Positive Association Research Articles

How does asset redeployability affect stock price crash risk?

AbstractHow does a firm's asset redeployability affect its future stock price crash risk? Asset redeployability, which refers to the ease of selling corporate assets, allows managers to opportunistically exploit asset transactions to manage earnings to hoard bad news, thereby increasing future crash risk. Using a large sample of US firms, we find that firms with higher asset redeployability are more likely to experience a future stock price crash. We further find that this positive association is stronger for firms experiencing greater internal and external pressure to manage earnings. Our study highlights that relying on redeployable assets to orchestrate earnings undermines shareholders' interests, particularly when internal and external pressures incentivize upward earnings management.

Factors influencing physical activity in individuals with head and neck cancer: a scoping review

ObjectivesHigher physical activity (PA) levels are associated with better quality of life in people with head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite this positive association, most individuals with these cancer types...

Nonnative pest establishment: Spatial patterns and public detection

Early detection of new pests can reduce their long-term impacts by enabling more rapid management response. Knowledge of pest establishment risk and background rates of detection (e.g., by the public) can help inform more cost-effective targeting of formal early detection survey programs. Here we quantify county-level locational attributes associated with pest establishment and detection by the public using data for 113 new pest incursions detected in the United States from 2010 through 2018. Aligning with expectations, we find a higher likelihood of new pest establishment in counties with higher human population numbers, nearer to ports (<250 km), and with amenable climate characteristics. Controlling for potential sample selection issues, we find that pests are less likely to be first detected by the public (e.g., homeowners, community members) versus by other sources (e.g., agency surveys, researchers, or agricultural operators) in counties with higher total crop sales values and lower human population number. The negative association between public detection and high agricultural values may reflect greater survey efforts by other sources (e.g., by agency surveillance programs, researchers, and agricultural operators) in high-value agricultural areas. The positive association between public detection and human population size may reflect larger numbers of public detectors (i.e., people) available to encounter the pests. Our models provide spatially explicit estimates of the likelihood of new pest establishment across U.S. counties and of the likelihood that an established pest would first be detected by the public. These estimates can serve as quantitative inputs to decision-support activities for new pest surveillance planning.

Mechanical and electrical uncoupling: the role of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy. Proof of concept.

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a complex cardiac disorder associated with ventricular arrhythmias. Understanding the relationship between mechanical uncoupling and cardiac structural changes in ACM patients is crucial for improved risk stratification and management. In this study, we enrolled 25 ACM patients (median age 34 years, 72% men) based on the 2019 Modified Task Force and Padua criteria. Patients were categorized by the presence or absence of clinically relevant ventricular tachycardia (crVT), necessitating emergency interventions. Right ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) was assessed using echocardiography. Low-rank regression splines were employed to model left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) in relation to VAC. Positive associations were observed between VAC and LVEF (ρ = 0.472, p = 0.023), RVEF (ρ = 0.522, p = 0.038), and right ventricular (RV) indexed stroke volume (ρ = 0.79, p < 0.001). Patients with crVT exhibited correlations with RV shortening, reduced RVEF (39.6 vs. 32.2%, p = 0.025), increased left ventricular (LV) mass (38.99 vs. 45.55, p = 0.045), and LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (56.99 vs. 68.15 mL/m2, p = 0.045). Positive associations for VAC were noted with LVEDV (p = 0.039) and LV mass (p = 0.039), while negative correlations were observed with RVEF by CMR (p = 0.023) and RV shortening by echocardiography (p = 0.026). Our findings underscore the significance of right VAC in ACM, demonstrating correlations with RV and LVEF, RV stroke volume, and clinically relevant arrhythmias. Insights into RVEF, LV mass, and end-diastolic volume provide valuable contributions to the understanding of ACM pathophysiology and may inform risk assessment strategies.

