Enantioselective Synthesis of Homochiral Hierarchical Nd8Fe3-Oxo Cluster from Racemic Nd9Fe2-Oxo Cluster.

Enantioselective synthesis of homochiral rare earth clusters is still a great challenge. In this work, we developed an efficient "cluster to cluster" approach, that is, a pair of enantiomerical R/S-{Nd8Fe3}-oxo clusters were successfully obtained from the presynthesized racemic {Nd9Fe2}-oxo cluster. R/S-hydrobenzoin ligands trigger the transformation of the pristine clusters by an SN2-like mechanism. Compared to the pristine cluster with an achiral core, the new cluster exhibits hierarchical chirality, from ligand chirality to interface chirality, then to helix chirality, and finally to supramolecular double helix chirality. The spectral experiments monitored the transformation and confirmed distinctly structure-related optical activity. The enantiomeric pure cluster also exhibits a potential asymmetric catalytic activity.

Doping transition metals to modulate the chirality and photocatalytic activity of rare earth clusters.

In this paper, we report the successful assembly of achiral {Ln6M} ([Ln6M(µ3-OH)8(acac)12(CH3O)x(CH3OH)y], Ln = La, M = Mn, Co, Fe) and chiral {Nd9Fe2} ([Nd9Fe2(µ4-O)(µ3-OH)14(acac)16(NO3)(CH3OH)2(H2O)3]) rare earth clusters using achiral rigid ligands and a transition metal doping strategy. {Ln6M} can be viewed as the fusion of two {Ln3M} tetrahedrons by sharing vertices. {Nd9Fe2} results from the fusion of four {Ln3M} tetrahedrons by vertice and edge sharing. The substitution of Ln with transition metal leads to changes in the coordination pattern around neighboring Ln, which triggers the switch of metal center chirality. This study demonstrates the potentiality of utilizing transition metal doping and rigid ligand to control the chirality of rare earth clusters. In addition, the photocatalytic CO2 activity of these transition metal-doped rare earth clusters has been studied.

Ultrasensitive detection of Hg(II) by small-sized Mn3O4 loaded on g-C3N4 nanosheets: Heterojunction facilitates electron transfer and Mn(II)/Mn(III)/Mn(IV) cycle.

Transition metal oxides are widely used in electrochemical detection because of the promotion of redox of heavy metal ions (HMIs) by valence change behavior. However, it is challenging to favorably promote the valence change to achieve the improvement of detection sensitivity. Herein, a Mn3O4/g-C3N4 composite (named as MO-CN) with small-sized of Mn3O4 and high proportion of Mn(II) and Mn(III) was prepared, which reveals an excellent performance on detecting mercury ion (Hg(II)). It is discovered that Mn3O4 becomes small in size and well disperses on g-C3N4, which solves the adverse effect of agglomeration and also lead to a good conductivity. And g-C3N4 can provide more adsorption sites to enhance the adsorption on Hg(II). Heterojunction is proved to form in MO-CN and thus accelerates electrons to flow from g-C3N4 to Mn3O4. This results in transforming Mn(IV) to Mn(II) and Mn(III) in Mn3O4, thereby promoting the cycle of Mn(II)/Mn(III)/Mn(IV) and furthermore facilitating the redox of Hg(II). Simultaneously, the obtained sensitivity (473.43 µA µM-1 cm-2) and limit of detection (LOD, 0.003 µM) are as expected. The nanocomposites and heterojunction based on transition metal oxide and 2D nanomaterials is promising to boost the detection of HMIs.

Pediatric patients with familially inherited sitosterolemia: Two case reports.

Background: Sitosterolemia is a rare recessive genetic abnormality of hyperlipidemia; it is characterized by increased levels and accumulation of sitosterol in the plasma and local tissues. Case descriptions: The study subjects were two siblings (brother and sister) who had sitosterolemia with systemic multiple xanthomas as the main manifestation. The main clinical manifestations were hypercholesterolemia, premature atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, systemic multiple xanthomas, etc. After genetic testing, it was found that the patients had a compound heterozygous mutation of c.1324+1de1G in exon 7 and exon 9 of chromosome 2p21 of the adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporter G family member 5(ABCG5) gene; the mutation at c.904+1G>A was of maternal origin, and the mutation at c. 1324+1de1G was of paternal origin. The compound heterozygous mutation of these two genes led to a metabolic disorder of plant sterols in vivo. Conclusion: Sitosterolemia is an autosomal recessive disease that could be effectively controlled after dietary control and oral lipid-lowering therapy with Ezetimibe. Xanthomas, which affects function and appearance, could be surgically removed, and primary wound healing could be achieved.

