bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FinTech solutions for sustainable agricultural value chains: A perspective from smallholder farmers
Authors: Rayhan Md. Johir , Rahman S. M. Masudur , Mamun Abdullah Al , Saif Abu Naser Mohammad , Islam K. M. Anwarul , Alom Md. Mahabub , Hafiz Nusrat 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSmallholder farmers in developing nations face multifaceted challenges as they strive to secure fair prices for their agricultural products. With a primary focus on bolstering sustainable agricultural value chains (SAVC), this conceptual paper investigates the transformative potential of Financial Technology (FinTech) solutions. The study synthesizes insights from prior research on SAVC, hurdles faced by smallholder farmers, conventional strategies, and the untapped prospects offered by FinTech solutions in the agricultural sector. Utilizing the PRISMA strategy for comprehensive documentation retrieval, the study underscores the significance of creating a robust SAVC to empower smallholder farmers within the broader value chain landscape. It is found that Agri‐FinTech solutions represent a pivotal avenue for advancing living standards and cultivating agricultural sustainability in developing nations. The integration of FinTech solutions for agri‐credit mechanisms and product market facilitation catalyzes enabling pre‐production financing and ensures fair prices for smallholder farmers in the post‐production phase while neutralizing the value chain's exploitation potential. The study advocates for the expeditious adoption of information technology in developing countries, spotlighting the transformative role of Mobile Financial Services (MFS), which fortifies the agriculture sector, ensuring its resilience and responsiveness to the evolving demands of a globalized market. Drawing upon an evaluation of existing literature on FinTech‐enhanced agricultural initiatives in developing nations, the study outlines directions for future research and creates a path for a more nuanced understanding of the strategic enhancements necessary to fortify the SAVC, fostering a sustainable and equitable ecosystem for smallholder farmers.
An exploration of drivers for small businesses to implement environmental actions in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Dinesh Lakshmi Palaparambil , Gajanayake Akvan , Iyer‐Raniga Usha 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe adoption of environmental practices in small and medium scale businesses is increasing. Given the diverse environmental actions available to firms, it is important to understand the specific drivers for different actions to be taken. Based on managerial survey data from Victoria, Australia, this research uses modeling to determine how ethical conscience of managers drive different types of sustainable environmental actions. The results indicate that ethical conscience of managers drives waste, energy and water related actions, while external factors such as supply chain imperatives and customer demand drive circular business actions. New technology and industry guidelines were major barriers for most types of environmental actions while social barriers were significant for energy and water related actions. This implies that the increased ethical conscience of managers, especially while adopting new technology can increase the adoption of environmental actions in businesses. The results will have implications in crafting the corporate strategy and developing good and services that will aid to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and 12), focusing on sustainable cities and communities, and responsible production and consumption.
How does green consumers' self‐concept promote willingness to pay more? A sequential mediation effect of green product virtue and green perceived value
Authors: Tawde Swapnil Ganesh , RV ShabbirHusain 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the consumers' processing route of WTPM for green products from consumers' self‐concepts. Employing the norm activation model and Lazarus appraisal theory, this study proposes the direct and indirect routes of self‐concepts (i.e., green and product self‐concepts) that influence consumers' WTPM. The causal chain of green product virtue and green perceived value is explored. Online survey data for 313 Indian green consumers inform the findings. The findings reveal that consumers' product self‐concept and green self‐concept influence their WTPM through green product virtue and green perceived value. Such findings support the sequential mediation effect. This study provides an alternative and novel psychological mechanism for how consumers' self‐concepts can influence WTPM through green product virtue and green perceived value. The findings inform green marketers to use green product virtue and green perceived value to induce green consumers' WTPM while designing effective segmentation and communication strategies.