Associations between left-behind children’s characteristics and psychological symptoms: a cross-sectional study from China

BackgroundParent-child separation poses a significant challenge for left-behind children (LBC). However, limited empirical evidence exists regarding the correlation between left-behind characteristics and the psychological symptoms of LBC. This study investigated psychological symptoms among LBC and explored associations between left-behind characteristics and those symptoms.MethodsUsing stratified cluster sampling, 1,832 LBC aged 13–18 years from three cities in East China were selected for analysis. Participants’ depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 and the General Anxiety Disorder 7, respectively. Chi-square tests were used to compare differences in detection rates of psychological symptoms among LBC in different groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to infer associations between left-behind characteristics and psychological symptoms.ResultsDepression and anxiety symptoms were detected in 32.86% and 33.24%, respectively, of participating LBC. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in detection rates of depression symptoms by sex, grade, and timing of parent-child separation. Statistically significant differences were observed in anxiety symptom rates by sex, grade, type of caregiver, and timing of mother-child separation. Multivariate analysis indicated a positive association between LBC’s anxiety symptoms and mother-child separation that occurred during post-primary school, and type of caregiver (father only or mother only). Our findings confirm a positive association between left-behind characteristics and anxiety symptoms among LBC.ConclusionThe timing of mother-child separation and type of caregiver are potential risk factors for the development of anxiety symptoms in this population.

Assessing the Relationship Between Teacher Inclusive Beliefs, Behaviors, and Competences of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

This study examined the associations between teachers' beliefs and behaviors related to inclusive education (IE) and their evaluations of social and academic competences in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - important indicators of IE. Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research investigated how teachers' intentions to implement IE and their supportive practices affected the social and academic competences of students with ASD. The study involved 267 teachers from 78 mainstream secondary schools in Hong Kong. Teachers completed a questionnaire assessing attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to implement IE. Information on teachers' practices supporting students with ASD and their evaluations of social and academic competences of these students was also collected. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the relationships between these variables. Correlation analysis revealed positive and significant associations between teachers' beliefs, inclusive practices, and their evaluations of social and academic competences of students with ASD. SEM indicated that perceived behavioral control significantly and positively influenced the social and academic competences of students with ASD through teachers' inclusive practices. This study highlights the vital role of teachers' control beliefs and inclusive practices in fostering the social and academic competences of students with ASD. By applying the TPB and SEM, the research contributes to understanding how teachers' intentions and behaviors in implementing IE impact students' outcomes. The findings offer practical implications for enhancing inclusive education practices for supporting students with ASD in mainstream schools.

Associations of exposure to bisphenol-A or parabens with markers of liver injury/function among US adults in NHANES 2011-2016.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) and parabens are common endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) that are used extensively in consumer products worldwide and are widely found in the environment. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively explore the correlations between urinary BPA/parabens levels and liver injury/function markers. In this cross-sectional study, we used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2016. The exposure variables were urinary BPA and four urinary parabens [methylparaben (MPB), ethylparaben (EPB), propylparaben (PPB), and butylparaben (BPB)], while the outcome variables were indicators of liver function/injury [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/ ALT, albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4)]. Multiple linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses were applied to explore the relationships between the individual/combined exposure variables and the liver injury/function indicators, respectively. Furthermore, stratified analysis was employed to detect the associations influenced by age and sex. A total of 2,179 adults were eligible for the present analysis. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed positive associations of EPB with AST, ALT, TP, and FIB-4 scores and negative associations of BPA with TP and ALB. The effects of urinary parabens on adverse outcomes in the liver (AST and ALT) were significant in the female and middle-aged subgroups. In addition, the WQS analysis revealed that the mixture of four compounds was negatively associated with ALB. BPA had the greatest effect on the serum ALB concentration (weight = 0.688). Our present study provided novel evidence of significant associations between BPA or certain parabens and numerous markers of liver injury/function indicators. We found that higher urinary BPA concentrations were associated with worse liver function. Exposure to high EPB/PPB ratios was significantly associated with biomarkers of liver injury.

