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Dopamine agonists (DAs) constitute the standard therapeutic scheme for restless leg syndrome (RLS) because they have been proven to be effective. However, DAs may change sleep parameters, thus having adverse effects on patient condition. This meta-analysis clarified the effects of DAs used in RLS treatment on the sleep architecture. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for randomized control trials (RCT) (up to October 2023) that discussed the effects of DAs on sleep architecture in patients with RLS. A meta-analysis employing a random-effects model was conducted. The patients were divided into subgroups according to individual DAs and treatment duration (1 day or ≥4 weeks). Thirteen eligible randomized placebo-controlled trials were included in the assessment. The effects of three DAs (i.e., pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine) on rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, slow-wave sleep (SWS), and sleep efficiency (SE) were analyzed. Overall, pramipexole significantly improved SE but decreased the percentage of REM sleep among treated patients. Ropinirole also enhanced SE compared with the placebo group. Rotigotine did not affect SE and REM sleep. Subgroup analysis found that pramipexole used for 1 day and ≥4 weeks significantly diminished the percentage of REM sleep. Ropinirole used for 1 day showed similar REM sleep patterns. Finally, none of the three DAs affected SWS. This meta-analysis demonstrated that DAs significantly affect sleep parameters. • A meta-analysis examined the effects of pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine on sleep structure. • Pramipexole improved sleep efficiency (SE) but decreased the percentage of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. • Ropinirole enhanced sleep efficiency. • None of the three DAs had any effect on slow-wave sleep (SWS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Augmentation of restless legs syndrome (RLS) is an iatrogenic side effect induced by dopaminergic agents, and it is a major cause of therapeutic failure. Iron deficiency is a risk factor for RLS, but its effects on the development of RLS augmentation are unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the association between serum ferritin and RLS augmentation. We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, ClinicalKey, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest databases for studies comparing the serum ferritin levels of patients with augmented RLS and nonaugmented RLS. A meta-analysis based on a random-effects model was conducted. Levodopa equivalent dose (LED), International Restless Legs Study Group Severity Rating Scale (IRLS), and serum hemoglobin levels were also analyzed. Six observational studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria of this meta-analysis. A total of 220 RLS patients with augmentation and 687 RLS patients without augmentation were included. The results revealed that augmented RLS was significantly associated with low serum ferritin levels (p = 0.002), high LEDs (p = 0.026), and nonsignificantly associated with high IRLS scores (p = 0.227). A low serum ferritin level is associated with RLS augmentation. For patients with RLS who are iron deficient, iron supplements can not only relieve their fundamental RLS symptoms but also lower the risk of RLS augmentation. Moreover, non-dopminergic agents should be considered as the first-line treatment for patients with persistent low serum ferritin levels or those with moderate to severe RLS to prevent augmentation. • The relationship between augmentation of restless legs syndrome and low iron storage was controversial in previous studies. • A low serum ferritin level was associated with augmentation of restless legs syndrome according to the meta–analysis. • Higher RLS severity and higher doses of dopaminergic agents were also related to augmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) for patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) after lower-limb intervention remains controversial. Currently, the prescription of DAPT after an intervention is not fully recommended in guidelines due to limited evidence. This study compares and analyzes the prognosis for symptomatic PAD patients receiving DAPT versus monotherapy after lower-limb revascularization. Up to November 2021, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify studies reporting the efficacy, duration, and bleeding complications when either DAPT or monotherapy were used to treat PAD patients after revascularization. Three randomized controlled trials and seven nonrandomized controlled trials were included in our study. In total, 74,651 patients made up these ten studies. DAPT in PAD patients after intervention was associated with lower rates of all-cause mortality (HR = 0.86; 95% CI, 0.79–0.94; p < 0.01), major adverse limb events (HR = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.47–0.78; p < 0.01), and major amputation (HR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.64–0.96) when follow-up was for more than 1-year. DAPT was not associated with major bleeding events when compared with monotherapy (OR = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.69–2.18; p = 0.50) but was associated with a higher rate of minor bleeding as a complication (OR = 2.54; 95% CI, 1.59–4.08; p < 0.01). More prospective randomized studies are needed to provide further solid evidence regarding the important issue of prescribing DAPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel poly taurine/ZrO2 nanocomposite film was developed at physiological pH conditions. [•] Effective electrooxidation adsorption signals for the detection of salbutamol and ractopamine. [•] Real sample application. [•] Sufficient enough peak separation around 0.30V for uric acid and salbutamol. [•] The electrode possesses good stability, reproducibility, sensitivity and wide linear range. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A bifunctional sensor for determination of reduced β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been successfully fabricated by xanthurenic acid (Xa), flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The hybrid composites can be easily prepared by the electrocodeposition of polyXa/FAD and the adsorption of functionalized CNTs. These composites can be constructed of “polyXa/FAD/CNTs” and “CNTs/polyXa/FAD” according to the immobilization order of polyXa/FAD “before” and “after” the adsorption of CNTs. They are surface-confined and stable in various scan rates and different pH conditions. Particularly, the polyXa/FAD/MWCNTs show more efficient activity to target species due to the compact structure and more active surface area. It provides linear concentration range of 5×10−6–1.7×10−4 M and 1×10−4–2.9×10−3 M, with sensitivity of 155μAmM−1 cm−2 and 60μAmM−1 cm−2, and detection limit of 10−6 M and 10−4 M (S/N=3) for NADH and H2O2, respectively. No interference except of the case for NADH determination in the presence of AA. It can be a good electrocatalyst to determine NADH and H2O2 and the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique can help to analyze NADH from the AA interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dynamics model of herringbone planet train with double teeth coupling is established based