Molecular insights into the potential effects of selective estrogen receptor β agonists in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases
Authors: Rymbai Emdormi , Sugumar Deepa , Chakkittukandiyil Amritha , Kothandan Ram , Selvaraj Divakar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative disorders. Pathologically, AD and PD are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Hence, they are also called as proteinopathy diseases. Gender is considered as one of the risk factors in both diseases. Estrogens are widely accepted to be neuroprotective in several neurodegenerative disorders. Estrogens can be produced in the central nervous system, where they are called as neurosteroids. Estrogens mediate their neuroprotective action mainly through their actions on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ). However, ERα is mainly involved in the growth and development of the primary and secondary sexual organs in females. Hence, the activation of ERα is associated with undesired side effects such as gynecomastia and increase in the risk of breast cancer, thromboembolism, and feminization. Therefore, selective activation of ERβ is often considered to be safer. In this review, we explore the role of ERβ in regulating the expression and functions of AD‐ and PD‐associated genes. Additionally, we discuss the association of these genes with the amyloid‐beta peptide (Aβ) and α‐synuclein mediated toxicity. Ultimately, we established a correlation between the importance of ERβ activation and the process underlying ERβ‘s neuroprotective mechanisms in AD and PD.
SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike Protein‐Derived Cyclic Peptides as Modulators of Spike Interaction with GRP78
Authors: Johnson Nicholas , Pattinson Craig , Burgoyne Kate , Hijazi Karolin , Houssen Wael E. , Milne Bruce F. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe human glucose‐regulated protein GRP78 is a human chaperone that translocactes to the cell surface when cells are under stress. Theoretical studies suggested it could be involved in SARS‐CoV‐2 virus entry to cells. In this work, we used in vitro surface plasmon resonance‐based assays to show that human GRP78 indeed binds to SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein. We have designed and synthesised cyclic peptides based on the loop structure of amino acids 480–488 of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein S1 domain from the Wuhan and Omicron variants and showed that both peptides bind to GRP78. Consistent with the greater infectiousness of the Omicron variant, the Omicron‐derived peptide displays slower dissociation from the target protein. Both peptides significantly inhibit the binding of wild‐type S1 protein to the human protein GRP78 suggesting that further development of these cyclic peptide motifs may provide a viable route to novel anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 agents.
Tertiary hyperparathyroidism masking an atypical parathyroid tumor
Authors: Laskou Styliani , Kountouri Ismini , Paschou Eleni , Topalidis Christos , Axi Paraskevi , Petrakis Georgios , Kosmidis Christoforos , Sapalidis Konstantinos 
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical MessageAtypical parathyroid tumors represent a group of parathyroid neoplasms of uncertain malignant potential. In view of preoperative diagnostic difficulties, suspicious features for malignancy may guide the surgeon to perform a radical surgical approach.
Subtotal cholecystectomy with omental pedicle plug for the challenging gallbladder: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Stellon Michael A. , Fleming Cullen J. , Scarborough John E. 
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical MessageIf patient anatomy or disease does not allow for a traditional or partial cholecystectomy, an omental pedicle plug may be a viable option to limit the risk of postoperative uncontrolled bile leak from the cystic duct and to control patient symptoms.
Cystic meningiomas: A complex diagnostic challenge and clinicopathological insights from a unique case presentation
Authors: Singh Deepa , Scalia Gianluca , Mathand Veeresh U. , Chaurasia Bipin 
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical MessageMeningiomas present diverse clinical and radiological characteristics, with cystic formations constituting a lesser subset but posing significant diagnostic hurdles. We explore the complexities of cystic meningiomas through a distinctive case, highlighting the challenges in diagnosis and management due to their variable presentations. A 54‐year‐old female from Bengaluru, Karnataka, initially presented with transient memory disturbances. Brain MRI revealed a sizable left frontal cystic lesion exerting a mass effect and midline shift. However, rapid neurological decline led to an urgent surgical intervention via decompressive craniectomy unveiling unique intraoperative findings and with subsequent histopathological documentation of a Grade WHO 1 cystic meningioma. Cystic meningiomas present intricate diagnostic challenges resembling other intracranial lesions. Various classification systems attempt to categorize these tumors based on their imaging and histopathological characteristics. Despite this, atypical clinical manifestations often lead to misdiagnoses, necessitating a comprehensive approach to differential diagnosis. Further research is crucial to unravel the mechanisms underlying these tumors' cystic changes for improved diagnostic accuracy and tailored therapeutic interventions.