Age and gender effects on striatal dopamine transporter density and cerebral perfusion in individuals with non-degenerative parkinsonism: a dual-phase 18F-FP-CIT PET study

BackgroundDual-phase fluorine-18 labeled N-3-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl) nortropane (18F-FP-CIT) positron emission tomography (PET) scans could be used to support disorders like Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dopamine transporter (DAT) binding and cerebral perfusion are associated with ageing and gender. We investigated the effects of age and gender on non-degenerative parkinsonism, using automated quantification in striatum: specific binding ratios (SBRs) for DAT binding in delayed phase PET (dCIT) and standardized-uptake-value ratios (SUVRs) for cerebral perfusion in early phase PET (eCIT). We also examined the correlations between SBR and SUVR.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed subjects with dual-phase 18F-FP-CIT PET scans. The eCIT images were acquired immediately post-injection, and dCIT images were taken 120 min later. With Brightonix software, automated quantification of SBRs for dCIT and SUVRs for eCIT were acquired from visually normal scans. The effects of aging and gender were assessed by regressing SBRs and SUVRs on age for both genders. The correlations between SUVRs and SBRs were evaluated.ResultsWe studied 79 subjects (34 males and 45 females). An age-related reduction in SBRs was observed in the dorsal striatum, ventral striatum, caudate nucleus, and putamen for both genders. SUVRs were found to negatively correlate with age in the dorsal striatum, ventral striatum, caudate nucleus, and putamen for males and in the dorsal striatum and caudate nucleus for females. Positive correlations between SBRs and SUVRs in the dorsal striatum, ventral striatum, caudate nucleus, and putamen for male and in the dorsal striatum, caudate nucleus, and putamen for females.ConclusionsUsing quantified values from dual-phase 18F-FP-CIT PET with a single injection, we demonstrate a negative impact of age on SBRs (DAT binding) in the striatum for both genders and SUVRs (cerebral perfusion) in the dorsal striatum and caudate nucleus for both genders and in the ventral striatum and putamen for males. Additionally, we found positive associations between SBR and SUVR values in the dorsal striatum, caudate nucleus, and putamen for both genders and in the ventral striatum for males.

Association between eating speed and atherosclerosis in relation to growth differentiation factor-15 levels in older individuals in a cross-sectional study

Although fast eating speed has been associated with cardiovascular risk factors, no studies have reported an association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis as evaluated by carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT). Rapid glucose ingestion is known to cause glucose spikes, which may accelerate atherogenesis and increase levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Therefore, GDF-15 levels may influence the association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis. To evaluate the association between eating speed and atherosclerosis in relation to GDF-15, this cross-sectional study analyzed 742 Japanese aged 60–69 years. They were required to have normal thyroid hormone levels, because both GDF-15 levels and atherosclerosis (CIMT ≥ 1.1 mm) can be influenced by thyroid dysfunction. Participants were stratified by the median GDF-15 level. A significant positive association was observed between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis, but only among participants with a high GDF-15 level: the sex- and age-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.95 (1.09, 3.48) in participants with a high GDF-15 level, and 0.83 (0.37, 1.88) in those with a low GDF-15 level. This association remained even after further adjustment for thyroid function and metabolic factors. Serum concentrations of GDF-15 may mediate the association between fast eating speed and atherosclerosis.

The Association between Problematic Instagram Use, Psychological Distress, and Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Recent studies have indicated the potential detrimental psychological effects of Instagram use (IU) and problematic Instagram use (PIU). PIU and IU have been associated with depression, anxiety, and negative general well-being. This study aimed to investigate that correlation through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sevendatabases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, were explored in February of 2023. Studies that assessed the association between IU and/or PIU with depression, anxiety, other psychological distresses, and/or general well-being were deemed eligible. The Hunter-Schmidt random effects model and multilevel meta-analysis were appliedto assess the outcomes of interest. A total of 1,927 hits were identified with 37 studies included in the quantitative analysis after removal of duplicates and screening of abstracts and full texts, with the total number of participants at 14,305. The obtained correlations between PIU and depression, anxiety, and well-being with 95% confidence interval were found to be r = 0.35, [0.25, 0.44], r = 0.31, [0.22, 0.40], r = -0.17, [-0.24, -0.10], respectively. Similarly, for IU and depression r = 0.11, [0.06, 0.16], p < 0.05 for all of the aforementioned results. The association between IU and anxiety was found to be r = 0.12, [0.04, 0.21], p < 0.05. The present meta-analysis found significant conceptual heterogeneity across the studies included due to different study designs and population heterogeneity. The results show a positive association of PIU and IU with depression, anxiety, and other psychological distress(es). There is a need for robust designed longitudinal research to explore this association.

