Postpartum depressive symptom (PDS) is a common psychological and mental disorder after giving birth. Our previous studies showing the application of dexmedetomidine, an α2-AR agonist, can significantly improve maternal sleep, as well as relieve and reduce the incidence of PDS. This study investigated the association between α2AAR gene polymorphisms and PDS. A total of 568 cesarean section patients were enrolled; the incidence of PDS is 18.13% (103 with PDS, 465 with non-PDS). The Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale score ≥10 was used to diagnose PDS at 42 days after delivery. The single-nucleotide polymorphisms of α2AR were sequenced by pyrosequencing. The effect of rs13306146 A > G polymorphism on α2AR transcription and the regulation of miR-646 on α2AR expression were assessed by dual luciferase reporter assays or gene transfection. Increased stress during pregnancy, poor relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, spousal relationship, domestic violence, antenatal depression, self-harm ideation, and stressful life events were all associated with increased PDS incidence (p < 0.05). The logistic regression analysis found that the α2AAR rs13306146 polymorphism was associated with PDS after adjusting confounding variables. The transcriptional function of the α2AAR rs13306146 A allele was decreased compared with the G allele, and the α2AAR expression level was correspondingly decreased (p < 0.05), as the strongest binding ability of miR-646 to the α2AAR rs13306146 AA genotype. The effect of α2AAR rs13306146 A > G polymorphism may change the binding ability of miR-646 at the 3′UTR of the α2AAR gene, affecting the expression of α2AAR. This study supports the involvement of the norepinephrine system in the pathogenesis of PDS. Genotypes of α2AAR may be novel and useful biomarkers for PDS.

Lithium-rich manganese-based oxides (Li1.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13O2, LMNCO) as cathode materials were prepared by the sol-gel method. Then, LMNCO was coated with γ-basic manganese oxide (γ-MnOOH) to form the composite cathodes. Through the structural characterization and performance test, it is found that the composite cathode with 10% γ-MnOOH coating exhibits the best electrochemical performance. After 50 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 200 mA g-1), the specific discharge capacity is 264.4 mAh g-1 with capacity retention of 96.1%. Even at a high current density of 1C, its discharge capacity reaches up to 200.5 mAh g-1 after 30 cycles, which suggests that surface coating of γ-MnOOH is an effective strategy for further enhancing the electrochemical performance of LMNCO.

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