Observation of Electronic Nematicity Driven by the Three-Dimensional Charge Density Wave in Kagome Lattice KV3Sb5.

Kagome superconductors AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs) provide a fertile playground for studying intriguing phenomena, including nontrivial band topology, superconductivity, giant anomalous Hall effect, and charge density wave (CDW). Recently, a C2 symmetric nematic phase prior to the superconducting state in AV3Sb5 drew enormous attention due to its potential inheritance of the symmetry of the unusual superconductivity. However, direct evidence of the rotation symmetry breaking of the electronic structure in the CDW state from the reciprocal space is still rare, and the underlying mechanism remains ambiguous. The observation shows unconventional unidirectionality, indicative of rotation symmetry breaking from six-fold to two-fold. The interlayer coupling between adjacent planes with π-phase offset in the 2 × 2 × 2 CDW phase leads to the preferred two-fold symmetric electronic structure. These rarely observed unidirectional back-folded bands in KV3Sb5 may provide important insights into its peculiar charge order and superconductivity.

Practical design and performance of a new merged APPLE-Knot undulator.

Constructing vacuum-ultraviolet beamlines at synchrotron radiation facilities with giga-electron volt storage ring results in serious heat load on the beamlines which can reduce their performance. To solve this problem, an APPLE-Knot undulator with eight magnet rows has been built at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility and has achieved very good performance. However, its performance in vertical polarization mode is imperfect. Here, a new configuration of a magnet-merged APPLE-Knot undulator that has achieved a better performance is reported.

Flat bands, non-trivial band topology and rotation symmetry breaking in layered kagome-lattice RbTi3Bi5.

A representative class of kagome materials, AV3Sb5 (A = K, Rb, Cs), hosts several unconventional phases such as superconductivity, [Formula: see text] non-trivial topological states, and electronic nematic states. These can often coexist with intertwined charge-density wave states. Recently, the discovery of the isostructural titanium-based single-crystals, ATi3Bi5 (A = K, Rb, Cs), which exhibit similar multiple exotic states but without the concomitant charge-density wave, has opened an opportunity to disentangle these complex states in kagome lattices. Here, we combine high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and first-principles calculations to investigate the low-lying electronic structure of RbTi3Bi5. We demonstrate the coexistence of flat bands and several non-trivial states, including type-II Dirac nodal lines and [Formula: see text] non-trivial topological surface states. Our findings also provide evidence for rotational symmetry breaking in RbTi3Bi5, suggesting a directionality to the electronic structure and the possible emergence of pure electronic nematicity in this family of kagome compounds.

Predictive value of hypothermic machine perfusion parameters combined perfusate biomarkers in deceased donor kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Delayed graft function (DGF) is the main cause of renal function failure after kidney transplantation. This study aims at investigating the value of hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) parameters combined with perfusate biomarkers on predicting DGF and the time of renal function recovery after deceased donor (DD) kidney transplantation. METHODS: HMP parameters, perfusate biomarkers and baseline characteristics of 113 DD kidney transplantations from January 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were retrospectively analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In this study, the DGF incidence was 17.7% (20/113); The multivariate logistic regression results showed that terminal resistance (OR: 1.879, 95% CI 1.145-3.56) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)(OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.23-2.46) were risk factors for DGF; The Cox model analysis indicated that terminal resistance was an independent hazard factor for renal function recovery time (HR = 0.823, 95% CI 0.735-0.981). The model combining terminal resistance and GST (AUC = 0.888, 95% CI: 0.842-0.933) significantly improved the DGF predictability compared with the use of terminal resistance (AUC = 0.756, 95% CI 0.693-0.818) or GST alone (AUC = 0.729, 95% CI 0.591-0.806). CONCLUSION: According to the factors analyzed in this study, the combination of HMP parameters and perfusate biomarkers displays a potent DGF predictive value.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is an increasingly popular treatment for major depression and anxiety disorder, but has shown inconsistent efficacy for bipolar disorder (BD). Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the general efficacy of MBCT for BD. METHODS: Ten studies were identified that fulfilled the current inclusion criteria, including three controlled and seven uncontrolled studies. The effects of MBCT on depression, anxiety, mania, stress, mindfulness ability, and emotional regulation were assessed by comparing psychometric scale scores within groups (pre- vs. post-intervention) across trials as well as between groups (control vs. MBCT) across controlled trials. RESULTS: Within-group comparison revealed a reduction in symptoms of depression (g = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.09-0.64, P = 0.009) and anxiety (g = 0.45, 95%CI =0.16-0.75, P = 0.002) following treatment compared to baseline. Stress symptoms were also significantly reduced (g = 0.39, 95%CI = 0.09-0.69, P = 0.01), mindfulness ability (g = 0.63, 95%CI = 0.39-0.87, P<0.00001) and emotion regulation (g = 0.62, 95%CI=0.14-1.10, P = 0.01) were significantly improved compared to baseline. However, symptoms of mania were not alleviated (g=-0.26, 95%CI=-1.43-0.91, P = 0.66). Subgroup analysis indicated that symptoms of depression and anxiety were still significantly improved at 3 months post-intervention (g = 0.46, 95%CI = 0.13-0.80, P = 0.006 and g = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.21-0.94, P = 0.002, respectively) but not at 12 months (g = 0.04, 95%CI = -0.29-0.37, P = 0.82 and g = 0.17, 95%CI =-0.16-0.50, P = 0.31). In between-groups analysis of controlled studies, MBCT significantly reduced depressive symptoms (g = 0.3, 95%CI =-0.05-0.65, P = 0.09) but not anxiety symptoms (g = 0.51, 95%CI =  -0.20-1.22, P = 0.16). CONCLUSION: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy appears effective for alleviation of depression and anxiety among BD patients, possibly by improving emotional regulation and mindfulness abilities. However, efficacy appears time-limited and inconsistent, necessitating additional larger-scale studies and the development of post-intervention programs for sustained efficacy.

