neurotransmitters as well as immune system and is perturbed both in brain and in gastrointestinal disorders. Consistently, microbiota-gut-brain axis has been found altered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We reasoned that such alterations occurring in ASD may impact both on methylation signatures of human host fecal DNA (HFD) and possibly on the types of human cells shed in the stools from intestinal tract giving origin to HFD. To test this hypothesis, we have performed whole genome methylation analysis of HFD from an age-restricted cohort of young children with ASD (N = 8) and healthy controls (N = 7). In the same cohort we have previously investigated the fecal microbiota composition and here we refined such analysis and searched for eventual associations with data derived from HFD methylome analysis. Our results showed that specific epigenetic signatures in human fecal DNA, especially at genes related to inflammation, associated with the disease. By applying methylation-based deconvolution algorithm, we found that the HFD derived mainly from immune cells and the relative abundance of those differed between patients and controls. Consistently, most of differentially methylated regions fitted with genes involved in inflammatory response. Interestingly, using Horvath epigenetic clock, we found that ASD affected children showed both epigenetic and microbiota age accelerated. We believe that the present unprecedented approach may be useful for the identification of the ASD associated HFD epigenetic signatures and may be potentially extended to other brain disorders and intestinal inflammatory diseases.
Topics: Humans; Child; Child, Preschool; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Dysbiosis; DNA Methylation; Inflammation
PubMed: 37875530
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45132-0 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Apr 2024Musculoskeletal alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are less common than liver-related complications. However, they can significantly impact the quality of... (Review)
Review
Musculoskeletal alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are less common than liver-related complications. However, they can significantly impact the quality of life and overall prognosis of patients with HCC. The main obstacle in the clinical assessment of HCC-induced musculoskeletal alterations is related to effective and timely diagnosis because these complications are often asymptomatic and unapparent during routine clinical evaluations. This narrative literature review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the contemporary literature related to the changes in the musculoskeletal system in patients with HCC, focusing on its clinical implications and underlying etiopathogenetic mechanisms. Osteolytic bone metastases are the most common skeletal alterations associated with HCC, which could be associated with an increased risk of low-trauma bone fracture. Moreover, previous studies reported that osteopenia, sarcopenia, and myosteatosis are associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with HCC. Even though low bone mineral density and sarcopenia are consistently reported as reliable predictors of pretransplantation and post-transplantation mortality in HCC patients, these complications are frequently overlooked in the clinical management of patients with HCC. Taken together, contemporary literature suggests that a multidisciplinary approach is essential for early recognition and clinical management of HCC-associated musculoskeletal alterations to improve patient prognosis. Further research into the mechanisms and treatment options for musculoskeletal complications is warranted to enhance our understanding and clinical management of this aspect of HCC.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Liver Neoplasms; Prognosis; Sarcopenia; Liver Transplantation; Quality of Life; Bone Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Bone Density; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Musculoskeletal System
PubMed: 38681992
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i15.2109 -
Psychological Medicine Nov 2023Depression is associated with metabolic alterations including lipid dysregulation, whereby associations may vary across individual symptoms. Evaluating these...
BACKGROUND
Depression is associated with metabolic alterations including lipid dysregulation, whereby associations may vary across individual symptoms. Evaluating these associations using a network perspective yields a more complete insight than single outcome-single predictor models.
METHODS
We used data from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety ( = 2498) and leveraged networks capturing associations between 30 depressive symptoms (Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology) and 46 metabolites. Analyses involved 4 steps: creating a network with Mixed Graphical Models; calculating centrality measures; bootstrapping for stability testing; validating central, stable associations by extra covariate-adjustment; and validation using another data wave collected 6 years later.
RESULTS
The network yielded 28 symptom-metabolite associations. There were 15 highly-central variables (8 symptoms, 7 metabolites), and 3 stable links involving the symptoms Low energy (fatigue), and Hypersomnia. Specifically, fatigue showed consistent associations with higher mean diameter for VLDL particles and lower estimated degree of (fatty acid) unsaturation. These remained present after adjustment for lifestyle and health-related factors and using another data wave.
CONCLUSIONS
The somatic symptoms Fatigue and Hypersomnia and cholesterol and fatty acid measures showed central, stable, and consistent relationships in our network. The present analyses showed how metabolic alterations are more consistently linked to specific symptom profiles.
Topics: Humans; Depression; Anxiety; Fatigue; Disorders of Excessive Somnolence; Fatty Acids
PubMed: 37092859
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291723001009 -
Magma (New York, N.Y.) Dec 2023Development of a protocol for validation and quality assurance of filter-exchange imaging (FEXI) pulse sequences with well-defined and reproducible phantoms.