Ratiometric Fluorescent pH Sensor Based on a Tunable Multivariate Covalent Organic Framework.

Ratiometric detection of pH is always significant in environmental regulation, medical diagnosis, synthetic chemistry, and beyond. The construction of practical ratiometric pH sensors with reusability is still challenging. Herein, by exploiting a multivariate strategy, we first synthesized and reported a series of novel three-component covalent organic frameworks (COF-COOHX, X = 33, 50, and 67) through Schiff base reaction between 2-hydroxybenzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde (HTA), 4,4'-diamino-3,3'-biphenyldicarboxylic acid (DBA), and 5,5'-diamino-2,2'-bipyridine (BPY) at various molar ratios (X = [DBA]/([BPY] + [DBA]) × 100 = 33, 50, and 67). COF-COOHX (X = 33, 50, and 67) displayed ratiometric pH sensing performance in acidic conditions with selectivity and repeatability. By tuning the molar ratio of DBA and BPY, the fluorescent properties, linear pH responsive ranges, and pKa values of COF-COOHX (X = 33, 50, and 67) can be regulated. Meanwhile, the two-component COF-COOH0 and COF-COOH100 did not exhibit ratiometric pH detection ability. Moreover, the constructed three ratiometric sensors can be applied to detect pH in drug solutions and carbonated drinks with satisfactory results. This work sheds new light on the design and fabrication of innovative ratiometric fluorescent sensors using COFs.

Combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma with distant metastasis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), also called undifferentiated thyroid cancer, is the least common but most aggressive and deadly thyroid gland malignancy of all thyroid cancers[1]. It has poor prognosis, and is the leading cause of death from malignant thyroid tumors. The one-year survival rate is 20%, with a median overall survival (OS) of only 5 mo[2]. The aim of this report is to provide our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of ATC. CASE SUMMARY: A patient with a thyroid mass underwent surgical treatment after developing symptoms of hoarseness. The resected tumor was pathologically diagnosed as ATC. Imaging examination revealed organ and lymph node metastasis. After multiple cycles of chemotherapy and local radiotherapy, the metastases were not relieved and gradually increased in size and new metastases appeared. The patient immediately received immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy. During treatment, immune-related adverse reactions occurred, which were improved after symptomatic treatment, and tolerated by the patient. The OS of the patient was more than 30 mo after immunotherapy combined with targeted therapy. CONCLUSION: For metastatic ATC, surgical treatment, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have no significant effect on remission of the disease. However, immunotherapy has made a breakthrough in the treatment of ATC.

Changes in the incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke and associations with natural disasters: an ecological study in 193 countries.

Epidemiological studies have indicated that natural disasters have important impacts on ischemic stroke. This study determined the associations between natural disasters and the incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke at the global level. A 28-year ecological trend study was performed to estimate worldwide changes in the incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke and their associations with natural disasters by analyzing data from 193 countries. Quantum geographic information system-based visualization and multivariable linear regression were used. Changes in the incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke, as well as disaster occurrence, varied among the different regions over the past 28 years (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression revealed an independent and positive association between disaster occurrence and the incidence of ischemic stroke in males, females and both sexes combined (standardized coefficients = 0.515, 0.470 and 0.483, p < 0.001); similar associations were found for the prevalence of ischemic stroke (standardized coefficients = 0.471, 0.417 and 0.438, p < 0.001). The incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke changed significantly at the global level and were independently associated with natural disasters. Both males and females show common but different vulnerabilities to natural disasters. This evidence supports policy making and resource allocation for disaster response and disease burden reduction.

