The Moderating Effect of ESG Controversies on the Relationship Between CSR Committee and ESG Performance: Malaysian Evidence

ABSTRACT Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) controversies reflect the responsibility to which corporate social responsibility (CSR) committees within firms act with genuine intentions. With the continuous development of ESG practices and the increasing number of environmental and social controversies in the Malaysian corporate environment, this study examines whether ESG controversies (ESGCON) influence the relationship between CSR committees and ESG performance among publicly listed firms in Malaysia. Additionally, the reformation of corporate governance in Malaysia has led to a growing establishment of CSR committees, providing valuable insights into the governance mechanism's impact on ESG practices in emerging markets. A quantile regression was applied to a dataset comprising 944 firms in Malaysia from 2016 to 2023. ESG scores, CSR committee data, and ESG controversy scores were extracted from the Refinitiv Eikon database to investigate the impact of ESGCON on the relationship between CSR committees and ESG performance. This study demonstrated that firms with CSR committees contribute to a strong favorable linkage with ESG performance. However, ESGCON does not exhibit a moderating effect on this relationship, although they are negatively correlated with both ESG performance and CSR committees. Moreover, firm size and GDP were found to positively and significantly influence ESG performance, while leverage displayed a complex and mixed effect. To date, no study has been done regarding the effect of ESGCON on the relationship between CSR committees and ESG performance in the Malaysian context. Hence, this study raises awareness among policymakers, practitioners, and academicians on the importance of considering ESGCON when developing policies, business strategies, and ESG initiatives. The findings also offer guidance for publicly listed firms in Malaysia to strengthen their sustainability efforts and enhance corporate governance structures to mitigate adverse effects of the risk associated with ESGCON.

Transitioning to Circular Economy in Agriculture Sector: An Extended Institutional Theory and Stakeholder Perspective

ABSTRACT The deteriorating impact of traditional linear model on agriculture productivity and ecology has drawn a serious emphasis on the espousal of circular economy ( CE ) practices in the agriculture sector. Accordingly, an increasing number of startups operating on circular principles are emerging in the agriculture sector to create value from the agri‐waste. In this research, we aim to investigate the challenges faced by these agri waste‐to‐value (WTV) startups, which is currently missing in the extant literature. In the process, we have used the lens of extended institutional theory (EIT) to identify and understand the challenges faced by WTV startups and stakeholder theory (ST) is used to propose strategies for overcoming these obstacles. An innovative integrated model based on probabilistic linguistic term sets (PLTS), evidential reasoning algorithm (ERA), and aggregated‐ranking model considering psychological preferences of decision makers is developed to examine the challenges. This is one of the initial studies to comprehensively explore the challenges faced by WTV startups in the agriculture sector and propose a framework to overcome these challenges based on EIT and ST. A multidimensional analysis is performed to consider the economic, operational, and socio‐environmental implications of the challenges. Different analyses are conducted for better understanding about the sector and maturity stage specific challenges faced by startups. The findings reveal that coercive challenges pose the most critical threat and a policy restructuring is urgently required to support the WTV startups in the agriculture sector. Further, operational challenges related to raw materials and infrastructure appear to be more critical in the waste‐to‐material sector whereas waste‐to‐energy sector is struggling due to technological issues.

Study Protocol of a Prospective Phase 2 Study of Chlorophyllin for the Management of Brain Radionecrosis in Patients With Diffuse Glioma (CHROME)

Outcomes of Infants and Young Children With CNS Embryonal Tumors Using Pre‐Irradiation Chemotherapy: A Decade Long Experience