The Trouble with Free-Water Elimination using Single-Shell Diffusion MRI Data: A Case-Study in Ageing

Abstract Free-water elimination (FWE) modelling for Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) can be used to estimate the free-water (FW) volume fraction, as well as FW-compensated DTI parameters. Single-shell (SS) diffusion MRI acquisitions are more common in clinical cohorts due to time constraints, but the FWE-DTI model is a two-compartment model, hence only well-posed for multi-shell (MS) data. A regularised gradient descent (RGD) method is often applied to SS datasets and has been used to study healthy ageing, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, amongst others, largely ignoring the methodological limitations of this approach. In this study, we compared the performance of RGD fitting with SS data, to a non-linear least squares (NLS) fitting applied to MS data, using simulations and data from 620 participants aged 18 to 88 years. Consistent with previous studies, our simulations show that RGD fitting using SS data flattens the relationship between mean diffusivity (MD) estimates and their ground truth values, and introduces an artificial positive correlation between fractional anisotropy (FA) estimates and the underlying tissue ground truth MD. Neither of these biases were observed when NLS fitting was applied to MS data. In human data, a smaller number of significant voxels with positive correlations between MD and age was observed when the RGD SS algorithm was used, which is consistent with the flattening of MD profiles observed in simulations. FW-compensated FA maps produced strikingly different results depending on the method employed: the maps obtained with RGD SS identified some brain areas with a strong positive association with age, while no such positive correlations were found with MS NLS. While similar positive correlations between age and FW-compensated FA maps obtained with SS RGD have been reported, these results are only replicated when the RGD SS was used, suggesting this apparent FA increase was likely an artefact introduced by inappropriate modelling using SS data. Our study, therefore, suggests that previous findings reported in the literature using the RGD approach should be interpreted with extreme care.

Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Exposure and Neurocognitive Function in the General Population: A Community-Based Study

Background: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are pervasive in everyday environments. The impacts of these chemicals, along with EDC-related lifestyle and dietary habits on neurocognitive function, are not well understood. Methods: The Chang Gung Community Medicine Research Center conducted a cross-sectional study involving 887 participants. From this initial cohort, 120 individuals were selected based on their EDC exposure scores for detailed analysis. Among these, 67 participants aged 55 years or older were further chosen to undergo cognitive impairment assessments using the Ascertain Dementia-8 (AD-8) questionnaire. Results: These 67 older participants did not significantly differ in age, albuminuria, or estimated glomerular filtration rate compared to those with lower impairment scores. This study revealed that mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) levels (8.511 vs. 6.432 µg/g creatinine, p = 0.038) were associated with greater risk of cognitive impairment (AD-8 ≥ 2). Statistical models adjusting for age, gender, and diabetes indicated that MEHP levels positively correlated with AD-8 scores, achieving statistical significance in more comprehensive models (β ± SE: 0.160 ± 0.076, p = 0.042). Logistic regression analysis underscored a significant positive association between high MEHP levels and higher AD-8 scores (odds ratio: 1.217, p = 0.006). Receiver operating characteristic curves highlighted the association of high MEHP levels and EDC exposure scores for significant cognitive impairment, with areas under the curve of 66.3% and 66.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Exposure to EDCs, specifically di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, the precursor to MEHP, may be associated with neurocognitive impairment in middle-aged and older adults.