MiR-124-3p targeting PDE4B attenuates LPS-induced ALI through the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: A large number of studies have found that microRNAs (miRNAs) and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) are crucial regulators of inflammatory responses in acute lung injury (ALI). OBJECTIVE: This study will explore the protective effect of miR-124-3p on ALI and its related mechanism. METHODS: The ALI mouse model was established by intratracheal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and evaluated by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, lung injury score, inflammation factors, polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) count, total protein and lung wet weight/dry weight (W/D) ratio. MiR-124-3p was overexpressed in vivo by intratracheal administration of miR-agomir, and PDE4B was expressed at low level in vivo by intratracheal administration of a PDE4B inhibitor. The mRNA expression level was detected by qRT-PCR, and the protein expression level was detected by Western blot. The relationship between miR-124-3p and PDE4B was detected by dual-luciferase activity assay. RESULTS: We found that miR-124-3p was downregulated in LPS-induced ALI. Overexpression of miR-124-3p alleviated lung injury by inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Furthermore, we confirmed that miR-124-3p suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway by directly targeting PDE4B. CONCLUSION: miR-124-3p targeting PDE4B had a protective effect on LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effects of Sacubitril/Valsartan on resistant hypertension and myocardial work in hemodialysis patients.

Growing evidences have confirmed the effect of Sacubitril/Valsartan (SV) on antihypertension and cardiac protection in general population. However, there was no prospective study about the effect and safety of SV on resistant hypertension and myocardial work in hemodialysis patients. In this single-center, prospective, before-after study, enrolled patients were endured with resistant hypertension for more than 6 months. Participants were initially instructed to take SV 50 mg twice daily, and the dosage was gradually increased up to 100 mg twice daily. The primary outcomes were blood pressure (BP) control, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), myocardial work (MW), fatigue and life quality. In addition, the adverse events were also recorded in this cohort. A total of 18 patients (34-64 years old) was finally enrolled and completed in this study. The SV-based regimen provided significantly mean sitting systolic BP (msSBP) and mean sitting diastolic BP (msDBP) reductions from baseline (-20.7/-8.3 mm Hg), respectively. The cardiac remodeling parameters were partially improved. Compared to the baseline, NT-proBNP was significantly reduced at week 4 (8119.50 [3710.75, 29300] pg/ml to 7216.50 [4124.75, 17455.00] pg/ml, p = .046), which was much lower at week 12 (3130.50 [2244.50, 9565.70] pg/ml, p = .037). Global MW index was higher at week 12 compared to the baseline (p = .026). MW efficiency was also improved accordingly compared to the baseline, even though the statistical difference was not significant (p = .226). Life quality and fatigue were improved at week 12 compared to the baseline (all p = .000). There was no serious adverse events were observed. SV safely and effectively controlled resistant hypertension and improved MW as well as life quality in hemodialysis patients.

[Pollution Characteristics and Health Risk Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in E-waste Disposal Residue-Soil-Vegetable].

To study the characteristics of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in waste residue-soil-vegetable in an e-waste dismantling area and the potential health risks to humans, three samples of e-waste residue were collected, and 10 and 18 samples were taken from farmland soil and vegetables (six lettuce, six green bean, and six cabbage samples), respectively, next to the waste residue. High-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect the content of PCBs in waste residue, soil, and vegetables. The results showed that the total PCBs levels were as follows:waste residue (11938 ng·g-1, dw) > soil (45.54 ng·g-1, dw) > vegetables (11.51 ng·g-1, dw). The bio-sediment/soil enrichment factor values were as follows:lettuce samples (0.18) > green bean samples (0.05) > cabbage samples (0.01). There were 37 PCB identical homologues detected in the waste residue and soil, and 33 types were detected in vegetables, all of which were within the homologues detected in the waste residue and soil. Some homologues in the soil were correlated with cabbages (P<0.05). The column chart of PCB chlorination number in waste residues, soil, and vegetables showed that low-chlorinated biphenyls from trichlorobiphenyl to pentachlorobiphenyl mass fraction accounted for the largest proportion, accounting for 77.92%, 59.73%, and 73.96%, respectively. The proportion in the soil was relatively low, with the overall proportion showing a downward trend with increasing rate of chlorine generation. The results of the health risk assessment showed that the total HQ of PCBs in the soil and vegetables exposed to adults (male/female) and children was less than 1, which was at an acceptable level. The total CR of PCBs in the soil and vegetables exposed to adults (male/female) and children all exceeded 1×10-6, which is at an unacceptable level, and the values for adults (male/female) were higher than those for children.