ABSTRACT Background Management of infants and young children with embryonal tumors of the central nervous system remains a challenge. We report the outcomes in these children with the strategy of surgery, pre‐irradiation chemotherapy, and delayed radiation. Procedure Children less than 3 years and diagnosed with medulloblastoma(MB), atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor(ATRT), embryonal tumor with multilayered rosettes(ETMR), embryonal tumor tumors NOS(ET NOS) and pineoblastoma(PB), underwent standard evaluation and staging. They were treated with maximal safe surgical excision followed by pre‐irradiation chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, etoposide and carboplatin) up to 36 months of age or till disease progression, followed by either craniospinal (standard 35Gy or reduced‐dose 23.4 Gy) with boost to a total of 54.8 Gy or focal irradiation depending on attained age, residual tumor, and metastasis. Results 72 children between January 2011 and December 2022 were eligible for inclusion; medulloblastoma‐43 (59.7%), ATRT‐9 (12.9%), ET NOS‐8 (11.1%), ETMR‐8 (11.1%) and PB‐4 (5.6%). The median chemotherapy cycles were 6 (range 2–15); 41 children went on to receive RT. For the entire cohort, 3‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 39.8% ± 5.8% and 44.8% ± 5.9%. For medulloblastoma, 3‐year PFS and OS were 57.4% ± 7.6% and 62% ± 7.5%. Multivariable analysis for survival in medulloblastoma found group 3 metastatic (HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.16–10.99, p  = 0.026) and postoperative residual tumor (HR 1.9%, 95% CI 0.52–5.31, p  = 0.24) to be significant prognostic factors. Among long‐term survivors ( n  = 27), over 80% have late toxicities requiring intervention. Conclusion The use of moderate‐intensity pre‐irradiation chemotherapy is safe and effective in infants and young children with CNS ETs. Despite inferior outcomes compared to high‐dose chemotherapy and intraventricular chemotherapy, this strategy could be used in resource‐limited settings.

Costus igneus : A Versatile Herbal Remedy for Multiple Health Conditions

ABSTRACT Costus igneus , commonly known as the insulin plant, is a potent medicinal herb with a wide range of pharmacological activities. Traditionally used in diabetes management, recent studies have highlighted its antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and kidney stone‐inhibitor properties. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. In various in vitro and in vivo models, C. igneus demonstrated significant hypoglycemic activity. The plant exhibits strong antioxidant activity, as evidenced by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays, with notable radical scavenging and reducing power. Other miscellaneous pharmacological activities include anti‐inflammatory, anti‐arthritic, cytotoxicity, and hypotensive effects. These findings support C. igneus as a safe and cost‐effective herbal remedy for managing diabetes and other ailments, highlighting its potential for future therapeutic applications and the development of herbal formulations.

Potential MAO‐B Inhibitors from Cissampelos Capensis L.f.: ADMET, Molecular Docking, Dynamics, and DFT Insights

Abstract This study explores the therapeutic potential of three proaporphine alkaloids–cissamaline, cissamanine, and cissamdine, which were recently isolated from Cissampelos capensis L.f., against Parkinson's disease (PD). Using computational techniques, we investigated their efficacy as inhibitors of a key protein in PD. ADMET analysis demonstrated that these alkaloids conform to the Lipinski, Pfizer, Golden Triangle, and GSK rules, indicating favorable safety, oral bioavailability, and a high probability of passing the human intestinal and blood‐brain barriers. They were neither substrates nor inhibitors of any CYP enzymes tested, indicating minimal metabolic interference and an enhanced safety profile. Molecular docking studies revealed binding energies of −9.05 kcal/mol (cissamaline), −9.95 kcal/mol (cissamanine), and −10.65 kcal/mol (cissamdine) against MAO−B, a critical PD target, surpassing the control (zonisamide, −6.96 kcal/mol). The molecular interaction analyses were also promising, with interactions comparable to the control. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed stable protein‐ligand interactions, with root‐mean‐square deviation (RMSD) values ranging from 1.03 Å to 3.92 Å, root‐mean‐square fluctuation (RMSF) values remaining below 1.14 Å, and radius of gyration (RGyr) values between 20.20 Å and 20.50 Å, indicating compact structures. Hydrogen bonding analysis revealed maximum hydrogen bond counts of 6 (cissamanine), 5 (cissamaline), and 4 (cissamdine), demonstrating robust interactions with MAO−B. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations revealed the highest electrophilicity (ω =0.151), highest electron affinity (EA =0.075), and smallest HOMO‐LUMO gap (ΔE =0.130) for cissamanine, indicating enhanced reactivity. These results advocate for further in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the compounds’ potential as PD therapeutics.

