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Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)--previously described as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)--is a major driver of liver fibrosis in humans, while liver fibrosis is a key determinant of all-cause mortality in liver disease independent of MASH occurrence. CCAAT/enhancer binding protein [alpha] (CEBPA), as a versatile ligandindependent transcriptional factor, has an important function in myeloid cells, and is under clinical evaluation for cancer therapy. CEBPA is also expressed in hepatocytes and regulates glucolipid homeostasis; however, the role of hepatocytespecific CEBPA in modulating liver fibrosis progression is largely unknown. Here, hepatic CEBPA expression was found to be decreased during MASH progression both in humans and mice, and hepatic CEBPA mRNA was negatively correlated with MASH fibrosis in the human liver. [Cebpa.sup.[DELTA]Hep] mice had markedly enhanced liver fibrosis induced by a high-fat, high-cholesterol, high-fructose diet or carbon tetrachloride. Temporal and spatial hepatocyte-specific CEBPA loss at the progressive stage of MASH in [Cebpa.sup.[DELTA]Hep,ERT2] mice functionally promoted liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, hepatocyte CEBPA directly repressed Spp1 transactivation to reduce the secretion of osteopontin, a fibrogenesis inducer of hepatic stellate cells. Forced hepatocyte-specific CEBPA expression reduced MASH-associated liver fibrosis. These results demonstrate an important role for hepatocyte-specific CEBPA in liver fibrosis progression, and may help guide the therapeutic discoveries targeting hepatocyte CEBPA for the treatment of liver fibrosis., Introduction Growing clinical evidence revealed that liver fibrosis is a main determinant of outcomes or all-cause mortality in liver disease (1-6). Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as [...]

All‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLBs) with inorganic solid‐state electrolytes (ISEs) have great potential for enhanced safety, high energy density, and long lifetime. Numerous works have focused on designing high‐conductive materials and (electro)chemically stable interfaces, contributing to the rapid development of ASSLBs. However, the lack of a comprehensive and in‐depth understanding of the intrinsic ionic conduction and failure mechanisms of ISEs in ASSLBs limits their further improvement. In this work, the analysis of the ionic transport mechanisms is focused in the different crystalline states of ISEs including bulk crystal, grain boundary, and amorphousness. Various failure mechanisms of ISEs concerning structure degradation, mechanical pulverization, and lithium dendrite penetration that trigger the capacity attenuation of cells are also discussed. This work is wraped up by providing the perspective on how to optimize the electrochemical performance of ASSLBs, which can, with the hope, pave the way for achieving the commercialization of ASSLBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to address the issues of excessive brittle intermetallic compounds (IMC) formation in the TC4 brazed joints, two types of novel Ti-Zr-Cu-Ni-Sn amorphous braze fillers were designed. The microstructure and shear strength of the TC4/Ti-Zr-Ni-Cu-Sn/TC4 brazed joints were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and electronic universal materials testing machine. The results show that the optimized Ti35Zr25Ni15Cu20Sn5 braze filler whose chemical composition is closer to the eutectic point possesses a lower melting point compared with the equiatomic Ti23.75Zr23.75Ni23.75Cu23.75Sn5. This was beneficial to the sufficient diffusion of Cu and Ni elements with the base metal during brazing and reduces the residual (Ti,Zr)2(Ni,Cu) content in the joint, which helps to improve the joint performance. The room-temperature and high-temperature shear strength of the TC4 brazed joints using the near eutectic component Ti35Zr25Ni15Cu20Sn5 filler reached a maximum of 472 MPa and 389 MPa at 970 °C/10 min, which was 66% and 48% higher than that of the TC4 joints brazed with the equiatomic Ti23.75Zr23.75Ni23.75Cu23.75Sn5 braze filler. Microstructural evolution and the corresponding mechanical response were in-depth discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prior work suggests that problematic short video use was associated with adverse psychological, physiological, and educational outcomes. With the prevailing of short video platforms, the potential relationships between this problematic behavior and suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors have yet to be thoroughly examined. Besides, considering the potential dual nature of problematic short video use, particularly its positive aspects, a potential mechanism may exist linking such problematic behavior to SI and SIBs, ultimately driving individuals towards extreme outcomes. Nevertheless, such mediation paths have not been rigorously examined. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate their relationships and delve into the underlying mechanism, specifically identifying potential mediators between sleep disturbance and depression. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed to model data derived from a large sample of first- and second-year university students residing in mainland China (N = 1,099; Mage = 19.80 years; 51.7% male). Results: Results showed that problematic short video use has a dual impact on SI and SIBs. On the one hand, problematic short video use was directly related to the decreased risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and NSSI. On the other hand, such problematic behavior was indirectly associated with the increased risk of NSSI through sleep disturbance, and it indirectly related to the elevated risk of suicidal ideation, attempts, and NSSI through depression. Besides, on the whole, problematic short video use was positively associated with NSSI but not suicidal ideation and attempts. Conclusions: These findings indicated that problematic short video use had a dual impact on SI and SIBs. Consequently, it is paramount to comprehend the genuine magnitude of the influence that such problematic behavior holds over these intricate psychological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin-based sulfides, such as SnS2, have garnered attention as lithium-ion anode materials due to their layer structure and high conductivity capacity. However, during the lithium alloying/dealloying cycles, SnS2 material exhibits a rapid capacity decay due to the volume expansion, which hinders the application of SnS2. In this study, a heterostructure composite material anchored on exfoliated graphite, designated as nano SnS2S3/Sn3S4/FeS/Fe7S8 anchored on 15.0 wt% exfoliated graphite (FSS/G-15%), was synthesized by heating a mixture of inexpensive reducing agent Fe powder and SnS2 powder, followed by ball milling with 15.0 wt% commercial graphite. Experimental results demonstrated that FSS/G-15% had exhibited optimal overall Li+ storage performance, achieving approximately 1306.7, 1199.2, 1033.1, 882.3, 707.3, 507, 366.3, 255.6, and 203.5 mA hg−1 at current densities of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 Ag−1, respectively, surpassing the majority of SnS2-based anode materials. The simplicity and efficiency of the synthetic method may have potential implications in various fields in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic economic dispatch (DED) problem is a typical complex constrained optimization problem with non-smooth, nonlinear, and nonconvex characteristics, especially considering practical situations such as valve point effects and transmission losses, and its objective is to minimize the total fuel costs and total carbon emissions of generating units during the dispatch cycle while satisfying a series of equality and inequality constraints. For the challenging DED problem, a model of a dynamic economic dispatch problem considering fuel costs is first established, and then an improved grey wolf optimization algorithm (IGWO) is proposed, in which the exploitation and exploration capability of the original grey wolf optimization algorithm (GWO) is enhanced by initializing the population with a chaotic algorithm and introducing a nonlinear convergence factor to improve weights. Furthermore, a simple and effective constraint-handling method is proposed for the infeasible solutions. The performance of the IGWO is tested with eight benchmark functions selected and compared with other commonly used algorithms. Finally, the IGWO is utilized for three different scales of DED cases, and compared with existing methods in the literature. The results show that the proposed IGWO has a faster convergence rate and better global optimization capabilities, and effectively reduces the fuel costs of the units, thus proving the effectiveness of IGWO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new type of negative electrode material for SIBs, (iron germanium sulfide) Fe2GeS4 is considered a highly promising negative electrode material for SIBs owing to its high theoretical capacity, fast Na+ diffusion kinetics, and good thermal stability. In practical applications, it is crucial to synthesize the high-capacity/reversible nanostructured Fe2GeS4-based negative electrodes through an easily executable method. In this study, a two-step synthesis method to prepare nanostructured Fe2GeS4 anchored on graphite (Fe2GeS4/G-15%) was employed: the commercial FeS, S, and Ge powders were mixed and heated, and then graphite was added for ball milling. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that there is a strong interaction between the nanostructured Fe2GeS4 powder and the exfoliated graphite, forming a highly stable nanocomposite material, which is beneficial for improving the reversible charge-discharge performance of the material. When used as a negative electrode material for SIBs, the prepared Fe2GeS4/G-15% exhibited a capacity of 665.5 mAh g−1 during the second cycle at 0.1 A g−1 and could maintain a capacity of 519 mAh g−1 even after the 60th cycle. Considering the simple synthesis process employed in this study, it provides a reference for the production of high-performance Fe2GeS4-based negative electrode materials for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) is a minimally invasive technique employed for treating vertebral compression fractures. Although PKP is simple and relatively safe, severe complications are possible. Here, we report a new, severe complication linked to this procedure, namely nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI)., Patient Concerns: An 83-year-old female patient, previously in good health, fell backward, landing on her buttocks, and subsequently experienced persistent low-back pain that exacerbated during turning or sitting up., Diagnoses: Lumbar spine radiography revealed wedge deformity of the L1 vertebral body. Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging indicated a fresh compression fracture of the L1 vertebral body., Interventions: On the 2nd day following the trauma, the patient underwent PKP under local anesthesia. Anesthesia was satisfactory, and the procedure progressed smoothly., Outcomes: The patient experienced mild discomfort in the right abdomen within the 1st hour to 3 days postoperatively, mild abdominal distension on the 4th day, and sudden severe abdominal pain on the 5th day. Immediate abdominal computed tomography revealed ischemic changes in the ascending colon and hepatic flexure, accompanied by hepatic portal venous gas. An hour later, abdominal pain spontaneously subsided. Approximately 5 hours later, an enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed no filling defects in the mesenteric vasculature, absence of luminal narrowing or occlusion, enhanced intestinal walls, and a notable improvement in hepatic portal venous gas. Considering NOMI and ischemia related to superior mesenteric artery spasm, vasodilator therapy (papaverine hydrochloride) was initiated, leading to favorable outcomes. On day 17, pathological examination of the hepatic flexure revealed moderate, acute, and chronic mucosal inflammation, along with interstitial fibrous tissue proliferation, providing clear evidence supporting ischemic changes. She was discharged on day 18 after a successful recovery., Lessons: The occurrence of NOMI after PKP is uncommon. Yet, once it happens, delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis can lead to serious consequences such as intestinal necrosis and abdominal infection, even endangering the patient's life. We currently lack experience in preventing this complication, but timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention are effective measures in treating such complications., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflict of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Emerging immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy have revolutionized cancer treatment and have improved the survival of patients with multiple cancer types. Despite this success many patients are unresponsive to these treatments or relapse following treatment. CRISPR activation and knockout (KO) screens have been used to identify novel single gene targets that can enhance effector T cell function and promote immune cell targeting and eradication of tumors. However, cancer cells often employ multiple genes to promote an immunosuppressive pathway and thus modulating individual genes often has a limited effect. Paralogs are genes that originate from common ancestors and retain similar functions. They often have complex effects on a particular phenotype depending on factors like gene family similarity, each individual gene's expression and the physiological or pathological context. Some paralogs exhibit synthetic lethal interactions in cancer cell survival; however, a thorough investigation of paralog pairs that could enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is lacking. Here we introduce a sensitive computational approach that uses sgRNA sets enrichment analysis to identify cancer-intrinsic paralog pairs which have the potential to synergistically enhance T cell-mediated tumor destruction. We have further developed an ensemble learning model that uses an XGBoost classifier and incorporates features such as gene characteristics, sequence and structural similarities, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and gene coevolution data to predict paralog pairs that are likely to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. We experimentally validated the functional significance of these predicted paralog pairs using double knockout (DKO) of identified paralog gene pairs as compared to single gene knockouts (SKOs). These data and analyses collectively provide a sensitive approach to identify previously undetected paralog pairs that can enhance cancer immunotherapy even when individual genes within the pair has a limited effect.