Search Results (45,747)

The latest research on tax avoidance indicates that the number of female directors on a board increases the accounting accuracy and company performance by decreasing tax avoidance. The empirical research illustrates that women’s higher risk aversion and more conservative characteristics are key for company decision-making, especially when considering a tax strategy. We posit that the risk avoidance of women and other board attributes that enhance diversity influence the company’s sustainability through their effects on the company’s taxpaying activities. To verify this relationship, an empirical analysis was conducted using data for the period from 2009 to 2025 for the non-financial enterprises listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The results showed that enhancing diversity on the board by attributes such as gender inclusion paves the way for firms to achieve firm performance. The results showed that tax avoidance partially mediates the relationship between corporate board attributes and firm performance. Effective board diversity encourages firms to engage in more tax-paying activities, which leads to positive firm performance. The research outcomes strengthen the existing proof of the link between board diversity and company financial performance, with tax avoidance behavior serving as an intervening factor. This also provides insights for policy-making authorities, encouraging them to make tax-related regulations that better promote long-term growth and prosperity. This study fills a gap in the research by highlighting the influence of board diversity on tax avoidance behavior and corporate financial performance. Full article

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects reproductive health, metabolic function, and long-term cardiovascular health in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and ovarian microenvironment remodeling. While current treatments focus on symptom relief through hormone regulation, insulin sensitizers, or ovulation induction, there is a need to target the underlying molecular and cellular processes that drive disease progression and infertility. Breakthroughs in reproductive and metabolic medicine have led to the development of next-generation therapeutics for PCOS that aim to restore ovarian function at the molecular level. Nanoparticle- and nanofiber-based drug delivery systems offer targeted delivery to the ovaries, improved bioavailability, and controlled release of insulin sensitizers, antioxidants, and anti-androgens. Metabolic reprogramming strategies that target insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy have emerged as potential disease-modifying interventions. In addition, AI-enabled precision medicine approaches are reshaping PCOS management through phenotype-based classification, predictive modeling, and personalized fertility optimization. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in understanding the molecular pathophysiology of PCOS and introduce novel therapeutics that harness intelligent drug delivery, ovarian microenvironment restoration, and AI-based interventions. We discuss the potential of these innovative strategies to update PCOS management options for long-term ovarian restoration and fertility. Full article

This study aims to develop a scale to measure Islamic parenting practices grounded in Hadith and Qur’anic teachings. The Islamic Parenting Style Scale (IPSS) was created using experimentally derived items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Data were collected from 818 parents aged 30 to 65 from both rural and urban districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Exploratory factor analysis examined the scale’s factor structure and validity. The results identified three factors in the IPSS: the Compassionate, Guidance/Supervision, and Cognitive/Reflective domains. The scale also demonstrated strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92 and a composite reliability (CR) above 0.07 for all three factors. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the three-factor model with good fit indices. Overall, these findings suggest that the Islamic Parenting Style Scale is a valid and reliable tool for assessing Islamic parenting styles among parents. This research significantly enhances the understanding of parenting practices rooted in Islamic principles. Full article

