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Recently, covalent organic frameworks have gained popularity in sample pretreatment. However, the application of covalent organic frameworks in the enrichment of hydrophilic compounds remains a challenge. Thus, a functionalized magnetic covalent organic framework equipped with amino groups was constructed using a bottom-up functionalization strategy. Considering the advantages of this novel adsorbent such as high porosity, large adsorption capacity, and hydrophilic surface, a sensitive magnetic solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established for the effective determination of neonicotinoids. This method exhibited good linearities with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9983 to 0.9995, low detection limits in the range 0.003–0.009 ng g−1 and 0.001–0.013 ng mL−1, and limits of quantification in the range 0.010–0.031 ng g−1 and 0.004–0.044 ng mL−1. Furthermore, satisfactory repeatability with relative standard deviations ≤ 6.7% and spiked recoveries between 82.3 and 99.8% were obtained. This work not only provided a promising adsorbent for the sensitive determination of trace-level neonicotinoids but also represented a unique insight for effective enrichment of super hydrophilic hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Kinesin family member 18A (KIF18A) is notable for its aberrant expression across various cancer types and its pivotal role is driving cancer progression. In this study, we aim to investigate the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of KIF18A on the progression of HCC. Methods: Western blotting assays, a quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to quantitatively assess KIF18A expression in HCC tissues. We then performed genetic manipulations within HCC cells by silencing endogenous KIF18A using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) and introducing exogenous plasmids to overexpress KIF18A. We monitored cell progression, analyzed cell cycle and cell apoptosis and assessed cell migration and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we conducted RNA-sequencing to explore KIF18A-related signaling pathways utilizing Reactome and KEGG enrichment methods and validated these critical mediators in these pathways. Results: Analysis of the TCGA-LIHC database revealed pronounced overexpression of KIF18A in HCC tissues, the finding was subsequently confirmed through the analysis of clinical samples obtained from HCC patients. Notably, silencing KIF18A in cells led to an obvious inhibition of cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, in subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models, suppression of KIF18A sgnificantly redudce tumor weight and the number of lung metastatic nodules. Mechanistically, KIF18A appears to facilitate cell proliferation by upregulating MAD2 and CDK1/CyclinB1 expression levels, with the activation of SMAD2/3 signaling contributing to KIF18A-driven metastasis. Conclusion: Our study elucidates the molecular mechanism by which KIF18A mediates proliferation and metastasis in HCC cells, offering new insights into potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a molecularly imprinted polymer electrochemiluminescence (MIP-ECL) sensor with dual recognition effects on dopamine (DA). Boric-acid-functionalized carbon dots (B-CDs) with good ECL performance at − 2.0 V (vs. Ag/AgCl) were prepared and immobilized on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The MIP was then introduced via electropolymerization using o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as a functional monomer and DA as a template molecule to fabricate the MIP-ECL sensor. The cavities in the MIP after elution were used to capture the target molecular DA. The affinity of boric acid of B-CDs to the cis-diol of DA, as well as the special recognition of MIP, provides dual recognition effects on DA. The selective readsorption of DA onto the sensor leads to the ECL quenching of B-CDs. The quenching effect was used to detect DA from 1.0 × 10−9 to 1.0 × 10−5 mol·L−1 with a detection limit of 2.1 × 10−10 mol·L−1. The dual recognition caused the MIP-ECL sensor exhibiting excellent selectivity and sensitivity toward DA. The sensor was successfully used to determine DA in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the spatial distribution of bioactive small molecules is indispensable for elucidating their biological or pharmaceutical roles. Here, a rapid and effective analysis strategy was introduced to study the distribution of veterinary drugs in aquatic products. Malachite green (MG), one of the most widely used veterinary drugs in aquaculture, was selected as the targeted compound. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) was used as a model organism. After an exposure test, the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) technique was applied to directly analyze the content changes of malachite green in zebrafish tissues. The reliable relationship of exposure time and content change of MG was described precisely by the extended Freundlich equation. The process of modeling was discussed in detail, and some important parameters or trend information was obtained, including the maximum content of MG in different fish tissues, time to maximum content, elimination time, equilibrium content, and so on. With a simplification of sample pretreatment, this research strategy can be used for monitoring the spatial distribution of veterinary drugs and related metabolites of laboratory-exposed fish. The obtained model can provide a perspective for rational drug use in aquaculture and precise drug residue detection in production activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient assessment of energy consumption, energy flow, and energy use efficiency in crop (maize) production is inevitable to accomplish the intensive demand for energy. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) models based on energy input-output analysis are commonly used for the assessment of energy efficiency. However, standard implication of traditional (CCR) and extended (SBM) models has shortcomings in reporting efficiency score; CCR neglects slacks while SBM caused problems when reporting efficiency over time. To overcome this problem, an ensemble approach that compromised the characteristics of two models (CCR-SBM) is proposed in the current study. Based on the weighted average of the relative efficiencies of two contending models, an ensemble efficiency (EE) score was reported for energy efficiency evaluation of considered DMUs. Preliminary analysis ensued average maize yield of 6874 kg ha−1 with an overall energy input of 42,241.45 MJ ha−1, and net energy gain, energy use efficiency (average), specific energy, and energy productivity, were 58,806 MJ ha−1, 2.39, 6.15 MJ kg−1, and 0.16 kg MJ−1, respectively. Using four major shareholders of input energy (i.e., fertilizer, diesel fuel, irrigation water and chemicals) and, maize yield as output, the projected ensemble approach resulted in an unproductive trend of energy use efficiency in Pakistan with an average ensemble efficiency score of 59.67%, and plausible potential of energy saving from 7181.046 to 33,370.74 MJ ha−1. Furthermore, the ensemble approach showed that EE score could help to significantly reduce the shortcomings of slacks and time fluctuation when reporting efficiency score, compared with using individual models. The proposed approach scrutinized and provided a comprehensive state of the actual situation of energy efficiency in maize production of Pakistan that is important in the context of decision-making. Results of the study suggest resource conservation measures through better agricultural management practices, and production methods and extension activities are required to improve the efficiency of energy consumption in maize production of Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As main electrochemical power sources for portable electronic devices, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) restricted by cathode materials should be further developed for the application in electric vehicles. Despite the restrictions of low Coulombic efficiency and serious voltage fading, high-capacity Li-rich layered oxides with high voltage are still attractive cathode materials for high-energy-density LIBs. Here, spinel-phase skin is in situ generated on Fe-containing Li-rich short nanorods by employing a direct hydrothermal method. The rational design of morphology and structure features is beneficial for the removal and embedding of lithium ions. Two-dimensional nanorod structure can greatly shorten the pathway length of Li-ion diffusion and electron transport, increase the interface area between the electrode and electrolyte, and provide more free space for Li-ion storage and transmission. Large porosity between short nanorods is conducive to the penetration and infiltration of the electrolyte. Moreover, the ultrathin spinel marginal nanolayer (~ 3 nm) can provide 3D diffusion channels for Li+ ions transportation due to its fast kinetics. Good electrochemical performances are exhibited by controlling the concentration of lithium source (LiOH·H2O). Owning to this unique structure and morphology design, the prepared compound delivers a high discharge specific capacity of 247.5 mAh g−1 at 20 mA g−1 and a good rate capability. The first Coulombic efficiency and voltage fading issue are also significantly improved. These Li-rich short nanorods with spinel-phase skin are considered promising as cathode materials for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New organic/inorganic mesoporous luminescent hybrid materials containing lanthanide (Eu, Tb) complexes chemically bonded to mesoporous SBA-15 [a kind of mesoporous silica with two-dimensional hexagonal (P6mm) structure] have been successfully synthesized by co-condensation of the modified hexafluoroacetylacetone (HFAASi) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in the presence of Pluronic P123 surfactant as a template. The luminescent properties of these resulting mesoporous hybrid materials [denoted as Ln(HFAASi-SBA-15)3phen, Ln = Eu, Tb; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline] were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, small-angle powder x-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption measurements, transmission electron microscope, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection absorption spectra, and photoluminescent spectra, and the results exhibit that they all have uniformity in mesostructure and high surface area. Moreover, the mesoporous hybrid materials Eu(HFAASi-SBA-15)3phen and Tb(HFAASi-SBA-15)3phen exhibit the characteristic luminescence of Eu3+ and Tb3+, respectively, indicating that the effective intramolecular energy transfer between HFAASi and the lanthanide ions has been achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A novel magnetic dual-template molecularly imprinted polymer (DMIP) was prepared with methyl-parathion and quinalphos as templates. For comparison, a series of single-template polymers with only methyl-parathion (MPMIP) or quinalphos (QPMIP) as template as well as a non-imprinted polymer (NIP) in the absence of the template, were synthesized using the same procedure of DMIP. The obtained MIPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The properties including kinetic effect, thermodynamic effect, selectivity, and reusability of MIPs were investigated. Only DMIP possessed high affinity and good recognition for all twelve OPPs including quinalphos, isazophos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, methidathion, triazophos, profenofos, fenthion, fenitrothion, methyl-parathion, parathion, and paraoxon in comparison to MPMIP, QPMIP, or NIP. Moreover, DMIP was used as magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) sorbent for the pre-concentration of twelve OPPs in cabbage samples. The developed DMIP-MSPE-GC-MS method showed high sensitivity, low LODs (1.62–13.9 ng/g), fast adsorption equilibrium (10 min), and acceptable spiked recoveries (81.5–113.4%) with relative standard deviations (RSD) in the range 0.05–7.0% (n = 3). The calibration plots were linear in the range 10–800 ng/mL with coefficients of determination (R2) better 0.99 for all twelve compounds. These results suggest that the DMIP is applicable for rapid determination and high throughput analysis of multi-pesticide residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]