on the vibration theory of the concentrated parameter. The mesh stiffness formula of the helical gear is introduced to calculate the time-varying mesh stiffness of the herringbone teeth in the way of stiffness parallel of two helical gears. The relationship curves between the mesh stiffness of the internal and external meshes and the dynamic load coefficients of the internal and external meshes are obtained by solving the dynamic equation, and the impact of the mesh stiffness of the internal and external meshes on the dynamics load characteristics of the train is analyzed. The research results show that the dynamic load coefficients of the internal and external meshes increase with the average components of the mesh stiffness of internal and external meshes without regard to the resonance, respectively. The impact of the alternate component of the mesh stiffness of the internal and external meshes on the dynamic load coefficients is much less. Because of smooth operation and small vibration of the herringbone tooth, it is feasible that the average component of the mesh stiffness represents the mesh stiffness for the calculation of dynamic load coefficient of herringbone planetary train, when the required accuracy is not too high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral antiseizure medications (ASMs) are first-line treatments for patients with epilepsy. However, ASMs may alter sleep architecture, adversely affecting patient outcomes. The meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the effect of ASMs on sleep architecture.Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central database (up to Febrary 2021) were searched for randomized control trials (RCT) with effects of ASMs on polysomnography parameters. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed. We did not set limitation to the participants with underlying diagnosis of epilepsy.Results: Eighteen randomized-controlled trials fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The effects of five main groups of ASMs (sodium channel blockers, calcium channel blockers, GABA enhancers, synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A [SV2A] ligand, and broad-spetrum ASMs) on slow-wave sleep (SWS), rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and sleep efficiency (SE) were analyzed. Compared with placebo, calcium channel blockers and GABA enhancers significantly increased SWS. GABA enhancers also decreased REM sleep percentage, whereas calcium channel blockers significantly increased SE. Sodium channel blockers, SV2A ligand and broad-spectrum ASMs did not affect SWS, REM sleep, or SE. The subgroup analysis revealed that gabapentin, pregabalin, and tiagabine increased the percentage of SWS. Tiagabine also decreased REM sleep, whereas pregabalin increased SE. Finally, levetiracetam did not affect SWS, REM sleep, and SE.Conclusions: This meta-analysis indicated that ASMs can have a statistically significant effect on sleep parameters; the effect differs between ASMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/background: Patients with epilepsy have disrupted sleep architecture and a higher prevalence of sleep disturbance. Moreover, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common among patients with refractory epilepsy. Few studies have compared subjective sleep quality, sleep architecture, and prevalence of OSA between patients with refractory epilepsy and those with medically controlled epilepsy. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the differences in sleep quality, sleep architecture, and prevalence of OSA between patients with refractory epilepsy and patients with medically controlled epilepsy.Patients: This retrospective case-control study included 38 patients with refractory epilepsy and 96 patients with medically controlled epilepsy. Sleep parameters and indices of sleep-related breathing disorders were recorded by standard in-laboratory polysomnography. The scores from sleep questionnaires on sleep quality and daytime sleepiness were compared between the two groups.Results: Patients with refractory epilepsy versus medically controlled epilepsy had statistically significantly decreased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (13.5 ± 6.1% vs. 16.2 ± 6.1%) and longer REM latency (152.2 ± 84.1 min vs. 117.2 ± 61.9 min). Further, no differences were found in the prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders, subjective sleep quality, prevalence of daytime sleepiness, and quality of life. Although not statistically significant, patients with refractory epilepsy have a lower rate of OSA compared with those with medically controlled epilepsy (21.1% vs. 30.2%).Conclusions: Patients with refractory epilepsy had more disrupted REM sleep regulation than those with medically controlled epilepsy. Although patients with epilepsy have a higher risk of OSA, in this study patients with refractory epilepsy were not susceptible to OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Five selected alloys, Crofer22 APU, Crofer H, ss441 and two different ZMG232 were selected for a cautious study. Our major focus is on the materials' resistance to oxidation and Cr evaporation. Both issues remain to be major concerns in many applications, particularly for interconnects in solid oxide fuel cells. For the part of oxidation, samples of five alloys are placed in an oven heating at 800 °C for 250 h. The microstructures, morphologies and compositions of samples after oxidation are analyzed by SEM, XRD, EDS on surfaces and cross-sections. Electrical resistance of samples during oxidation is measured by four-point probe to obtain their variations over time. An assembly, of which two alumina plates sandwiching the samples alloys, is specifically designed to test the resistance of specimens to Cr evaporation, which is gauged by the amount of deposited Cr on the two alumina plates under long-hour oxidation. Experimental results revealed that Crofer22 APU has a better performance than others after long-hour oxidation with thinner oxidized layer, lower electrical resistance and less Cr evaporation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Effects of pH, extractant/diluent ratios, and metal concentrations on the extent of extractant dissolution during liquid–liquid extraction were investigated. Experimental result shows that D2EHPA dissolution increases dramatically at pH above 4, leveling off at pH 6–7. The phenomenon is consistent with deprotonation of D2EHPA and the domination of negatively charged D2EHPA species at pH of higher than 4. Concentration of D2EHPA in the aqueous phase, i.e., the extent of extractant dissolution, drops after addition of metal and decreases with increasing metal concentration. The amount of D2EHPA ‘re-entering’ the organic phase is calculated to be 2.04 mol per mol of Cd added, which is quite closed to the stoichiometric molar ratio of 2 between D2EHPA and Cd via ion exchange reaction. The effect of metal species on the extent of extractant/metal complexes re-entering is in the order of CdZn ＞ Ag, which might be coincident to the complexation stability of these metals with D2EHPA. The extent of extractant dissolution in liquid–liquid extraction process depends on the type and concentration of metal to be removed, pH of aqueous phase, and extractant/diluent ratios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]