OBJECTIVES
Development of a protocol for validation and quality assurance of filter-exchange imaging (FEXI) pulse sequences with well-defined and reproducible phantoms.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A FEXI pulse sequence was implemented on a 7 T preclinical MRI scanner. Six experiments in three different test categories were established for sequence validation, demonstration of the reproducibility of phantoms and the measurement of induced changes in the apparent exchange rate (AXR). First, an ice-water phantom was used to investigate the consistency of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements with different diffusion filters. Second, yeast cell phantoms were utilized to validate the determination of the AXR in terms of repeatability (same phantom and session), reproducibility (separate but comparable phantoms in different sessions) and directionality of diffusion encodings. Third, the yeast cell phantoms were, furthermore, used to assess potential AXR bias because of altered cell density and temperature. In addition, a treatment experiment with aquaporin inhibitors was performed to evaluate the influence of these compounds on the cell membrane permeability in yeast cells.
RESULTS
FEXI-based ADC measurements of an ice-water phantom were performed for three different filter strengths, showed good agreement with the literature value of 1.099 × 10 mm/s and had a maximum coefficient of variation (CV) of 0.55% within the individual filter strengths. AXR estimation in a single yeast cell phantom and imaging session with five repetitions resulted in an overall mean value of (1.49 ± 0.05) s and a CV of 3.4% between the chosen regions of interest. For three separately prepared phantoms, AXR measurements resulted in a mean value of (1.50 ± 0.04) s and a CV of 2.7% across the three phantoms, demonstrating high reproducibility. Across three orthogonal diffusion directions, a mean value of (1.57 ± 0.03) s with a CV of 1.9% was detected, consistent with isotropy of AXR in yeast cells. Temperature and AXR were linearly correlated (R = 0.99) and an activation energy E of 37.7 kJ/mol was determined by Arrhenius plot. Furthermore, a negative correlation was found between cell density (as determined by the reference ADC/f) and AXR (R = 0.95). The treatment experiment resulted in significantly decreased AXR values at different temperatures in the treated sample compared to the untreated control indicating an inhibiting effect.
CONCLUSIONS
Using ice-water and yeast cell-based phantoms, a protocol for the validation of FEXI pulse sequences was established for the assessment of stability, repeatability, reproducibility and directionality. In addition, a strong dependence of AXR on cell density and temperature was shown. As AXR is an emerging novel imaging biomarker, the suggested protocol will be useful for quality assurance of AXR measurements within a study and potentially across multiple sites.
Topics: Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Ice; Reproducibility of Results; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Water; Phantoms, Imaging
PubMed: 37436611
DOI: 10.1007/s10334-023-01107-w -
Meat Science Dec 2023This study aimed to apply different proteolytic enzymes (bromelain, papain, and flavourzyme) to develop texture-modified meats suitable for people with chewing or...
This study aimed to apply different proteolytic enzymes (bromelain, papain, and flavourzyme) to develop texture-modified meats suitable for people with chewing or swallowing problems. The samples were categorised at level 6 (soft and bite-sized food) of the dysphagia diet, characterised in terms of physicochemical and textural parameters, and evaluated for their behaviour during gastrointestinal digestion simulating elderly alterations. In general, the enzyme-treated samples had lower moisture content, weight, and diameter of the piece of meat, and presented colour differences compared to the control samples. Textural analyses did not show significant differences in terms of hardness and cohesiveness for the texture-modified meats, while flavourzyme-treated samples presented less elasticity. Instrumental mastication assay showed the breakdown of samples' structure mainly during the first mastication cycles, with flavourzyme-treated samples presenting slightly higher consistency. The protein digestibility of the meats greatly increased after simulated gastrointestinal digestion, but a decrease in proteolysis for the control and papain-treated samples in the altered gastric model and an increase for flavourzyme-treated samples in the altered both gastric and intestinal model were shown compared to standard conditions. These results allow integrating knowledge to design foods that better meet the requirements of dysphagics or elderly people.
PubMed: 37717338
DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2023.109341 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Dec 2023Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by the progressive demyelination of peripheral nerves, resulting in... (Review)
Review
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterised by the progressive demyelination of peripheral nerves, resulting in motor and sensory deficits. While much research has focused on clinical and electrophysiological aspects of CIDP, there is an emerging interest in exploring its impact on the visual system through visual evoked potentials (VEPs). This comprehensive review synthesises existing literature on VEP findings in CIDP patients, shedding light on their potential diagnostic and prognostic value. The review thoroughly examines studies spanning the last two decades, exploring VEP abnormalities in CIDP patients. Notably, VEP studies have consistently revealed prolonged latencies and reduced amplitudes in CIDP patients compared to healthy controls. These alterations in VEP parameters suggest that the demyelinating process extends beyond the peripheral nervous system to affect the central nervous system, particularly the optic nerve and its connections. The correlation between VEP abnormalities and clinical manifestations of CIDP, such as visual impairment and sensory deficits, underscores the clinical relevance of VEP assessment in CIDP management. Furthermore, this review addresses the potential utility of VEPs in aiding CIDP diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. VEP abnormalities may serve as valuable biomarkers for disease activity, helping clinicians make timely therapeutic decisions. Moreover, this review discusses the limitations and challenges associated with VEP assessment in CIDP, including variability in recording techniques and the need for standardised protocols. In conclusion, this review highlights the evolving role of VEPs as a non-invasive tool in CIDP evaluation. The consistent VEP abnormalities observed in CIDP patients suggest the involvement of the central nervous system in this demyelinating disorder. As our understanding of CIDP and its pathophysiology continues to evolve, further research in this area may lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and monitoring strategies, ultimately enhancing the clinical management of CIDP patients.
