Analyzing the impact of sleep duration on atrial fibrillation risk: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have suggested an association between sleep duration and cardiovascular diseases; however, the link to AF is inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the relationship between sleep duration and AF by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of primary studies to provide evidence of the link between insufficient sleep and AF.

METHODS

A review of the existing literature was conducted to identify the primary studies that examined the association between AF and sleep duration. The inquiry spanned databases, including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar, from their inception through October 2023.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant association (p < 0.01) between shorter sleep duration and the incidence of AF (hazard ratio (HR), 1.18; 95% CI, 1.03-1.34; I2 = 89%). Conversely, longer sleep duration did not exhibit a statistically significant association with the incidence of AF (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.92-1.14; I2 = 66%, p = 0.02). The sensitivity analysis demonstrated reduced heterogeneity after excluding specific studies.

CONCLUSION

Insufficient sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of AF, whereas a longer sleep duration did not show a significant correlation. Standardized methods for sleep assessment and AF diagnosis as well as adjustments for confounding factors are suggested for future studies to improve the clarity and understanding of these associations.

Brassica oleracea L. (Acephala Group) based zinc oxide nanoparticles and their efficacy as antibacterial agent

Abstract Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized from the leaf extract of Brassica oleracea L. Acephala group (collard green) followed by their characterization using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX). The antibacterial properties of zinc nanoparticles were tested against Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC ® 9027™), Escherichia coli (ATCC ® 8739™), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC® BAA-1705™) and Gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC ® 6538™) and Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC ® 13932™), at four different concentrations (50.00 µg/ml, 100.00 µg/ml, 500.00 µg/ml and 1 mg/ml) of zinc oxide nanoparticles suspension. Results revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit strong antibacterial effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at 500.00 µg/ml-1 mg/ml concentrations. An increase in efficacy of nanoparticles with the decrease of their size was also evident. This is a first ever report on Brassica oleracea, L. based nanoparticles which demonstrates that 500.00 µg-1 mg/ml conc. of zinc oxide nanoparticles have antibacterial activity against both Gram -ve and Gram +ve bacteria and have the potential to be considered as an antibacterial agent in future.