Chemical Diversity and Health‐Promoting Attributes of Chenopodium album : Nutritional and Pharmacological Perspectives

ABSTRACT Chenopodium album or Bathua is a very important and nutritious herb found abundantly in temperate and tropical countries. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of its bioactive composition, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic potential. A thorough literature review was performed to encompass all phytochemicals like flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, rutin), alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds. All of these bioactives demonstrated pronounced antioxidant, antifungal efficacies, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, nephroprotective effects, hepatoprotective properties, managing diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. C. album is a substantial source of major vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers, seriously tackling the inauspicious scenarios of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency. The evidence gathered reinforces its potential for therapeutic application in chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and liver dysfunctions. In spite of all this, a lot of limitations surrounding research still remain, particularly in the conversion of preclinical findings into clinical applications due to the lack of clinical trials and the development of standardized formulations. Future studies need to concentrate on clinical validation, bioavailability studies, and elucidation of mechanisms to determine its efficacy and safety. There is a need for advanced analytical methods and formulation development by regulatory strategies allowing the use of C. album within functional food and pharmaceutical applications to gain their full medicinal potential.

Exploring the Nutritional Excellence and Pharmacological Potentials of Millets: A Comprehensive Review

ABSTRACT Millets, known as ‘super grains’, are recognised globally for their outstanding nutritional, phytochemical, and pharmacological benefits. This review highlights their various health‐promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti‐diabetic, anti‐inflammatory, hypolipidemic, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, gastroprotective and anticancer activities. Rich in bioactive compounds like phenolics, flavonoids and dietary fibre, millets help manage lifestyle‐related disorders and chronic diseases. They modulate oxidative stress, regulate glucose metabolism, and boost immune responses. Millets are also seen as a sustainable solution to global food security and dietary challenges, making them valuable in modern diets. Promoting millet consumption can lead to further research on their therapeutic benefits and encourage their inclusion in daily nutrition for better health and wellness.

Zinc Deficiency: Impact on Growth, Immunity, and the Role of Plant‐Based Nutritional Strategies

ABSTRACT Zinc is a vital micronutrient that plays a key role in our growth, development, and immune health. Zinc deficiency is a significant health issue around the globe, especially affecting vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and older adults. This review emphasizes the serious effects of zinc deficiency, which weakens the immune system, increases the risk of infections, slows growth, and negatively affects cognitive and motor skills. Studies show that taking zinc can boost immune health, reduce the severity of infections, and help with developmental challenges. Plant‐based solutions, particularly in regions where animal‐based diets are limited, provide sustainable ways to tackle zinc deficiency. Foods rich in nutrients, like chickpeas, spinach, and pumpkin seeds, along with biofortified grains such as wheat and rice, can significantly boost zinc intake. Moringa leaves, amaranth, and guava help our bodies absorb zinc more effectively. Despite progress, challenges remain, such as phytates reducing the availability of zinc and the risks linked to excessive zinc consumption. In the future, it would be beneficial for researchers to explore how plant‐based supplements, dietary inhibitors, and genetic factors influence zinc metabolism. It's important to create biofortification and personalized treatments to help people in need.

Design, Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Naphthoquinone Fused Dihydropyridine Derivatives: In Silico and In Vitro Studies

ABSTRACT In pursuit of novel anticancer agents, herein we have designed and synthesized novel benzoyl‐linked dihydropyridine derivatives fused with naphthoquinone moiety ( 4a – 4h ) through a one‐pot multicomponent reaction of aryl glyoxal, acyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and 2‐amino‐1,4‐naphthoquinone in acetic acid under reflux condition. Characterization was done by Fourier‐transform infrared, proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 H NMR), carbon‐13 NMR ( 13 C NMR), high‐resolution mass spectrometry and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. Subsequently, we conducted comprehensive molecular docking studies, focusing primarily on the STAT pathway, an important signalling cascade associated with breast cancer. The Protein Data Bank provided the structural coordinates for the pertinent proteins in this work, which were 2J6M, 3ERT, 4DRH, 1M17, 5ZAD and 1H6V. Our results offer strong scientific support for compounds 4a , 4c and 4d as promising candidates for breast cancer treatment. The synthesized compounds were then rigorously evaluated in vitro for their inhibitory effects on MCF‐7 breast cancer cell lines. Among the tested compounds, 4c and 4d showed the most promise, exhibiting strong potency with notable inhibitory activity. Their half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) values were determined to be 4.54 and 17.48 µM, respectively, whereas the standard drug tamoxifen exhibited an IC 50 of 9.25 µM. These results highlight the significant potential of these compounds as therapeutic agents for breast cancer treatment.