Association between serum omega-3 PUFAs levels and cognitive impairment in never medically treated first-episode patients with geriatric depression: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric depression increases the public health burden and health care costs, reduces quality of life. Studies have shown the association between ω-3 PUFAs levels and inflammatory markers levels and depression, but few have explored the relationship between omega-3 PUFAs, inflammatory markers, and cognitive function in geriatric depression. This study aimed to compare the differences in ω-3 PUFAs levels and inflammatory markers between geriatric depression with cognitive impairment (CI) and those without CI. METHODS: A total of three hundred and five elderly patients were recruited. In addition to collecting basic information, their blood specimens were collected to detect serum EPA, DHA, AA, TC, LDL-C, IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP levels. The Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), and The Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were used to assess their depression, anxiety, and cognitive function, respectively. RESULTS: Compared to those without CI, geriatric depression patients with CI had higher serum TC, LDL-C levels, lower EPA, DHA, and AA levels, and more elevated IL-6, TNF-α, and hs-CRP levels (all P < 0.05). Further linear regression analysis showed that EPA, DHA, and TNF-α, hs-CRP levels were significantly associated with the occurrence and the severity of CI. LIMITATIONS: No causal relationship could be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 PUFAs and inflammatory factors levels may predict CI in elderly patients with MDD in the future. Our findings suggest that ω-3 PUFAs (EPA and DHA) and inflammatory factors (TNF-α and CRP) may predict the occurrence and the severity of CI among elderly MDD patients.

Learning Reasoning-Decision Networks for Robust Face Alignment.

In this paper, we propose an end-to-end reasoning-decision networks (RDN) approach for robust face alignment via policy gradient. Unlike the conventional coarse-to-fine approaches which likely lead to bias prediction due to poor initialization, our approach aims to learn a policy by leveraging raw pixels to reason a subset of shape candidates, sequentially making plausible decisions to remove outliers for robust initialization. To achieve this, we formulate face alignment as a Markov decision process by defining an agent, which typically interacts with a trajectory of states, actions, state transitions and rewards. The agent seeks an optimal shape searching policy over the whole shape space by maximizing a discounted sum of the received values. To further improve the alignment performance, we develop an LSTM-based value function to evaluate the shape quality. During the training procedure, we adjust the gradient of our value function in directions of the policy gradient. This prevents our training goal from being trapped into local optima entangled by both the pose deformations and appearance variations especially in unconstrained environments. Experimental results show that our proposed RDN consistently outperforms most state-of-the-art approaches on four widely-evaluated challenging datasets.

Stabilizing LiCoO2/Graphite at High Voltages with an Electrolyte Additive.

The energy density of commercial Li-ion batteries (LIBs) using LiCoO2 is adversely affected by the limited access to the Li stored in the CoO2 lattice, which is imposed partially by the instability of carbonate-based electrolytes at potentials higher than 4.5 V. In this work, we report a novel approach to fully utilize these extra Li via simultaneously stabilizing anode and cathode interfaces with a designed additive, 4-propyl-[1,3,2]dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide (PDTD), which strongly coordinates with Co ions dissolved in electrolytes while decomposing to form protective interphases on both cathode and anode surfaces. The Co ions present in the electrolyte deposit on the anode in the form of a coordination complex with PDTD, avoiding the formation of Co metal that will catalyze the reduction decomposition of the additive-free electrolyte. The presence of PDTD in the electrolyte enables a higher charging potential of 4.45 V for LiCoO2/graphite cells, which significantly improves the energy density and cycling stability of this cathode chemistry that has already been used extensively in commercial LIBs.