Motherhood is a profoundly transformative stage, associated with both emotional fulfillment and psychological and physical vulnerability. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions, difficulties and resources needed by mothers in the experience of motherhood. We conducted an exploratory cross-sectional observational study, based on an online questionnaire administered to 172 mothers. We analyzed socio-demographic data, experiences related to pregnancy and childbirth, perceived level of support, emotional difficulties, and resources considered useful in the role of motherhood. Most participants were women aged 30 to 45, with university or postgraduate education, married and with one or more children. Although motherhood was predominantly described in positive terms such as “fulfillment”, “love” and “joy”, a significant percentage of mothers reported increased fatigue, lack of personal time and emotional difficulties. The resources considered essential for maternal balance were family support, personal time, emotional support and access to clear and empathetic medical information. In conclusion motherhood is perceived as a complex experience, in which fulfillment frequently coexists with emotional overload and vulnerability. This exploratory study highlights the complex emotional and psychosocial dimensions of motherhood among Romanian women. The findings suggest the need for accessible emotional and social support resources. A comprehensive approach addressing both emotional and practical needs may contribute to improved maternal well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are increasingly used for the management of obesity and type 2 diabetes, particularly among women of reproductive age. Emerging evidence suggests potential effects on ovulation, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the reproductive safety of GLP-1RAs, with a focus on their implications for conception, unintended pregnancy, and maternal–fetal outcomes. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed and relevant bibliographic sources to identify studies published between 2020 and 2025. The search included clinical trials, observational studies, registry data, case reports, and selected preclinical evidence. Studies addressing reproductive outcomes, including ovulation, fertility, pregnancy exposure, and fetal safety, were included. Evidence was synthesized descriptively in accordance with recommended approaches for narrative reviews. Results: Available evidence indicates that GLP-1RAs may improve ovulatory function and menstrual regularity, particularly in women with obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome, potentially increasing the likelihood of conception. However, human data on pregnancy exposure remain limited. While current evidence does not consistently demonstrate a strong teratogenic signal, findings are based on small samples and heterogeneous study designs. Concerns persist regarding unintended pregnancies due to improved fertility and the absence of robust safety data during early gestation. Conclusions: GLP-1RAs present a complex clinical scenario in women of reproductive age, with potential benefits for metabolic and reproductive health but uncertain safety during pregnancy. Clinicians should exercise caution, provide appropriate contraceptive counseling, and carefully weigh the risks and benefits when prescribing these agents. Further large-scale, prospective studies are needed to clarify reproductive safety and inform evidence-based clinical guidelines. Full article

Background: Obesity represents a major public health challenge worldwide and contributes substantially to the burden of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. While body mass index (BMI) is widely used in clinical practice, indices reflecting central adiposity may provide additional prognostic value. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of general and central obesity in an adult population across different age groups from Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, and to examine their associations with cardiometabolic outcomes and lifestyle factors. Methods: A quasi-representative cross-sectional study was conducted among 3512 adults (mean age 53.7 ± 14.9 years). Anthropometric indices, including BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist-to-height ratio were measured. Cardiometabolic outcomes included diabetes, hypertension, and their combined presence. Multicollinearity was assessed using the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF), and the discriminatory ability of indices was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and DeLong’s test. Results: The prevalence of overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25) was 68.4%, while central obesity (WHtR ≥0.5) affected 66.9% of participants. BMI demonstrated the highest discriminatory ability in this dataset for hypertension (AUC = 0.852) and diabetes (AUC = 0.796), significantly outperforming WC and WHR (p < 0.05). However, 24.4% of individuals with normal BMI exhibited high-risk central adiposity. Significant sex-specific differences were observed: short sleep duration (<6 h) was a strong predictor of obesity in women (aOR = 2.98), whereas smoking showed stronger associations in men. Age-stratified analyses revealed that while BMI stabilizes in the oldest age group (75–89 years), WHtR continues to increase, reflecting age-related redistribution of visceral fat. A strong protective effect of physical activity was observed, supported by quasi-complete separation in active subgroups. Conclusions: General and central obesity represent a substantial health burden in this urban population. While BMI remains a robust screening tool, the integration of WHtR enhances the identification of “hidden” cardiometabolic risk particularly in older adults and individuals with normal BMI. Given the quasi-representative nature of the sample, these findings are primarily generalizable to similar urban populations and may inform targeted regional public health strategies. Full article