Changes in ischemic heart disease mortality at the global level and their associations with natural disasters: A 28-year ecological trend study in 193 countries.

BACKGROUND: Natural disasters are believed to be associated with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the changes in mortality due to ischemic heart disease (IHD) and their associations with natural disasters at the global level. METHODS: Country-specific data on the impact of natural disasters, rates of mortality due to IHD and years of life lost (YLL) and socioeconomic variables were obtained for 193 countries for the period from 1990 to 2017. An ecological trend study was conducted to estimate the changes in the IHD mortality and YLL rates and their associations with natural disasters (occurrence, casualties and total damage). Correlation analyses and multivariate linear regression were used. RESULTS: Significant changes were found in the IHD mortality and YLL rates and the occurrence of disasters between the two equal periods (1990 to 2003 and 2004 to 2017) (p<0.001). The bivariate Pearson correlation test revealed that the trend in the occurrence of natural disasters was positively correlated with trends in the IHD mortality and YLL rates among females and all individuals (p<0.05) and was marginally correlated among males. Multiple linear regression revealed an independent association between the occurrence of natural disasters and the IHD mortality rate among males, females and all individuals (standardized coefficients = 0.163, 0.357 and 0.241, p<0.05), and similar associations were found for the YLL rate (standardized coefficients = 0.194, 0.233 and 0.189, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated significant changes in the IHD mortality and YLL rates at the global level and their independent associations with natural disasters. Both males and females were vulnerable to natural disasters. These results provide evidence that can be used to support policy making and resource allocation when responding to disasters and developing strategies to reduce the burden of IHD.

Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) Due to Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) Associated with Natural Disasters: A Worldwide Population-Based Ecological Study.

Background: Recent studies have reported an association between natural disasters of various kinds and ischemic heart disease (IHD). We investigated the association between Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to IHD and natural disasters and aimed to assess DALYs as a quantification of the burden of IHD related to natural disasters at the global level. Methods: Country-specific data of natural disaster impacts DALYs due to IHD and socioeconomic variables were obtained from open sources over the period of 1990-2013 and 2014-2017. A population-based trend ecological design was conducted to estimate the association between trends in DALYs and natural disasters (occurrence, casualties and total damage), adjusting for socioeconomic variables. Results: Most countries have experienced increases in natural disaster occurrences and decreases in DALYs during this study period. The unadjusted correlation analysis demonstrated a positive and significant correlation between DALYs and natural disasters for females and for both sexes (R = 0.163 and 0.146, p = 0.024 and 0.043), and a marginally significant correlation for males (R = 0.128, p = 0.076). After adjusting for socioeconomic variables, multiple linear regression demonstrated independent associations between the occurrence and DALYs due to IHD for males, females and both sexes (standardized coefficients = 0.192, 0.23 and 0.187, p = 0.016, 0.004 and 0.022). Conclusions: A weak but significantly positive association between natural disaster and IHD was confirmed and quantified at the global level by this DALY metric analysis. Adaptation strategies for natural disaster responses and IHD disease burden reduction need to be developed.

Association between Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Vocal Fold Leukoplakia.

INTRODUCTION: Vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL) has a risk of malignant transformation, and the underlying mechanisms are currently unrecognized. Some clinical evidence has indicated that laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) probably plays a critical role. OBJECTIVE: To explore the risk factors associated with the occurrence of VFL and to investigate the importance of LPR in VFL and its different pathological types using 24-h multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one patients with VFL and 27 healthy volunteers were recruited. General information and LPR parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The monitoring showed that 35.8% (29/81) of patients had acidic LPR and that 43.2% (35/81) had weakly acidic LPR. Heavy drinking (odds ratio = 4.004, p = 0.037) and acidic LPR (odds ratio = 4.471, p = 0.029) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of VFL. Acidic LPR showed a strong correlation with the Reflux Finding Score (p < 0.05) in patients suspected of having LPR based on the scale score. Meanwhile, weakly acidic LPR parameters increased with the severity of pathological degrees which were higher in high-grade dysplasia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the importance of LPR in VFL. Heavy drinking patients with VFL, particularly those with acidic LPR, should undergo intensive treatment. Meanwhile, weakly acidic LPR may play a critical role in the pathological changes in VFL.