Inhibition of myeloid differentiation protein 2 attenuates renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via suppressing TLR4/TRAF6/NF-kB pathway.

As a major risk factor of acute kidney injury, renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) has a high mortality rate. Myeloid differentiation protein 2 (MD-2) is a secretory glycoprotein that plays an important role in inflammation. Our study aimed to explore the roles of MD-2 in I/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. For the in vivo studies, male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: 1) sham, 2) I/R, 3) negative control for siRNA (siNC) and I/R treatment, or 4) MD-2 siRNA (siMD-2) and I/R. Levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine in the plasma were tested, and hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed at 24 h after I/R injury. The inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 were measured using ELISA and Real-time qPCR (RT-qPCR). Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were estimated. For the in vitro studies, HK-2 cells were transfected with siMD-2 and then exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). Inflammatory cytokine expression and oxidative stress then were evaluated. We found decreased levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels after MD-2 silencing. MD-2 deficiency improved histological damage. MD-2 downregulation attenuated levels of inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of MD-2 resulted in reduced MDA content and increased SOD, CAT, and GPx activity. Loss of function of MD-2 inhibited the H/R-induced production and expression of inflammatory cytokines. MD-2 silencing reduced MDA content after H/R, and MD-2 suppression enhanced SOD, CAT, and GPx activity. MD-2 deficiency also blocked H/R-mediated activation of the TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway, and pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) pretreatment strengthened the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant damage effects of MD-2 silencing. Taken together, our study revealed that MD-2 deficiency ameliorated renal I/R-induced inflammation and oxidative stress via inhibition of TLR4/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway.

Effects of SSRI Antidepressants on Attentional Bias toward Emotional Scenes in First-Episode Depressive Patients: Evidence from an Eye-Tracking Study.

OBJECTIVE: Attentional biases toward emotional scenes may represent vulnerability and maintenance factors in depression. Antidepressant therapy may improve cognitive function and reduce depression, and is considered as the mechanism of action of antidepressants. Therefore, we conducted an eye-tracking test to examine whether selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants can reduce negative attentional biases and elicit clinical responses in depression. METHODS: Twenty first-episode depressive patients freely viewed three types of pictures that depicted different emotional scenes (i.e., positive-control, neutral-control, and negative-control) for 4,000 ms while their eye movements were monitored. The attentional bias to different emotional scenes was assessed before and after eight weeks of SSRI treatment using the eye-tracking method. The control group included a group of healthy individuals. RESULTS: The results revealed that first-episode depressive patients oriented their gaze more frequently to negative images and less to happy images, compared to controls. Importantly, the attentional bias in depressive patients was regulated after eight weeks of SSRI treatment. Patients showed an increased tendency to fixate on positive images and a decreased tendency to focus on negative images. CONCLUSION: This suggests that SSRI antidepressants decrease vulnerability to negative images, while having an effect on attention in respect to positive images.

Exosomal MicroRNA-374b-5p From Tubular Epithelial Cells Promoted M1 Macrophages Activation and Worsened Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Tubular epithelial cells (TECs) represent the primary site of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (RIRI). However, whether the damage of TECs could drive the initiation of inflammation was unclear. Here we investigated the role of the TECs and macrophages during RIRI. Increased expression of inflammation response and activated M1 macrophage were determined in the mice model of RIRI. Moreover, we demonstrated global miRNA expression profiling of renal exosomes, and miR-374b-5p was most upregulated in these exosomes in vivo. Inhibition of miR-374b-5p in the mice upon RIR operation would alleviate the kidney injury via decreasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and suppressing the macrophage activation. Similar results were also identified in the hypoxia-induced cell model where exosomal miR-374b-5p was dramatically upregulated. Uptake of exosomes derived from the hypoxic TECs by macrophages would trigger M1 polarization via transferring miR-374b-5p. Besides, we confirmed that miR-374b-5p could directly bind to Socs1 using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Notably, when we injected the miR-374b-5p-enriched exosomes into mice, a high-level inflammatory response and M1 macrophage activation were performed. Our studies demonstrated that exosomal miR-374b-5p played an essential role in the communication between injured TECs and macrophages, resulting in the M1 macrophage activation during RIRI. The blockage of the release of such exosomes may serve as a new therapeutic strategy for RIRI.