Negative emotionality and coping in forensic outpatients with sexually transgressive behaviour

ABSTRACT Negative emotionality has been consistently linked to an increased risk of sexual offending. Ninety-one Dutch males treated in outpatient forensic psychiatry for sexually transgressive behaviour were studied on self-reported negative emotionality, coping and sexual coping, and therapist assessed corresponding dynamic risk factors. Outpatients reported more prevalence of high negative emotionality than therapists. Correlation analyses showed, amongst others, a significant positive association between emotional coping and all subscales of negative emotionality: stress (strong), aggression (weak) and alienation (weak). Furthermore, regression analyses revealed that self-reported stress was a significant predictor of several types of self-reported coping (task, emotional, avoidant, and sexual consent and molest) and assessed sexual coping. Additionally, self-reported aggression predicted consent and rape-themed sexual coping. These results indicate a nuanced relationship between different aspects of negative emotionality and coping mechanisms, underscoring the relevance of careful consideration tailored to characteristics of the patient involved when addressed in forensic treatment. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT The observed associations between (aspects of) negative emotionality and coping, promote the use of patient-tailored emotion regulation interventions in the forensic treatment of outpatients with sexually transgressive behaviour. Moreover, self-report appears to provide useful additional information for further tailoring therapy.

Factors associated with skeletal muscle mass in middle-aged men living with HIV.

Despite extensive research on muscle loss in people living with HIV (PLWH), the prevalence and contributing factors specifically among middle-aged men remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low muscle mass within this demographic and to identify associated factors. A total of 378 men living with HIV were enrolled in the study. They were classified into low muscle mass group if they displayed a skeletal muscle index (SMI) <7.00kg/m2 or fell within the lowest quintile of SMI based on the criteria established by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019. Out of the 378 men living with HIV enrolled, 351 had normal muscle mass, while 27 (7.1%) had low muscle mass. Antiretroviral drugs Zidovudine (AZT) (OR=0.246, P=0.022) and higher serum albumin levels (OR=0.899, P=0.026) were found to be protective factors against low muscle mass according to quintile grouping. Strong positive associations between SMI and body mass index (BMI), nutritional risk index (NRI), oedema index and fat-free mass index (FFMI) (R>0.5, P<0.001) were observed. In addition, both BMI (sensitivity=0.741, specificity=0.906) and NRI (sensitivity=0.963, specificity=0.601) had high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing low muscle mass, with critical values of 19.85 and 114.177 for BMI and NRI, respectively. The oedema index was the most effective measure of body composition in detecting abnormal fluid retention with high sensitivity (92.6%) and moderate specificity (71.8%) in identifying individuals with low muscle mass. Notably, PLWH with low muscle mass participants had a significantly higher prevalence (92.6%) of a high oedema index compared with those with normal muscle mass (28.2%). This observation indicates that individuals with HIV who experience reduced muscle mass is commonly accompanied with abnormal fluid retention within the body. Antiretroviral medication types, specifically Zidovudine, BMI and NRI can be independent risk factors for low muscle mass in men with HIV. These factors, along with BMI, could be used conveniently to predict low muscle mass. Furthermore, the association between the oedema index and muscle mass suggests that observing signs of oedema may indicate a risk of low muscle mass in PLWH.

Strategic alignment between supply chain partners and cost stickiness of suppliers

AbstractWe investigate the relationship between strategic alignment between suppliers and their major customers and the asymmetric behavior of costs, specifically cost of goods sold (COGS) and selling, general, and administrative (SG&amp;A) costs. Utilizing mandated disclosures regarding major customers from 1978 to 2018, we construct supplier–customer dyads to examine this connection. Our results indicate a positive association between strategic alignment in supply chain partnerships and the stickiness of COGS and SG&amp;A costs for suppliers. This positive association is more pronounced for suppliers in the early stages of their relationships than those with long-term partnerships. Additionally, strategic alignment increases the stickiness of suppliers’ research and development (R&amp;D) costs. Furthermore, we observe that strategic alignment correlates with an extended duration of supplier–customer relationships and improved supplier performance. Our findings hold across alternative constructs of strategic alignment, various supplier strategy types, and when accounting for characteristics of the supply-chain relationship.

Gestational weight gain as a mediator of the relationship between pre-pregnancy body mass index and the risk of preterm birth: A four-way decomposition analysis.