A new prediction model for acute kidney injury in patients with sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury is common in patients with sepsis and contributes to poor prognosis and mortality. Early identification of high-risk patients can provide evidence for clinical decision-making. METHODS: We developed a prediction model based on a cohort of 15,726 patients with sepsis from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III critical care database. Logistic regression analysis was applied to develop a prediction model incorporating the selected risk factors. Discrimination and calibration of the prediction model were assessed using the C-index and calibration plot. RESULTS: Risk factors in the prediction model included diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, chronic liver disease, hyperbicarbonemia, hyperglycemia, low blood pH, prolonged clotting time, hypotension, and hyperlactatemia. The model showed great discrimination with a C-index of 0.711 (95% CI, 0.702-0.721) and appropriate calibration. A medium C-index value of 0.712 (95% CI, 0.697-0.727) could still be reached in the validation cohort. Negative and positive predictive values for the optimal cutoff value of ≥6 points were 56.8% and 72.3% in the training cohort and 57.3% and 72.6% in the validation cohort, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This prediction model allows clinicians to quickly assess the risk of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) at an early stage. Accordingly, clinicians can implement more medical measures that are considered beneficial to patients with sepsis.

The predictive value of photogrammetry for obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a prediction model for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) based on photographic measurements of upper airway structures and to compare this to the model based on general physical examination. METHODS: Participants with suspected OSA were recruited consecutively. General physical examination and photography of the oropharyngeal structures were performed prior to polysomnography. Logistic regression analysis was used to establish the prediction models. RESULTS: A total of 197 eligible participants were included, and 74% were confirmed with OSA. The logistic regression model consisted of 4 photographic measurements (tongue area, uvula area, frenulum length, and retroposition distance) that classified 82.7% of the participants correctly and had 85.6% (95% confidence interval, 78.9-90.9%) sensitivity and 84.3% (95% confidence interval, 71.4-93.0%) specificity at the best cutoff point (0.71). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of the model was 0.90, which was higher than that of the model based on general physical measurements alone (area under the curve 0.80). The prediction performance further improved when photographic and general physical measurements were combined (area under the curve 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Detailed abnormality data of upper airway structures in OSA could be provided by photogrammetry. Prediction models comprising photographic measurements could be useful in the prediction of OSA. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry; Name: Mechanisms of cessation of respiratory events in patients with different phenotypes of obstructive sleep apnea; URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/historyversionpuben.aspx?regno=ChiCTR2000031748; Identifier: ChiCTR2000031748.

Salidroside can target both P4HB-mediated inflammation and melanogenesis of the skin.

Rationale: Many external factors can induce the melanogenesis and inflammation of the skin. Salidroside (SAL) is the main active ingredient of Rhodiola, which is a perennial grass plant of the Family Crassulaceae. This study evaluated the effect and molecular mechanism of SAL on skin inflammation and melanin production. It then explored the molecular mechanism of melanin production under ultraviolet (UV) and inflammatory stimulation. Methods: VISIA skin analysis imaging system and DermaLab instruments were used to detect the melanin reduction and skin brightness improvement rate of the volunteers. UV-treated Kunming mice were used to detect the effect of SAL on skin inflammation and melanin production. Molecular docking and Biacore were used to verify the target of SAL. Immunofluorescence, luciferase reporter assay, CO-IP, pull-down, Western blot, proximity ligation assay (PLA), and qPCR were used to investigate the molecular mechanism by which SAL regulates skin inflammation and melanin production. Results: SAL can inhibit the inflammation and melanin production of the volunteers. SAL also exerted a protective effect on the UV-treated Kunming mice. SAL can inhibit the tyrosinase (TYR) activity and TYR mRNA expression in A375 cells. SAL can also regulate the ubiquitination degradation of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) by targeting prolyl 4-hydroxylase beta polypeptide (P4HB) to mediate inflammation and melanin production. This study also revealed that IRF1 and upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF1) can form a transcription complex to regulate TYR mRNA expression. IRF1 also mediated inflammatory reaction and TYR expression under UV- and lipopolysaccharide-induced conditions. Moreover, SAL derivative SAL-plus (1-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl) ethyl-ß-d-glucoside) showed better effect on inflammation and melanin production than SAL. Conclusion: SAL can inhibit the inflammation and melanogenesis of the skin by targeting P4HB and regulating the formation of the IRF1/USF1 transcription complex. In addition, SAL-plus may be a new melanin production and inflammatory inhibitor.