Performance of Transition Metals in Imidazolium‐Assisted CO2 Reduction in Acetonitrile
Authors: Neyrizi Sobhan , Hempenius Mark A. , Mul Guido 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study explores the electrochemical reduction of CO2 in dry acetonitrile containing 1,3‐dimethyl imidazolium cations, utilizing late‐transition metals (Au, Ag, Zn, Cu, and Ni). All metals exhibit remarkable selectivity, nearing 100 %, for CO formation. Particularly noteworthy is Au, which manifests the lowest (−2.37 V vs. Ag/Ag+) overpotential in chronopotentiometry experiments. We propose that, for metals with lower CO binding energies compared to Au (Ag and Zn electrodes) – calculated by DFT, the rate‐determining step is the adsorption of CO2. This distinction in CO2 adsorption is reinforced by the examination of partial charge transfer from negatively charged slabs to CO2 (−0.241 a.u with the Au electrode and +0.002 a.u with the Zn electrode). Conversely, the greater CO binding energy calculated for Cu and Ni likely diminishes electrocatalytic activity relative to the Au electrode. Our results unveil a volcano trend in catalyst activity, albeit with smaller performance disparities between the late‐transition metals and Au than previously observed in aqueous conditions, possibly due to the co‐catalytic influence of imidazolium cations. This study suggests that metals unsuitable for aqueous environments hold promise for cost‐effective and viable electrochemical conversion of CO2 to CO in non‐aqueous media containing imidazolium compounds.
Perfect Polar Alignment of Parallel Beloamphiphile Layers: Improved Structural Design Bias Realized in Ferroelectric Crystals of the Novel “Methoxyphenyl Series of Acetophenone Azines”
Authors: Bhoday Harmeet , Knotts Nathan , Glaser Rainer 
Published: April 2024

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue are Harmeet Bhoday, Nathan Knotts, and Rainer Glaser at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. Joe Miner, the university mascot, is a silent and honorary co‐author and personifies the spirit of the old west and the determination to succeed (our emphasis). The image depicts one (MeO‐Ph, Y)‐azine molecule and a model of a perfectly polar stacked bilayer. The floodlight illumination presents a graphic metaphor of second‐harmonic generation (frequency doubling) by the crystalline ferroelectric materials. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202400182.
N,N‐Diarylsulfonamide Reduces Proinflammatory Cytokine Interleukin‐6 Levels in Cells through Nuclear Factor‐κB Regulation
Authors: Babar Dattatraya A. , Khansole Gopinath , Kumar Singh Vishal , Shinde Akash , Vaishnavi Kambhampati , Balaji Andugulapati Sai , Rode Haridas B. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe arylsulfonamides were synthesized from aryl sulfonyl chloride and aromatic amines in dichloromethane in the presence of pyridine. The aryne chemistry was used to prepare diarylsulfonamide from arylsulfonamides and O‐silylaryl triflate with CsF in acetonitrile at room temperature for 30 min. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity followed by the cytokine/inflammatory marker's inhibition capability and its mechanism of action in RAW‐264.7 cells. Elevated interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels have been reported in inflammatory conditions and inflammation‐associated disorders. Hence, reducing the IL‐6 levels in inflammatory conditions can serve as an attractive therapeutic target in dealing the inflammation. Among 42 compounds, seven compounds showed significant inhibition of IL‐6 levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged RAW‐264.7 cells at 12.5 μM concentration. Further, investigation revealed that the IC50 value of these compounds for reducing IL‐6 levels was found to be in the range of 2.6 to 9.7 μM. The promising compounds 5y (IC50 of 2.6 μM) and 5n (IC50 of 4.1 μM) along with other derivatives fulfil drug‐likeness parameters laid down by Lipinski's rule of five. Further, RT‐qPCR and Western‐blot analysis revealed that treatment with 5n significantly reduced the expression of pro‐inflammatory, inflammatory and macrophage marker's expression (IL‐1β, CCL2, COX2 and CD68) compared to LPS control. The mechanistic evaluation showed that 5n exhibited anti‐inflammatory properties by modulating the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation. The identified compound can be a promising candidate for further discovery efforts to generate a preclinical candidate effective in inflammation.