Expression of HER2/c-erbB-2, EGFR Protein in Gastric Carcinoma and its Clinical Significance.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the HER2/c-erbB-2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein expression in gastric cancer and association with patients' clinical pathology characteristics and prognosis. METHODS: HER2/c-erbB-2 and EGFR protein expression was examined by immunohistochemical assay in gastric cancer tissue and corresponding paired normal gastric tissue of 67 patients of gastric carcinoma. The HER2/c-erbB-2, EGFR protein positive expression rate in cancer tissue and normal gastric tissue were compared. The correlation between HER2/c-erbB-2, EGFR protein positive expression and patients' clinical pathology characteristics and survival was evaluated. RESULTS: The positive expression rate of HER2/c-erbB-2 in the cancer and paired normal gastric tissues were 32.8% (22/67) and 4.5% (3/67), respectively with statistical difference (p<0.05). And the positive expression rate of EGFR in cancer and paired normal gastric tissues were 41.8% (28/67) and 5.9 (4/67), respectively, with statistical difference (p<0.05). HER2/c-erbB-2 positive expression in cancer tissue was significant correlated with the pathology grading (p<0.05), tumor invasion depth (p<0.05) and local regional lymph node metastasis (p<0.05); EGFR positive expression in cancer tissue was significant correlated with the tumor invasion depth (p<0.05) and local regional lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). The median survival time was 13.14 and 23.6 months respectively for HER2/c-erbB-2 positive and negative expression groups respectively with statistical difference ( HR=2.26, 9%CI:1.06-4.80, p<0.05). However, the median survival time was 15.47 and 22.87 months for EGFR positive and negative expression groups respectively, without statistical difference (HR=1.78, 9%CI:0.96-3.29, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Positive expression of HER2/c-erbB-2 and EGFR proteins in cancer tissue was significant higher than normal gastric tissue and have significant correlation with prognosis.

Insight into the Mechanism of Improved Interfacial Properties between Electrodes and Electrolyte in the Graphite/LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 Cell via Incorporation of 4-Propyl-[1,3,2]dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide (PDTD).

4-Propyl-[1,3,2]dioxathiolane-2,2-dioxide (PDTD) has been investigated as an electrolyte additive for the graphite/LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 pouch cell. A significant improvement on the initial Coulombic efficiency and cycling stability has been achieved by incorporating 1.0 wt % PDTD additive. Specifically, initial Coulombic efficiency increased from 83.7% (baseline) to 87.8% (w/w, 1.0 wt % PDTD), and from 75.7% to 83.7% for capacity retention after 500 cycles upon cycling at room temperature. Improvements in the interfacial properties between cathode and electrolyte as well as between anode and electrolyte through incorporation of 1.0 wt % PDTD are believed to account for the observed enhanced cell performance. Insight into the mechanism of improved interfacial properties between electrodes and electrolyte in the graphite/LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 system has been addressed with a combination of theoretical computation and experimental techniques, including electrochemical methods and spectroscopic characterization.

Identification of the -α(2.4) Deletion in One Family and in One Hb H Disease Patient in Guangxi, People's Republic of China.

The 2.4 kb (or -α(2.4)) deletion in the α-globin gene cluster (NG_000006.1) is an α(+)-thalassemia (α(+)-thal) allele. The molecular basis of -α(2.4) is a deletion from 36860 to 39251 of the α-globin gene cluster. It was reported by three research groups in 2005, 2012 and 2014, respectively. In routine thalassemia screening studies by this research group, we found an individual with the -α(2.4)/αα genotype and an Hb H (ß4) disease patient whose genotype was - -(SEA)/-α(2.4). Samples from the parents of the carrier of the -α(2.4)/αα genotype were collected to perform pedigree analysis, and the proband's mother's genotype was diagnosed to be - -(SEA)/-α(2.4). The research revealed that the -α(2.4) allele exists in the population of southern Guangxi, People's Republic of China.

Identification of a variation in the IVSII of α2 gene and its frequency in the population of Guangxi.

OBJECTIVE: During thalassemia screening, a previously unidentified α2 gene variation in α-globin gene cluster was isolated. This variation was distinct from other variations known to confer thalassemia as assessed by conventional thalassemia genotype analysis. Because the sample in the thalassemia screening was positive (MCV=83.6fL, MCH=26.1pg/cell, Hb=11.3g/dL), further analysis was required. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MLPA (multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification) and sequencing were used for analysis, and a qPCR system was designed for the frequency study. RESULTS: The MLPA result showed that there was a mutation or small fragment deletions between 34247 (160bp probe) and 34618 (196bp probe) in α-globin gene cluster (NG_000006.1). Through sequencing, this variation was identified as HBA2: c.301-24delGinsCTCGGCCC. The gene polymorphisms similar to HBA2:c.301-24delGinsCTCGGCCC are α121 and α212. Since α212 is unrelated to microcytosis, and the structure of HBA2: c.301-24delGinsCTCGGCCC is similar to α212, this change is more appropriately considered as a polymorphism. The allele frequency of HBA2: c.301-24delGinsCTCGGCCC is 0.184% in this region. CONCLUSIONS: There is a certain ratio for HBA2:c.301-24delGinsCTCGGCCC carriers among the Chinese population. The HBA2:c.301-24delGinsCTCGGCCC variant results in an abnormal result from MLPA analysis. Investigators performing thalassemia screening in Guangxi region should be aware of the HBA2:c.301-24delGinsCTCGGCCC variant to avoid misinterpretation of the MLPA results.