[Feasibility analysis of new dry electrode EEG sleep monitoring].

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy of the new carbon black polyurethane dry electrode electroencephalogram and clarify the value of the new dry electrode electroencephalogram. Method:Forty-three male-adult patients in the group were wearing both Ag/AgCl wet electrode and new dry electrode for sleep monitoring. The wet electrode recording was used as the gold standard for diagnostic accuracy analysis of dry electrode monitoring results. Result:The overall accuracy of the new type of dry electrode EEG was 74.53%, and the diagnostic efficiency of the dry electrode was significantly different among different stages. The sensitivity of WK, N1, N2, N3 and REM is 85.75%, 61.92%, 74.22%, 79.70% and 74.50%, and the specificity is 95.54%, 88.46%, 88.15%, 95.07%, 98.55%, respectively. Conclusion:The dry electrode EEG acquisition accuracy is good, especially for the WK, which is beneficial to improve the accuracy of the portable sleep monitoring equipment for the diagnosis of OSA disease.

Automated multi-model deep neural network for sleep stage scoring with unfiltered clinical data.

PURPOSE: To develop an automated framework for sleep stage scoring from PSG via a deep neural network. METHODS: An automated deep neural network was proposed by using a multi-model integration strategy with multiple signal channels as input. All of the data were collected from one single medical center from July 2017 to April 2019. Model performance was evaluated by overall classification accuracy, precision, recall, weighted F1 score, and Cohen's Kappa. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-four sleep studies were included in this study; 122 composed the training dataset, 20 composed the validation dataset, and 152 were used in the testing dataset. The network achieved human-level annotation performance with an average accuracy of 0.8181, weighted F1 score of 0.8150, and Cohen's Kappa of 0.7276. Top-2 accuracy (the proportion of test samples for which the true label is among the two most probable labels given by the model) was significantly improved compared to the overall classification accuracy, with the average being 0.9602. The number of arousals affected the model's performance. CONCLUSION: This research provides a robust and reliable model with the inter-rater agreement nearing that of human experts. Determining the most appropriate evaluation parameters for sleep staging is a direction for future research.

Prunella vulgaris Polysaccharide Inhibits Growth and Migration of Breast Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts by Suppressing Expression of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide (PVP) on human breast carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). METHODS: Cell viability was detected by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. Wound healing experiment and transwell migration assay were used to investigate the anti-migration effects. Flow cytometry was applied to detect cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in CAFs. Culture SKBr-3 with CAFs conditioned medium (CAFs-CM) to evaluate the indirect function on the proliferation of breast cancer SKBr-3 cells. RESULTS: PVP inhibited the viability of CAFs by inducing apoptosis (P <0.01) and arresting cell cycle (P <0.01). It also inhibited the migration of CAFs (P <0.01). bFGF promoted CAFs proliferation (P <0.01) and migration (P <0.01), protected CAFs from apoptosis (P <0.05) and reduced G0 phase to 49.06% (P <0.01). However, these effects of bFGF on CAFs could be abrogated by PVP. Culturing SKBr-3 with CAFs-CM, PVP could inhibit the viability of breast cancer SKBr-3 cells indirectly. Moreover, PVP reduced the mRNA expression (P <0.01) and protein secretion of bFGF (P <0.01) in CAFs. CONCLUSION: PVP could exert an anti-cancer effect on breast CAFs by inhibiting bFGF expression, thus inhibiting the growth of breast cancer SKBr-3 cells indirectly.