Top advances of the year: Uterine cancer
Authors: Erickson Britt K. , Slomovitz Brian , Powell Matthew , Eskander Ramez N. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEndometrial cancer continues to be the only gynecologic malignancy with a rising incidence and mortality, with both regional and global implications. Combination carboplatin and paclitaxel has been the recognized chemotherapy backbone for the treatment of advanced‐stage or recurrent disease, with modest clinical outcomes. Over the last year, significant advances were achieved in improving oncologic outcomes by capitalizing on the molecular characterization of this heterogenous disease. These advances include incorporation of immunotherapy, identification of effective hormonal approaches, the evolution of antibody drug conjugates, and utilization of alternate targeted therapies.Plain Language Summary

The molecular characterization of endometrial cancer has been critical in informing novel treatment strategies.
Over the past year, significant gains have been made via the incorporation of immunotherapy, hormonal combinations as well as antibody drug conjugates.
Combining WO3@AuNPs with Poly(amidoamine) Allows Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of DR1 Based on Dual Signal Amplification
Authors: Wei Haiyan , Cui Xiaojing , Yang Huaixia , Si Fuchun , Zhang Yaping 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDown‐regulator of transcription 1 (DR1) is considered as a biomarker of hashimoto‘s thyroiditis (HT), which is a risk factor for thyroid cancer. Here, a label‐free electrochemical biosensor for DR1 detection was constructed based on polyamidoamine (PAMAM) polymer and the nanocomposite (WO3@AuNPs) composed of tungsten trioxide (WO3) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). WO3@AuNPs was obtained by combining monolayer WO3 nanosheets, which has high conductivity, and AuNPs. The modification of WO3@AuNPs can not only increase the conductivity of the electrode but also provide more active sites for signaling units, thus greatly improve the sensitivity of the sensor. The polymer PAMAM is biocompatible and non‐immunogenic, and its end functional group can bind to the target molecules, providing them with more binding sites and thus improving the sensitivity of the sensor. Under optimal conditions, the label‐free biosensor showed a good linear relationship between the logarithm of DR1 concentration and the impedance in the range of 10 fg ⋅ mL−1 to 100 ng ⋅ mL−1, with a detection limit as low as 0.3 fg ⋅ mL−1. Besides, this label‐free electrochemical platform exhibited satisfactory selectivity and anti‐interference capability in human serum samples. Therefore, this method has considerable potential in clinical detection of DR1.
A Comprehensive Study of Cu/W Double Substitution in Strontium Manganate Ceramics for Some Device Applications
Authors: Parida Santosh Kumar 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this communication, the synthesis and characterizations of modified strontium manganate (SrCu1/3Mn1/3W1/3O3) (SCMWO) by high‐temperature solid‐state method are reported. The structural analysis predicts a monoclinic structure with a crystallite size of 36.8 nm. The analysis of the Raman active modes reveals the presence of all the constituent atomic vibrations. The study of the ultraviolet–visible spectrum provides a bandgap energy of 1.71 eV, which may be suitable for photovoltaic applications. A Maxwell‐Wanger type of polarization effect is observed at low frequency while low dielectric loss makes the material suitable for energy storage devices. The study of the impedance plots reveals the negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR) character. The activation energy increases with both frequency and temperature in the modified perovskite suggesting that conductivity of the sample increases and material characters are changing from dielectric to semiconducting. The symmetrical curves in the electrical modulus plots and shift toward higher frequency region agree with the results of the non‐Debye‐type of relaxation mechanism. The semicircular curves in the Cole–Cole plots confirm the semiconducting nature and are also well supported by the results of Nyquist plots. The studied material exhibits a semiconductor nature, which may be found suitable for energy storage device applications.