Research on the human microbiome, particularly the gut microbiome, has expanded rapidly as its influence on health and behavior becomes increasingly evident. Once understood primarily in terms of digestion and immune function, the microbiome is now recognized as a key contributor to brain function, mood regulation, and social behavior. Emerging evidence links microbial dysbiosis to the onset and persistence of mood disorders, opening new pathways for mental health research and intervention. This paper challenges reductionist biomedical models by advancing a biopsychosocial framework for interpreting health outcomes related to microbiome dynamics. The gut–brain axis illustrates the biological complexity of these interactions, with microbial communities shaping neurodevelopment and neurotransmitter production. Psychologically, alterations in microbial composition have been associated with depression, anxiety, and stress responsivity, while social determinants—including early-life environments, socioeconomic conditions, and relationships—structure microbial variation in ways that may reinforce existing health inequities. Focusing on women’s health, this narrative review examines how microbial states both influence and are shaped by interconnected biological, psychological, and social factors. Interdisciplinary implications of microbiome research for understanding and achieving eubiosis and holistic models care in both research and clinical practice are discussed. Full article

This study explores the barriers that hinder the acquisition of digital skills in women with basic education, as well as their relationship with socio-communicative needs in contexts of exclusion. A validated questionnaire (α = 0.970), based on the DigCompEdu framework, was applied to a sample of 575 women in Granada (Spain). Using non-parametric analyses (Kruskal–Wallis test), significant differences were identified according to variables such as age, educational level, employment status and income. The results reveal that older women, women with low incomes, lower educational levels and unemployed women have greater difficulties in accessing, searching for information, creating content, and solving problems with ICT. However, a positive attitude towards technology was observed in all profiles, which constitutes an opportunity for intervention. It is concluded that the digital divide in women with basic training is conditioned by structural factors that generate specific socio-communicative needs. We propose the implementation of training policies with an intersectional and gender focus that favor digital equity and the active inclusion of these women in the digital society. Full article

Background: Testosterone is the most abundant biologically active sex steroid in women, yet the therapeutic implications of its age-related decline remain undercharacterized. Published trials have focused predominantly on sexual function, leaving gaps in understanding how testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) affects broader symptom domains and metabolic biomarkers in women. Objective: To investigate whether individualized, biomarker-guided TRT in women is associated with improvements across multiple symptom domains and favorable hormonal, hematologic, and cardiometabolic biomarker changes, and to examine whether symptomatic benefit varies with treatment duration. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, women (n = 332; ages 27 to 78; mean 45.7 ± 7.1 years) receiving TRT as part of routine clinical care through a telehealth-based platform completed a structured survey at a single post-treatment time point assessing eight symptom domains: energy/fatigue, memory, concentration, irritability, depression, anhedonia, sexual interest, and relationship satisfaction. Respondents were stratified by TRT duration (1 month to >12 months) and a subset (n = 120) underwent paired biomarker assessment at baseline and 12 weeks for total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, hemoglobin, and triglycerides. Results: Improvement was reported across all eight domains, with energy/fatigue showing the strongest response (84.3% improved). Depression, irritability, anhedonia, and sexual interest each exceeded 65% improvement. Cognitive domains showed a delayed trajectory, with meaningful gains emerging at 4 to 6 months. Quality of life improvement was reported by 89.7%, with significant improvement rising from 5.4% at 1 month to 51.5% at greater than 12 months. Energy/fatigue (64.2%) and mood (49.7%) ranked above sexual desire (41.3%) as self-identified areas of greatest benefit. All five biomarkers changed favorably: total testosterone +151.8% (d = 3.60), free testosterone +216.7% (d = 3.01), hemoglobin +5.5% (d = 2.03), SHBG −13.3% (d = 1.57), and triglycerides −12.6% (d = 1.28). Conclusions: Individualized TRT in women was associated with broad symptomatic improvement spanning energy/fatigue, depression, irritability, anhedonia, cognitive function, and sexual interest, with duration-dependent gains and favorable biomarker changes across all five markers assessed. These findings suggest that the value of testosterone in women extends beyond sexual function and supports the need for larger controlled trials with extended follow-up. Full article