Islet transplantation modulates macrophage to induce immune tolerance and angiogenesis of islet tissue in type I diabetes mice model.

Objective To investigate the dual mechanism of islet transplantation in T1D by regulating the immune tolerance of macrophages and inducing the neovascularization. Methods NC group, T1D model group and T1D model + islet group were constructed. Then, the abdominal aorta blood of abdominal aorta and islet tissue were collected. ELISA was performed to detect the level of IL-1Rα, IL-1α, IL-1ß, CXCL2, MCP1, TNF-α and IL-10. Flow cytometry was used to measure the content of M1 and M2 macrophages. HE staining indicated the pathological characteristics of islet. IHC and WB were applied to determine the protein levels of IGF1R, FGFR2 or VEGFA as well as IGF1R, GRB2, EGFR, PTPN1, JAK2, STAT3, Caspase-1, Bcl2 respectively. Results Islet transplantation in T1D stimulated the expression of IL-1Rα, IL-1α, IL-1ß, CXCL2, MCP1, TNF-α and IL-10 in abdominal aorta blood, changed the content of MHCII+CD206-M1 and MHCII+CD206+M2 macrophages, reduced the pathological features and the infiltration of immunocytes, promoted the expression of IGF1R, FGFR2 and VEGFA, eliminated cell apoptosis and induced the neovascularization in islet grafts. Conclusions Islet transplantation is an effective strategy for the treatment of T1D. It can increase the content of M2 macrophages whose immune tolerance can elevate the survival of islet grafts, reduce the inflammatory responses mediated by macrophages, promote the neovascularization and eliminate the cell apoptosis of islet grafts.

miR-182-5p and miR-378a-3p regulate ferroptosis in I/R-induced renal injury.

Renal tubular cell death is the key factor of the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) kidney injury. Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death (RCD) found in various diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms related to ferroptosis in renal I/R injury remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory role of microRNAs on ferroptosis in I/R-induced renal injury. We established the I/R-induced renal injury model in rats, and H/R induced HK-2 cells injury in vitro. CCK-8 was used to measure cell viability. Fe2+ and ROS levels were assayed to evaluate the activation of ferroptosis. We performed RNA sequencing to profile the miRNAs expression in H/R-induced injury and ferroptosis. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression. qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA and miRNA levels in cells and tissues. We further used luciferase reporter assay to verify the direct targeting effect of miRNA. We found that ischemia/reperfusion-induced ferroptosis in rat's kidney. We identified that miR-182-5p and miR-378a-3p were upregulated in the ferroptosis and H/R-induced injury, and correlates reversely with glutathione peroxidases 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression in renal I/R injury tissues, respectively. In vitro studies showed that miR-182-5p and miR-378a-3p induced ferroptosis in cells. We further found that miR-182-5p and miR-378a-3p regulated the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 negatively by directly binding to the 3'UTR of GPX4 and SLC7A11 mRNA. In vivo study showed that silencing miR-182-5p and miR-378a-3p alleviated the I/R-induced renal injury in rats. In conclusion, we demonstrated that I/R induced upregulation of miR-182-5p and miR-378a-3p, leading to activation of ferroptosis in renal injury through downregulation of GPX4 and SLC7A11.

High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation facilitates emotional face processing in individuals with high autistic traits: A sham-controlled study.

The deficit in emotional face processing is a critical impairment for individuals with high autistic traits. The temporalparietal junction(TPJ) is considered to be closely related to emotional face processing. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of highdefinition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) over the right temporal-parietal junction (rTPJ) on facial emotion processing of individuals with high autistic traits using eye-tracking technology. Twenty-nine participants with high autistic traits completed an eyetracking task (including happy, fearful and neutral faces) before and after five consecutive days of stimulation (anodal or sham). Results showed that anodal HD-tDCS significantly increased fixation time and fixation count in the mouth area, but this effect was not found after the sham stimulation. Moreover, this increased effect of mouth recognition with anodal rTPJ HD-tDCS was shown in both happy and fearful faces, but no remarkable difference was found in neutral faces. These findings suggest that right TPJ anodal HD-tDCS can facilitate emotional face processing in individuals with high autistic traits.