Pivotal Impact Factors in Photocatalytic Reduction of CO2 to Value‐Added C1 and C2 Products
Authors: Cui Yongqian , Labidi Abdelkader , Liang Xinxin , Huang Xin , Wang Jingyi , Li Ximing , Dong Qibing , Zhang Xiaolong , Othman Sarah I. , Allam Ahmed A. , Bahnemann Detlef W. , Wang Chuanyi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOver the past decades, CO2 greenhouse emission has been considerably increased, causing global warming and climate change. Indeed, converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels is a desired option to resolve issues caused by its continuous emission into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, CO2 conversion has been hampered by the ultrahigh dissociation energy of C=O bonds, which makes it thermodynamically and kinetically challenging. From this prospect, photocatalytic approaches appear promising for CO2 reduction in terms of their efficiency compared to other traditional technologies. Thus, many efforts have been made in the designing of photocatalysts with asymmetric sites and oxygen vacancies, which can break the charge distribution balance of CO2 molecule, reduce hydrogenation energy barrier and accelerate CO2 conversion into chemicals and fuels. Here, we review the recent advances in CO2 hydrogenation to C1 and C2 products utilizing photocatalysis processes. We also pin down the key factors or parameters influencing the generation of C2 products during CO2 hydrogenation. In addition, the current status of CO2 reduction is summarized, projecting the future direction for CO2 conversion by photocatalysis processes.
From understanding to action: Exploring molecular connections of Down syndrome to Alzheimer's disease for targeted therapeutic approach
Authors: Sukreet Sonal , Rafii Michael S. , Rissman Robert A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDown syndrome (DS) is caused by a third copy of chromosome 21. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Both disorders have elevated Aβ, tau, dysregulated immune response, and inflammation. In people with DS, Hsa21 genes like APP and DYRK1A are overexpressed, causing an accumulation of amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles, and potentially contributing to an increased risk of AD. As a result, people with DS are a key demographic for research into AD therapeutics and prevention. The molecular links between DS and AD shed insights into the underlying causes of both diseases and highlight potential therapeutic targets. Also, using biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring is an active area of research, and genetic screening for high‐risk individuals may enable earlier intervention. Finally, the fundamental mechanistic parallels between DS and AD emphasize the necessity for continued research into effective treatments and prevention measures for DS patients at risk for AD. Genetic screening with customized therapy approaches may help the DS population in current clinical studies and future biomarkers.
Cognitive and functional performance and plasma biomarkers of early Alzheimer's disease in Down syndrome
Authors: Schworer Emily K. , Handen Benjamin L. , Petersen Melissa , O'Bryant Sid , Peven Jamie C. , Tudorascu Dana L. , Lee Laisze , Krinsky‐McHale Sharon J. , Hom Christy L. , Clare Isabel C. H. , Christian Bradley T. , Schupf Nicole , Lee Joseph H. , Head Elizabeth , Mapstone Mark , Lott Ira , Ances Beau M. , Zaman Shahid , Brickman Adam M. , Lai Florence , Rosas H. Diana , Hartley Sigan L. ,   the Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium‐Down Syndrome
Published: April 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONPeople with Down syndrome (DS) have a 75% to 90% lifetime risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AD pathology begins a decade or more prior to onset of clinical AD dementia in people with DS. It is not clear if plasma biomarkers of AD pathology are correlated with early cognitive and functional impairments in DS, and if these biomarkers could be used to track the early stages of AD in DS or to inform inclusion criteria for clinical AD treatment trials.METHODSThis large cross‐sectional cohort study investigated the associations between plasma biomarkers of amyloid beta (Aβ)42/40, total tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) and cognitive (episodic memory, visual–motor integration, and visuospatial abilities) and functional (adaptive behavior) impairments in 260 adults with DS without dementia (aged 25–81 years).RESULTSIn general linear models lower plasma Aβ42/40 was related to lower visuospatial ability, higher total tau was related to lower episodic memory, and higher NfL was related to lower visuospatial ability and lower episodic memory.DISCUSSIONPlasma biomarkers may have utility in tracking AD pathology associated with early stages of cognitive decline in adults with DS, although associations were modest.Highlights
Plasma Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers correlate with cognition prior to dementia in Down syndrome.
Lower plasma amyloid beta 42/40 was related to lower visuospatial abilities.
Higher plasma total tau and neurofilament light chain were associated with lower cognitive performance.
Plasma biomarkers show potential for tracking early stages of AD symptomology.