The world of Star Wars may seem far removed from Renaissance England, but through an examination of the regnal aspects of Henry VIII and (Emperor) Sheev Palpatine (Darth Sidious), it is evident that their ruling styles, concerns, and personal characteristics are quite similar. Specifically, they share (1) a connection to the arts through visual, architectural, and political themes, making them ‘Renaissance men’; (2) a fixation with male (Force-sensitive) bloodlines, whether through biological children or Sith Apprentices; and (3) a legacy of having their most powerful and ‘best’ heirs being women—Elizabeth I (r. 1558–1603) and Rey (Palpatine/Skywalker). Hence, these case studies, which rely on the trait approach of leadership, demonstrate the utility of comparing leaders from different times, cultures, and realities in an effort to understand not only good and bad leadership elements, but also the nature of leaders’ downfalls. Full article

Background/Objectives: Understanding the genetic basis of food consumption is a key step toward precision nutrition, viewed as a long-term future perspective. This study aimed to investigate genetic variants associated with grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) intake and to evaluate their potential relationship with obesity risk. Methods: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 19,653 European-ancestry participants from two prospective cohorts, the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS). We employed a functional annotation strategy to select a suggestive locus for follow-up analysis, and computationally derived molecular docking simulations explored a plausible functional link between grapefruit’s bioactive compounds and the candidate gene product. Results: Although falling short of the conventional threshold for genome-wide significance, a suggestive locus was prioritized on chromosome 14, with the lead single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs2124 (p < 5 × 10⁻⁶), located within the metabolic gene ADCK1 (aarF domain containing kinase 1). Molecular docking simulations supported a plausible mechanistic hypothesis, indicating that key bioactive compounds in grapefruit could bind with high affinity to the ADCK1 protein. Consistent with the GWAS finding, individuals with the CC genotype reported lower mean grapefruit intake. This genotype was also associated with other lifestyle factors, notably, lower physical activity in women. In age- and multivariate-adjusted models, the CC genotype was associated with a modestly increased risk of incident obesity in females, but not in males. Conclusions: Our exploratory findings suggest a prioritized candidate locus associated with grapefruit intake, and its link to obesity risk may be mediated by the metabolic gene ADCK1. However, given the lack of genome-wide significance and independent replication, these findings should be considered preliminary and exploratory. These hypothesis-generating results support the integration of genetics and dietary habits, warranting further mechanistic validation. Full article

Hormonal fluctuations across female life stages drive numerous transcriptomic and epigenetic changes, yet the effects of sex hormones on mucosal immunity, particularly in the vaginal epithelium, remain poorly understood. The vaginal mucosa undergoes cyclical remodeling during the ovulatory cycle under the influence of estrogens and progesterone produced mainly in the ovary. The ovary can also be a source of testosterone, and in postmenopausal women, as well as transgender men receiving hormone therapy, phenotypic changes in the vagina due to increased testosterone have been observed. However, the consequences of testosterone dominance in this tissue in terms of resilience and inflammation have not been well characterized. The goal of this study was to identify the histological and immunological changes within the vaginal epithelial cell barrier in an estrogen- vs. testosterone-dominant environment using an established in vitro reconstructed vaginal epithelial tissue model. Compared to estradiol, exposure to testosterone resulted in a thinner tissue with alterations in the cornification, although no impairment in the epithelial barrier was detected. Each hormone also resulted in a unique RNA expression profile, including increased expression of tight junction genes and decreased expression of chemokines and their receptors in testosterone compared to estradiol exposure. These data have implications for women’s health, including menopause, transgender men using gender-affirming hormone therapy, and other conditions associated with high testosterone in the vaginal compartment. Full article