The aim of the present study was to examine and quantify whether the association between preterm birth (PTB) and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) is mediated by gestational weight gain (GWG). This is a secondary analysis of a large randomized community non-inferiority trial using a cohort design. The data of 26 101 pregnant women in their first trimester who sought prenatal care and met eligibility criteria were included. The four-way decomposition method was applied to screen for all types of association effects of pre-pregnancy BMI on the risk of PTB. These effects include the total, direct, and various indirect effects including pure mediation via GWG, interactive effects with GWG, and mediated interaction with GWG, all adjusted for potential confounders. Among the study participants, 24 461 (93.7%) had term deliveries, while 1640 (6.3%) experienced PTB. The results of the study showed that there was a positive association between pre-pregnancy BMI among those with BMI more than 25 kg/m2 and the risk of PTB and this association was negatively mediated and interacted by GWG, which differed quantitatively between those who had inadequate, adequate, or excessive GWG. The total association effect showed that the risk was lowest for those who had underweight pre-pregnancy BMI and adequate GWG (excess relative risk [RR]: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01-0.11, P value: 0.022) and was highest for those who had obese pre-pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG (excess RR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.35-1.00, P value <0.001). The findings of the present prospective population-based study demonstrated that pre-pregnancy BMI >25 kg/m2 is directly and positively associated with the risk of preterm birth. The highest risk of preterm birth was observed among individuals with an obese pre-pregnancy BMI who also experienced excessive GWG.

Association between triglyceride glucose body mass index and cardiovascular disease in adults: evidence from NHANES 2011- 2020

BackgroundThe association between insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is of significant interest. However, there is limited published research on the relationship between CVD and the triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI). This study aims to examine the association between TyG-BMI and CVD in US adults.MethodWe analyzed data from 11016 adults collected through the 2011-2020 NHANES. Employing weighted generalized linear models, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves, we examined the association between the TyG-BMI index and CVD. Nonlinear associations were investigated using restricted cubic splines.ResultsHigher TyG-BMI values were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of CVD (P&amp;lt;0.001). Weighted generalized linear models consistently demonstrated a positive association across all models. Specifically, individuals in the highest tertile of TyG-BMI had a 38% higher CVD prevalence than those in the lowest quartile (OR=1.380; 95% CI=1.080, 1.763). Unweighted logistic regression models further confirmed these findings. Sex, race, education, family income to poverty ratio, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes did not modify this positive association (P for interaction &amp;gt;0.05). Incorporating the TyG-BMI index into traditional risk factor models marginally improved the prediction of CVD prevalence (P for comparison &amp;lt;0.05).ConclusionsThe TyG-BMI index, an indicator of insulin resistance, is significantly positive associated with a higher prevalence of CVD. These findings underscore the importance of managing insulin resistance to prevent CVD and highlight the need for further research into the underlying mechanisms of this association.

Causal benefits of 25 dietary intakes on epigenetic ageing: a Mendelian randomisation study

DNA methylation GrimAge acceleration (DMGA) and intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA) are important physiological markers for assessing the ageing process. Evidence from cross-sectional studies suggests that some dietary intake is associated with DMGA and IEAA. However, the causal relationship between them has yet to be elucidated. This Mendelian randomisation study uses genetic variants associated with different dietary intakes as instrumental variables to explore the causal benefits of multiple dietary intakes on DMGA and IEAA. Cheese intake, dark chocolate intake, average weekly red wine intake, dried fruit intake, fresh fruit intake, porridge intake, cereal intake, and liver intake had a negative causal association with DMGA, and poultry intake and doughnut intake had a positive causal association with DMGA (p < 0.05). Muesli and bran cereal intake had a negative causal association with IEAA, and pineapple intake had a positive causal association with IEAA (p < 0.05). Dietary intake positively causally associated with IEAA or DMGA may have accelerated biological ageing; conversely, dietary intake negatively causally associated with IEAA or DMGA may have contributed to delaying biological ageing. Based on genetic evidence, this study demonstrated some significant causal benefits of dietary intake on DMGA and IEAA, suggesting the possibility of intervening in DNA methylation acceleration and epigenetic age acceleration by adjusting these food intakes, thereby promoting health and delaying ageing. However, the findings of this study are exploratory and preliminary and need to be supported and validated by evidence from further clinical studies and mechanistic studies.