Topics: Humans; Polyradiculoneuropathy, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Peripheral Nerves; Optic Nerve; Prognosis
PubMed: 38138263
DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122160 -
Toxicological Sciences : An Official... Oct 2023Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disease worldwide, with increases outpacing aging and occurring most rapidly in recently industrialized...
Developmental exposure to the Parkinson's disease-associated organochlorine pesticide dieldrin alters dopamine neurotransmission in α-synuclein pre-formed fibril (PFF)-injected mice.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disease worldwide, with increases outpacing aging and occurring most rapidly in recently industrialized areas, suggesting a role of environmental factors. Epidemiological, post-mortem, and mechanistic studies suggest that persistent organic pollutants, including the organochlorine pesticide dieldrin, increase PD risk. In mice, developmental dieldrin exposure causes male-specific exacerbation of neuronal susceptibility to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and synucleinopathy. Specifically, in the α-synuclein (α-syn) pre-formed fibril (PFF) model, exposure leads to increased deficits in striatal dopamine (DA) turnover and motor deficits on the challenging beam. Here, we hypothesized that alterations in DA handling contribute to the observed changes and assessed vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) function and DA release in this dieldrin/PFF 2-hit model. Female C57BL/6 mice were exposed to 0.3 mg/kg dieldrin or vehicle every 3 days by feeding, starting at 8 weeks of age and continuing throughout breeding, gestation, and lactation. Male offspring from independent litters underwent unilateral, intrastriatal injections of α-syn PFFs at 12 weeks of age, and vesicular 3H-DA uptake assays and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry were performed 4 months post-PFF injection. Dieldrin-induced an increase in DA release in striatal slices in PFF-injected animals, but no change in VMAT2 activity. These results suggest that developmental dieldrin exposure increases a compensatory response to synucleinopathy-triggered striatal DA loss. These findings are consistent with silent neurotoxicity, where developmental exposure to dieldrin primes the nigrostriatal striatal system to have an exacerbated response to synucleinopathy in the absence of observable changes in typical markers of nigrostriatal dysfunction and degeneration.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Male; Female; alpha-Synuclein; Parkinson Disease; Dopamine; Dieldrin; Synucleinopathies; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Pesticides; Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins; Synaptic Transmission; Substantia Nigra
PubMed: 37607008
DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad086 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Nov 2023Older adults have difficulty maintaining balance when faced with postural disturbances, a task that is influenced by the stiffness of the triceps surae and Achilles...
Older adults have difficulty maintaining balance when faced with postural disturbances, a task that is influenced by the stiffness of the triceps surae and Achilles tendon. Age-related changes in Achilles tendon stiffness have been reported at matched levels of effort, but measures typically have not been made at matched loads, which is important due to age-dependent changes in strength. Moreover, age-dependent changes in muscle stiffness have yet to be tested. Here, we investigate how age alters muscle and tendon stiffness and their influence on ankle stiffness. We hypothesized that age-related changes in muscle and tendon contribute to reduced ankle stiffness in older adults and evaluated this hypothesis when either load or effort were matched. We used B-mode ultrasound with joint-level perturbations to quantify ankle, muscle, and tendon stiffness across a range of loads and efforts in seventeen healthy younger and older adults. At matched loads, there was no significant difference in ankle, muscle, or tendon stiffness between groups (all p>0.13). However, at matched effort, older adults exhibited a significant decrease in ankle (27%; p=0.008), muscle (37%; p=0.02), and tendon stiffness (22%; p=0.03) at 30% of maximum effort. This is consistent with our finding that older adults were 36% weaker than younger adults in plantarflexion (p=0.004). Together these results indicate that, at the loads tested in this study, there are no age-dependent changes in the mechanical properties of muscle or tendon, only differences in strength that result in altered ankle, muscle, and tendon stiffness at matched levels of effort.
PubMed: 38045313
DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.25.568676 -
The metabolic associated fatty liver disease responses of lifestyle changes using diet and exercise.Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences 2023This review is aimed to study MAFLD responses of lifestyle modifications using Diet and Exercise. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This review is aimed to study MAFLD responses of lifestyle modifications using Diet and Exercise.
METHODS
The sources for this MAFLD review following PRISMA protocol were PubMed, Google scholar, Scopus and Science Direct. Quality of evidence was assessed by consistent results with previous studies. Assessment of quality was done by Joanna Briggs Institute criteria. Quality of evidence was assessed by GRADE approach tool.
RESULTS
This review included 12 studies, from which five were qualitative and seven quantitative. The later showed poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle exhibiting MAFLD which eventually affect their quality of life. Further studies suggested that by introducing healthy lifestyle in MAFLD group using diet and exercise caused reduction in BMI, obesity levels, improved glycemic control and reversal of liver fat content with improved liver enzymes.
CONCLUSION
Subjects with MAFLD experienced poor quality of life. Altering lifestyle by diet and exercise can improve their physical wellbeing.
PubMed: 37936729
DOI: 10.12669/pjms.39.6.7990