Diagnosis of a Family with the Novel -α(21.9) Thalassemia Deletion.

The Qinzhou α-thalassemia (α-thal) or -α(21.9) deletion was first described at the Qinzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Qinzhou, Guangxi, People's Republic of China (PRC) in 2013. The molecular biological mechanism by which this allele leads to α-thal involves the deletion of a 21.9 kb DNA fragment of the α-globin gene cluster (NG_000006.1), designated as -α(21.9). During routine screening, a new family with -α(21.9) was found by the research group. This is the first time that an adult patient with the -α(21.9)/αα genotype and a 6-month-old baby with the -α(21.9)/- -(SEA) (Southeast Asian) genotype were detected in one family. The discovery of this family demonstrates that there is a certain risk for the Qinzhou α-thal deletion in the southern regions of Guangxi Province, PRC. The detection of the adult patient with the -α(21.9)/αα genotype and the analysis of hematological data are important supplements for -α(21.9) research. Additionally, Hb Bart's (γ4) and Hb H (ß4) were detected in the 6-month-old, confirming that the baby with the -α(21.9)/- -(SEA) genotype also carries Hb H disease. The analysis of this family verifies that the -α(21.9) deletion is an α(+)-thal allele.

Modulation of hemocompatibility of polysulfone by polyelectrolyte multilayer films.

Polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) films have been recently applied to surface modification of biomaterials. Cellular interactions with PEM films consisted of weak polyelectrolytes are greatly affected by the conditions of polyelectrolyte deposition, such as pH of polyelectrolyte solution. Previous studies indicated that the adhesion of several types of mammalian cells to PAH/PAA multilayer films was hindered by low pH and high layer numbers. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the hemocompatibility of polysulfone can be modulated by deposition of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)/poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) multilayer films. PAH/PAA multilayer films with different layer numbers were assembled onto polysulfone at either pH 2.0 or pH 6.5. The number of platelet adhesion and the morphology of adherent platelets were determined to evaluate hemocompatibility of modified substrates. Compared to non-treat polysulfone, the PEM films developed at pH 2.0 decreased platelet adhesion, while those built at pH 6.5 enhanced platelet deposition. Platelet adhesion was found positively correlated to polyclonal antibodies binding to surface-bound fibrinogen. The extent of platelet spreading was increased with layer numbers of PEM films, suggesting that the adherent platelets on thick PEM films were prone to activation. In conclusion, PAH/PAA films with few layers developed at pH 2.0 possessed better hemocompatibility compared to other substrates.

Association of the neuropilin-2 (NRP2) gene polymorphisms with autism in Chinese Han population.

Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder, with a significant role of genetic factors in its development. The neuropilin-2 (NRP2) gene is localized to 2q34, an autism susceptibility locus. NRP2 has been demonstrated to both guide axons and to control neuronal migration in the central nervous system. It has been reported that NRP2 may be required in vivo for sorting migrating cortical and striatal interneurons to their correct destination. We examine the association between the NRP2 gene and autism using a cohort of 169 Chinese Han family trios. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analyses. The transmission disequilibrium tests (TDT) of SNPs and haplotype association were carried out using the TDTPHASE program. We found significant genetic association between autism and two of the SNPs of the NRP2 gene (rs849578: P = 0.017, rs849563: P = 0.027), as well as specific haplotypes, especially those formed by rs849563. Furthermore, haplotypes constructed with all markers showed significant excess transmission in both global and individual haplotype analyses (P = 0.004 and 0.017, respectively). The polymorphisms in the NRP2 gene are associated with autism, implying that the NRP2 gene may render individuals to be predisposed to autism.