Board composition, ownership structure and dividend policy: Evidence from NSE listed companies in India

Purpose The purpose of the study is to analyse the influence of board composition and ownership structure on the dividend pay-out policy of selected listed Indian companies. Design/methodology/approach The top 30 companies listed on National Stock Exchange were examined for a period of three financial years from 2019 to 2021. Due to the cross-sectional and time-series character of the data, fixed effect panel model is used as the primary analytical approach. Findings The results revealed that there is a significant and positive association between board size and dividend policy. The results confirm that the firms with higher Indian ownership and non-institutional ownership distribute higher levels of dividend. No significant association was found between board independence and dividend decisions of ratios. Finally, it is observed that there is a positive impact of return on assets on dividend policy. Research limitations/implications Future studies can confirm the impact of ownership determinants and board characteristics on dividend distribution policy by taking stock dividends into account and enlarging the sample size of developing market businesses. They can also investigate ownership factors including management ownership and international ownership, in addition to other board attributes like qualification, tenure and age. This will offer a more thorough comprehension of how these variables relate to dividend policy. Practical implications Because they are better able to assess the financial position and make educated judgments, a diverse and independent board of directors may result in more strategic and cautious dividend policies. The dividend policy of a firm is also influenced by its ownership structure and strategic objectives; small or primary shareholders may exert pressure for larger payments. By focusing on long-term strategic goals rather than immediate requirements, managers may guarantee that interests are aligned. The findings of this study offer significant guidance to management and regulators about the dividend policy of publicly listed corporations. Social implications According to agency theory, the link between ownership structure, board composition and dividend policy may be explained by agency conflicts. Independent directors are necessary for the board to make decisions that effectively balance the interests of management and shareholders, particularly when it comes to paying dividends. According to studies, companies with non-executive directors have greater interest alignment and fewer agency issues. In addition, the ownership structure and makeup of the board are important factors in lowering agency conflicts and enhancing corporate governance procedures. Companies may improve their governance procedures and increase value for shareholders by resolving conflicts of interest. Originality/value The research paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by analysing and uncovering significant and unknown relationship between board composition, ownership structure and dividend policy. The paper explores the relationship between specific ownership structures and dividend policy in context of a developing country where limited research exists and addresses a research question that has not been extensively studied before.

Health-related quality of life and utility values among patients with anxiety and/or depression in a low-income tertiary care setting: a cross-sectional analysis.

To describe the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), estimate the associated health state utility values (HSUVs) and explore factors associated with HRQoL of patients with anxiety and/or depression in a resource-limited hospital setting. A cross-sectional survey involving 462 participants was conducted in a hospital setting. The Amharic version of the EQ-5D-5L assessed HRQoL, while the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 measured severity of anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. HSUVs were analysed based on clinical and demographic profiles; mean differences were compared using t-tests and one-way ANOVA; Scheffe's post hoc comparisons and effect sizes (Cohen's d statistic) were used to assess the magnitude of group differences. Factors associated with HRQoL were explored using regression analysis. The mean HSUV was 0.87 (SD = 0.17) and the EQ VAS was 71.4 (SD = 19.1). Patients with both anxiety and depression scored significantly lower (HSUV = 0.83 [0.16], EQ VAS = 64.4 [17.9]) compared to those with either anxiety only (HSUV = 0.88 [0.17], EQ VAS = 75.3 [17.9]) or depression only (HSUV = 0.89 [0.18], EQ VAS 74.4 [19.7]). Males had slightly higher mean scores than females, while those aged 18-35 years demonstrated the highest scores on both the EQ-5D-5L and EQ VAS. Older age (β=-0.002), higher PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.008) and comorbid hypertension (β=-0.07) associated with lower HSUVs. Lower EQ VAS scores were associated with being female (β=-4.4), having comorbid hypertension (β=-7.4) and higher PHQ-9 scores (β=-0.86), while a positive association was found with having 'more than enough' income (β = 11.8). Older age, severity or co-diagnosis of anxiety or depression and comorbid conditions were associated with lower HRQoL, highlighting the need for better interventions to improve the HRQoL of patients with anxiety and depression in Ethiopia.