Biological differences between sexes—particularly due to fluctuating levels of 17β-estradiol and menstrual cycle dynamics—may influence exercise-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, inflammation and exercise performance. Despite these considerations, there is a lack of research exploring how estradiol and menstrual cycle phases may impact exercise performance, exercise-induced ROS formation and inflammation. This study aimed to examine whether estradiol concentration or menstrual cycle phase may be significantly associated with resistance circuit high-intensity interval training (HIIT) performance, as well as exercise-induced formation of ROS and Interleukin-6 (IL-6). A total of 30 young healthy female participants completed a single bout of resistance-based HIIT in a fasted state. Blood samples were collected at four time points: at baseline after overnight fasting, two hours after consumption of 0.5 L of water (pre-HIIT), immediately post exercise (post-HIIT) and after 15 min of recovery (15-post-HIIT). Additionally, participants attended six fasting baseline assessments scheduled across various menstrual cycle days. These sessions enabled the assessment of estradiol, ROS and IL-6 concentrations throughout the menstrual cycle without being confounded by nutritional factors. Neither baseline levels of ROS nor IL-6 differed significantly between menstrual cycle phases (luteal vs. follicular ROS: 0.013 µmol/min, p = 0.716; IL-6: 0.052, p = 0.679) menstruation status (yes vs. no ROS: −0.056 µmol/min, p = 0.259; IL-6: −0.302 pg/mL, p = 0.088) or 17β-estradiol concentrations (low (11–≤72.5 pg/mL) vs. high (>72.5–394 pg/mL) ROS: −0.038 µmol/min, p = 0.266; IL-6: +0.015 pg/mL, p = 0.906). On the resistance-circuit-HIIT intervention day, no significant differences in ROS or IL-6 were observed between estradiol concentrations (ROS: p = 0.477; IL-6: p = 0.249), menstrual cycle phase (ROS; p = 0.752; IL-6: p = 0.557) or menstruation status (ROS: p = 0.383; IL-6: p = 0.808) from baseline to pre-HIIT, post-HIIT or 15-post-HIIT. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as the menstrual cycle phases were assigned using a calendar-based approach without biochemical ovulation confirmation and the subgroup sizes were relatively small. These findings suggest that natural 17-beta-Estradiol fluctuations within the menstrual cycle, as well as differences in the menstrual cycle itself, may not substantially modulate ROS or IL-6 responses to acute resistance-based HIIT in young healthy female adults. Full article

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can be defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) greater than 20 mm Hg at rest during right heart catheterization (RHC). The reported prevalence of PH throughout the globe has been estimated to impact approximately 1% of the total population, with a majority of those afflicted being women more than men. Numerous etiologies give rise to the pathophysiology of PH, including heart disease (i.e., left-sided heart failure), lung diseases, and other unclear causes related to chronic stages and complications surrounding long-standing pulmonary thromboembolisms, side effects of certain medications, and genetic and environmental factors. Untreated PH can lead to severe morbidities such as cardio-renal syndrome and congestive hepatopathy (cardiac cirrhosis). Management of PH focuses on decreasing pulmonary pressures by using vasodilators such as prostanoids, and phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, as well as newer treatments such as sotatercept, which inhibits activin signaling, thereby inhibiting excessive cell growth in the pulmonary artery vasculature and down-regulating the pro-proliferative pathways. Full article

Background: Hatha yoga has gained increasing popularity worldwide and has been associated with benefits for mental health and short-term emotional functioning. Objective: The present study examined pre–post changes in mood states following a single Hatha yoga session in adult women participating in community-based exercise programs. Methods: A total of 253 adult women participated in the study. Participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire immediately before and after a single 60 min Hatha yoga session. The questionnaire assesses anxiety–tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion, and vigor. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine the changes in mood states and the potential differences between the age groups. Results: Significant improvements in mood states were observed following the session. Anxiety–tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion decreased, while vigor increased. No significant time × age group interaction was observed for most mood variables. However, a significant interaction was found for vigor, indicating that women aged 41 and older showed a greater increase following the session. Conclusions: Participation in a single Hatha yoga session was associated with short-term changes in mood states among adult women, suggesting that yoga may represent a potentially beneficial community-based activity for supporting short-term mood regulation. Full article