Positive association of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) with autism in the Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has suggested that the social impairments exhibited by individuals with autism are associated with changes in plasma oxytocin (OT) levels. The physiologic effects of oxytocin are mediated through its specific receptors (OTRs), and numerous studies have implicated OTRs in the regulation of social cognition and behavior. Animal models and linkage data from genome screens indicate that the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is an excellent candidate for research concerning psychiatric disorders, particularly those involving social impairments, such as autism. METHODS: We genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located within the OXTR gene of 195 Chinese Han autism trios, using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS: The family-based association test (FBAT) revealed a significant genetic association between autism and two of the SNPs tested (rs2254298 A: Z = 2.287, p = .0222; rs53576 A: Z = 2.573, p = .0101). When haplotypes were constructed with two, three, and four markers, the haplotype-specific FBAT revealed that a number of haplotypes, particularly those involving rs53576, were significantly associated with autism. Furthermore, haplotypes constructed with all markers showed a significant excess transmission for the specific and global haplotype analyses (p = .0020 and .0289, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest an involvement of OXTR in the susceptibility to autism, and replication is important.

Lack of evidence for association between the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) polymorphisms and autism in the Chinese trios.

Serotonin regulates several aspects of brain development, and it is involved in a range of behaviors frequently disturbed in autistic disorder. The serotonin transporter is a critical component of the serotonergic system. The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is of special interest given the nature of the biological findings and the reported effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors of autistic symptoms. So far the genetics researches of the SLC6A4 gene have given conflicting results. The aim of study was to investigate the association between the SLC6A4 gene and autism in the Chinese Han population. The present study was conducted with the detection of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP(S)) located within the SLC6A4 gene by using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) analysis. We performed a family-based association study of these polymorphisms in 175 Chinese Han family trios. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) measurement (D') analysis showed the presence of LD between markers across the locus. No significant evidence of association was found at any of the markers detected by using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and haplotype analyses in all samples and male samples. Our findings suggest that it is unlikely that DNA variations in the SLC6A4 gene play a significant role in the genetic predisposition to autism in the Chinese Han population or that allelic heterogeneity at the SLC6A4 loci dilutes potential disease-allele association.

Positive association of the human frizzled 3 (FZD3) gene haplotype with schizophrenia in Chinese Han population.

Frizzled 3 (FZD3) gene is located on chromosome 8p21, a region that has been implicated in schizophrenia in genetic linkage studies. The FZD3 is a transmembrane receptor required for Wnt signal transduction cascades that have been thought to be involved in producing the cytoarchitectural defects observed in schizophrenia. Previous work has showed a strong association between FZD3 locus and schizophrenia in family-based study. To confirm this issue further, we investigated a genetic association between four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the FZD3 gene and schizophrenia by case-control study using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in the Chinese Han population. Our studies showed the SNPs rs2323019 and rs880481 have significant differences in both genotype and allele frequencies between control subjects and schizophrenic patients (rs2323019: Allele A > G, chi2 = 6.7277, df = 1, P = 0.0095; Genotype, chi2 = 10.6583, df = 2, P = 0.0049; rs880481: Allele A > G, chi2 = 10.3945, df = 1, P = 0.0013; Genotype, chi2 = 16.8049, df = 2, P = 0.0002). In addition, we constructed three-locus haplotypes to test their association with schizophrenia. The globe chi-squared test for haplotype analysis showed a significant association (chi2 = 66.38, df = 7, P < 0.000001). These results suggested that the FZD3 gene might be involved in the predisposition to schizophrenia.

Association between the FOXP2 gene and autistic disorder in Chinese population.

Several genomewide screens indicated that chromosome 7q was linked to autistic disorder. FOXP2, located on 7q31, is a putative transcription factor containing a polyglutamine tract and a forkhead DNA binding domain. It is one member of the forkhead family who are known to be key regulators of embryogenesis. A point mutation at a highly conserved residue within the forkhead domain co-segregated with affected status in the KE family who was a unique three generation pedigree with a severe speech and language disorder and FOXP2 was directly disrupted by a translocation in an individual who had similar deficits as those of the KE family. Several studies have investigated the role of FOXP2 polymorphisms in autism and none of them found positive association. We performed a family-based association study of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FOXP2 in 181 Chinese Han trios using the analyses of transmission/disequilibrium test (TDT) and haplotype. We found a significant association between autistic disorder and one SNP, as well as with specific haplotypes formed by this SNP with two other SNPs we investigated. Our findings suggest that the FOXP2 gene may be involved in the pathogenesis of autism in Chinese population.